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QUESTION: In older men, does ultrasonographic screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) reduce death from AAA?
Design
Randomised (allocation concealed*), blinded (data collectors and outcome assessors),* controlled trial with mean 4.1 year follow up (Multicentre Aneurysm Screening Study).
Setting
4 screening and 4 academic centres in England, UK.
Patients
67 800 men who were 65–74 years of age (mean age 69 y) and were identified from family physician and Health Authority patient lists. Family physicians excluded patients (without knowledge of randomisation) they considered unfit to be screened, including those with terminal illness, other serious health problems, or previous AAA repair. Mortality follow up was 99%.
Intervention
Men were allocated to be invited (n=33 839) or not invited (n=33 961) for screening. The invited group received by post an invitation on the family physician’s letterhead, an information booklet, and a …
Footnotes
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Sources of funding: UK Medical Research Council; Department of Health; Wellcome Trust.
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For correspondence: Mr R A Scott, St. Richard’s Hospital, Chichester, UK. scottunit{at}rws-tr.nhs.uk
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Abstract and commentary also appear in ACP Journal Club.