Changes in Aortic Diameter and Wall Strain in Progressing Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Abstract

Objectives: The analysis of wall strain opens new perspectives in the prediction of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) rupture. This study investigates the capability of four-dimensional ultrasound (4D US) to detect and characterize changes in wall strain in the same patients during follow-up observations. Methods: Eighteen patients were examined by 64 4D US scans during a median follow-up period of 24.5 months. After performing the 4D US and manual aneurysm segmentation, kinematic analysis was performed using a customized interface and evaluation of the mean and peak circumferential strain, as well as spatial heterogeneity. Results: All aneurysms showed a continuous diameter growth with a mean rate of 4% per year (P