Association of serum levels of osteopontin and osteoprotegerin with adverse outcomes after endovascular revascularisation in peripheral artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Osteoprotegerin (OPG) and osteopontin (OPN) are vascular calcification inhibitors with a known role in the atherosclerotic and inflammatory process. We investigated their relationship with adverse outcomes (restenosis/adverse cardiovascular events) after endovascular revascularisation of patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). METHODS: 203 consecutive patients were enrolled in the PAD group (PADG) and 78 age and sex-matched subjects with less than two cardiovascular risk factors served as control group (COG). PADG underwent standard medical assessment at baseline and 12 months after the procedure. During follow up major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) including arterial restenosis with need for reintervention were documented and the PADG was divided accordingly into two subgroups. RESULTS: During 12-month follow-up, 82 MACE were recorded (MACE subgroup). The rest of 124 PAD patients remained free of MACE (non-MACE subgroup). At baseline, OPG (9.89 ± 2.85 ng/ml vs 3.47 ± 1.95 ng/ml, p < 0.001) and OPN (79.99 ± 38.29 ng/ml vs 35.21 ± 14.84 ng/ml, p < 0.001) levels were significantly higher in PADG compared to COG, as well as in MACE subgroup compared to non-MACE subgroup (13.29 ± 3.23 ng/ml vs 10.86 ± 3 ng/ml and 96.45 ± 40.12 ng/ml vs 78.1 ± 38.29 ng/ml, respectively). An independent association of PAD with OPG and OPN was found in the whole patient cohort. Although OPG and OPN were significantly related to MACE incidence in the univariate analysis, multiple logistic regression analysis failed to detect any independent predictor of MACE within the PADG. CONCLUSION: Baseline high OPG and OPN levels were independently associated with PAD presence. Even higher levels of those biomarkers were detected among PAD patients with MACE, however, their prognostic role should be further clarified.

Endovascular management of subclavian-steal syndrome in a patient with post-traumatic dissection of an aberrant right subclavian artery.

BACKGROUND: An aberrant right subclavian artery is the most common congenital anomaly of the aortic arch and may cause symptoms due to aneurysmal dilatation, stenosis or occlusion. We present a case of subclavian-steal syndrome due to post-traumatic dissection of an aberrant right subclavian artery. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 50 year-old man presented with dizziness and fainting episodes after exercising his right arm and a systolic blood pressure gradient of 40 mm Hg between the 2 arms. Suspecting a subclavian steal syndrome, a computed tomography angiography was requested which revealed an aberrant right subclavian artery with a severe stenosis proximal to the ostium of the vertebral artery. Transfemoral digital subtraction angiography showed a local dissection of the aberrant right subclavian artery with late retrograde filling of the ipsilateral vertebral artery. The lesion was successfully treated with primary stent implantation (9 mm x 40 mm, LIFESTAR, BARD). On interrogation, the patient recalled an injury to the right arm after falling off a ladder 10 years earlier, as a possible post-traumatic cause for the dissection. He had an uneventful outcome and is symptom-free 12 months down the line. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of post-traumatic dissection of an aberrant right subclavian artery resulting to subclavian steal syndrome is an extremely rare scenario. Endovascular management is a safe, minimally invasive alternative to open surgery.

The Effect of Transfusion of Two Units of Fresh Frozen Plasma on the Perioperative Fibrinogen Levels and the Outcome of Patients Undergoing Elective Endovascular Repair for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate whether the transfusion of 2 units of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) immediately post aneurysm exclusion has any effect on the perioperative fibrinogen levels and the outcome of patients undergoing elective endovascular repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). METHODS: Consecutive infrarenal AAA patients undergoing elective EVAR with the bifurcated Endurant-II stent-graft (Medtronic) were recruited from 2 vascular units. The first unit has a routine policy of administering 2 units of FFP immediately upon aneurysm exclusion (FFP group), whereas the second unit has no such policy (control group). Serum fibrinogen levels were measured on admission and 24 hr post-EVAR and the perioperative change in fibrinogen (Δfib) was calculated (24-hr postoperative minus preoperative fibrinogen). The 2 groups were compared with regards to the perioperative fibrinogen levels (preoperative, 24-hr postoperative, and Δfib) and the outcome (endoleaks, reinterventions, major adverse cardiovascular events, death) during follow up. RESULTS: A total of 70 patients (41 in the FFP group, 29 controls) were examined. There were 68 men, the mean age was 70 ± 7 years and the maximum AAA diameter was 63.3 ± 13.8 mm. During the follow up (34 ± 19 months), a total of 6 endoleaks were recorded (2 type Ia, 2 type Ib and 1 type II). Mean preoperative fibrinogen, 24-hr postoperative fibrinogen and Δfib was 391.1 ± 92.8 mg/dL, 367.7 ± 97.8 mg/dL and -23.5 ± 51.02 mg/dL, respectively. There was a trend for the fibrinogen to fall 24 hr postprocedure, but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.07). There was a weak negative association between Δfib and endoleaks (P = 0.007, r = -0.29). Compared to controls, the FFP group had a higher 24-hr postoperative fibrinogen (401.8 ± 112.9 mg/dL vs. 319.3 ± 34.9 mg/dL, P < 0.0001) and a lower Δfib (-3.00 ± 56.01 mg/dL vs. -52.48 ± 21.15 mg/dL, P < 0.0001). No significant difference was observed between the 2 groups with regards to endoleaks, reinterventions, major adverse cardiovascular events, or deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Transfusion of 2 units of FFP postaneurysm exclusion prevents a significant drop in plasma fibrinogen 24 hr post-EVAR, but the impact on clinical outcome has yet to be defined.

Extension of Iliac Branch Device Repair Into the Superior Gluteal Artery Is a Safe and Effective Maneuver.

BACKGROUND: In some cases of complex aortoiliac endovascular repair, the hypogastric landing zone is suboptimal or even insufficient. This study aimed at the technical feasibility and at the outcome of iliac branch device (IBD) deployment with extension of the IBD into the superior gluteal artery (SGA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study involves a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained single-center cohort of patients with implantation of IBD for aortoiliac and postdissection aneurysms. The IBD cohort with landing zones in the hypogastric main trunk (IIA IBD) was compared with the IBD cohort with landing zones in the SGA (SGA IBD). The main outcome parameters were primary technical success, patency of the hypogastric branch, and freedom from IBD-specific secondary interventions within 30 days. Other outcomes of interest were long-term patency and freedom from buttock claudication, as well as the incidence of endoleaks. Group comparisons were made by univariate significance tests, and freedom from reintervention was analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier-method. RESULTS: From January 2015 to October 2017, a total of 46 IBDs were implanted in 40 patients (39 male; mean age, 71.9 ± 9.1 years). Nineteen of 46 (41.3%) IBDs were extended with at least one bridging stent graft into the SGA because of aneurysmal or short internal iliac artery (IIA). Technical success was achieved in 97.8% (96.3% for IIA IBD vs. 100% for SGA IBD, P = 0.163), and the primary ipsilateral limb patency rate was 100% within 30 days after the procedure. During a mean follow-up period of 19.8 ± 10.0 months (24.7 ± 10.8 for IIA IBD vs. 25.1 ± 9.8 for SGA IBD, P = 0.461), 11.1% IBDs in the IIA IBD group and 15.8% IBDs in the SGA IBD group needed secondary interventions (P = 0.33). Follow-up revealed no patients suffering from persistent buttock claudication or erectile dysfunction. One patient in the SGA IBD group died at late follow-up from a non-aneurysm-related cause. CONCLUSIONS: Extension of IBD into the SGA is a technically feasible and safe maneuver in the treatment of aortoiliac aneurysms with outcomes comparable to those when IBDs extend to the main trunk of the hypogastric artery.

Current evidence on aortic remodeling after endovascular repair.

Anatomical changes after endovascular repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are thoroughly studied as they could affect the long-term postoperative outcome. The aim of the present study was to review the literature and summarize the recent data regarding the aortic remodeling and its clinical significance. A continuous aortic neck expansion is observed after EVAR and is more rapid at the first month and during the third postoperative year. This aortic neck dilation is not influenced by the type of proximal stent-graft fixation, is comparable to open surgical aneurysm repair and is most probably related with the natural progression of aneurismal disease. Aortic neck angulation reduces significantly immediately after EVAR and then continues to reduce slowly and gradually. Neck angulations ≥60° have a greater reduction compared to neck angulations <60°. An expansion of the common iliac arteries at the distal landing zone is also observed after EVAR and is more prominent in the first six postoperative months. A postoperative increase of the distance between superior mesenteric artery and iliac bifurcations (aortoiliac elongation) is described and is associated with increased type I endoleaks and reinterventions. The aneurysm sac diameter most frequently reduces after EVAR in absence of an endoleak and this aneurysm sac regression has been associated with the stent-graft type.

Meta-analysis of the accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound for the detection of endoleak after endovascular aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for detection of endoleak after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). METHODS: We searched electronic bibliographic databases for original articles comparing concurrent CEUS and computed tomography angiography for detection of endoleak after EVAR. We assessed the methodologic quality of the studies with the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool. We constructed 2 × 2 contingency tables for all selected studies including true-positive, false-positive, false-negative, and true-negative results for all endoleaks and for type I and type III endoleaks. We used a mixed-effects logistic regression model to estimate summary sensitivity and specificity. We developed hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curves and calculated the area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS: We identified 26 studies reporting a total of 2638 paired scans in 2217 patients. The major risk of bias of the selected studies pertained to blinding for the index test and the reference standard. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of CEUS for all endoleaks were 0.94 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.89-0.97) and 0.93 (95% CI, 0.89-0.96), respectively. The AUC was 0.98 (95% CI, 0.93-0.99). The summary estimate of sensitivity and specificity for type I and type III endoleaks was 0.97 (95% CI, 0.8-1.00) and 1.00 (95% CI, 0.99-1.00), respectively. The AUC was 1.00 (95% CI, 0.99-1.00). CONCLUSIONS: CEUS has a high sensitivity and specificity in the detection of endoleaks after EVAR. CEUS is a useful tool in EVAR surveillance.

Association Between Perioperative Fibrinogen Levels and the Midterm Outcome in Patients Undergoing Elective Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the potential association between perioperative fibrinogen levels and outcome in patients undergoing elective endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). METHODS: Consecutive patients with an intact AAA undergoing elective EVAR with a specific bifurcated endograft (Endurant, Medtronic) were recruited between December 2012 and October 2016. Preoperative and 24-hr postoperative fibrinogen levels were recorded, and potential associations with outcome were tested. Primary outcome measures included endoleaks, lower limb ischemic complications, including endograft limb occlusion, and aneurysm-related reinterventions. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients (91 male, mean age 71.8 ± 8.0 years) with an intact AAA were enrolled in the study. The technical success was 98% (2 failures: 1 type Ia endoleak on completion angiography, 1 lower limb ischemia immediately postoperatively requiring femoral endarterectomy). There was 1 death during the first 30 days due to myocardial infarction (1%). Another patient died 15 months after the procedure from cardiac causes. During the existing follow-up (mean 14.8 ± 14.3 months), 14 patients (15%) developed an endoleak (4, type Ia endoleak and 10, type II endoleak), 6 patients (6.3%) had lower limb ischemia/endograft limb occlusion, and 10 patients (10.6%) required reintervention. Compared with the preoperative values, no significant change occurred with regard to the fibrinogen levels 24 hr after procedure (mean preoperative fibrinogen 360 ± 101 mg/dl vs 24-hr postoperative fibrinogen 349 ± 105 mg/dl, P = 0.1). Neither preoperative nor 24-hr postoperative fibrinogen levels were significantly associated with the development of endoleaks, lower limb ischemia, or reinterventions. However, the difference in fibrinogen levels (baseline to 24 hr after procedure) was significantly higher in patients with endoleaks (median -65 mg/dl vs. 15 mg/dl, P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative fibrinogen levels may play a role in predicting midterm outcomes in patients undergoing elective EVAR and appears to be associated, directly or indirectly, with the development of endoleaks. Further studies are needed to investigate these findings and explore future therapeutic implications.

Vascular calcification biomarkers and peripheral arterial disease.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of the calcification regulators, osteopontin (OPN) and osteoprotegerin (OPG), which are involved in vascular calcification and atherosclerosis in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). METHODS: A PubMed search of the English language literature was undertaken to identify articles that examine the role of the vascular calcification markers (OPN and OPG) in patients with PAD. The search retrieved 94 articles. After excluding non-relevant articles, only 11 studies qualified for review. RESULTS: In 8 studies, OPG levels were correlated with the presence, severity, and progression of PAD, whereas in one article, OPG levels were not significantly elevated. In 2 studies, OPN levels were associated with PAD and vascular stiffness. CONCLUSIONS: The results from clinical and experimental research regarding the role of vascular calcification markers in PAD are controversial, although most of the studies suggest a positive correlation. Larger studies are needed to determine the exact pathway of vascular calcification, mediated by calcification markers, in patients with PAD.