The AAA ultrasound is an examination of the aorta (the main artery in the abdomen) and the other arteries that it supplies, particularly to the pelvis and the legs, and looks for any swelling or dilation in the wall in the aorta (arterial aneurysm). These can have a tendency to grow and rupture, causing life threatening bleeding so early detection is critical.

A scan is advisable if any of the following apply to you:

• Over the age of 50, particularly if you are male
• Smoker
• You have known, or you have a family history of, heart disease, high blood pressure or high cholesterol

The AAA ultrasound is particularly important if you are also experiencing any of the following, which could indicate imminent aneurysm rupture:

• Pulsating sensation in the abdomen
• Pain in the abdomen or lower back that is severe, sudden, persistent, or constant. The pain may radiate to groin, buttocks, or legs.

AAA is a common condition, especially in older men, and particularly those of Caucasian origin. Aneurysms are also much more common in men than in women, and occur almost a decade earlier. Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs in about 1-3% of men over the age of 65 of whom up to 95% die. As the condition seldom causes any symptoms before rupture, there is a strong case for ultrasound screening to detect aneurysms at an early stage.

We require you not to eat anything for 4 hours prior to your scan, although we do encourage you to drink plenty of fluids (except milk). We will also ask you to change into a gown before your scan.

The scan takes no more than 30 minutes to complete and will include an examination of your abdomen. The scan itself is painless and non-invasive and should not be uncomfortable in any way.