Aortic Aneurysm Essay

Conclusion Abdominal aortic aneurysm is a common and potentially fatal disease affecting mostly men over the age of 60 years old. An abnormal enlargement of the abdominal aorta, AAA has been called the “silent killer” disease due to its asymptomatic findings. Fortunately with the use of radiologic imaging, AAA can be detected, monitored, and treated. The combination of radiographs, ultrasound, CT, MRI, and angiography allow for the management and treatment of AAA. Computed tomography is the preferred imaging modality used for AAA detection, pre-operative imaging, and post-operative imaging. CT techniques such as CTA and 3-D reconstruction imaging allow for accurate measurement of AAA to nearby structures, detect the presence of a thrombus, calcifications, or hemorrhage, and identify underlying pathology that may obstruct AAA repair
Moreover, CTA provides viable results for endoleak detection used for postoperative imaging. Ultrasound is another heavily preferred imaging modality used for screening and surveillance of AAA due its many benefits such as accuracy, low cost, and no radiation dose. Continued advances in technology and medical imaging allow for a more accurate detection and treatment of AAA. From my research I can conclude that plain radiographs have become less sensitive in detecting an abdominal aneurysm and have been replaced by CT. Also MRA performed for preoperative imaging and endoleak detection will gradually be dominated by CTA. However MRA may potentially replace DSA for classifying endoleaks because MRA is less invasive and pose no radiation dose to the patient. In addition to the importance of diagnostic imaging for accurate detection and measurement of AAA, patient education and lifestyle modification is essential in the treatment and