Pulse in Stomach

[SINCLAIR]

Hello,

A few months ago, I posted a question concerning me noticing my aortic pulse radiating through my abdominal wall.  I had had my gall bladder removed in January of this year and developed a stomach ulcer following the procedure.  An endoscopy was conducted which discopverd Hpilori. I was treated with a PREVPAC for fourteen days, and a second endoscopy found that the Hpilori was gone.  Following the endoscopy, the doctor ordered a CT scan with oral contrast.  The CT scan discovered that "the liver, spleen, adrenal glands, kidneys and pancreas are unremarkable."  It also noted that the "abdominal aorta is normal in caliber with mild atherosclerotic disease."  Doing research has led me to believe that a CT scan will only image solid plaque and not soft plaque.  Considering that I have had high cholesterol my entire life, is it possible that the atherosclerotic disease could be a sign of a more serious build up of soft plaque that has narrowed my abdominal aorta more seriously than the CT scan suggest, and is this the cause of me noticing my pulse radiating through my abdominal wall? Any adivice is greatly appreciated.

Thank You,
Sinclair7

[Kevin Pho, MD]

The CT scan does not suggest that a AAA (abdominal aortic aneurysm) is present - which would be the cause of an aortic pulse that you don't want to miss.

The ultrasound is a better test for this - with a sensitivity for AAA approaching 100 percent.

With a history of hypercholesterolemia, it would make you at risk for building up plaque that would be a risk factor for AAA.

I would consider obtaining an ultrasound for further evaluation - and to treat the high cholesterol levels.

You can discuss these options with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[SINCLAIR]

Thanks for the response.  I have had an ultrasound of my abdomen and was told that everything is fine.  Would that test have detected a build-up of plaque?  My real concern is:  If a build of plaque can  lead to an AAA, would a doctor remove that plaque to prevent an AAA?

[LukeL]

If the CT and Ultrasound ruled out an AAA then you shouldn't worry about it too much. Myself from time to time become aware of my pulse in strange places and I find that the more I dwell on it the more it presists.  

If you are concerned about AAA you may want to go on beta blockers, if you are not already on them, they can help lower blood pressure and thus would put less strain on your aorta.

[matthew123]

I have a basic question to anyone on this board.  I have recently been under much stress and anxiety.  I have been to my GP several times and had several tests done......all OK.  My main concern is one particular symptom.  Recently, I have noticed that I have a pretty strong abdominal pulse.  It is most noticeable when I lay on my back or when I am standing up straight.  There is no pain associated with this.  I have gotten an ultrasound done on my lower abdomin (abdomen) to check my decending aorta.  Once again everything normal.  Finally, I went a cardiologist who put my under an ECHO, stress and holter moniter.  ONCE AGAIN, Everything OK.  In fact, he said that I am in above average health based on the results of the study.  The only thing that they could not rule out was that there was a slim chance that I have a Bicuspid Aortic Valve.  They said that it was nothing to worry about and they were pretty sure that it was just a bad view on the ECHO and that I in fact had a Tricuspid Aorta.  Yet, with everything on the surface being well and good, I still notice this stomach pulse and truthfully it bothers me.  Could this just be something that I have never noticed......or is it that I could be missing something in my health?  Does anyone out there have the same problem.  If so, how many people actually can see their stomach pulse?

Any answers would be greatly appreciated...............

I am 23 6'3 tall and about 200 lbs.  

Matt