Computed tomography-detected abnormalities following conventional abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair.

PURPOSE

To determine how time since the operation influences vascular abnormalities following conventional infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair.

METHODS

In 47 patients computed tomography was performed 1 to 12 years following the aneurysm repair. Aortic diameters at different levels were measured and other abnormalities recorded.

RESULTS

Significant correlation was found between time since operation and diameter of the suprarenal aorta (R=0.51, P<0.001) but not with aortic neck diameter (R=-0.10, P=0.48) or diameter of the prosthetic graft (R=0.07, P=0.66). However, measured diameters of graft and aortic neck showed a significant positive correlation (R=0.40, P=0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Dilatation of the suprarenal aorta has a different pattern from aortic neck dilatation. The latter showed correlation with the diameter of the prosthetic graft. This may be of interest for future design of endovascular stent-grafts.