THE USE OF CONTRAST-ENHANCED ULTRASOUND IN FOLLOW-UP AFTER ENDOVASCULAR TREATMENT OF ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSMS (AAA) WITH BIFURCATED STENTGRAFTS

Purpose: The aim of our study was to evaluate possibility of visualization of stentgrafts and to assess efficacy in detecting endoleaks during contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Methods and Materials: During the period 2002–2005 standard and contrast-enhanced ultrasound were performed in 60 patients who underwent endovascular treatment of AAA. Ultrasound examinations were done 1, 6 and 12 months after stentgraft implantation. Spiral CT was performed 6 months after treatment. Stentgraft patency, its migration and evidence of endoleak were evaluated. Results: Contrast-enhanced duplex Doppler enabled proper visualizatio…