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Cardiolucent

Procedure

Abdominal aortic ultrasound

Diagnostics & Exams

Abdominal aortic ultrasound is a painless, radiation-free screening study that measures the size and shape of the abdominal aorta — the large artery running from the heart through the abdomen — to detect an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) before it becomes dangerous. Most aneurysms cause no symptoms until they are at or near rupture, so a single 15-minute scan is one of the highest-yield tests in preventive cardiology for the right patient. Dr. Kedan recommends screening for men 65 and older with any smoking history, women with smoking or strong cardiovascular risk profiles, anyone with a first-degree relative who had an aneurysm, and patients with longstanding hypertension or known atherosclerosis elsewhere.

What's Included

  • Non-invasive ultrasound measurement of the abdominal aorta
  • Detection of aortic aneurysm and dilation
  • Plaque and wall-character assessment
  • Risk stratification for aneurysm progression
  • Same-day review of measurements with Dr. Kedan
  • Surveillance schedule for any identified aneurysm
  • Referral coordination with vascular surgery at Cedars-Sinai if needed

How It's Performed

The scan is performed in our Beverly Hills office. You lie comfortably on your back while the sonographer applies water-based gel to the abdomen and moves the ultrasound probe across several positions to capture clean views of the aorta from the diaphragm to its branching at the pelvis. You may feel firm pressure as the probe is angled to image around bowel gas, but there are no needles, no radiation, and no contrast. Plan on about 15 to 30 minutes in the exam room.

How to Prepare

  • Fast for approximately 8 hours before the scan — food and bowel gas can obscure the aorta.
  • Water is fine, and most medications can be taken with a small sip.
  • Wear loose clothing that allows easy access to the abdomen.
  • Bring a list of current medications and any prior abdominal imaging reports.
  • Avoid carbonated drinks the morning of the study.

What to Expect After

There is no recovery — you can eat, drive, and resume normal activity immediately. Dr. Kedan reviews the measurements with you the same day, walks through what they mean for your individual risk, and outlines either a future screening interval or a clear surveillance plan before you leave. Because ultrasound is radiation-free and contrast-free, it can be safely repeated as often as surveillance requires.

Indications

  • Men aged 65 and older with any smoking history
  • Women with smoking history or strong cardiovascular risk profile
  • First-degree relative with an aortic aneurysm
  • Longstanding hypertension
  • Known atherosclerosis in coronary, carotid, or peripheral vessels
  • Connective tissue disorders affecting the aorta
  • Surveillance of a previously identified small aneurysm

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an abdominal aortic ultrasound?
It's a painless, non-invasive scan that uses ultrasound waves to measure the size and shape of your abdominal aorta — the large artery that runs from the heart down through the abdomen, supplying blood to the lower body. Its primary purpose is to detect an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA): a weakening and enlargement of the artery wall that can be silent for years but life-threatening if it ruptures.
Why is this screening important?
Most aortic aneurysms cause no symptoms until they're at or near rupture, which is often a catastrophic event. Detecting an aneurysm early — when it's small and stable — allows us to monitor it, modify risk factors, and intervene electively long before it becomes dangerous. For patients in the right risk group, this single 15-minute test is one of the highest-yield screenings in preventive cardiology.
Who should be screened?
Dr. Kedan typically recommends screening for men aged 65 and older with any smoking history, women with smoking or strong cardiovascular risk profiles, and anyone with a first-degree relative who had an aortic aneurysm. Patients with longstanding hypertension, known atherosclerosis elsewhere, or connective tissue disorders are also good candidates.
How do I prepare for the test?
We ask that you fast for approximately 8 hours before the scan, because food and gas in the stomach and bowel can obscure the view of the aorta. Water is fine, and most medications can be taken with a small sip. Wear loose clothing that allows easy access to the abdomen.
Is the scan uncomfortable?
No. Ultrasound gel is applied to the abdomen, and the probe is moved across several positions while you lie on your back. You may feel firm pressure as the sonographer angles the probe to get clean views of the aorta. There are no needles, no radiation, and no recovery time.
How long does the scan take?
Plan on about 15 to 30 minutes in the exam room. Aortic imaging is generally quicker than a full echocardiogram because the focus is on a single vessel.
What happens if an aneurysm is found?
Small aneurysms (under about 4 cm) are monitored with surveillance ultrasounds at scheduled intervals and aggressive control of blood pressure, lipids, and smoking. Mid-size aneurysms are watched more closely. Larger or rapidly expanding aneurysms prompt referral to a vascular surgeon — typically at Cedars-Sinai — for evaluation of elective repair, which is far safer than emergent surgery.
Are there any risks to the test itself?
None. Ultrasound is radiation-free and contrast-free, and the scan can be safely repeated as often as surveillance requires.
When will I get my results?
Dr. Kedan reviews the measurements with you the same day and explains exactly what they mean for your individual risk profile. If the aorta is normal, we'll discuss whether and when a future screening makes sense; if anything is identified, we'll outline a clear surveillance or referral plan before you leave.
Is the test covered by insurance?
Cardiolucent does not accept Medicare or insurance and bills patients directly. We provide a detailed superbill that you can submit to your insurance carrier for out-of-network reimbursement. If you'd like to discuss whether aortic screening is appropriate for you, call (310) 304-5555.

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Medical Disclaimer

The information on this site is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this site does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance. If this is an emergency, call 911. Mentions of medications, devices, or procedures are informational and not endorsements. Full medical disclaimer.

†Some listed indications involve investigational/off-label use. Learn more.