ABDOMINAL AORTIC ULTRASOUND
What is an Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound?
An abdominal aortic ultrasound is a rapid and painless imaging examination that is aimed at detecting signs of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).
An AAA represents an enlargement in the abdominal aorta, the part of the aorta that passes through the abdomen. These aneurysms tend to expand slowly and silently over the course of several years. Typically, individuals exhibit no warning signs or symptoms until the aneurysm undergoes a rupture, which constitutes a medical emergency characterized by internal bleeding, often resulting in sudden death.
The primary purpose of AAA screenings is to identify aneurysms in their early stages, preventing potential ruptures. This proactive approach affords healthcare providers the opportunity to treat the aneurysm before it reaches a critical point, thereby increasing the chances of survival.
The entire process takes between 10 to 15 minutes, and the screening is considered safe because there is no radiation involved.
Who is at increased risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm?
Those over the age of 65 with a personal history of smoking or a family history of an aneurysm, those with elevated Lp(a) cholesterol, and those with the 9p21 gene (often referred to as the “Heart Attack Gene.”)
What happens if I have an aneurysm?
If the screening reveals an aneurysm, it indicates the presence of a bulge in your abdominal aorta that is at least 50% of the normal diameter, typically equivalent to a diameter of at least 3 centimeters for most individuals. AAAs can vary in size, from small to large, with a large aneurysm being at least 5.5 centimeters wide in men or at least 5.0 centimeters wide in women.
Responding to Abnormal Results
In the event that your screening reveals the presence of an AAA, there is no need for alarm. Typically, small aneurysms do not necessitate immediate surgery; instead, a surveillance approach is recommended. This entails regular check-ups with your provider, usually every six to 12 months, involving imaging tests to monitor the aneurysm's progression. Some individuals experience slow or stable growth of the aneurysm, while others may witness faster growth. This underscores the importance of periodic imaging tests.
Should your initial screening indicate a large aneurysm or if it enlarges over time, your healthcare provider may suggest surgical intervention.
Additionally, if an AAA is detected through screening, it is advisable to inform your immediate biological family members, as they might be candidates for screenings and should initiate discussions with their healthcare providers for further guidance.
At Kadima Center . . .
At Kadima Center, we screen everyone with an abdominal ultrasound to help establish a baseline of arterial health, and for our higher risk patients, we will repeat this ultrasound every five years. However, when we administer this test at our facility, we do more than just look for aneurysms; we also assess the arterial lining for any plaque. Knowing whether you have plaque in your arteries is key information that helps us properly stratify your risk of a heart attack or stroke, and guide us in recommending the right treatments to help stabilize any dangerous plaque.
