Ultrasound Screening: The Key to Aortic Aneurysm Detection?

POCUS can also be used to assess abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), which is a potentially life-threatening condition. AAA occurs when the wall of the abdominal aorta weakens and bulges outward, which can lead to rupture and internal bleeding.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms typically go unnoticed, evading detection due to their asymptomatic nature. Symptoms of a ruptured or expanding abdominal aortic aneurysm may present as acute abdominal pain, hypotension, tachycardia, and/or syncope. However, such symptoms occur in only 25% of individuals with a confirmed ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.

A ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm carries a staggering mortality rate, soaring up to 80%. Sixty percent succumb before reaching the hospital, and half of those who undergo surgery do not survive.

Access to point of care ultrasound facilitates a rapid examination that can confirm this heightened risk, empowering clinicians to expedite necessary actions. A swift diagnosis becomes a life-saving intervention.

Ultrasound proves to be a prompt, secure, and cost-effective tool, ideal for diagnosing and monitoring aortic aneurysms in preparation for treatment. It is also utilized in screening programs. It's crucial to emphasize that ultrasound alone cannot determine rupture. This can be promptly clarified through CT angiography, a highly accurate examination. Immediate hospitalization is imperative if a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm is suspected.

References

1. Sidloff D, Stather P, Dattani N, Bown M, Thompson J, Sayers R, et al. Aneurysm global epidemiology study: public health measures can further reduce abdominal aortic aneurysm mortality. Circulation. 2014;129(7):747-53.
2. Chaikof EL, Brewster DC, Dalman RL, Makaroun MS, Illig KA, Sicard GA, et al. SVS practice guidelines for the care of patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm: executive summary. J Vasc Surg. 2009;50(4):880-96.