Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Ultrasound

If you're a man over 65, have smoked, or have a family history of aneurysms, talk to your doctor about screening. At our clinic, we provide compassionate, thorough evaluation with a focus on prevention and long-term health.

Sonographer performing an ultrasound scan using a transducer probe and imaging console

A sonographer conducts a vascular ultrasound examination to assess blood flow

The Silent Threat Beneath the Surface: How AAA Ultrasound Can Save Lives

Mr. Ooi was a healthy-looking 68-year-old retiree who came to our clinic for a routine check-up. He had no complaints—no pain, no symptoms, just a history of smoking and high blood pressure. As part of our preventive screening, we performed an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) ultrasound. What we found surprised him—and saved his life. A bulge was quietly growing in the largest artery in his abdomen, dangerously close to rupture.

This story isn’t rare. Abdominal aortic aneurysms are often silent until it’s too late. But the good news? A simple, painless test like an AAA ultrasound can catch it early and prevent a tragedy.

What Is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)?

The abdominal aorta is the main blood vessel that delivers oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the lower part of your body. When the wall of this artery weakens, it can begin to balloon outward—forming an aneurysm. If that balloon bursts, the internal bleeding can be life-threatening within minutes.

Most AAAs don’t cause symptoms until they rupture. That’s why early detection is everything.

Who’s at Risk?

Certain people are more likely to develop an AAA:

Men over 65, especially those who have ever smoked.
Smokers, past or present—smoking directly damages blood vessel walls.
People with high blood pressure, which increases artery stress.
Those with a family history of AAA—genetics play a significant role.
Individuals with atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

Women are less likely to get AAAs, but when they do, the condition can be more dangerous.

AAA Symptoms: When Silence Breaks

Most abdominal aortic aneurysms are asymptomatic. But when symptoms do appear, they may include:

A pulsating feeling near the belly button
Constant deep pain in the abdomen or lower back
Sudden, severe abdominal pain (a warning of rupture)

A ruptured AAA is a medical emergency. Quick diagnosis and surgical repair are essential—but the best approach is preventing rupture altogether.

Why Ultrasound Is the Gold Standard for AAA Detection

Ultrasound is the first-line tool for diagnosing AAAs. Here’s why patients and doctors prefer it:

✅ Non-invasive: No needles, no radiation.
✅ Painless and fast: Usually completed in under 30 minutes.
✅ Accurate: Precisely measures the size of the aneurysm.
✅ Affordable and widely available: Covered by most insurance plans for at-risk groups.

At our vascular imaging clinic, the AAA ultrasound is performed with care and clarity, using the latest technology and expert interpretation.

Why It Matters: The Value of Early Detection

Detecting an AAA early can be the difference between life and loss. Benefits include:

💓 Avoiding catastrophic rupture
✂️ Minimizing the need for emergency surgery
💸 Reducing healthcare costs through prevention

What to Expect During an AAA Ultrasound

Fasting: You may be asked to avoid food for 6–12 hours beforehand.
Positioning: You'll lie comfortably on your back.
Imaging: A gel is applied to your abdomen, and a handheld device (transducer) sends sound waves to create real-time images of your aorta.
Measurement: We measure the aorta’s diameter to assess if an aneurysm is present and whether it requires follow-up.

Understanding the Results

Normal: < 2.5 cm in diameter
Small AAA: 3.0–4.0 cm
Medium AAA: 4.0–5.5 cm
Large AAA: > 5.5 cm (higher rupture risk)

Small and medium AAAs usually require monitoring. Large ones may need prompt surgical intervention.

How Often Should You Screen?

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends one-time screening for:

Men aged 65–75 who have ever smoked
Men ≥60 with a family history of AAA
Women ≥65 with risk factors (though screening guidelines for women are evolving)

Monitoring and Treatment Options

If an AAA is found, the course of action depends on its size:

🔍 Watchful Waiting

For small AAAs, we recommend regular ultrasounds every 6–12 months along with lifestyle changes—like quitting smoking, controlling blood pressure, and maintaining a heart-healthy diet.

🔧 Repair

For large or symptomatic aneurysms, treatment is usually advised:

Open Repair: Traditional surgery to replace the weakened aorta section with a synthetic graft.

Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR): A less invasive procedure using a stent graft inserted via the groin.

The Role of Ultrasound in Emergency Settings

If an AAA ruptures, every second counts. In emergency rooms, portable ultrasound machines provide rapid, life-saving diagnosis and allow vascular teams to act immediately.