A preferred screening tool for aortic diseases such as aneurysms, an abdominal aortic ultrasound helps us have a look at your abdominal aorta, which is a major blood vessel that supplies the lower half of your body. Abdominal Aortic aneurysm is a type of vascular disease, which involves swelling and pooling of blood in regions of your abdominal aorta. These aneurysms can present as deep constant abdominal as well as back pain. An abdominal aortic ultrasound is recommended for all men above the age of 65 years old, who smoke or were exposed to second hand smoke for a long period of time, as this significantly increases your risk of developing an aortic aneurysm.
On other occasions, we might suggest an abdominal ultrasound in case we suspect a problem with your pancreas, spleen, or liver. The procedure is like any other type of ultrasound and is painless. We will ask you to lie on your back as we apply gel and place an ultrasound probe on to your stomach. This will assist us in examining your abdominal aorta and detect for any abnormalities.