Ultrasound of the abdominal aorta is a highly informative non-invasive technology for evaluating the lower part of the largest arterial vessel and its branches. The aorta carries blood from the heart to the organs and limbs. The abnormalities in this area lead to impaired blood flow, rupture of blood vessels, internal bleeding and can be fatal. Timely ultrasound diagnosis, enhanced by Doppler ultrasound (duplex scanning), increases the chances of successful treatment.

ULTRASOUND OF THE ABDOMINAL AORTA 

Ultrasound of blood vessels of the aortic arch is used to detect various abnormalities in this area, in particular, abdominal aneurysms, which is quite common diagnosis. The aorta is the largest vessel in the human body, branching into arteries that are responsible for the blood supply to the lower extremities and pelvic organs, and also feed the stomach, intestines, liver, kidneys, spleen and other vital organs. Therefore, any disorders of the vessel and its arteries affect the functional capabilities of these organs.

Typically, the aorta problems are common in people over 55. Men, smokers, patients with high cholesterol and poor heredity are also at risk. These categories need to get ultrasound of the aortic vessels regularly to monitor them and timely detect the unwanted changes. 

When is it necessary to do a vascular ultrasound?

Aortic aneurysm is one of the most dangerous diagnoses, the main threat of which is the asymptomatic nature of the disease. It is usually found accidentally during a routine medical examination, but in some cases it can be preceded by certain signs:

• dull throbbing pain in the abdomen, often in the navel area with a shift to the left, it can radiate to the lower back, lower limbs or groin. It is characteristic that the pain does not disappear after taking painkillers;
• ultrasound of the vessels of the aortic arch is done for unstable blood pressure that has been observed for a long time;
• nausea, vomiting, belching, heaviness in the stomach and a sense of pressure in the abdomen, loss of appetite and, as a result, weight loss. The symptoms are due to the fact that the enlarged aorta begins to put pressure on the organs of the digestive system and cause discomfort;
• can affect the motor function of the lower limbs; a bluish color appears due to poor blood circulation;
• urologic problems appear: renal colic, blood in the urine, frequent urination, in men: potency problems associated with insufficient blood supply to the genital organs.

It should be noted that the above symptoms are characteristic not only of an aneurysm, but also of other diseases of the aorta. It is recommended, therefore, to carefully monitor your own health and not to neglect preventative screenings.

How do you prepare for the ultrasound?

  It is important to promote informative value of examination and follow medical recommendations. The abdominal aorta is surrounded on all sides by loops of intestine, which makes it difficult to visualize the vessel. The preparation includes the following steps:

• avoid any foods that cause gas: beans, potatoes, cabbage, dairy products, flour and confectionery products, carbonated drinks, alcohol 2 days before the procedure;
• few days before the procedure, following the recommendations of doctors, medications can be prescribed to improve the work of the gastrointestinal tract, enzymes to prevent bloating, etc.;
• ultrasound of the aortic vessels is performed on an empty stomach, so it is better to do it in the morning or 7-8 hours after the last meal;
• if you are prone to constipation, you should do an enema and come with your colon empty.

Berehynia Medical Center offers patients a wide range of medical services. We have qualified specialists who use their knowledge, experience, as well as various examination techniques in their work to make an accurate diagnosis. The clinic is equipped with modern equipment, which allows you to quickly get results and start treatment. In addition to ultrasound of the vessels of the aortic arch, we also offer ultrasound of blood vessels of the neck and other internal organs.