Can Low-Iodine, Low-Radiation-Dose CT Aortogram Reliably Detect Endoleak after Endovascular Aneurysm Repair of the Aorta?

Abstract

Objective: Double-low CT aortography (DLCTA) is increasingly used in follow-up studies of aortic aneurysm after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). However, whether DLCTA can reliably detect the presence of endoleak is not clear. Methods: From February 2014 to October 2019, patients who received EVAR, underwent CT surveillance, and had at least one standard CTA protocol (120 kVp, 400 mg I/kg) and one DLCTA (70–80 kVp, 200 mg I/kg) were included. The integrated findings of the standard CTA and sequential change were considered as the reference standard for the presence of endoleak. Results: In all, 36 patients received TEVAR and 24 patients received EVAR; 62 standard CTA and 167 DLCTA results were analyzed. There were 2 type I (3.3%) and 12 type II (20.0%) endoleaks in 14 patients (23.3%). The performance of DLCTA in the diagnosis of endoleak reached 100% accuracy compared to that of standard CTA in case of the correction of CT findings by an expert second reading. Compared to the standard CTA, DLCTA scan reduced the radiation dose by 71% and the iodine dose by 50%. Conclusions: DLCTA with 70–80 kVp and 200 mg I/kg can reliably detect the presence of endoleak after TEVAR/EVAR.

Keywords

• double-low computed tomography angiography
• lower tube voltage
• low-contrast media
• endovascular aneurysm repair
• aortic computed tomography angiography
• radiation dosage