Aorta-Iliac Artery Duplex
Ultrasound is used to directly image the abdominal aorta to help the interpreting physician determine if the aorta has dissected (the inner arterial wall layer has separated from the wall), or if an aneurysm may exist and may have ruptured. Aneurysms are non-symptomatic unless they rupture. An aneurysm of the aorta predisposes the common iliac and femoral artery branches to have aneurysms as well.
Indications for this exam: Known heart and arterial disease, smoking, obesity, > 65 years of age and male, sudden burning pain in the middle of the back, pre-kidney transplant work-up.