title: Comparison of contrast-enhanced ultrasound and computed tomography in classifying endoleaks after endovascular treatment of abdominal aorta aneurysms: preliminary experience.
abstract: The purpose of the study was to assess the effectiveness of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in endoleak classification after endovascular treatment of an abdominal aortic aneurysm compared to computed tomography angiography (CTA). From May 2001 to April 2003, 10 patients with endoleaks already detected by CTA underwent CEUS with Sonovue to confirm the CTA classification or to reclassify the endoleak. In three conflicting cases, the patients were also studied with conventional angiography. CEUS confirmed the CTA classification in seven cases (type II endoleaks). Two CTA type III endoleaks were classified as type II using CEUS and one CTA type II endoleak was classified as type I by CEUS. Regarding the cases with discordant classification, conventional angiography confirmed the ultrasound classification. Additionally, CEUS documented the origin of type II endoleaks in all cases. After CEUS reclassification of endoleaks, a significant change in patient management occurred in three cases. CEUS allows a better attribution of the origin of the endoleak, as it shows the flow in real time. CEUS is more specific than CTA in endoleak classification and gives more accurate information in therapeutic planning.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Insubria, Viale Borri 57, 21100, Varese, Italy. gcarraf@tin.it
authors.forename: Gianpaolo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Carrafiello
authors.forename: Domenico
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Laganà
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Recaldini
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mangini
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bertolotti
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Caronno
authors.forename: Matteo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tozzi
authors.forename: Gabriele
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Piffaretti
authors.forename: Eugenio Annibale
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Genovese
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fugazzola
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D018618:Echocardiography, Doppler, Color; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional / Q000379:methods; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media