Ultrasound of the Aorta

Your doctor may recommend you have an ultrasound of the aorta if you're at risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Aortic ultrasound screens for a potential abdominal aortic aneurysm, an enlargement or ballooning of the large artery that supplies blood to the abdomen, pelvis and legs.

Risk factors for abdominal aortic aneurysm include:

Being Male Age of 60 years or older A history of atherosclerosis-a thickening of the walls of your arteries A family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm Smoking High blood pressure (a systolic pressure of 140 to 159 millimeters of mercury or mm Hg, and a diastolic pressure of 90 to 99 mm Hg An aneurysm in one of your other arteries Chronic lung disease

Food and liquids in your stomach can make it difficult for the ultrasound technician (sonographer) to get a clear picture of your aorta. Fasting instructions will be given before the exam.
1. DAY BEFORE EXAMINATION: Clear liquids at noon and evening meals. Eat no solid foods. Drink four 8-ounce glasses of water between 1:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
2. At 5:00 p.m., drink one bottle (10 ounces) of Citrate of Magnesia.
3. At 8:00 p.m., take two Biscodyl (Dulcolax) pills.
4. Nothing to eat or drink after midnight (may take medications with water at anytime).