Imaging has distinct roles in establishing the diagnosis, surveillance, screening and planning repair.
Ultrasound
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Ultrasound is the best method for establishing the diagnosis and following asymptomatic aneurysms that are not yet large enough for surgical repair.
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The source describes a UK national ultrasound screening programme for men over 65 years. For every 10 000 men scanned, 65 ruptures are prevented and 52 lives saved.
CT
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CT provides more accurate information about aneurysm size and extent, surrounding structures and other intra-abdominal pathology.
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CT is the standard pre-operative investigation, but its high cost and radiation dose make it unsuitable for surveillance.