[Ultrasound for surveillance after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm--simple and safe?]

Zentralbl Chir. 2010 Oct;135(5):409-15. doi: 10.1055/s-0030-1262548. Epub 2010 Oct 20.
[Article in German]

Abstract

In the past, multislice computed tomography angiography (CTA) with arterial and venous phase was recommended as the gold standard in follow-up after endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair (EVAR). Iodine-containing contrast agents and frequent radiation exposure are limitations for use in elderly patients with chronic renal insufficiency. Colour-coded Doppler sonography (CCDS) and, especially, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) are non-invasive methods that are time and cost effective. Both provide a reliable alternative to CTA in surveillance after EVAR. CEUS seems to be superior in characterisation of the type of endoleaks and can be established in order to reduce iodine-containing contrast agent and radiation exposure in follow-up. In contrast to CTA scans, CEUS can be offered to patients with chronic renal insufficiency and allows a dynamic examination and perfusion analysis (e. g., in fenestrated and branched stentgrafts). Routine combination with X-ray allows control of stentgraft material and location of the branches.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Angioplasty*
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / diagnostic imaging*
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / surgery*
  • Aortography
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation*
  • Celiac Artery / diagnostic imaging
  • Contrast Media / administration & dosage
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Endoleak / classification
  • Endoleak / diagnostic imaging
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fourier Analysis
  • Humans
  • Iliac Artery / diagnostic imaging
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Ischemia / diagnostic imaging
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Mesenteric Arteries / diagnostic imaging
  • Phospholipids
  • Postoperative Complications / classification
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnostic imaging*
  • Renal Artery / diagnostic imaging
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Stents*
  • Sulfur Hexafluoride
  • Tomography, Spiral Computed
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color* / economics
  • Viscera / blood supply

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Phospholipids
  • contrast agent BR1
  • Sulfur Hexafluoride