Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound
Recommendation for Screening
Age:
How often:		 65-75
Once
Gender: Male
Habits: Smoker

1. What is this test?

This screening exam checks for abdominal aortic aneurysm, an abnormal enlargement of the aorta.


2. Why do I need this test?

The aorta is the major artery supplying blood to the body. An aneurysm of the abdominal portion of the aorta is a widening and weakening of the blood vessel that can lead to severe complications such as aortic rupture, kidney failure, stroke, heart attack, and death. If the aneurysm is found before it ruptures, however, treatment can be very successful.


3. How is this test done?

A clear gel spread over the abdomen allows a handheld ultrasound transducer to smoothly glide across the surface of the abdomen, producing an ultrasound image of the aorta. The test is considered painless and generally takes less than 30 minutes.


4. Are there any special instructions for this test?

Clothing and jewelry around the abdomen will have to be removed during the procedure, so you should dress appropriately.


5. Risk factors
  • High blood pressure
  • Smoking
  • High cholesterol
  • Obesity
  • Over age 50
  • Male


Citations
  1. "Screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm." Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. February 2005. www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsaneu.htm.
  2. "Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm." Medline Plus. Medical Encyclopedia. A Service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. November 2009. www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000162.htm.
  3. "Abdominal Ultrasound." Medline Plus. Medical Encyclopedia. A Service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. November 2009. www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003777.htm.
  4. "Ultrasound - Abdomen." Radiology Info: The Radiology Information Resource for Patients. June 2009. www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=abdominus.

Created: 7/2/2007
Last Modified: 3/18/2010