Fusion Imaging to Guide Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR): A Randomized Comparison of Two Methods, 2D/3D Versus 3D/3D Image Fusion.

PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy of two-dimensional (2D) versus three-dimensional (3D) image fusion for thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) image guidance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between December 2016 and March 2018, all eligible patients who underwent TEVAR were prospectively included in a single-center study. Image fusion methods (2D/3D or 3D/3D) were randomly assigned to guide each TEVAR and compared in terms of accuracy, dose area product (DAP), volume of contrast medium injected, fluoroscopy time and procedure time. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were prospectively included; 18 underwent 2D/3D and 14 underwent 3D/3D TEVAR. The 3D/3D method allowed more accurate positioning of the aortic mask on top of the fluoroscopic images (proximal landing zone error vector: 1.7 ± 3.3 mm) than was achieved by the 2D/3D method (6.1 ± 6.1 mm; p = 0.03). The 3D/3D image fusion method was associated with significantly lower DAP than the 2D/3D method (50.5 ± 30.1 Gy cm2 for 3D/3D vs. 99.5 ± 79.1 Gy cm2 for 2D/3D; p = 0.03). The volume of contrast medium injected was significantly lower for the 3D/3D method than for the 2D/3D method (50.6 ± 22.9 ml vs. 98.4 ± 47.9 ml; p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Higher image fusion accuracy and lower contrast volume and irradiation dose were observed for 3D/3D image fusion than for 2D/3D during TEVAR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II, Randomized trial.

Incidence and determinants of spinal cord ischaemia in stent-graft repair of the thoracic aorta.

OBJECTIVES: Endovascular repair of descending thoracic aortic lesions is associated with a substantial risk of perioperative spinal cord ischaemia (SCI) which may lead to permanent paraplegia. We performed a retrospective analysis of our experience in the endovascular treatment of descending thoracic aortic lesions to define the incidence of SCI and to identify factors that contributed to its development. METHODS: 67 consecutive patients underwent stent graft repair for descending thoracic aortic lesions including degenerative aneurysm (n=19), type B dissection (acute n=2, chronic n=15), traumatic rupture (acute n=14, chronic n=4), penetrating aortic ulcer (n=5), anastomotic false aneurysm (n=4), mycotic aneurysm (n=3) and embolic aortic lesion (n=1) between June 2000 and June 2005. All procedures were performed with the patient under general anaesthesia and strict blood pressure monitoring. No patient had intra-operative monitoring of spinal evoked potential or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage to prevent SCI. Neurological evaluation was realized after recovery from general anaesthesia. Fifteen factors, including nature of aortic disease, length of aortic coverage, number of stent-grafts, coverage of the distal third of the thoracic aorta and subclavian artery coverage, were investigated as possible predictors of postoperative SCI. RESULTS: Five patients (7.5%) had postoperative neurological deficits (immediate n=2, delayed n=3) referable to SCI. Univariate analysis showed that length of aortic coverage (p<0.001) and number of stent-grafts deployed (p=0.02) were significant predictors of SCI. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that length of aortic coverage was the only independent significant predictor of SCI. ROC curve analysis revealed 205mm of aortic length coverage as the threshold for increased risk of postoperative SCI (p=0.001), with specificity and sensitivity of 95.2 and 80% respectively. CONCLUSION: In our study, length of aortic coverage is the only independent predictive factor of SCI after endovascular treatment with 205mm as a threshold for increased risk. Hence, methods to prevent SCI, especially those aimed at restoration of an adequate spinal cord perfusion pressure, should be offered to patients requiring extensive coverage of the descending thoracic aorta.

Onyx Migration Into the Anterior Spinal Artery During Lumbar Artery Embolisation: an Adverse Event.

INTRODUCTION: The impact of sequential lumbar and intercostal artery occlusion on the risk of spinal cord ischaemia was evaluated; however, an adverse event (paraplegia) was encountered, which resulted in study interruption. Investigations were carried out to understand the reasons for the paraplegia. REPORT: To develop a porcine model of spinal cord ischaemic preconditioning prior to extensive thoraco-abdominal aneurysm endovascular aortic repair, the lumbar arteries were selectively embolised with Onyx 5 days prior to an extended thoracic aortic stent graft. Six pigs were used in this preliminary work. Four cases of paraplegia secondary to accidental migration of Onyx to the anterior spinal artery from the lumbar arteries are reported. Histological analysis confirmed severe spinal ischaemic injury and the presence of Onyx particles in the anterior spinal artery. DISCUSSION: Onyx is used for lumbar artery embolisation in type II endoleak treatment after endovascular aortic repair, and while migration in lumbar arteries is frequent, the risk of spinal cord ischaemia has never been described. The current study demonstrates the risk of paraplegia following Onyx migration to the anterior spinal artery from the lumbar artery in an experimental model. Thus, Onyx treatment for type II endoleaks from lumbar arteries should be used cautiously.

[Radiation-induced carotid stenosis: A personnalized approach]. / Sténose carotidienne post-irradiation cervicale : une approche personnalisée.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical treatment of radio-induced carotid stenosis (RICS) is challenging and burdened by an elevated risk of local complications. Carotid artery stenting (CAS) may be a suitable alternative. The best approach is yet to be defined. We reviewed the results of both techniques following selection based on better-suitability characteristics (anatomic and clinical). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 38 patients treated for 43 RICS from a group of 1230 patients who had carotid interventions between 2008 and 2015 (5 bilateral). Primary endpoints were morbidity and mortality at 30 days (transient ischemic attack, stroke, myocardial infarction, or death). Secondary endpoints were technical success, wound complications, cranial nerve injury (CNI), restenosis (≥50%) and recurrent symptoms. RESULTS: RICS was symptomatic in 6 patients in the OR group and 3 in the CAS group. Lesions in the OR group were longer (P=0.02) and more calcified (P=0.08). Technical success rate was 100%. Cranial nerve injury rate was 14.2% (3/21). All injuries were completely resolved within several weeks. In the CAS group, technical success rate was 95% (21/22) with the one failure due to a residual stenosis exceeding 30%. Periprocedural stroke rates were 0% and 4.5% in the OR and CAS groups respectively (0/21 vs 1/22, P=0.32). There were no early deaths. Mean follow-up was 19.1 months (3-75). The restenosis rate was 9.5% (2/21) in the OR group and 9% (2/22) in the CAS group. CONCLUSION: Our results do not support a preferred treatment strategy. The choice of treatment should be considered on an individual basis.

[Necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum secondary to a surgical treatment of Bartholin's gland abscess]. / Fasciite nécrosante du périnée secondaire à un traitement chirurgical d'un abcès de la glande de Bartholin.

Necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum is a rare but of fast evolution, and potentially fatal infectious disease process. It is characterized by progressive inflammation and extensive necrosis of subcutaneous tissue involving the fascia and other adjacent tissues. This infection may be idiopathic or secondary to local trauma or pelvic surgery. Its mortality rate is 20%. We report a case of necrotzing fasciitis of the perineum in a 34-year-old woman following incision and drainage of Bartholin's gland abscess. Streptococcus A, Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans were isolated. Intravenous broad spectrum antibiotic therapy was promptly instituted. Concurrent surgical debridement of all necrotic areas was required. Post debridement therapy required a long period of dressing changes until cicatrisation. Necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum is a surgical emergency. Early diagnosis and prompt aggressive debridement are the keys to successful management.

[Stent-graft treatment of a ruptured aortic graft: a case report]. / Traitement endovasculaire d'une rupture de pontage aortique.

The authors report the clinical and imaging features of a patient with rupture of an aortoiliac graft successfully treated by endovascular approach. The endovascular treatment is easy to perform and effective. The main pitfall of this technique is the limited availability of stent-grafts.

[Endovascular treatment of isthmic aortic rupture: use of second generation stent grafts]. / Traitement endovasculaire des ruptures isthmiques de l'aorte chez le polytraumatisé: utilisation de stents de deuxième génération.

OBJECTIVE: Prospective analysis of endovascular management of traumatic isthmic rupture with second generation stent grafts. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective analysis and follow-up. PATIENTS: Ten consecutive multiple injured patients presenting an acute isthmic traumatic rupture who underwent an endovascular repair with second generation stent grafts. METHODS AND RESULTS: The aortic injury was diagnosed by spiral computed tomography scan. The appropriate time to repair was decided according to multidisciplinary decision after analysis of associated injuries status and mediastinal lesions evolution. Endovascular repair was successfully completed in all patients under general anaesthesia without requirement of haemodynamic manipulations. Despite a prolonged length of stay related to associated injuries, all patients were discharged from hospital without migration of devices or complication related to the endovascular procedure. After a 20 months follow-up (range 6 - 38 months), all patients were alive with a satisfactory CT scan analysis. CONCLUSION: The immediate availability of the second generation of stents-grafts allowed the endovascular treatment of isthmic rupture without haemodynamic manipulations or massive heparinization. The analysis of this selected series reinforces the interest of this non-invasive technique for anaesthetists especially in polytraumatized patients.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia following assisted ventilation.

BACKGROUND: Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia is regarded as a community-acquired pneumonia, rarely requiring hospitalization, with sporadic cases or limited outbreaks occurring after close contacts with an infected patient. Few reports mention M pneumoniae pneumonia acquired during hospitalization. PATIENTS AND METHODS: M pneumoniae was diagnosed in patients who developed pneumonia following perioperative and postoperative assisted ventilation by the isolation of M pneumoniae from bronchial washing, the detection of M pneumoniae DNA from bronchial washing, and serologic testing for the presence of specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies. RESULTS: Four patients were diagnosed as having M pneumoniae pneumonia following mechanical ventilation over a 1 1/2-year period. They were men, older than 50 years, and were hospitalized for vascular surgery. They developed febrile hypoxemia and intersticial pneumonia. Isolation of M pneumoniae and detection of M pneumoniae DNA were positive in 1 case; specific IgM antibodies were present in 4 cases. CONCLUSIONS: These observations allow the description of a new clinical entity and highlight the role of M pneumoniae as an agent of nosocomial infections. This diagnosis should be considered in any patient with precocious post-assisted ventilation febrile hypoxemia and diffuse interstitial pneumonia, and empiric treatment protocols may include M pneumoniae in their spectrum.

Effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition with perindopril on hemodynamics, arterial structure, and wall rheology in the hindquarters of atherosclerotic mini-pigs.

The effects of ACE inhibition with perindopril on the atherosclerosis-induced impairment of arterial flow were investigated via histopathologic studies, hemodynamics, and vascular rheology of hindlimb arteries in 7 adult Pitman-Moore mini-pigs (7 months of age) fed for 4 months with an atherogenic diet and perindopril (at the daily oral dose of 4 mg, which induced a continuous 70% inhibition of serum ACE activity), versus 7 atherogenic and 7 control animals. Major fibroproliferative fatty lesions with medial intimalization were observed in the abdominal aorta. Atherosclerosis impaired the function of both capacitance and resistance hindlimb arteries. In atherogenic mini-pigs, blood pressure (BP) increased significantly due to increased hindlimb peripheral resistance (HPR) and aortic input impedance, although aortic blood flow was not affected. Altered aortic wall rheology revealed that the stiffness of the aorta was markedly increased due to increased wall tension and reduced viscoelasticity, the viscous component being reduced in the arterial wall. Perindopril significantly opposed these alterations by reducing BP, HPR and input impedance and by returning parietal stiffness to control values by increasing aortic compliance. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition significantly prevented the development of atherosclerosis in the abdominal aorta by decreasing the cross-sectional area of lesions and the presence of lipid-laden cells, as well as by preventing alteration and fragmentation of elastic laminae. In conclusion, ACE inhibition with perindopril showed a significant preventive action on atherosclerosis-induced deleterious effects on vascular wall function and structure in mini-pig arteries.

Virological and biological characteristics of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade I with marked koilocytotic atypia.

The aim of this study was to evaluate virologic and biological significance of marked koilocytotic atypia observed in some cases of grade I cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN I). Thirty-one CIN I cervical biopsy specimens with marked koilocytotic atypia, defined by the presence of meganuclei in the superficial epithelial layers, were compared to 37 CIN I biopsy specimens with usual koilocytes for (1) the human papillomavirus (HPV) type and signal pattern as detected by nonisotopic in situ hybridization (ISH); (2) the proliferation index assessed by Ki 67 immunostaining and (3) the p53 labeling pattern. Interobserver agreement for meganuclei was excellent (k = 0.9). Twenty-five out of 68 biopsies (37%) were positive by ISH for the 6 of 11 HPV probe, 30 (44%) for the 16-18 probe, and 7 (10%) for the 31/33 HPV probe, 6 (9%) were negative for ISH. The presence of meganuclei was strongly related to high and intermediate risk HPV type (P = 0.0001). The sensitivity and specificity of meganuclei for the detection of high or intermediate risk HPV in CINI were 73 and 87%, respectively. Loss of p53 immunostaining in the lower third of the epithelium was also related to the presence of meganuclei (P < .05), but the MIB-1 index and ISH labeling pattern were not. In conclusion, marked koilocytotic atypia in CIN I is a reliable and sensitive marker for infection by high or intermediate-risk HPV, and might be a guide to therapy.

Vascular reconstruction after extended resection of a retroperitoneal fibromatosis.

We report the case of a 25-year-old man who underwent successful en-bloc resection of a retroperitoneal fibromatosis, extended to the right kidney and testis, with excision of the right iliac arteries and veins. Arterial replacement was done by means of a right iliofemoral prosthetic graft. A right femorocaval prosthetic graft with a temporary arteriovenous fistula was used for venous replacement. The patient is still alive and after 3 years shows no sign of recurrence on successive computed tomographic scans. He has preserved patency of the right arterial and venous iliac grafts. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of simultaneous arterial and venous iliac replacement successfully performed after excision of a retroperitoneal tumor.

Aortoabdominal aneurysm infected by Yersinia enterocolitica serotype O:9.

A 78-year-old-man was hospitalized for surgical treatment of a Yersinia enterocolitica serotype O:9 infected primary aortoabdominal aneurysm which ruptured soon after admission. Infection of aneurysm is an unusual manifestation of yersiniosis, especially in patients with no predisposing underlying condition. This case, and review of the literature, highlights that serotype O:9 has a predilection for vascular tissue. Cross reaction with Brucella spp. may be responsible for misdiagnosis of Y. enterocolitica O:9 infected aneurysms.

Population pharmacokinetic of nadroparin calcium (Fraxiparine) in children hospitalised for open heart surgery.

Administration of low molecular weight heparin following heart surgery in paediatric patients in order to prevent thromboembolic events results in a large variation in anti-Xa activities. A population study was undertaken to determine pharmacokinetic parameters after nadroparin calcium (Fraxiparine) administration and the effects of potential covariates; this study included 154 children divided into two groups: a model group (124 patients) and a validation group (30 patients). The 432 anti-Xa activities were analysed using NONMEM on the basis of a one-compartment model with three parameters: apparent clearance, apparent volume of distribution and absorption rate. The influence of body weight, age, sex and dose regimen (once or twice daily) were investigated. The best fit corresponds to the formula: apparent clearance (l/min)=0. 541 x weight1.51/(6.151.51 + weight1.51) and apparent volume (l)=0.355 x weight. The inter-individual variability (expressed in coefficient of variation) of these parameters are high, especially with regard to the apparent volume (92%), but no other available covariate was found to explain this variability.

Closure of carotid bifurcation endarterectomy using a polyurethane patch. A multicentre prospective study with 252 patients.

BACKGROUND: In order to evaluate the results of carotid endarterectomy with closure using a polyurethane patch, a multicentre prospective study of 252 patients (263 interventions) undergoing this operation was performed between November 1996 and August 2001. METHODS: One hundred and seventy-one men and 81 women with a mean age of 70 years were studied. Fifty-five percent of the patients had neurological symptoms. The degree of carotid stenosis evaluated using the European carotid surgery trialist's collaborative group (ECST) criteria was greater than or equal to 70% in 95% of cases. RESULTS: The combined mortality-morbidity operation rate (CMMR) was 2% (1 death from cerebrovascular haemorrhage on Day 3, 1 non-regressive cerebrovascular accident (CVA), 3 regressive CVAs). The patients had follow-up clinical examinations and Doppler ultrasound scans for 2 years. Fifteen patients died during follow-up, 8 of these patients died from heart-related causes and 2 patients died from CVA. Four patients presented with CVAs ipsilateral or contralateral to the endarterectomy. Two false aseptic aneurysms and 1 false septic aneurysm required further surgery. Three asymptomatic carotid occlusions occurred during follow-up. The rate of restenosis greater than 50% was 1.2% at 6 months, 2.3% at 1 year and 5.3% at 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm the value of po-lyurethane patch closure of carotid endarterectomy.

Catastrophic arterial reactivity during primary antiphospholipid syndrome--a case report.

Arterial reactivity leading to acute thrombosis at the site of a needle stick injury has never been described during antiphospholipid syndrome. The authors report a case characterized by a succession of thrombotic events occurring during or immediately after arterial angiographies or arterial surgery, in which catastrophic arterial reactivity can be strongly suspected. In this particular patient, it can be postulated that damage to the endothelial cells of the vessels injured during manipulation may have precipitated or aggravated the preexisting susceptibility to thrombosis.

Cannabis arteritis revisited--ten new case reports.

The purpose of this paper was to revisit the old concept of cannabis arteritis first described in the 1960s and report 10 new cases. Ten male patients, with a median age of 23.7 years developed subacute distal ischemia of lower or upper limbs, leading to necrosis in the toes and/or fingers and sometimes to distal limb gangrene. Two of the patients also presented with venous thrombosis and three patients were suffering from a recent Raynaud's phenomenon. Biological test results did not show evidence of the classical vascular risk factors for thrombosis. Arteriographic evaluation in all cases revealed distal abnormalities in the arteries of feet, legs, forearms, and hands resembling those of Buerger's disease. A collateral circulation sometimes with opacification of the vasa nervorum was noted. In some cases, arterial proximal atherosclerotic lesions and venous thrombosis were observed. All patients were moderate tobacco smokers and regular cannabis users. Despite treatment with ilomedine and heparin in all cases, five amputations were necessary in four patients. The vasoconstrictor effect of cannabis on the vascular system has been known for a long time. It has been shown that delta-8- and delta-9-tetrahydrocanabinols may induce peripheral vasoconstrictor activity. Cannabis arteritis resembles Buerger's disease, but patients were moderate tobacco smokers and regular cannabis users. These cases show that prolonged use of cannabis could be an additive risk factor for juvenile and young adult arteritis. Cannabis arteritis is a forgotten and severe occlusive vascular disease occurring in young adults. Search for cannabis use may be an important tool for a better knowledge of arteritis in young smokers.

[Application of ultrasono-micrometric technic to study vasomotility]. / Application des techniques ultrasonomicrométriques à l'étude de la vasomotricité.

An experimental model of simultaneous recording of pressure and flow (instantaneous and mean values) and of the vascular diameter (by ultrasonomicrometry) at the entry of a clearly limited territory of the systemic circulation has been developed in the animal together with a programme of data aquisition and analysis. This programme allows quantification of the different viscoelastic properties of the vessel wall which characterise arterial flow in the arteries of distribution (capacitance vessels) and irrigation (resistance vessels). The model was applied to the study of the pharmacological effects of two antianginal agents, a nitrate derivative (ND) administered acutely by slow intravenous infusion at a dose of 25 micrograms/Kg/mn over 20 minutes (total dose: 500 micrograms/Kg) and a substitute sydronimous substance (SYD) administered in the same manner at a dose of 15 g/Kg/mn over 20 minutes (total dose: 300 micrograms/Kg). The hypotensive effects obtained were comparable and significant (p less than 0.001) in both cases. The ND led to a fall in mean blood pressure of 9.7 +/- 1.3% and SYD of 10.0 +/- 2.1%. However, SYD led to an increase in aortic blood flow (11.7 +/- 3.6%, p less than 0.01) whilst the ND had no significant effect on this parameter (+ 6.07 +/- 5.7%). As a result, there was a much greater decrease of peripheral resistances after administration of SYD (-22.8 +/- 3.1%) than with the ND (-12.7 +/- 4.2%). This difference was also observed when the input impedence of the vascular bed was studied (-31.2 +/- 6.9% after SYD and -12.0 +/- 2.5% after the ND).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Peroperative monitoring of femoral-popliteal vein bypasses by angioscopy]. / Contrôle peropératoire des pontages veineux fémoro-poplités par angioscopie.

For the past few years, arteriography has been the gold-standard examination for the intra-operative control of femorodistal bypass grafts. Angioscopy is an alternative method permitting to assist the preparation of the venous graft, and to control the quality of the lumen as well as the anastomoses at the end of the procedure. The techniques employed and the results published in the medical literature are analysed in this study. After completion of this survey, it seems that angioscopy and arteriography used as means of control of infra-inguinal arterial reconstructions can be compared regarding the facility of the examination, the time necessary for its realisation, and its cost. However angioscopy is more sensitive than arteriography for the diagnosis of technical imperfections that may result in immediate failure of infrainguinal bypasses.

[Evaluation of coronary risk in arterial surgery]. / Evaluation du risque coronarien en chirurgie artérielle.

To evaluate the incidence of coronary artery disease in peripheral vascular surgery, three groups of patients (table. I) were studied retrospectively: 286 patients who had vascular surgery with no concern for the location of arterial lesions (group I); 130 patients electively operated for infra-renal abdominal aortic aneurysm (group II); and 120 patients who had 139 carotid endarterectomies (group III). The frequency of cardiac history (table II) evaluated in the three groups of patients, was respectively 42.6%, 41.4.% and 27.5%. Operative mortality in the three groups was respectively 6%, 3.8% and 1%. In group I, mortality of cardiac origin was 2.2% and cardiac morbidity 7%. In this group, analysis of results showed that the existence of cardiac history is a significant risk factor (table III) for the mortality and incidence of cardiac complications (p less than 0.005). In groups II et III, operative mortality of cardiac origin was respectively 1.5% and 0%; cardiac morbidity was respectively 4.6 and 2.2%. On the basis of this analysis, we can conclude that cardiac complications are the main cause of mortality and morbidity in peripheral vascular surgery and that the existence of cardiac history is a significant predictive factor in evaluation of operative risk in vascular surgery.

[Acenocoumarol (Sintrom) and fluinidione (Previscan) in pediatrics after cardiac surgical procedures]. / Acénocoumarol (Sintrom) et fluindione (Previscan) en pédiatrie après intervention de chirurgie cardiaque.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1997 and 2001, 150 children (one month to 16 years of age) were treated with oral anticoagulants after cardiac surgery (Fontan's operations and congenital heart diseases without valvulopathy: 62%, valvular prosthesis: 20%, arrhythmia: 4.6%, thrombosis: 4%, other: 9.4%). They were first treated by either unfractionated heparin (49%) or nadroparin (51%), then by acenocoumarol (n1 = 114) or fluindione (n2 = 36) until steady state. RESULTS: The retrospective analysis of data (age, body weight, international normalized ratio, loading and maintenance doses, time to achieve the steady state) led to the building of a dosage nomogram usable in pediatrics. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that the mean maintenance dose depended on age and weight. After three years, that dose (mg/kg) was getting close to adult values; it was higher before three years of age, especially before 12 months (p < 0.01), and very variable from a child to another. The recommended loading dose should be as close as possible to the effective maintenance dose: within that cohort, about 0.14 and 0.05 (acenocoumarol) or 1.1 and 0.40 mg kg-1 day-1 (fluindione), before 12 months and after three years respectively.