Abstract

GROSSO, Oscar A. et al. Detection of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in a Population Referred for Transthoracic Echocardiography. Rev. argent. cardiol. [online]. 2006, vol.74, n.4, pp.217-223. ISSN 1850-3748.

The aim of the present study was to assess: 1) the feasibility of performing ultrasound limited to the abdominal aorta, in patients referred for transthoracic echocardiography, 2) the clinical and echocardiographic variables related to the diameter of the abdominal aorta, 3) the prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), and 4) the clinical risk factors for abdominal AAA. We prospectively assessed 280 consecutive patients (p), (mean age: 68 years, range: 18-93, 118 male [42%]. We confirmed that: 1) a limited abdominal ultrasound exam is highly feasible in most patients (95.36%, 95% CI: 92.88-97.84%), 2) the diameter of the abdominal aorta correlated with male gender, age, personal history of peripheral vascular disease and a family history of first degree relatives with AAA; it also correlated with the aortic root diameter and the relative wall thickness, 3) there is a high prevalence of AAA (4.49% [95% CI: 1.99-7.00%]), particularly in men aged ≥ 65 years (12.33% [95% CI: 4.60- 20.05%]), and 4) male gender, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, diabetes, personal history of ischemic heart disease or peripheral vascular disease and family history of first degree relatives with AAA, are risk factors for AAA. In conclusion, it seems justified to perform a limited abdominal ultrasound exam as an extension of the transthoracic echocardiogram in men older than 65 years, especially when other risk factors for AAA are present.

Keywords : Aneurysm; Aorta; Echocardiography; Doppler.