Indications:
- Pulsatile abdominal mass
- Abdominal bruit
- Bilateral leg pain or weakness
- Hypertension
- Renal failure
- Abdominal, flank or back pain
- Family history AAA
- Known vascular disease, AAA surveillance for known AAA or EVAR
Contraindications and limitations:
- Extreme abdominal girth
- Excessive abdominal gas
- Site trauma for example; open wounds, surgical wounds/drains
Patient preparation:
- 2 days prior to the ultrasound, it is advisable for the patient to refrain from eating fatty foods, fizzy drinks or any foods that create bowel irritability or gas.
- On the day of the ultrasound, fast from food and water for a minimum of 6 hours, refrain from chewing gum and smoking. If medication is required, this can be taken with a small sip of water. WHY? Gas in the bowel creates acoustic shadowing, on ultrasound imaging. Any vessels that sit in this shadow will not be seen, therefore cannot be assessed
PLEASE BRING ANY PREVIOUS DIAGNOSTIC REPORTS AND ULTRASOUND WORKSHEETS TO YOUR ULTRASOUND AND DOCTORS APPOINTMENT
What to wear:
Loose-fitting clothes, for example; elasticated skirt/pants/shorts and a loose-fitting top.
Ultrasound study technique:
Ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic study. The patient will lie on a bed, with the head of the bed slightly elevated for comfort. Ultrasound gel will be applied to the abdomen. An ultrasound probe will be run over the abdomen. The arteries will be assessed with ultrasound imaging, colour Doppler and spectral Doppler waveform velocities. Occasionally the sonographer may need to apply pressure to the abdomen to improve visualisation of the arteries and to achieve accurate spectral Doppler waveform velocities. Images will be obtained, and the results documented on a worksheet.
Ultrasound study technique:
30-60 minutes
Results:
A worksheet can be available, if requested. A formal written report will be available within 24 to 48 hours, following the ultrasound examination, Monday to Friday. If the ultrasound findings demonstrate pathology, which may require urgent attention, the referring Doctor will be notified ASAP following the completion of the ultrasound.