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The Role of Color Duplex Ultrasound in Patients with Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms and Peripheral Aneurysms

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Noninvasive Vascular Diagnosis

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Abstract

Ultrasound diagnosis has been used for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) and peripheral aneurysms for many years; yet, the nuances required for proper interrogation and interpretation can be quite difficult. While CT and ultrasound have been used interchangeably, it has become clear that the measurements derived are not necessarily equivalent. Newer ultrasound technology allows CT and ultrasound images to be fused for correlation of differences between these modalities. This fusion technology may allow differences between the imaging techniques to be resolved during the real-time ultrasound evaluation.

Major trials such as the UK Small Aneurysm Trial utilized ultrasound as the primary modality for imaging AAAs that did not yet require intervention. Once an aneurysm reaches the size appropriate for intervention, then CT scans provide an objective data set that can be used in a number of ways for procedural planning. The complementary use of CT and ultrasound for the management of AAAs is critical to the proper management of these patients. By using ultrasound, radiation and intravenous contrast can be avoided until intervention planning becomes necessary.

In the periphery, ultrasound has always had a pre-eminent role in the diagnosis and management of extremity aneurysms in particular. Both femoral and popliteal aneurysms can be followed and management planned based on ultrasound alone. While ultrasound in the abdomen may be limited by bowel gas and patient body habitus, in the periphery these issues are rarely a concern. Overall, ultrasound and CT imaging are complementary modalities that allow both deep imaging and noninvasive surveillance depending on the clinical scenario.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital, Medical Science Building, 231 Albert Sabin Way ML0558, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA

    Shaun M. Stickley M.D. & George H. Meier III M.D., RVT, FACS

Authors
  1. Shaun M. Stickley M.D.
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  2. George H. Meier III M.D., RVT, FACS
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to George H. Meier III M.D., RVT, FACS .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, Dept. Surgery, West Virginia University, MacCorkle Ave. SE 3100, Charleston, 25304, West Virginia, USA

    Ali F. AbuRahma

  2. , Interventional Cardiology, UC San Diego Sulpizio Cardiovascular Cen, 9300 Campus Point Drive 7784, La Jolla, 92037, California, USA

    Dennis F. Bandyk

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Stickley, S.M., Meier, G.H. (2013). The Role of Color Duplex Ultrasound in Patients with Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms and Peripheral Aneurysms. In: AbuRahma, A., Bandyk, D. (eds) Noninvasive Vascular Diagnosis. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4005-4_50

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4005-4_50

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  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-4005-4

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