Size Variability of the Distal Abdominal Aorta in Health Volunteers

Purpose. To evaluate if there is a need for revision of ultrasound diagnostic criteria for abdominal aortic aneurysm and develop a nomogram by age, body habitus and/or gender. Methods. Two classes of students in the BHSc Vascular at NSU were the subjects in this study. The distal aorta was measured in centimeter in transverse and antero-posterior projection1 to 2 cm proximal to the iliac bifurcation. The age, weight and height were reported by each subject at the time of the study. Results. It appears that female gender and smaller body habitus (by BMI) are associated with smaller distal abdominal aorta than male gender and/or larger body habitus. Conclusion. However in comparison to other studies, Age appears to affect the size of the aorta more than any other factors. This study may serve as a pilot to establish more tailored criteria on a scale model or nomogram, with considerations to age, gender and BMI, to establish more accurate risk assessment, diagnosis and prognosis