Predicting 30-day Mortality after Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: Validation of the Harborview Risk Score in a Single-Center Dutch Study Population.

BACKGROUND: The Harborview Risk Score (HRS) was recently proposed as scoring tool to predict 30-day mortality in patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAAs). The HRS assigns 1 point for each of the following preoperative characteristics: age > 76 years, pH < 7.2, creatinine level > 2 mg/dL (> 176.8 µmol/L), and systolic blood pressure < 70 mm Hg, resulting in scores from 0 to 4. The 30-day mortality risk increases with every point. Primarily, we aimed to validate the HRS for the first time in a Dutch study population. A second objective was to identify other clinically relevant predictors for 30-day mortality after repair of rAAA. METHODS: Retrospective data from patients who underwent open repair or endovascular aortic repair for a rAAA between January 2009 and February 2022 were reviewed. Patients were grouped by HRS category (score 0-4). The 30-day mortality rate was calculated for each HRS category. Determinants for 30-day mortality were tested for significance and validated for HRS. RESULTS: In total, data from 135 patients were included. Open repair was performed in 95 patients and 40 patients underwent endovascular aortic repair. Univariate logistic regression identified pH < 7.2, systolic blood pressure < 70 mm Hg, female sex, performance status, and increase per HRS unit as significant determinants for 30-day mortality. After adjusting for sex and performance status in the multivariate analysis, the association between the HRS per-unit increase and 30-day mortality remained significant (odds ratio 2.532 (95% confidence interval: 1.437-4.461)). The 30-day mortality rate for HRS score 0 was 15.2%, while for HRS score 3 and 4 the mortality was 80% and 100% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The Harborview Risk Score was validated in this single-center Dutch population. Results were concordant with data presented in earlier studies. Therefore, the HRS seems accurate and accessible as preoperative tool. For now, the HRS should guide as an insightful tool to indicate the chances of postoperative mortality during the preoperative conversations in the emergency room, rather than as a decision-making tool whether to operate or not. Our results suggest that female sex and performance status are also relevant predictors that should be assessed in other populations to improve preoperative scoring systems.

Identifying Patients at High Risk for Post-EVAR Aneurysm Sac Growth.

PURPOSE: Post-EVAR (endovascular aneurysm repair) aneurysm sac growth can be seen as therapy failure as it is a risk factor for post-EVAR aneurysm rupture. This study sought to identify preoperative patient predictors for developing post-EVAR aneurysm sac growth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review was conducted to select potential predictive preoperative factors for post-EVAR sac growth (including a total of 34.886 patients), which were evaluated by a retrospective single-center analysis of patients undergoing EVAR between 2009 and 2019 (N=247) with pre-EVAR computed tomography scans and at least 1 year follow-up. The primary study outcome was post-EVAR abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) sac enlargement (≥5 mm diameter increase). Multivariate Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were constructed. RESULTS: Potential correlative factors for post-EVAR sac growth included in the cohort analysis were age, sex, anticoagulants, antiplatelets, renal insufficiency, anemia, low thrombocyte count, pulmonary comorbidities, aneurysm diameter, neck diameter, neck angle, neck length, configuration of intraluminal thrombus, common iliac artery diameter, the number of patent lumbar arteries, and a patent inferior mesenteric artery. Multivariate analysis showed that infrarenal neck angulation (hazard ratio, 1.014; confidence interval (CI), 1.001-1.026; p=0.034) and the number of patent lumbar arteries (hazard ratio, 1.340; CI, 1.131-1.588; p<0.001) were associated with post-EVAR growth. Difference in estimated freedom from post-EVAR sac growth for patients with ≥4 patent lumbar arteries versus <4 patent lumbar arteries became clear after 2 years: 88.5% versus 100%, respectively (p<0.001). Of note, 31% of the patients (n=51) with ≥4 patent lumbar arteries (n=167) developed post-EVAR sac growth. In our cohort, the median maximum AAA diameter was 57 mm (interquartile range [IQR] = 54-62) and the median postoperative follow-up time was 54 months (IQR = 34-79). In all, 23% (n=57) of the patients suffered from post-EVAR growth. The median time for post-EVAR growth was 37 months (IQR = 24-63). In 46 of the 57 post-EVAR growth cases (81%), an endoleak was observed; 2.4% (n=6) of the patients suffered from post-EVAR rupture. The total mortality in the cohort was 24% (n=60); 4% (n=10) was AAA related. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that having 4 or more patent lumbar arteries is an important predictive factor for postoperative sac growth in patients undergoing EVAR. CLINICAL IMPACT: This study strongly suggests that having 4 or more patent lumbar arteries should be included in preoperative counseling for EVAR, in conjunction to the instructions for use (IFU).

Editor's Choice - Infective Native Aortic Aneurysms: A Delphi Consensus Document on Terminology, Definition, Classification, Diagnosis, and Reporting Standards.

OBJECTIVE: There is no consensus regarding the terminology, definition, classification, diagnostic criteria, and algorithm, or reporting standards for the disease of infective native aortic aneurysm (INAA), previously known as mycotic aneurysm. The aim of this study was to establish this by performing a consensus study. METHODS: The Delphi methodology was used. Thirty-seven international experts were invited via mail to participate. Four two week Delphi rounds were performed, using an online questionnaire, initially with 22 statements and nine reporting items. The panellists rated the statements on a five point Likert scale. Comments on statements were analysed, statements revised, and results presented in iterative rounds. Consensus was defined as ≥ 75% of the panel selecting "strongly agree" or "agree" on the Likert scale, and consensus on the final assessment was defined as Cronbach's alpha coefficient > .80. RESULTS: All 38 panellists completed all four rounds, resulting in 100% participation and agreement that this study was necessary, and the term INAA was agreed to be optimal. Three more statements were added based on the results and comments of the panel, resulting in a final 25 statements and nine reporting items. All 25 statements reached an agreement of ≥ 87%, and all nine reporting items reached an agreement of 100%. The Cronbach's alpha increased for each consecutive round (round 1 = .84, round 2 = .87, round 3 = .90, and round 4 = .92). Thus, consensus was reached for all statements and reporting items. CONCLUSION: This Delphi study established the first consensus document on INAA regarding terminology, definition, classification, diagnostic criteria, and algorithm, as well as reporting standards. The results of this study create essential conditions for scientific research on this disease. The presented consensus will need future amendments in accordance with newly acquired knowledge.

Clinical Relevance of Closed-Incision Negative Pressure Therapy (ciNPT) for SSI-Risk Reduction in Vascular Surgery Through a Groin Incision.

BACKGROUND: Vascular surgery, especially lower limb revascularization surgery, has one of the highest rates of surgical complications, predominantly surgical site infections (SSI). Resulting in a significant burden of additional costs due to longer hospital stays, re-admissions and re-interventions, mainly attributable to deep incisional SSIs. Closed incisional negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) is a relatively new strategy in the postoperative management surgical wounds, aiming to reduce surgical wound complications. When discussing the clinical relevance of ciNPT, it is crucial to take into account the outcome of therapy as well as the additional costs related to ciNPT. Since, the additional costs must be justified by an associated decrease in the morbidity and costs associated with groin wound complications, which are particularly attributable to deep incisional SSIs. The current literature evaluating the beneficial effect of ciNPT in groin incisional vascular surgery, predominantly focusses on the decrease in superficial SSIs. Whereas this study aims to address and discuss the clinical relevance of ciNPT over conventional wound dressings, by separately evaluating and comparing the incidence of superficial and deep SSIs and their related re-admissions and re-interventions. METHODS: In this single center prospective cohort study performed in a non-academic hospital in The Netherlands, 59 consecutive patients (67 incisions) were included between January and October 2019. All underwent elective vascular surgery with groin (access) incisions for either lower limb revascularization surgery or abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery. The study group was treated with six days ciNPT (PREVENA Incision Management System; KCI/3M, San Antonio, TX, USA) and matched for equal comparison to a historical retrospectively analysed cohort of 54 consecutive patients (60 incisions), all of whom have undergone elective vascular surgery for equal indications with groin (access) incisions in our center between January and October 2018. The standard-care group was treated following standard surgical wound care protocol with conventional surgical self-adhesive plaster (10 × 15cm, Mepore, Mölnlycke Health Care AB, Gothenburg, Sweden). RESULTS: Study groups were comparable at baseline, except for Body Mass Index (BMI), which was significantly higher in the ciNPT-group (P =.021). No significant differences for formation of seroma, hematoma, as well as wound dehiscence and SSIs were found between both groups. Groin SSIs were seen in 12.1% of the patients in the ciNPT-group and in 13.0% in the Standard-care group (OR 0.80, CI ((0.26, 2.48)), deep SSI contributed for 4 out of 7 patients of total SSIs in the ciNPT-group and for 2 out of 7 patients in the standard of care group (P-value >0.05). Analysis for incidence of hospital re-admission and re-intervention in both study groups showed no significant difference. Subset analysis in both study groups for SSIs differentiated in superficial and deep SSIs showed that only deep SSIs resulted in re-interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings in the population of our single center study, we conclude that routine use of ciNPT was not effective in reducing groin wound complications, and therefore could not replicate the promising findings from some previous studies. Furthermore, we did not find a reduction in the incidence of deep SSIs, which comprise the highest morbidity and costs. Considering our findings as well as the associated additional expenses related to ciNPT, it might be superfluous at this stage to use ciNPT as the new standard of post-operative groin incision care for all lower limb revascularization and abdominal aortic aneurysm surgeries. In our opinion further research is warranted for establishing a risk-factor based model for determination of the indication of ciNPT. To be able to achieve a more substantiated decision for utilizing ciNPT compared to standard surgical wound care in groin incisional vascular surgical interventions.

Percutaneous EVAR for Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Using the Cordis INCRAFT Endograft.

OBJECTIVES: Low profile endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) devices such as the Cordis INCRAFT AAA Stent Graft System may expand the category of patients suitable for endovascular repair. We report our experience with the INCRAFT system in treating ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAA). METHODS: We included all patients presenting with rAAA from 2015 to 2019 in our hospital who were treated by percutaneous EVAR with the INCRAFT system. The primary outcome was technical success, referring to adequate stent graft placement. Secondary outcomes included completion of the procedure under local anesthesia and mortality at 30-days, one year and long-term follow-up. RESULTS: Fifteen male patients (mean age: 74 years, SD 6.7) were treated for rAAA with a median aneurysm diameter of 8.25 cm (SD 1.66). The device was successfully delivered and deployed in all subjects. Per-procedurally one type I endoleak required additional stent placement and one patient developed an acute thrombosis of the device main body and iliac limbs requiring thrombectomy. 80.0% of patients were successfully treated under local anesthesia only. The 30 day and one year mortality were 26.6% and 33.3% respectively. Long-term survival was 60.0% at a median follow-up period of 57 months, with two patients requiring late reintervention for an endoleak. CONCLUSIONS: The INCRAFT system can be used to percutaneously treat rAAA with a high technical success rate and mortality similar to reported in the literature for other devices. The large majority of procedures can be completed with only local anesthesia.

Nationwide Study to Predict Colonic Ischemia after Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair in The Netherlands.

BACKGROUND: Colonic ischemia remains a severe complication after abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair and is associated with a high mortality. With open repair being one of the main risk factors of colonic ischemia, deciding between endovascular or open aneurysm repair should be based on tailor-made medicine. This study aims to identify high-risk patients of colonic ischemia, a risk that can be taken into account while deciding on AAA treatment strategy. METHODS: A nationwide population-based cohort study of 9,433 patients who underwent an AAA operation between 2014 and 2016 was conducted. Potential risk factors were determined by reviewing prior studies and univariate analysis. With logistic regression analysis, independent predictors of intestinal ischemia were established. These variables were used to form a prediction model. RESULTS: Intestinal ischemia occurred in 267 patients (2.8%). Occurrence of intestinal ischemia was seen significantly more in open repair versus endovascular aneurysm repair (7.6% vs. 0.9%; P < 0.001). This difference remained significant after stratification by urgency of the procedure, in both intact open (4.2% vs. 0.4%; P < 0.001) and ruptured open repair (15.0% vs. 6.2%); P < 0.001). Rupture of the AAA was the most important predictor of developing intestinal ischemia (odds ratio [OR], 5.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.4-8.0), followed by having a suprarenal AAA (OR 3.4; CI 1.1-10.6). Associated procedural factors were open repair (OR 2.8; 95% CI 1.9-4.2), blood loss >1L (OR 3.6; 95% CI 1.7-7.5), and prolonged operating time (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.4-2.8). Patient characteristics included having peripheral arterial disease (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.3-4.4), female gender (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.2-2.4), renal insufficiency (OR 1.7; 1.3-2.2), and pulmonary history (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.2-2.2). Age <68 years proved to be a protective factor (OR 0.5; 95% CI 0.4-0.8). Associated mortality was higher in patients with intestinal ischemia versus patients without (50.6% vs. 5.1%, P < 0.001). Each predictor was given a score between 1 and 4. Patients with a score of ≥10 proved to be at high risk. A prediction model with an excellent AUC = 0.873 (95% CI 0.855-0.892) could be formed. CONCLUSIONS: One of the main risk factors is open repair. Several other risk factors can contribute to developing colonic ischemia after AAA repair. The proposed prediction model can be used to identify patients at high risk for developing colonic ischemia. With the current trend in AAA repair leaning toward open repair for better long-term results, our prediction model allows a better informed decision can be made in AAA treatment strategy.

Stent Graft Sizing for Endovascular Abdominal Aneurysm Repair Using Open Source Image Processing Software.

INTRODUCTION: An important step to reach a favorable outcome of abdominal endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is preoperative sizing of the stent graft using computed tomography angiography (CTA) images of the abdominal aorta. A variety of costly image processing software options is available to obtain the necessary aortic measurements. A package that can be used for EVAR sizing is OsiriX Lite®-an open source, freely downloadable image processing option. This study assesses the concurrent validity of OsiriX Lite® when compared with commercially available 3Mensio Vascular® and Siemens Syngo.via®. METHODS: CTA scans of 20 patients that underwent EVAR for abdominal aneurysm were selected, 10 elective and 10 ruptured. For each scan, 6 observers determined 20 parameters needed for proper stent graft sizing, 2 using Osirix Lite®, 3 using 3Mensio Vascular®, and 1 using Siemens Syngo.via®. For each parameter, an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and a P-value were calculated. Interrater agreement was interpreted using the Koo and Li Guidelines. Time needed to perform EVAR planning was compared. RESULTS: Overall interrater agreement between the 3 sizing options was found to be either "good" or "moderate" for 16 out of 20 parameters (80%). Time needed to perform EVAR planning was not significantly different for Osirix Lite® (568 sec) when compared with 3Mensio Vascular® (603 sec) or Siemens Syngo.via® (659 sec) with a P-value of 0.88. CONCLUSIONS: The authors conclude that Osirix Lite® is an accurate and time-effective image processing option for preoperative sizing of an EVAR stent graft when matched to 3Mensio Vascular® and Siemens Syngo.via®.

Nationwide study of the treatment of mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysms comparing open and endovascular repair in The Netherlands.

OBJECTIVE: Mycotic aneurysms of the abdominal aorta (MAAA) can be treated by open repair (OR) or endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). This nationwide study provides an overview of the situation of MAAA treatment in The Netherlands in 2016. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted with all centers that registered aortic abdominal aneurysms in the Dutch Surgical Aneurysm Audit in 2016. Questionnaires on 1-year outcomes were sent to all centers that treated patients with MAAA. The primary aim was to determine 30-day and 1-year mortality and morbidity of OR- and EVAR-treated patients. Morbidity was determined by the need for reoperations and the number of readmissions to the hospital. RESULTS: Twenty-six MAAA were detected in the Dutch Surgical Aneurysm Audit database of 2016, resulting in an incidence of 0.7% of all registered abdominal aortic aneurysms. The 30-day mortality for OR and EVAR treated patients was 1 in 13 and 0 in 13, respectively. Major and minor reinterventions within 30 days were needed for two (one OR and one EVAR) and two (one OR and one EVAR) patients, respectively. Two patients (15.4%) in the OR group and one patient (7.7%) in the EVAR group were readmitted to hospital within 30 days. In total, 1-year outcomes of 23 patients were available. In the OR group, one patient (9.1%) died in the first postoperative year. There was one major reintervention (removal of endoprosthesis and spiralvein reconstruction) in the EVAR group. Two patients (18.2%) treated with OR and two (16.7%) treated with EVAR required a minor reintervention. In both groups, four patients (OR, 36.4%; EVAR, 33.3%) were readmitted to hospital within 1 year postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Both OR- and EVAR-treated patients show acceptable clinical outcomes after 30 days and at the 1-year follow-up. Depending on the clinical course of the patient, EVAR may be considered in the management of this disease.

Clinical outcomes of postcarotid endarterectomy hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the clinical relevance of postcarotid endarterectomy hypertension (PEH) by investigating the effect of PEH on hospital length of stay (LOS) and by investigating short-term and long-term complications of PEH. In addition, risk factors for PEH were determined. METHODS: A single-center retrospective cohort study was performed. Demographic, preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative outcomes of 192 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy were evaluated. Outcomes were compared between patients with PEH and patients without PEH. PEH was defined as an acute systolic blood pressure (SBP) rise >170 mm Hg or persistent SBP >150 mm Hg on the ward and leading to the consultation of an internist. The overall survival and event-free survival were compared using a Kaplan-Meier analysis and a Cox regression analysis. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine risk factors for PEH. RESULTS: PEH developed in 44 of 192 patients (25%). Preoperative hypertension (SBP >150 mm Hg) was determined to be a risk factor for PEH (odds ratio, 3.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6-6.9). Hospital LOS was prolonged in patients with PEH compared with patients without PEH (median LOS of 5 days vs 3 days, respectively; P < .001). No difference in the occurrence of ischemic neurologic events or rebleeding during hospitalization was observed (P = .58 and P = .72, respectively). Cardiovascular and ischemic neurologic events during follow-up did not occur more often in patients with PEH than in patients without PEH (P = .46). There was no difference in mortality between the PEH and non-PEH groups (hazard ratio, 1.6; 95% CI, 0.6-4.3). The same applies to the event-free survival (hazard ratio, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.4-1.7). Combined event-free survival for stroke and myocardial infarction was 92% (95% CI, 87%-97%) at 2 years for patients without PEH and 86% (95% CI, 74%-98%) at 2 years for patients with PEH (P = .25). Event-free survival for mortality was 90% (95% CI, 85%-96%) at 2 years for patients without PEH and 94% (95% CI, 86%-100%) at 2 years for patients with PEH (P = .36). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with PEH had a significant increase in hospital LOS. However, adverse short-term and long-term events did not occur more often in patients with PEH. High preoperative SBP was identified as a risk factor for PEH; no other demographic and clinical variables were associated with PEH.

Chimney Technique to Preserve Visceral Flow in a Coral Reef Aorta.

The coral reef aorta (CRA) is a rare phenomenon of extreme calcification in the juxtarenal and suprarenal aorta. Open revascularization has an overall in-hospital mortality rate of 13%. We present a patient with a suprarenal CRA with colon ischemia. She has an extensive past medical history of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting of the celiac trunk (CT) and superior mesenteric artery (SMA). The computed tomography angiography showed a CRA of the suprarenal aorta with occlusion of the CT stent and near occlusion of the SMA stent. Our case illustrates that the CRA in the suprarenal part of the aorta can be treated well by chimney graft procedure, although owing to lack of long-term follow-up, it might be reserved for high-risk candidates for (thoraco)abdominal aortic surgery.

Endovascular Revascularization of a Chronic Occluded Aortobifemoral Bypass.

Bilateral limb occlusion after aortobifemoral (ABF) prosthesis occurs in 1-3% patients. Multiple remedial choices are known in literature to manage a bilateral occluded ABF such as "redo" ABF bypass, axillobifemoral bypass, endovascular recanalization of the native aortoiliac system, and thrombectomy. We present a patient with an occluded ABF bypass since 2001. A new minimal invasive treatment strategy was performed by traversing the occluded limbs with aortic re-entry using stiff Terumo wires. To make way for safe passing of the stents, kissing balloon angioplasty was performed of the entire ABF bypass. Kissing Viabahn (W. L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ) balloon-expandable stents were placed in the proximal part of the ABF bypass and extended with a Viabahn self-expandable stent (standard Viabahn). This option should be added to the known multiple remedial choices in case of bilateral limb occlusion of an ABF.

Determinants of Acute Kidney Injury and Renal Function Decline After Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) may be associated with renal injury and more insight is needed into potential risk factors. The aim was to identify clinical, anatomical, and peri-procedural parameters as potential risk factors for the occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and to evaluate chronic kidney disease (CKD) after EVAR. METHODS: A cohort of 212 consecutive patients who underwent elective EVAR for abdominal aortic aneurysm from January 2009 to October 2016 was included. A subgroup of 149 patients with 2 years follow-up was compared with a set of 135 non-operated aneurysm patients with smaller aneurysms (similar cardiovascular risk profile) to assess CKD. Primary outcomes were AKI (Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria) and CKD measured by estimated glomerular filtration rate (Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes guidelines). For AKI, candidate risk factors were identified by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis; for chronic renal function decline, risk factors were identified using Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: AKI occurred in 30 patients (15%). On multivariate analysis, the use of angiotensin II blocker (odds ratio [OR] 4.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.38-12.07) and peri-operative complications (OR 3.12, 95% CI 1.20-8.10) were independent risk factors for AKI, whereas statin use was a protective factor (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.07-0.52). EVAR resulted in a significant increase (23.5%) in the occurrence of CKD compared with the control group (6.7%; p <.001). On univariate and multivariate Cox regression the risk factors: aortic neck diameter (per mm increase) (hazard ratio [HR] 1.13, 95% CI 1.02-1.25), renal artery stenosis >50% (HR 2.24, 95% CI 1.05-4.79), and the occurrence of AKI (HR 2.19, 95% CI 0.99-4.85) were significant predictors of CKD. CONCLUSION: This study identified use of angiotensin II blockers and peri-operative complications as risk factors for AKI. In addition, the problem of renal function decline after EVAR is highlighted, which indicates that prolonged protective measures (e.g., in those patients at high risk) over time are needed to improve patient outcomes.

Where to Fenestrate in Aortic Dissection Type B? An Ex Vivo Study.

BACKGROUND: Fenestration is a minimally invasive alternative for the treatment of acute symptomatic aortic dissections because it may quickly decrease the pressure gradient of the false lumen. It remains unclear where the optimal location of these fenestrations should be chosen. The purpose of this study was to study false lumen volume (FLV) after different fenestration strategies in porcine ex vivo models of aortic type B dissection. METHODS: An artificial dissection was created in ex vivo porcine aortas. A total number of 6 aortic dissection models were made. The dissection flap was divided in 3 equal parts; proximal, mid, and distal sections. In 3 models, a fenestration was made in the center of the proximal section of the dissection flap. In the 3 others in the center of the distal part of the dissection flap. The aorta was positioned in a validated in vitro circulatory system with physiological pulsatile flow. Volume measurements of true lumen volume and FLV were assessed with computed tomography. RESULTS: Performing a fenestration in the proximal part of the dissection flap resulted in FLV increase in 2 of the 3 models. Performing a fenestration in the distal part of the dissection flap resulted in FLV decrease in all 3 models. False lumen reduction was obtained significantly in the distally fenestrated models compared to the proximally fenestrated models (9.6 ± 3.5% vs. 0.7 ± 2.9%, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: In this ex vivo study, we showed that distal fenestration of the false lumen in aortic dissection will result in the largest false lumen reduction.

Multilevel Mycotic Aneurysms Due to Salmonella Infection: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Infected or mycotic aneurysms (MAs) of the aorta and adjacent arteries are rare and difficult to treat. We report a unique case of a Salmonella serotype enteritidis-induced rapidly expanding aortic and iliac pseudoaneurysm during preoperative workup. Based on the presented case, we postulate that the agressive nature of Salmonella enteritidis MAs should not be underestimated. If postponed intervention is chosen and the patient is managed conservatively with antibiotic therapy to create a window of definitive diagnosis, one should consider close follow-up imaging to observe progression of the pseudoaneurysm. This may prevent the need of acute intervention.

The use of intrarenal Doppler ultrasonography as predictor for positive outcome after renal artery revascularization.

Whether patients with renal artery stenosis should undergo therapeutic revascularization is controversial. In this retrospective study, we evaluated prognostic intrarenal Doppler ultrasound parameters that might have a predictive value for a beneficial response after renal revascularization. From January 2003 until December 2012, all renovascular interventions for renal artery stenosis were analyzed. The resistive index and the maximal systolic acceleration were determined by Doppler ultrasonography prior to intervention. Thirty-two patients who underwent a renal revascularization procedure were included: 13 combined positive responders and 19 combined non-responders. The combined positive responders had a significant lower resistive index than the combined non-responders (0.5 vs. 0.6, P = 0.001) and a significant lower maximal systolic acceleration (1.0 vs. 3.8, P = 0.001) before revascularization. A prediction model (RI ≤ 0.5 and ACCmax ≤ 1.3 m/s2) was formulated to identify a subgroup that benefits from renal revascularization. This model has an expected sensitivity of 69% and specificity of 89% for improvement in renal function and/or blood pressure after revascularization. The non-invasive intrarenal Doppler ultrasound parameters resistive index and maximal systolic acceleration can be used as tools to predict improvement in renal function and/or blood pressure after revascularization of renal artery stenosis. The clinical value of this prediction model should be evaluated in a prospective trial.

Focal Aortic Dissection With Significant Stenosis: A Rare Long Term Complication After TEVAR for Blunt Traumatic Aortic Injury in an Adolescent Patient.

Background: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in children and adolescents after blunt traumatic aortic injury (BTAI) is being performed increasingly despite no endovascular graft being approved for TEVAR in this population. The smaller diameter of the aorta and access vessels and steeper angle of the aortic arch pose specific challenges for TEVAR in this population. Moreover, data are lacking regarding medium to long term complications. This case presents an adolescent patient who underwent TEVAR for BTAI and suffered a focal aortic dissection several months later. Report: The patient initially presented after a motor vehicle accident and underwent an uncomplicated TEVAR procedure with a 28 mm diameter stent graft (the smallest device available at the time) for Grade III traumatic aortic dissection; the native aortic diameter was 15 mm. The diameter mismatch was accepted due to the lifesaving nature of the procedure. More than 7 months later the patient presented to the emergency department after not being able to urinate for several days and experiencing pain, tingling, and weakness in both legs. Blood samples showed a severe acute kidney injury and computed tomography angiography showed significant aortic stenosis in the distal part of the stent graft, probably caused by a focal dissection. The stenosis and dissection were successfully treated using a Palmaz stent, after which his renal function and extremity complaints recovered. Conclusion: The focal dissection was probably caused by stress on the aortic wall due to the aorta-stent graft diameter mismatch. This case demonstrates that complications after TEVAR in adolescents can arise months after the initial procedure and underscores the need for continued vigilance, especially in cases with an aorta-stent graft mismatch. The threshold for additional imaging and consultation by a vascular surgeon should be low.

Different Lower Extremity Arterial Calcification Patterns in Patients with Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia Compared with Asymptomatic Controls.

OBJECTIVES: The most severe type of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLI). In CLI, calcification of the vessel wall plays an important role in symptoms, amputation rate, and mortality. However, calcified arteries are also found in asymptomatic persons (non-PAD patients). We investigated whether the calcification pattern in CLI patients and non- PAD patients are different and could possibly explain the symptoms in CLI patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 130 CLI and 204 non-PAD patients underwent a CT of the lower extremities. This resulted in 118 CLI patients (mean age 72 ± 12, 70.3% male) that were age-matched with 118 non-PAD patients (mean age 71 ± 11, 51.7% male). The characteristics severity, annularity, thickness, and continuity were assessed in the femoral and crural arteries and analyzed by binary multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Nearly all CLI patients have calcifications and these are equally frequent in the femoropopliteal (98.3%) and crural arteries (97.5%), while the non-PAD patients had in just 67% any calcifications with more calcifications in the femoropopliteal (70.3%) than in the crural arteries (55.9%, p < 0.005). The crural arteries of CLI patients had significantly more complete annular calcifications (OR 2.92, p = 0.001), while in non-PAD patients dot-like calcifications dominated. In CLI patients, the femoropopliteal arteries had more severe, irregular/patchy, and thick calcifications (OR 2.40, 3.27, 1.81, p ≤ 0.05, respectively) while in non-PAD patients, thin continuous calcifications prevailed. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with non-PAD patients, arteries of the lower extremities of CLI patients are more frequently and extensively calcified. Annular calcifications were found in the crural arteries of CLI patients while dot-like calcifications were mostly present in non-PAD patients. These different patterns of calcifications in CLI point at different etiology and can have prognostic and eventually therapeutic consequences.

Wall Shear Stress Assessment of the False Lumen in Acute Type B Aortic Dissection Visualized by 4-Dimensional Flow Magnetic Resonance Imaging: An Ex-Vivo Study.

BACKGROUND: Four-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging (4D flow MRI) can accurately visualize and quantify flow and provide hemodynamic information such as wall shear stress (WSS). This imaging technique can be used to obtain more insight in the hemodynamic changes during cardiac cycle in the true and false lumen of uncomplicated acute Type B Aortic Dissection (TBAD). Gaining more insight of these forces in the false lumen in uncomplicated TBAD during optimal medical treatment, might result in prediction of adverse outcomes. METHODS: A porcine aorta dissection model with an artificial dissection was positioned in a validated ex-vivo circulatory system with physiological pulsatile flow. 4D flow MR images with 3 set heartrates (HR; 60 bpm, 80 bpm and 100 bpm) were acquired. False lumen volume per cycle (FLV), mean and peak systolic WSS were determined from 4D flow MRI data. For validation, the experiment was repeated with a second porcine aorta dissection model. RESULTS: During both experiments an increase in FLV (initial experiment: ΔFLV = 2.05 ml, p < 0.001, repeated experiment: ΔFLV = 1.08 ml, p = 0.005) and peak WSS (initial experiment: ΔWSS = 1.2 Pa, p = 0.004, repeated experiment: ΔWSS = 1.79 Pa, p = 0.016) was observed when HR increased from 60 to 80 bpm. Raising the HR from 80 to 100 bpm, no significant increase in FLV (p = 0.073, p = 0.139) was seen during both experiments. The false lumen mean WSS increased significant during initial (2.71 to 3.85 Pa; p = 0.013) and non-significant during repeated experiment (3.22 to 4.00 Pa; p = 0.320). CONCLUSION: 4D flow MRI provides insight into hemodynamic dimensions including WSS. Our ex-vivo experiments showed that an increase in HR from 60 to 80 bpm resulted in a significant increase of FLV and WSS of the false lumen. We suggest that strict heart rate control is of major importance to reduce the mean and peak WSS in uncomplicated acute TBAD. Because of the limitations of an ex-vivo study, 4D flow MRI will have to be performed in clinical setting to determine whether this imaging model would be of value to predict the course of uncomplicated TBAD.

The Influence of Aortic Wall Elasticity on the False Lumen in Aortic Dissection: An In Vitro Study.

BACKGROUND: Hemodynamics, dissection morphology, and aortic wall elasticity have a major influence on the pressure in the false lumen. In contrast to aortic wall elasticity, the influence of hemodynamics and dissection morphology have been investigated often in multiple in vitro and ex vivo studies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of aortic wall elasticity on the diameter and pressure of the false lumen in aortic dissection. METHODS: An artificial dissection was created in 3 ex vivo porcine aortas. The aorta models were consecutively positioned in a validated in vitro circulatory system with physiological pulsatile flow. Each model was imaged with ultrasound on 4 positions along the aorta and the dissection. At these 4 locations, pressure measurement was also performed in the true and false lumen with an arterial catheter. After baseline experiments, the aortic wall elasticity was adjusted with silicon and the experiments were repeated. RESULTS: The aortic wall elasticity was decreased in all 3 models after siliconizing. In all 3 siliconized models, the diameters of the true and false lumen increased at proximal, mid, and distal location, while the mean arterial pressure did not significantly change. CONCLUSIONS: In this in vitro study, we showed that aortic wall elasticity is an important parameter altering the false lumen. An aortic wall with reduced elasticity results in an increased false lumen diameter in the mid and distal part of the false lumen. These results can only be transferred to corresponding clinical situations to a limited extent.