Abdominal aortic aneurysm detection by common femoral artery Doppler ultrasound waveform analysis

Abstract

The aim of this research was to determine the effects of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) on blood flow patterns in the common femoral artery (CFA) and to determine the feasibility of detecting AAA by analysis of the CFA Doppler waveform. CFA Doppler waveforms were measured from 30 patients with AAA and 30 normal patients without significant atherosclerotic disease. On visual inspection of the CFA waveforms five features were noted, predominantly in the AAA group, as being different from a normal CFA waveform: (1) spectral broadening on the systolic down stroke; (2) transient velocity spikes on the systolic down stroke; (3) an irregular reverse flow pattern; (4) simultaneous forward and reverse flow; and (5) waveform elongation with the reverse flow component extending throughout diastole. Based on visual identification of these five features it was possible to predict AAA with 93% sensitivity and 70% specificity in patients without significant atherosclerotic disease.

Keywords:

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm
• Doppler
• Ultrasound

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Dr Nigel Gough for his assistance in the analysis of data.

Declaration of interest: Huntleigh Healthcare provided a grant towards the tuition fees for the PhD that formed part of this research.