Aorta Protocol

This protocol includes images of the aorta and common iliac arteries
You must always evaluate the entire vessel first before you store an image
You should understand completely why you stored the image and identify everything in
the image

Organ/ Scan Label Key Landmarks Identified

Order Plane
Proximal aorta
AO SAG
Celiac axis
PROX
SMA
Proximal aorta
AO SAG Celiac axis
PROX SMA
Measure AP diameter above the celiac axis
Mid aorta
AO SAG MID
SMA
Aorta Sagittal
Mid aorta
AO SAG MID SMA
Measure AP diameter below the SMA
AO SAG Distal aorta as it tapers into bifurcation
DIST o Include either right or left iliac artery
Distal aorta as it tapers into bifurcation
AO SAG o Include either right or left iliac artery
DIST Measure AP diameter above the bifurcation of the
iliac artery visualized
RT ILIAC Distal aorta
Right
SAG Proximal right iliac artery
Commo
Sagittal Distal aorta
n Iliac RT ILIAC
Proximal right iliac artery
Artery SAG
Measure AP diameter
Distal aorta
Left LT ILIAC SAG
Proximal left iliac artery
Commo
Sagittal Distal aorta
n Iliac
LT ILIAC SAG Proximal left iliac artery
Artery
Measure AP diameter
Proximal aorta
AO TX PROX
o Note: Celiac artery then move superiorly
Transvers Mid aorta
Aorta AO TX MID
e Renal arteries
Distal aorta
AO TX DIST
o Note: Just superior to bifurcation
Commo Right iliac artery
Transvers ILIAC BIF
n Iliac Left iliac artery
e TX
Arteries

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 Aorta Protocol

Normal Measurement Ranges

Structure Area of Plane Measureme Comments

Interest nt
Aorta Proximal Sagittal 3 cm or less Measured in AP dimension
Measurements taken perpendicular
to the axis of the lumen
Mid 2.0-2.5 cm Calipers placed on outer edges of
walls so that walls are included in
Distal 1.5-2.0 cm the measurement
Iliac Artery Proximal 1.5 cm or Aorta should taper as you move
(Right and less distally
Left) Additional measurements are
performed if abnormalities are
suspected

Common Laboratory Values to be Reviewed prior to Examination

Lab Value Organ Level Indication or Association

Hematocrit Aorta Decreased Aortic rupture, bleeding, hemorrhage,
etc.

Color and Spectral Doppler

o May be used to assess patency and document flow disturbances
o Color should be free of aliasing and extend to vessel walls
o High resistive spectral tracing
Biphasic above the renal arteries
Triphasic below the renal arteries
Angle correct should be 60 degrees or less
PSV range from 60-100 cm/s above the renal arteries, with slightly lower
velocities below the renal arteries

Pathology Seen
o Gray scale sagittal and transverse images
o If aneurysm suspected
Measure transverse aorta from outer wall to outer wall (this measurement is
perpendicular to your AP measurement)
Document location in relation to renal and iliac arteries
Use color Doppler to assess thrombus formation
Use spectral Doppler to show patency
o If dissection suspected
Demonstrate beginning and end of intimal flap (may not be able to follow it all
the way superiorly if it originated in thoracic aorta)
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 Demonstrate any branch vessel involvement
Use color and spectral Doppler to document true and false lumens

Image
Image 21
Liver
Liver SagTXMPV

RightAnterior liver with

lobe sagittal with main
diaphragm
portal vein

AK\backup\Abdomen I\Protocols