Pseudoaneurysm of the abdominal aorta: evaluation with virtual angioscopy of spiral-CT data sets

We describe a case of graft-related pseudoaneurysm of the abdominal aorta e valuated with spiral CT and DSA. Spiral CT data sets were processed to obta in surface-rendered internal views (virtual angioscopy, VA) of the graft an d the pseudoaneurysm, and to demonstrate from inside the lumen the site of dehiscence. A jet flow phenomenon inside the pseudoaneurysm was observed at DSA. Spiral-CT axial images, multiplanar volume reconstructions with maxim um intensity projections, and shaded surface display showed the site of rup ture. The VA findings were: (a) from inside the graft men, the evidence of a communication-canal between the graft and the pseudoaneurysm; and (b) fro m inside the pseudoaneurysm, the presence of a jet flow. The VA findings sh owed good correlation those obtained with the other imaging techniques.