The accuracy of combined physical examination and ultrasonography for the detection of abdominal aorta aneurysm

Vol. 49 No. 4, 2008

ROMANIAN JOURNAL of MORPHOLOGY and EMBRYOLOGY

Doina Cârstea, Letitia Adela Maria Streba, Adina Glodeanu, A. P. Cârstea, Mihaela Vancu, Ana-Maria Ninulescu

Atherosclerosis is the most frequent cause in the appearance of an abdominal aorta aneurysm (AAA) and plays an important role in his development. Most AAA does not cause any symptoms, especially when talking about elderly patients, however, many of those aneurysms can be detected during physical examination. Their detection is very important because the natural evolution and the major reason in treating AAA is their tendency to rupture. We present the case of an adult man with a complex clinical pathology, but not related to the AAA. The diagnosis of the AAA has been suspicion through palpation, and the abdominal ultrasound exam confirmed it. This case is particular interesting, as the AAA requires surgical intervention, while patient's health status was poor. An essential issue is establishing the importance of the AAA screening, when there are no symptoms present. For now, there are not satisfactory studies to be used as a guide.

Corresponding author: Doina Cârstea, MD, PhD, e-mail: dag_carstea@yahoo.com

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