Contrast enhanced ultrasonography versus MR angiography in aortocaval fistula: case report

Abdom Imaging. 2010 Jun;35(3):376-80. doi: 10.1007/s00261-009-9507-x. Epub 2009 Mar 25.

Abstract

Aortocaval fistula (ACF) is a rare, life threatening complication of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Time to diagnosis is crucial as preoperative diagnosis and early surgical intervention significantly improve the outcome. The clinical spectrum being varied, the challenge of prompt and reliable diagnosis rests on emergency radiology. While the gold standard for detecting ACF today is CT angiography (CTA), frequently complicating renal insufficiency discourages the use of iodinated contrast making MR angiography (MRA) a useful alternative. Contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) provides a promising new diagnostic option allowing rapid, non invasive and bedside diagnosis, especially in hemodynamically unstable patients. We present a case of prompt diagnosis of ACF by CEUS in comparison to modern MRA, thus establishing the new potential role of CEUS.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / complications*
  • Aortic Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Aortic Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Diseases / etiology
  • Emergency Treatment
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement*
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography*
  • Phospholipids*
  • Sulfur Hexafluoride*
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color / methods*
  • Vascular Fistula / diagnosis*
  • Vascular Fistula / diagnostic imaging
  • Vascular Fistula / etiology
  • Vena Cava, Inferior*

Substances

  • Phospholipids
  • contrast agent BR1
  • Sulfur Hexafluoride