Ultrasound in aneurysms of the Descending Thoracic Aorta
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Feasibility, accuracy and reproducibility of Ultrasound in aneurysms of the Descending Thoracic Aorta
IRAS ID
365629
Contact name
Colin Bicknell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
NA, NA
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Aneurysms of the aortic artery are a significant public health issue. The number of newly diagnosed aneurysms of the thoracic aorta is on the rise, and aneurysm rupture is a catastrophic event associated with high mortality rates. The most proximal sections of the aorta (ascending and the aortic arch) are routinely scanned by echocardiography practitioners. The abdominal aorta is also easily visualised on transabdominal ultrasound, and there is a screening programme in the UK that is highly cost-effective and reduced the aneurysm-related number of deaths. However, the portion of the aorta in the chest (descending thoracic aorta) is not routinely assessed by ultrasound practitioners.
The diagnosis of descending thoracic aneurysms relies mostly on imaging techniques that use ionising radiation. In addition, these techniques are expensive and may not be widely available in some regions. In contrast, ultrasound is a non-invasive technique that allows visualisation of most parts of the body. Ultrasound machine suppliers have invested in better systems and transducers over the years and visualisation of the descending thoracic aorta may now be possible.
The main aims of this study is to assess the feasibility (Part 1), accuracy (Part 2) and reproducibility (Part 3) of ultrasound in the diagnosis and monitoring of descending thoracic aortic aneurysms.
Participants will be recruited from the vascular lab and outpatient clinics, and diameters of the descending thoracic aorta will be measured with non-invasive ultrasound. Data obtained from study measurements will be compared with computed tomography scans that patients had as part of their standard of care.If the feasibility, accuracy and reproducibility of Ultrasound are clearly demonstrated, routine ultrasound scans of the descending thoracic aorta may be suggested.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/EM/0093
Date of REC Opinion
7 May 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion