Computed Tomography-Detected Abnormalities following Conventional AAA Repair

Abstract

Purpose:

To determine how time since the operation influences vascular abnormalities following conventional infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair.

Methods:

In 47 patients computed tomography was performed 1 to 12 years following the aneurysm repair. Aortic diameters at different levels were measured and other abnormalities recorded.

Results:

Significant correlation was found between time since operation and diameter of the suprarenal aorta (R= 0.51. P<0.001) but not with aortic neck diameter (R=–0.10, P= 0.48) or diameter of the prosthetic graft (R= 0.07, P= 0.66). However, measured diameters of graft and aortic neck showed a significant positive correlation (R= 0.40. P= 0.005).

Conclusions:

Dilatation of the suprarenal aorta has a different pattern from aortic neck dilatation. The latter showed correlation with the diameter of the prosthetic graft. This may be of interest for future design of endovascular stent-grafts.