Aortic aneurysms treated with endovascular techniques may develop endoleaks. In addition to anatomic location, these endoleaks should be classified based on the type of blood flow. We describe the types of blood flow into the endoleaks as detected by Doppler ultrasonography: in-and-out flow as a "pseudoaneurysm", channel flow through the aneurysm, and direct flow into the aneurysm. Endoleaks may be intermittent and actually be endoseepage, detected by aneurysmal growth without an apparent inflow. Ultrasound virtual histology is suggested to detect endoseepage. Relative quantity and location of blood/liquid in the aneurysm can be detected by evaluating pixel brightness of the ultrasonographic B-mode image. Such anatomofunctional information allows for quantitative follow-up and emphasizes the risk of an endoleak with direct flow into the aneurysm.
aortic aneurysm; endovascular procedures; endoleak; ultrasonography
