title: Measuring the maximum diameter of native abdominal aortic aneurysms: review and critical analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Maximum diameter is a determinant parameter for the clinical management of asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). However, its measurement is not standardised. We review the different methods used to measure AAA maximum diameter, with ultrasound (US) or computed tomography (CT).
  
  
  METHODS
  A review of maximum diameter measurement methods with US and CT was performed, focussing on screening, surveillance before repair and decision for intervention. Diameter measurement methodology was described according to four parameters: plane of acquisition, axis of measurement, position of callipers and selected diameter. A quality score to evaluate methodology descriptions was defined (plane, axis, callipers placement and selected diameter), ranging from 0 (worst) to 4 (best).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Review showed a wide range of definitions and practices. The mean value of the quality score was 2.52 in screening studies, 1.66 in guidelines for screening, 2.81 in follow-up studies and 1.63 in studies describing decision for intervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  To improve the efficiency of AAA management (in screening programmes, follow-up and decision for intervention), and enable comparison between future studies, a standardised methodology for AAA maximum diameter measurement is necessary. Until such a consensus is reached, publications should at least clearly report the method of measurement.
authors.affiliation: Vascular Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Reims, Reims, France. along@chu-reims.fr
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Long
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rouet
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Lindholt
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Allaire
mesh_terms: D001012:Aorta, Abdominal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001837:Body Weights and Measures; D006801:Humans; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography