How to combine CTA, 99mTc-WBC SPECT/CT, and [18F]FDG PET/CT in patients with suspected abdominal vascular endograft infections?

PURPOSE: We aimed at comparing 99mTc-HMPAO white blood cells (99mTc-WBC) scintigraphy, 18fluorine-fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and CT angiography (CTA) in patients with suspected abdominal vascular graft or endograft infection (VGEI). Moreover, we attempted to define a new visual score for interpreting [18F]FDG PET/CT scans aiming at increasing its specificity. METHODS: We prospectively compared 99mTc-WBC SPECT/CT, [18F]FDG PET/CT, and CTA in 26 patients with suspected abdominal VGEI. WBC scans were performed and interpreted according to EANM recommendations. [18F]FDG PET/CT studies were assessed with both qualitative (Sah's scale and new visual score) and semi-quantitative analyses. CTA images were interpreted according to MAGIC criteria. Microbiology, histopathology or a clinical follow-up of at least 24 months were used to achieve final diagnosis. RESULTS: Eleven out of 26 patients were infected. [18F]FDG PET/CT showed 100% sensitivity and NPV, with both scoring systems, thus representing an efficient tool to rule out the infection. The use of a more detailed scoring system provided statistically higher specificity compared to the previous Sah's scale (p = 0.049). 99mTc-WBC SPECT/CT provided statistically higher specificity and PPV than [18F]FDG PET/CT, regardless the interpretation criteria used and it can be, therefore, used in early post-surgical phases or to confirm or rule out a PET/CT finding. CONCLUSIONS: After CTA, patients with suspected late VGEI should perform a [18F]FDG PET/CT given its high sensitivity and NPV. However, given its lower specificity, positive results should be confirmed with 99mTc-WBC scintigraphy. The use of a more detailed scoring system reduces the number of 99mTc-WBC scans needed after [18F]FDG PET/CT. Nevertheless, in suspected infections within 4 months from surgery, 99mTc-WBC SPECT/CT should be performed as second exam, due to its high accuracy in differentiating sterile inflammation from infection.

Factors Affecting the Outcome of Symptomatic Carotid Stenosis Surgical Treatment in a Single Center Series.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of preoperative ischemic brain lesion (IBL) volume, assessed by Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance brain imaging (DW-MRI) with RAPID® processing, and surgery timing in predicting post-operative neurological outcomes in symptomatic carotid stenosis (SCS) patients treated with carotid endarterectomy (CEA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with SCS who underwent CEA between January 2010 and June 2020 were considered. IBLs ipsilateral to the stenosis were identified in the preoperative magnetic resonance brain (MRI). The volume was quantified in mL and correlated with 30-day rates of stroke and stroke/death by χ2 and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-four patients were surgically treated for SCS during the entire study period. CEA procedures were defined as emergent, urgent, or elective if performed within 48 hr, between 48 hr and 14 days, or after 14 days from symptoms onset, respectively. Cumulative new ipsilateral stroke rate was 4,5%, with a statistically higher neurological complications in emergent patients compared to urgent and elective patients (10,6%, 1,47% and 0% respectively, P 0,039). ROC curve analysis showed a volume of 10 mL was predictive of postoperative stroke with 100% sensitivity and 80% specificity. An IBL volume >10 mL was an independent risk factor for postoperative stroke. In fact, the perioperative neurological complication rate was significantly different in high-IBL volume patients (>10 mL) compared with low-IBL volume patients (<10 mL) (P 0,003) CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that the optimal timing for CEA is between 48 hr and 14 days. Furthermore, the present study suggests that the presence of the IBL, by itself, is not definitively related with an unsatisfactory neurological outcome. However, an IBL higher than 10 mL should be as a reliable threshold value adverse neurological result in SCS patients.

Could Gender Impact on Immediate and Long-term Carotid Artery Stenting Outcome? Insight from an Italian Single Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Carotid artery stenting (CAS) has become a valid alternative to carotid endarterectomy in stroke prevention. However, female gender is still considered as an independent risk factor for CAS procedures, potentially limiting immediate and long-term benefits. Aim of present study was to evaluate gender differences in CAS submitted patients from an Italian high-volume center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: a retrospective monocentric study has been conducted on 568 patients (366 males and 202 females), submitted to CAS, between January 2000 and December 2019. Besides gender sex, clinical anatomical, and procedural data were collected as possible factors determining the outcome, when associated to sex gender itself. Primary endpoint of this study consisted in evaluating the technical and procedural success ratio, and the incidence of major and minor stroke, transient ischemic attack, acute myocardial infarction (AMI) peri-procedurally and at medium and long term, between the male and the female population. Secondary endpoint of this study consisted in evaluating the percentage ratio of minor complications happening peri-procedurally in both genders. RESULTS: Male patients were more likely to be octogenarians, clinical history of coronary artery disease, and smokers, while diabetes was more frequent in female patients. Anatomical and plaque morphology features were not different between the two groups. Technical success was obtained in all but two patients (99,6%), while procedural success was 95% (538/566 patients). During the peri-procedural time, no major stroke, 16 minor strokes (2,81%, 2,45% males vs. 3,45% females, P= 0,48), and 11 transient ischemic attack (2,18% males vs. 1,48% females, P= 0,56) were recorded. At a medium follow-up 57 months, 32 stroke (8 major strokes, 24 minor strokes) episodes (5,6%, males 5,7% vs. females 5,4%, P= 0,88), 24 AMIs (4,2%, males 4,6% vs. females 3,46%, P= 0,5;), 13 restenosis (2,8%, males 2,4% vs. females 1,9%, P= 0,71) and 223 deaths (39,2%, males 34,9% vs. females 47%, P= 0,0048) were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed no differences in immediate, and long-term CAS outcomes between gender. Larger, prospective studies are required to assess the real importance and significance of gender in determining CAS procedures' benefit and outcome.

Treatment-Resistant Acute Upper Limb Ischemia in a Patient With Systemic Lupus Erythematous and Concomitant SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Case Report.

To describe the case of a young female patient, affected by Systemic Lupus Erythematous, hospitalized for severe SARS-CoV-2 infection pneumonia and presenting a treatment-resistant acute upper limb ischemia. Two days after hospital admission, the patient suffered sudden right upper limb pain associated with mild functional impairment. At physical examination, radial and ulnar pulses were absent, and no flow signal was detected at duplex ultrasound scan. Therefore, an acute limb ischemia diagnoses was posed. Despite several surgical and endovascular revascularization attempts, the patient underwent an above the elbow amputation in 10th postoperative day from first surgical embolectomy, and she died for respiratory failure 25 days after hospitalization. Our case of acute upper limb ischemia seems to confirm that clinical manifestation and fate of thrombotic disorder in COVID-19 patients could be precipitated by concomitant autoimmune diseases.

Comparison of Outcomes Following EVAR Based on Aneurysm Diameter and Volume and Their Postoperative Variations.

PURPOSE: to evaluate the impact of bi- and 3-dimensional preoperative aortic morphological features and their immediate postoperative variations on the outcome of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) treated by endovascular exclusion with standard devices (EVAR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Double centre retrospective analysis of prospectively collected registry data of EVAR patients. For all patients, preoperative and 30-day computed tomographic angiography images (CTA) were reviewed. Preoperative maximum AAA diameter >59 mm and volume >159 cm3, and any 30-day postoperative increasing at CTA, were considered as potentially influencing the outcome. The outcome measures were: primary technical success; 30-day, 1-year, and mean follow-up reintervention, all-cause and AAA-related mortality rates, and also endoleak-related reinterventions. RESULTS: Three hundred and thrity-three patients were enrolled. Mean preoperative and 30-day AAA diameter and volume were 50.4 mm ± 11.8 vs. 49.1 mm ± 12.1, and 112.9 cm3 ± 79.5 vs. 112.1 cm3 ± 80.5, respectively. Primary technical success was achieved in all cases. At 34.9 months follow-up, cumulative reintervention rate was 12.0%, mortality rates 7.2%, without AAA-related deaths. Endoleak-related reintervention rate was 7.5%. At uni- and multi-variate analysis, preoperative AAA diameter >59 mm, and AAA volume >159 cm3 were significantly associated to reintervention (P = 0.012; P = 0.002), and reintervention and death (P = 0.002; P = 0.001) during follow-up. Additionally, any increase in postoperative AAA diameter or volume was significantly associated with reintervention (P = 0.001, P = 0.001) and reintervention and death (P = 0.006, P = 0.001). Endoleak-related reintervention were also significantly associated with all of the analysed morphological parameters (P = 0.019, P = 0.005, P = 0.005, and P = 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with larger baseline AAA size and volume as well as unfavourable early remodelling of the sac are associated to worse long-term EVAR outcome.

Urgent Mechanical Thrombectomy by Indigo System® in Acute Thrombosed Popliteal Artery Aneurysms: A Report of Two Cases.

The aim of this study is to report the outcome of immediate and direct revascularization by mechanical thrombectomy in acute limb ischemia due to thrombosed popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA). Two patients with acute limb ischemia due to PAA thrombosis were admitted at our hospital, and immediately treated by mechanical thrombectomy (Indigo System). The first patient had a complete recanalization after thrombectomy, while the second one required urokinase infusion (12 hr) due to a suboptimal result. After revascularization, both patients were treated by a polytetrafluoroethylene bypass to definitively exclude PAA. Follow-up showed the patency of the femoropopliteal bypass with good distal outflow. In these 2 reported cases, the Indigo System® has proven to be safe and effective, allowing an immediate limb reperfusion, reducing the necessity for thrombolytic drug infusion.

Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Endovascular Treatment: Long-term Results From a Single-Center Experience in an Unselected Patient Population.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate early-, mid-, and long-term outcomes in an unselected population of patients treated for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) by endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) with different commercially available off-the-shelf devices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on a prospectively compiled computerized database on patients presenting an infrarenal AAA treated between January 2008 and December 2015 in a high-volume Italian tertiary referral Center. Demographic, clinical, and specific morphological features were considered as potentially influencing the outcomes and the type of the implanted device. Outcome measures were procedure-related reintervention, AAA-related, and all-cause mortality rates at 30-day, 12-month, and long-term follow-up. Reinterventions considered for the analysis were AAA rupture, graft infection, type I or III endoleaks, type II endoleaks with sac enlargement > 5 mm, graft stenosis or occlusions, procedures related to renal or visceral ischemia, and reintervention for access vessel injury. RESULTS: Of 498 EVAR procedures performed for elective infrarenal AAA treatment during the entire study period, 479 patients were enrolled, the mean age was 73.5 ± 7.34 years (range 51-91), and 416 (86.84%) were men. The mean maximum AAA diameter was 52.02 ± 8.04 mm (range 39-90.2), a maximum AAA diameter ≥59 mm was recorded in 107 patients (22.33%), and an aortic neck length was <10 mm in 137 (28.60%). Technical success was achieved in all patients. At a mean follow-up of 52.97 ± 26.16 months (range 1-120), overall reintervention and death rates were 8.14% and 20.04%, respectively, without AAA-related deaths. At univariate analysis, hypertension was the only demographical variable found to be associated with higher risk of reintervention, P = 0.04 (OR: 2.34; CI 95%: 1.00-5.42). Furthermore, male sex (P = 0.02; OR: 2.62; CI 95%: 1.09-6.27) and chronic renal insufficiency (P = 0.003; OR: 2.08; CI 95%: 1.27-3.42) were associated with higher mortality rates. AAA diameter ≥59 mm was statistically associated with a higher rate of both reintervention and mortality: P < 0.001 (OR: 9.05; CI 95%: 4.52-18.11) and <0.001 (4.00; 2.46-6.49), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience seems to suggest that EVAR could be safely and effectively performed in an unselected patients' population, with encouraging results up to a ten-year follow-up.

Short- and Midterm Outcomes of Open Repair and Fenestrated Endografting of Pararenal Aortic Aneurysms in a Concurrent Propensity-Adjusted Comparison.

PURPOSE: To compare outcomes of patients treated for pararenal aortic aneurysms using fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (fEVAR) vs open surgical repair (OSR) in 3 high-volume centers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter retrospective analysis was conducted of 200 pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysm patients electively treated with OSR (n=108) or fEVAR (n=92) from 1998 to 2015 at 3 tertiary institutions. Endpoints were 30-day morbidity and mortality, late reinterventions, visceral artery occlusion, and mortality. Analysis was conducted on the entire population and on a propensity score-matched population constructed on age, gender, coronary artery disease (CAD), and chronic renal failure. RESULTS: In the total cohort, fEVAR patients were significantly (p<0.001) older and had higher frequencies of CAD (p<0.001) and previous stroke (p=0.003). OSR patients had higher risk of perioperative morbidity (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.09 to 5.71, p=0.033), specifically respiratory failure (OR 4.06, 95% CI 1.12 to 4.72, p=0.034). These findings were confirmed in the propensity-adjusted analysis, where cardiac complications were also higher after OSR (OR 12.8, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.21, p=0.02). No difference in perioperative mortality (2.2% in fEVAR vs 1.9% in OSR) was identified. Mean follow-up was 50 months (range 0-119). Four-year results showed higher survival (91.2% vs 69.3%, p=0.02) and freedom from reintervention (95.6% vs 77.8%, p=0.01) after OSR in the unmatched population, with a small but significant (p=0.021) difference in the risk of late visceral artery occlusion/stenosis after fEVAR. On propensity analysis, no differences in late survival were found between groups. CONCLUSION: fEVAR and OSR may afford similar early and midterm survival rates. Higher risks of perioperative systemic complications after OSR are counterbalanced by higher risks of late visceral vessel patency issues and need for reintervention after fEVAR. Both procedures are safe and effective in the long term in experienced centers, where patient evaluation should drive the treatment strategy.

Endovascular Treatment of an Anterior Tibial Artery Pseudoaneurysm Secondary to Penetrating Trauma in a Young Patient: Case Report and Literature Review.

We report a case of an 18-year-old woman who developed a delayed pseudoaneurysm of the right anterior tibial artery (ATA), 14 days after a knife accidental trauma. The patient was admitted to our emergency department for acute onset of pain in the right limb after a domestic trauma. At a physical examination, the limb was tense and tender, with a pulsatile mass in the anterior compartment. Femoral, popliteal, and distal pulses were palpable on both limbs. Duplex ultrasound scan (DUS) and computed tomography angiography showed the presence of an ATA pseudoaneurysm. An urgent endovascular treatment was performed under local anesthesia via percutaneous access. Pseudoaneurysm was excluded implanting 2 coronary covered balloon-expandable stents (BeGraft; Bentley Innomed GmbH, Hechingen, Germany). Postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on the second postoperative day under dual antiplatelet therapy. One- and 13-month scheduled follow-up visits and DUS revealed the presence of a normal pedal pulse, complete pseudoaneurysm exclusion, and patency of the stent grafts and the entire ATA with triphasic waveforms. In conclusion, endovascular treatment of an ATA pseudoaneurysm seems to be a feasible option. Further experience with this technique is needed to validate its safety and long-term patency, especially in young and healthy subjects.

Type 2 Endoleak Incidence and Fate After Endovascular Aneurysms Repair in a Multicentric Series: Different Results with Different Devices?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this work is describing incidence and fate of type 2 endoleaks (T2ELs) in a multicentric cohort of patients treated by endovascular aneurysms repair using the Ovation device (Endologix) and comparing them with a group treated using the Excluder (W. L. Gore & Associates). METHODS: This is a retrospective study conducted on 261 patients treated using the Ovation device and 203 using the Excluder. Outcomes were intraprocedural, 30-day, 12-month, and mean time follow-up T2EL incidence and related reinterventions. Patent inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), ≥3 lumbar arteries (LAs), intrasac thrombus volume, the mean diameter of common and external iliac arteries, external iliac artery stenosis (>70%), diameter ≤5 mm, iliac tortuosity ratio ≤0.5, thrombosis, and calcification were noted and considered as potentially influencing outcomes. RESULTS: Patients of the Ovation group presented significantly more thrombosed, calcified, and tortuous iliac vessels than those in the Excluder group. No significant differences were noted in sac thrombosis, IMA, and LA patency. At completion angiography, T2EL was evident in 57 Ovation and 46 Excluder patients (P = 0.832). At 1 month, it was evident in 33 Ovation group and 28 Excluder group patients (P = 0.726). At 12-month and mean time (30.14 months) follow-up, no differences were evident between the 2 groups (P = 0.940 and 0.951, respectively). The log-rank test showed that the rate of T2EL-related reintervention was not different between the 2 groups (P = 0.46). Regarding anatomical characteristics, a statistically significant difference was not observed between patients presenting or not with T2EL (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Data showed no significant differences in terms of T2EL incidence between the 2 study groups. None of preoperative anatomical features were found to be significantly associated with the appearance of T2EL.

Unexpected Complication of a Nitinol-Constrained Balloon Angioplasty (Chocolate) in Rutherford Class 3 Patient Presenting Challenging Aorto-Iliac Anatomy.

We report an unusual complication of Chocolate nitinol-constraining structure after right superficial femoral artery (SFA) angioplasty. The procedure was performed by vascular surgeons in an operating theater equipped by a portable fluoroscopy unit. Under local anesthesia, by a contralateral approach, a 7F introducer sheath was advanced through the proximal portion of the right common iliac artery. Owing to the severe aorto-iliac vessels calcification, it was not possible to place the introducer sheath into a more distal vessel, as planned. After external iliac artery (EIA) stenting (7 × 80 mm Eluvia), SFA obstruction was intraluminal crossed, and a 6 × 120 mm nitinol-constrained balloon (Chocolate; Medtronic) was advanced in place and inflated. Once the balloon came out, the nitinol-constraining structure was not attached to the balloon surface. Under fluoroscopy, the crashed nitinol mesh was identified at distal edge of previously positioned EIA stent. To prevent mesh migration, it was fixed by covering with a 7 × 40 mm stent. The procedure was then successfully completed, as planned. One-month, postoperative computed tomography angiography showed complete expansion of the stents and no significant residual stenosis (>30%) in EIA, and SFA. Chocolate's mesh was still evident between the stent and the iliac artery wall, in absence of further complications. A 3 months follow-up, patient was still completely asymptomatic for claudication.

Results of AFX Unibody Stent-Graft Implantation in Patients With TASC D Aortoiliac Lesions and Coexistent Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

PURPOSE: To describe results of AFX unibody stent-graft treatment for TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) D aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD) with coexistent abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 21 consecutive patients (mean age 73.6±6.4 years; 17 men) with TASC D AIOD plus AAA (diameter >3.5 cm) treated electively using the AFX stent-graft. Common iliac artery (CIA) and external iliac artery (EIA) stenosis or occlusion was reported. Outcome measures were technical and clinical success, improvement in ankle-brachial index (ABI), and improvement in Rutherford category. Immediate and midterm patency, AAA exclusion, major adverse events (MAE), and mortality were also evaluated. RESULTS: After AFX deployment (100% technical success), 18 EIAs required adjunctive stenting (none required in the CIA). One patient required a reintervention for closure device failure. At 30-day follow-up, no death or MAE was recorded. Improvement in ABI was registered in all patients (mean 0.91±0.11), with 100% primary patency. At a mean follow-up of 25.2±11.1 months, primary patency was maintained in all cases. No death or amputation occurred; 2 patients had a myocardial infarction. Improvement in ABI was maintained (0.88±0.13) as well as Rutherford category. CONCLUSION: This study examined the use of the AFX unibody stent-graft for the treatment of TASC D AIOD with concomitant AAA. The AFX stent-graft appears to be a safe and effective solution for these complex lesions, with low morbidity and mortality.

Chimney Technique with the INCRAFT® AAA Stent Graft System to Treat Pararenal Aortic Aneurysm in Narrowed Iliac Axes.

To report a case of pararenal aortic aneurysm (PAAA) with narrowed iliac arteries treated by the chimney technique combined with the INCRAFT® AAA stent graft system. A 75-year-old man was diagnosed with a 55-mm PAAA. Patient was judged unfit for open repair and for standard endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) due to its clinical and anatomical requirements. Custom-made fenestrated device (FEVAR) was excluded due to the presence of narrowed and heavily calcified iliac axes. Consequently, patient underwent auspicious endovascular aneurysm repair with the INCRAFT System and chimney grafts in the superior mesenteric artery and both renal arteries. At 12 months' follow-up, patient was in good clinical condition, with preserved renal function. Computed tomographic angiography revealed inceptive shrinkage of the aneurysm with patency of aortic and visceral grafts even in the presence of a low-flow type Ia endoleak. Chimney grafts (CGs) combined with the low-profile INCRAFT System seem to be feasible for treating PAAA, in high-risk patients unfit for standard EVAR or FEVAR devices.

Emergent Treatment of a Ruptured Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm by Off-Label Rescue Implantation of the Ovation Stent Graft in Nonagenarian Patients.

We report a case of a compassionate treatment of a ruptured thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm in a 92-year-old patient. The patient was admitted to our emergency department for acute onset of pain irradiating to the back. Computed tomography angiography showed the presence of a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm with a contained rupture at infrarenal level. Given the presence of a relative healthy visceral aorta, we decided to treat the patient by Ovation (Endologix, Irvine, CA) implantation in an off-label fashion. Procedure was performed by bilateral percutaneous access. Completion angiography showed the good stent-graft apposition with complete aneurysm exclusion. The patient was discharged on the third postoperative day. The 1-month follow-up confirmed the good procedural result; aneurysm was completely excluded without further thoracic dilatation.

Endovascular Solution of Acute Limb Ischemia Engendered by Persistent Sciatic Artery Pseudoaneurysm due to Stent Fracture.

We report a case of acute limb ischemia (ALI) due to a thromboembolism from a persistent sciatic artery (PSA) pseudoaneurysm precipitated by a fractured stent. Patient, previously treated for ALI by fibrinolysis and stent implantation, presented with a PSA pseudoaneurysm (undetected during first hospitalization), stent fracture (SF), and occlusion of vessels below the knee. Fibrinolysis was performed, restoring direct flow to the foot. A week later, an endovascular procedure was attempted to reline SF and exclude the PSA pseudoaneurysm by deployment of two 13 × 100-mm peripheral endografts (Viabahn; W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ). At 1-year follow-up, patient was asymptomatic without further clinical events.

Real-Life Experience with Ovation Stent Graft: Lesson Learned from the First One Hundred Fifty Treated Patients.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to report immediate and midterm results of an unselected population of patients treated for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) by endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) using the Ovation stent graft. METHODS: A double-center retrospective study was conducted on a prospectively collected database between 2012 and 2015. One hundred fifty-six elective patients were included. The outcome measures considered for analysis were primary technical success, 30-day and midterm reinterventions, and all-cause and AAA-related mortality rates. The presence of an aortic neck ≤10 mm, and of a noncylindrical aortic neck, as well as a narrowed aortic bifurcation was defined as an aortic bifurcation average diameter (ABaverage) ≤ 18 mm or an ABarea ≤ 20 mm2, and an external iliac artery diameter ≤5 mm was considered as independent factors potentially influencing the outcome. RESULTS: Male patients totaled 128 (82.1%), and mean age was 74.83 ± 6.76 years (range: 56-91). Mean aortic diameter was 57.15 ± 8.77 mm, mean diameter at inferior renal artery level + 13 was 24.44 ± 3.31 mm, and mean aortic neck length was 18.77 ± 8.45 mm. Fifty-four patients (34.6%) had an aortic neck ≤10 mm, and cylindrical aortic neck shape was present in 34 patients (21.8%). Regarding the aortic bifurcation (AB), 31 patients (19.9%) presented ABaverage ≤ 18 mm, and 35 (22.4%) an ABarea ≤ 20 mm2. Technical success was achieved in all cases. At 30-day follow-up, 2 type I endoleaks (1.3%) were detected. One patient was successfully treated endovascularly by proximal aortic cuff implantation, while the other patient refused further treatment. Three-month unscheduled computed tomographic angiography shows endoleak resolution and complete aneurysm seal. One patient suffered from a limb graft occlusion, managed by medical treatment. At a mean follow-up time of 20.4 ± 8.8 (1-60) months, 6 reinterventions were reported, including 2 embolizations for type II endoleak and 4 for iliac and femoral vessel occlusive disease. Log-rank test on preoperative anatomical features showed no significant differences in terms of freedom from reinterventions, and P values were 0.653 for aortic neck length ≤10 mm, 0.309 for noncylindrical aortic neck length shape, 0.520 for ABaverage ≤ 18 mm, 0.604 for ABarea ≤ 20 mm2, and 0.421 for external iliac artery diameter ≤5 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Our initial experience suggests that in an unselected patient population undergoing AAA repair, EVAR by Ovation stent graft can be performed safely with satisfactory immediate and midterm outcomes.

Spontaneous Sealing of a Type Ia Endoleak after Ovation Stent Graft Implantation in a Patient with On-Label Aortic Neck Anatomy.

We report a case of an early type Ia endoleak after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of an abdominal aortic aneurysm by Ovation Stent Graft implantation and spontaneously resolved without further reintervention. The patient presents a conical aortic neck, but EVAR was performed within the instruction for use proposed by manufactory. At completion angiography, a low-flow type Ia endoleak was present and left untreated. Computed tomographic angiography performed on the third postoperative day showed infolding of the 2 sealing rings. The patient was dismissed without further treatment. At 3-month follow-up, the leak appeared spontaneously sealed with partial expansion of the 2 rings.

Simultaneous Open Surgical Treatment of Aortic Coral Reef and Leriche Syndrome: Case Report and Literature Review.

The coral reef aorta (CRA) is a rare syndrome commonly referred to a distribution of calcified plaques in the visceral part of the aorta. Because those plaques can cause malperfusion of the lower limbs, visceral ischemia or renovascular hypertension, surgical treatment is recommended. Transaortic endarterectomy is accepted as a standard repair and it is often performed through an extensive thoracoabdominal approach. CRA has been reported in association with polidistrectual atherosclerotic disease, such as Leriche syndrome. When these 2 conditions coexist, surgical invasivity increases raising several issues concerning the type of surgical access and the revascularization techniques. We report the case of a patient with CRA and Leriche syndrome treated by simultaneous aortic endarterectomy and aortibifemoral bypass at our institution. Intervention was performed through left lumbotomy at 10th intercostal space extended by a left pararectal abdominal incision with section of 11th rib. Through extraperitoneal access visceral vessels were isolated. Aortic cross-clamping was performed at supraceliac and infrarenal levels and a longitudinal arteriotomy was performed on the posterolateral wall of visceral aorta for an overall 4-cm extension. Aortic endarterectomy was then performed and complete plaque excision was easily achieved. Superior mesenteric artery angioplasty was then performed by a DeBakey dilator, gaining an optimal backflow. The aortotomy was then closed with running 3-0 polypropylene suture. Subsequently, through a transperitoneal access an aortobi-femoral bypass was performed by a Dacron knitted graft. Postoperative course was uneventful. At a 6-month follow-up, the patient is in good clinical condition with normal patency of visceral vessels.

Preliminary Results from a National Enquiry of Infection in Abdominal Aortic Endovascular Repair (Registry of Infection in EVAR--R.I.EVAR).

BACKGROUND: To preliminary report on epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, treatments, and outcomes in a multicenter series of patients treated for endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) infection and detected by an Italian National enquiry. METHODS: From June 2012, 26 cases of abdominal aortic endograft infection were collected by a National Enquiry and recorded in the Italian National Registry of Infection in EVAR. Cases collected were available for patients submitted to EVAR implantation from January 2004 to June 2013. RESULTS: Mean time from EVAR treatment to infection diagnosis was 20.5 ± 20.3 months (range, 1-72). In 6 cases (23.1%), an aortoenteric fistula (AEF) was detected. Positive microbiologic cultures were found in 20 patients (76.9%). More than 1 infectious agent was found in 6 cases (19.2%). EVAR infection treatment was conservative in 4 cases, endovascular in 2. Endograft excision was performed in 10 cases by conventional treatment (aortic stump + extra-anatomic bypass) and in 10 cases by in situ reconstruction (cryopreserved allograft or rifampin-soaked silver Dacron graft). A 30-day mortality was 38.4% (10 of 26 cases), 3 patients died from 2 to 24 months after infection treatment, accounting for a mean time from infection treatment to death of 1.25 ± 0.62 months. Mortality rates were 50% in all treatment groups. In those survived (13 of 26 cases) recurrence-free follow-up after infection treatment was 27.9 ± 22.4 months (range, 2-74). Four patients with AEF died in the first month after treatment (66.6%). Suprarenal endografts required supraceliac aortic cross-clamping for removal. Supraceliac cross-clamping was burdened by higher mortality rates than infrarenal cross-clamping (71.4% vs. 30.7%). CONCLUSIONS: EVAR infection diagnosis is burdened by extremely high mortality rates. Prospective registries could help monitoring outcomes in EVAR infection patients and, possibly, developing new surveillance protocols in patients at high risk of recurrence.