Assessing volumetric changes in abdominal aortic aneurysms following endovascular repair.

OBJECTIVE: Volumetric changes in the aneurysm sac were evaluated following endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) in intact abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) patients who underwent EVAR.

METHODS: Fifty-two patients, who underwent EVAR from 2015 to 2019, were analysed retrospectively. A total of 158 computed tomography angiography scans was examined by performing reconsctructive volumetric calculations. Total aneurysm volume (TAV), patent lumen volume (PLV) and thrombuscoated aneurysm wall volume (TCAWV) were calculated. The results obtained at six, 12 and 24 months postoperatively were compared with those of the pre-operative period.

RESULTS: Mean TAV had regressed 7% by the sixth month ( p = 0.1), 27% by the 12th month ( p = 0.0003) and 19% by the 24th month ( p = 0.0008). Mean TCAWV had increased 2% by the sixth month ( p = 0.3), and regressed 26% by the 12th month ( p = 0.3) and 14% by the 24th month ( p = 0.8). Mean PLV had regressed by 20% by the sixth month ( p = 0.008), 29% by the 12th month ( p = 0.0002) and 26% by the 24th month ( p = 0.0006). For each individual proximal, middle and distal measurement, regression was observed at six and 12 months; however, an increase was observed at 24 months compared to the previous follow ups.

CONCLUSIONS: The expansion measurements of TAV in the 24th month support the doubts on the medium- to long-term results of EVAR. The largest regression in the aneurysm sac was observed in the distal portion, then in the proximal portion, and the least regression was observed in the middle section.