Infective Native Aortic Aneurysm: a Delphi Consensus Document on Treatment, Follow Up, and Definition of Cure.

OBJECTIVE: Evidence is lacking to guide the management of infective native aortic aneurysm (INAA). The aim of this study was to establish expert consensus on surgical and antimicrobial treatment and follow up, and to define when an INAA is considered cured. METHODS: Delphi methodology was used. The principal investigators invited 47 international experts (specialists in infectious diseases, radiology, nuclear medicine, and vascular and cardiothoracic surgery) via email. Four Delphi rounds were performed, three weeks each, using an online questionnaire with initially 28 statements. The panellists rated the statements on a five point Likert scale. Comments on statements were analysed, statements were revised and added or deleted, and the results were presented in the iterative rounds. Consensus was defined as ≥ 75% of the panel rating a statement as strongly agree or agree on the Likert scale, and consensus on the final assessment was defined as Cronbach's alpha > 0.80. RESULTS: All 49 panellists completed all four rounds, resulting in 100% participation. One statement was added based on the results and comments of the panel, resulting in 29 final statements: three on need for consensus, 20 on treatment, five on follow up, and one on definition of cure. All 29 statements reached agreement of ≥ 86%. Cronbach's alpha increased for each consecutive round; round 1, 0.85; round 2, 0.90; round 3, 0.91; and round 4, 0.94. Thus, consensus was reached for all statements. CONCLUSION: INAAs are rare, and high level evidence to guide optimal management is lacking. This consensus document was established with the aim of helping clinicians manage these challenging patients, as a supplement to current guidelines. The presented consensus will need future amendments in accordance with newly acquired knowledge.

Infective native aneurysms of the infrapopliteal arteries - A systematic literature review and report of two cases.

Infective native aneurysms (INA) of the infrapopliteal arteries are rare and have previously been poorly described. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of the literature of this entity. Furthermore, two case reports of our own clinical experience are presented. PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, Ovid Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, and Web of Science were searched for articles on INAs of the infrapopliteal segment from January 1990 to September 2023. Article screening and selection were performed adhering to PRISMA guidelines. A total of 98 articles were screened and 20 were eligible for inclusion, of which all were case reports. In total, 22 patients with 28 infrapopliteal INAs were identified. The majority of INAs were located in the tibioperoneal trunk (n = 10, 36%) followed by the posterior tibial artery (n = 7, 25%). A current, or history of, infective endocarditis (IE) was described in 18 out of 22 patients (82%). Two patients died during hospitalization and one patient required a transfemoral amputation. A conservative antibiotic-only approach was chosen in three out of 28 INAs, two of which were the case reports described in this article; surgical or endovascular intervention was performed in 19 out of 28 aneurysms. No complications occurred in the conservative group, but one complication (transfemoral amputation) occurred in the interventional group. Infrapopliteal INA is a rare entity, and most described cases are precipitated by IE. Surgery or endovascular treatment might be indicated, but more research is warranted to define which patient would benefit and by what surgical approach.

Artificial Intelligence Outperforms Kaplan-Meier Analyses Estimating Survival after Elective Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: Long term differences in survival after elective repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) between open surgical repair (OSR) and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) are unclear, and hitherto artificial intelligence has not been used for this purpose. The aim was to compare the precision of survival estimates between the Kaplan-Meier (KM) method and the artificial intelligence derived method Neural Multi-Task Logistic Regression (N-MTLR), and to compare survival estimates as a function of patient age and time since surgery between OSR and EVAR using N-MTLR. METHODS: All AAAs between 2003 and 2018 in Denmark were identified in the Danish vascular registry. Survival was estimated using the KM and N-MTLR methods, and prediction performance was estimated with the Brier score. RESULTS: 7 912 patients were included in the study, n = 6 569 (83%) men, median age 72 years (range 35 - 92), with a median follow-up time of 45.7 months (range 0 - 120). The two treatment cohorts, OSR n = 5 495 (69%), and EVAR n = 2 417 (31%), differed significantly in patient characteristics. The Brier score for KM increased from 0.044 to 0.244, and for N-MTLR from 0.044 to 0.206, from 90 days to 10 years. The N-MTLR method was more accurate than KM from 90 days to 10 years after surgery, p ≤ .025. N-MTLR demonstrated significant increased probability for survival for OSR in patients aged 58 - 76 years at five years, and 65 - 73 at 10 years after surgery, and the opposite was found for the benefit of EVAR in patients aged 72 - 85 years at one year, 85 - 90 years at five years, and for 85 - 90 year olds at 10 years after surgery. CONCLUSION: N-MTLR outperforms KM for the entire post-operative follow-up time. This N-MTLR model has the potential to render more precise patient specific survival estimates and establish survival differences between subgroups of patients that KM is unable to detect, demonstrated here for different age groups.

Danish Nationwide Study on Surgical Treatment of Infective Native Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe surgical trends, survival, and infection related complications (IRC) in a Danish cohort of patients with infective native aortic aneurysms (INAAs). METHODS: A retrospective nationwide cohort study including all patients in Denmark who were surgically treated for abdominal INAA between 2000 and 2020 was conducted. Patients were identified through the Danish vascular registry, Karbase, which is a database registering all patients treated with vascular surgery in Denmark. Subsequent data on clinical presentation, treatment, all cause mortality, and complications were obtained from the electronic patient charts. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients were included in the study, of whom 60 (80%) were male, with a median age of 69 (IQR 64, 75) years. Open surgical repair (OSR) was performed in 54 (72%) patients and endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) in 21 (28%). Median follow up was 52 (IQR 32, 103) months. Open repair was consistently the most frequent treatment modality throughout the study period, but EVAR became more frequent over time. The 30 day survival of the total cohort was 97% (94 - 100%). Kaplan-Meier survival estimates for the cohort were 92% (95% CI 85 - 98%), 80% (95% CI 71 - 91%), 63% (95% CI 52 - 78%), and 48% (95% CI 35 - 66%) at one, three, five and 10 years, respectively. Patients treated by EVAR had comparable long term survival to patients treated by OSR, with a hazard ratio of 0.35 (95% CI 0.10 - 1.22), but was associated with better short term survival up to five years. The most common cause of death was sepsis. Five (9%) OSR patients had IRC compared with one (5%) EVAR patient. CONCLUSION: In this nationwide study of patients treated for abdominal INAA, an increasing number of patients were surgically treated during the study period. Patients treated by EVAR demonstrated long term survival comparable to OSR. The incidence of post-operative IRC was low. These results should be interpreted with caution and prospective registries are needed.

Conservative Management First Strategy in Aortic Vascular Graft and Endograft Infections.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe and present the outcomes of a specific treatment protocol for aortic vascular graft and endograft infections (VGEIs) without explantation of the infected graft. METHODS: This was a retrospective, observational single centre cohort study carried out between 2012 and 2022 at a tertiary hospital. An aortic VGEI was defined according to the Management of Aortic Graft Infection Collaboration (MAGIC) criteria. Fitness for graft excision was assessed by a multidisciplinary team and included an evaluation of the patient's general condition, septic status, and anatomical complexity. Antimicrobial treatments were individualised. The primary outcome was survival at the last available follow up; secondary outcomes were antimicrobial treatment duration, infection eradication, treatment failure despite antimicrobial treatment, and the development of aortic fistulation. RESULTS: Fifty patients were included in the study, of whom 42 (84%) had had previous endovascular repair. The median patient age was 72 years (range 51 - 82 years) and median duration of treatment with antimicrobials was 18 months (range 1 - 164 months). Kaplan-Meier analysis estimated the 30 day survival to be 98% (95% confidence interval [CI] 96 - 100), the one year survival rate to be 88% (95% CI 83.4 - 92.6), and the three year survival rate to be 79% (95% CI 72.7 - 84.7). Twenty-four (48%) patients were able to discontinue antibiotic treatment after a median of 16 months (range 4 - 81 months). When categorised according to infected graft location, deaths occurred in four (40%) patients with thoracic, two (40%) with paravisceral, seven (30%) with infrarenal VGEIs, and in one (25%) patient with an aorto-iliac VGEI; no (0%) patient with a thoraco-abdominal VGEI died. CONCLUSION: Identifying the microbiological aetiology in patients with aortic VGEI enables individualised, specific antibiotic treatment, which may be useful in patients with a VGEI excluded from surgery. This single centre retrospective analysis of patients with VGEIs without fistula selected for conservative treatment suggests that conservative management of aortic VGEIs with targeted antibiotic therapy without graft excision is potentially effective, and that antimicrobial treatment will not necessarily be needed indefinitely.

Predicting Infection Related Complications After Endovascular Repair of Infective Native Aortic Aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) as surgical treatment for infective native aortic aneurysm (INAA) is associated with superior survival compared with open surgery, but with the risk of infection related complications (IRCs). This study aimed to assess the association between baseline clinical and computed tomography (CT) features and the risk of post-operative IRCs in patients treated with EVAR for INAA. It also sought to develop a model to predict long term IRCs in patients with abdominal INAA treated with EVAR. METHODS: All initial clinical details and CT examinations of INAAs between 2005 and 2020 at a major referral hospital were reviewed retrospectively. The images were scrutinised according to aneurysm features, as well as peri-aortic and surrounding organ involvement. Data on post-operative IRCs were found in the patient records. Cox regression analysis was used to derive predictors for IRCs and develop a model to predict five year IRCs after EVAR in abdominal INAA. RESULTS: Of 3 780 patients with the diagnosis of aortic aneurysm or aortitis, 98 (3%) patients were treated with EVAR for abdominal INAAs and were thus included. The mean follow up time was 52 months (range 0 ‒ 163). The mean transaxial diameter was 6.5 ± 2.4 cm (range 2.1 ‒14.7). In the enrolled patients, 38 (39%) presented with rupture. The five year IRC rate in abdominal INAAs was 26%. Female sex, renal insufficiency, positive blood culture, aneurysm diameter, and psoas muscle involvement were predictive of five year IRC in abdominal INAA after EVAR. The model had a C-index of 0.76 (95% CI 0.66 - 0.87). CONCLUSION: Pre-operative clinical and CT features have the potential to predict IRC after endovascular aortic repair in INAA patients. These findings stress the importance of rigorous clinical, laboratory, and radiological follow up in these patients.

Semi-Conservative Treatment Versus Radical Surgery in Abdominal Aortic Graft and Endograft Infections.

OBJECTIVE: Abdominal aortic graft and endograft infections (AGIs) are rare complications following aortic surgery. Radical surgery (RS) with resection of the infected graft and reconstruction with extra-anatomical bypass or in situ reconstruction is the preferred therapy. For patients unfit for RS, a semi-conservative (SC), graft preserving strategy is possible. This paper aimed to compare survival and infection outcomes between RS and SC treatment for AGI in a nationwide cohort. METHODS: Patients with abdominal AGI related surgery in Sweden between January 1995 and May 2017 were identified. The Management of Aortic Graft Infection Collaboration (MAGIC) criteria were used for the definition of AGI. Multivariable regression was performed to identify factors associated with mortality. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-nine patients with surgically treated abdominal AGI were identified, comprising 43 SC (14 endografts; 53% with a graft enteric fistula [GEF] in total) and 126 RS (26 endografts; 50% with a GEF in total). The SC cohort was older and had a higher frequency of cardiac comorbidities. There was a non-significant trend towards lower Kaplan-Meier estimated five year survival for SC vs. RS (30.2% vs. 48.4%; p = .066). A non-significant trend was identified towards worse Kaplan-Meier estimated five year survival for SC patients with a GEF vs. without a GEF (21.7% vs. 40.1%; p = .097). There were significantly more recurrent graft infections comparing SC with RS (45.4% vs. 19.3%; p < .001). In a Cox regression model adjusting for confounders, there was no difference in five year survival comparing SC vs. RS (HR 1.0, 95% CI 0.6 - 1.5). CONCLUSION: In this national AGI cohort, there was no mortality difference comparing SC and RS for AGI when adjusting for comorbidities. Presence of GEF probably negatively impacts survival outcomes of SC patients. Rates of recurrent infection remain high for SC treated patients.

Editor's Choice - Infective Native Aortic Aneurysms: A Delphi Consensus Document on Terminology, Definition, Classification, Diagnosis, and Reporting Standards.

OBJECTIVE: There is no consensus regarding the terminology, definition, classification, diagnostic criteria, and algorithm, or reporting standards for the disease of infective native aortic aneurysm (INAA), previously known as mycotic aneurysm. The aim of this study was to establish this by performing a consensus study. METHODS: The Delphi methodology was used. Thirty-seven international experts were invited via mail to participate. Four two week Delphi rounds were performed, using an online questionnaire, initially with 22 statements and nine reporting items. The panellists rated the statements on a five point Likert scale. Comments on statements were analysed, statements revised, and results presented in iterative rounds. Consensus was defined as ≥ 75% of the panel selecting "strongly agree" or "agree" on the Likert scale, and consensus on the final assessment was defined as Cronbach's alpha coefficient > .80. RESULTS: All 38 panellists completed all four rounds, resulting in 100% participation and agreement that this study was necessary, and the term INAA was agreed to be optimal. Three more statements were added based on the results and comments of the panel, resulting in a final 25 statements and nine reporting items. All 25 statements reached an agreement of ≥ 87%, and all nine reporting items reached an agreement of 100%. The Cronbach's alpha increased for each consecutive round (round 1 = .84, round 2 = .87, round 3 = .90, and round 4 = .92). Thus, consensus was reached for all statements and reporting items. CONCLUSION: This Delphi study established the first consensus document on INAA regarding terminology, definition, classification, diagnostic criteria, and algorithm, as well as reporting standards. The results of this study create essential conditions for scientific research on this disease. The presented consensus will need future amendments in accordance with newly acquired knowledge.

Complex Endovascular Repair of Paravisceral Infective Native Aortic Aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: To report the early and mid-term outcome of complex endovascular repair (EVAR) for paravisceral infective native aortic aneurysms (INAA). METHODS: Interrogation of a prospectively maintained database identified consecutive patients who underwent non-elective complex EVAR for paravisceral INAAs in a single institution between December 2013 and June 2020. All patients were considered to have definite INAAs based on diagnostic criteria. Patients who had prior aortic repair were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 26 patients (19 men; mean age 67 years [SD = 11.4]; median diameter 60 mm [IQR: 55-73]) with acute symptomatic (n = 24) or contained ruptured (n = 2) aneurysms underwent surgeon-modified fenestrated EVAR (SM-FEVAR; n = 24) or chimney-periscope EVAR (CHIMPS; n = 2). Median observed follow-up was 36.2 months (18.3-53.5). Nine patients had positive venous blood cultures and a further seven had recent or concomitant infection. All patients received pre- and post-operative antibiotic therapy and rifampicin-soaked endografts. A total of 95 vessels were targeted for preservation and 86 were stent-grafted. One vessel occluded intra-operatively and a further 3 occluded within 30 days. The 30-day/in-hospital mortality was 11.5% (n = 3), and the estimated 1- and 3-year survival (±SD) was 85% ± 7%. Infection-related complications (IRCs) occurred in two patients: both developed new INAA within 30 days of index repair and were treated by EVAR with no mortality. Estimated 3-year freedom from late re-intervention was 100%. One patient required infrarenal EVAR for a non-infective aneurysm at 43 months. CONCLUSION: Complex EVAR for paravisceral INAAs is associated with acceptable early and mid-term outcomes and is an acceptable alternative to open surgery. We propose that these patients are managed with long-term antimicrobials, impregnation of graft material with rifampicin, and rigorous post-operative surveillance. CLINICAL IMPACT: A multi-disciplinary approach is required to deliver the best possible outcome for patients with this challenging aortic pathology.

The Microbiology of Infective Native Aortic Aneurysms in a Population-Based Setting.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to describe the microbiology of surgically treated infective native (mycotic) aortic aneurysms (INAAs), and associated survival and development of infection-related complications (IRCs). METHODS: Data were pooled from 2 nationwide studies on surgically treated patients with INAAs in Sweden, between 1994 - 2016. Patients were grouped and analyzed according to culture results: 1) Staphylococcus aureus, 2) Streptococcus species (sp.), 3) Salmonella sp., 4) Enterococcus sp., 5) Gram-negative intestinal bacteria, 6) Other sp. (all other species found in culture), and 7) Negative cultures. RESULTS: A sum of 182 patients were included, mean age 71 years (standard deviation; SD: 8.9). The median follow-up was 50.3 months (range 0 - 360). 128 (70.3%) patients had positive blood and/or tissue culture; Staphylococcus aureus n = 38 (20.9%), Streptococcus sp. n = 37 (20.3%), Salmonella sp. n = 19 (10.4%), Enterococcus sp. n = 16 (8.8%), Gram-negative intestinal bacteria n = 6, (3.3%), Other sp. n = 12 (6.6%) and Negative cultures n = 54 (29.7%). The estimated survival for the largest groups at 2-years after surgery was: Staphylococcus aureus 62% (95% Confidence interval 53.9 - 70.1), Streptococcus sp. 74.7% (67.4 - 82.0), Salmonella sp. 73.7% (63.6 - 83.8), Enterococcus sp. 61.9% (49.6 - 74.2), and Negative cultures 89.8% (85.5 - 94.1), P = .051. There were 37 IRCs (20.3%), and 19 (51.4%) were fatal, the frequency was insignificant between the groups. The majority of IRCs, 30/37 (81%), developed during the first postoperative year. CONCLUSION: In this assessment of microbiological findings of INAAs in Sweden, 50% of the pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus sp., or Salmonella sp.. The overall 20%-frequency of IRCs, and its association with high mortality, motivates long-term antibiotic treatment regardless of microbial findings.

Contemporary management of infective native aortic aneurysms.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Infective native aortic aneurysms (INAAs) are challenging and complex with both bacteraemia and an aneurysm prone to rupture. They are fatal unless recognized and treated promptly. The rarity of the disease makes it unfamiliar to most physicians, which might delay both diagnosis and treatment.The present review aims to outline the recently published diagnostic algorithm of INAAs, the main characteristics of the disease and present an overview of contemporary treatment strategies. RECENT FINDINGS: New terminology, definition, diagnostic algorithm and reporting standards have recently been proposed for INAAs. Current evidence concerning the treatment of INAAs is founded on retrospective register-based multicentre studies and small single-centre studies. Recent findings encourage the use of endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) for surgical treatment of INAAs. Although EVAR, as a surgical approach, does not drain the infection, the postoperative infection-related complication rates (IRCs) are similar to the ones reported after open surgical repair (OSR) with aortic prosthetic reconstruction and extensive debridement. IRCs carry over 50% risk of being fatal. Postoperative mortality after EVAR remains considerably lower supporting the use of method for aged and comorbid group of patients. Biological grafts have the benefit of being more resistant to reinfection. OSR with biological reconstruction is a promising surgical approach for patients fit for open surgery; however, data are scarce and long-term follow-up is lacking. SUMMARY: The treatment of INAAs should be guided by experienced multidisciplinary team and tailored individually based on patients' condition and centres' experience. An international consensus document is warranted to enable further research on this disease.

Guided Aspiration for Determining the Microbiological Aetiology of Aortic Vascular Graft and Endograft Infections.

OBJECTIVE: Open and endovascular aortic repair may be complicated by aortic vascular graft or endograft infection (VGEI). Confirming the microbiological aetiology is a key element in providing the best available treatment to patients with a VGEI. The primary aim of this study was to describe the technique of direct aneurysm sac guided aspiration (DASGA) in determining the microbiological aetiology in a cohort of patients with VGEIs, and to report its diagnostic value. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational single centre study performed between the years 2011 to 2020 in Malmö, Sweden. Patients with a suspected aortic VGEI, where a DASGA was performed at the Vascular Centre, were included in the study. RESULTS: In total, 31 guided aspirations were performed in 27 patients (25 male [93%]; median age 77 years [range 57 - 82 years]). The combination of culture and 16S rRNA/18S rRNA gave a microbial aetiology in 25/31 (81%) DASGAs. Importantly, excluding three cases where infection was ruled out, this rate increases up to 89%. A polymicrobial aetiology was found in six (24 %) cases. The most common bacteria found were Cutibacterium spp. (n = 8) and Listeria monocytogenes (n = 4). In total, the dominant aetiology could be further characterised into normal gut flora (n = 12; 48%) or skin commensals (n = 8; 32%). No patients had persistent morbidity related to the DASGA. CONCLUSION: DASGA can be used successfully to determine the microbiological aetiology of open and endovascular graft infections. This method appears to be safe, with a high success rate for confirming the microbiological aetiology of VGEIs, particularly if standard culturing methods are combined with 16S rRNA/18S rRNA. Finding the causative microbial aetiology is crucial, and in the vast majority of cases translumbar puncture can be used without serious complications.

Editor's Choice - Outcome of Radical Surgical Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Graft and Endograft Infections Comparing Extra-anatomic Bypass with In Situ Reconstruction: A Nationwide Multicentre Study.

OBJECTIVE: Abdominal aortic graft and endograft infection (AGI) is primarily treated by resection of the infected graft and restoration of distal perfusion through extra-anatomic bypass (EAB) or in situ reconstruction/repair (ISR). The aim of this study was to compare these surgical strategies in a nationwide multicentre retrospective cohort study. METHODS: The Swedish Vascular Registry (Swedvasc) was used to identify surgically treated abdominal AGIs in Sweden between January 1995 and May 2017. The primary aim was to compare short and long term survival, as well as complications for EAB and ISR. RESULTS: Some 126 radically surgically treated AGI patients were identified - 102 graft infections and 24 endograft infections - treated by EAB: 71 and ISR: 55 (23 neo-aorto-iliac systems, NAISs). No differences in early 30 day (EAB 81.7% vs. ISR 76.4%, p = .46), or long term five year survival (48.2% vs. 49.9%, p = .87) were identified. There was no survival difference comparing NAIS to other ISR strategies. The frequency of recurrent graft infection during follow up was similar: EAB 20.3% vs. ISR 17.0% (p = .56). Survival and re-infection rates of the new conduit did not differ between NAIS and other ISR strategies. Age ≥ 75 years (odds ratio [OR] 4.0, confidence interval [CI] 1.1 - 14.8), coronary artery disease (OR 4.2, CI 1.2 - 15.1) and post-operative circulatory complications (OR 5.2, CI 1.2 - 22.5) were associated with early death. Prolonged antimicrobial therapy (> 3 months) was associated with reduced long term mortality (HR 0.3, CI 0.1 - 0.9). CONCLUSION: In this nationwide multicentre study comparing outcomes of radically treated AGI, no differences in survival or re-infection rate could be identified comparing EAB and ISR.

Discrepancy between surgeon and radiological assessment of ligation level of the inferior mesenteric artery in patients operated for rectal cancer-impacting registry-based research and surgical practice.

BACKGROUND: The reliability of the registered ligation level of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) in the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry has been questioned. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate this parameter in the registry by comparing the registered ligation levels with a postoperative computed tomography angiography (CT-angiography) in patients operated for rectal cancer. METHODS: Patients operated for rectal cancer at two Swedish university hospitals were prospectively included between December 2016 and December 2019. At the 1-year postoperative follow-up, an additional CT-angiography was performed and independently examined by two radiologists. The radiological assessment of the ligation level was compared to registry data, using different measures of agreement. RESULTS: A total of 94 patients were included, 55 (59%) were men and 39 (41%) women. All patients underwent abdominal resection: conventional or robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery, n=56 (60%), or open resection, n=38 (40%). The ligation level as assessed on CT-angiography was high in 29 (31%) patients and low in 65 (69%). The registered level of ligation of the IMA and the radiological assessment of the CT-angiographies were consistent in 77/94 cases, demonstrating an 82% agreement and a sensitivity and specificity of 86% and 72%, respectively. The estimated Kappa value was 0.58, reaching 0.64 after prevalence bias adjustment. CONCLUSION: This study showed that CT-angiography can be used to evaluate the reliability of the registered ligation level in the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry. The demonstrated agreement between the registry and postoperative CT-angiography was moderate to good. This discrepancy impacts registry-based research using IMA ligation data and may ultimately influence surgical practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials identifier NCT03875612.

The value of 18F-FDG-PET-CT in the management of infective native aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic literature review was to explore the value of positron emission tomography combined with low-dose computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET-CT) in the diagnostics of infective native aortic aneurysm (INAA). METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed using the search terms mycotic- and infected aortic aneurysms in Medline and Sciencedirect databases, published between 1 January 2000 and 1 January 2020. Using the PRISMA statement, articles were scrutinized according to a predefined protocol including: timing of 18F-FDG-PET-CT examination, the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), additional findings on examination, and findings on repeated scanning of 18F-FDG-PET-CT. RESULTS: Four studies were included in the analysis, comprising a total of 11 patients. Two studies were single case reports, and two were small case series, all were graded to be of low quality with high risk of bias. All patients were examined with a preoperative 18F-FDG-PET-CT, and 10 (91%) had increased 18F-FDG uptakes. The median SUVmax value was 6.53, range 4.46-9.23. The mean duration of antibiotic therapy prior to 18F-FDG-PET-CT was not known. Two patients were examined with repeated 18F-FDG-PET-CT examinations after treatment, where a decrease in SUVmax values could be demonstrated after successful treatment. CONCLUSION: The literature on 18F-FDF-PET/CT for diagnosing infective native aortic aneurysms is scarce. However, there might be a role for 18F-FDF-PET/CT in the management of the disease, in particular for patients with clinical suspicion of INAA without convincing findings on CT. SUVmax values ranging from 4.5 to 6.5 could be guiding and suggestive of metabolic activity in agreement of INAA. However, further conclusions on its usefulness, robustness and specific SUVmax values are premature, and a definitive cut-off value is probably not attainable.

Recommendations on Securing Microbiological Specimens to Guide the Multidisciplinary Management of Infective Native Aortic Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: The absence of recommendations for the systematic collection of microbiological specimens to help determine the management of infective native aortic aneurysms (INAAs) may lead to diagnostic difficulty and suboptimal antibiotic treatment. In this review, we attempt to establish recommendations in the field by identifying current strategies for the diagnosis and management of INAA and comparing them with those for infective endocarditis (IE). METHODS: A systematic literature review of Medline and ScienceDirect databases was performed using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses)methodology to identify guidelines for the management of INAA. These guidelines were scrutinized for recommendations concerning the procurement of microbiological specimens according to a defined protocol and involvement of specialists in infectious diseases and compared with current practice for IE. RESULTS: Three guidelines were found to have sections dedicated to INAA. Of these, none provided any recommendations concerning the procurement of microbiological specimens for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The guidelines from the American Heart Association recommend that patients with INAA should be managed by a team of specialists (including representation from the fields of infectious diseases and/or microbiology). Current guidelines for the investigation and management of IE provide detailed recommendations concerning the procurement of microbiological specimens for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, as well as the involvement of specialists in infectious medicine in multidisciplinary management. CONCLUSION: This article emphasizes the absence of recommendations for the optimal diagnosis and management of patients with INAAs. While specific research is required to create evidence-based recommendations, application of strategies to identify microorganisms and multidisciplinary team management derived from the management of IE may be both safe and appropriate for the clinical management of this highly complex and heterogeneous group.

Lymphatic Leaks of the Thigh and Inguinal Region: Combined Plastic Surgery Approaches for an Effective Treatment Algorithm.

BACKGROUND: Surgical procedures interfering with the draining nodes in the inguinal region carry the intrinsic risk of lymphatic complications. Lesions of the inguinal lymphatic network can lead to lymphocele or lymphocutaneous fistulas and can eventually be associated to limb lymphedema with consequent high morbidity. OBJECTIVES: This article describes a new surgical algorithm based on wound properties to properly address lymphatic complications of the inguinal area. Based on our experience, surgical solutions ranged from selective lymphatic vessel ligation to microsurgical lymphatic fistula treatment and free tissue transfer. METHODS: Fourteen consecutive patients underwent surgery in our department following failed attempts to address persistent lymphatic leaks. Patient characteristics such as smoking, previous surgeries, comorbidities, and wound properties were considered. Identification of the leak was performed using blue patent dye and indocyanine green fluorescence. Surgical reconstruction occurred, according to our algorithm. RESULTS: Lymphatic leaks were visualized in 11 of 14 patients. Direct closure of the wound after leak ligation could be performed in 4 of 14 patients. Multilymphatic into vein anastomosis was performed in 3 of 14 patients, and the remaining patients benefited from flap surgery based on the wound defects. All 14 patients had successful outcomes (100%) with early drain removal (average, 6 [SD, 6] days) and definitive wound healing 2 weeks postoperatively. After a mean follow-up of 12 (SD, 2.9) months, no clinical infection, lymphatic complication, or wound breakdown occurred. One patient had a partial recurrence that did not require surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: A stepwise approach, combining lymphatic surgery principles and plastic surgery flap techniques, can lead to an effective treatment algorithm where surgical options are wound tailored to guarantee the best functional outcomes.

Systematic Review of the Management of Mycotic Aortic Aneurysms.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this systematic literature review was to compile an updated overview of mycotic aortic aneurysm (MAA) treatment and outcomes. METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed using the search terms mycotic and infected aortic aneurysms in the MEDLINE and ScienceDirect databases, published between January 2000 and September 2018. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, articles were scrutinised regarding surgical technique, aortic segment involved, pre- and post-operative antibiotic regimens, survival and infection related complications (IRCs), and factors associated with adverse or favourable outcomes. RESULTS: Twenty-eight studies, with a total of 963 patients, were included. All publications were observational, retrospective studies. Patient and study heterogeneity, along with missing data, precluded meta-analyses. Overall treatment consisted of open surgical repair (OSR; n = 556 [58%]), endovascular aortic repair (EVAR; n = 373 [39%]), and medical treatment alone (n = 34 [3%]). OSR was the dominant surgical technique prior to 2010, shifting to EVAR thereafter. For MAAs located in the abdominal aorta, EVAR was associated with better short term survival than OSR. Antibiotic treatment for more than six months post-operatively was associated with better survival, but there was no consensus on the length of treatment. MAAs were complicated by IRCs in 21%, irrespective of surgical technique, of which 46%-70% were fatal. The most consistently reported factors associated with adverse outcomes were increasing age, rupture, suprarenal abdominal aneurysm location, and non-Salmonella positive culture. CONCLUSIONS: With few exceptions, the literature mainly consists of small, retrospective single centre studies. Standardised reporting is needed to increase comparability of studies. EVAR appears to be associated with superior short term survival without late disadvantages, compared with OSR. This suggests that EVAR can be an acceptable alternative to OSR. However, MAA treatment should always be tailor made and planned individually, and general recommendations are in vain. IRCs pose a significant threat to patients after MAA repair and require further investigation.

Nationwide Study on Treatment of Mycotic Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: Mycotic aortic aneurysms are rare, life threatening, and complex. This nationwide study aimed to assess outcome after repair of mycotic thoracic aortic aneurysms (MTAAs). METHODS: Patients treated in Sweden for MTAAs between 2000 and 2016 were identified in the Swedish vascular registry (2010-16) and local patient registries (2000-09). Primary outcome was survival, and secondary outcomes included surgical strategy, rate of infection related complications (IRC), and re-operations. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients (median age 71 ± 8.1 years; 28 [54%] men, 13 [25%] ruptured) were identified (3.6% of all thoracic aortic aneurysm repairs in Sweden). Aneurysm location was aortic arch (n = 6; 11%), descending aorta (n = 42; 81%), and multiple locations (n = 4; 8%). Twenty-nine (56%) patients had positive cultures; the most prevalent agent was Staphylococcus aureus (n = 16; 31%). Operative techniques included thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR; n = 35 [67%]), fenestrated/branched TEVAR (n = 8; 15%), hybrid repair (n = 7; 14%), and open patch repair (n = 2; 4%). Survival was 92% (95% confidence interval [CI] 88-96) at 30 days, 88% (95% CI 84-93) at three months, 78% (73-84) at one year, and 71% (64-77) at five years. The mean follow up among survivors (> 90 days) was 45 months (range 4-216 months). Antibiotics were administered for a median of 15 weeks (range 0-220 weeks). IRCs occurred in nine patients (17%): sepsis (n = 3), graft infection (n = 3), recurrent mycotic aneurysm (n = 1), aorto-oesophageal/bronchial fistula (n = 2). Six (67%) IRCs were fatal; 80% occurred within the first year. Re-operations were performed in nine patients (17%). CONCLUSIONS: TEVAR was often used as treatment for MTAAs, with acceptable short- and long-term survival when compared with open cohorts in the literature. IRCs are of concern and warrant follow up and long-term antibiotic treatment.