Abdominal ultrasound
About this test
An abdominal ultrasound is a medical imaging test that uses sound waves to see inside the belly area, also called the abdomen. It's the preferred screening test for abdominal aortic aneurysm. But the test may be used to diagnose or rule out many other health conditions. An abdominal aortic aneurysm, or aortic aneurysm, is an enlarged area in the lower part of the body's main artery, called the aorta. Healthcare professionals recommend an abdominal ultrasound to screen for aortic aneurysm in men ages 65 to 75 who smoke or used to smoke.
Why it's done
An abdominal ultrasound is done to see the blood vessels and organs in the belly area. Your healthcare professional may suggest this test if you have a condition affecting any of these body areas: Blood vessels in the abdomen. Gallbladder. Intestines. Kidneys. Liver. Pancreas. Spleen. For instance, an abdominal ultrasound can help show the cause of stomach pain or bloating. An abdominal ultrasound can check for: Kidney stones. Liver disease. Tumors and many other conditions. Your healthcare professional may recommend this test if you're at risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Risks and complications
There are no known risks. Abdominal ultrasound is a safe, painless procedure. But you may have some brief discomfort if the healthcare professional presses on an area that is sore or tender.
How to prepare
Your healthcare professional or a member of the healthcare team in a radiology department tells you what you need to do. Most often, you need to not eat or drink for 8 to 12 hours before an abdominal ultrasound. This is called fasting. Fasting helps prevent gas buildup in the belly area, which could affect the results. Ask a member of your healthcare team if it's OK to drink water before the test. Don't stop taking any medicines unless you're told to do so.
Understanding your results
After an abdominal ultrasound, your healthcare professional shares the results with you at a follow-up visit. Or you may get a call with the results. If the ultrasound test didn't show an aneurysm, you usually don't need other screenings to rule out an abdominal aneurysm. If the ultrasound was meant to rule out other health concerns, you may need more tests. If the test shows an aortic aneurysm or other health concern, you and your healthcare team discuss a treatment plan. Treatment for an abdominal aortic aneurysm may include regular health checkups, also called watchful waiting, or surgery.
Disclaimer: August is a health information platform and its responses don't constitute medical advise. Always consult with a licenced medical professional near you before making any changes.