Routine screening for unsuspected aortic aneurysms in patients after myocardial revascularization: a prospective study.
Ultrasonography of the abdominal aorta was routinely performed in a consecutive series of 100 patients during postoperative reconvalescence after myocardial revascularization. The mean aortic diameter was greater in the male series (n = 80) then in the female population (n = 20) (2.17 +/- 0.85 cm vs 1.6 +/- 0.3 cm). Abnormalities were only seen in male patients over 50 years of age (n = 65). The overall incidence of aneurysm greater than or equal to 4 cm was 6%. The incidence of aortas at least 3 cm was 7/65 (11%). It is suggested that the incidence of unsuspected aortic aneurysm in this subgroup is high enough to justify continued screening programmes by ultrasound.
Nevelsteen
A
A
Department of Vascular Surgery, University Clinic, Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium.
Kim
Y
Y
Meersman
A
A
Suy
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001012:Aorta, Abdominal; D001014:Aortic Aneurysm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control; D001019:Aortic Rupture / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D009204:Myocardial Revascularization / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography