Imaging techniques for detection and management of endoleaks after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair.
Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) is evolving into a viable alternative to open surgical repair for many patients with abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms. Endoleak development is a complication of EVAR and represents one of the limitations of this procedure. Endoleaks represent blood flow outside the stent-graft lumen but within the aneurysm sac. Lifelong imaging surveillance of patients after EVAR is critical to detect endoleaks for the patient's benefit and to determine the long-term performance of the stent-graft. Although computed tomographic angiography is the most commonly used examination for imaging surveillance, magnetic resonance angiography, ultrasonography, and digital subtraction angiography all have a role in endoleak detection and management. This review will focus on imaging techniques used for endoleak detection and the role imaging surveillance plays in the overall care of the post-EVAR patient.
Stavropoulos
S William
SW
Department of Radiology, Division of Interventional Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. stav@uphs.upenn.edu
Charagundla
Sridhar R
SR
D001014:Aortic Aneurysm / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013504:Cardiovascular Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D015607:Stents / Q000009:adverse effects*