Renewed endovascular repair for recurrent acute abdominal aortic aneurysm

The aim of the study was to describe the successful endovascular management of a patient who was admitted urgently with a second episode of acute abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) 30 months after emergency endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (eEVAR) for a ruptured AAA. The patient, an 84 year-old male physician, presented with severe acute abdominal and back pain. Contrast-enhanced computer tomography scanning showed type III endoleak owing to complete disconnection of both graft limbs and the prosthetic main body. Treatment consisted of acute stent-grafting with two bridging stent-grafts to seal the endoleak and reline the graft. The patient is alive and well 6 months postoperatively. This case indicates the need for follow-up after eEVAR, but also that complications can be managed endovascularly.     

Radiologic features and anatomic basis of atypical clinical presentations of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms

Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) occasionally manifest with atypical clinical presentations and can be initially misdiagnosed. Symptoms are attributable either to local mass effect from the aneurysm or a contained rupture, or to the particular cavity or anatomic space into which an aneurysm bleeds. Radiologic studies obtained in this patient population often will demonstrate signs of the ruptured AAA, and these signs should be actively searched for when a ruptured AAA can be in the differential diagnosis. Emergent computed tomographic examination is indicated to confirm any clinical or radiologic suspicion of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, provided that the patient remains hemodynamically stable. The anatomic basis for a ruptured AAA presenting clinically as renal colic is discussed and illustrated, and the spectrum of clinical presentations of ruptured AAAs is reviewed.     

Translumbar repair of a type II endoleak associated with an aorta-to-left renal vein fistula after aortic stent-graft placement

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a serious medical condition with significant associated morbidity and mortality. Endograft repair of AAAs is a therapy in evolution, but offers promise as a minimally invasive treatment option. Persistent sac pressurization via endoleaks has limited wider application of stent-grafting technology. The present report describes a case of an AAA with rupture into a retroaortic left renal vein that was treated acutely with aortic stent-graft repair. Continued aneurysm enlargement and a large type II endoleak drained by an arteriovenous fistula were subsequently treated via a translumbar approach.     

MSCT在腹主动脉瘤临床诊疗中的价值

目的：评估 MSCT在腹主动脉瘤(AAA)诊断和预后评价的价值。方法前瞻性收集本院经 MSCT 检查的26例疑似AAA患者,分析 MSCT检查的准确性和特点。结果26例患者经 MSCT诊断为 AAA,其中17例真性 AAA,9例假性 AAA。真性AAA的MSCT显示腹主动脉呈梭形扩张并向左前方膨出,瘤破裂患者残余瘤腔周围可见血栓和瘤壁钙化;假性AAA的MSCT显示腹主动脉旁偏心的膨大肿块,肿块可在血管钙化边界之外。手术诊断结果为25例 AAA,MSCT 与手术病理结果的符合率为96.1%(25/26);本组患者均出现动脉壁钙化的现象,其中17例伴有附壁血栓。结论 MSCT是一种安全、有效和无创性的诊断技术,对于AAA的早期发现,病情判断和指导治疗有较高的临床应用价值。     

Endovascular Aneurysm Repair with Balloon Thrombectomy for Acute Thrombosis of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology - Acute occlusion of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a rare complication and is usually treated with surgical reconstruction. We present a case of...     

F-18 FDG PET/CT in the management of infected abdominal aortic aneurysm due to Salmonella

Mycotic aneurysm is a rare and life-threatening disorder. Computed tomography (CT) is considered to be the best diagnostic imaging modality that can detect an abdominal aortic aneurysm and changes in the surrounding structures. More recently, F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET would seem to hold promise for the diagnosis of focal infection and during the follow-up after antibiotic treatment. We present a case of an infected abdominal aortic aneurysm due to Salmonella enteritidis. In this case, a combination of CT and FDG PET/CT provided accurate information for the diagnosis of the infected abdominal aortic aneurysm. Moreover, FDG PET/CT made an important contribution for monitoring response to antibiotic therapy.     

A Case of Common Peroneal Nerve Palsy Associated with Internal Iliac Artery Embolization by Using N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA)

CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology - A 64-year-old man was scheduled to undergo endovascular aneurysm repair for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Since preoperative computed tomography...     

CT of abdominal aortic aneurysms--aneurysmal size and thickness of intra-aneurysmal thrombus as risk factors of rupture

In order to seek for the factors to suggest a risk of rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), we measured the largest diameter of AAA and the thickness of intra-luminal thrombus on CT in 72 patients. The mean aneurysmal size was 64 mm in diameter in 9 patients with ruptured aneurysm and 61 mm in diameter in 63 patients with non-ruptured aneurysm respectively (p less than 0.90). The rupture of AAA was seen in 3 of 30 patients with AAA of the small size (less than 50 mm in diameter), in 3 of 16 patients with AAA of the intermediate size (51-66 mm in diameter) and in 3 of 26 patients with AAA of the large size (more than 70 mm in diameter), respectively. The mean intra-luminal thrombus was 9 mm in 9 patients with ruptured aneurysm and 19 mm in thickness in 63 patients with non-ruptured aneurysm respectively (p = 0.05). We concluded from the above results that the aneurysmal size was not important, but the thickness of intra-luminal thrombus was useful for suggestion of a risk of rupture of AAA.     

Postmortem computed tomographic (PMCT) and postmortem magnetic resonance imaging (PMMRI) demonstration of fatal massive retroperitoneal hemorrhage caused by abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) rupture

We report a case of fatal massive retroperitoneal homorrhage caused by the rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in which postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) and postmortem magnetic resonance imaging (PMMRI) provided clear delineation. In this case, the autopsy imaging system using PMCT and PMMRI was useful as a screening method to determine the cause of death as AAA rupture and became a guide for the subsequent autopsy.     

To see or not to see – Ambiguous findings on post-mortem cross-sectional imaging in a case of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm

We present a case of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with ambiguous accessory findings on post-mortem computed-tomography (PMCT), post-mortem magnetic resonance (PMMR) imaging, and PMCT-angiography (PMCTA) suggestive of thoracic aortic dissection. The diagnosis of ruptured AAA was confirmed by autopsy; however, there was no aortic dissection. The imaging findings that mimicked the presence of aortic dissection might have been an atypical presentation of post-mortem clotting or sedimentation. This case is an ideal example to illustrate benefits, limitations, and challenges of post-mortem cross-sectional imaging. It serves as a reminder that both, training as well as correlation of imaging findings with autopsy are fundamental to improve our understanding of radiologic findings on post-mortem cross-sectional imaging.     

A System for Computer-Assisted Design of Stent-Grafts for Aortic Aneurysms Using 3-D Morphological Models

A three-dimensional model was constructed from helical CT images for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA). A stent-graft was designed and positioned endoluminally on the computer. One hundred and nine stent-grafts for 101 patients were designed by this method and deployed well in all patients. The design time was reduced from 4 to 0.5 hr.     

PET versus PET-CT in patient with suspicion of non-Hodgkin lymphoma recurrence

We present the case of a 62-year-old patient with a history of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (stage III) in complete remission after 6 cycles of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone with rituximab (CHOP-R) in 2006. The patient was referred for a PET-CT scan because of suspicion of recurrence. On PET there were multiple lung lesions, a submandibular lesion (right side) and an impressive retroperitoneal mass with a hypermetabolic wall, and central necrosis invading all retroperitoneal structures (aorta). There was also an additional lesion in the anterior abdominal wall below the liver. It was concluded that it was recurrent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (stage IV). Contrast enhanced CT demonstrated a large, rupturing abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with saccular ectasia of the posterior wall compatible with a mycotic aneurysm. The other sites of hypermetabolism corresponded to metastatic infectious lesions. Histopathology confirmed the mycotic infection. The patient underwent urgent surgery including bilateral axillofemoral stenting and removing a clot from the AAA twice. Intravenous antibiotics were started. This case clearly denotes the importance of contrast enhanced hybrid PET-CT systems in which the CT information is relevant for PET interpretation and not only for anatomic repair. With PET alone, the diagnosis would have been completely different.     

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome secondary to an abdominal aortic aneurysm

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome in association with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is exceedingly rare and has been noted to occur in patients with severe abdominal pain, bilious emesis, and a history of tobacco use. When symptoms of small bowel obstruction occur, it is imperative to investigate further with cross-sectional imaging to determine the etiology. Conservative management is preferred, but in cases of SMA syndrome with concomitant AAA, aneurysm repair should be considered, regardless of size, if initial treatment fails.     

Early Enlargement of Aneurysmal Sac and Separation of EndoBags of Nellix Endovascular Aneurysm Sealing System as Signs of Increased Risk of Later Aneurysm Rupture

Nellix Endovascular Aneurysm Sealing (EVAS) system is a new concept and technology of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. Elective EVAS using Nellix device was performed for a 83-year-old man with AAA. 2-month post-EVAS CTA surveillance demonstrated mild enlargement of aneurysmal sac and separation of the EndoBags, but without detectable endoleak. The patient developed sudden AAA rupture with retroperitoneal hematoma at about 4 months after EVAS. We postulated that early enlargement of aneurysmal sac and separation of EndoBags of Nellix devices after EVAS, even without detectable endoleak, might indicate significant aneurysmal wall weakening with increased risk of later AAA rupture. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this was the first reported case of aortic rupture after EVAS without detectable endoleak during and after the procedure.     

64层螺旋CT血管成像技术在主动脉病变腔内支架隔绝术后随访中的临床应用价值

目的 探讨64层MSCTA技术在主动脉病变腔内支架隔绝术后随访中的临床应用价值.方法 30例主动脉夹层(AD)及5例腹主动脉瘤(AAA)患者腔内支架隔绝术后接受了44次64层MSCTA检查.35例患者的图像后处理及分析采用MPR、MIP及VR技术.在全面观察分析图像的基础上,重点观察AD及AAA的转归及并发症发生情况.结果 (1)30例AD患者中,28例假腔内大量血栓形成,2例少最血栓形成.5例AAA患者支架外瘤体完全血栓化.(2)1例无名动脉受累的AD患者,术后3次CTA随访发现无名动脉内血栓形成.1例肠系膜上动脉内血栓形成患者术后15 d随访CTA发现血栓未溶解,3个月后再次复查则发现血栓溶解.1例术后随访发现右髂外动脉出现内膜撕裂.5例AAA患者中,1例右髂内动脉闭塞,1例右髂总动脉远端支架内血栓柃塞.(3)14例AD患者有内漏发生,其中Ⅰ型内漏8例、Ⅲ型内漏6例,1例Ⅲ型内漏3个月后再次复查,内漏消失.结论 64层MSCTA以其快速、无创、准确性高等优点,结合多种后处理方法可以对腔内隔绝术的疗效作出较为客观的评价,已成为主动脉病变腔内支架隔绝术后随访首选的影像检查方法之一.     

双源CT血管成像在腹主动脉瘤中的临床应用价值

目的：评价双源CT血管成像在腹主动脉瘤中的临床应用价值。方法：回顾性分析33例接受双源CT血管造影及主动脉造影检查确诊为腹主动脉瘤患者的影像资料。所有图像均行三维重建后处理及分析,观察腹主动脉瘤的部位、形态、分型、范围,并对腹主动脉瘤进行分型及相关测量。结果：33例腹主动脉瘤中,5例为近肾型,28例为肾下型。双源CT对瘤体长度、大小,近端及远端瘤颈长度、直径。近端瘤颈与动脉瘤长轴夹角测量准确。结论：双源CT可准确诊断腹主动脉瘤,并且可以提供详细而准确术前信息,是腹主动脉瘤术前诊断和术前评价的首选影像学检查方法。     

内支架置入术治疗胸腹主动脉瘤的临床评价

目的：探讨胸腹主动脉瘤的ESG治疗临床疗效。方法：对10例患者分别行CTA、MRA、DSA检查和ESG治疗，其中Stanford B型夹层动脉瘤6例，真性腹主动脉瘤2例，肾动脉开口以下腹主动脉瘤2例（行分体式支架），所有病例均采用带膜支架。结果：8例行一体式支架腔内隔绝术，2例行分体式支架腔内隔绝术，均获成功。顺利植入，术后造影提示动脉瘤消失．无内漏发生。患者症状完全消失，全部患者在随访期间均未出现术前症状，未见相关并发症。结论：应用ESG治疗胸腹主动脉瘤安全、有效、创伤小、术后恢复快，长期疗效尚待进一步观察。     

多层螺旋CT血管成像在腹主动脉瘤中的诊断应用

目的探讨多层螺旋CT血管成像在腹主动脉瘤（AAA）中的诊断价值。方法30例临床疑诊AAA患者均经16层螺旋CT血管成像（MSCTA）。采用最大密度投影（M1P）、多平面重组（MPR）、容积再现（VR）技术对传送至AW4.1工作站的原始数据进行重建,获得二维或三维的立体图像。结果30例疑诊AAA患者中有7例真性腹主动脉瘤,15例假性动脉瘤,8例主动脉夹层。MPR能准确显示瘤体位置、形态、范围及附壁血栓。MIP能较好地显示瘤壁及附壁血栓内的钙化。VR技术能立体精确显示腹主动脉、瘤体及周围组织结构的空间关系。结论多层螺旋CT血管成像是一种无创、快速的检查方法,为临床诊断、治疗腹主动脉瘤提供重要信息。     

Role of x-ray computed tomography in the preoperative evaluation of aneurysm of the abdominal aorta

The authors have studied the files of 50 consecutive patients (1987-89) operated for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and examined with CT. The criteria for inclusion were surgical features. CT can be made more accurate for the study of AAA: Thus the location of the neck of the aneurysm relative to the renal arteries was defined in 94% of all cases. In addition, CT yields information about the wall of the aneurysm, whether it be thickened (3 inflammatory aneurysms were properly diagnosed) or, mor importantly, weakened (solution of continuity in the wall in the "prior-to-rupture" appearance). Owing to the quality of its performances and to its noninvasive character, the authors regard CT with contrast injection as an essential technique for the preoperative assessment of abdominal aortic aneurysm in most cases. The examination must be carried out strictly, especially for the contiguous sections of the renal arteries and their extension to the crural arch. As it demonstrates weakened areas more easily, a more accurate study of the aneurysmal wall with CT might increase the surgical indications for some smaller aneurysms, the potential evolution of which does not seem to be associated with their diameter only.     

Aortic volume as an indicator of disease progression in patients with untreated infrarenal abdominal aneurysm

Objective

The maximal diameter of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and the change in diameter over time reflect rupture risk and are used for surgical planning. However, evidence has emerged that aneurysm volume may be a better indicator of AAA remodeling. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between the volume and maximal diameter of the abdominal aorta in patients with untreated infrarenal AAA.

Materials and methods

This was a retrospective study of 100 patients with infrarenal AAA who were followed for more than 6 months. We examined 2 sets of computed tomography images for each patient, acquired ≥6 months apart. The maximal diameter and volume of the infrarenal abdominal aorta were determined by semiautomated segmentation software.

Results

At baseline, mean maximal infrarenal diameter was 5.1 ± 1.0 cm and mean aortic volume was 139 ± 72 mL. There was good correlation between the maximal diameter and aortic volume at baseline (r² = 0.55; P < 0.001). The mean change in maximal diameter between studies was 0.2 ± 0.3 cm and the mean volume change was 19 ± 19 mL. However, the correlation between diameter change and volume change was modest (r² = 0.34; P = 0.001). Most patients (n = 64) had no measurable change in maximal diameter between studies (≤2 mm), but the change in volume was found to vary widely (−2 to 69 mL).

Conclusion

In patients with untreated infrarenal AAA, a change in aortic volume can occur in the absence of a significant change in maximal diameter. Additional work is needed to examine the relationship between change in AAA volume and outcomes in this patient group.