Evaluation of aortic stent endoleaks in the renally impaired patient with ferumoxytol-enhanced MR angiography

Purpose: To evaluate ferumoxytol-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (FE-MRA) for assessment of endoleaks in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) status post endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).

Methods: Of 1854 patients who underwent FE-MRA at a single institution between 03/21/2014 and 08/21/2023, 21 patients with a history of AAA and CKD status post EVAR were retrospectively identified (IRB #13-001341). Multiplanar pre- and post-contrast HASTE, T1-VIBE, and high-resolution breath-held 3D MRA sequences were obtained, where a dose of 4 mg/kg of Ferumoxytol was infused over six minutes. All examinations were performed on either a Siemens 3.0 T Prisma Fit, a Siemens 3.0 T TIM Trio, or a Siemens 1.5 T Avanto MRI scanner. Image post-processing was performed using OsiriX and Vitrea software for endoleak identification and display.

Results: Twenty-six FE-MRA examinations were completed, where 24 were fully diagnostic and 2 were limited by metal artifact. Three patients underwent one follow-up examination, while one patient underwent two follow-up examinations. Endoleaks were identified in seven patients: one Type Ia, two Type Ib, and four Type II. The Type Ia endoleak patient received follow-up imaging two years after initial imaging. A Type II endoleak patient received follow-up imaging six months and one year after initial imaging. In both cases, the Type I and Type II endoleaks were reproducibly visualized. No contrast reactions occurred.

Conclusion: For patients with a history of AAA and CKD status post EVAR, FE-MRA is a safe, practical and effective imaging solution for evaluation of Type I and Type II endoleaks.