Pros and Cons of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Endovascular Aneurysm Repair Surveillance

Abstract

Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) has become an increasingly popular treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysm. The success of this type of treatment is dependent upon, to great extent, appropriate post-procedure surveillance accurately recognises complications in a timely fashion. The prominent modes of surveillance have been Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) and Color Duplex Ultrasound (CDUS). Each imaging method has its limitations; particularly the use of radiation and intravenous contrast media for the CTA and the subjectivity and lower resolution of the images that CDUS generates. More recently, Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) has been used and provides an accurate diagnosis of many post-procedure complications. This study aims to review the literature and present the evidence for the role of CEUS in the surveillance of EVAR patients, which may have implications for future practice.