Differences In Anthropometric Measures Between Critical Limb Threatening Ischaemia And Intermittent Claudication In Patients Undergoing Aorto Bifemoral Bypass.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is an important manifestation of systemic atherosclerosis. Obesity is a risk factor for atherosclerosis and for cardiovascular events. However, the relationship between obesity and PAD is unclear. We hypothesized that anthropometric measures of adiposity, in particularly of central obesity will be associated with PAD severity, in patients undergoing aorto-bifemoral bypass. METHODS: A prospective observation study was conducted. From 2009 and 2012 a total of 46 males who underwent aorto-bifemoral bypass were enrolled prospectively. 17 with intermittent claudication (IC) and 29 with chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI). They were followed for 5 years. The anthropometric measures, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and the seric levels of hemoglobin, triglycerides, and albumin were recorded. The mortality and cardiovascular events in following five years were also registered. RESULTS: The groups did not differ in the mean age (IC 60.69±7.46 versus CLTI 64.51 ±8.42 years, p=0.712), diabetes (IC 18% versus CLTI 45%, p=0.06), hypertension (IC 70% versus CLTI 52%, p=0.21), hypercholesterolemia (IC 18% versus CLTI 45%, p=0.47) and smoking habits prevalence (IC 100% versus CLTI 86%, p=0.11). The anthropometric measures: weight, WC and WHR were significant lower in CLTI compared to IC patients (IC 72.74±9.84 Kg versus CLTI 65.92±10.89 Kg, p=0.043; IC 98.65±8.19 cm versus CLTI 89.38±15.91 cm, p=0.017; IC 1.06±0.06 versus CLTI 1.01±0.06, p=0.038). The serum levels of hemoglobin, albumin and triglycerides were also lower in CLTI patients (IC 14,40±1.63g/dL versus CLTI 13.3±1.89g/dL, p=0.048; IC 4.6±0.81g/dL versus CLTI 4.3± 0.67g/dL, p=0.007; IC 212±95.60mg/Dl versus CLTI 111±41.53 mg/dL, p=0.001). No relation was found between the anthropometric measures at admission and the cardiovascular events or mortality at five years. CONCLUSION: CLTI patients had lower anthropometric measures of obesity, when compared to IC patients. These results could be explained by the fact that CLTI patients with severe atherosclerotic disease are in a state of chronic inflammation, with consequent cardiometabolic demands and catabolism.

Impact of Post-EVAR Graft Limb Kinking in EVAR Limb Occlusion: Aetiology, Early Diagnosis, and Management.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Endograft limb occlusion is a potential complication of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), being one of the major causes of secondary interventions and rehospitalisation. The aim of this review is to report on the impact of endograft kinking in endograft limb occlusion, as well as on risk factors, prevention, early diagnosis, and management. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to the recommendations of the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement. RESULTS: After a MEDLINE and Scopus search, 55 articles (27,509 patients) were included in the qualitative analysis and eight in the quantitative analysis. In this meta-analysis, 179 at risk limbs were treated by pre-emptive stenting, which significantly reduced the risk of limb occlusion: not pre-emptively stenting limbs at risk had a negative impact on graft limb patency (odds ratio 4.30, 95% confidence interval 1.45-12.78). Post-operatively, a kink was identified in 422 patients (1.5%), contributing to 42.8% of all limb occlusions. Relevant data support that completion angiography is an inadequate means of diagnosing high risk limbs, proposing cone beam computed tomography and intravascular ultrasound as adjuncts. The post-operative limb occlusion rate ranged from 0% to 10.6%, affecting 984 patients. Several risk factors for limb occlusion have been identified. Regarding treatment, most patients were submitted to femorofemoral bypass (52.3%) or to deployment of a bare metal stent, either alone or associated with catheter directed thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy (26.4%). Complications and outcome after re-intervention for limb occlusion are described infrequently in the literature, but single studies have reported on re-occlusion, major amputation, and limb occlusion related mortality rates. CONCLUSION: Pre-EVAR planning should focus on identification of risk factors for kinking. Adjunctive stenting is an effective prophylaxis for selected high risk limbs, yet intra-operative identification remains problematic. Also, it is noteworthy that most limb occlusions occur in the first year after EVAR, emphasising the importance of careful early follow up of high risk patients.

Arterial Vascular Complications in Peripheral Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support.

INTRODUCTION: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has evolved as a life-saving measure for patients requiring emergent support of respiratory and cardiac function. The femoral artery is the standard site for vascular access when initiating adult venoarterial (VA) ECMO. Cannulation-related complications are a known source of morbidity and it has been speculated that patients undergoing ECMO via femoral arterial cannulation are more likely to develop peripheral vascular complications (up to 70%). METHODS: Retrospective institutional review of patients requiring ECMO (January 2011-August 2017). The primary outcome of this study was to investigate the prevalence of cannulation-related complications on VA ECMO and to determine its effect on patient morbimortality. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients underwent ECMO during the period of study, 56,1% were male with a mean age of 55,8 years. The VA mode was used in 61 patients, 56 with peripheral cannulation. Femoral arterial access was established in 52 patients (73% percutaneously). Vascular complications were observed in 28,6% of the VA femoral ECMOs: 12 acute limb ischemias and 3 major hemorrhages. At the time of femoral cannulation, distal peripheral catheter (DPC) was placed in 5 patients and none developed limb ischemia. For those who developed limb ischemia, several interventions were performed: DPC placement in 9 cases, fasciotomy in 4 and 2 major amputations. Thirty patients underwent arterial cannulas open surgical removal: 8 underwent balloon catheter trombectomy and 5 needed femoral reconstruction. There was an association between PAD (p=0,03) and ischemic cardiopathy (p=0,02;OR 4,5) with the present of vascular complications after ECMO implantation. CONCLUSIONS: Cannulation of femoral vessels remains associated with considerable rates of vascular events (28.6%). PAD and ischemic cardiopathy are associated with vascular complications in this form of cannulation.

Prediction of Survival after 48 Hours of Intensive Unit Care following Repair of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm-Multicentric Study for External Validation of a New Prediction Score for 30-Day Mortality.

BACKGROUND: Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) remains a critical life-threatening condition. We aimed to evaluate rAAA management in our center focusing on predictors of mortality at 48 hr of intensive care unit (ICU) and to develop a new mortality prediction score considering data at 48 hr postprocedure. External validation of the modified score with patient data from independent vascular surgery centers was subsequently pursued. METHODS: Clinical data of all patients admitted in our center from January 2010 to December 2017 with the diagnosis of rAAA were retrospectively reviewed for the development of the mortality prediction score. Subsequently, clinical data from patients admitted at independent centers from January 2010 to December 2017 were reviewed for external validation of the score. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS Version 25. RESULTS: A total of 78 patients were included in the first part of the study: 21 endovascular aneurysm repairs (EVARs), 56 open repairs (ORs), and 1 case of conservative management. Intraoperative mortality in EVAR and OR groups was 0% vs. 24.6%, respectively (P = 0.012). Thirty-day mortality reached 50% and 33% in the OR and EVAR groups. For patients alive at 48 hr, 30-day mortality diminished to 27.6%. Several preoperative predictors of outcome were identified: smoking (P = 0.004), hemodynamic instability(P = 0.004), and elevated international normalized ratio (P < 0.0001). Dutch Aneurysm Score and Vascular Study Group of New England Score (VSGNE) were also significant predictors of outcome (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [ROC AUC] 0.89 and 0.79, respectively; P < 0.0001). At 48 hr of ICU stay, high lactate level, high Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, need for hemodyalitic technique, and hemodynamic instability were significant risk predictors for 30-day mortality (P < 0.05). VSGNE score was modified with the inclusion of 2 variables: hemodynamic instability and lactate level at 48 hr and a new score was attained-Postoperative Aneurysm Score (PAS). Comparing AUC for VSGNE and PAS for patients alive at 48 hr, the latter was significantly better (AUC 0.775 vs. 0.852, P = 0.039). The PAS was applied and validated in 3 independent vascular surgery centers (AUC VSGNE 0.782 vs. AUC PAS 0.820, P = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Despite recent evidence on preoperative predictors of survival in an era when both EVAR and OR are available, emergent decision to withhold life-saving treatment will always be extremely difficult. Therefore, the policy in our department is to try surgical repair in all cases. It remains important, however, to identify whether late deaths can be predicted, so that unnecessary prolonged treatment can be avoided. A PAS was delineated predicting 30-day mortality significantly better in patients alive at 48 hr. The score was externally applied and validated in independent centers, corroborating the score's usefulness.

Overview of evidence on risk factors and early management of acute carotid stent thrombosis during the last two decades.

OBJECTIVE: Acute carotid stent thrombosis (ACST) occurring in the first hours after the procedure is an exceedingly rare complication of carotid artery stenting, but it is potentially devastating. This review aimed to evaluate current literature, identifying all reported cases during the last two decades, with the final purpose of reporting predictive factors and early management. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. RESULTS: A total of 464 potentially relevant articles were selected. After review of records at title and abstract level, 29 articles with 60 patients were included. Twelve studies reported on ACST incidence rate in their cohorts, ranging from 0.36% to as high as 33%. In considering etiology, antiplatelet noncompliance or resistance is the most frequently reported risk factor. Emergency procedures seemed to be associated with greater risk for ACST, reaching 5.6% to 33% incidence. Dual-layer stents were also associated with greater risk (45% vs 3.7%; P = .0001; odds ratio, 21.3). Use of an overlapping stent as a bailout procedure because of dissection, malposition, or long lesions was correlated with increased risk (7.3% vs 0.002%), as were long stenotic lesions (22.9 ± 6.83 mm vs 14.2 ± 6.42 mm; P = .0034) and stent length (3.8 ± 0.4 cm vs 2.8 ± 0.86 cm; P = .0055). ACST was associated with neurologic status deterioration in 56.7% of cases. Time to symptoms or ACST diagnosis had a median of 1.5 hours, with 30% occurring intraprocedurally. In asymptomatic ACST, conservative management was unanimous. Endovascular treatment was the most common approach to intraprocedural ACST. Surgical options included carotid endarterectomy with stent explantation (n = 9), which was also a bailout after failed endovascular treatment in two cases. CONCLUSIONS: ACST incidence is higher in emergent, neurologically unstable patients. Antiplatelet noncompliance, antiplatelet resistance, long stenotic lesions, use of more than one stent, and dual-layer stents are also associated with increased risk. The decision as to the best approach depends on whether ACST occurs intraprocedurally or afterward, the development of neurologic status deterioration, and the center's experience. However, additional studies must be undertaken to better define optimal management.

Rare Condition, Unusual Anatomy, Elegant Solution - an Uncommon Manifestation of Kawasaki Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Peripheral artery aneurysms are a rare manifestation of Kawasaki disease (KD), with an estimated incidence of approximately 2% of all KD patients. The case of a 14-year-old girl with past clinical history suggestive of KD is reported; she presented with an aneurysm located in the brachial part of a superficial brachioulnoradial artery, still with the genuine brachial artery in place (an anatomical variation with a reported incidence of 0.14-1.3% in general population). Relevant medical data were collected from the hospital database. REPORT: This is a report of a case of a symptomatic superficial brachioulnoradial artery aneurysm, secondary to KD, treated with aneurysm exclusion and superficial brachioulnoradial to the genuine brachial artery transposition. Uneventful intra- and postoperative course with symptom resolution is reported. DISCUSSION: The coexistence of a rare manifestation of KD (peripheral aneurysm) with an even rarer brachial artery variation allowed a simple but elegant solution, making this a unique case.

Overview of evidence on emergency carotid stenting in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to tandem occlusions: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Endovascular intracranial thrombectomy (IT) has established itself as the standard of care in treating large-vessel anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis/occlusion hampers distal access and controversy about simultaneous emergency ICA stenting ensues. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the safety of emergency ICA stenting in combination with IT for AIS with tandem occlusions. To our knowledge this is the first meta-analysis to evaluate emergency ICA stenting in tandem occlusions, combining results from studies with a control group. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A meta-analysis was conducted according to the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: A total of 649 potentially relevant articles were initially selected. After reviewing at title or abstract level, 87 articles were read in full and 23 were included. These studies recruited 1000 patients, 220 submitted to IT with no emergency ICA stenting and 780 to IT and emergency ICA stenting. Successful revascularization (Thrombolysis in cerebral infarction scale [TICI] ≥2b) was achieved in 48.6-100%. Good outcome (modified Rankin scale [mRS] ≤2) ranged from 18.2-100%. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) ranged from 0-45.7% (overall N.=168; 17.2%). Mortality at 90 days ranged from 0-45.4% (overall N.=114; 11.7%). Time to recanalization was significantly longer in the stenting group with an overall mean difference of 1.76 (95% CI: 1.59-1.93). CONCLUSIONS: In this meta-analysis time to recanalization was significantly longer in the emergency ICA stenting group. There was no benefit from emergency stenting in parameters such as successful revascularization (TICI≥2b), clinical outcome (mRS≤2) or 90-day mortality. Data on sICH were scarce. Emergency ICA stenting appears to increase time to revascularization and increase the risk of complications with no demonstrated clinical benefit. Furthermore, no prospective, randomized controlled trials demonstrating relative efficacy and safety of concomitant ICA stenting have been published to date. Additional studies must be undertaken to define the role of angioplasty and stenting of the extracranial carotid arteries in the early management of acute stroke in tandem occlusions. Until then, we recommend that ICA stenting concomitant to thrombectomy in acute stroke patients should be avoided.

Arterial Vascular Complications in Peripheral Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support.

INTRODUCTION: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been evolved as a life-saving measure for patients requiring emergent support of respiratory and cardiac function.The femoral artery is the standard site for vascular access when initiating adult venoarterial (VA) ECMO.Cannulation-related complications are a known source of morbidity and it has been speculated that patients undergoing ECMO via femoral arterial cannulation are more likely to develop peripheral vascular complications (up to 70%). In patients with severe peripheral arterial disease (PAD) these risks are even higher and its presence may be considered a relative contraindication for femoral artery cannulation. METHODS: Retrospective institutional review of patients requiring ECMO (January 2011-August 2017).The primary outcome of this study was to investigate the prevalence of cannulation- -related complications on VA ECMO and to determine its effect on patient morbimortality.We evaluated demographics and co-morbidities data.Patients were divided into two groups (complications present VS not present) and statistic analysis was performed to determine the impact of different variables such as co-morbidities,cannulation strategy and time on ECMO in each group.Operative reports were reviewed to analyze the surgical procedures implied for treating vascular complications. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients underwent ECMO therapy during the period of study, 56,1% were male with a mean age of 55,8 years.The median time on the ECMO device was 5,5 days.The VA mode was used in 61 patients, 56 with peripheral cannulation.Femoral arterial access was established in 52 patients (73% percutaneously).Vascular complications were observed in 28,6% of the VA femoral ECMOs:12 acute limb ischemias and 3 major hemorrhages. At the time of femoral cannulation, distal peripheral catheter (DPC) was placed in 5 patients and none developed subsequent limb ischemia.For those who developed limb ischemia, several interventions were performed: DPC placement in 9 cases, fasciotomy in 4 and 2 major amputations. Thirty patients underwent arterial cannulas open surgical removal:8 underwent balloon catheter trombectomy and 5 needed femoral reconstruction.There was an association between PAD (p=0,03) and ischemic cardiopathy (p=0,02;OR 4,5) with the present of vascular complications after ECMO implantation.VA femoral ECMO mortality was 69,2% (n=36).Vascular complications after ECMO support are not associated with higher mortality rates (p>0,05). CONCLUSION: Cannulation of femoral vessels remains associated with considerable rates of vascular events (28.6%).PAD and ischemic cardiopathy are associated with vascular complications in this form of cannulation.Physical examination and the assessment of ankle-brachial índex before ECMO implantation is therefore recommended.Improved efforts at preventing these complications need to be developed to avoid additional morbidity in an already critical patient population.

Acute Mesenteric Ischemia: Epidemiology, Risk Ractors and Determinants of Mortality.

INTRODUCTION: Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a condition with a difficult diagnosis and a high mortality rate. Despite the fact that AMI is a rather common condition in the elderly, review of the literature evidences lack of data concerning perioperative assessment of risk of death. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical, laboratory and imagiologic findings at admission and identify variables associated with adverse outcome with the final purpose of supporting treatment decision. METHODS: The clinical data of all patients admitted to Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia e Espinho with the diagnosis of AMI from January 2010 to December 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 64 patients (40 females and 24 males) with a mean age of 78±9.7 years were included. The most common aetiology was arterial embolization (36% of cases) followed by arterial thrombosis (34%), non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia in 22% and venous thrombosis in 8%. Global mortality rate reached 62.3%, with higher rates amongst patients submitted to revascularization and bowel resection (80%). Several clinical and laboratory findings were evaluated. Univariate analysis showed that leucocytosis, lactate level >2 mmol/L, age >80 years and colon involvement were associated with higher mortality (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Contemporary management of AMI requires a high index of suspicion and rapid surgical intervention, if the time frame for intervention has not already elapsed. A better definition of determinants of mortality seems vital for treatment decision. More studies are needed to support clinical decision making in AMI.

Introdução: A isquemia mesentérica aguda é uma entidade clínica com um diagnóstico complexo fruto do quadro clínico inespecífico e com uma elevada taxa de mortalidade associada. Apesar de se tratar de um diagnóstico relativamente comum em idosos, uma revisão da literatura revela dados escassos relativos à avaliação de risco peri-operatório. Neste estudo pretendeu-se a avaliação de achados clínicos, laboratoriais e imagiológicos à admissão e identificar variáveis associadas com mau prognóstico. Métodos: Selecionaram-se retrospetivamente de todos os pacientes admitidos no Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia e Espinho com o diagnóstico de IMA de janeiro de 2010 a dezembro de 2014. Resultados: Um total de 64 doentes (40 do sexo feminino e 24 do sexo masculino), com idade média de 78±9,7 anos foram identificados. A etiologia mais comum foi a embolização arterial (36% dos casos), seguido de trombose arterial (34%), isquemia mesentérica não oclusiva (22%) e por último trombose venosa (8%). A taxa de mortalidade global foi de 62,3%, com taxas mais elevadas em doentes submetidos a revascularização e ressecção intestinal (80%). Foram avaliados vários achados clínicos e laboratoriais. A análise univariada mostrou que leucocitose, níveis de lactatos superiores a 2 mmol/L, idade superior a 80 anos e envolvimento do cólon (imagiológico ou intra-operatório) foram associados a maior mortalidade (p <0,05). Conclusão: O tratamento de IMA requer um elevado índice de suspeição e intervenção cirúrgica emergente, assumindo que a viabilidade do intestino já não foi ultrapassada. Uma melhor definição dos determinantes da mortalidade parece vital para suportar a decisão terapêutica.

Endoleak type II post-EVAR - predictive factors and therapeutic intervention - single centre experience in 100 EVAR procedures.

INTRODUCTION: Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) has significantly altered the therapeutic strategy for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), due to less invasiveness and lower perioperative morbi-mortality. However, specific complications such as persistent type 2 endoleak (pT2E, present > 6 months after EVAR) have been associated with adverse outcomes. However conflicting results from heterogeneous studies, failed to support an optimal threshold for intervention. The purpose of this study was to identify predictive factors associated with pT2E. METHODS: The clinical data of the last 100 patients admitted for EVAR in our hospital until April 2016 were retrospec- tively reviewed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS V.22. RESULTS: We analyzed 100 cases of EVAR, performed with a branched stentgraft for AAA or aorto-iliac aneurysms. Most cases (n=83) were performed electively but 17 were performed for ruptured AAA. No pre-operative inferior mesen- teric artery (IMA) coil embolization was performed. A pT2E was observed by Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) in 21 cases (21%). Univariate analysis of risk factors for pT2E revealed that the number of patent lumbar arteries, patent IMA, platelet antiaggregants, absence of thoracic aortic aneurysm, and ruptured AAA were risk factors for pT2E (p<0.05). Binary logistic regression concluded platelet antiaggregants and increasing number of patent lumbars were independent risk factors for pT2E (p<0.05). DISCUSSION: Recently, pT2E that persists over a long period of time following EVAR has been reported to be involved in aneurysm sac growth, open conversion and rupture. Identification of pT2E predictive factors is crucial to prevent compli- cations and to consider measures such as pre-operative IMA coil embolization. We identified the number of patent lumbar arteries, the presence of patent IMA, platelet antiaggregants, absence of thoracic aortic aneurysm and ruptured AAA as sta- tistically significant risk factors for pT2E (p<0.05).

Introdução: A reparação endovascular de aneurisma da aorta abdominal (EVAR) alterou progressivamente a estratégia terapêutica devido à menor morbi-mortalidade peri-operatória associada. No entanto existem complicações específicas associa- das, como o endoleak tipo 2 persistente (pT2E, presente> 6 meses após EVAR). O principal objetivo deste estudo foi a identifi- cação de fatores preditivos associados a pT2E. Métodos: Os dados clínicos dos últimos 100 doentes admitidos para EVAR no nosso centro até abril de 2016 foram retrospetivamente analisados. O estudo estatístico foi realizado utilizando o SPSS V.22. Resultados: Foram analisados 100 casos de EVAR, realizados com endoprótese ramificada para aneurisma da aorta abdominal (AAA) ou aneurismas aorto-ilíacos. A maioria dos casos (n=83) foram realizados eletivamente, mas 17 foram reali- zados por rotura de AAA. Não houve nenhum caso de embolização pré-operatória da artéria mesentérica inferior (AMI). pT2E foi diagnosticado por Angio-Tomografia Computadorizada (AngioTC) em 21 casos (21%). A análise univariada dos fatores de risco para pT2E revelou que o número de artérias lombares (AL) permeáveis, permeabilidade da AMI, antiagregação plaquetária, ausência de aneurisma aórtico torácico e rotura de AAA são fatores de risco para pT2E (p<0,05). Uma regressão logística binária foi realizada e permitiu concluir que a antiagregação plaquetária e o número crescente de AL permeáveis são fatores de risco independentes para pT2E (p<0,05). Discussão: Atualmente, o pT2E tem sido cada vez mais associado a outcomes adversos como o crescimento do saco aneurismático, re-intervenção endovascular, conversão aberta e rotura. No entanto, a discrepância de dados na literatura condu- zem à ausência de um limiar consensual para tratamento. A identificação dos fatores preditivos de pT2E é crucial para prevenir complicações e considerar medidas como a embolização pré-operatória da AMI. Identificamos o número de AL permeáveis, AMI permeável, antiagregação plaquetária, ausência de aneurisma aórtico torácico e rotura de AAA como fatores de risco estatistica- mente significativos para pT2E (p<0,05).

[Endovascular management of a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm in a chronic contained rupture using the "Sandwich technique"]. / Tratamento Endovascular de um Aneurisma da Aorta Toracoabdominal em Rotura Contida, Utilizando a Técnica de "Sandwich"

OBJECTIVE: The authors report the prompt diagnosis and endovascular treatment with the "Sandwich" technique of a chronic contained rupture of a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm in an unfit patient for open surgery. METHODS: A 57-year-old male patient with severe pulmonar and cardiac comorbilities presented at the emergency department with a contained rupture of a type V thoracoabdominal aneurysm, involving the celiac axis. A "Sandwich" technique was performed deploying a ViaBahn graft through a transbrachial access interlayed by two Gore TAG endoprothesis. RESULTS: At the term of the 1st month of follow-up, no endoleaks were observed. DISCUSSION: An impending ruptured thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm was successfully excluded using the "Sandwich" technique, in a patient unfit for the conventional open correction.

[Unruptured symptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms]. / Aneurismas da aorta abdominal sintomáticos não rotos.

OBJECTIVES: The authors aim to present a case series of patients with unruptured symptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms with atypical presentation or clinical manifestations. METHODS: A retrospective analysis from 2010 to 2013 of unruptured symptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms was made in a Vascular Surgery department. RESULTS: 4 clinical cases were selected, all male, mean age of 72.2 years, with a history of smoking (75 %), hypertension (50 %), dyslipidemia (25 %) , DM (25 %) and CRI (25 %). Abdominal aortic aneurysms were diagnosed with unusual forms of presentation, from those associated to local events (venous or spinal compression), to infectious processes "in situ", complete thrombosis of the aneurysmal sac, to those with remotely manifestations (peripheral embolization). Medical and surgical treatments are described in this paper, taking into account the particularities of each patient. CONCLUSION: Rupture is the most common manifestation of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Although more rare, symptomatic unruptured AAA require a higher degree of suspicion, with some specific features to be considered, as we intend to demonstrate.