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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
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Time-Resolved, Dynamic Computed Tomography Angiography for Characterization of Aortic Endoleaks and Treatment Guidance via 2D-3D Fusion-Imaging
Published on: December 9, 2021
Delayed enhancement on computed tomography in abdominal aortic aneurysm wall
Akiko Sakuta1, Fumiko Kimura, Yoshikazu Aoka
1Department of Cardiology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan. akko7446@yahoo.co.jp
Heart and Vessels
|March 29, 2007
Summary
Delayed enhancement on computed tomography (CT) scans may indicate chronic inflammation in atherosclerotic abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). This finding was associated with larger AAA diameter and higher C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Pathology
Background:
- Atherosclerotic abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.
- Understanding the inflammatory processes within AAA walls is crucial for risk stratification.
- Computed tomography (CT) is a key imaging modality for AAA assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate delayed enhancement (DE) of the aortic wall in atherosclerotic AAAs using CT.
- To investigate the relationship between DE and AAA diameter, wall thickness, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and pathological findings.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of CT scans from 110 patients with atherosclerotic AAAs.
- CT scanning included unenhanced, early, and delayed phases.
- Correlation of DE findings with clinical and pathological data from 19 patients.
Main Results:
- Delayed enhancement (DE) was observed in 60% of patients with atherosclerotic AAAs.
- Patients with DE had significantly larger AAA diameter and higher serum CRP levels compared to those without DE.
- DE was associated with more severe atheroma, inflammation, and vascularity on pathological examination.
Conclusions:
- Delayed enhancement on CT imaging is a common finding in atherosclerotic AAAs.
- DE may serve as an imaging biomarker for chronic inflammation within the AAA wall.
- Further research can explore the prognostic value of DE in AAA management.
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