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Updated: Dec 22, 2025
Author Spotlight: Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Comprehensive Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta
Published on: September 8, 2023
Prospective Ultrasound Screening of Men With Cerebrovascular Disease for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Ville Vänni1, Johanna Turtiainen2,3, Ulla Kaustio4
1Department of Surgery, North Karelia Central Hospital, Tikkamäentie 16, Joensuu, 80210, Finland.
Insights
Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in men with cerebrovascular disease found a moderate prevalence of 5.6%. These aneurysms were small and did not grow over four years, suggesting this population is frail but AAA risk is not high.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Cardiology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are more common in men with vascular comorbidities.
- The utility of AAA screening in patients with cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of AAA in male patients diagnosed with CVD.
- To assess AAA incidence in patients with transient ischemic attack or stroke.
Main Methods:
- Consecutive male patients undergoing carotid ultrasound were screened for AAA.
- AAA was defined as infrarenal aorta diameter ≥30 mm.
- Study conducted at a single tertiary center from May 2013 to May 2014.
Main Results:
- 5.6% (4 out of 72 eligible patients) had AAA.
- Eligible patients had a mean age of 66 years; 50% had a history of stroke.
- Found AAAs were small, required no immediate surgery, and showed no growth during 4+ years of follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Male patients with CVD are often comorbid and frail.
- A moderate prevalence of AAA exists in this subpopulation.
- AAA screening in this group may identify small, slow-growing aneurysms.
Background:
The prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysms is higher in population with other vascular comorbidities, especially among men. Utility of screening among patients with cerebrovascular disease is unclear.
Objective:
To determine the prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm in male patients with diagnosed cerebrovascular disease manifested by transient ischemic attack or stroke.
Methods:
Between May 2013 and May 2014, all consecutive male patients undergoing carotid ultrasound in single tertiary center with a catchment area of 179,000 inhabitants were evaluated for ultrasound screening of abdominal aortic aneurysm. Abdominal aortic aneurysm was defined as maximum diameter of infrarenal aorta 30 mm or more.
Results:
Of 105 (n = 105) consecutively evaluated male patients, only 69% (n = 72) were eligible for the study and underwent aortic screening. Reason for ineligibility was most often poor general medical condition (n = 29). Mean age of screened patients was 66 years (SD 9.8 years). Half of the screened patients suffered stroke (n = 36). The incidence of abdominal aortic aneurysm was 5.6% (n = 4). All found abdominal aortic aneurysms were small and did not require immediate surgical intervention. During a follow-up period of over 4 years, none of the aneurysms exhibited tendency for growth.
Conclusions:
The male population with cerebrovascular disease is comorbid and frail. Only, moderate prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysms can be found in this subpopulation.
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