Incidence and risk factors for sac expansion after endovascular aneurysm repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the sac changes after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms. Materials and Methods: We examined the aneurysm sac size initially and regularly after surgery in 157 consecutive patients who underwent EVAR in 2009-2019. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scans were used as well as ultrasound images with non-enhanced CT scans in the patients with renal insufficiency. Sac expansion (SE) at 3 years was divided into two categories: progressive SE (PSE) defined as continuous sac enlargement of ≥5 mm on serial follow-up images at 1 and 3 years compared with the initial sac and delayed SE (DSE) defined as re-expansion of ≥5 mm compared with the regressed or stable sac at 1 year. The SE rate at 1 and 3 years and the risk factors for SE at 3 years were analyzed using logistic regression. Results: During a median follow-up of 32.5 months, nine reinterventions in six patients were performed with open conversion (n=5) and endovascular repair (n=4). At 1 year, 112 patients underwent follow-up imaging. SE and sac regression were noted in 4 (3.6%) and 57 (50.9%) patients, respectively. Of the 64 patients with 3-year follow-up images, 16 (25%) exhibited SE (PSE [n=6] and DSE [n=10]). In the multivariable analysis, the risk factors for overall SE at 3 years were endoleaks at 1 year (P=0.006) and renal insufficiency (P=0.003). Conclusion: During post-EVAR follow-up, patients with any endoleak at 1 year or renal insufficiency must be strictly monitored for SE development.