MR imaging for the detection of endoleaks in recipients of abdominal aortic stent-grafts with low magnetic susceptibility

Abstract

Rationale and objectives: This study was performed to assess the efficacy of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for the detection of endoleaks in recipients of abdominal aortic stent-grafts with low magnetic susceptibility.

Materials and methods: A retrospective search was conducted in radiology department records for cases of patients with low-susceptibility stent-grafts who had been evaluated with MR imaging and either computed tomography (CT) or conventional angiography within a 1-month time frame. Any endoleaks previously confirmed and classified with the use of CT and/or conventional angiography were compared with findings from MR imaging.

Results: Nine patients fit the selection criteria. Images of five of those patients depicted six different endoleaks. Two endoleaks had been confirmed with CT, another two had been confirmed with CT and angiography, and two had been confirmed with angiography alone. All endoleaks visualized at CT and/or angiography were accurately detected and classified also with MR imaging. In some cases, the endoleak was more clearly visualized with MR imaging than with CT. In four patients in whom no endoleaks were found at CT, MR imaging also indicated no endoleaks.

Conclusion: MR imaging is a suitable modality for identifying endoleaks in patients with low-susceptibility stent-grafts. Moreover, MR imaging may be more sensitive than CT for the detection of small endoleaks.