Long-term follow-up of surgically excluded popliteal artery aneurysms with multi-slice CT angiography and Doppler ultrasound

Eur Radiol. 2006 Jun;16(6):1323-30. doi: 10.1007/s00330-005-0034-z. Epub 2006 Jan 17.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) angiography in the follow-up of popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) that have been operated on. Aneurysm exclusion and progression, graft patency and graft-related complications were analyzed. Fourteen patients with 21 surgically excluded PAAs were evaluated with MSCT angiography with slice thickness of 1.25 mm. The mean follow-up time was 67 months. MSCT demonstrated blood flow in six non-excluded PAAs (24%), with an average increase in the diameter of 21 mm over time. Fifteen PAAs demonstrated no blood flow and revealed an average decrease of 7 mm in diameter. The origin of this residual perfusion was demonstrated, and collaterals were involved in five of six non-excluded PAAs. In addition, MSCT demonstrated three graft stenoses. Furthermore, two occluded grafts were visualized. Twenty-four percent of the patients after surgical exclusion of PAAs revealed residual perfusion within the aneurysmal sac during follow-up, with a significant increase in the aneurysmal size with MSCT. Moreover, evaluation of the graft patency could also be done as could demonstration of anastomotic abnormalities. Thus, MSCT might be considered as a new tool to evaluate residual collateral feeding of popliteal aneurysmal sac and could be useful in identification and localization of feeding vessels.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aneurysm / diagnostic imaging
  • Aneurysm / surgery*
  • Angiography / methods
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation
  • Collateral Circulation / physiology
  • Constriction, Pathologic / etiology
  • Disease Progression
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Graft Occlusion, Vascular / etiology
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Popliteal Artery / diagnostic imaging
  • Popliteal Artery / surgery*
  • Regional Blood Flow / physiology
  • Saphenous Vein / transplantation
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler*