Abdominal aortic aneurysm is a common cause of death in elderly patients. The best predictor of rupture is maximal aneurysm diameter: as it increases, the risk of rupture increases. Aneurysms over 5 cm in diameter have a high risk of rupture.
Ultrasound imaging of the aorta for pathology and more particularly aneurysm detection is the preferred way of testing due to the high sensitivity and specificity of this examination technique. However, the quality of images may be limited because of obesity or overlying bowel gas.
This lesson explains the sonographic findings associated with abdominal aortic aneurism, rupture and dissection.