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Most abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) do not have any symptoms. They are usually detected during the course of tests for other conditions, or they are detected during routine check-ups after the physician finds a pulsing mass in the abdomen. Detecting an AAA before it ruptures is extremely important. Tests that may detect AAA include:
- Ultrasound of the abdominal aorta. This painless test uses sound waves to visualize the structures and functions of the aorta. Ultrasound is extremely effective at detecting AAAs. For this reason, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that anyone aged 65 to 75 who has ever smoked undergo a one-time ultrasound screening for AAA.
- CAT scan (computed axial tomography scan). A highly accurate test that uses both x-rays and a contrast medium. In addition to diagnosing AAA, it is often the main test used to plan the repair of the AAA through either open operation or endovascular repair.
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). A test that provides images very similar to a CAT scan but does not use x-rays or the x-ray contrast medium, instead relying on magnets to produce an image of the aorta.
- Aortogram. This test is an arteriogram of the aorta. It is frequently used before and during the repair of AAA. It involves injecting x-ray contrast medium directly into the aorta through a catheter placed into the femoral artery (the artery at the groin level).
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