Background:
A regular transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) performed routinely for all patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome at our cardiac care unit (CCU). Previous studies have suggested that the probe used during TTE may be adequate for the detection and measurements of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) using quick screen at sub costal view. Patients with ACS represent a high risk group in which screening for another atherosclerotic involvement is recommended but often neglected.
Aim:
To evaluate the feasibility and prevalence of AAA screening by a portable echo machine in patients admitted to coronary care unit with ACS.
Methods:
Scanning of abdominal aorta was performed at bedside using a portable echo machine with 2.5 MHZ cardiac probe. The entire abdominal aorta was visualized in the transverse and longitudinal planes at sub costal view while the patient lying supine. Measurements of the abdominal aortic diameter were done bedside at the end of TTE examination in consecutive patients with ACS. Aortic aneurysm was defined by a diameter of ≥ 30mm.
Results:
We prospectively enrolled 71 patients (Age 58 ±9 years, 88% male). Measurement of the abdominal aortic diameter was feasible in 86% (61 of 71 patients) and the duration of screening was 4±1min.Abdominal aortic aneurysm was observed in 6 patients 8% increased with age (12 % after 65y).Mean aortic diameter among patients with AAA was 34 ± 3 mm. No AAA was diagnosed in patients less than 43 years.
Conclusions:
The prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm was 8% in patients with ACS, higher than expected in the general population and increased with age. Screening for AAA during TTE may be of value in old patients admitted with ACS in coronary care units and this high risk group should be followed closely with serial studies.
