Spiral CT Angiography in the Assessment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms After Stent Grafting: Value of Maximum Intensity Projections

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Abstract
Our goal was to evaluate the value of maximum intensity projections (MIPs) rendered from spiral CT in the assessment of abdominal aortic aneurysms after stent graft implantation. Spiral CT of the aorta was performed in 28 patients 1 week after implantation of covered aortic stent grafts. MIPs were evaluated in a blinded fashion. Transaxial scans and intravenous angiographs were considered the reference standard. Stent deformity was evident on the MIPs in 5 cases and stent angulation was seen in 24 cases. The excluded aneurysmal sac was visualized in 14 (50%) cases. MIPs depicted the patent inferior mesenteric artery in 20 of 23 cases (87%). Renal artery occlusion (n = 3), leaks (n = 8), and parietal thrombi (n = 3) were detected on the MIPs in all cases. MIPs are a valuable tool in the assessment of aortic stent grafts.