Predictors of Operative Mortality of 928 Intact Aortoiliac Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to identify preoperative and intraoperative factors associated with in-hospital mortality of intact abdominal aortoiliac aneurysm repair. METHODS: In this observational study, prospectively collected information included demographics, risk factors, comorbidities, aneurysm characteristics (including special aneurysm presentation, i.e., inflammatory, mycotic/infected, aortocaval fistula), investigations, and operative variables. Receiver operating characteristic) curve analysis of the Glasgow aneurysm score (GAS) and the Vascular Study Group of New England (VSGNE) score was performed in the subgroup of bland aneurysms undergoing isolated elective repair. RESULTS: A total of 928 cases with intact aortoiliac aneurysms had an elective (n = 882) or urgent (n = 46) repair, associated with an in-hospital mortality of 1.7% and 8.7%, respectively (P = 0.01). Open repair (n = 514) was a predictor of higher mortality (3.3% vs. 0.5% for endovascular aneurysm repair [EVAR], n = 414, odds ratio [OR] 7.1, P = 0.003), and so was the pre-EVAR era (4.8% vs. 1.3% in the EVAR era, OR 4.0, P = 0.004). Other significant predictors included the presence of abdominal/back pain (7.5% vs. 1.3%, OR = 6.0, P = 0.001), preoperative angiography (7% vs. 1.6%, OR = 4.5, P = 0.01), special aneurysm presentation (10.9% vs. 1.5%, OR = 8.1, P < 0.001), concomitant major procedures (19% vs. 1.7%, OR = 14.0, P < 0.001), serious intraoperative complications (9.1% vs. 1.5%, OR = 6.6, P = 0.001), median number of transfused units of blood intraoperatively (2 and 0 for cases with and without mortality, respectively, P < 0.001), and procedure duration (270 and 150 min for cases with and without mortality, respectively, P < 0.001). Open repair (OR = 4.5, P = 0.05), special aneurysm presentation (OR = 6.58, P = 0.001), and concomitant major procedures (OR = 14.3, P < 0.001) were independent predictors of higher mortality. ROC curve analysis for the GAS (P = 0.87) and VSGNE score (P = 0.10) failed to demonstrate statistical significance in the subgroup of bland aneurysms undergoing isolated elective repair. CONCLUSIONS: Our study has demonstrated independent risk factors for mortality, which should be considered when contemplating aortoiliac aneurysm repair. We failed to externally validate the GAS and VSGNE score.

Validation of the 3D SYM VEIN Symptom Assessment Tool.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to validate the SYM VEIN consensus 3D scoring tool in chronic venous disease (CVD). METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study with a total of 35 consecutive patients with CVD. Patients with CVD undergoing saphenectomy were assessed with the revised Venous Clinical Severity Score (r-VCSS), the CIVIQ-20 quality of life score questionnaire, and the SYM VEIN consensus statement 3D system, pre-operatively and four weeks post-operatively. The total 3D score was tested for reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness. RESULTS: The total 3D score demonstrated good reliability and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.85). Principal component analysis identified three groups of symptoms (paraesthesia, burning pain, and pruritus, vs. heaviness, sensation of swelling and aching/pain, vs. restless leg and throbbing pain) demonstrating a high intragroup correlation and likely to share similar pathophysiology, indicative of adequate construct validity. The total 3D score showed a significant correlation with r-VCSS and CIVIQ-20 score (rho .46, p = .005 and rho .65, p < .001, respectively) indicative of adequate convergent validity. After saphenectomy, significant reductions (p < .001) of the total 3D, and 3D scores for all but two individual venous symptoms were observed, indicative of excellent responsiveness. Median total 3D score was reduced from 31 to 6 (83.8% decrease, p < .001), median r-VCSS was reduced from 6 to 0 (100% decrease, p < .001), and median CIVIQ-20 score was reduced from 24 to 14 (40% decrease, p < .001). The difference of median percentage change between r-VCSS and CIVIQ-20 score vs. total 3D score was significant (p = .005 and p < .001, respectively). CONCLUSION: The total SYM VEIN 3D score has good reliability, construct validity and excellent responsiveness, although less prone to change after saphenectomy compared with r-VCSS.

Improved effectiveness of the repositionable GORE EXCLUDER AAA endoprosthesis featuring the C3 delivery system compared with the original GORE EXCLUDER AAA endoprosthesis for within the instructions for use treatment of aortoiliac aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: To compare two endograft types, the original GORE EXCLUDER AAA endoprosthesis (W. L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz) with the repositionable GORE EXCLUDER featuring the C3 delivery system, which allows repositioning of the proximal part of the graft to achieve accurate placement in relation to the renal arteries, in unselected patients with aortoiliac aneurysms. In a second nested, substudy we investigated the relative effect of the standard Gore and Gore Dryseal introducer sheaths on intraoperative transfusion needs. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed prospectively collected information. The primary composite outcome measure was the intraoperative misdeployment or migration of the endograft's main body, proximally or distally to the renals (leading to technical failure or requiring either placement of aortic cuff extenders or conversion to open repair). Secondary outcome measures included the composite long-term event of rupture and/or type I/III endoleak. RESULTS: A total of 313 consecutive patients (303 males; median age, 73 years) had either an original GORE EXCLUDER device (n = 174) or the new device (n = 139) placed between 2004 and 2011 and 2011 and 2017, respectively, to treat an infrarenal aortoiliac aneurysm or an isolated common iliac artery aneurysm. The primary composite outcome measure occurred more often in patients who had the original GORE EXCLUDER device placed (10.9% vs 3.6% for the new device; odds ratio, 0.30; 95% confidence interval, 0.11-0.84; P = .016), confirmed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. This difference between the two groups was exclusively driven by distal misdeployment or migration of the endograft (10.3% vs 2.9% for the new device; P = .01), mostly requiring aortic extender placement. Intraoperative blood transfusion rates were lower in patients who had the GORE Dryseal introducer sheath used (1.1% vs 18.9% for the original GORE introducer sheath; OR, 0.05; 95% confidence interval, 0.006-0.35; P < .001). At a mean follow-up of 1.7 years (maximum, 13 years), 11 patients developed the composite event. On univariate Cox analysis, significant predictors included female gender (P = .003), absence of dyslipidemia (P = .023), the primary outcome measure (P = .006), and failure to cannulate (P = .009), but not device type or other variables. On multivariate Cox regression, female gender (hazard ratio, 37; P < .001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (hazard ratio, 3.99; P = .045), the primary outcome measure of the study (hazard ratio, 8.9; P = .002), and failure to cannulate (hazard ratio, 43; P = .003) were all independent predictors. CONCLUSIONS: Our study has demonstrated that the repositionable GORE EXCLUDER has important safety characteristics compared with the original device and equivalent long-term effectiveness. Additional benefit was obtained with the use of the Gore Dryseal introducer sheath.

Acute Effects of Graduated Elastic Compression Stockings in Patients with Symptomatic Varicose Veins: A Randomised Double Blind Placebo Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effectiveness of graduated elastic compression stockings (GECS) below the knee in improving symptoms in patients with varicose veins in the absence of high quality evidence. METHODS: This was a randomised double blind placebo controlled trial. Thirty patients with no experience of elastic stockings, presenting with primary varicose veins causing calf pain or aching were randomised to a GECS (18-21 mmHg at the ankle level, n=15) or a placebo stocking (0 mmHg, n=15). Pain or aching of the index leg after 1 week was the primary outcome measure. In patients with bilateral varicose veins the leg with the most severe pain/aching was considered. Other defined symptoms were secondary outcome measures. All symptoms were scored on a visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: The two study groups were well balanced at baseline. At the completion of the study after 1 week, GECS were more effective than placebo stockings in reducing pain or aching (VAS score 1.7±3.0 vs. 4.5±2.8 for placebo, p=.02), while non-significant trends were observed for some of the remaining symptoms of the index leg, including feeling of swelling (VAS score 0.9±1.9 vs. 3.3±3.5 for placebo), paraesthesiae (VAS score 0.2±0.6 vs. 2.1±3.1 for placebo), and the number of symptoms other than pain or aching (1.3±1.1 vs. 2.8±1.7 for placebo). Number needed to treat (95% CI) for a 50% or complete improvement of pain or aching in the index leg was 2 (95% CI 1.2-5.5) and 2 (95% CI 1.2-5.3), respectively. Mean daily use of the placebo stockings and GECS was 8.0 hours and 10.2 hours, respectively (p=.13). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with varicose veins, GECS seem effective in ameliorating symptoms, particularly pain or aching, compared with placebo stockings after 1 week of use. Long-term studies are justified.

FACTORS INFLUENCING FLUOROSCOPY TIME IN ENDOVASCULAR TREATMENT OF ABDOMINAL ANEURYSMS: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY.

Patients who undergo endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) may require prolonged radiation exposure affected by several factors. The objectives of this study were to document fluoroscopy time (FT) during EVAR and identify possible factors that influence it. A retrospective analysis of a 180 patients' database with abdominal infrarenal aortic aneurysms submitted to EVAR during a 7-y period was performed. The FT is evaluated regarding risk factors and comorbidities, graft type and patient-related, clinical and technical parameters. FT's median (interquartile range) was 1011 (698-1500) s. Excluder and C3 Excluder were associated with significantly lower FT values when compared with other grafts. Hypertension, dyslipidemia, age ≥ 70 y, maximum aneurysm diameter ≥ 6 cm and procedure duration ≥2 h resulted in higher FT values. A significantly lower FT was found for the operations performed in the 7th y of the study's period compared with the previous 6 y, mainly because of the use of Excluder or C3 Excluder grafts. However, these grafts did not show any significant difference in FT values during the 7 y. A significant correlation between FT with age and procedure duration was found. Nevertheless, procedure duration is a poor FT predictor in linear and logistic regressions, although is significantly correlated with FT. Dyslipidemia, procedure duration and graft type are independent predictors of FT larger than the median, whereas only the procedure duration is a predictor for FT larger than the 75th percentile value. The identified factors regarding radiation protection issues should be considered when contemplating abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, however, without compromising the procedure's efficacy. Further work is necessary to identify more potential anatomical, clinical and technical factors affecting procedures' complexity and FT and patient radiation dose during EVAR interventions.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of cervical cancer screening among Greek students: a short report.

Cervical cancer is a major cause of death in the developing world. The Papanicolaou (Pap) smear is a screening test that detects abnormal cells before they advance to cancer. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of cervical cancer screening among Greek students. A sample of 472 female students participated in the present study. Interviews were performed using a structured questionnaire. Of the participants, 94.07% were aware of the Pap test and 67.34% reported that the Pap test should be done yearly. The majority of them were informed about cervical cancer screening test by their parents. Of the participants, 44.82% had received Pap testing at least once in their life, whereas 36.2% had a Pap test yearly. The reported mean time of the respondents' first Pap test was 13.3±10.6 months after their first sexual intercourse. The reasons given by the participants for being noncompliant were lack of appreciation of the importance of the screening, embarrassment, fear, and high cost. Of the participants, 9.23% declared that those who had been administered the human papillomavirus vaccine do not need a Pap test. The results highlight the need for additional education and health promotion regarding cervical cancer screening.

Erratum to "Eccentric saccular aneurysm formation of the infrarenal aorta from an arterial wall tear" [Radiology Case Reports 16 (2021) 1854-1856].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2021.04.046.].

Chronic Limb Ischemia due to Thrombosis of an Aneurysmal Degeneration of the Autogenous Vein Graft: A Case Report.

Nonanastomotic aneurysmal degeneration of a great saphenous vein graft is an unusual condition, despite the common use of this conduit in arterial reconstructions. Vein grafts are at risk of degenerative changes, but the real cause remains unknown. Postoperative graft surveillance with duplex ultrasound scanning is important for maintaining patency of the venous graft. We present a rare case of chronic limb ischemia due to partial thrombosis of an aneurysm of the great saphenous vein graft.

Endovascular Juxtarenal Aortic Aneurysm Repair Using the ALTO Abdominal Stent Graft System: The First Case Series.

The ALTO abdominal stent graft system (Endologix Inc., Irvine, CA, USA) is a latest-generation polymer-based device used to treat patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms. The present study describes the first case series of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms, including two patients with juxtarenal aneurysms, treated using the ALTO stent graft system. Six males were treated using the ALTO device at a single public center. All procedures were uneventful, and the dosimetric results recorded in terms of kerma-area product and fluoroscopy time were similar to those reported in previous studies. At the 1-month follow-up, computed tomography angiography showed no evidence of endoleak, device migration, thrombosis, or structural graft failure. This clinical series demonstrates that the use of the ALTO stent graft system is associated with promising patient outcomes. Lifelong postoperative imaging surveillance may highlight possible late failures and suggest potential graft improvements.

Treatment options for dialysis access steal syndrome.

Vascular access-induced limb ischemia is a known complication of arteriovenous fistulas and grafts. Many techniques have been adopted to prevent steal in high-risk patients and to treat steal in cases of moderate ischemia not controlled with conservative management. A major factor guiding treatment is access flow volume. Management is different when ischemia is combined with the excessive flow in contrast to the combination with normal flow. We describe the most popular techniques encountered in the English literature as a part of a stepwise approach to treating dialysis access steal syndrome. In absence of ischemia, when cardiac issues emerge due to extreme access flow volumes, some of these techniques are also used to decrease flow and protect the heart. Patient's history, focused clinical examination, color duplex ultrasound examination, pulse oximetry and an angiogram are essential tools to approach this entity.

Eccentric saccular aneurysm formation of the infrarenal aorta from an arterial wall tear.

Eccentric saccular aneurysms result from a focal weakness of the arterial wall that may be due to a focal tear or a partial disruption of the arterial wall. Saccular morphology itself is often used as a factor for immediate intervention, because the risk of rupture is higher than that of the common fusiform aneurysms. We present a case of a 72-year-old female patient with a huge saccular aneurysm of the infrarenal aorta. In this case report, we discuss the algorithm that can be used for the differential diagnosis of any saccular shape aneurysm and that the main parameter that needs to be clarified before the endovascular treatment of any saccular aneurysm is the presence or absence of infection of the arterial wall.

Endovascular treatment of a ruptured true superficial femoral artery aneurysm.

Isolated true aneurysms of the superficial femoral artery are rare and less common than those of the common femoral artery. They occurred commonly in elderly men in about 87% and most of them are located in the middle third of the artery. Due to the deep anatomic location of the middle and distal third of the superficial femoral artery, most of these aneurysms reach a mean diameter of 8.4 cm at diagnosis. The most common clinical presentation includes a pulsatile thigh mass associated with pain, but rupture and distal ischemia can occur as well. The treatment of the true superficial femoral artery aneurysm consists of exclusion with bypass or interposition graft. Endovascular treatment has been used recently as an alternative treatment, in both emergency and least urgent cases. We present a rare case of a male patient with a huge thigh hematoma due to a ruptured true superficial femoral artery aneurysm.

The "double carotid artery" sign: A rare case of spontaneous carotid dissection.

Carotid artery dissection, which accounts for up to 20% of strokes in young patients, usually extends distally and leads to acute stenosis, occlusion and aneurysmal changes with increased risk for thromboembolic events, especially in young people.

Complete agenesis of the infra-renal aorta.

Complete agenesis of the infra-renal aorta is an extremely rare anatomical variant, and its presence can complicate the accurate interpretation of the aortic sonographic assessment.

Frequency and Significance of Maneuvers to Dissect the Distal Internal Carotid Artery During Carotid Endarterectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the frequency, factors associated with, and significance of surgical dissection maneuvers of the distal internal carotid artery (ICA) during carotid endarterectomy (CEA). METHODS: In this retrospective analysis of prospectively collected information in patients undergoing CEA, we recorded information on demographics, risk factors and comorbidities, dissection maneuvers of the distal ICA, other operative variables and neurological outcome measures. RESULTS: During the period July 2008 and February 2020 inclusive, 218 consecutive patients (180 males, median age 69.5 years) underwent 240 CEAs. In 117 (48.8%) of them, CEA was performed for a symptomatic stenosis. Dissection maneuvers of the distal ICA were required in 77 cases (32.1%), including division and ligation of the sternocleidomastoid vessels in 66 cases (27.5%), mobilization of the XII cranial nerve in 69 cases (28.7%, with concomitant transection of the superior root of the ansa cervicalis in 11 cases, 4.6%) and division of the posterior belly of the digastric muscle in 8 cases (3.3%). Styloid osteotomy was not required in any case. Smoking was the single predictive factor associated with the use of an adjunctive dissection maneuver (odds ratio 2.23, p = 0.009). The use of a patch was more common in smokers (16% vs 7.1% in non-smokers, odds ratio 2.48, p = 0.05). Perioperative stroke and/or death rate was 0%, not allowing testing for associations with maneuver performance. Two patients (0.8%) developed a transient ischemic attack and 4 patients (1.7%) a cranial nerve injury (CNI), including 2 patients with recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, diagnosed on routine laryngoscopy during planning of a contralateral CEA. There was no association between CNI and dissection of the distal ICA using an operative adjunct (p = 0.60). CONCLUSIONS: Several surgical maneuvers are often required to accomplish dissection of the distal ICA beyond the point of atherosclerotic disease. When dictated by operative findings, such maneuvers are deemed safe.

HPV vaccine acceptance among female Greek students.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine protects against HPV-related disease. The aim of this study was to assess acceptance of HPV vaccination among female Greek students. A sample of 573 students aged 18-25 years participated in the present study. Interviews were performed using a structured questionnaire. Of the respondents, 3% were not aware of the HPV vaccine. Of the subjects, 10.47% had been administered the HPV vaccine. Of the respondents who had not been administered the vaccine, 43.86% were not willing to accept it because of the rumors of serious side effects. The results highlight the need for additional education and health promotion regarding HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention.

A Unique Indication for the Altura Endograft to Repair Bilateral Common Iliac Artery Aneurysms Associated with a Short-Infrarenal Aorta.

A 71-year-old man with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis presented with bilateral common iliac artery aneurysms diagnosed during the workup of his chronic kidney disease. On computed tomography angiography, common iliac artery aneurysm diameters measured 6.1 cm on the right side and 3.1 cm on the left side. The infrarenal aorta also had a small 3.2-cm aneurysm, but the length from the lowest left renal to the aortic bifurcation was only 6.7 cm, precluding use of most bifurcated endografts. Following an uneventful staged preoperative internal iliac artery embolization, a two-piece D: -shaped Altura endograft for the aorta, with bilateral iliac components, landing at the level of the external iliac arteries was successfully performed. Postoperative course was uneventful with no endoleak or endograft migration on computerized tomographic angiography 45 days later, although billowing mimicking an endoleak was evident and will be closely followed.

Dietary habits and physical activity in youth.

UNLABELLED: Increased rates of obesity among youth in the last several decades have led to the emergence of several health problems. Declining physical activity is also contributing to this trend. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the dietary habits and physical activity in youth. METHODS: 177 Greek students participated in the present study. Interviews were performed using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Of the participants, 80.2% were normal weight individuals, 18.6% were overweight, and 1.2% was obese. Of the normal weight participants, 72.5% ate breakfast on a daily basis, and 45.5% of the overweight individuals ate breakfast irregularly. Among the respondents, 88% underlined the impact of life style on their nutritional status, 17% actually exercised or played sports > 20 minutes per day, 20.3% reported asthma, and 83.3% with asthma were overweight. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial proportion of young people engaged in health risk behaviors associated with obesity, diabetes, and asthma. Adoption of healthy lifestyles could prevent the risk for chronic disease.

Family structure and risk behaviors in Greek adolescents: a short report.

Changes in family structure may have negative outcomes on the well-being of adolescents. A sample of 500 students completed a self-report questionnaire on their family structure, housing status, and risk behaviors, such as smoking, drinking, substance abuse, and violence during their adolescence. We present the results of a study regarding the burden of adolescent risk behaviors in relation to family structure in Greece. 16.6% reported that their parents were divorced and they lived in a single-parent family. 42% of the respondents reported smoking during their adolescence. The prevalence rate of regular drinking was slightly higher for adolescents who had experienced family breakup compared to those who lived in an intact family, 24.4% and 22.7% respectively. 63.4% of the participants who had experienced family violence were extremely violent in school. There is a need for effective prevention programs in Greece in order to reduce the burden of adolescent health-risk behaviors and the associated cost for their parents and our society.