The Role of Color Duplex Ultrasound in Patients with Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Ultrasound diagnosis has been used for abdominal aortic aneurysms and peripheral aneurysms for many years, yet the nuances required for proper interrogation and interpretation can be quite difficult. While CT and ultrasound have often been used interchangeably, the measurements derived from these two studies are not necessarily equivalent. Newer ultrasound technology allows CT and ultrasound images to be fused for correlation of differences between these modalities. This fusion technology may allow differences between the imaging techniques to be resolved during real-time ultrasound evaluation. Ultrasound is often used for screening and as the primary imaging modality for long-term AAA surveillance. Once an aneurysm reaches the size appropriate for intervention, CT scans then provide additional anatomic information that assists with preprocedure planning. The complementary use of CT and ultrasound for the management of abdominal aortic aneurysms is critical to the proper management of these patients. By using ultrasound, radiation and intravenous contrast can be avoided until such time as intervention planning becomes necessary.