Ultrasound imaging is a noninvasive and immediate tool used to visualize tissues; however, unlike X-Rays it does not penetrate bone structures.
Many individuals unfamiliar with ultrasound may be confused by its terminology; their first time going for an ultrasound scan may feel like reading hieroglyphics!
Definition
New mothers may feel anxious when receiving their first ultrasound, and its meaning can often seem incomprehensible. AO scans provide relief; unlike traditional ultrasounds, they combine over 120,000 frequencies to find and identify “biomarkers”, providing vital clues into health conditions that might not otherwise be apparent through an ultrasound alone.
The Aorta is often the site for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Measuring them accurately can be challenging due to variations in anatomy as well as sonography equipment limitations.
An amateur sonographer might mistakenly identify the spinal canal as the aorta if their monitor is set at an inappropriate depth (Figure 5). Knowing anatomy and making adjustments accordingly should prevent such errors from happening.
One error that can easily occur, particularly with thin patients, is failing to accurately identify and measure LA:Ao in a lateral paralumbar view. For this measurement, the transducer should be placed caudal to the left 13th rib and angled cranially so as to visualize the left kidney; then CVC and aorta diameters can be visualized parallel with each other before being measured perpendicularly to vessel walls.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing aortic conditions such as abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and dissection can be challenging when symptoms are not immediately visible, making diagnosis all the more critical when they can lead to fatality (Kent). Point-of-care ultrasound can be a useful tool in this regard when used properly for rapid diagnosis.
Point-of-care ultrasound does have some restrictions and must be performed carefully when diagnosing high-risk vascular emergencies such as aortic diseases. Novice sonographers may misidentify thin patients’ aorta by obtaining images at inappropriate depth (Figure 5). Knowledge of anatomy and setting the probe to the proper depth are ways to avoid operator error in this scenario.
Point-of-care ultrasound alone may not be sufficient to detect all features of aortic disease, including mural thrombus formation; thus other diagnostic modalities should be utilized when evaluating patients suspected of having aortic disease in order to reach a definitive diagnosis. Notwithstanding these limitations, point-of-care ultrasound remains an invaluable diagnostic tool that should form part of any clinician’s arsenal.
Treatment
An AO scan is a noninvasive, painless technique that utilizes biofeedback from your body to locate areas with low energy. While ultrasounds only capture images through bone structures, frequency optimization allows the AO scanner to see deeper into organ layers as well as measure biomarkers within your system – the results from which will then be used by physicians for developing treatment plans based on this scan.
Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) can assist in quickly diagnosing high-risk vascular emergencies such as abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and aortic dissection – potentially life-threatening conditions, with nonspecific symptoms that are difficult to distinguish from one another – quickly. A speedy diagnosis is essential. POCUS allows medical providers to quickly identify these conditions accurately.
Point-of-care ultrasound allows physicians to image the aortic arch (Ao) using a transverse short-axis view with a high frequency ultrasound transducer placed over the occiput. Imaging typically occurs while lying supine; however, certain patients may require testing with them lying prone for optimal results.
Radiologists can then interpret and provide their interpretation. If an aortic arch is narrow or dilated, medications and physical therapy may help treat its condition; in more serious cases, surgery may be recommended which involves resecting or fusing bone ends together.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and conduct a physical exam to check for past injuries and listen to how the joint moves. They may even suggest corticosteroid injections to decrease inflammation and swelling.
Arthritis is one of the leading causes of Ao, with it most frequently impacting those over 50 and women who participate in physically demanding activities, like tennis or running. Without treatment, Ao may worsen over time and lead to significant disability; furthermore it may even be associated with certain diseases or illnesses, including coronary artery disease.
