Contrast-enhanced ultrasound after endovascular aortic repair-current status and future perspectives

An increasing number of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are undergoing endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) instead of open surgery. These patients require lifelong surveillance, and the follow-up imaging modality of choice has been traditionally computed tomography angiography (CTA). Repetitive CTA imaging is associated with cumulative radiation exposure and requires the administration of multiple doses of nephrotoxic contrast agents. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has emerged as an alternative strategy in the follow-up of patients with EVAR and demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity for detection of endoleaks. In fact, a series of studies have shown that CEUS is at least performing equal to computed tomography for the detection and classification of endoleaks. This article summarizes current evidence of CEUS after EVAR and demonstrates its usefulness via various patient cases.