To date, the most accessible of all methods for diagnosing the structure and condition is abdominal aorta ultrasound. This study is an ultrasound dopplerography, in which it is possible to determine not only the structural features of the vessel and its branches, but also to visualize the speed of blood flow through them.
The purpose of this ultrasound
The main purpose of abdominal aortic ultrasound is to investigate aneurysms. Such a violation consists in the expansion of large arteries, which can be general or local. This pathological phenomenon becomes a consequence of the weakening of the vascular wall and the accumulation of blood in some parts of the bloodstream. The aorta itself is the main arterial vessel in the human body, which passes through many sites, including the abdominal cavity. This zone performs the most important function of blood supply to the legs and lower body.
Indications for testing
The main factor in which ultrasound of the abdominal aorta is advisable isthis is the presence of pain in the patient's abdomen, which often radiates to the lumbar region. The patient's sensations are similar to renal colic, that is, it is aching and severe pain. As for the localization of the pain syndrome, it is felt near the navel and on the left side of the body, but it can radiate to the groin and lower limbs. If the patient is thin, the pulsation of the aneurysm may be palpable. All such clinical symptoms are often accompanied by complaints of bloating and heaviness in the abdomen.
In addition to the obvious signs that require an abdominal aortic ultrasound, there are other indications for this procedure:
- headaches and dizziness of a constant nature, throbbing in the back of the head and temples;
- persistent arterial hypotension or hypertension;
- when you turn your head, "flies" may flash before your eyes;
- previous stroke, hypertensive crisis, ischemia or abdominal trauma;
- smoking for a long time;
- age over 60;
- memory disorders;
- epilepsy.
Preparing for the procedure
The price of abdominal aortic ultrasound is of interest to many. More on that below.
In order for a specialist to freely examine the aorta and its branches, the patient must properly prepare for such a procedure. To do this, you must adhere to the following simple rules:
- 2 days before the appointmentall food should be excluded from the diet, the intake of which can provoke flatulence and increased gas formation. This includes: beans, cabbage, potatoes, melons, dairy products, soda, and all foods high in carbs.
- Two days before the study, the patient is recommended to start taking medications that help normalize bowel function. The most effective of these drugs is the drug "Espumizan". A good alternative to it is regular activated carbon. This will reduce the manifestations of gas formation in the intestines and visualization of the aorta and its branches on ultrasound will be clearer.
- Completely refuse food and liquids 8 hours before the procedure.
- If the patient is chronically constipated, 2 cleansing enemas using saline solution are recommended the night before the examination.
Features of diagnostics
Patients who do not have information about how the process of conducting this study is often afraid of the procedure, but this is in vain. Diagnosis of the abdominal aorta and its branches does not give a person any unpleasant or painful sensations. The process of ultrasound of the abdominal aorta is carried out in several main stages:
- The patient comes to the appointment, is located on the couch, on the right side of the doctor. The patient's head is approximately at the level of the screen, so he can observe what is happening.
- Next, the specialist lubricatesa special ultrasonic transducer and the patient's stomach with a transparent echogenic gel, which helps to reduce tissue resistance and promotes the fastest and most unhindered penetration of the ultrasonic wave inside.
- Then, the ultrasound specialist slowly moves the probe over the surface of the abdominal wall and announces the results of the observations to the assistant, who records them in the conclusion of the procedure.
The ultrasound procedure of the abdominal aorta and its branches lasts approximately 15-20 minutes. After the end of the study, you can immediately return to the usual daily routine and eating habits. Ultrasound examination can be carried out by the following methods:
- duplex ultrasound scanning (DUS);
- Doppler color scanning (CFM);
- doppler ultrasound (USDG).
The latest technique of abdominal aortic ultrasound is based on the Doppler effect, which is characterized by the study of changes that occur when a sound wave is reflected from blood cells. This technique is also called ultrasound and is used for the initial examination, since it allows you to determine only the general characteristics of the state of this vessel in the abdominal region and, secondarily, the blood flow parameters in it. The ultrasound specialist receives high-resolution graphic images. Information is sent to the dashboard of a special ultrasound machine. These images can be used to conduct the necessary research.
Norm ultrasound of the abdominal aorta
During the eventstudies, the abdominal aorta is examined in cross section. This gives the specialist the opportunity to evaluate the numerical characteristics of this vessel for compliance with the norm. The value is taken according to the largest internal diameter of the aorta in a transverse section. Normally, in adults, it should not be more than 3 centimeters. For the iliac branches, this figure is somewhat lower and amounts to a maximum of 1.5 centimeters. If during the study the specialist received indicators less than the above, then such a pathology as an aortic aneurysm is excluded. If the values are greater than normal, the diagnosis is confirmed.
Transcription of research results
When conducting ultrasound examinations of the abdominal aorta, the doctor examines this vessel along its entire length. The main anomaly in this case is any increase in its diameter. The result of the study is the decoding of ultrasound of the abdominal aorta. Its quality depends, as a rule, on the qualifications and experience of a specialist. Based on the decoding, the following pathologies are determined:
- atherosclerosis, the development of which is a consequence of damage to the vascular walls of cholesterol and its accumulation on them in the form of plaques;
- stenosis of the celiac trunk, in which there is too narrow a diameter of the main branches of the aorta;
- aneurysm, which is a pathology, the main symptom of which is an increase in the diameter of the vessel;
- occlusion - a pronounced narrowing of the aortic lumen to a state of absolute obstruction;
- tortuosity of the aortic arch, which is due to hereditary factors andmanifests itself in the form of elongations, tortuosity, kinks and looping of the vessel.
Aortic aneurysm
Aneurysms are often found on ultrasound of the abdominal aorta.
As already noted, an aneurysm is a significant expansion of the aorta in diameter, and in the department located low towards the pelvis. Increased indicators can be:
- 3-3.5 cm - in this case, the patient needs to regularly come for examinations to monitor pathological phenomena;
- 4-5 cm - with this diameter of the vessel, the development of the process of its stratification is possible within one year;
- 5 cm or more - for aneurysms of this size, urgent surgery is indicated, since there is a high risk of rupture of the pathological part of the vascular wall, resulting in severe abdominal bleeding and death.
Consolidation of the walls of the aorta in the abdominal area
This pathological process can develop in any part of the aortic column - a certain area, root or its entire length. In addition to ultrasound, thickening of the walls of the aorta is also detected using x-ray studies. This pathology is the most dangerous of all. With increased pressure or high physical exertion, there is a possibility of stratification of the walls of the vessel, as a result of which blood begins to flow there and a rupture of the aorta in the abdominal region occurs.
Atherosclerosis of the aorta
WhenWith the help of ultrasound of the abdominal aorta, the nature of the blood flow in it and its possible pathologies are revealed. With an increased level of cholesterol in the body, plaques form on the walls of the arteries, which prevent the proper blood supply to the tissues. This pathological process is called atherosclerosis of the aortic arch. Its main danger lies in the fact that in the early stages of formation, the symptoms of the disease are practically absent. Only through ultrasound diagnostics can the presence of atherosclerotic plaques, even small ones, be detected. Along with this, if this disease is suspected, others are also prescribed, such as:
- radiography;
- dopplerography of the veins of the lower extremities;
- blood test for cholesterol levels.
Price of abdominal aortic ultrasound
The cost of this study starts from 700 rubles. It depends on the region and on the pricing policy of the clinic.
