Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound

Abdominal aortic ultrasound — also called abdominal aortic sonogram — is a noninvasive, painless imaging test that uses sound waves to create images of your abdominal aorta, the major artery supplying blood to your lower body. It is typically performed to check for issues with your abdominal aorta, such as a bulge in your artery known as an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

UPMC experts provide advanced ultrasound imaging services using the latest technology to diagnose abdominal aortic conditions, including abdominal aortic aneurysms.

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What Is Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound?

Abdominal aortic ultrasound — also called abdominal aortic sonogram — is a noninvasive, painless imaging test that uses sound waves to create images of your abdominal aorta, the major artery supplying blood to your lower body. It is typically performed to check for issues with your abdominal aorta, such as a bulge in your artery known as an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

Conditions we diagnose with abdominal aortic ultrasound

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm.
• Abdominal aortic branch occlusion.
• Aortic dissection.
• Aortic rupture.

Why Would I Need Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound?

Your doctor may order an abdominal aortic ultrasound if:

• You have belly pain or low back pain.
• Your doctor felt a pulsation in your belly during a physical exam.
• Your doctor felt an enlargement of this artery on a physical exam; the sonogram will check the size of the blood vessel.

Abdominal aortic ultrasound can also be used to screen for abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Is abdominal aortic ultrasound right for me?

Your doctor will let you know if abdominal aortic ultrasound is right for you based on your symptoms, family history, and other medical conditions.

Alternatives to abdominal aortic ultrasound

• Computed tomography (CT) scan.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

What Are the Risks and Complications of Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound?

There are no risks associated with abdominal aortic ultrasound.

What Should I Expect From Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound?

Before: How to prepare for abdominal aortic ultrasound

You may not eat or drink anything for eight to 10 hours before your abdominal aortic ultrasound.

Why do you have to fast for an abdominal aortic ultrasound?

Food in your stomach or intestine could block the view of your aorta.

How long does an abdominal aortic ultrasound take?

An abdominal aortic ultrasound test takes 30 minutes or less.

During your abdominal aortic ultrasound

Abdominal aortic ultrasound is a painless, noninvasive imaging test, so you will not need any type of anesthesia. The test does not use radiation.

During the test, your care team will:

• Ask you to lie on an exam table.
• Apply warm gel to your abdomen to help sound waves enter and exit your body.
• Move a handheld probe called a transducer over your abdomen. The transducer sends sound waves into your body, which bounce off organs and other structures. The transducer receives these sound waves and transmits them to a computer, turning them into images of your aorta and other structures.
• Take measurements based on the images seen on the computer screen. Your doctor will review these images, make a diagnosis, and recommend additional treatment if needed.

Recovery after abdominal aortic ultrasound

You can resume your normal activities immediately after your abdominal aortic ultrasound.

When to call your doctor about complications

You should not experience any complications after your abdominal aortic ultrasound. However, if symptoms continue or become severe, you should dial 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Why Choose UPMC for Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound?

When you choose UPMC for abdominal aortic ultrasound care, you will receive:

• Access to advanced imaging technology — Our experts use the latest imaging technology to quickly and accurately diagnose a full range of health conditions.
• Convenient imaging services — Imaging appointments are available at multiple locations with hours that fit your schedule.
• Multidisciplinary care — We partner with vascular surgeons and other medical experts to screen for and diagnose all types of aortic conditions.

By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2025-08-28.