Which one-time ultrasound screening is used to detect an asymptomatic condition?

• A. Screen for liver disease
• B. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) screening
• C. Screen for kidney stones
• D. Screen for general heart disease

Answer: (D)

One-time ultrasound screening is used for conditions that can be present without symptoms but have serious consequences if not found early. The classic example is abdominal aortic aneurysm screening with ultrasound. Many AAAs do not cause symptoms until rupture, so detecting them before that allows surveillance or elective repair to prevent death. The guidance commonly cited is that a one-time ultrasound screen for abdominal aortic aneurysm is recommended for men aged 65 to 75 who have ever smoked. This approach isn’t generally applied as a routine one-time screen for liver disease, kidney stones, or “general heart disease” in asymptomatic adults, as there isn’t the same evidence base showing a clear benefit for those conditions in the general population.