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Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms during transthoracic echocardiography
M J Eisenberg1, S J Geraci, N B Schiller
1Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco 94143, USA.
American Heart Journal
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Routine ultrasound screening of the abdominal aorta during transthoracic echocardiography is practical for detecting abdominal aortic aneurysms. This brief, low-cost screening identifies patients at risk, proving clinically useful in this population.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Patients undergoing transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) frequently have atherosclerotic vascular disease.
- This patient group may be at increased risk for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and clinical utility of screening the abdominal aorta via ultrasound during routine TTE.
- To identify the prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysms in patients undergoing TTE.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 323 consecutive patients undergoing routine 2D TTE.
- Ultrasound examination of the abdominal aorta, measuring length and maximum diameter.
- Screening time was recorded for each patient.
Main Results:
- The abdominal aorta was successfully imaged in 82% of patients.
- Average aortic length was 13.0 cm, and average diameter was 1.7 cm.
- Seven patients (3%) had aortic diameters ≥ 2.5 cm, including one large aneurysm (6.7 cm) and six mild dilatations. One mild dilatation was later confirmed as a 3.5 cm infrarenal aneurysm. Aortic dilatation correlated with male gender and older age.
Conclusions:
- Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms during TTE is practical and clinically valuable.
- Despite a low detection rate, the low cost and minimal time investment suggest routine screening is worthwhile.
- This approach aids in early detection of potentially life-threatening vascular conditions.