What is an abdominal aortic ultrasound?

What is an abdominal aortic ultrasound?

An ultrasound of the aorta, often referred to an abdominal aortic ultrasound is a non-invasive, painless test that uses high-frequency sound waves to view the aorta, the main blood vessel leading away from the heart. The ultrasound is also able to capture video in real time.

Can ultrasound detect enlarged aorta?

Tests to diagnose an abdominal aortic aneurysm include: Abdominal ultrasound. This is the most common test to diagnose abdominal aortic aneurysms. An abdominal ultrasound is a painless test that uses sound waves to show how blood flows through the structures in the belly area, including the aorta.

Can an ultrasound detect an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

To confirm the presence of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, a physician may order imaging tests including: Abdominal Ultrasound (US): Ultrasound is a highly accurate way to measure the size of an aneurysm. A physician may also use a special technique called Doppler ultrasound to examine blood flow through the aorta.

Can ultrasound detect thoracic aortic aneurysm?

Thoracic aortic aneurysms are often found during routine medical tests, such as a chest X-ray, CT scan or ultrasound of the heart, sometimes ordered for a different reason. Your doctor will ask questions about your signs and symptoms, as well as your family’s history of aneurysm or sudden death.

Why would you need an abdominal ultrasound?

An abdominal ultrasound can help your doctor evaluate the cause of stomach pain or bloating. It can help check for kidney stones, liver disease, tumors and many other conditions. Your doctor may recommend that you have an abdominal ultrasound if you’re at risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

What causes aorta to enlarge?

When the aorta is weak, blood pushing against the vessel wall can cause it to bulge like a balloon (aneurysm). A thoracic aortic aneurysm is also called a thoracic aneurysm, and aortic dissection can occur because of an aneurysm.