[Acute aortic syndrome]. / Síndrome aórtico agudo.

Acute aortic syndrome embraces a group of heterogenous pathological entities involving the aortic wall with a common clinical profile. The current epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment strategy are discussed in this review. Besides, the importance of multidisciplinary aortic teams, aortic centers and the implementation of an aortic code are emphasized.

Diagnostic potential of soluble ST2 and D-dimer for Stanford Type B aortic dissection and intramural aortic hematoma.

OBJECTIVE: Type B aortic dissection (TBAD) and intramural aortic hematoma (IMH) are common manifestations of Acute Aortic Syndrome (AAS), exhibiting overlapping clinical features. The timely and accurate diagnosis and differentiation between TBAD and IMH are critical for appropriate management. Tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) and D-dimer have been shown to elevate levels in both TBAD and IMH, making them valuable as "rule-out" markers. Hence, we aimed to assess the diagnostic utility of sST2 and D-dimer in distinguishing TBAD from IMH. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we analyzed serum levels of sST2 and D-dimer in 182 AAS patients, comprising 90 TBAD cases, 92 IMH cases, and 90 non-AAS cases. Serial measurements were taken at 1 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 72 h post-admission. Comparative analyses were conducted between TBAD and non-AAS cases, IMH and non-AAS cases, and TBAD and IMH cases. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of sST2 and D-dimer in identifying TBAD or IMH cases. RESULTS: Both TBAD and IMH patients displayed elevated levels of sST2 and D-dimer compared to non-AAS cases. Notably, sST2 levels were significantly higher in TBAD patients than in IMH patients, whereas D-dimer levels exhibited moderate differences. TBAD patients tended to exhibit elevated levels of either sST2 or D-dimer, with a modest correlation between the two (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.3614). In contrast, IMH patients showed elevations in both markers, with a positive correlation between them (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.6814). The ROC analysis revealed that both sST2 (AUC, 0.657; 95 % CI, 0.552-0.753; cutoff value, 27.54 ng/ml) and D-dimer (AUC, 0.695; 95 % CI, 0.591-0.787, cutoff value, 1.215 ng/ml) demonstrated favorable diagnostic performance for TBAD. sST2 exhibited a sensitivity of 80.92 % and a specificity of 75.00 %, while D-dimer showed a sensitivity of 80.92 % and a specificity of 75.00 %. For the diagnosis of IMH, the combined assessment of sST2 and D-dimer (AUC, 0.674; 95 % CI, 0.599-0.768; sensitivity, 69.20 %; specificity, 80.00 %) proved effective. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that both sST2 and D-dimer show diagnostic potential for TBAD. Elevated levels of either serve as an indicator of TBAD onset. However, concurrent elevation of both markers seems to be indicative of IMH. The combination of increased sST2 and D-dimer levels demonstrates strong diagnostic performance in identifying IMH cases.

Aortocaval Fistula: A Rare Complication of an Infrarenal Aortic Aneurysm.

Teaching Point: Aortocaval fistula is a rare complication of infrarenal aortic aneurysms.

Clinical and Imaging Predictors of Disease Progression in Type B Aortic Intramural Hematomas and Penetrating Aortic Ulcers: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: This work aims to review recent literature on penetrating aortic ulcers (PAUs) and intramural hematomas (IMHs), in order to identify clinical and imaging factors connected to aortic-related adverse events (AAE). METHODS: We performed a systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Metanalyses (PRISMA) guidelines. An electronic search was conducted on Medline and Embase databases. We included articles reporting on PAUs and/or IMHs localized in the descending thoracic and/or abdominal aorta and analyzing clinical and/or radiological markers of AAE. RESULTS: Of 964 records identified through database searching, 17 were incorporated in the present review, including 193 and 1298 patients with type B PAUs and IMHs, respectively. The 30-days aortic-related mortality (ARM) was 4.3% and 3.9% for PAUs and IMHs. A total of 21% of patients with IMHs underwent intervention during the follow-up period, and 32% experienced an AAE. PAU markers of AAE were minimum depth (ranging from 9.5 to 15 mm) and diameter (≥12.5 mm). Maximum aortic diameter (MAD) cut-off values ranging from 38 to 44.75 mm were related to AAE for IMHs, together with ulcer-like projection (ULP) of the aortic wall. CONCLUSIONS: Despite data heterogeneity in the literature, this PAU- and IMH-focused review has highlighted the imaging and clinical markers of disease progression, thus identifying patients that could benefit from an early intervention in order to reduce the AAE rate.

Diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in mediastinal leiomyosarcoma mimicking aortic hematoma: A case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Primary mediastinal leiomyosarcomas are extremely rare. We report a case of leiomyosarcoma around the thoracic and abdominal aorta, mimicking an aortic hematoma, and discuss the diagnostic value of ultrasound. CASE SUMMARY: A 63-year-old female was hospitalized for abdominal pain. Initial computed tomography angiography revealed an enhanced mass around the lower thoracic and upper abdominal aorta. Aortic hematoma was strongly suspected, and stents were placed by interventional surgery. About 1 mo postoperatively, the patient was re-hospitalized because of progressive abdominal pain. Ultrasound showed that the mass had a heterogeneous echo. In contrast-enhanced ultrasound, the hyperechoic regions were filled with contrast medium after the aortic region was, indicating that the blood supply was abundant but had no direct connection with the aorta. There was no obvious contrast medium-filling in the hypoechoic area. These findings were similar to those of malignant tumors with liquefaction and necrosis. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography confirmed that the mass had a high metabolic signal similar to that of a malignant tumor. Leiomyosarcoma was confirmed by postoperative pathology. CONCLUSION: Symptoms of mediastinal leiomyosarcoma surrounding the aorta may mimic aortic hematoma. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound can provide valuable and unique diagnostic clues.

[Aortic intramural hematoma after transpedicular thoracic spine fusion]. / Intramural'naia gematoma aorty posle transpedikuliarnoi fiksatsii grudnogo otdela pozvonochnika.

A 55-year-old patient M. with compression fractures of Th7-Th8 underwent Th7-Th8 decompressive laminectomy, Th6-Th9 transpedicular spine fusion procedure on January 31, 2017. After that, multiple myeloma was diagnosed at the National Research Center for Hematology. Computed tomography revealed misplacement of a left Th6 screw, its anterior cortical perforation and penetration into the aorta. Signs of intramural hematoma were noticed in this area. The patient was referred to the Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery. Two-stage surgical approach was preferred. Endovascular repair of the thoracic aorta (TEVAR) was followed by revision of transpedicular fusion system and reinstallation of the screw. Operation was performed on July 14, 2017. Postoperative period was uneventful.

Clinical medical decision-making of acute aortic intramural hematoma: A non-randomized retrospective case study.

OBJECTIVE: This study explored the timing of interventional treatment for acute intramural aortic hematoma (IMH) and the corresponding high-risk factors for its development into local aortic dissection (AD). METHOD: This retrospective case study method examined clinical follow-up data of 42 patients with acute IMH between April 2013 and October 2016 from the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University. SPSS 17.0 and PPMS1.5 were used to analyze follow-up data spanning 3-12 months (mean, 7.5 â€‹± â€‹3.7 months). RESULTS: Patients were divided into the conversion group and the hematoma group according to whether they developed AD. Among them, 16 patients (38.1%) developed AD and were treated with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). The remaining patients (61.89%) were treated conservatively. After 1 week, the mean aortic diameter of the conversion versus hematoma group was significantly widened. Hemodynamically unstable patients and those with hematoma to the abdominal aorta extension were more likely to develop AD. Patient outcomes after TEVAR were similar between groups. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that aortic isthmus diameter ≥3.0 â€‹cm, hematoma extending to the abdominal aorta, and hemodynamic instability are associated with AD development in acute IMH patents. TEVAR should be considered if hematoma thickening, calcification ingression, ulcer progression, or contrast enhancement within the intramural hematoma is noted beyond 2 weeks after IMH onset.

Intramural hematoma and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers of the aorta: uncertainties and controversies.

The natural histories of intramural hematoma (IMH) and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer (PAU) are highly variable as they may progress to aneurysm formation, rupture, or dissection, or even resolve, in the specific case of IMH. Imaging plays an increasingly important role in clinical and surgical management of IMH and PAU. In contrast to ulcer-like projections, images of intramural blood pools have not been widely reported in CT studies of patients with IMH. Understanding the imaging characteristics and the natural course of each of these entities would help clinicians and surgeons to identify patients at greatest risk for bad prognosis and may improve outcomes. This paper discusses the pathophysiology of these entities, the controversies regarding their natural history, and the prognostic factors that should be identified in CT scans.

Hematoma intramural e úlcera penetrante da aorta: incertezas e controvérsias / Intramural hematoma and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers of the aorta: uncertainties and controversies

A história natural do hematoma intramural (HI) e da úlcera penetrante (UP) é muito variável, já que podem progredir para a formação de aneurisma, ruptura, dissecção, e podem até mesmo regredir, no caso específico do HI. Exames de imagem têm crescente papel no manejo clínico e operatório da UP e do HI. Ao contrário das projeções semelhantes a úlcera, achados de lagos sanguíneos não são relatados nos estudos tomográficos de pacientes com HI. O entendimento das características da imagem e do curso natural de cada uma dessas entidades ajudará clínicos e cirurgiões a identificar os pacientes com maior risco para um mau prognóstico e pode melhorar os desfechos. A fisiopatologia dessas entidades, as controvérsias no que se refere a suas histórias naturais e os fatores prognósticos das imagens tomográficas são discutidos neste artigo

The natural histories of intramural hematoma (IMH) and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer (PAU) are highly variable as they may progress to aneurysm formation, rupture, or dissection, or even resolve, in the specific case of IMH. Imaging plays an increasingly important role in clinical and surgical management of IMH and PAU. In contrast to ulcer-like projections, images of intramural blood pools have not been widely reported in CT studies of patients with IMH. Understanding the imaging characteristics and the natural course of each of these entities would help clinicians and surgeons to identify patients at greatest risk for bad prognosis and may improve outcomes. This paper discusses the pathophysiology of these entities, the controversies regarding their natural history, and the prognostic factors that should be identified in CT scans

[Type A intramural hematoma of aorta: An undervalued clinical entity]. / Hématome intramural aortique de type A : une entité clinique sous-évaluée.

Intramural hematoma of the ascending aorta occurs after rupture of the vasa vasorum. Previously considered as a first step of acute aortic dissection, it was later defined as a separate entity that may or may not lead to arterial dissection. The debate about the most appropriate treatment for a 69-year-old patient with intramural hematoma of the ascending aorta, led to this extensive review of the literature demonstrating that intramural hematoma type A is a life-threatening condition requiring urgent surgical support.