Abstract
A total of 12 consecutive patients (10 male, mean age 65.2) observed at vascular surgery department with known subrenal AAA, were referred for computed tomography angiography (CTA) with ECG synchronization. All examinations were performed using a dual-source multidetector-row scanner (Somatom Definition, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany).
The scanning protocol contained standard CT angiography of whole abdominal aorta and iliac arteries. This was followed by scanning with ECG-gating covered only segment of aneurysm.
For standard non-gated scanning 80 ml of a non-ionic contrast agent (Iomeron 400, Bracco, Italy) and 50 ml of saline were administrated into an antecubital vein using power injector. Only 20 ml of the same contrast agent was administrated during ECG-gated scanning and total amount of contrast agent was 100 ml.
Correlation between maximal diameter and distensibility of AAA wasn''t proved. Whereas was found significant difference between distensibility of AAA wall and healthy aorta.
Significantly higher distensibility was found in wall of healthy aorta. Although significant difference between distensibility of AAA and healthy aorta was proved, in some patients were observed close values of distensibility.
It was found in 4 patients a 2 from this small group were observed for so called "fast-growing" AAA. Performing of the ECG synchronized CTA allows not only perfect morphological imaging, but also calculation of distensibility.
According to our results and experience this parameter could contribute to risk stratification of patients with AAA and possible early indication to surgical or endovascular therapy. Expansion of this method is depending on the reduction of radiation dose and availability of the dedicated software for calculation of distensibility.