Reliability and Accuracy of Physical Examination in Detection of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Abstract

Technologic advancement has provided earlier detection and confirmation of aortic aneurysms, fewer physicians seemingly relying on their clinical skills to diagnose abdominal aortic aneurysms. Of 145 infrarenal aortic aneurysms, analysis disclosed that less than 30% were clinically discovered on admission. Fifty-six aortic aneurysms were discovered incidentally, most often during an annual physical examination in the course of evaluation for another problem. Aneurysms measuring less than 4.5 cm were rarely discovered on physical examination. The majority of both clinically discovered and inci dental aneurysms ranged between 5.5 and 6.0 cm. Ultrasound identified most aneurysms. The size of an aneurysm did not appear to have a role in determining whether it was discovered clinically.