Detection of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm During Routine Echocardiography

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility of detecting abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) in the elderly by adding abdominal screening to a standard echocardiographic study. METHODS: Prospective consecutive screening was performed on 250 patients (men over 55 years and women over 65 years) referred for standard echocardiography. After completion of the standard echocardiographic exam, abdominal aortic diameter was measured using the echocardiographic transducer. RESULTS: Adequate aortic images were obtained in 216 patients. Thirteen aneurysms (ranging from 3.3-6.6 cm in diameter, nearly equally divided between men and women) were found. CONCLUSIONS: Screening of the abdomen in elderly men and women presenting for echocardiographic examination results in a significant yield of AAAs. This simple procedure should be added to the standard echocardiographic examination in the older population. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 13, January 1996)