Understanding Type II Endoleak: A Harmless Imaging Finding or a Silent Threat?
Georgios KoudounasStefanos GiannopoulosNektarios CharisisNicos LabropoulosPublished in: Journal of clinical medicine (2024)
Type II endoleak (T2EL) represents a challenging clinical entity following endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). Although several studies have suggested that T2ELs are related to an increased risk of aneurysm sac growth and subsequent rupture, the exact role that T2ELs play in long-term outcomes remains debatable. Understanding the pathophysiology, diagnostic modalities, and management options of T2ELs is important for patients' safety and proper resource utilization. While conservative management may be suitable for asymptomatic patients with a stable aneurysm size, interventional approaches, including transarterial embolization, direct sac puncture embolization and open conversion have been described for patients with persistent T2EL associated with sac expansion. However, more research is needed to better determine the clinical benefit of such interventions. A thorough evaluation of all endoleak types before T2EL treatment would be reasonable for patients with T2ELs associated with sac expansion. Further studies are needed to refine treatment strategies aimed at minimizing T2EL-related complications. Collaborative efforts among vascular specialists, radiologists, and researchers are of paramount importance to address this ongoing clinical challenge.
Keyphrases
- abdominal aortic aneurysm
- coronary artery
- abdominal aortic
- end stage renal disease
- ejection fraction
- newly diagnosed
- quality improvement
- minimally invasive
- artificial intelligence
- high resolution
- aortic aneurysm
- peritoneal dialysis
- prognostic factors
- ultrasound guided
- combination therapy
- liver metastases
- aortic dissection