Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening during transthoracic echocardiography in an unselected population.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to investigate the echocardiographic prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in an unselected group of patients referred for regular transthoracic echocardiography (TTE).

METHODS

Prospectively, during a 3-month period, a limited ultrasound examination of the infrarenal aorta was performed. AAA was defined as a diameter of 30 mm or more.

RESULTS

The abdominal aorta could be visualized in 742 patients. The prevalence of AAA was 4.6%. AAA prevalence increased with age, especially in men. In 34 patients AAA was unknown and aortic diameters exceeded 50 mm in 4 patients. Two underwent elective but urgent operation. Patients with AAA were older and had an increased ascending aorta diameter, larger left ventricular dimensions, higher left ventricular mass index, and lower ejection fraction.

CONCLUSION

AAA is prevalent in patients referred for regular TTE. Routine rapid screening of the abdominal aorta during TTE is beneficial and should, therefore, be part of a standard TTE examination for patients older then 50 years.