Patterns and Outcomes of Obesity Using Body Mass Index in Patients Hospitalized with Acute Cardiovascular Disorders: A Retrospective Analysis of 7284 Patients in a Middle Eastern Country.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to study the presentation and in-hospital outcomes of obese patients hospitalized for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in a Middle Eastern country. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients admitted to the Heart Hospital between 2015 and 2020. Patients were divided according to their body mass index (BMI): Group I (BMI 18.5-24.9), Group II (BMI 25-29.9), and Group III (BMI ≥ 30), by applying one-way ANOVAs and chi-square tests. The obese group (BMI ≥ 30) was graded and compared (Grade I (BMI 30-34.9), Grade II (BMI 35-39.9), and Grade III (BMI ≥ 40)). RESULTS: There were 7284 patients admitted with CVDs (Group I (29%), Group II (37%), and Group III (34%)). The mean age was higher in Group III than Groups I and II (p < 0.001). Male sex was predominant in all groups except for morbid obesity (Grade III), in which females predominated. Diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, and dyslipidemia were more common in Group III. Chest pain was more common in Group II, while shortness of breath was more evident in Group III (p < 0.001). Group II had more ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), followed by Group I (p < 0.001). Atrial fibrillation (AF) was observed more frequently in Group III (p < 0.001). Congestive heart failure (CHF) was common in Group III (19%) (p < 0.001). In the subanalysis, (Grade I (62%), Grade II (22.5%), and Grade III (15.5%)), Grade I had more STEMI, whereas AF and CHF were higher in Grade III (p < 0.001). Percutaneous Coronary Intervention was performed less frequently in Grade III (p < 0.001). In-hospital mortality was higher in Grade III (17.1%), followed by Grades II (11.2%) and I (9.3%) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, one third of the hospitalized CVS patients were obese. AF and CHF with preserved EF were the most common cardiovascular presentations in obese patients. In patients with CVDs, obesity was associated with higher rates of comorbidities and in-hospital mortality. However, obesity measured by BMI alone was not an independent predictor of mortality in obese cardiac patients.

First experience of combined cardiac PET/64-detector CT angiography with invasive angiographic validation.

PURPOSE: Despite modern CT systems and expert evaluators, the diagnostic performance of coronary CT angiography is limited by overestimation of vessel stenosis which reduces the positive predictive value (PPV) of the test. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of combined cardiac PET/64-detector CT angiography. METHODS: Included in this retrospective study were 33 consecutive patients (5 women, 28 men; mean age 61.6 years, range 47-87 years, mean BMI 27.3+/-5.2 kg/m(2)) with clinically suspected flow-limiting coronary artery disease who underwent combined cardiac PET/64-detector CT angiography and invasive angiography. Combined PET/CT images were reported by an experienced dual-accredited radiologist/nuclear physician. An experienced cardiac CT radiologist re-read the CT images without PET. Stenotic disease was defined as >50% vessel narrowing. Invasive coronary angiography was used as a reference standard. Local ethics committee approval and patient consent were obtained. RESULTS: CT angiography (without PET data) was concordant with invasive angiography in 31/33 patients and at a patient level, the sensitivity in detecting significant coronary artery lesions was 100%, the specificity was 82%, the PPV was 92% and the negative predictive value (NPV) was 100%. Using combined PET/CT angiography the findings were concordant with invasive angiography in 32/33 patients and at a patient level, the sensitivity was 96%, the specificity was 100%, the PPV was 100% and the NPV was 91%. CONCLUSION: The use of integrated cardiac PET/64-detector CT angiography is feasible and appears to improve some aspects of the diagnostic performance of 64-detector coronary artery angiography in detecting coronary artery disease.

A Novel Intervention to Treat Failed Angio-Seal Footplate Deployment: Two Case Series.

INTRODUCTION: Vascular closure devices are commonly used to achieve rapid haemostasis and early ambulation following arterial puncture for endovascular procedures. Although device failure rates are low, the consequences of arterial occlusion include severe limb ischaemia. We describe a novel endovascular technique for the treatment of Angio-Seal arterial closure device (Terumo, Europe NV) failure causing femoral artery occlusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We describe 2 cases of lower limb angioplasty performed for critical limb ischaemia where the access site was closed using an Angio-Seal according to the manufacturer instructions for use (IFU). In both cases, however, ultrasound could not be used during deployment of the Angio-Seal due to body habitus and small subcutaneous haematoma. In both cases, the device failed and occluded the femoral artery. RESULTS: Access was achieved via a retrograde approach from the contralateral limb in one case and a retrograde approach from the ipsilateral profunda artery in the other case. Angiography confirmed that the footplate of the Angio-Seal had occluded the femoral artery. Subsequently, the occlusion was crossed and a short balloon-mounted bare metal stent placed to push the footplate against the arterial wall that resulted in resolution of the occlusion and haemorrhage control. CONCLUSIONS: Crossing the occlusion caused by failure of the Angio-Seal closure device and subsequent stenting resulted in satisfactory relief of the femoral artery occlusion and haemostasis without the added risks of open surgical revascularisation and general anaesthetic.

Trans-arterial embolisation (TAE) in haemorrhagic pelvic injury: review of management and mid-term outcome of a major trauma centre.

BACKGROUND: Management of pelvic fracture associated haemorrhage is often complex with high morbidity and mortality rates. Different treatment options are used to control bleeding with an on-going discussion in the trauma community regarding the best management algorithm. MAIN BODY: Recent studies have shown trans-arterial embolisation (TAE) to be a safe and effective technique to control pelvic fracture associated haemorrhage. Computed tomography (CT) evidence of active bleeding, haemodynamic instability, and pelvic fracture patterns are amongst important indicators for TAE. CONCLUSION: Herein, we aim to provide a comprehensive literature review of the effectiveness of TAE in controlling haemorrhage secondary to pelvic fracture according to the indications, technique and embolic agents, and outcomes, whilst incorporating our Level 1 major trauma centre's (MTC) results between 2014-2017.

Cystic artery pseudoaneurysm secondary to acute cholecystitis: an unusual cause for haemobilia.

Pseudoaneurysm of the cystic artery is a rarely described cause of haemobilia. We report the unusual presentation of upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage due to a pseudoaneurysm of the cystic artery secondary to acute cholecystitis that was complicated by gallbladder perforation and liver abscess in an 88-year-old male. The original CT scan had demonstrated a high density focus in the gallbladder neck that was thought to represent a calculus. Selective embolization of the cystic artery resulted in cessation of the haemorrhage. Owing to the patient's frailty and comorbidities, he was not considered suitable for cholecystectomy. The case emphasizes the need for a high level of awareness of pseudoaneurysmal disease in association with inflammatory conditions.

Long-term outcome of endovascular repair of popliteal artery aneurysm presents a credible alternative to open surgery.

PURPOSE: Endovascular repair of popliteal artery aneurysms (PAA) has become increasingly popular; however, long-term patency and limb salvage rates are not fully established. METHODS: A retrospective review of all endovascular PAA repairs at our institution (from 2005 to 2012) identified 34 PAAs in 26 patients, of which 32 % presented with acute symptoms. PAA were repaired with either Hemobahn(®) or Viabahn(®) endografts, using an entirely percutaneous approach. All patients were given Clopidogrel and/or aspirin postoperatively. Mean follow-up duration was 40 (range 4-86) months. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to determine primary patency, secondary patency, and limb salvage rates. Complications and reintervention rates also were examined. RESULTS: At 1, 3, and 5 years follow-up, the primary graft patency was 88, 82, and 82 %, respectively, and secondary patency was 90, 86, and 86 %. Amputation-free survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 97, 94, and 94 %, respectively. Technical success was achieved in 100 %. There were five graft occlusions: one was asymptomatic, one was treated with thrombolysis successfully, and one was thrombolysed but reoccluded resulting in nondisabling claudication. Two were not suitable for thrombolysis and required amputation. The overall reintervention rate was 12 %. CONCLUSIONS: The primary and secondary patency rates of endovascular repair of PAA are equivalent to the reported outcome of open repair. Reintervention and limb salvage rate appears better than open repair. With improved long-term outcomes, endovascular repair can be considered a credible treatment strategy for routine uncomplicated PAA.

Successful extra-anatomical recanalization of occluded superficial femoral arteries using the Outback device--a report of 2 cases.

INTRODUCTION: We report 2 cases where the Outback catheter facilitated extra-anatomical bypass after vessel perforation during attempted subintimal vessel dissection. REPORT: Attempted subintimal angioplasty of the superficial femoral artery (SFA) resulted in vessel perforation in 2 patients with chronic SFA occlusion and limb ischemia. Due to the lack of other endovascular or surgical options, the Outback catheter was used to reenter the patent lumen distal to the perforation. A stent graft was then deployed from proximal to the perforation to beyond the reentry point with successful outcomes. DISCUSSION: Although the reentry devices are typically used to enter the lumen from the subintimal plane, this novel technique involves using the Outback catheter to enter from the extravascular compartment and facilitate bypass of the SFA occlusion via an extra-anatomical route. This novel technique can be used to restore in-line blood flow when attempted endovascular revascularization failed due to vessel perforation.

Early results with the use of heparin-bonded stent graft to rescue failed angioplasty of chronic femoropopliteal occlusive lesions: TASC D lesions have a poor outcome.

PURPOSE: To evaluate early patency rate of the heparin-bonded stent grafts in atherosclerotic long femoropopliteal occlusive disease, and to identify factors that affect outcome. METHODS: Heparin-bonded Viabahn stent grafts were placed in 33 limbs in 33 patients during 2009-2010. The stents were deployed to rescue failed conventional balloon angioplasty. Mean age was 69 (range 44-88) years, and 67 % (22 of 33) were men. Most procedures (21 of 33, 64 %) were performed for critical limb ischemia (33 % for rest pain, 30 % tissue loss). Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox regression analysis were used to identify significant risk factors. RESULTS: The average length of lesions treated was 25 ± 10 cm, and they were predominantly TASC (Transatlantic Intersociety Consensus) D (n = 13) and C (n = 17) lesions. The median primary patency was 5.0 months (95 % confidence interval 1.22-8.77). The mean secondary patency was 8.6 months (95 % confidence interval 6.82-10.42). Subsequently, 4 patients underwent bypass surgery and 5 patients underwent major amputation. One patient died. There were 5 in-stent or edge-stent stenoses. Cox multivariate regression analysis identified TASC D lesions to be a significant risk factor for early occlusion (p = 0.035). CONCLUSION: TASC D lesions of femoropopliteal occlusions have poor patency rates with the use of heparin-bonded stent grafts after failed conventional angioplasty. Alternative options should be considered for these patients.

The feasibility of reentry device in recanalization of TASC C and D iliac occlusions.

AIM: To determine the feasibility of subintimal angioplasty (SIA), aided by reentry device in iliac artery occlusions. METHODS: Forty-eight patients with severe claudication (Fontaine-III, n = 24) or critical limb ischaemia (Fontaine-IV, n = 24) had SIA, aided with a reentry device, for chronic iliac occlusions TASC C (n =28) and D (n = 20). The primary outcome was arterial patency at duplex follow-up. Secondary outcomes were primary failure, postprocedural complications, stent use, late occlusions, and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: The patency rate was 89% at a mean follow-up of 13 (± 11) months. There were 2 primary failures, no postprocedural complications, and 5 late occlusions. Almost 80% of patients were ready for discharge within 24 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Subintimal angioplasty with a reentry device for long iliac occlusions provides a feasible option with excellent results and short hospital stay. A randomized trial of SIA of iliac occlusion versus open reconstruction is now required.

The use of a re-entry catheter in recanalization of chronic inflow occlusions of the common iliac artery.

Endovascular treatment of iliac artery occlusions can be unsuccessful due to a failure to break back into the true lumen, and lesions without a proximal stump can be particularly problematic. True lumen re-entry catheters have not been previously used for this type of lesion. The authors report eight patients, five males and three females, with lifestyle-limiting intermittent claudication referred for endovascular treatment. Imaging demonstrated unilateral chronic total occlusion of the common iliac artery in six patients and two patients with short patent stumps at the origin of the occluded common iliac artery. Endovascular therapy was initially unsuccessful due to an inability to re-enter the true lumen after crossing the occlusion in the subintimal plane. With the assistance of the Outback LTD catheter it was possible to achieve continuity of the dissecting tract with the true lumen, thus facilitating successful primary stenting in all eight patients. To our knowledge this is the first report of the use of the Outback LTD catheter in this type of lesion.

How do patients perceive the benefits and risks of peripheral angioplasty? Implications for informed consent.

PURPOSE: To explore perceptions of benefits and risks of patients undergoing peripheral angioplasty and to investigate factors that modify them. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred patients undergoing peripheral angioplasty during a 12-month period (134 men and 66 women; mean age, 68.8 years; age range, 37-94 years) were interviewed by one interventional radiologist who asked 18 questions with regard to the risks and benefits of this procedure. The patients were randomly assigned into two groups of 100 patients. The first group answered questions with use of a recognized risk assessment chart. The other group answered without the aid. Depending on the referral pathway, patients received the institution's patient information sheet. RESULTS: Of the 200 patients, 178 (89%) thought that they would have at least a 75% (three in four) chance of benefiting from angioplasty. Eighty patients (40%) thought they would definitely benefit from angioplasty. One hundred one patients (50%) thought the test would be painful. Fifty-four patients (27%) thought there would be no radiation exposure. Forty-one patients (21%) realized there was a chance of needing emergency surgery. Sixty-seven patients (34%) thought the test was easier than anticipated. Previous peripheral angioplasty altered perceptions of benefit (P = .012), but not risk. The use of a risk assessment chart altered perceptions of benefit (P = .049). The use of a patient information sheet predicted (made more realistic) the patients' perceptions of risks (P = .012) and benefits (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who undergo peripheral angiography tend to underestimate the risks and overestimate the benefits of peripheral angioplasty. The patient information sheet and risk assessment tool used in this study altered patient perceptions of risks and benefits of the procedure and, therefore, aid informed consent.

CT coronary angiography: quantitative assessment of myocardial perfusion using test bolus data-initial experience.

The aim of this study is to quantify myocardial perfusion during coronary CT angiography using data from a modified timing test-bolus acquisition. Institutional review board approval and informed consent were obtained. Nineteen patients with suspected coronary artery disease underwent combined coronary CT angiography and cardiac (82)Rubidium-PET perfusion. Prior to the CT angiogram a retrospectively ECG-gated dynamic test bolus was obtained following 25 mls of IV contrast medium injected at 5 ml/s. Images were acquired every 1.5 s for 30 s using 4 x 1.25-mm slices at 120 kV, 35 mAs. Regions of interest were drawn to delineate the myocardium and aorta on the resulting transaxial images. Time density curves were created and perfusion calculated using two simple approaches: maximum-slope method and peak method. In patients with normal PET myocardial perfusion, the mean (SD) resting myocardial perfusion estimated by CT using the maximum-slope method was 0.89 (+/-0.27) ml/min/g and 0.93 (+/-0.21) ml/min/g at end-systole and end-diastole, respectively, and 0.69 (+/-0.11) ml/min/g and 0.79 (+/-0.19) at end-systole and end-diastole, respectively, for the peak method. Thus quantification of myocardial perfusion from a routine coronary CT angiography test bolus is possible. CT-derived myocardial perfusion values are consistent with published values derived from other techniques.