Ultrasonic evaluation of pulsatile abdominal masses
T. H. Shawker and A. D. Steinfeld
Gray scale ultrasound B-mode scanning provides a rapid and safe method for
evaluating the origin of a pulsatile midline abdominal mass. In those
patients who do not have an aortic aneurysm, ultrasound will frequently
provide another explanation. Tortuous aortas, pancreatic pseudocysts,
metastatic cancers, lymphomas, and low-lying livers may all present as
pulsatile masses clinically mimicking an aortic aneurysm. Visualization of
the para-aortic soft tissues as well as the aorta allows these conditions
to be distinguished by abdominal ultrasound.
