Abdominal aortic aneurysms assessment

A complete history and physical examination should assess (1) presence or absence of cardiovascular risk factors or definite cardiovascular disease in the individual (2) family history of premature cardiovascular disease or lipid disorders (3) presence or absence of secondary causes of hyperlipidemia, including concurrent medications and (4) presence or absence of xanthomas, abdominal pain, or history of pancreatitis, renal or liver disease, peripheral vascular disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, or cerebral vascular disease (carotid bruits, stroke, or transient ischemic attack). 

In the abdominal aorta, an aneurysm (AAA) is defined by a maximal diameter of >3 cm. CTA and MRA are appropriate examinations for diagnosis and clinical monitoring of abdominal aortic aneurysms. CTA or MRA can assess the form and extension of the aneurysm, as well as the relative position of originating arteries more exactly than with ultrasound. Additionally, CTA allows an exact and reproducible measurement of the aortic... 

Compared with other screening methods, CTC has the further advantage of the assessment of extracolonic organs. It may be considered a benefit in particular for the detection of unsuspected abdominal aortic aneurysm, which makes the method even more cost-effective than without the detection of extracolonic findings (Hassan et al. 2008). 

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