Monitoring the practice of vascular surgery: findings from a national registry (1996-2011).

BACKGROUND: The goal of this article is to present for the first time to the international community the detailed findings and outcomes of the Spanish Vascular Registry (SVR) after 16 years of experience. METHODS: We examined the nationwide registry promoted by the Spanish Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery (1996-2011). The changes in vascular surgical activity in Spain during the period of study were examined. We evaluated the number of services, medical specialists, consultations, admissions, and operations that occurred in Spain. We also assessed the trends in therapeutic activity and the medical and social impact of vascular pathology. RESULTS: A mean of 60 centers (range = 32-83) participated in the SVR (79.3 % of the total). In the last year of the study period, 94.3 % centers (100 % of teaching centers) participated. The mean number of activities per hospital per year was 5,298 consultations, 2,625 vascular explorations, 630 hospital admissions (61 % elective and 31 % emergency), and 742 surgical procedures. A total of 29,289 carotid stenosis procedures had been registered over 16 years. Both carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) procedures have increased in frequency over time. In 2011, CAS constituted 19.3 % of all carotid procedures. A total of 31,703 abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) operations were registered during the study period. Surgery for ruptured AAA remained stable over time. Since its appearance in the year 2000, endovascular treatment (EVAR) increased steadily over time. Currently, EVAR represents about half of all AAA surgery (50.2 %). The total rate of in-hospital operative deaths was 1.1 %, but in-hospital mortality for open arterial surgery was 4 %. Mortality has decreased of late. CONCLUSIONS: The SVR has enabled us to understand the development and implementation of vascular surgery throughout Spain and to note the increased healthcare activity and the better overall results obtained as a consequence.

Role of ultrasound arterial mapping in planning therapeutic options for critical ischemia of lower limbs in diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND: To assess the role of ultrasound arterial mapping in planning therapeutic options for critical limb ischemia (CLI) in diabetic patients. METHODS: This observational and comparative study included 244 patients with CLI. All participants (64% were diabetic) underwent ultrasound arterial mapping before planning surgical treatment. We established two groups: diabetic (n = 156) and nondiabetic (n = 88). Arterial mapping was divided into segments. We studied 2,021 individual segments and used arteriography when ultrasound arterial mapping was not conclusive. We compared the degree of pathology between the groups, agreement between the treatment decision made after ultrasound mapping and the final surgical decision in both groups, and agreement between ultrasound mapping and arteriography in patients who underwent both procedures. RESULTS: Diabetic patients had a significantly higher degree of pathology in all segments, except the common iliac artery. Decisions made after ultrasound mapping matched the final surgical decision 90% and 94% of the time in diabetic patients and nondiabetic patients, respectively. Decisions made on the basis of ultrasound arterial mapping matched decisions made on the basis of arteriography in 86.3%. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound arterial mapping allowed for good therapeutic planning for CLI in diabetic patients, even though these patients had more severe arterial pathology.

[Clinical characteristics and in-hospital outcomes of patients with critical leg ischemia: ICEBERG Study]. / Características clínicas y evolución intrahospitalaria de los pacientes con isquemia crítica de miembros inferiores: estudio ICEBERG.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Critical leg ischemia (CLI) is a medical emergency with a high morbidity and mortality. Although its prognosis has improved during the last years, there are no data on its clinical characteristics, treatment and in-hospital prognosis in our country. PATIENTS AND METHOD: 671 patients (81% males, mean age 71.2 years) with atherosclerotic CLI, attended in 46 departments of vascular surgery were included in the study. RESULTS: Participants had a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (72% hypertensive, 27% current smokers, 59% diabetics) and comorbidity (25% coronary heart disease, 18% cerebrovascular disease). 71% had a previous diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease. Upon admission, 71% were referred for revascularization, 5% for direct amputation and 24% for conservative treatment. During hospitalization 22 patients died and 49 were discharged with a major amputation. On multivariate analysis, the only factor associated with the risk of amputation was gangrenous lesions (OR 2.45; IC95% 1.22-4.92). Factors associated with mortality were the presence of chronic renal failure (OR 3.38; IC95% 1.36-8.39) and previous CLI (OR 0.20; IC95% 0.05-0.89). At discharge, 59% received lipid lowering drugs, 70% blood-pressure lowering medications and 85% antiplatelet drugs. CONCLUSION: CLI patients attended in Spanish vascular surgery departments have a low amputation rate and a low hospital mortality. However, and due to their high cardiovascular risk, it is necessary to improve the prescription rate of evidence-based cardiovascular prevention therapies at discharge.

The management of aortic stent-graft infection: endograft removal versus conservative treatment.

BACKGROUND: Aortic stent-graft infections (ASGIs) are associated with significant mortality. We report our experience of two cases of ASGI treated differently and successfully. METHODS: Two patients presented with constitutional symptoms some months after scheduled endovascular repair of aortic aneurysm (EVAR). Patient 1 had an abscess formation around the endograft in continuity with the right groin. Due to patient comorbidities, a conservative treatment was performed. Patient 2 had an abscess formation with air surrounding the stent graft. The patient was treated successfully by endograft removal. RESULTS: Computed tomographic scan follow-up at 6 months from surgery showed no evidence of recurrent infection. CONCLUSION: Despite the recommended treatment of ASGI being surgery, conservative treatment can be performed successfully in patients with high surgical risk, avoiding aortic clamping. We present the first reported case of ASGI due to Streptococcus haemolyticus, the second case due to a fungus, and the second reported case of spondylodiscitis after EVAR.

[Cardiovascular complications at 1-year of follow-up in patients with atherothrombosis. On behalf of Spain's REACH Registry]. / Complicaciones cardiovasculares a un año de seguimiento en pacientes con aterotrombosis. Registro REACH España.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The REACH Registry is the largest worldwide designed to obtain information on cardiovascular risk factor control and preventive treatment in a population who have, or are at risk of having, symptoms of atherothrombosis. The objective of this study is to show the results of cardiovascular events obtained in a sample of the Spanish population at one year follow-up and intervention. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The REACH Spain registry is a prospective cohort study of subjects with vascular risk factors (ORF) for atherothrombosis or with symptomatic vascular disease (VD): coronary artery disease (CAD) and/or cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and/or peripheral artery disease (PAD). The main outcome measures were rates of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular (CV) death, and the overall combined CV death, myocardial infarction (MI), or stroke and CV hospitalization at one year follow-up. RESULTS: In Spain 2,516 patients were recruited and 2,252 completed one year follow-up, the mean age was 68,1 (73,8% men), 11,6% of subjects with ORF and 88,5% with VD, 55% with CAD, 33% with CVD and 17% with PAD. The annual rate of all-cause mortality in VD and ORF groups were 3,57% and 1,98% (NS) respectively, while for CV death they were 2,69% and 0,62% (P<.05) and for overall combined CV death myocardial infarction (MI), or stroke and CV hospitalization they were 15,34% and 5,47% (P=.0001). The annual rate of CV death for CAD, CVD and PAD groups were 3,47%, 2,78% and 1,46% respectively, and for the overall combined CV death, myocardial infarction (MI) , or stroke and CV hospitalization they were 18,52%, 13,75% and 14,52%. These event rates increased with the number of symptomatic arterial disease locations from 0,1,2 or 3 for CV death (0,62%, 2,46%, 3,55% and 4,32%, respectively P<.05) and for overall combined CV death myocardial infarction (MI), or stroke and CV hospitalization (5,50%, 4,18%, 20,59% y 19,40%, respectively P<.0001). At one year follow-up, 82,8% of the patients were with at least one antiplatelet drug and 86,2% were receiving lipid-lowering agents. CONCLUSIONS: The REACH Spain Registry at one year follow-up in patients with atherothrombotic disease or at risk of having symptoms of atherothrombosis shows a high rate of all-cause mortality and of overall combined major CV events, which is becoming higher as the number of symptomatic arterial disease locations increases.

The normal cellular prion protein and its possible role in angiogenesis.

Cellular Prion Protein (PrPc) is a ubiquitous glycoprotein present on the surface of endothelial cells. Resting vascular endothelial cells show minimum expression of PrPc and can constitutively release PrPc. PrPc participates in cell survival, differentiation and angiogenesis. During development, neonatal brain endothelial cells transiently express PrPc. Our group recently reported upregulation of PrPc in microvessels from ischemic brain regions in stroke patients. Ischemia/hypoxia induces PrPc expression through the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). All these data suggest that PrPc plays an important role in angiogenic responses. In addition, PrPc participates in cellular function in the central nervous system, since PrPc is also highly expressed in neurons. PrPc binds copper, suggesting a role in copper metabolism. PrPc also protects cells against oxidative stress and it seems to be involved in neuroprotection. Several studies have demonstrated that PrPc prevents cells from apoptosis and subsequent tissue damage. Moreover, PrPc plays an important role in the immune response. Here, we review the multiple functions of PrPc with a special attention to its recently reported role in angiogenesis.

Education in vascular surgery: critical issues around the globe-training and qualification in vascular surgery in Europe.

In 1958, the Union Européene des Médecins Spécialistes (UEMS), or European Union (EU) of Medical Specialists the European Union, was founded by the professional organizations of medical specialists in Europe. Among the objectives of the UEMS are to promote the highest level of patient care in the EU and to promote the harmonization of high-quality training programs within the various specialities throughout the EU. Within the 38 Specialist Sections of the UEMS are the European Boards, which are the working groups of the Specialist Sections. In 2005 Vascular Surgery was recognized as a separate and independent Section, a monospecialty, within the UEMS. The efforts of the UEMS are directed at facilitating the free exchange of training and work of trainees and medical specialists between EU countries. This situation, in combination with large differences in requirements and length of training in vascular surgery within the EU, stresses the importance of harmonization in training and certification in vascular surgery within the EU. For that reason, the European Board of Vascular Surgery has organized voluntary examinations yearly since 1996. The candidates who pass qualify as "Fellow of the European Board of Vascular Surgery" (FEBVS) since 2005. The first part of the examination evaluates the eligibility of the candidate (Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training, training center, logbook). The second part is a viva voce assessment that includes (1) case analyses, (2) a review of a scientific article, (3) an overall assessment, (4) a technical skills, and (5) an endovascular skills assessment. To pass the examination, the candidates must achieve a 67% success rate in each part of the examination. During the last 10 years, approximately 75% of the candidates have successfully taken the examination. In the near future the Section and Board, in close collaboration with the vascular societies in the EU, will develop a European vascular surgical syllabus and curriculum that will further harmonize and professionalize the training and certification of vascular surgery in Europe.

[Endovascular management of a left subclavian artery lesion following thoracoplasty for bronchopleural fistula and empyema secondary to aspergillus fumigatus]. / Manejo endovascular de lesión de arteria subclavia izquierda tras toracoplastia por fístula broncopleural y empiema secundario a Aspergillus fumigatus.

Massive and/or recurrent hemoptysis is a clear indication for surgical treatment of pleuropulmonary aspergilloma, despite the incidence of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Thoracoplasty has been widely used for 20 years and is still indicated in these cases, following lobectomy, even though the procedure is not free of complications. We report the case of a patient who required thoracoplasty to treat a pleuropulmonary aspergilloma invading the chest wall. Subsequent placement of an aortic stent-graft was required due to tearing of the left subclavian artery.

[Prevalence of asymptomatic peripheral artery disease detected by the ankle-brachial index in patients with cardiovascular disease. MERITO II study]. / Prevalencia de enfermedad arterial periférica asintomática, estimada mediante el índice tobillo-brazo, en pacientes con enfermedad vascular. Estudio MERITO II.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Patients with polyvascular disease have an increased rate of cardiovascular events and death. Their identification would define a subgroup of the population at very high risk, who would be candidates to intensified preventive measures. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of subclinical peripheral artery disease in subjects with a previous diagnosis of vascular disease in other territories. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Subjects with a coronary or a cerebrovascular event between 3 months and 5 years, and who were attended at internal medicine outpatient clinics from Spain were included in the study. All patients had a clinical history, a physical examination, a blood and urine analysis, and a measurement of the ankle-brachial index (ABI). RESULTS: A total of 1203 patients (64% males; mean age: 74.3 years), were included in the study. A previous coronary event was reported in 55.4% of the participants, cerebrovascular disease in 38%, and a clinical history of disease in both territories in 6.7%. The prevalence of a low ABI (< 0,9) was 33.8%, 32.4% and 53.9% for each group, respectively. In a multivariate analysis, factors associated with a low ABI were age, smoking habit, diabetes, a reduced glomerular filtration rate, systolic blood pressure and the presence of clinical disease in both territories upon inclusion. The sensitivity of both, the Edinburgh questionnaire and pulse palpation for detecting and ABI below 0.9, were low. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of a low ABI is elevated in asymptomatic patients with coronary or cerebrovascular disease, particularly if there are clinical manifestations in both territories.

Direct health costs and clinical outcomes of open surgery in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm in Spain. The RECAPTA study.

OBJECTIVE: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a chronic, progressive disease that often requires surgical repair. This study aimed to assess the healthcare costs and clinical outcomes of open AAA repair in Spain. METHOD: Observational, retrospective, multicenter study with a one-year follow-up. Healthcare resource use and costs related to the surgical procedure, hospital stay, and follow-up period were assessed. RESULTS: Ninety patients with asymptomatic AAA who underwent open repair were recruited between 2003 and 2009 at three Spanish hospitals. Four patients (4.44%) died in the first 30 postoperative days. Mean [standard deviation] procedure time was 292.83 [72.10] minutes and mean hospital length of stay was 11.44 days [5.42]. Thirty two patients (35.56%) presented in-hospital complications and three patients (3.45%) underwent re-intervention during follow-up. The mean overall cost per patient during the study period was €21,622.59, of which 42.40% (€9,168.19), 52.08% (€11,261.74), and 5.52% (€1,192.66) corresponded to the surgical procedure, the inpatient stay, and the study follow-up period, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Given the economic burden imposed by the treatment of patients admitted with AAA on the Spanish health system, additional efforts comparing the cost of open repair with endovascular treatments are needed to ensure greater efficiency.

[Risk factor control and treatment of atherothrombosis. Spain REACH Registry]. / Control de factores de riesgo y tratamiento de la aterotrombosis. Registro REACH España.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The REACH Registry is the largest worldwide registry designed to obtain information on cardiovascular risk factor control and preventive treatment in a population who have, or are at high risk of having, symptoms of atherothrombosis. The objective of this study is to show the results obtained in a sample of the Spanish population included in that registry. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Registry of consecutive patients who have risk factors only (RFO) for atherothrombosis or who have symptomatic vascular disease (VD): coronary heart disease (CHD) and/or cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and/or peripheral artery disease (PAD). Cardiovascular risk factor control and the use of antithrombotic and lipid lowering therapy were evaluated. RESULTS: In Spain 2,515 patients were recruited; 297 had RFO and 2,218 had VD: 61.4% with CHD, 36.6% with CVD and 18.7% with PAD. The rates of noncontrolled blood pressure, glycemia, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the RFO group compared to those of the VD group were: 76.5% vs 57.1% (p < 0.005), 61.6% vs 30.9% (p < 0.005), 55.7% vs 41.3% (p < 0.005) and 45.5% vs 35.1% (p < 0.005), respectively. The antiplatelet therapy rate in these two groups was 44.1% vs 86.5% (p < 0.005), the anticoagulant therapy rate was 11.4% vs 12.6% (no significant difference) and statin therapy rate was 65.2% vs 65.6% (no significant difference). Significant differences were found among the CHD, CVD and PAD groups as regards noncontrolled blood pressure rate (49.8%. 57.1% and 67.1%, respectively p < 0.005), total cholesterol control rate (41.3%, 48.2% and 50.2% respectively, p < 0.005) as well as antiplatelet therapy rate (86.5%. 83.2% and 81.6% respectively p < 0.005) and statin therapy rate (78.2%. 51.9% and 57.8% respectively p < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Cardiovascular risk factor control in subjects at high risk of atherothrombosis or who have established VD is poor. It is poorer in primary prevention and in PAD patients. Whilst the use of statins is insufficient, the use of antithrombotic medication is acceptable in secondary prevention but considerably lacking in primary prevention.

[Value of the ankle-brachial index in cardiovascular risk stratification of patients without known atherotrombotic disease. MERITO study]. / Modificación de la estratificación del riesgo vascular tras la determinación del índice tobillo-brazo en pacientes sin enfermedad arterial conocida. Estudio MERITO.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Peripheral arterial disease detected by measurement of ankle-brachial index enables the identification of asymptomatic patients with target organ damage. We have investigated the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (ankle-brachial index < 0.9), and its potential clinical-therapeutic impact, in patients without known atherotrombotic disease from internal medicine practices. PATIENTS AND METHOD: It was a multicenter, cross-sectional, observational study. Outpatients aged 50 through 80 years, with either diabetes or a SCORE risk estimation of at least 3%, were enrolled. RESULTS: A total of 1,519 subjects (58% men) were evaluated, 917 with diabetes (61%). The mean age (standard deviation) was 66.2 (8.3) years. The prevalence of an ankle-brachial index < 0.9 was 26.19%. In multiple logistic regressions the risk factors associated to an ankle-brachial index < 0.9 were age, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, macroalbuminuria, and heart rate. There was a significant relationship between the ankle-brachial index and the SCORE risk estimation. With respect to the therapeutic aims of the patients with an ankle-brachial index < 0.9, only 21% were taking antiplatelet drugs, 26% showed low density lipoproteins-cholesterol values < 100 mg/dl (53% < 130 mg/dl), and 16% displayed recommended blood pressure levels. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of ankle-brachial is useful to reclassify as high risk a significant proportion of patients without known previous atherotrombotic disease. The ankle-brachial index should be incorporated into routine cardiovascular evaluation, particularly in subjects with diabetes or a score risk assessment > or = 3%.

Intraplaque MMP-8 levels are increased in asymptomatic patients with carotid plaque progression on ultrasound.

Carotid atherosclerotic plaque remodelling and increased risk of symptomatic plaque rupture seem to be partially mediated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In this study, we have investigated whether different MMPs are related to carotid atherosclerosis or to recent ischaemic brain disease. Eighty-four consecutive patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy for symptomatic and asymptomatic disease were studied. Plaques were analysed by ultrasound and later by morphology. Plasma MMP-2, MMP-8 and MMP-9 levels were quantified by ELISA. MMP expression and activity in carotid plaques was analysed by Western blotting and in situ zymography. Results were analysed with respect to plaque stability, morphology, symptomatic disease, presence of vascular risk factors and plasma markers of acute inflammation as high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), fibrinogen, D-dimer and white blood cell counts. Patients with hypoechogenic plaques on ultrasound had more plasma MMP-8 (p = 0.04) and increased MMP activity as assessed by in situ zymography. Asymptomatic patients with plaque progression had more active intraplaque MMP-8 than asymptomatic patients without plaque progression. Presence of recent intraplaque haemorrhage or past history of CAD was related to increased activity of MMPs as assessed by in situ zymography (p < 0.01, CI 95% 0.8-1.0). Plasma MMP-8 and MMP-9, but not MMP-2 levels, decrease with time after ischaemic stroke. Patients with hypertension had more intraplaque active MMP-9 than normotensive (p = 0.03, CI 95% 0.7-1.0). Hypoechogenic carotid plaques had increased MMP activity and asymptomatic patients with plaque progression show increase intraplaque MMP-8 levels.

Giant cell arteritis presenting as dysarthria and mediastinal mass.

Giant cell arteritis, Takayasu arteritis, and Horton disease are rare, idiopathic diseases that cause chronic inflammation and obliteration of large arteries, mainly the aorta and its major branches. Histological examination reveals multinucleated giants cells and clinical presentation is characterized by general symptoms and/or symptoms related to stenosis or occlusion of vessels. A case of a 50-year-old woman with neurological symptoms, cervicothoracic tumour with severe stenosis of the right subclavian artery and complete occlusion of common carotid artery is presented.