Recieved a pamphlet in today's mail for several different types of vascular screenings one can take advantage of. This one caught my eye: "Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening ($45 ) Visualizes the existence of an aneurysm in the abdominal aorta that could lead to a ruptured artery. Procedure: The technologist applies an acoustic gel on the abdomen and uses a tranducer (painless) to visualize the aorta." I thought it was interesting. I had no idea there was a screen available for this for this generally symptom-less condition. Wish Gordon could have had it done.

It's not 100% accurate but it IS a good idea for folks who are asymptomatic but have family members who've had AAA to be screened themselves, especially first degree relatives (parents-childen-siblings) because there is some incidence of it being a familial trait. But if there's no family history and no other symptoms (a pulsation in the belly area, for example) it's not generally recommended as a screening test. And you can get false negatives, as well, especially if the aneurysm is small and you're not.
The Canadian Task Force on Periodic Examination has looked at this. Their conclusion is "physical examination may be considered prudent for men over 60, however, and that ultrasound screening could be considered in selected high-risk men over 60: smokers with other risk factors for AAA (hypertension, claudication, family history, or other vascular disease.)

[This message has been edited by Auburn Annie (edited October 12, 2004).]

quote:Originally posted by sw:
Recieved a pamphlet in today's mail for several different types of vascular screenings one can take advantage of. This one caught my eye: "Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening ($45 ) Visualizes the existence of an aneurysm in the abdominal aorta that could lead to a ruptured artery. Procedure: The technologist applies an acoustic gel on the abdomen and uses a tranducer (painless) to visualize the aorta." I thought it was interesting. I had no idea there was a screen available for this for this generally symptom-less condition. Wish Gordon could have had it done.

thanks for the information. Much appreciated
bill



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..*you will always have your time to shine, even in the winter of your darkest hour*...jeremy enigk

Yes all this is accurate... I have to have an AAA ultrasound every 5 years for life because my dad nearly died of one last year.

what does this have to do with Gordon Lightfoot?

quote:Originally posted by miketouhy:
what does this have to do with Gordon Lightfoot?

Gordon Lightfoot is still recovering from a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Also at GL's age he will likely be in close contact with his cardiologist on a yearly basis, my own father certainly is despite his wish that they forget about him. http://www.corfid.com/ubb/smile.gif

If I remember correctly, though located in his abdomen, the aneurysm which ruptured lay between his pancreas and liver (I think) - not the aorta as originally believed. But that's why the discussion on AAA here.