Ultrasound of the Aorta

This article reviews the use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) for evaluating the aorta from anatomy and image acquisition to the diagnosis of aortic pathology, including aneurysms and dissection. Ruptured aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection are associated with high mortality and often experience a delay in time to diagnosis. Traditionally diagnosis was made through computed tomography which takes time and removes the patient from the emergency department. Incorporating POCUS into the evaluation of patients with suspected aortic pathology allows for rapid, accurate diagnosis and earlier definitive treatment.