Hemodynamic Consideration for Endoleak and Aneurysm Size Change after the Stent-Graft Application of Aortic Aneurysm

Purpose: In the treatment of aortic aneurysm, endovascular stent-graft application has become an established method of treatment. To observe the outcomes of the procedure as the size change of aneurysm in relation with endoleak, a retrospective analysis was done for the consecutive cases who undertook the procedure. Materials & Method: Stent-graft was applied to the aortic aneurysm in 33 patients. The location of the aneurysm was thoracic in 11 patients and abdominal in 22 patients. CT angiographic was done for the follow-up evaluation to analyze the aneurysm size and the presence of endoleak. Results: Technical success rate was 97% (32/33). The primary success rate without endoleak was 84% (28/33). The secondary success was 90% (30/33). During the follow-up period of 3 months to 7years and 6months in 26 patients, a secondary endoleak developed in 5 cases. Post-implantation syndrome developed in 17 cases (51%). Among the 14 cases with follow-up imaging data for size, endoleak was negative in 10 cases. The aneurysm decreased in 5 cases, stable in size in 4 cases and enlarged in one case (10%).Among the 4 cases with endoleak positive, the aneurysm enlarged in two cases (50%). Conclusion: In the stent-graft application for aortic aneurysm, there is high chance of decrease of aneurysm size in those cases with endoleak negative. However, the aneurysm may increase and eventually rupture in the cases with en do leak positive. Close observation with CT angiography is necessary for the evaluation for the presence of endoleak and size change.