The value of evaluating the abdominal aorta in patients <50 years of age presenting for abdominal ultrasound

1Citations
Citations of this article
10Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

Introduction: Practitioners of US routinely include a survey of the abdominal aorta during abdominal US in accordance with international guidelines. Such practice is of uncertain value in younger patients. Methodology: This study was a retrospective review of 2000 abdominal US examinations which included visualisation of the aorta in patients <50 years of age. Patient demographics and referral details were recorded, and US images and reports were reviewed for the presence of aortic and periaortic pathology. Results: The most common indications for US were abdominal pain (1337, 44%), deranged liver function tests (453, 15%), nausea and/or vomiting (229, 8%), elevated inflammatory markers (146, 5%), pancreatitis (134, 4%) and pyrexia (127, 4%). Fewer than half (977, 49%) of the reports contained a comment regarding the aorta. Aortic pathology was reported in 2 (0.1%) cases. Both were reported as aortic ectasia and both represented a false-positive diagnosis. One male patient had a known abdominal aortic aneurysm with endovascular aortic repair. No new aortic aneurysms were found. All cases of atherosclerotic disease were ignored, and none were reported. Periaortic pathology was encountered on 1 patient, but this was known. No case of new periaortic pathology was detected. Conclusion: Routine and indiscriminate imaging of the abdominal aorta during abdominal US in patients <50 years of age is not evidence based. No new case of abdominal aortic aneurysm or new para-aortic pathology was detected, all cases of atherosclerosis were ignored, and two false-positive diagnoses of aortic ectasia were made.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Necas, M., Adams, M., Brennan, O., Curtis, N., Heslop, R., & Woodrow-Smith, E. (2021). The value of evaluating the abdominal aorta in patients <50 years of age presenting for abdominal ultrasound. Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, 24(1), 27–30. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajum.12212

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free