Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Using Non-imaging Hand-held Ultrasound Volume Scanner - A Pilot Study

Background: Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) is cost-effective and timely repair improves outcome. Using standard ultrasound (US) an AAA can be accurately diagnosed or ruled-out. However, this requires training and bulk equipment. Aim: To evaluate the diagnostic potential of a new hand-held ultrasound bladder volume indicator (BVI) in the setting of AAA screening. Methods: In total, 94 patients (66 ± 14 years, 67 men) referred for atherosclerotic disease were screened for the presence of AAA (diameter >30 mm using US). All patients underwent both examinations, with US and BVI. Using the BVI, aortic volume was measured at 6 pre-defined points. Maximal diameters (US) and volumes (BVI) were used for analyses. Results: In 54 (57%) patients an AAA was diagnosed using US. The aortic diameter by US correlated closely with aortic volume by BVI (r = 0.87, p < 0.0001). Using a cut-off value of ≥50 ml for the presence of AAA by BVI, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of BVI in detection of AAA were 94%, 82%, 88% and 92%, respectively. The agreement between the two methods was 89%, kappa 0.78. Conclusion: The bladder volume indicator is a promising tool in screening patients for AAA.

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