Abdominal Aorta Screening during Transthoracic Echocardiography

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of a modified abdominal ultrasound examination, performed as an extension of a routine diagnostic transthoracic echocardiography. This modified examination is arguably a simple, safe, quick, and accurate way to identify patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). METHODS: This prospective study, conducted over a 6-month period, sought to obtain the maximum diameter of the abdominal aorta through a routine transthoracic echocardiography. RESULTS: In 1285 patients, 1175 abdominal aortas were visualized (91.4%). The prevalence of AAA was 3.8% (45/1175), which increased with age. Six patients, who had diameters more than 5 cm, were referred to a surgeon. In the patients with AAA, left ventricular hypertrophy and left ventricular dilatation were more frequent. CONCLUSION: Routine screening of the abdominal aorta during transthoracic echocardiography is recommended on account of the prevalence of AAA in unselected and, in particular, older patients.