On the occasion of the International Day of the Elderly on 1 October, the German Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (DEGUM) is focusing on the importance of modern sonography procedures. The virtual press conference will focus on the abdominal aortic aneurysm, a dangerous dilation of the abdominal aorta that can be asymptomatic for a long time, but often ends fatally in the event of a rupture. Despite a statutory screening for men aged 65 and over, which has been implemented since 2018, this preventive care offer is currently underused, and women with risk factors have not yet had access to comparable early detection.

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is present when the diameter of the aorta expands to at least three centimeters. While small extensions can often be controlled for years, the risk of a sudden rupture increases significantly with diameters of 5.5 centimeters or more in men and 5.0 centimeters in women. In such cases, surgical elimination is usually necessary. However, if detected early, conservative treatment is sufficient for many patients, for example through regular ultrasound checks, consistent blood pressure reduction and renunciation of nicotine.

According to DEGUM, abdominal aortic aneurysms can be detected in screening in around 4 to 8 percent of men over 65 years of age. Women are affected less often, but they more often show a more dangerous course. Studies show that smokers in particular develop larger and faster-growing aneurysms, while the rupture rate in unscreened women is almost twice as high as in unscreened men.

The professional society criticises the fact that existing screening is hardly anchored in general practitioner prevention. In practice, men are not automatically invited, so that information about the importance of this examination in the context of check-ups is too rare. DEGUM therefore calls for early detection services to be placed more at the centre of medical preventive care work and to be made known in a targeted manner.

In addition, the professional society is pushing for an expansion of the screening program. Risk groups such as women with high blood pressure, smokers or people with a family history should also have access to the screening examination. Such an expansion could help to sustainably reduce the high mortality rate in the event of rupture, especially among women.

Another focus is on the quality of diagnostics. Ultrasound is considered an ideal instrument for vascular examination, as it is non-invasive, radiation-free and can be used nationwide. In order for the method to fully develop its potential, DEGUM calls for increased training in vascular ultrasound both in medical training and in everyday practice.

With a view to the International Day of the Elderly, DEGUM wants to raise awareness of this largely unknown risk. The aim is to achieve a better perception of preventive examinations, to close the gaps in care in the existing system and, in the long term, to reduce the number of avoidable deaths through early diagnosis and treatment.

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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