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An abdominal aortic ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of your aorta, the largest artery in your body. This test will allow screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, which is when the wall of a blood vessel weakens, a dilation called an aneurysm can develop.
Many factors contribute to the development of AAA (Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm), due to inflammation and degeneration of the vessel wall. Age, high cholesterol, and smoking are associated with AAA. Smoking is the most important risk factor for enlargement and rupture of AAA. A family history of a AAA puts you at a higher risk for the development of an aneurysm.
During your abdominal aortic ultrasound, you will lie on your back with your abdomen exposed. Gel will be applied to your abdomen, and an ultrasound transducer will be rubbed across your abdomen in order to obtain images of your blood vessels.
You should not feel any major discomfort during an abdominal aortic ultrasound. Some slight discomfort is occasionally felt from the transducer on your abdomen. An abdominal aortic ultrasound generally takes from 20-30 minutes to complete