[home] [Personal Program] [Help]

---

Session: Poster session 2 (Odd numbers)
Session starts: Friday 27 January, 10:00
Presentation starts: 10:00

---

Rianne E. van Rijswijk (Rijnstate hospital & University of Twente)
Erik Groot Jebbink (Rijnstate hospital & University of Twente)
Michel M.P.J. Reijnen (Rijnstate hospital & University of Twente)

Abstract:
Background: An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a dilation of the abdominal aorta that can lead to a lethal rupture. It can be treated with either open surgical repair or endovascular repair, in which an endograft is placed (EVAR). Studies show that patients with AAA sac shrinkage one-year after EVAR experience significantly better long-term outcomes than patients with a stable diameter [1,2]. In literature, AAA thrombus, total AAA volume, and lumen volume seem useful in predicting this remodeling of the aneurysm sac after EVAR [3]. These AAA characteristics are traditionally measured with contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography (CTA), however, three-dimensional ultrasound (3D-US) is emerging as a novel, less harmful imaging alternative. With the use of SonoVue contrast agent, the AAA thrombus can also be distinguished from the flow-lumen on the US scans, similarly to CTA [4]. In ex vivo measurements, 3D-US has been shown to have clinically acceptable error rates with vessel diameter and volume measurement [5]. However, it is unclear whether this is also applicable to clinical measurements. Objective: The aim of this study is to compare preoperative AAA characteristics as measured by 1) 3D-US without contrast-enhancement, 2) 3D-US with contrast-enhancement, and 3) CTA. AAA characteristics to be investigated include AAA diameter, total AAA volume, lumen volume, thrombus thickness and thrombus volume. The secondary objective is to identify the added value of contrast-enhancement for 3D-US. Methods: Twenty patients with an AAA that are scheduled for EVAR will preoperatively undergo 3D-US with and without use of the Sonovue contrast agent, in addition to the standard CTA scan. Current status: The protocol is currently under ethical review. The aimed start of patient inclusion is December 1st, so by the end of January we hope to be able to present results of our first patients. Expected results: We expect to demonstrate that AAA characteristics can be as reliably measured with 3D-US, when compared to CTA. Also, we aim to show that contrast-enhanced 3D-US is feasible and establish the potential added value of contrast-enhancement in AAA patients.