Throughout each examination, the sonographer or examiner should:

• Observe the sonographic characteristics of the normal and abnormal tissues, structures, and blood flow to allow necessary adjustments to optimize exam quality
• Analyze sonographic findings to ensure that sufficient data is provided to the physician to render a final diagnosis
• Sweep through the native abdominal aorta with 2-D ultrasound from the level of the diaphragm through the common iliac artery bifurcation in the transverse plane to evaluate
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  • Proximal abdominal aorta
  • Mid abdominal aorta
  • Distal abdominal aorta
  • Common iliac artery bifurcation

Normal Exam:

• Minimum of one transverse image (defined as perpendicular to the long axis of the aorta) with the single widest outer wall to outer wall diameter measurement.

Suspected Abnormal Exam:

• Minimum of one transverse image (defined as perpendicular to the long axis of the aorta) with the single widest outer wall to outer wall diameter measurement.
• One transverse image (defined as perpendicular to the long axis of the aorta) with the single widest outer wall to outer wall diameter measurement of a non-dilated segment for comparison.
• Additional images may be taken per facility protocol