Vascular Ultrasound Assessment of Abdominal Aortic Diameter and Prevalence of Infrarenal Aortic Aneurysm in Individuals Aged 60 Years and Above.

BACKGROUND

Vascular ultrasound evaluation of the abdominal aorta is a simple and efficient technique for assessing the morphology and size of the abdominal aorta, as well as for identifying infrarenal aortic aneurysms, a potential condition with significant mortality.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the diameter and morphology of abdominal aorta in a community-based population using vascular ultrasound and to determine the prevalence of infrarenal aortic aneurysms.

METHODS

A randomized sample of individuals aged 60 years and above was recruited from several provinces. Abdominal aortic diameters were measured using vascular ultrasound according to established international guidelines.

RESULTS

810 individuals were enrolled in the study, of whom 40.2% were male, with a mean age of 70.9 ± 7.56 years. The mean infrarenal abdominal aortic diameter was 18.2 ± 2.93 mm in men and 16.3 ± 1.87 mm in women (p < 0.001). A significant increase in aortic diameter was observed with advancing age. Age, male sex, body surface area, and current smoking status were significant predictors of infrarenal aortic diameter.

CONCLUSION

In this population-based survey, the mean infrarenal abdominal aortic diameter was 18.2 ± 2.93 mm in men and 16.3 ± 1.87 mm in women, with an infrarenal aortic aneurysm prevalence of 0.12%. Further population-based studies with a bigger sample and extended follow-up are necessary to investigate further the aortic morphologies predisposing to later aneurysm.