Screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Background The natural course of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is mostly asymptomatic and unpredictable. D-dimer could provide potentially important information about subsequent AAA progression. Objectives The aims of this study were to establish the relationship between the progression of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and plasma D-dimer concentration over a 12-month period and determine the value of plasma D-dimer in patients with sub-aneurysmal aortic dilatation. Patients/Methods This was a prospective observational study that involved 33 patients with an AAA, 30 patients with sub-aneurysmal aortic dilatation and 30 control subjects. The greatest diameter of the infrarenal aorta, which was assessed by ultrasound, and the value of plasma D-dimer were determined for all subjects at baseline assessment, as well as after 12 months for those with an AAA. Results A positive correlation was found between the diameter of an AAA and plasma D-dimer concentration at the baseline and the control measurement stages. There was a strong positive correlation between AAA progression and increasing plasma D-dimer concentration over a 12-month period. Among patients with sub-aneurysmal aortic dilatation (n = 30), the value of plasma D-dimer was higher compared with matched controls (n = 30). Conclusions There is a strongly positive correlation between AAA progression and increasing plasma D-dimer concentration. The value of plasma D-dimer is higher in patients with sub-aneurysmal aortic dilatation than in control subjects.

show abstract

“…An AAA is usually asymptomatic until it ruptures, which is often fatal [1,3,6,8]. The survival rate following a ruptured AAA is only 20% [8].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Plasma D‐dimer as a predictor of the progression of abdominal aortic aneurysm

Vele

Kurtcehajic

Zerem

et al. 2016

Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…This approach yielded an incidence of 7.2%. 17,18 CONCLUSION Self-referral has yielded higher detection rates than the invited cohort, more than justifying its cost. Now that NAAASP is fully operational it is important to continue media campaigns and publicity to target the "high-risk" men over 65 who would otherwise miss the benefits of AAA screening.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Editor's Choice – Self-referral to the NHS Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme

Meecham

Jacomelli

Pherwani

et al. 2016

European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…For ease of use, low cost, and lack of radiation exposure, sonography is the well-validated highly sensitive (94–100%) and specific (98–100%) testing modality of choice for screening AAAs ( 16 , 17 ). Evidence supports the use of anteroposterior rather than transverse measurements.…”

Section: Screeningmentioning

confidence: 99%

Contemporary Applications of Ultrasound in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Management

et al. 2016

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Ultrasound (US) is a well-established screening tool for detection of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) and is currently recommended not only for those with a relevant family history but also for all men and high-risk women older than 65 years of age. The advent of minimally invasive endovascular techniques in the treatment of AAAs [endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR)] has increased the need for repeat imaging, especially in the postoperative period. Nevertheless, preoperative planning, intraoperative execution, and postoperative surveillance all mandate accurate imaging. While computed tomographic angiography and angiography have dominated the field, repeatedly exposing patients to the deleterious effects of cumulative radiation and intravenous nephrotoxic contrast, US technology has significantly evolved over the past decade. In addition to standard color duplex US, 2D, 3D, or 4D contrast-enhanced US modalities are revolutionizing AAA management and postoperative surveillance. This technology can accurately measure AAA diameter and volume, and most importantly, it can detect endoleaks post-EVAR with high sensitivity and specificity. 4D contrast-enhanced US can even provide hemodynamic information about the branch vessels following fenestrated EVARs. The need for experienced US operators and accredited vascular labs is mandatory to guarantee the reliability of the results. This review article presents a comprehensive overview of the literature on the state-of-art US imaging in AAA management, including post-EVAR follow-up, techniques, and diagnostic accuracy.

show abstract

Screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Cited by 14 publications

References 8 publications

Plasma D‐dimer as a predictor of the progression of abdominal aortic aneurysm

Plasma D‐dimer as a predictor of the progression of abdominal aortic aneurysm

Editor's Choice – Self-referral to the NHS Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme

Contemporary Applications of Ultrasound in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Management

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About