Accuracy and Utility of Vessel Analysis Using Non-Contrast CT for Planning Endovascular Aortic Repair

Objectives: This study aimed to determine whether errors in vascular measurements would affect device selection in endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) by comparing measurements obtained using non-contrast computed tomography (NCT) with those obtained using contrast-enhanced CT (CECT). Materials and Methods: This single-center, retrospective study included 25 patients who underwent EVAR for abdominal aortic aneurysm at our institution. A 1-mm horizontal cross-sectional slice of NCT and CECT from each patient was retrospectively reviewed. The area from the abdominal aorta to the common iliac artery was divided into four zones. A centerline was created using the NCT by manually plotting the center points. Subsequently, the centerlines were automatically extracted and manually corrected during the arterial phase of CECT. The diameter and length of each zone were measured for each modality. The mean diameters and lengths of the target vessels were compared between NCT and CECT. Results: The measurements obtained using both methods were reproducible and demonstrated good agreement. The mean differences in vessel length and diameter measurements for each segment between NCT and CECT were not statistically significant, indicating good consistency. Conclusion: NCT may be useful for preoperative EVAR evaluation in patients with renal dysfunction or allergies to contrast agents.