The value of diagnostic imaging in the classification of endoleaks as a complication of endoluminal grafting of aortic aneurysms

Objective: to describe a series of endoleak cases and their respective classification. Materials and methods: the authors developed a retrospective study of endoleaks diagnosed at their institution in the period between 2005 and 2009. Twenty cases were included to illustrate the different types of endoleaks. Results: seventy percent of the patients were men, and the ages ranged from 43 to 91 years (mean, 76.3 years). Thirteen cases were observed in the infrarenal abdominal aorta, four in the thoracic aorta, two in the iliac artery, and one in the carotid territory. Ultrasonography was the method utilized for diagnosis in three cases, and computed tomography in the other 17 cases. Classification: 60% type I, 25% type II, 15% type III. Other endoleak types were not observed in the present series. Conclusion: early diagnosis and correct classification of endoleaks are crucial for an appropriate management of cases. The knowledge of endoleaks subtypes is fundamental in the education of physicians specialized in radiology and imaging diagnosis as well as for vascular surgeons. (author)