Scanning & Protocols
1.0.A.III — Primary Positioning
What is the primary patient position for an abdominal aorta ultrasound?
supine
2.0.A.I Which major artery travels through the abdomen and divides into the common iliac arteries?
Abdominal aorta
1.0.C.II — Abdominal Aorta Measurements
Question: What abdominal aortic diameter is considered aneurysmal?
> 3cm
3.0.1 What condition is a permanent localized dilation of the abdominal aorta?
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
3.0.4 What Doppler waveform is commonly seen at the neck of a pseudoaneurysm?
To-and-fro waveform
1.0.A.II — Patient Preparation Rationale
Why might a patient fast before an abdominal vascular ultrasound?
To reduce bowel gas and improve visualization.
2.0.A.I Which major vein lies to the right of the abdominal aorta?
IVC
2.0.A.I — Abdominal Aorta Origin & Course
Question: At which vertebral level does the abdominal aorta usually bifurcate?
L4
3.0.5 What pathology produces a flap separating true and false vascular lumens?
Aortic dissection
3.0.19 What are the three classic ultrasound features of a simple cyst?
Anechoic, thin smooth wall, posterior acoustic enhancement
1.0.C.I — Transducer Selection & Frequency Tuning
What transducer is commonly used for deep abdominal vascular imaging?
Low-frequency curvilinear transducer, often 2–5 MHz.
2.0.A.I Which three arteries arise from the celiac trunk?
Common hepatic, splenic, and left gastric arteries.
(Seagull Sign)
1.0.C.III — Caliper Placement & Measurement Standards
Question: Where should aortic diameter calipers be placed?
Outer wall to outer wall, perpendicular to the vessel's long axis.
3.0.11 What condition occurs when the left renal vein is compressed between the SMA and aorta?
Nutcracker syndrome.
3.0.7What is the sonographic appearance of a thrombus within the abdominal aorta?
Echogenic or hypoechoic material within the aortic lumen, typically without internal Doppler flow.
1.0.B.III — Seashore Sign
Which M-mode ultrasound sign demonstrates normal lung sliding?
Seashore Sign
2.0.A.I Which vein passes between the SMA and aorta?
Left Renal Vein
2.0.A.I What is the normal direction of portal venous flow?
Hepatopedal
3.0.12 What syndrome involves obstruction of hepatic venous outflow?
Budd-Chiari syndrome
3.0.16 What ultrasound appearance may suggest retroperitoneal fibrosis?
Hypoechoic soft tissue surrounding the aorta, sometimes with hydronephrosis.
1.0.B.III — Barcode / Stratosphere Sign
Which M-mode sign suggests absent lung sliding and possible pneumothorax?
Barcorde or Stratosphere Sign
2.0.A.I Which two veins unite to form the main portal vein?
Superior mesenteric vein and splenic vein.
2.0.A.I Which artery travels posterior to the IVC toward the right kidney?
Right renal artery.
3.0.9 What is persistent blood flow outside an EVAR stent graft but inside the aneurysm sac called?
Endoleak
3.0.2 What are two concerning ultrasound findings associated with a ruptured AAA?
Aneurysm with adjacent hematoma or free fluid