Efficacy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in detection of type II endoleak after abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery: A prospective cohort study.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of conventional contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in detection of type II endoleak after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR).

METHODS

From January 2015 to April 2018, 205 patients underwent EVAR were included. CEUS and computed tomography angiography (CTA) were performed at 1-month follow-up postoperatively to detect type II endoleak. CEUS was performed at 3- and 6-month follow-up to evaluate the development of type II endoleak. The diameter extension of type II endoleak increased greater than 5 mm was defined as enlarge group, and that increased less than 5 mm was defined as stable group. The difference of arrival time (AT) of contrast agent, maximum cross-sectional area (MCSA) of contrast agent and the blood flow velocity (BFV) of the abnormal blood around the stent graft were compared.

RESULTS

At 1-month after EVAR, 65 cases of endoleak were detected by CEUS, including 25 cases of type I, 30 cases of type II endoleak and 10 cases of type III endoleak. Among them, 50 cases were also detected by CTA. The diameter extension of 12 cases of type II endoleak increased greater than 5 mm, and that of eight cases increased less than 5 mm. The average AT of the enlarge group was significantly shorter than that of the stable group, while the MCSA of contrast agent and the BFV were significantly higher than that of the stable group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

CEUS has predictive value for the natural outcome of type II endoleak.