WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF
ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM IMAGING? This ultrasound of the abdominal
aorta may have been ordered to evaluate a pulsatile abdominal mass,
abdominal bruit (abnormal sound) or if you already have a known aneurysm.
WHO ADMINISTERS THE STRESS TEST?
A Vascular Ultrasound Technologist administers the test.
HOW LONG WILL THE TEST TAKE?
The total amount of time this test will take is approximately one hour.
HOW DOES AN ABDOMINAL ULTRASOUND WORK? Ultrasound is sound waves used
to produce images of structures within the body. This test is done to
distinguish normal from abnormal structural differences through the use of
ultrasound, Doppler and color flow imaging. This is done to determine the
presence of an abdominal aneurysm or stenosis of the abdominal aorta.
You are asked to lie on your back and relax. An instrument called a
transducer is placed on your abdomen and there is generally a great deal of
“pushing” into the abdominal region (which may be somewhat uncomfortable at
times). This is done to achieve an ideal ultrasound picture.
SHOULD I PREPARE FOR
THIS EXAM?
- NOTHING to eat or drink 5 hours
prior to the examination. Medication may be taken with sips of water if
needed.
