High-Frequency Three-Dimensional Lumen Volume Ultrasound Is a Sensitive Method to Detect Early Aneurysmal Change in Elastase-Induced Murine Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Objective a The aim of this study was to investigate the reproducibility of anterior-posterior diameter (APd max) and three-dimensional lumen volume (3DLV) measurements of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in a classical murine AAA model. We also compared the magnitude of change in the aortic size detected with each method of assessment. Methods a Periadventitial application of porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE AAA) or sham surgery was performed in two cohorts of mice. Cohort 1 was used to assess for observer variability with the APd maxand 3DLV measurements. Cohort 2 highlighted the relationship between APd maxand 3DLV and changes in AAA detected. Results a There was no significant observer variability detected with APd maxmeasurement. Similarly, no significant intraobserver variability was evident with 3DLV; however, a small but significant interobserver difference was present. APd maxand 3DLV measurements of PPE AAA significantly correlated. However, changes in the AAA morphology were detected earlier with 3DLV. Conclusion a APd maxand 3DLV are both reliable methods for measuring an AAA. Both these methods correlate with each other. However, changes in AAA morphology were detected earlier with 3DLV, which is important to detect subtle but important changes to aortic geometry in a laboratory setting. 3DLV measurement of AAA is a simple, reproducible, and comprehensive method for assessing changes in disease morphology.