Who is eligible for abdominal aortic aneurysm screening?

• A. Women aged 55-65 with no smoking history
• B. Men aged 65-75 who have ever smoked
• C. Children under 18 who have a family history
• D. All adults over 40

Answer: (B)

Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm is guided by who is at higher risk. The test is a simple, noninvasive ultrasound used to detect an enlarged abdominal aorta before it risks rupture, and it’s most beneficial for people with the strongest risk factors: older age, male sex, and a history of smoking. Among the groups listed, the one that fits these criteria is men aged 65 to 75 who have ever smoked. This is the group for whom a one-time ultrasound screening is routinely recommended because their risk is high enough to outweigh the potential downsides of screening.

The other groups don’t fit the typical screening guidance. Women in the 55–65 range without a smoking history have a lower risk, and routine screening isn’t generally advised for them. Children under 18 are not in the age range for screening, and screening all adults over 40 would expose many low-risk individuals to unnecessary testing without clear benefit.