Hiroshi Kawada1, Satoshi Goshima1, Kota Sakurai2, Yoshifumi Noda1, Kimihiro Kajita3, Nobuyuki Kawai1, Hiromi Ohno1, and Masayuki Matsuo1
1Radiology, Gifu university hospital, Gifu, Japan, 2Radiology, China Kosei Hospital, Seki, Japan, 3Radiology Service, Gifu university hospital, Gifu, Japan
Synopsis
We found that standard measurements
showed strong correlation between CTA and MRA (r = 0.92- 0.99) and perfect
agreement between two observers (ICC = 0.97 - 0.99). We also demonstrated four MRA
features which are feasible for the detection of endoleaks. The “mottled high
intensity” and “creeping high intensity with low band rim” were significant positive
findings (P < 0.001), and “no signal black spot” and “layered high intensity
area” were also significant negative findings (P < 0.031). The observation
of these findings showed feasible diagnostic performance for detecting endoleaks
which also showed reliable reproducibility among blinded observers.Purpose
To
evaluate the non-contrast MR angiography (MRA) findings of aortic aneurysm
status post abdominal endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and to measure the diagnostic
performance for the detection of endoleaks (ELs).
Methods and Materials
IRB approval and all patients
provided written informed consent. Forty-six patients (mean age, 76.8 years;
age range, 53–91 years) underwent both contrast-enhanced abdominal CT
angiography (CTA) and non-contrast MRA using a respiratory-triggered
two-dimensional single shot balanced turbo-field-echo (b-TFE) sequence within 2
weeks after EVAR. Two observers independently documented the standard
measurements on CTA and MRA. The relationship between the prognosis of aneurysm
and the signal intensity ratio (SIR) on MRA were quantitatively evaluated. The
two experienced study coordinators determined six feasible MRA features for the
detection of ELs. Significance and diagnostic performance of these features
were statistically examined in advance of following blind reading. Two blinded
observers, who were known the results of previous evaluation by study
coordinators, assessed MRA images for the detection of ELs.
Results
The
standard measurements showed strong correlation between CTA and MRA (r = 0.92-
0.99) and perfect agreement between two observers (ICC = 0.97 - 0.99). No
significant difference was found between SIR and prognosis of aneurysm. Frequencies
in appearance of MRA features including “mottled high intensity” and “creeping high
intensity with low band rim” were significant differences between the patients
with or without ELs (P = 0.000 – 0.001) as positive findings, and “no signal
black spot” and “layered high intensity area” were also significant as negative
findings as well (P = 0.003 – 0.031). If one of two positive findings was
observed, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 77.3%, 91.7%, and 84.8%,
respectively. If one of two negative findings was observed, sensitivity,
specificity, and accuracy were 50.0%, 95.5%, and 71.7%, respectively. Sensitivity,
specificity, and AUC for the detection of ELs evaluated by the blinded observers
were 72.7%, 87.5%, and 0.82. The κ values between coordinators and observers ranged
0.522 to 0.881 which showed moderate to almost perfect agreement.
Discussion
Analysis of the EUROSTAR registry has
shown that ELs, migration, and kinking are significantly associated with late
rupture1). So the follow-up imaging after EVAR is necessary to
identify these complications together with others, such as thrombosis, or sac
enlargement2). CTA is the most widely used modality for the
observation after EVAR because of its excellent reproducibility and spatial
resolution, despite the disadvantages of the associated radiation exposure and
the potential for nephrotoxicity3). In several studies,
gadolinium-enhanced MRA was at least as sensitive as CTA, and in some cases
demonstrated ELs that were not detected at CTA4-6). However,
nephrogenic systemic fibrosis has been reported primarily in patients with
chronic kidney disease who received gadolinium-based contrast material7-8).
Generally the patients with AAA were comparatively late age, so
gadolinium-based contrast materials should be avoided in these patients who may
require repeated examinations during the pre- and/or post-treatment period. The
b-TFE sequences are widely used for vascular
assessment because they offer excellent
contrast resolution and fast image acquisition without radiation
exposure and use of contrast materials9). Previously reported that it is adequate to provide the
required anatomical information for preoperative EVAR planning10).
In our study, measurements with
CTA and non-contrast b-TFE MRA showed excellent inter-modality and -observer
agreement despite of the stent-induced
susceptibility artifacts. Non-contrast b-TFE MRA also exhibited excellent
contrast between the aortic lumen where blood flows, mural thrombus formation
mixed with old and new blood clot, and aortic walls consisted of smooth muscles
and collagenous fibers, resulting in accurate measurements. We confirmed that non-contrast b-TFE MRA can accurately identify
the sac enlargement and thrombosis. In addition, appearance of four MR features
demonstrated the feasible diagnostic performance for the detection of ELs. We
believe that non-contrast MRA is the reliable modality for the patients status
post EVAR who requires repeated follow-up examinations.
It is
also fact that non-contrast b-TFE is inferior to contrast-enhanced CTA or MRA
for the visualization of peripheral vessels or micro-structure11). Contrast-enhanced
CTA or MRA should be considered for detecting the culprit vessel of ELs in suspected
cases based on evaluation of non-contrast MRA.
Conclusion
Non-contrast
MRA can appear to be a useful modality for the patient follow-up status post
EVAR.
Acknowledgements
The scientific guarantor of this publication is Satoshi Goshima, M.D. The authors of this manuscript declare no
relationships with any companies, whose products or services may be
related to the subject matter of the article. The authors state that this work
has not received any funding. No complex statistical methods
were necessary for this paper. Institutional Review Board approval
was obtained. Written informed consent was obtained. None of
the study subjects or cohorts has been not previously reported.References
1.
Fransen GA, Vallabhaneni SR, Sr., van Marrewijk CJ, et al. Rupture of
infra-renal aortic aneurysm after endovascular repair: a series from EUROSTAR
registry. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 2003;26(5):487-93.
2.
Patel A, Edwards R, Chandramohan S. Surveillance of patients post-endovascular
abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). A web-based survey of practice in the
UK. Clin Radiol. 2013; 68(6): 580-7.
3.
Miyazaki M, Isoda H. Non-contrast-enhanced MR angiography of the abdomen. Eur J
Radiol. 2011; 80(1): 9-23.
4. Ayuso
JR, de Caralt TM, Pages M, et al. MRA is useful as a follow-up technique after
endovascular repair of aortic aneurysms with nitinol endoprostheses. J Magn
Reson Imaging. 2004; 20(5): 803-10.
5.
Pitton MB, Schweitzer H, Herber S, et al. MRI versus helical CT for endoleak
detection after endovascular aneurysm repair. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2005;
185(5): 1275-81.
6.
van der Laan MJ, Bartels LW, Viergever MA, et al. Computed tomography versus
magnetic resonance imaging of endoleaks after EVAR. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg.
2006; 32(4): 361-5.
7. Cowper
SE, Robin HS, Steinberg SM, et al. Scleromyxoedema-like cutaneous diseases in
renal-dialysis patients. Lancet. 2000; 356(9234): 1000-1.
8.
Kuo PH, Kanal E, Abu-Alfa AK, Cowper SE. Gadolinium-based MR contrast agents
and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. Radiology. 2007;242(3):647-9.
9.
Stavropoulos SW, Charagundla SR. Imaging techniques for detection and
management of endoleaks after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. Radiology.
2007; 243(3): 641-55.
10. Goshima
S, Kanematsu M, Kondo H, et al. Preoperative planning for endovascular aortic
repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms: feasibility of nonenhanced MR angiography
versus contrast-enhanced CT angiography. Radiology. 2013; 267 (3): 948-55.
11.
Herborn CU, Watkins DM, Runge VM, et al. Renal arteries: comparison of
steady-state free precession MR angiography and contrast-enhanced MR
angiography. Radiology. 2006; 239(1): 263-8.