Factors associated with elimination of type II endoleak during the first year after endovascular aneurysm repair

ObjectiveThe natural history of endoleak type II (ET II) after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is still debatable. The aim of this study was to examine the presence of preoperative and postoperative factors associated with persistence of ET II during the initial 12-month follow-up period.MethodsA two-center retrospective study including patients subjected to EVAR from 2006 to 2017 was undertaken. Patients with ET II at 1-month computed tomography angiography (CTA) were categorized into two groups, resolution (group 1) vs persistence (group 2) of ET II at 12-month CTA. Preoperative demographics, comorbidities, aneurysm anatomic details, and pelvic artery index were assessed. Intraoperative details were also recorded.ResultsOf 825 patients, 140 (17%) patients (mean age, 71.7 ± 8.5 years; 94% male) presented with ET II at 1-month CTA. Group 1 included 58 patients (41%) and group 2, 82 patients (59%). The anatomic characteristics of the inferior mesenteric artery and lumbar arteries and the pelvic artery indices were not associated with ET II persistence. All patients in group 1 had presence of intraluminal thrombus (ILT) on preoperative CTA (group 1, 100%; group 2, 67%; P = .001), and the circular pattern of ILT was more common in group 1 (group 1, 44%; group 2, 24%; P = .01). At 12-month CTA, the mean sac regression was higher in group 1 (group 1, −3 ± 4 mm; group 2, 0.55 ± 3 mm; P = .000). After multivariate analysis, persistence of ET II was directly associated only with intraoperative internal iliac occlusion (odds ratio [OR], 0.232; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.06-0.86; P = .03) and inversely with statin therapy (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.01- 6.8; P = .047) and sac regression (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.11-1.39; P = .001).ConclusionsInduced occlusion of the internal iliac artery during EVAR was the only factor associated with persistence of ET II during the first year after EVAR. The presence and pattern of ILT may play a role in ET II persistence, whereas the number of patent infrarenal aortic branches and their diameter as well as the pelvic artery indices were not associated with ET II. The use of statins may have a positive effect on ET II resolution during the first postoperative year. Sac diameter is more likely to regress in patients with ET II resolution.     

腹主动脉瘤腔内修复术后各型内漏相关性分析（附272例报告）

目的: 探讨腹主动脉瘤（abdominal aortic aneurysm, AAA）腔内修复术后发生内漏的危险因素。方法: 回顾性分析2014年1月至2015年10月272例AAA病人行腔内修复术的临床资料和术后3、6、12、24、36个月随访结果。分析腔内修复术后各型内漏发生率及其与临床特征、支架类型、动脉瘤颈结构的关系。结果: 272例病人腔内修复术后内漏总发生率为15.8%(43/272),其中Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ或Ⅳ型以及张力性内漏（Ⅴ型）的发生率分别为7.4%(20/272)、6.3%(17/272)、1.5%(4/272)和0.7%(2/272)。Ⅰ型内漏多在随访3个月时发现,而其他类型内漏在随访12个月或更晚发现。动脉瘤近端瘤颈短（<1.5 cm）、重度扭曲（>45°）、形状不规则或钙化程度高（>25%）与Ⅰa型内漏发生显著相关（P<0.05）。持续通畅的肠系膜下动脉以及存在≥2根罪犯血管是Ⅱ型内漏发生的危险因素（P<0.05）。年龄、美国麻醉医师协会（American Society of Anesthesiologists, ASA）病情分级、吸烟以及合并高血压、糖尿病、冠心病、肺部疾病等对内漏发生率无影响。不同类型的人工血管支架对内漏发生有显著影响（P=0.047）。与其他类型支架相比,Endurant支架的内漏发生率最低（10.7%）。结论: 制定腔内修复手术方案时,应充分评估AAA的特征和内漏风险,以期达到较好的疗效。     

Preoperative predictive factors for type II endoleak: Trying to define high-risk patients

ObjectiveType 2 endoleaks (T2E) continue to be the “Achilles Heel” of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). The aim of this study is to analyze preoperative factors of patients who underwent EVAR to define risk factors for T2E.MethodsFrom January 2015 to June 2020, 140 of 191 patients who underwent EVAR in our institution meet inclusion criteria for this study. Postoperative image control were performed using duplex ultrasound or CT scan. All T2E detected during follow-up were confirmed by angio CT. Preoperative anatomic and clinical variables were analyzed for T2E using t-test, Mann–Whitney U test and Fisher exact test. ROC curves and the corresponding area under the curve (AUC) were used to describe the predictive accuracy for endoleak.ResultsT2E was detected in 16 patients (11.43%)0.12 of them (75%) were persistent and 10 (62.5%) provoked sac enlargement. Predictive factors for T2E were a greater IMA diameter (2.5 ± 0.5 vs. 3.3 ± 0.5, p < 0.001) and an increasing number of LA (4.8 ± 1.6 vs. 6.7 ± 1.4, p < 0.001). ROC curve analysis stablished thresholds of 3.5 mm for IMA diameter (sensitivity 77%, specificity 86%) and 5.5 for patent LA (sensitivity 88%, specificity 59%) as risk factor to develop T2E.ConclusionsPreoperative aortic side branches embolization to avoid T2E is not still standarised. We tried to define a group of high-risk patients for T2E. According to our findings, patients with a preoperative IMA> 3 mm and more than 5 patent LA should be considered for pre-EVAR embolization.     

Intraoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasound examination for endoleak detection after complex and infrarenal endovascular aortic repair

ObjectiveThe aim of this pilot study was to evaluate intraoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasound (iCEUS) examination for endoleak (EL) detection after complex endovascular aortic repairs (EVAR) in comparison with the standard angiographic completion control.MethodsTwenty-one patients (16 male; median age, 73 years [range, 54-81 years]) who underwent single-stage EVARs at our center between October 2016 and October 2018 were included prospectively. The procedures comprised fenestrated and/or branched EVAR (n = 14; 66%), infrarenal EVAR (n = 5; 24%), infrarenal EVAR with bilateral iliac side branch implantation (n = 1; 5%), and infrarenal EVAR with occluder implantation into the internal iliac artery (n = 1; 5%). The used endografts included 14 custom made devices (Cook, Australia Pty Ltd, Brisbane, Australia, n = 6; Vascutek Terumo, Glasgow, Scotland, n = 8) and seven standard infrarenal endografts (Medtronic Inc, Santa Rosa, Calif, n = 5; Vascutek Terumo, Glasgow, Scotland, n = 1; Cook, n = 1). All patients underwent an angiographic completion control for EL detection followed by iCEUS examination. The iCEUS examination was performed by the same examiner who was blinded to the angiography result. In addition to the comparison of the angiographic results to iCEUS examination, iCEUS examination was also compared with the computed tomography angiography (CTA) before discharge (median time to CTA, 5 days [range, 1-7 days]).ResultsAngiography detected eight type II EL, defining the EL origin in four cases. In addition to detecting all of those eight EL, iCEUS examination revealed eight more type II EL not seen on angiography (P = .002) and allowed a definition of the EL origin in all cases. CTA before discharge showed a persistence of only 5 of the 16 type II EL detected by iCEUS examination (31%, P = .002).ConclusionsAn iCEUS examination can be used as another adjunct to decrease exposure to contrast agent and radiation during EVAR, including complex procedures. A replacement of the completion angiography by iCEUS examination is conceivable for infrarenal EVAR, but also for endovascular type IV or type V repairs. Future studies with larger patient numbers will help to further validate iCEUS examination during complex EVAR.     

Meta-analysis of the accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound for the detection of endoleak after endovascular aneurysm repair

Objective

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for detection of endoleak after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).

The role of selective stenting for superior mesenteric artery scallops during fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair

Objective

Stenting of small fenestrations of the Zenith fenestrated endograft (ZFEN; Cook Medical, Bloomington, Ind) is necessary during fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) of complex abdominal aortic aneurysms to avoid malalignment. However, stenting of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) scallops of ZFEN devices is optional according to the instructions for use. The objective of this study was to assess the early and midterm outcomes of selective use of stents in SMA scallops of ZFEN during FEVAR procedures.

腹主动脉瘤腔内修复术后II型内漏的处理

背景与目的 II型内漏是腹主动脉瘤腔内修复术（EVAR）术后相对常见的并发症,然而目前对其是否需要手术干预及干预时机方面尚无统一的认识。因此,本研究探讨EVAR术后II型内漏的手术方法,及其临床效果与安全性,以期为临床提供给参考。方法 回顾中南大学湘雅医院血管外科2016年1月—2020年12月期间行EVAR手术治疗的腹主动脉瘤患者临床与随访资料,分析EVAR术后发生II型内漏的发生率,以及其中行二次手术干预的患者的疗效、并发症及随访情况。结果 期间共282例行EVAR患者,术后随访1~54个月,平均17.9个月。随访过程中,发现单纯II型内漏68例（24.1%）,其中31例患者（45.6%）II型内漏自愈;25例患者（36.8%）瘤体直径无明显增大;12例患者（17.6%）瘤体直径增加>10 mm或表现有相应的临床症状行二次干预。二次干预患者中,10例行经皮动脉栓塞术,其中8例患者行责任动脉栓塞者随诊12个月无内漏复发,瘤体直径缩小;2例栓塞后术后随访24个月II型内漏仍存在,但瘤体直径无继续增大;2例行开放手术,其中1例术后出现急性心肌梗死,行急诊PCI,术后顺利恢复出院,另1例术中大出血,住院时间延长至16 d。2例开放手术患者术后随访6个月以上,情况良好,内漏完全消失。结论 大部分EVAR术后II型内漏患者预后较好,而对于随访中瘤体直径增长较快及有临床症状者,栓塞责任血管可获得不错的临床效果;开放手术创伤相对较大,严重并发症发生率较高,选择需慎重。     

Total robotic ligation of inferior mesenteric artery for type II endoleak after endovascular aneurysm repair

We present a case of totally robotic ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) for treatment of a persistent endoleak from the IMA into the aneurysm sac after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). An 84-year-old male underwent EVAR with a Gore Excluder stent graft for an asymptomatic infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. Follow-up computed tomographic (CT) scan showed persistent type II endoleak from the IMA, with progressive enlargement of the aneurysm sac from 5 to 6.1 cm over an 18-month period. In this case, the patient underwent ligation of the IMA using the da Vinci Surgical System for the treatment of retrograde flow into the aneurysm sac. The total operating time was 249 min; of this, the robotic assistance time was approximately 180 min. No intraoperative complications occurred. The estimated blood loss was 50 mL and the urine output 650 mL. The patient was extubated immediately after the procedure and tolerated a regular diet the following day. He was discharged home with a urinary catheter on postoperative day 2. CT scan postoperatively and at 3-month follow-up demonstrated an occluded IMA and stabilization of the aneurysm sac size.     

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy after endovascular repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm

INTRODUCTIONMost gastroenterological surgeries, even pancreatic surgery, can now be performed laparoscopically. However, the management of concomitant abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and intra-abdominal malignancy is controversial. The performance of endovascular repair (EVAR) for AAA has been increasing; however, there is no report of laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy after EVAR.PRESENTATION OF CASEA pancreatic tumor was detected during follow-up after EVAR for AAA. The enlarging tumor was diagnosed as an intraductal papillary mucinous tumor with a nodule. Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy was safely performed. After laparoscopic dissection around the pancreas head, an additional incision was made in the upper abdomen, and pancreatic reconstruction was performed through the incision. In spite of grade B pancreatic fistulae, the patient recovered with medical therapy. The pathological diagnosis was intraductal papillary mucinous adenoma with small foci of carcinoma in situ. The patient has been well with neither recurrence of the tumor nor any cardiovascular events for 18 months.DISCUSSIONThe management of concomitant malignancy and AAA is challenging, especially in patients with a pancreatic tumor. The reasons for the rarity of treatment include prognosis, anatomical vicinity, and postoperative complications. EVAR reduces retroperitoneal adhesions. A laparoscopic approach provides a small operative field and decreases mutual interference with AAA. Moreover, reconstruction is performed through an upper abdominal incision apart from the AAA. Hand-sewing provides more reliable stability of the anastomosis.CONCLUSIONThe increasing frequency of performance of EVAR for AAA and subsequent computed tomography may help to detect malignancy. Laparoscopic surgery appears to be a valid approach to malignancy after EVAR.     

Mortality analysis of endovascular aneurysm sealing versus endovascular aneurysm repair

BackgroundEndovascular aneurysm sealing (EVAS), using the Nellix endovascular aneurysm sealing system, has been associated with high reintervention and migration rates. However, prior reports have suggested that EVAS might be related to a lower all-cause mortality compared with endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). In the present study, we examined the 5-year all-cause mortality trends after EVAS and EVAR.MethodsWe compared the 333 EVAS patients in the EVAS-1 Nellix U.S. investigational device exemption trial with 16,497 infrarenal EVAR controls from the Vascular Quality Initiative, treated between 2014 and 2016, after applying the exclusion criteria from the investigational device exemption trial (ie, hemodialysis, creatinine >2.0 mg/dL, rupture). As a secondary analysis, we stratified the patients by aneurysm diameter (<5.5 cm and ≥5.5 cm). We calculated propensity scores after adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, and anatomic characteristics and applied inverse probability weighting to compare the risk-adjusted long-term mortality using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses.ResultsAfter weighting, the EVAS group had experienced similar 5-year mortality compared with the controls from the Vascular Quality Initiative (EVAS vs EVAR, 18% vs 14%; hazard ratio [HR], 1.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.71-1.7; P = .70). The subgroup analysis demonstrated that for patients with an aneurysm diameter of <5.5 cm, EVAS was associated with higher 5-year mortality compared with EVAR (19% vs 11%; HR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.7-4.7; P = .013). In patients with an aneurysm diameter of ≥5.5 cm, EVAS was associated with lower mortality within the first 2 years (2-year mortality: HR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.13-0.62; P = .002). However, compared with EVAR, EVAS was associated with higher mortality between 2 and 5 years (HR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2-3.0; P = .005), with no mortality difference at 5 years (18% vs 17%; HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.4-1.4; P = .46).ConclusionsWithin the overall population, EVAS was associated with similar 5-year mortality compared with EVAR. EVAS was associated with higher mortality for those with small aneurysms (<5.5 cm). For those with larger aneurysms (≥5.5 cm), EVAS was initially associated with lower mortality within the first 2 years, although this advantage was lost thereafter, with higher mortality after 2 years. Future studies are required to evaluate the specific causes of death and to elucidate the potential beneficial mechanism behind sac obliteration that leads to this potential initial survival benefit. This could help guide the development of future grafts with better proximal fixation and sealing that also incorporate sac obliteration.     

腹主动脉腔内修复术后II型内漏的栓塞治疗：附3例报告

目的:探讨腹主动脉腔内修复术(EVAR)后Ⅱ型内漏的治疗方法。方法:回顾性分析2011—2016年中南大学湘雅医院血管外科治疗的3例EVAR术后比较严重的Ⅱ型内漏患者的临床资料,1例胸腹主动脉瘤行杂交手术(开放手术重建内脏血管+EVAR)后瘤体继续增大,检查发现为腹腔干动脉反流性内漏;另外2例均为腹主动脉瘤行EVAR术后肠系膜下动脉反流性内漏。结果:腹腔干动脉反流性内漏患者用Interlock可解脱弹簧圈系统栓塞,另外2例采用普通弹簧圈栓塞。3例栓塞均获得成功,内漏消失。结论:EVAR术后Ⅱ型内漏采用不同的入路栓塞是行之有效的方法。     

Incidence of stent graft failure from type IIIB endoleak in contemporary endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

BackgroundType IIIB endoleak from material failure can lead to aneurysmal sac enlargement and latent rupture after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm. Long-term durability of the endovascular stent graft is largely unknown, and the complication rate from device failure due to material fatigue may be underappreciated. In addition, even with advancement in imaging techniques, recognition of type IIIB endoleak can be challenging, which can lead to delay in intervention.MethodsA review of the literature was performed in PubMed and Google Scholar, yielding 23 articles with 46 case reports of type IIIB endoleak from various Food and Drug Administration-approved stent grafts after endovascular repair of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm.ResultsThe most common location of type IIIB endoleak occurred in the main body (34.8%), followed by the area of the flow divider (32.6%). Sac growth was identified in 63% (29/46) of cases. Diagnosis of the endoleak occurred an average of 54.3 months after the index operation. Endovascular repair was the primary approach for elective repair of type IIIB endoleak (61.3% vs 13.3%). Perioperative mortality was higher in ruptured or symptomatic patients compared with patients undergoing elective repair (33.3% vs 6.5%).ConclusionsThe actual incidence of type IIIB endoleak is still lacking, and the etiology may be multifactorial. Therefore, suspicion of type IIIB endoleak requires appropriate imaging techniques and prompt intervention to reduce the perioperative mortality rate.     

Limb graft occlusion after endovascular aneurysm repair with the Cook Zenith Alpha abdominal graft

ObjectivePrior reports of the low profile Zenith Alpha abdominal graft (Cook Medical Inc, Bloomington, IN) have shown impaired limb graft patency to be the primary causes of reintervention. Special notices from the manufacturer have indicated certain instructions for use (IFU) violations as the main reasons for these complications. In the present study, we assessed the incidence of limb graft occlusion (LGO) and analyzed the effects of the detailed anatomic risk factors for LGO highlighted in the IFU and previously reported studies.MethodsA retrospective study was performed of 241 patients treated with the low profile Zenith Alpha at a single institution from October 1, 2015 to September 30, 2018. All computed tomography angiograms were analyzed using three-dimensional software. Data were extracted from the electronic medical records until the end of the study period (December 31, 2020). The cumulative incidence of LGO and LGO-related reinterventions were assessed. A regression analysis was performed to evaluate the possible risk factors associated with the development of LGO at specified time points. These included aortic and iliac diameters, graft component oversizing, iliac tortuosity and calcification, overlap of graft components, proximal alignment of ipsilateral and contralateral legs, and sealing zone in the external iliac artery. Reader agreement of iliac calcification and tortuosity was assessed in patients with LGO.ResultsA total of 33 limbs (7%) in 27 patients (11%) had become occluded. The cumulative incidence of LGO was 7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 5%-9%) per limb up to 3 years postoperatively. The previously described risk factors for LGO were studied using regression analysis; however, no positive association with LGO was identified. Heavily calcified common iliac arteries (CIAs) and external iliac arteries were protective against LGO compared with noncalcified vessels up to 3 years postoperatively (decreased risk, 17% [95% CI, ?27% to ?7%]; P = .001; and 15% [95% CI, ?26 to ?5]; P = .005, respectively). The reader agreement of iliac calcification and tortuosity showed substantial agreement (CIA intrareader kappa = 0.75; CIA interreader kappa = 0.62) and almost perfect agreement (intrareader kappa = 0.85; interreader kappa = 0.84), respectively.ConclusionsThe cumulative incidence of LGO after endovascular aneurysm repair with the Zenith Alpha graft was 7% per limb up to 3 years postoperatively. None of the analyzed risk factors suggested by the IFUs or current literature were positively associated with LGO.     

A meta-analysis of translumbar embolization versus transarterial embolization for type II endoleak after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm

ObjectiveThis systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the clinical outcomes between transarterial and translumbar (direct aneurysm sac puncture) approaches for persistent type II endoleak after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm.MethodsWe searched multiple electronic databases (up to October 31, 2018) for eligible trials in patients with type II endoleaks after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repairs that evaluated the outcomes of translumbar embolization vs transarterial embolization. The primary outcome was clinical success (absence of the endoleak on the last examination); the secondary outcomes were technical success and complication rate. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated.ResultsAmong the 904 studies screened, 9 studies with 354 participants were included in this review. None of the studies reported rupture or mortality. The translumbar group had a relatively higher clinical success rate than the transarterial group, but this difference was not statistically significant (OR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.00-5.25; P = .05; I² = 52%). The technical success rate was significantly higher in the translumbar group than in the transarterial group (OR, 13.32; 95% CI, 3.41-52.07; P = .0002; I² = 0%). No significant difference was found in the complication rate of the two groups (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.26-4.96; P = .85; I² = 0%). We also included five studies that reported the clinical outcomes of open repair. All patients were technically treated by open repair, and 58 of 60 patients owned clinical success during the follow-up period.ConclusionsThe translumbar route was more successful in obliterating the endoleak on follow-up imaging. When repeated endovascular embolizations fail, a laparotomy should follow.     

腹主动脉瘤腔内隔绝术后支架内急性血栓形成闭塞1例

<正>患者男,68岁,体检发现腹主动脉瘤,左肾动脉狭窄9个月。查体:脐周偏右可触及搏动性包块,呈橄榄型,约5cm×13cm。腹主动脉CTA:动脉粥样硬化,腹主动脉瘤(肾下型)伴附壁血栓形成,左肾动脉起始部中度狭窄伴局限性混合斑块(图1)。入院后全麻行腹主动脉瘤覆膜支架腔内隔绝术,主体支架24mm×12mm×170mm,右髂支16 mm×12 mm×100mm。先用4.5 mm×12.0mm球囊预扩张左肾动脉狭窄处,在其内保留导丝;释放主动     

Sex as an independent risk factor for long-term survival after endovascular aneurysm repair

Background

Several vascular surgical procedures, including repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), show poorer outcomes for women than for men. We evaluated the impact of sex-based demographic differences on survival after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).

Incidence,natural course,and outcome of type II endoleaks in infrarenal endovascular aneurysm repair based on the ENGAGE registry data

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to report the incidence, natural history, and outcome of type II endoleaks in the largest prospective real-world cohort to date.MethodsPatients were extracted from the prospective Endurant Stent Graft Natural Selection Global Postmarket Registry (ENGAGE). Two groups were analyzed: first, patients with an isolated type II endoleak; and second, patients with a type II endoleak who later presented with a type I endoleak. A health status analysis between patients with an early type II endoleak and patients with no endoleak was performed. Second, an attempt was made to identify risk factors in patients with a type II endoleak who later presented with a type I endoleak.ResultsThrough 5 years of follow-up, a total of 197 (15.6%) patients with isolated type II endoleaks were identified. Most were detected within the first 30 days (n = 73 [37.1%]) and through the first year (n = 73 [37.1%]), with the remainder being detected after 1 year of follow-up (n = 51 [25.8%]). Patients with a type II endoleak had a higher incidence of aneurysm growth and more secondary endovascular procedures (15.4% vs 7.5% at 5 years; P < .001). Overall survival was higher in the isolated type II endoleak group compared with patients with no endoleak (77.2% vs 67.0% at 5 years; P = .010). Twenty-two patients (10%) with a type II endoleak were diagnosed with a late type I endoleak (type IA, n = 10; type IB, n = 12), with a secondary intervention rate of 67.5% through 5 years. There was no difference in health status scores between patients with an early type II endoleak and patients without any type of endoleak at 1-year follow-up.ConclusionsIn the ENGAGE registry, isolated type II endoleaks are present in 15.6% of patients during follow-up. The majority do not require secondary intervention, and an early isolated type II endoleak does not have an impact on health status through 1 year. However, a small group of patients with a type II endoleak will present with a type I endoleak, resulting in a high secondary intervention rate and significant risk of aneurysm-related complications.     

Simple renal cyst and its association with sac shrinkage after endovascular aneurysm repair for abdominal aortic aneurysms

ObjectivePatients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) frequently have simple renal cyst (SRC), a common manifestation of connective tissue degeneration. This study aimed to determine whether SRC is a risk factor for failure of sac shrinkage after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).MethodsBetween October 2013 and May 2017, there were 155 consecutive patients with an infrarenal AAA or a common iliac artery aneurysm who underwent EVAR with the GORE C3 Excluder (W. L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz) at Tokyo Medical University Hospital. All these patients were registered in a prospectively maintained database. Any kidney lesion >5 mm in diameter, with no evidence of contrast enhancement or septation and with low attenuation, was defined as SRC. A change in sac size of >5 mm from baseline was considered significant. The patients were divided into those with SRC and those without SRC, and sac shrinkage at 1 year and 2 years was compared. The presence of SRC was assessed with respect to being a risk factor for failure of sac shrinkage at 1 year using univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe patients were divided into two groups: those with SRC (92 patients [59.0%]) and those without SRC (63 patients [41.0%]). At 1 year and 2 years, significant differences were observed in the proportion of sac shrinkage between patients with SRC and those without SRC (19.2% vs 42.4% [P = .003] and 19.6% vs 53.3% [P = .001], respectively). Patients with SRC showed significantly less sac shrinkage than those without SRC at 1 year and 2 years (−2.0 ± 5.5 mm vs −4.4 ± 6.2 mm [P = .002] and −1.8 ± 6.3 mm vs −6.4 ± 8.6 mm [P = .005], respectively). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that SRC (odds ratio, 0.28; 95% confidence interval, 0.12-0.63; P = .002) and initial sac size (odds ratio, 1.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.09; P = .027) were positive and negative risk factors for sac shrinkage, respectively.ConclusionsThe presence of SRC is a risk factor for failure of sac shrinkage after EVAR. This suggests that AAA in patients with SRC has a more degenerated wall than in those without SRC. The property of the aneurysm wall may be associated with sac shrinkage after EVAR.