Volume 48, Issue 2 June 2024 JVU 482-88 | Single Center Retrospective Study on the Efficacy of Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound for Detection of Endoleak after Endovascular Aortic Repair-482-88

482-88

Pdf Summary

The study discussed in the document focuses on the efficacy of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) for detecting endoleaks post-endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. Endoleaks are a common complication following such procedures and can lead to aneurysm rupture if not detected and managed promptly. The research compared the performance of CEUS to computed tomography angiography (CTA) in detecting endoleaks. The study found that CEUS had a sensitivity of 96%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100%, and negative predictive value of 92% compared to CTA.<br /><br />CEUS was also able to accurately discern the type of endoleak in all 23 cases where both CEUS and CTA detected an endoleak. CEUS offers advantages such as avoiding radiation exposure, eliminating the need for nephrotoxic contrast agents, providing real-time imaging, and visualizing endoleaks in regions previously treated with coils/plugs/liquid embolic agents. While CEUS showed superior performance in detecting endoleaks compared to CTA in the study, it is operator-dependent and may have limitations in patients with factors like obese body habitus.<br /><br />Overall, the study suggests that CEUS is a safe, accurate, and cost-effective imaging modality for long-term surveillance of endoleaks after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. It recommends considering CEUS as a first-line imaging tool for surveillance post-procedure. The conclusion highlights the benefits of CEUS in terms of imaging quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness, making it a viable option for surveillance after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair.

Keywords

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound

CEUS

endoleaks

endovascular aortic aneurysm repair

computed tomography angiography

CTA

surveillance imaging

radiation exposure

nephrotoxic contrast agents

long-term monitoring