Your doctor may order one or more tests to diagnose aortic aneurysm. The tests listed below create images that reveal the aneurysm's size, location, and severity.

  • Peripheral Vascular Studies

    These tests are ultrasounds of the veins and arteries in your body. It produces an image of your aorta using sound waves. During the study, a technician will take measurements across the length of your aorta to look for enlarged sections.

  • CT (Computerized Tomography)

    This test creates very detailed images of the structures in the body, including your heart and aorta. The CT scanner takes many pictures from different angles by rotating an X-ray tube around the body.

  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

    During an MRI, you lie in a chamber surrounded by a magnetic field. The magnetic force triggers signals from your body’s tissues that a computer then records. The computer uses these recordings to produce high-quality images of your heart and aorta.

  • Genetic Testing

    If aortic aneurysms run in your family, it is important to tell your doctor. There are several genetic disorders that can contribute to aortic disease, including Marfan syndrome and Loeys-Dietz Syndrome.

More About Tests for Aortic Aneurysm

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Peripheral Vascular Studies

Peripheral vascular studies use ultrasound to check for forms of vascular disease including carotid artery disease, peripheral artery disease, blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, and venous insufficiency.

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Cardiac CT

A cardiac CT scan (also called coronary CT angiogram, or CTA) uses CT technology and intravenous contrast material to create very detailed images of the heart and its blood vessels.

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Cardiac MRI

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (Cardiac MRI) is an MRI for your heart. It uses powerful magnets to create pictures of the heart and coronary arteries.

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Genetic Testing

Genetic testing is a blood test that looks for errors, or mutations, in your DNA and genes.