Diagnostic accuracy of microvascular flow imaging ultrasound for endoleak detection after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis

• Published in: Polish journal of radiology Vol. 89; pp. e414 - e419
• Main Authors: Czeczelewski, Marcin, Kopyto, Ewa, Kuczyńska, Maryla, Drelich-Zbroja, Anna, Jargiełło, Tomasz
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Poland Termedia Publishing House 22.08.2024
• Subjects: Review Paper; meta-analysis; ultrasonography; microcirculation; endovascular aneurysm repair
• ISSN: 1733-134X; 1899-0967
• DOI: 10.5114/pjr/190502

The objective was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of microvascular flow imaging ultrasound (MVUS) for the detection of endoleak after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. A systematic search of the literature published until January 2024 was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses of Diagnostic Test Accuracy (PRISMA-DTA) guidelines. The pooled rates of sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio of MVUS in endoleak detection with computed tomography angiography as the reference standard were estimated using univariate random-effect analysis with 95% confidence intervals. Three studies were considered eligible for inclusion. Superb micro-vascular imaging (SMI) was used as an MVUS technique in all cases. The total number of paired scans was 209. Sensitivity and specificity of the individual studies ranged 0.75-1.00 and 0.93-1.00, respectively. Pooled sensitivity and specificity of the SMI method was 0.91 (CI: 0.82-0.96) and 0.98 (CI: 0.94-1.00), respectively. The pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 635 (95% CI: 128-3140). The findings of the present study support the use of the MVUS for endoleak detection. However, further research is warranted to explore the broader application of MVUS, providing a more comprehensive understanding and establishing robust criteria for its role in clinical practice.