RadioGraphics 2000; 20:1263-1278 Mita Toshifumi, Arita Takeshi, Matsunaga Naofumi, Furukawa Matakazu, Zempo Nobuya, Esato Kensuke, Matsuzaki Masunori
Endovascular stent-graft implantation is an alternative to conventional open surgery for the treatment of aortic aneurysm. Forty-nine consecutive patients with aortic aneurysm (thoracic, n = 17; infrarenal n = 32) were treated with endovascular stent-graft implantation. Complications occurred in 25 patients (two patients had complications): endoleak (n = 13), graft thrombosis (n = 5), graft kinking (n = 2), pseudoaneurysm caused by graft infection (n = 1), graft occlusion (n = 1), shower embolism (n = 1), perforation of mural thrombosis by means of inadvertant penetration of delivery system (n = 1), colon necrosis (n = 1), aortic dissection (n = 1), and hematoma at the arteriotomy site (n = 1). Imaging findings were analyzed for spiral computed tomography, plain abdominal radiography, transesophageal echocardiography, and digital subtraction angiography. Since some of these complications are fatal, radiologists need to instantly and accurately recognize them. Awareness and understanding of possible complications should help ensure a safe, successful procedure.
