Aneurysms are often diagnosed by chance during exams or tests done for other reasons. In some cases, they are found during a screening test for aneurysms. Screening tests help your doctor look for a condition before symptoms appear.

Screening for aortic aneurysms

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a screening ultrasound test for abdominal aneurysms for men ages 65 to 75 who have ever smoked.

Some doctors think that other groups should be screened too. Talk to your doctor about whether the benefits of screening would outweigh the risks in your case.

Experts recommend screening tests for a thoracic aneurysm for anyone who has a close relative who's had a thoracic aortic aneurysm.

Diagnosing aortic aneurysms

Sometimes an abdominal aneurysm is felt during a routine physical exam. If your doctor thinks you might have an aortic aneurysm, he or she may:

Do a physical exam.

As part of a physical exam, your doctor might:

• Listen to your heart to check for blood flow problems.
• Check your legs and feet.

Ask about your medical history.

Your doctor may ask questions such as:

• Do you have symptoms? When did they start?
• Do you smoke?
• Do you have other diseases, such as high blood pressure?
• Do you have a family member who has had an aortic aneurysm?
• Have you had a chest injury recently?

Do imaging tests.

You might have imaging tests to:

• Pinpoint the location of the aneurysm.
• Estimate its size and how fast it is growing.
• Find out if other blood vessels are involved.
• Look for blood clots or inflammation.

Imaging tests

These tests include:

Abdominal ultrasound.

Ultrasounds help your doctor check the size of the aneurysm.

CT scan and MRA.

Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) are used if the doctor needs a more detailed view than an ultrasound provides. This is important when information is needed about the aneurysm's relation to the blood vessels of the kidney or other organs. Your doctor needs this information especially before surgery. CT is used to watch the growth of a thoracic aortic aneurysm.

Echocardiogram.

This is an ultrasound used to study the heart. To diagnose a thoracic aortic aneurysm, you might have one of these:

• Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE)
• Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)

Angiogram.

An angiogram can help your doctor know:

• The size of the aneurysm.
• If there are aortic dissections or blood clots.
• If other blood vessels are involved.

Follow-up testing

One of the most important goals of testing is to estimate the risk that an aneurysm may burst, or rupture. The risk of rupture is compared to the risks of surgery. Tests such as abdominal ultrasound can be used to closely follow any change in the aneurysm and help measure the risk for rupture.

• If the aneurysm is large, you may need an ultrasound every 6 to 12 months.
• If the aneurysm is small, you may need an ultrasound every 2 to 3 years.

There may be other things that determine how often you should get an ultrasound.