Learn about the Abdominal Aorta
The abdominal aorta is the large arterial structure below the diaphragm that supplies blood to the visceral organs (gut, liver, spleen, kidneys) and branches into iliac arteries and provides oxygenated blood to the lower extremities.
Smoking, hypertension, male sex and certain genetic conditions (collagen vascular diseases like Marfan syndrome) predispose patients to the the development of aortic artery aneurysms.
In addition to symptoms (abdominal or back pain, flank pain), primary care physicians may palpate a pulsating mass in the abdomen which suggests a diagnosis of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).
A Doppler ultrasound study can be used to scan the abdomen and determine the size of the aorta and the extent of the aneurysm that is suspected. The procedure is non invasive but requires fassting for 6 hours prior to the scheduled examination.
ultrasound image of abdominal aortic aneurysm
CT angiogram (CTA) and MRA are other invasive tests that are done in the hospital in order to study the diagnosed AAA in more detail. Such tests are done only if surgery or stenting is planned.
To schedule an vascular ultrasound study of the abdomen for AAA, contact us at 716-839-3638. This study is covered by medical insurance