Higher Levels of Cytokines in Patients with Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation is a key element in the initiation and progression of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Understanding the impact of inflammatory molecules, as cytokines in PAD could help us to improve the prognosis of these patients. The main goal of this study was to compare the serum level of cytokines between patients with claudication to those with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). The second objective was to evaluate the relationship between the levels of cytokines and death or amputation rate. METHODS: An observational, single-center, and prospective study was conducted from January 2018 to July 2022. The study was approved by the ethical commission of the Local Hospital (75/2017). Patients with PAD, suggested by the clinical history and objective examination and confirmed with ankle-brachial index, attending vascular surgery consultations of the first author were included. The following exclusion criteria were applied: i) bedridden individuals or subjects who refused to participate in the protocol; ii) diseases responsible for body composition changes or proinflammatory state; iii) recent diet change, iv) active malignancy, v) autoimmune disease, vi) active infection, vii) chronic renal failure (glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73 m2), or viii) heart failure in the past 3 months. This cohort was observed at admission, 3, 6, and 12 months. A panel of 27 cytokines was determined with ELISA, at baseline. RESULTS: We included 119 subjects (mean age: 67.58 ± 9.60 years old; 79.80% males), 65 patients with claudication and 54 with CLTI. From the 27 cytokines analyzed, patients with CLTI, when compared to those with claudication, had a higher serum level of 11 cytokines: IL1ra, IL-6, IL-8, IL12 p70, G-CSF, IP-10, MCP-1, MIP-1α, PDGF-ß, RANTES, and TNF-α. From the group of patients with CLTI those who underwent a major amputation had a higher serum level of FGF-basic [median = 49.04; interquartile range = 37.03-52.49; versus median = 33.04; interquartile range = 28.60-38.98; P = 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CLTI have higher serum level of inflammatory cytokines, which may have role in the prognosis of these patients.

Reversion of the Inflammatory Markers in Patients With Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral artery disease is characterized by an intense inflammatory process that can be associated with a higher mortality rate, particularly in chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). This study aims to compare the evolution of inflammatory markers between patients with claudication with those with CLTI at 3, 6, and 12 months. METHODS AND RESULTS: An observational, single-center, and prospective study was conducted. A total of 119 patients with peripheral artery disease (65 with claudication and 54 with CLTI) were observed and inflammatory markers collected at admission and 3, 6, and 12 months. At admission, patients with CLTI, when compared with patients with claudication, had significantly higher serum levels of C-reactive protein and fibrinogen (positive acute-phase proteins) and lower serum level of albumin, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (negative acute-phase proteins): C-reactive protein (g/dL), 2.90 (25th-75th percentile, 2.90-4.90) versus 6.80 (25th-75th percentile, 2.90-53.26) (P=0.000); fibrinogen (mg/dL), 293.00 (25th-75th percentile, 269.25-349.00) versus 415.50 (25th-75th percentile, 312.00-615.75) (P=0.000); total cholesterol (mg/dL), 161.79±95% [152.74-170.85] versus 146.42%±95% [135.30-157.53] (P=0.034); high-density lipoprotein (mg/dL), 50.00 (25th-75th percentile, 41.00-60.00) versus 37.00 (25th-75th percentile, 30.00-45.50) (P=0.000); albumin (g/dL): 4.00 (25th-75th percentile, 3.70-4.20) versus 3.60 (25th-75th percentile, 3.10-4.00) (P=0.003). The association between CLTI and total cholesterol was lost after adjusting for confounders. Three months after the resolution of the CLTI, there was an increase in the levels of negative acute-phase proteins and a decrease in positive acute-phase proteins. These inflammatory proteins did not register an evolution in patients with claudication. The differences in the inflammatory proteins between groups disappeared at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: CLTI has an inflammatory environment that can be partially reverted after resolution of the ischemic process, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention.

Inflammatory Cells in Adipose Tissue and Skeletal Muscle of Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease or Chronic Venous Disease: A Prospective, Observational, and Histological Study.

The main goal of this study was to assess whether the presence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) correlates with increased inflammatory cell infiltration. An observational, single-centre, and prospective study was conducted from January 2018 to July 2022. Clinical characteristics and anthropometric measures were registered. Consecutive PAD patients with surgical indications for a common femoral artery approach and patients with varicose veins with an indication for surgical ligation of the saphenofemoral junction were included. In both groups, samples of sartorius skeletal muscle, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) were collected from the femoral region. We analysed the characteristics of adipocytes and the presence of haemorrhage and inflammatory cells in the samples of PVAT and SAT via haematoxylin-eosin staining. We found that patients with PAD had significantly more inflammatory cells in PVAT [16 (43.24%) vs. 0 (0%) p = 0.008]. Analysing SAT histology, we observed that patients with PAD had significantly more CD45+ leucocytes upon immunohistochemical staining [32 (72.73%) vs. 3 (27.27%) p = 0.005]. Upon analysing skeletal muscle histology with haematoxylin-eosin staining, we evaluated skeletal fibre preservation, as well as the presence of trauma, haemorrhage, and inflammatory cells. We registered a significantly higher number of inflammatory cells in patients with PAD [well-preserved skeletal fibres: PAD = 26 (63.41%) vs. varicose veins = 3 (37.50%) p = 0.173; trauma: PAD = 4 (9.76%) vs. varicose veins = 2 (25.00%) p = 0.229; haemorrhage: PAD = 6 (14.63%) vs. varicose veins = 0 (0%) p = 0.248; inflammatory cells: PAD = 18 (43.90%) vs. varicose veins = 0 (0%) p = 0.018]. Patients with PAD had a higher number of inflammatory cells in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue (PVAT and SAT) when compared with those with varicose veins, emphasizing the role of inflammation in this group of patients.

Inflammation Is a Histological Characteristic of Skeletal Muscle in Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia.

BACKGROUND: The loss of skeletal muscle is a prognostic factor in several diseases including in patients with chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI). Patients with CLTI also have a lower skeletal mass and area when compared to those with claudication. However, there are no currently available data regarding the histological characteristics of core muscles in patients with CLTI. This study aims to determine the differences in core skeletal muscles between patients with claudication and those with CLTI. The second aim is to evaluate the differences in myokines, which are molecules secreted by skeletal muscle, between patients with claudication and those with CLTI. METHODS: An observational, prospective study was conducted from January 2018 to July 2022 involving consecutive patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The clinical characteristics were registered. In PAD patients with surgical indication for common femoral artery approach, samples of sartorius skeletal muscle (and not from the limb muscles directly involved in the ischemic process) were collected. The samples were submitted to histological characterization on hematoxylin-eosin and to immunohistochemical analysis to detect CD45+ leukocytes and CD163+ macrophages. The extent of the inflammatory cells (leukocytes and macrophages) was semiquantitatively assessed using a 0-to-4 grade scale as follows: absent (0†), mild (†), moderate (††), severe (†††), and very severe (††††). Serum levels of myokines: irisin, myostatin, IL-8, and lL-6 were determined with multiplex bead-based immunoassay. RESULTS: 119 patients (mean age: 67.58 ± 9.60 years old, 79.80% males) 64 with claudication and 54 with CLTI were enrolled in the study. No differences were registered between patients with claudication and those with CLTI on age, gender, cardiovascular risk factors, and medication, except on smoking habits. There was a significantly higher prevalence of smokers and a higher smoking load in the claudication group. Samples of sartorius skeletal muscle from 40 patients (14 with claudication and 26 with CLTI) were submitted to histological analysis. No differences were found in skeletal muscle fibers preservation, trauma, or hemorrhage (on hematoxylin-eosin staining). However, in the immunohistochemistry study, we found more inflammatory cells CD45+ leukocytes in patients with CLTI when compared to those with claudication [CD45+ ≥ moderate (††): claudication (n = 14): 4; 28.57%; CLTI (n = 25): 16; 64.00%; P = 0.034]. Patients with CLTI also had higher tissue levels of CD163+ macrophages, but this difference was not significant [CD163+ ≥ moderate (††): claudication (n = 13): 7; 53.85%; CLTI (n = 27): 21; 77.78%; P = 0.122]. The serum levels of the myokines, irisin, and myostatin were below the lower limit of detection, in the majority of patients, so no valid results were obtained. However, patients with CLTI had a higher serum level of Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8. CONCLUSIONS: CLTI patients exhibit increased quantities of leukocytes in their sartorius muscle, as well as elevated serum levels of myokines IL-8 and IL-6. Inflamed skeletal muscle can contribute to the loss of muscle mass and account for the lower density of skeletal muscle observed in CLTI. Additionally, inflamed skeletal muscle may contribute to the development of systemic inflammation through the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines into the systemic circulation. Halting the inflammatory process could eventually improve the prognosis of CLTI patients.

Exploring the Diversity of Visceral, Subcutaneous and Perivascular Adipose Tissue in a Vascular Surgery Population.

The prevalence of obesity has doubled, with a concomitant increase in cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to compare the characteristics of visceral, subcutaneous and peri-aortic adipose tissue determined with computed tomography (CT) scans and to correlate them with cardiovascular risk factors, anthropometric measures and medication. An observational and prospective study was conducted, and 177 subjects were included. Peri-aortic adipose tissue had the highest density, while the subcutaneous adipose tissue had the lowest. The density of subcutaneous adipose tissue differs from the density of visceral (p = 0.00) and peri-aortic adipose tissue (p = 0.00). Smokers/ex-smokers had a lower area (p = 0.00) and density (p = 0.02) of subcutaneous adipose tissue. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that sex was a predictor of subcutaneous adipose tissue area (ß = -0.27, t = -3.12, p = 0.00) but smoking habits were not. After controlling for sex, we found that the association between smokers/ex-smokers and area of subcutaneous adipose tissue was lost, but the association with density persisted. Patients with hypertension had a higher visceral adipose tissue area, and this relationship was maintained even after adjusting for gender. Peri-aortic adipose tissue is similar to visceral and distinct from subcutaneous adipose tissue. Cardiovascular risk factors have different influences in distinct adipose compartments.

Inflammation and Loss of Skeletal Muscle Mass in Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is an atherosclerotic disease of the lower extremities. Atherosclerosis, inflammation, and sarcopenia are independently associated and potentiate each other. Inflammation is deeply involved in the formation and progression of atherosclerosis and is also involved in the pathophysiology of sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is defined as low muscle mass, with low muscle strength. This study aims to determine the differences in skeletal muscle characteristics and in inflammatory parameters between patients with claudication and with chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI). METHODS: An observational, prospective study in patients with PAD was conducted from January 2018 to December 2020. The clinical characteristics and the cardiovascular risk factors were prospectively registered. The inflammatory parameters determined were: positive acute phase proteins (C-reactive Protein- CRP- and fibrinogen) and negative acute phase proteins albumin, total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The skeletal muscle area and density were quantified with a computed topography (CT) scan. The strength was determined with a Jamar® hydraulic hand dynamometer. RESULTS: A total of 116 patients (mean age: 67.65 ± 9.53 years-old) 64% with claudication and 46% with CLTI were enrolled in the study. No differences were registered between patients with claudication and CLTI on age, cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and smoking habits) and medication. There was a higher prevalence of men in the claudication group (88.89% vs. 71.70%, P = 0.019). Analyzing the inflammatory parameters, we noted that patients with CLTI had increased serum levels of positive acute phase proteins: CRP (37.53 ± 46.61 mg/L vs. 9.18 ± 26.12 mg/L, P = 0.000), and fibrinogen (466.18 ± 208.07 mg/dL vs. 317.37 ± 79.42 mg/dL, P = 0.000). CLTI patients had decreased negative acute phase proteins: albumin (3.53 ± 0.85 g/dL vs. 3.91 ± 0.72 g/dL, P = 0.001), total cholesterol (145.41 ± 38.59 mg/dL vs. 161.84 ± 34.94 mg/dL, P = 0.013) and HDL (38.70 ± 12.19 mg/dL vs. 51.31 ± 15.85 mg/dL, P = 0.000). We noted that patients with CLTI had lower skeletal muscle area and mass (14,349.77 ± 3,036.60 mm2 vs. 15,690.56 ± 3,183.97 mm2P = 0.013; 10.11 ± 17.03HU vs. 18.02 ± 13.63HU P = 0.013). After adjusting for the variable sex, the association between skeletal muscle density and CLTI persisted (r (97) = -0.232, P = 0.021). The groups did not differ in strength (patients with claudication: 25.39 ± 8.23 Kgf vs. CLTI: 25.17 ± 11.95 Kgf P = 0.910). CONCLUSIONS: CLTI patients have decreased skeletal muscle mass and a systemic inflammation status. Recognizing the deleterious triad of atherosclerosis, inflammation and loss of skeletal mass patients with CLTI is an opportunity to improve medical therapy and to perform a timely intervention to stop this vicious cycle.

Is Obesity a Risk Factor for Carotid Atherosclerotic Disease?-Opportunistic Review.

Obesity is a risk factor for coronary atherosclerosis. However, the influence of adipose tissue in carotid atherosclerosis is not completely understood. No systematic review/meta-analysis was previously performed to understand if obesity is a risk factor for carotid atherosclerosis. This paper aims to provide an opportunistic review of the association between obesity and carotid atherosclerosis and define the role of the different adipose tissue depots in the characteristics of carotid stenosis. The databases PubMed and Cochrane Library were searched on 15-27 April and 19 May 2021. A total of 1750 articles published between 1985 and 2019 were identified, 64 were preselected, and 38 papers (35,339 subjects) were included in the final review. The most frequent methods used to determine obesity were anthropometric measures. Carotid plaque was mostly characterized by ultrasound. Overall obesity and visceral fat were not associated with the presence of carotid plaque when evaluated separately. Waist-hip ratio, however, was a significant anthropometric measure associated with the prevalence of carotid plaques. As it reflected the ratio of visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue, the balance between these depots could impact the prevalence of carotid plaques.

CLOVES Syndrome Diagnosis and Treatment in an Adult Patient.

CLOVES syndrome is a rare, nonheritable sporadic overgrowth disorder. In the world 130-200 cases have been reported. This is the first case of CLOVES described in Portugal, which had been not been diagnosed for the last 36 years. With this paper, the authors look to highlight the clinical features of this syndrome so that it does not go unrecognized in daily practice. The authors also underline the efficacy and safety of sirolimus, and that this treatment should not be denied, even in adult patients.

DEEP VEIN ULTRASOUND-GUIDED THROMBOLYSIS.

Catheter directed thrombolysis is a minimally invasive procedure that results in a significant reduction in venous obstruction after deep vein thrombosis. The technique implies the performance of phlebographies to monitor the thrombolysis progression. The objective of this paper is to describe the use of vascular ultrasound to follow the thrombus lysis and to adjust the catheter position according to the progression of the thrombolysis. This is the first case reported describing the application of ultrasound to monitor the thrombolysis. A 36-year woman was admitted ilio-femoral vein. The ipsilateral great saphenous vein was the percutaneous access to perform the anterograde thrombolysis. The procedure, including the control of thrombus lysis, as well as catheter progression was performed under ultrasound guidance. The thrombolysis took 52 hours. The patient has two years of follow-up without any complaint. The use of vascular ultrasound to monitor the thrombolysis has several theoretical advantages in patients with adequate biotopes. It minimizes the number of venograms and can be performed at the bedside. It is effective and inexpensive.

Sarcopenia as a Prognostic Factor in Peripheral Arterial Disease: Descriptive Review.

BACKGROUND: Determine the influence of sarcopenia on the prognosis of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). METHODS: A systematic search of the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases was performed with the keywords and medical subject heading (MesH): "muscle, skeletal", "sarcopenia", "prognosis", "duration of stay", "death", "mortality", "patient readmission", "length of stay", "peripheral arterial disease", "intermittent claudication" and "critical limb ischemia". Papers published from January 2010 to October 2020 in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese were eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome was overall survival. Secondary outcomes included post-operative complications, amputation, length of hospital stay and hospital readmission. RESULTS: Of 1071 papers, 8 articles and 1511 patients were included (68.96% male, mean age 71.83 years). Five papers found an inverse relationship between SM area and mortality. Matsubara (2015) found that the 5-year overall survival rates were lower for patients with sarcopenia (23.5% ± 0.18% vs 77.5% ± 0.09% P = 0.001). Matsubara (2016) registered 3-year cardiovascular event-free survival rates of 43.1% and 91.2% for patients with and without sarcopenia (P < 0.01). Juszczak (2018) found that survival was lower in patients with reduced total psoas area. Taniguchi (2019) found that 3-year overall survival rate was 60% for patients with sarcopenia and 87% for patients without sarcopenia (P < 0.05). Shimazoe (2019) concluded sarcopenia was a significant predictor of overall survival. Distinctly, Nyers (2017) concluded that higher ratio bilateral psoas area to L4 vertebral body was associated with an increased risk of death. Two other studies analyzed other characteristics of the SM (density and strength). McDermott (2012) and found that lower calf muscle density and strength were associated with an increase in mortality. Sugai (2019) concluded that patients with major cardiovascular and limb events had a lower SM density. CONCLUSIONS: Lower SM area and mass seem to be associated with a higher mortality in PAD patients.

RECURRENT INGUINAL LYMPHOCELE - A THERAPEUTIC CHALLENGE.

Recurrent lymphocele after repair of crural hernia without resolution after several aspirations and injections of sclerosing agents. Reintervention with lymphatic marking (injection of patent blue dye at the interdigital level, Figure 1 a) Lymphatic marking through injection of patent blue dye at the interdigital level. b) Surgical approach of the inguinal region. Figure 1), followed by en bloc removal of the ganglia of the saphenofemoral junction and the lymphocele capsule (Figure 2). No evidence of recurrence at 24 months of follow- up.

Endometriosis Unusual Aetiology Of Inguinal Swelling.

A 42 years-old female presented with right inguinal swelling with one year of evolution. Magnetic resonance imaging was suggestive of inguinal endometriosis adherent to femoral vessels. Due to the rarity of this pathology (prevalence 0.3-0.6%), clinical suspicion is essential. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice.

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

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

Lower Extremity Fibro-Adipose Vascular Anomaly-Case Report.

Fibro-adipose vascular anomaly (FAVA) is a painful complex vascular malformation, characterized by muscle fibrofatty infiltration, usually in lower limb, associated with contracture of the ipsilateral extremity. This article describes the first case of FAVA reported in Portugal successfully treated with surgery. A 9-year-old female was admitted complaining of a painful mass in the right leg. The MRI scan showed the presence of a 5 × 4 × 4 cm mass in the right leg consistent with FAVA located in the peroneus longus muscle. The patient underwent resection of the involved muscle. She had 6 months of follow-up without any relevant clinical event. The authors also highlight the difference between FAVA and venous malformation. Early surgery is a treatment option that can prevent long-term consequences, as contracture and movement limitation.

Neointimal Hyperplasia.

Neointimal hyperplasia is a physiologic healing response to injury to the blood vessel wall, involving all the three arterial layers and it occurs in the presence of internal (endovascular) or external (surgical) injury. It is a highly complex process involving several tissues (perivascular, vessel wall, and blood) and numerous cell lineages with multiple molecular signaling networks. So, there is a number of possible targets for inhibition of this process. There are known risk factors for Intimal Hyperplasia, such as diabetes, female gender, presence of systemic inflammation, type of arteries treated, types of surgical and endovascular materials, presence of turbulent flow and genetic status. The present paper discusses the pathophysiology of neointimal hyperplasia and the strategies to prevention and treatment of it.

[Prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]. / Prevalência de aneurisma da aorta abdominal em indivíduos com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crónica.

INTRODUCTION: The association of the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) to the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is questionable. Both entities share the same risk factors and physiopathology, which is based on a persistent pro- -inflammatory response, proteolysis and excessive extracellular matrix turnover. OBJECTIVES: To determine the AAA prevalence in a sample of patients with COPD. METHODS: Identification of patients with COPD and abdominal CT, hospitalized in a level 2 hospital between January 2015 and December 2016. RESULTS: In a sample with 100 patients, 5 presented an AAA. There were no significant differences between patients with and without AAA regarding gender (100% versus 69,5% male), age (74,80±6,22 versus 71,23±12,36 years), comorbidities (myocardial infarction 0% versus 1,1%; stroke 0% versus 10,5%), cardiovascular risk factors (diabetes mellitus 20% versus 23,2%; hypertension 80% versus 50,5%) and spirometric results. Patients with AAA were significantly more medicated with acetylsalicylic acid and had more aortic thrombi (P=0,031 and P=0,002, respectively). No correlation was found between the aortic size and the forced expiratory flow in one second values. DISCUSSION: The AAA prevalence of our sample was 5%, twice the described for the Portuguese population (2,37%). This is the first study conducted in Portugal to determine the AAA prevalence in COPD patients. CONCLUSION: The study of the relationship between both diseases could contribute to a more effective screening of AAA, by determining a group with increased risk, which could lead to a reduction of the mortality rates associated with the ruptured aneurysm.

Introdução: A associação entre aneurisma da aorta abdominal (AAA) e doença pulmonar obstrutiva crónica (DPOC) é discutível. Ambas as doenças partilham os mesmos fatores de risco e fisiopatologia, baseados numa resposta pro-inflamatória persistente, proteólise e turnover excessivo da matriz extracelular. Objetivos: Determinar a prevalência de AAA numa população com DPOC. Métodos: Identificaram-se os doentes com DPOC e que realizaram TC abdominal, internados num hospital de nível 2, entre janeiro de 2015 e dezembro de 2016. Resultados: Numa amostra de 100 doentes, 5 apresentavam AAA. Comparando o grupo com e sem AAA, verificou-se inexistência de diferenças significativas relativamente ao género (100% versus 69,5% sexo masculino), idade (74,80±6,22 versus 71,23±12,36 anos), comorbilidades (DAC 0% versus 1,1%; AVC 0% versus 10,5%), fatores de risco cardiovascular (diabetes mellitus 20 % versus 23,2%; hipertensão arterial 80% versus 50,5%) e resultados de espirometria. Verificaram-se diferenças significativas relativamente à medicação com ácido acetilsalicílico e presença de trombo aórtico (P=0,031 e P=0,002, respetivamente). Não se encontrou correlação entre os valores dos diâmetros aórticos e do FEV1. Discussão: Nesta amostra, a prevalência de AAA foi de 5%, duas vezes superior à da população portuguesa (2,37%). Este é o primeiro estudo realizado em Portugal para determinar a prevalência de AAA em DPOCs. Conclusão: O estudo da relação entre as duas patologias poderá contribuir para um rastreio mais eficaz do AAA, ao identificar um grupo de risco aumentado, o que poderá levar a uma diminuição da mortalidade associada ao aneurisma em rotura.