Plain abdominal radiography has a limitation in detecting abdominal aortic aneurysms because what percentage may be noncalcified and not visualized?

• A. 25%
• B. 5%
• C. 50%
• D. 75%

Answer: (A)

Plain abdominal radiography detects aneurysms mainly when there is calcification along the aortic wall. If the aneurysm is noncalcified, that dilation can blend with surrounding soft tissue and not be visualized on the film. About one-quarter of abdominal aortic aneurysms lack calcification and thus may be missed, which is why this modality has limited sensitivity for AAA detection. For reliable detection, ultrasound or CT angiography is preferred.