Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms using a dedicated portable ultrasound system: early results

Abstract

Aims Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are often diagnosed at time of (impending) rupture leading to a dramatic increase of morbidity and mortality. A simple screening device might be the key solution for widespread AAA screening. This study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of a new portable ultrasound scanner (Aortascan BVI 9600) developed for automatic AAA detection. Methods and results A total of 150 patients with presumed aneurysmatic peripheral atherosclerotic disease were included in the study. Patients were first scanned with conventional ultrasound (US), serving as reference technique. An infra-renal abdominal aorta diameter of 30 mm was defined as an AAA. Hereafter, the aorta was scanned using the Aortascan BVI 9600. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 15.0 statistical software. Abdominal aortic aneurysms were detected with conventional US in 78 (52%) patients, compared with 74 (49%) AAA's detected with Aortascan BVI 9600. The Aortascan BVI 9600 demonstrated a sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of 90, 94, 95, and 89%, respectively, in the detection of AAA's. Conclusion The Aortascan BVI 9600 automatically detects the aortic diameter with a 90% sensitivity without the need for a trained operator. Because of these unique capabilities, it can be used for AAA screening outside the hospital.

Fast Track Echo of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Using a Real Pocket‐Ultrasound Device at Bedside

“…7 The major reason is that ultrasound screening using standard devices is expensive, while requiring both special training and bulky equipment, which prevents its widespread use. Previous published studies have shown similar results with hand-held ultrasound systems, 14,15 however, our study is the first to have applied a true pocket device which can be used during the physical examination due to its limited size. 11 In practice, traditional AAA screening strategy with physical examination alone is applied, and coupled with abdominal aortic conventional ultrasound when abnormal.…”

“…13 The VSCAN exam was made at bedside, which was both time-saving and convenient for patients compared to conventional ultrasound exams. Previous published studies have shown similar results with hand-held ultrasound systems, 14,15 however, our study is the first to have applied a true pocket device which can be used during the physical examination due to its limited size. The prevalence of AAA in our study was 9%, which is the prevalence we could expect for a population of patients in which 86% displayed at least one cardiovascular risk factor and approximately 40% had a previous history of vascular disease.…”

EchoScopy in scanning abdominal diseases; a prospective single center study

“…[50-53]; detection of complications after biopsy and treatment procedures [54][55][56][57][58]; diffuse liver disease (liver cirrhosis and fatty liver, defined by the detection of focal fatty sparing) [49,59]; 2) biliary system: detection of gall bladder stones, sludge or neoplasia; measurement of bile duct diameter (normal: <6 mm, after cholecystectomy <10 mm) [60]; cholecystitis; 3) pancreas: detection of focal lesions; diffuse parenchymal disorders with pancreatic duct pathology; 3) spleen: splenomegaly (size); lesion detection; lesion characterization; 4) kidney: detection of hydronephrosis; lesion detection including typical cyst; nephrolithiasis >5 mm; 5) aorta and inferior vena cava: abdominal aortic aneurysm [15,18,23,37,[61][62][63][64]; inferior vena cava evaluation [28,36,64]; 6) peritoneal cavity: detection of ascites [4,17,23,35]; guiding abdominal paracentesis [57,58,65,66].…”

Can We Predict Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Progression and Rupture by Non-Invasive Imaging?—A Systematic Review

“…It is non-invasive, easily available, cost effective and modern portable scanners allow community based screening and surveillance. Recent advances include devices that automatically detect the aortic diameter with a 90% sensitivity without the need for a trained operator [28]. Ultrasound tends to measure AAA diameter slightly smaller than CT scan [29].…”

“…The preliminary findings from an observational longi- [23] Routine CT scan for AAA (not done to measure PWS) 30 (AAA < 5.5 cm) patient specific 3D/validated isotropic nonlinear hyperelastic material model [28][29][30][31]  Aim was to assess PWS at maximal systolic blood pressure as a promising technique to detect aneurysm rupture risk.  PWS analysis in asymptomatic, symptomatic and ruptured AAA (10 patients per group).…”