For medical history, aneurysm risk factors and family history of an aneurysm.
Aortic Aneurysm screen
This is a focussed assessment of the risk of having an aortic aneurysm – a ballooning of the aorta, which is the largest artery in the body. Screening is recommended by the age of 65 years in adults, and from the age of 50 years if there is a family history of an aneurysm. The screen includes:
- Ultrasound duplex scan of the aorta and iliac arteries
- Consultation with a senior consultant vascular surgeon
Aortic aneurysms are balloon-like bulges that occur in the aorta, the main artery carrying oxygen-rich blood to your body. The aorta has thick walls that stand up to normal blood pressure. However, certain medical problems, genetic conditions, and trauma can damage or weaken these walls. The force of blood pushing against the weakened or injured walls can cause an aneurysm. Aortic aneurysms can develop and grow before causing any symptoms. If the aortic aneurysm grows large, it can burst (rupture) or tear the wall of the artery (dissection), both of which can be life-threatening. The death rates from the rupture of an aneurysm are high, and early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the growth and prevent serious or life-threatening complications from a rupture or dissection.
Who is this screen for?
If you have never been screened for an aortic aneurysm or have had a first-degree family member (father, mother, brother or sister) who has been treated for or diagnosed with an aneurysm, then this screen is for you.
Vascular surgery societies recommend a 1-time ultrasonography screening for an abdominal aortic aneurysm in all men and women by the age of 65 years if they have a history of tobacco use, in men 55 years or older with a family history of an aortic aneurysm, and in women 60 years or older with a family history of an aortic aneurysm.
What tests does this screen contain?
Nurse assessment
Abdominal aorto-iliac and popliteal artery duplex ultrasound scan
For the presence of an aneurysm.
Consultation with a senior specialist vascular surgeon
To discuss results and develop a follow up plan if an aneurysm is detected.
How do I prepare for this screen and how long does it take?
- If you have booked this screen, you should have received instructions on what to expect on-email or phone. If not, please call the clinic at least 1 day before the screen on +65 64720503 during working hours to confirm the instructions.
- The screen is conducted over 2-3 hours. You will see the vascular surgeon for review usually on the same day, or sometimes on a second day if the schedule is busy for the surgeon.
- You will need to come in the morning of your screening day having fasted (without having had anything to eat, but can drink small amounts clear non-aerated fluids, coffee or tea without milk) for at least 6 hours.
- Please ensure that you take all your medication (except diabetic medication as you are fasting) as normal, including blood pressure medication or blood thinners etc with water as normal.
What can I expect on the screening day?
- You will first be registered for the screening.
- You will then have a nurse assessment and then proceed for the ultrasound duplex scan
- Following the scan, you can proceed to have a bite to eat and your diabetic medication as prescribed, whilst awaiting the preliminary scan report and the specialist’s consultation
- You will then have a specialist consultation with the senior vascular surgeon to discuss preliminary results and recommendations. We shall endeavour to schedule this the same day as soon as possible. A final report will be available for collection in a few days or will be e-mailed to you.
What if my screening detects a problem?
- We will give you a detailed report and recommendations in writing to take away.
- If screening results suggest you need further investigations or treatment, you will also be given a note for you to show your family doctor to make a formal referral to us. Further treatments or tests may not be covered by insurance if there is not a formal referral. We will, however, automatically enter you into our aneurysm follow-up programme.
- Your screening results and reports are NOT shared by us with your doctor or any third party including your insurers or employers. Sharing your report results with other doctors, insurers or employers is for you to do as you deem fit but is recommended.
How often is an Aortic aneurysm screen needed?
- An aneurysm screen is needed as a one-off screen only by the age of 65 years in all men and women without a family history of an aneurysm.
- We recommend that those with a family history of an aneurysm have a second screen 5 years later if no aneurysm is detected on the first screen. If the second screen is also negative, then no further screening is needed.
you are covered
We are on the panel with most insurers in Singapore and with many international insurers; We also offer convenient options for self-paying patients.
