A systematic review and meta-analysis of proximal aortic neck dilatation after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVE: To provide an updated systematic literature review summarizing current evidence on aortic neck dilatation (AND) after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) in patients with infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. METHODS: An extensive electronic search in major electronic databases was conducted between January 2000 and December 2021. Eligible for inclusion were observational studies that followed up with patients (n ≥ 20) undergoing EVAR with self-expanding endografts, for 12 or more months, evaluated AND with computed tomography angiography and provided data on relevant outcomes. The primary end point was the incidence of AND after EVAR, and the secondary end points were the occurrence of type Ia endoleak, stent graft migration, secondary rupture, and reintervention. RESULTS: We included 34 studies with a total sample of 12,038 patients (10,413 men; median age, 71 years). AND was defined clearly in 18 studies, but significant differences in AND definition were evidenced. The pooled incidence of AND based on quantitative analysis of 16 studies with a total of 9201 patients (7961 men; median age, 72 years) was calculated at 22.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 14.4-34.4) over a follow-up period ranging from 12 months to 14 years. The risk of a type Ia endoleak was significantly higher in AND patients compared with those without AND (odds ratio, 2.95; 95% CI, 1.10-7.93; P = .030). Similarly, endograft migration was more common in the AND group compared with the non-AND group (odds ratio, 5.95; 95% CI, 1.80-19.69; P = .004). The combined incidence of secondary rupture and reintervention did not differ significantly between the two groups, even though the combined effect was in favor of the non-AND group. CONCLUSIONS: Proximal AND after EVAR is common and occurs in a large proportion of patients with infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. AND can influence the long-term durability of proximal endograft fixation and is significantly related to adverse outcomes, often leading to reinterventions.

Endovascular Treatment of a Giant Renal Artery Aneurysm with High-Flow Renal Arteriovenous Malformation.

Renal artery aneurysms (RAAs) are rare lesions with a prevalence of less than 1% in the general population. Renal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare lesions with an estimated incidence of less than 0.04%. The coexistence of these two clinical entities is extremely rare and narrows the available treatment options by endovascular or open surgery. We describe a case of a giant symptomatic RAA type III, which was combined with a high-flow renal AVM in the right kidney. Using two vascular plugs, the RAA was excluded successfully. The perfusion of the right kidney's lower pole was preserved by implantation of two covered stents in the inferior segmental renal artery.

Incidence and risk factors of postimplantation syndrome after elective endovascular aortic aneurysm repair.

BACKGROUND: Postimplantation syndrome (PIS) represents an acute phase systemic inflammatory response following endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). Our objective was to investigate the risk factors associated with the manifestation and severity of PIS with various available stent-grafts. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data covering the period 2016-2020. The study included 191 patients. Body temperature was recorded regularly and blood sample was obtained daily. The imaging protocol included computed tomography aortoiliac angiography before surgery and one month after. The volumes of pre-existing and new-onset mural thrombus were calculated in a semi-automated fashion. Five abdominal aortic stent-graft devices were used: Endurant™ ΙΙ, Anaconda™, Treo®, E-tegra® and AFX® 2. Subgroup analysis was performed between woven polyester and ePTFE lined devices. RESULTS: The incidence of PIS was 21.5%. No significant differences were observed regarding demographics, risk factors, aneurysm anatomy or operative data. The amount of pre-existing and new-onset mural thrombus were not related with PIS (P=0.117 and P=0.096). PIS incidence in the polyester subgroup was 24.2%, significantly higher compared to 8.3% in the ePTFE subgroup. In-subgroup analysis revealed that the use of Anaconda™ was associated with the higher frequency (61.1%, P=0.021). Multivariate logistic regression showed that polyester was the single factor significantly associated with PIS (hazard ratio=2.6, P=0.043), as opposed to the new onset thrombus (hazard ratio=1.29, P=0.101). CONCLUSIONS: PIS is not uncommon and should be taken into consideration in patients presenting with fever after EVAR. The endograft's liner material seems to play the primordial role, with woven polyester to be attributed with significantly higher incidence.

Ultrasonographic hemodynamical and epidemiological factors in advancement of clinical manifestations in primary varicose veins.

BACKGROUND: Primary varicose veins (PVV) represent the most prominent clinical manifestation of chronic venous disease (CVD) and has a complex pathophysiological background. The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of sonographic hemodynamical and contemporary epidemiological factors on the clinical severity of PVV. METHODS: We analyzed the sonographic hemodynamical and clinical parameters from 159 consecutive CVD patients and 233 lower limbs with PVV of clinical stages C2, C3 and C4. Univariate and logistic regression analysis was performed between patients of C2 (N.=70 - 30.0%) and C3 - 4 stages and between subgroups C3 (N.=101 - 43.3%) and C4 (N.=62 - 26.6%). RESULTS: Reflux of common femoral vein and saphenofemoral junction was detected in 43.3% and 65.7%. High venous reflux rates were found at the great saphenous above and below knee (90.1% - 53.2%) and in Cockett perforators (80.5%). Logistic regression revealed that factors associated with the symptomatic C3; 4 stages were the duration of disease >10 years (P=0.015, insufficiency in two or more perforators (P<0.001) and history of 2 pregnancies (P=0.001). Analysis C3 vs. C4 showed that insufficiency in two or more perforators increased the likelihood of advanced C4 clinical stage by 2.2 times, (P=0.037). An additional significant factor was the presence of at least one incompetent Cockett perforator. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical severity of PVV is correlated with a plethora of complex anatomical, hemodynamical and epidemiological factors. Insufficiency in two or more perforators seems to play the most important role and this highlights the value of preoperative venous ultrasound mapping.

Aggravated Dental and Periodontal Status in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease and Its Association with Serum Ferritin.

AIM: The present study aimed to evaluate the possible consequences of sickle cell disease (SCD) on dental and periodontal health in middle-aged patients and to examine the association of certain cardiovascular parameters and serum ferritin with the dental and periodontal status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-seven patients (mean age 43.2 years old) with SCD and 30 non-SCD and otherwise healthy individuals (mean age 38.9 years old) were examined for caries experience and periodontal status in addition to cardiovascular characteristics and ferritin level in serum. RESULTS: Compared to controls, SCD patients exhibited higher plaque and gingival bleeding scores, higher prevalence of periodontal diseases, and higher caries experience. Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis showed that caries experience was predominantly determined by the presence of SCD and the age, while major determinants of periodontitis were the ferritin levels and the male gender. The results reveal an aggravation of oral health in SCD patients regarding both caries and periodontal diseases. CONCLUSION: A potential role of the increased central inflammatory response, reflected by the elevated ferritin level in serum, is suggested for the impaired periodontal health of SCD patients. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Compliance with precautionary dental checks and early management of dental complications is of great importance in order to improve oral health status and prevent general health complications in SCD patients.

The Effect of Transfusion of Two Units of Fresh Frozen Plasma on the Perioperative Fibrinogen Levels and the Outcome of Patients Undergoing Elective Endovascular Repair for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate whether the transfusion of 2 units of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) immediately post aneurysm exclusion has any effect on the perioperative fibrinogen levels and the outcome of patients undergoing elective endovascular repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). METHODS: Consecutive infrarenal AAA patients undergoing elective EVAR with the bifurcated Endurant-II stent-graft (Medtronic) were recruited from 2 vascular units. The first unit has a routine policy of administering 2 units of FFP immediately upon aneurysm exclusion (FFP group), whereas the second unit has no such policy (control group). Serum fibrinogen levels were measured on admission and 24 hr post-EVAR and the perioperative change in fibrinogen (Δfib) was calculated (24-hr postoperative minus preoperative fibrinogen). The 2 groups were compared with regards to the perioperative fibrinogen levels (preoperative, 24-hr postoperative, and Δfib) and the outcome (endoleaks, reinterventions, major adverse cardiovascular events, death) during follow up. RESULTS: A total of 70 patients (41 in the FFP group, 29 controls) were examined. There were 68 men, the mean age was 70 ± 7 years and the maximum AAA diameter was 63.3 ± 13.8 mm. During the follow up (34 ± 19 months), a total of 6 endoleaks were recorded (2 type Ia, 2 type Ib and 1 type II). Mean preoperative fibrinogen, 24-hr postoperative fibrinogen and Δfib was 391.1 ± 92.8 mg/dL, 367.7 ± 97.8 mg/dL and -23.5 ± 51.02 mg/dL, respectively. There was a trend for the fibrinogen to fall 24 hr postprocedure, but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.07). There was a weak negative association between Δfib and endoleaks (P = 0.007, r = -0.29). Compared to controls, the FFP group had a higher 24-hr postoperative fibrinogen (401.8 ± 112.9 mg/dL vs. 319.3 ± 34.9 mg/dL, P < 0.0001) and a lower Δfib (-3.00 ± 56.01 mg/dL vs. -52.48 ± 21.15 mg/dL, P < 0.0001). No significant difference was observed between the 2 groups with regards to endoleaks, reinterventions, major adverse cardiovascular events, or deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Transfusion of 2 units of FFP postaneurysm exclusion prevents a significant drop in plasma fibrinogen 24 hr post-EVAR, but the impact on clinical outcome has yet to be defined.

Investigating the Possible Protective Role of Direct Intra-arterial Administration of Mannitol and N-Acetylcysteine and Per Os Administration of Simvastatin Against Contrast-Induced Nephropathy: An Experimental Study in a Rabbit Model.

PURPOSE: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is one of the leading causes of hospital-acquired acute kidney injury due to the use of iodinated contrast media in various interventional procedures like endovascular aneurysm repair. Its pathophysiology remains mostly unclear. The purpose of the present study was to comparatively study the possible protective role of direct intra-arterial administration of mannitol and acetylcysteine and per os administration of simvastatin in a histopathological level. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, we administered iopromide directly in the infrarenal aorta of 24 New Zealand white rabbits after laparotomy. Animals were divided in four groups of six: G1 received iopromide with no protection, G2 iopromide with mannitol, G3 iopromide with acetylcysteine, and G4 iopromide with simvastatin. Renal function blood parameters were assessed prior to the administration, and in 48 h; histopathological evaluation of the kidneys was performed. RESULTS: CIN was evident only in the no protection group G1. Moreover, G1 demonstrated significantly more severe lesions than groups G2, G3, and G4 regarding histopathological findings in glomeruli, vacuolization of tubular epithelial cells, tubular proteinaceous casts, and tubular necrosis. According to our results, intra-arterial administration of mannitol seems to be effective in protection against tubular necrosis. CONCLUSION: In general, all three agents demonstrated a protective role in preventing the development of CIN, although it seems that there are various pathways that remain to be investigated further.

Outcome after Endovascular Repair of Subacute Type B Aortic Dissection: A Combined Series from Two Greek Centers.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to document the outcome following endovascular treatment of subacute type B aortic dissection (AD). METHODS: Between October 2000 and June 2014, 40 patients (33 men, mean age 65 [range 35-87] years) with type B AD underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) during the subacute phase (defined as 15-90 days from the onset of symptoms). Indications for intervention were acute aortic enlargement, resistant hypertension, and/or intractable pain. The primary outcome was survival. Secondary outcome measures included reinterventions and aortic remodeling (i.e., the fate of the false lumen [FL] post-TEVAR, which was classified as complete, partial, or no thrombosis of the FL). RESULTS: The intraprocedural technical success was 95% (2 proximal endoleaks). Three patients died within 30 days (7.5%), all 3 from dissection-related causes (retrograde type A AD in 2, ruptured thoracic aorta in 1). Another 11 deaths occurred during follow-up (median 64 months, range 1-167), 3 of which were dissection-related. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year Kaplan-Meier survival probability was 87.5%, 79%, and 71.5%, respectively. With regard to the aortic remodeling, there was complete FL thrombosis in 10 (25%) patients, partial thrombosis in 22 (55%), and patent FL with no thrombosis in 8 (20%) patients. There was no statistically significant association between FL status and survival, or between FL status and initial extent of dissection. However, there was a statistically significant association between FL status and reinterventions, the latter being more frequent in patients with no FL thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: TEVAR for subacute type B AD appears to be associated with acceptable perioperative and long-term results. In contrast to previous reports, there is still a risk for postoperative retrograde type A AD even when patients are treated in the subacute phase when the aorta is less fragile. Aortic remodeling occurs in the majority of patients, but requires frequent aortic reinterventions, an observation that underlines the need for life-long surveillance.

Use of Endurant Stent-Graft Aortic Extensions for the Treatment of Focal Aortic Pathology.

BACKGROUND: To describe our experience with the endovascular treatment of focal abdominal aortic pathology with an adequate distal neck length using Endurant (Medtronic) aortic extension cuffs. METHODS: From July 2010 to May 2015, 16 patients (14 male), with a mean age of 73.6 years (range, 59-88), were treated for focal abdominal aortic pathology using only Endurant (Medtronic) aortic cuff extensions. The indication for intervention was a saccular abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in 5 patients, a fusiform aortic aneurysm in 6 patients, abdominal aortic dissection in 2 patients, an aortic juxtarenal rupture in 1 patient, a large anastomotic pseudoaneurysm of previous bifurcated open repair in 1 patient, and a juxtarenal aneurysm above a previous open AAA repair. Aortic lesions had a mean diameter of 52.9 (range, 32-90) mm. All patients were operated under local anesthesia with unilateral femoral exposure. A single 70-mm long Endurant aortic extension was deployed in 5 cases, while in the remaining 11 cases, 2 cuffs were used with the "telescopic" (double tube) technique. A chimney technique was performed in 5 cases (with a bare metal stent in the renal artery in 3 and a stent graft in the celiac artery in 2). RESULTS: The intraoperative technical success was 100% with no endoleaks on completion angiogram. There was no 30-day mortality. One patient developed acute limb ischemia immediately postoperatively and was treated successfully with thrombectomy. During a mean follow-up of 21.9 months, 1 patient died 2 months after the procedure due to cardiac arrest unrelated to his aortic operation. There was 1 early type IIb endoleak (present at the 30-day follow-up computerized tomography scan), which disappeared 10 months after the procedure. Finally, 1 patient was diagnosed with a type II endoleak and stable diameter 53 months postoperatively, while to date there are no cases of stent-graft migration. CONCLUSIONS: The use of Endurant aortic extensions in aneurysms with adequate distal neck is a safe, simple, customizable, and cost-effective method which presents similar early results with standard endovascular aneurysm repair technique.

The Impact of Aortic Occlusion Balloon on Mortality After Endovascular Repair of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: A Meta-analysis and Meta-regression Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to investigate whether the use of aortic occlusion balloon (AOB) has an impact on mortality of patients undergoing endovascular repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (RAAAs). METHODS: A meta-analysis of the English-language literature was undertaken through February 2013. Articles reporting data on outcome after endovascular repair of RAAAs were identified and information regarding the use of AOB was sought. RESULTS: Included in this meta-analysis were 39 eligible studies reporting 1277 patients. The pooled perioperative mortality was 21.6% (95% CI 18.1-25.1%). There was significant within-study heterogeneity (I(2) 50.2%, P < 0.001). A total of 200 patients required AOB with an estimated pooled proportion of 14.1% (8.9-19.3%). Individual random-effects meta-regression investigating the effect of AOB and other risk factors on mortality revealed a significant linear association of hemodynamic instability, bifurcated endograft approach, and primary conversion to open repair with mortality and a nonlinear (second degree polynomial) association of AOB with mortality. On multivariable meta-regression models, both hemodynamic instability and AOB were found to be statistically significant, independent predictors of mortality. In particular, there was a statistically significant negative correlation between AOB and mortality and a positive effect of hemodynamic instability on mortality. In practical terms, mortality was significantly higher in studies with a higher proportion of hemodynamically unstable patients and lower in studies with a higher rate of AOB use. CONCLUSION: This study provides meta-analytical evidence that the use of an AOB in unstable RAAA patients undergoing endovascular repair may improve the results.

Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms with the Anaconda™ Stent Graft: Mid-term Results from a Single Center.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to report our experience with the Anaconda™ stent graft (Vascutek, Terumo, Inchinnan, Scotland, UK) for the endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). METHODS: The vascular unit database was interrogated to identify all AAA patients who underwent endovascular repair with the Anaconda™ device between March 2007 and June 2014. The peri-operative, short-term, and mid-term outcome was recorded focusing on complications and re-interventions. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients had been treated during the study period. Seven of these were symptomatic, one presented with an inflammatory aneurysm, and five presented with a ruptured AAA. The primary and the assisted primary technical success were 86.7 and 97.1%, respectively. There was no 30-day mortality in the elective or symptomatic group, but two of the ruptured AAA patients died. During a mean follow-up of 29 months (range 1-87), 14 patients died, none from aneurysm-related causes. A total of 11 endoleaks (17.5%) were detected in 10 patients during follow-up (1 type Ia, 4 type Ib, 6 type II), 4 of which required re-intervention (all for type Ib endoleak). Two iliac limbs occluded during the follow-up. The estimated overall survival, endoleak-free survival and re-intervention-free survival probability were 88.2, 78.4, and 83.4% at 1 year; 85.9, 73.8, and 78.9% at 2 years; and 80.6, 71.3, and 70.5% at 3 years, respectively. CONCLUSION: Based on this series, the Anaconda™ stent graft appears to be safe and effective for the endovascular treatment of AAAs. Both the short-term and the mid-term results are satisfactory.

Endovascular management of lap belt-related abdominal aortic injury in a 9-year-old child.

Blunt abdominal aortic trauma is a rare occurrence in children with only a few patients having been reported in the literature. Most such cases have been described in the context of lap belt injuries. We report a 9-year-old boy who suffered lap belt trauma to the abdomen during a high-speed road traffic accident resulting to the well-recognized pattern of blunt abdominal injury, that is, the triad of intestinal perforation, fractures of the lumbar spine, and abdominal aortic injury. The latter presented with lower limb ischemia due to dissection of the infrarenal aorta and right common iliac artery. Revascularization was achieved by endovascular means using 2 self-expanding stents in the infrarenal aorta and the right common iliac artery. This case is one of the few reports of lap belt-related acute traumatic abdominal aortic dissection in a young child and highlights the feasibility of endovascular management in the pediatric population.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of abdominal compartment syndrome after endovascular repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: Limited data exist regarding the development of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) after endovascular repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (RAAAs). We aimed to record the incidence, management, and outcome of this complication. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the English language literature was undertaken through June 2012. Articles reporting data on outcome after endovascular repair of RAAAs were identified, and information regarding ACS was sought. RESULTS: Included were 39 eligible studies reporting 1134 patients. The pooled perioperative mortality was 21% (95% confidence interval [CI], 18%-24%). A total of 109 cases of ACS were recorded. There was significant within-study heterogeneity (Cochran Q = 94.1; P < .0001), and the pooled ACS rate was 8% (95% CI, 5.6%-10.8%). Only six studies accurately defined ACS, and four focused specifically on ACS. When the meta-analysis was repeated after including only studies with a definition and those focusing on ACS, the pooled rate increased to 17% (95% CI, 10%-26%) and 21% (95% CI, 13%-30%), respectively. A random-effects meta-regression analysis investigating the effect of ACS and other risk factors on mortality revealed a significant linear correlation between hemodynamic instability and death (r = 0.303) and a nonlinear (second degree polynomial) association between bifurcated endograft approach and death (R(2) = 0.348; P = .0027). However, no statistically significant association could be found between ACS and death. A further meta-regression analysis failed to identify any statistically significant predictors of ACS. Treatment included open decompression in 86 patients, percutaneous drainage in 18 (catheter only in five, combined with tissue plasminogen activator infusion in 13), and conservative measures in five. Data on outcome of ACS were only available for 76 patients; 35 of these died, for a mortality rate of 47%. CONCLUSIONS: The pooled ACS rate was calculated at 8%, but this figure may be >20% with improved awareness and vigilant monitoring. Although no statistically significant association could be found between ACS and death, almost half the patients who developed ACS after endovascular repair of RAAAs were likely to die.

Ruptured mycotic common femoral artery pseudoaneurysm: fatal pulmonary embolism after emergency stent-grafting in a drug abuser.

The rupture of a mycotic femoral artery pseudoaneurysm in an intravenous drug abuser is a limb- and life-threatening condition that necessitates emergency intervention. Emergency stent-grafting appears to be a viable, minimally invasive alternative, or a bridge, to subsequent open surgery. Caution is required in cases of suspected concomitant deep vein thrombosis in order to minimize the possibility of massive pulmonary embolism during stent-grafting, perhaps by omitting stent-graft postdilation or by inserting an inferior vena cava filter first. We describe the emergency endovascular management, in a 60-year-old male intravenous drug abuser, of a ruptured mycotic femoral artery pseudoaneurysm, which was complicated by a fatal pulmonary embolism.

Spontaneous rupture of the visceral abdominal aorta: endovascular management using the periscope graft technique.

PURPOSE: To describe the endovascular management of a spontaneous rupture of the visceral abdominal aorta. CASE REPORT: A 69-year-old man presented as an emergency with a ruptured non-aneurysmal visceral abdominal aorta that extended from just below the celiac trunk to the right renal artery; the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) appeared to be occluded. The rupture was presumed to be due to a penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer. An endovascular approach was devised in which an Excluder aortic cuff would be deployed immediately below the origin of the celiac artery, covering the ruptured aortic segment and the occluded SMA. However, a second cuff was required distally to seal the rupture. To maintain perfusion to the right renal artery, a Viabahn stent-graft was deployed into the renal artery using the periscope technique. A stent was also required in the celiac trunk, which had been inadvertently covered. The patient had an uneventful recovery; follow-up imaging at 1 year revealed no endoleak and resolution of the hematoma. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous rupture of a non-aneurysmal visceral abdominal aorta is extremely challenging and potentially fatal. Endovascular management using the periscope stent-graft technique to facilitate aortic stent-grafting may offer an attractive bailout option with satisfactory early results.

Acute forearm compressive myopathy syndrome secondary to upper limb entrapment: an unusual cause of renal failure.

Compressive myopathy syndrome (SCM) is a syndrome characterized by the lesion of skeletal muscle resulting in subsequent release of intracellular contents (myoglobin, creatine phosphokinase, potassium, etc.) into the circulatory system, which can cause potentially lethal complications. There are numerous causes that can lead to SCM resulting to acute rhabdomyolysis, and many patients present with multiple causes. The most common potentially lethal complication is acute renal failure. The occurrence of acute rhabdomyolysis should be considered as a possibility in any patient who can remain stationary for long periods, or is in a coma, or is intoxicated in any form. We report the rare case of a 26-year-old patient who developed SCM caused by ischemia reperfusion, with subsequent acute rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure after prolonged compression of the right upper extremity.