Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Using Non-imaging Hand-held Ultrasound Volume Scanner – A Pilot Study

BackgroundScreening for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) is cost-effective and timely repair improves outcome. Using standard ultrasound (US) an AAA can be accurately diagnosed or ruled-out. However, this requires training and bulk equipment.AimTo evaluate the diagnostic potential of a new hand-held ultrasound bladder volume indicator (BVI) in the setting of AAA screening.MethodsIn total, 94 patients (66±14 years, 67 men) referred for atherosclerotic disease were screened for the presence of AAA (diameter >30mm using US). All patients underwent both examinations, with US and BVI. Using the BVI, aortic volume was measured at 6 pre-defined points. Maximal diameters (US) and volumes (BVI) were used for analyses.ResultsIn 54 (57%) patients an AAA was diagnosed using US. The aortic diameter by US correlated closely with aortic volume by BVI (r=0.87, p