Vascular Ultrasound Assessment of Abdominal Aortic Diameter and Prevalence of Infrarenal Aortic Aneurysm in Individuals Aged 60 Years and Above.

Abstract

Background: Vascular ultrasound evaluation of the abdominal aorta is a simple and efficient technique for assessing the morphology and size of the abdominal aorta, as well as for identifying infrarenal aortic aneurysms, a potential condition with significant mortality.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the diameter and morphology of abdominal aorta in a community-based population using vascular ultrasound and to determine the prevalence of infrarenal aortic aneurysms.

Methods: A randomized sample of individuals aged 60 years and above was recruited from several provinces. Abdominal aortic diameters were measured using vascular ultrasound according to established international guidelines.

Results: 810 individuals were enrolled in the study, of whom 40.2% were male, with a mean age of 70.9 ± 7.56 years. The mean infrarenal abdominal aortic diameter was 18.2 ± 2.93 mm in men and 16.3 ± 1.87 mm in women (p < 0.001). A significant increase in aortic diameter was observed with advancing age. Age, male sex, body surface area, and current smoking status were significant predictors of infrarenal aortic diameter.

Conclusion: In this population-based survey, the mean infrarenal abdominal aortic diameter was 18.2 ± 2.93 mm in men and 16.3 ± 1.87 mm in women, with an infrarenal aortic aneurysm prevalence of 0.12%. Further population-based studies with a bigger sample and extended follow-up are necessary to investigate further the aortic morphologies predisposing to later aneurysm.