Pseudoendoleak

Last revised by Ciléin Kearns on 24 Jan 2023

Pseudoendoleak is a color Doppler ultrasound phenomenon caused by spurious color signal in the aneurysm sac following endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).

Radiographic features

Pseudoendoleak is defined as flow signal on color Doppler in the aneurysm sac following EVAR, without evidence of leak on subsequent investigation. The spurious nature of the signal can be confirmed by the absence of contrast enhancement in the same region (e.g. by CEUS, or CT angiography). The phenomenon is thought to be the result of agitation of fluid trapped within the aneurysm sac after a repair 1,2

A similar phenomenon has been reported on CT, where contrast material administered prior to endovascular aneurysm repair is sealed within the aneurysm sac, creating the appearance of a leak 3. This can be differentiated from a leak by demonstrating presence on a non-contrast scan.

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