Pitfalls

There are many pitfalls in AAA scanning, predominantly by not assessing the patient clinically.

Be wary of diagnosing ‘renal colic’ or musculoskeletal back pain in any patient over 60 years of age without first excluding AAA. Any patient, presenting with renal colic in this age group, should have an ultrasound scan to ensure that the aorta is non-aneurysmal.

Do not exclude an AAA unless the whole abdominal aorta and proximal iliac arteries have been visualised.

At all times think about the history and context, and ensure you are attempting to answer a legitimate question.

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