Pulsatile abdominal mass on exam, next step?

Summary:         If asymptomatic and smaller body habits = ultrasound

                         If symptomatic or large body habitus = ABD CT without contrast

                         If symptomatic and want pre-interventional planning = ABD CT with contrast

Educational purposes for licensed providers.

Note to Patients:

Radiology is a very large and ever changing field and this post is to help your provider.  When combined with a thorough history and physical exam, this information can be very useful.  Your provider is best suited to answer specific questions regarding this post.

A provider is usually a Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant or Medical Doctor.

Of course, this is not a substitute for medical care.