Abdominal Aorta Aneurysm (AAA)

The main cause of the AAA is unknown, and the AAA is asymptomatic. Obesity, high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, male gender, and age over 65 years old are the most critical risk factors.

Some of the patients with severely dilated AAA are symptomatic.

You may need to have AAA ultrasound scan if you have the following symptoms, these symptoms are;

• Intense back or abdominal pain
• Pulsation of abdominal Aorta in the middle of the abdomen
• High pulse rate
• Nausea and vomiting
• Excessive sweating
• Shock

In this scan we will

• Evaluate the Abdominal Aorta, Common iliac, External and internal iliac, and common femoral arteries.
• Take your relevant medical history
• Provide 10 minutes consultation
• Explain all findings during and after your ultrasound scan
• Write an official scan report within 24 hrs, with appropriate images included in the report
• Recommend a follow-up ultrasound scan if necessary
• Offer GP or specialist referral and a Blood Test if needed

• There are four possible results:

1. No Aneurysm, the patient doesn't need to have ant treatment or monitoring
2. Small AAA, in just over 1% of men, Annual scan is recommended
3. Medium AAA, about 0.5% of men, every three months scan is recommended
4. Large AAA, about 0.1% of men, the patient will be referred to a specialist

• Aneurysm or stenosis(narrowing) in the common, external and internal iliac, and common femoral arteries

And Incidental finding of;

• cancer or other life-threatening diseases in adjacent solid organs like; Liver, kidney, spleen, and pancreas
• Fluid collection in the abdominal cavity
• Enlarged para-vertebral lymph nodes or tumours

In some cases, we will recommend a relevant blood test.

• You will be asked to be fast at least 4-6 hours before your ultrasound scan appointment. (You are not allowed to drink Tea or Coffee, or eat porridge)
• You must drink at least one litre of water one hour before your appointment.
• If you have diabetes, please eat and drink as usual.
• If you are on medication, please take your medicines on time.

Our Ultrasound Specialists will explain the procedure before your scan. You will be guided to lie on your back on the examination couch. A small amount of water-based gel will be applied to your abdomen. Our specialist will move the probe on your skin to produce diagnostic ultrasound images. You will not feel any discomfort during your ultrasound scan. An Abdominal aorta aneurysm ultrasound scan is regularly completed within 15 minutes. Our Sonographer will recommend the best course of action, depending on the ultrasound scan findings.

You will receive your results verbally after the scan. However, the Sonographer will examine the relevant images after your appointment and prepare a written report after your scan or within 24 hours with any recommended actions. The report will be sent to you so that you can discuss the findings with your doctor, if required.

There are no risks or side effects associated with the abdominal aorta aneurysm ultrasound scan. Ultrasound does not use any radiation, which is why doctors prefer to use them to check on developing babies in pregnant women.

Urgent health conditions can happen at any time of the day or night. In London Private Ultrasound, we offer emergency abdominal aorta aneurysm ultrasound service late evenings, during weekends, Saturdays, or Sundays. Please call 07414165515 to book your urgent AAA ultrasound appointment now. (Terms and conditions apply)

Combining your ultrasound scan with one of our screening tests will give you a better picture of your health. We will recommend any beneficial screenings when you book online and will also recommend any further tests or screenings after your ultrasound scan. Please add your requested screening ultrasound, blood test, or health check-up while you are booking your ultrasound scan appointment.