Key result
Emergency room sonography accurately demonstrated the presence or absence of abdominal aortic aneurysm (98% accuracy) but had poor sensitivity for extraluminal blood (4%).
Why the study?
Does rapid sonographic evaluation accurately detect abdominal aortic aneurysms in emergency department patients with suspected leaking aneurysms?
Observational (n=60)
Does rapid sonographic evaluation accurately detect abdominal aortic aneurysms in emergency department patients with suspected leaking aneurysms?
Rapid sonography in the emergency room is highly accurate for detecting abdominal aortic aneurysms but poor for detecting extraluminal blood, aiding in rapid surgical triage without significant delay.
ED sonography may aid AAA detection; leaves open need for confirmatory imaging to assess rupture.
To determine the value of sonography in the emergent evaluation of suspected leaking abdominal aortic aneurysms, the authors examined 60 patients in the emergency department using sonography and a protocol involving advance radio notification from the ambulance; arrival of sonographic personnel and equipment in the triage room before patient arrival; and, during other triage activities, rapid sonographic evaluation of the aorta for aneurysm and of the paraaortic region for extraluminal blood. Sonographic findings were correlated with surgical results and clinical outcome. When performed under these circumstances, sonography was accurate in demonstrating presence or absence of aneurysm (98%), but its sensitivity for extraluminal blood was poor (4%). A combination of sonographic confirmation of aneurysm, abdominal pain, and unstable hemodynamic condition resulted in the correct decision to perform emergent surgery in 21 of 22 patients (95%). An abbreviated sonographic examination done in the emergency room can provide accurate, useful information about the presence of aneurysm; this procedure does not significantly delay triage of these patients.
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Shuman et al. (1988) conducted an observational in Suspected leaking abdominal aortic aneurysm (n=60). Sonography in the emergency room vs. Surgical results and clinical outcome was evaluated on Accuracy in demonstrating presence or absence of aneurysm. Emergency room sonography accurately demonstrated the presence or absence of abdominal aortic aneurysm (98% accuracy) but had poor sensitivity for extraluminal blood (4%).
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