Preliminary Evaluation of Aortic Aneurysm Screening Using Oscillometric Device Equipped With Novel Algorithm...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular diagnostics
• Medical device technology
• Biomedical engineering

Background:

• Early detection of aortic aneurysm (AA) is critical for reducing mortality.
• Rupture of AA can be fatal, highlighting the need for effective screening methods.
• Novel diagnostic approaches are being explored to improve AA detection rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel algorithm for detecting aortic aneurysms (AA) using pulse volume recording (PVR).
• To assess the diagnostic performance, including sensitivity and specificity, of the PVR-based algorithm.
• To determine the algorithm's effectiveness in identifying AA, especially larger aneurysms.

Main Methods:

• Pulse volume recording (PVR) data were collected for 30 seconds using an automated oscillometric device.
• A new algorithm analyzed PVR data to assess the presence of AA by evaluating pulse wave propagation loss.
• Computed tomography angiography (CTA) served as the reference standard for AA diagnosis in a prospective study of 152 AA patients and 64 controls.

Main Results:

• The algorithm correctly identified AA in 121 out of 152 patients and correctly identified non-aneurysm controls in 33 out of 64 subjects.
• The diagnostic sensitivity of the algorithm was 80%, with a specificity of 52%.
• Sensitivity was notably higher for larger aortic aneurysms, irrespective of their location (thoracic or abdominal).

Conclusions:

• The developed algorithm, integrated into an oscillometric device, demonstrates high sensitivity for detecting aortic aneurysms (AA), particularly larger ones.
• The current specificity of 52% requires enhancement for the algorithm to be effectively utilized as a population-wide screening tool.
• Further refinement of the algorithm is recommended to improve its specificity and clinical utility in AA screening programs.