O071 An innovative prone contrast enhancement computed tomography angiography (PASHA) protocol to diagnose concealed endoleak and aortic sac hygroma

Abstract Introduction Standard 4-phase supine computed tomography angiography (CTA) scans are unable to detect smaller fabric tear (< 1–2 mm) following EVAR, which are erroneously interpreted as type IV or V endoleak (EL). Here, we propose a novel diagnostic technique, ‘Prone contrASt enhanced computed tomography Angiography’ (PASHA)' that uses time-resolved four-phase CTA protocol to detect and classify concealed ELs. Methods We employed PASHA protocol in 46 patients after continuous sac expansion following primary EVAR where the standard 4-phase CTA could not identify the EL source. PASHA protocol uses a prone position during standard 4-phase CTA, which displaces the aorta anteriorly by approximately 5 mm, shortening the anterior cortex distance and allowing fluid transudation due to gravity with maximal EL enhancements. Results The average numbers of CT scans performed before diagnosing EL with PASHA protocol were 3.4 ±1.5 (range: 1–6). PASHA protocol demonstrated EL in all 46 cases that the standard supine 4-phase CTA could not identify. PASHA protocol effectively enhanced the degree of contrast infiltration into the aortic sac in all the patients. Conclusion PASHA is a multi-phase positional CTA technique that enhances the degree of contrast infiltration into the aortic sac when micro-leaks are present, increasing the EL detection rate following EVAR and strategically mapping successful future intervention. Take-home message Prone contrASt enHanced computed tomography Angiography (PASHA) is a multi-phase positional computed tomography angiography (CTA) technique that enhances the degree of contrast infiltration into the aortic sac when micro-leaks are present. PASHA increases the endoleak (EL) detection rate following endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and strategically maps successful future interventions.