Long-Term Propensity-Matched Comparison of Fenestrated Endovascular Aneurysm Repair and Open Surgical Repair of Complex Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the long-term outcomes of patients treated with fenestrated and branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F-BEVAR) or open surgical repair (OSR) for complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (c-AAAs). Complex abdominal aortic aneurysms are defined as aneurysms that involve the renal or mesenteric arteries and extend up to the level of the celiac axis or diaphragmatic hiatus but do not extend into the thoracic aorta. This study compares with a propensity-score matching the outcome of these procedures from 2 high-volume aortic centers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with c-AAAs undergoing repair at 2 centers between January 2010 and June 2016 were included. The long-term imaging follow-up consisted in a yearly computed tomography angiography (CTA) in the F-BEVAR group. Yearly abdominal ultrasound examination and 5-year CTA were performed in the OSR group. The primary endpoints were long-term mortality, aneurysm-related mortality, and chronic renal decline (CRD), defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate reduction to <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or >20%/de novo dependence on permanent dialysis in patients with normal or abnormal preoperative renal function, respectively. Secondary endpoints included aortic-related reinterventions, target vessel occlusion, proximal aorta degeneration, access-related complications, graft infection, and the composite endpoint of clinical failure during follow-up. RESULTS: After 1:1 propensity matching, 102 consecutive patients who underwent F-BEVAR and OSR, respectively, were included. The median follow-up was 67 months. There was no significant difference in long-term overall mortality (40.2% vs 36.3%; p=0.40) and aneurysm-related mortality (6.8% vs 5.8%; p=0.30), in the F-BEVAR and OSR groups, respectively. During follow-up, late renal function decline occurred in 27 (27.8%) versus 46 patients (47.4%) in the F-BEVAR and OSR groups, respectively (p<0.01). During follow-up, 23 reinterventions (23.5%) were performed in the F-BEVAR group, and 5 (5.1%) in the OSR group (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: No differences in overall and aneurysm-related mortality were observed. Chronic renal decline was significantly higher after OSR, while the reintervention rate was higher in the F-BEVAR group. These long-term results reflect the outcomes of a complex procedure performed by a single experienced operator in 2 high-volume centers, and followed with a strict surveillance imaging follow-up. CLINICAL IMPACT: Nowadays, F-BEVAR and OSR are considered two established techniques for the treatment of c-AAA. However, long-term comparative outcomes are not well studied, and concerns may rise in terms of durability of the repair, risk of reinterventions and late chronic renal decline. The present study showed, with a median follow-up > 5 years, no differences in overall and aneurysm-related mortality. Chronic renal decline was significantly higher after OSR, while the reintervention rate was higher in the endovascular group. To achieve the best possible long-term outcomes, both techniques should be performed in high volume aortic centres, tailored to the patient, and with an adequate surveillance imaging.

Long-Term Results of Complex Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Open Repair.

This study investigated the long-term outcomes of patients treated with open surgical repair for complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (c-AAAs). A total of 119 patients with c-AAAs undergoing repair between January 2010 and June 2016 in a high-volume aortic center were included. The long-term imaging follow-up consisted of yearly abdominal ultrasound examinations and 5-year computed tomography angiography. At a median follow-up of 76 months (IQR 38 months), forty-three deaths (37%) and three (2.5%) aortic-related deaths were observed. Long-term chronic renal decline was observed in fifty (43.8%) patients, significantly correlated with post-operative acute kidney injury. During the follow-up, five reinterventions (4.3%) were performed. The present study suggests that open c-AAA repair can be performed with acceptable operative risk with durable results. To achieve the best possible long-term outcome, the open surgery repair of complex AAA should be performed in high-volume aortic centers and tailored to the patient.

Development and validation of an improved classification and risk stratification system for carotid body tumors: Multinational collaborative cohort study.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to develop and validate a new classification system that better predicts combined risk of neurological and neurovascular complications following CBT surgery, crucial for treatment decision-making. METHODS: Multinational retrospective cohort study with 199 consecutive cases. A cohort of 132 CBT cases was used to develop the new classification. To undertake external validation, assessment was made between the actual complication rate and predicted risk by the model on an independent cohort (n = 67). RESULTS: Univariate analyses showed statistically significant associations between developing a complication and the following factors: craniocaudal dimension, volume, Shamblin classification, and Mehanna types. In the multivariate prognostic model, only Mehanna type remained as a significant risk predictor. The risk of developing complications increases with increasing Mehanna type. CONCLUSIONS: We have developed and then validated a new classification and risk stratification system for CBTs, which demonstrated better prognostic power for the risk of developing neurovascular complications after surgery.

Pre-operative direct puncture embolization of head and neck hypervascular tumors using SQUID 12.

OBJECTIVE: The authors have evaluated their experience in pre-operative direct puncture embolization of hypervascular tumors of the head and neck using SQUID 12, an embolic liquid agent. METHODS: Between July 2016 and March 2019, the authors retrospectively reviewed clinical, embolization and surgical data of 11 consecutive patients with 12 hypervascular head and neck tumors who had undergone pre-operative embolization using SQUID 12. Percutaneous embolizations were performed by inserting a 19-22 Gauge needle directly into the tumor under ultrasound, fluoroscopic and/or endoscopic guidance. The hub of the needle was connected to a 15-cm DMSO-compatible extension tube, and the SQUID 12 was injected. RESULTS: Total or near-total devascularization was achieved in 11 over 12 cases. Complete en-bloc tumor removal by surgery was achieved in all cases. Only one patient required blood transfusion. No major periprocedural adverse events were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Direct puncture embolization of hypervascular tumors of the head and neck using SQUID 12 seems to be safe and effective. It may offer almost complete devascularization due to homogenous, deep penetration in the tumor, with optimal visibility of the agent throughout the percutaneous procedure. It may reduce intraoperative blood loss and the need for transfusion, thus facilitating complete surgical resection.

Controversial results of the Revised Cardiac Risk Index in elective open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms: Retrospective analysis on a continuous series of 899 cases.

BACKGROUND: Low reliability of Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI) in predicting major cardiac events (MACE) among Vascular Surgery patients emerged in recent literature, suggesting procedure-specific risk evaluation - particularly in major surgery. METHODS-RESULTS: Comorbidities, perioperative variables, RCRI and MACE were retrospectively analyzed in a consecutive series of 899 elective open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repairs performed at our Institution. Possible MACE predictors were studied through univariate/multivariable analysis (logistic regression, MVRE) and stepwise-backward elimination/odds ratio (MVR-SBE/OR). Patients were divided by clampsite in 2 subgroups: 1. infrarenal (690 cases); 2. pararenal (209 cases). RCRI resulted predictive for MACE in the whole dataset but its performance resulted lower for pararenal aneurysms (p = 0.11) than for infrarenal ones (p ≤ 0.00). Among RCRI covariates of the whole cohort, dilated cardiomyopathy (p ≤ 0.001), ischemic cardiopathy (p ≤ 0.01) and cerebrovascular disease (p ≤ 0.02) resulted predictive. Peripheral arteriopathy also related to MACE (p ≤ 0.03). At MVR-SBE/OR analysis, the following resulted to be MACE predictors: dilated cardiomyopathy (p ≤ 0.001), cerebrovascular disease (p ≤ 0.02), and surgical access (p = 0.04) in subgroup 1; previous myocardial infarction (p ≤ 0.01), congestive failure (p ≤ 0.03) and chronic pneumopathy (p = 0.04) in subgroup 2. CONCLUSIONS: Predictability of RCRI in elective AAA surgery is influenced by clampsite and resulted to be lower in aneurysms requiring suprarenal clamping. Variables included in the RCRI show to have different weights when patients are stratified by clampsite. Some variables not included in the RCRI model significantly affect the onset of MACE. RCRI should be revised to elaborate a specific score for AAAs including further MACE predictors, to improve risk assessment and to support proper surgical strategy.

A propensity-matched comparison of fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair and open surgical repair of pararenal and paravisceral aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the outcomes of a current series of patients treated with fenestrated and branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F-BEVAR) or open surgical repair (OSR) for pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (pr-AAAs), including juxtarenal, suprarenal, and type IV thoracoabdominal aneurysms. This study compares the outcomes of these procedures from two high-volume centers without the bias induced by a learning curve. METHODS: All patients with pr-AAAs undergoing repair at two centers between January 2010 and June 2016 were included in a prospective database. Patients undergoing F-BEVAR and OSR were propensity matched for age, sex, anatomic criteria (aortic clamp site), coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, smoking, chronic kidney disease, aneurysm diameter, and previous aortic surgery. The primary end points were mortality and dialysis. Secondary end points included any myocardial ischemia, respiratory and early procedural complications, acute kidney injury (AKI) according to RIFLE criteria (Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss of kidney function, and End-stage renal failure), spinal cord ischemia, a composite of these complications, and postoperative intensive care unit length of stay. During follow-up, all-cause survival and freedom from reintervention were compared, as was the patency of stented vessels and renal and visceral bypasses. Late renal function deterioration was evaluated. RESULTS: In this period, 157 F-BEVAR patients and 119 OSR patients were operated on. After 1:1 propensity matching, the study cohort consisted of 102 F-BEVARs and 102 OSRs. In the matched population, an average of 2.5 vessels were treated per patient. Univariate analysis demonstrated no significant difference in 30-day mortality (2.9% vs 2.0%; P = .68), dialysis (4.9% vs 3.9%; P = 1), cardiac ischemic complications (3.8% vs 5.9%; P = .52), pulmonary complications (5.9% vs 5.9%; P = 1), or any complications (28.4% vs 30.4%; P = .63) in the F-BEVAR and OSR groups, respectively. AKI was significantly lower in the F-BEVAR group than in the OSR group (19.6% vs 52%; P < .001), as was severe AKI (>50% decrease in glomerular filtration rate, 6.9% vs 16.7%; P = .03). There was no spinal cord ischemia. The median intensive care unit length of stay was 1 day in both groups (P = .33). During follow-up, we found occlusions of five stented vessels and three surgical bypasses. Late renal function deterioration was comparable between the two groups. According to Kaplan-Meier estimates, all-cause survival at 24, 48, and 72 months was 85.6%, 66.8%, and 55.8% after F-BEVAR and 90.5%, 82.9%, and 68.5% after OSR (P = .04). Rates of freedom from reintervention were 97.6% vs 97.5% at 24 months, 90.1% vs 93.4% at 48 months, and 63.9% vs 93.4% at 72 months in the F-BEVAR and OSR groups (P = .05), respectively. Thus, both all-cause survival and freedom from reintervention were lower in the F-BEVAR group. CONCLUSIONS: This propensity score analysis in patients with pr-AAA undergoing F-BEVAR or OSR suggests no difference in terms of 30-day mortality, dialysis, or organ-specific postoperative complications, with the exception of AKI. Postoperative AKI was significantly higher after OSR, although most patients had recovered before discharge. Our data suggest similar outcomes after F-BEVAR or OSR for pr-AAA.

Lectin Pathway of Complement Activation Is Associated with Vulnerability of Atherosclerotic Plaques.

Inflammatory mechanisms may be involved in atherosclerotic plaque rupture. By using a novel histology-based method to quantify plaque instability here, we assess whether lectin pathway (LP) of complement activation, a major inflammation arm, could represent an index of plaque instability. Plaques from 42 consecutive patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and the lipid core, cholesterol clefts, hemorrhagic content, thickness of tunica media, and intima, including or not infiltration of cellular debris and cholesterol, were determined. The presence of ficolin-1, -2, and -3 and mannose-binding lectin (MBL), LP initiators, was assessed in the plaques by immunofluorescence and in plasma by ELISA. LP activation was assessed in plasma by functional in vitro assays. Patients presenting low stenosis (≤75%) had higher hemorrhagic content than those with high stenosis (>75%), indicating increased erosion. Increased hemorrhagic content and tunica media thickness, as well as decreased lipid core and infiltrated content were associated with vulnerable plaques and therefore used to establish a plaque vulnerability score that allowed to classify patients according to plaque vulnerability. Ficolins and MBL were found both in plaques' necrotic core and tunica media. Patients with vulnerable plaques showed decreased plasma levels and intraplaque deposition of ficolin-2. Symptomatic patients experiencing a transient ischemic attack had lower plasma levels of ficolin-1. We show that the LP initiators are present within the plaques and their circulating levels change in atherosclerotic patients. In particular, we show that decreased ficolin-2 levels are associated with rupture-prone vulnerable plaques, indicating its potential use as marker for cardiovascular risk assessment in atherosclerotic patients.

Results after elective open repair of pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: This study presents a retrospective analysis of long-term outcomes and factors influencing early and late results of a 20-year experience with open repair of atherosclerotic pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (PAAAs). METHODS: Records of consecutive patients who underwent open repair of PAAA between 1990 and 2010 at a tertiary referral care center were analyzed for demographics, comorbidities, operative variables, complications, and 30-day mortality. Long-term results were also assessed through a local electronic medical database and direct follow-up. Variables influencing early and late results were evaluated by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, stepwise backward elimination, and Cox proportional hazard regression. RESULTS: The study included 200 patients (94% men; mean age, 69.5 years) who were monitored for a mean of 107.3 months. The aneurysm was juxtarenal in 78% of patients, suprarenal in 19.5%, and type IV thoracoabdominal in 2.5%. Mortality at 30 days was 2.5%. At least one major complication occurred in 51.5%. Postoperative acute renal failure (pARF) occurred in 11% of the patients, 3% had temporary hemodialysis, but only 0.5% required chronic hemodialysis. pARF was significantly related to preoperative renal function (P = .009), visceral ischemia >30 minutes (P = .05), and supraceliac or supramesenteric clamp site (P = .005). Respiratory complications (13.8%) were associated with an increasing stage of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P = .020), proximal clamp site (P = .047), and intraoperatively infused crystalloids (P = .014). Cardiac complications (12.8%) were related to previous myocardial infarction (P = .031) and proximal clamp site (P = .003). Late deaths were observed in 21.5%. Mean survival was 50 months, with Kaplan-Meier survival estimates of 78% at 5 years and 60.5% at 10 years. Variables influencing long-term survival included age (hazard ratio [HR], 2.67; P = .01), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease stage 2 (HR, 5.14; P = .01) and stage 3 (HR, 4.54; P = .03), postoperative cardiac complication (HR, 3.93; P ≤ .00), previous myocardial infarction (HR, 1.47; P = .02), peripheral artery disease (HR, 1.97; P = .03), and smoking (HR, 1.17; P = .02). Survival and late-onset renal insufficiency were unaffected by preoperative renal function. Late renal failure was observed in 6.2% of the patients but did not predict mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Conventional surgical repair of PAAAs can be performed with acceptable short-term and long-term mortality. Although pARF is frequent, chronic hemodialysis at discharge is rare. Cardiac and respiratory complications are also common and associated with worse survival. Our data represent a potentially useful benchmark for complex endovascular repairs of this type of aneurysm.

Increased FGF23 serum level is associated with unstable carotid plaque in type 2 diabetic subjects with internal carotid stenosis.

BACKGROUND: The object of this study was to investigate the potential role of FGF23 on plaque stability in type 2 diabetic patients with internal carotid artery stenosis. METHODS: In this retrospective observational study, we analyzed FGF23 serum level in 361 type 2 diabetic patients with internal carotid artery stenosis undergoing carotid endarterectomy and in 598 diabetic controls without carotid atherosclerosis. RESULTS: We found that FGF23 median serum levels was significantly higher in patients than in diabetic controls [67.7 (59.5-77.8) pg/mL and 43.89 (37.5-50.4), P < 0.001] and was significantly and independently associated with unstable plaque in patients with internal carotid artery stenosis [OR, 5,71 (95% CI, 2.09-15.29]. CONCLUSIONS: We have found, for the first time, that FGF23 could be associated with unstable plaque in type 2 diabetic patients with internal carotid artery stenosis.

Cutting Balloon Angioplasty in the Treatment of Short Infrapopliteal Bifurcation Disease.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of cutting balloon angioplasty in the management of infrapopliteal bifurcation disease. METHODS: Between November 2010 and March 2013, 23 patients (mean age 69.6±9.01 years, range 56-89; 16 men) suffering from critical limb ischemia were treated using cutting balloon angioplasty (single cutting balloon, T-shaped double cutting balloon, or double kissing cutting balloon technique) for 47 infrapopliteal artery bifurcation lesions (16 popliteal bifurcation and 9 tibioperoneal bifurcation) in 25 limbs. Follow-up consisted of clinical examination and duplex ultrasonography at 1 month and every 3 months thereafter. RESULTS: All treatments were technically successful. No 30-day death or adverse events needing treatment were registered. No flow-limiting dissection was observed, so no stent implantation was necessary. The mean postprocedure minimum lumen diameter and acute gain were 0.28±0.04 and 0.20±0.06 cm, respectively, with a residual stenosis of 0.04±0.02 cm. Primary and secondary patency rates were estimated as 89.3% and 93.5% at 6 months and 77.7% and 88.8% at 12 months, respectively; 1-year primary and secondary patency rates of the treated bifurcation were 74.2% and 87.0%, respectively. The survival rate estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis was 82.5% at 1 year. CONCLUSION: Cutting balloon angioplasty seems to be a safe and effective tool in the routine treatment of short/ostial infrapopliteal bifurcation lesions, avoiding procedure-related complications, overcoming the limitations of conventional angioplasty, and improving the outcome of catheter-based therapy.

The role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in visualizing atherosclerotic carotid plaque vulnerability: which injection protocol? Which scanning technique?

PURPOSE: To correlate the degree of plaque vulnerability as determined by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with histological findings. Secondary objectives were to optimize the CEUS acquisition technique and image evaluation methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients, either symptomatic and asymptomatic referring to our department in order to perform carotid endarterectomy (TEA), were enrolled. Each patient provided informed consent before undergoing CEUS. Ultrasound examination was performed using high-frequency (8-14 MHz) linear probe and a non-linear pulse inversion technique (mechanical index: 0.09-1.3). A double contrast media injection (Sonovue, 2 mL and 4 mL; Bracco, Italy) was performed. Two videotapes were recorded for every injection: early "dynamic" phase and late "flash" phase, performed with 6 high mechanical index impulses. Movies were quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation were statistically compared to immunohistological diagnosis of vulnerable plaque, considered as gold standard. RESULTS: Qualitative CEUS evaluation obtained high statistical results when compared to immunohistological results, with values of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and diagnostic accuracy of 94%, 68%, 87%, 85% and 86%, respectively, which became higher if considering only asymptomatic patient, with a NPV of 91%. Nevertheless, quantitative software evaluation proved less effective and could not reach similar results. CONCLUSION: Carotid plaque enhancement assessed with CEUS well correlates with histological assessment of plaque instability. CEUS may provide valuable information for plaque risk stratification and may play a role in the indication to treatment of patients with carotid stenoses, particularly in asymptomatic population.

Identification of a potential proinflammatory genetic profile influencing carotid plaque vulnerability.

OBJECTIVE: Atherosclerosis and vascular remodeling after injury are driven by inflammation and mononuclear cell infiltration. Unstable atherosclerotic plaques are characterized by a large necrotic core. In this study we investigated the distribution and interaction between gene polymorphisms encoding proinflammatory molecules in an Italian population with internal carotid artery stenosis (ICAS). We also evaluated whether reciprocal interaction between these gene polymorphisms increased the risk of plaque vulnerability. METHODS: In this genetic association study, 11 proinflammatory gene polymorphisms were analyzed in 933 individuals comprising 344 patients with ICAS who underwent carotid endarterectomy and 589 controls without ultrasound evidence of atherosclerosis or intimal thickening. RESULTS: We found that interleukin (IL) 6 (IL-6), IL-1ß, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (CCL2) macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (CCL3), E-selectin (SELE), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1), and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), and 9 (MMP-9) gene variants were independently and significantly associated with ICAS. The association remained significant even after the Bonferroni correction. We also found a genetic profile associated with different risks for ICAS, depending on the number of high-risk genotypes simultaneously present in an individual. Furthermore, proinflammatory genetic profiles are significantly more common in individuals with unstable carotid plaque. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows, for the first time, a reciprocal interaction between proinflammatory genotypes for the development and progression of ICAS.

Management and timing of access-site vascular complications occurring after trans-radial percutaneous coronary procedures.

BACKGROUND: Access-site vascular complications (ASVC) in patients undergoing trans-radial coronary procedures are rare but may have relevant clinical consequences. Data regarding the optimal management of radial-access-related ASVC are lacking. METHODS: During a period of 6 years we prospectively collected ASVC. ASVC were defined as any complication requiring ultrasound examination or upper limb angiography. ASVC were categorized according to the timing of diagnosis: "very early" (in the cath lab), "early" (after cath lab discharge, but during the hospital stay) and "late" (after hospital discharge). The need of surgery (primary end-point) and the development of neurological hand deficit (secondary end-point) were assessed. RESULTS: Fifty-seven radial-artery related ASVC were collected. ASVC diagnosis was obtained by upper limb angiography in 25 patients (44%) and by Doppler in 32 patients (56%). Surgery was required in 6 cases (11%), the remaining patients receiving successful conservative management (which included prolonged local compression). Three patients (who received surgery) exhibited a mild neurological hand deficit in the follow-up. Need for surgery differed significantly according to timing of diagnosis as it occurred in 1 of 26 patients (3.8%) with "very early" diagnosis, in 1 of 21 patients (4.8%) with "early" diagnosis, and in 4 of 10 patients (40%) with "late" diagnosis (p=0.026). CONCLUSIONS: ASVC are diagnosed with different timing after trans-radial procedures. Conservative management including local compression allows successful management in the majority of ASVC. Prompt recognition is pivotal as late diagnosis is associated to the need for surgery.

Differences in microparticle release in patients with acute coronary syndrome and stable angina.

BACKGROUND: Microparticles (MP) are vesicles released from activated or apoptotic cells. Endothelial MP (EMP) are derived from injured endothelium, platelet MP (PMP) from activated platelets, and Annexin V positive MP (AMP) from apoptotic endothelial cells. The aim was to assess the release of MP and its association with inflammation and atherosclerotic burden. METHODS AND RESULTS: AMP, EMP and PMP were measured on admission (Day 0) in 33 patients with stable angina (SA) and 43 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). In SA, peripheral artery disease (PAD) was assessed by ultrasound examination. In 30 of the 76 patients (20 ACS and 10 SA), MP, high-sensitivity-C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and troponin T (TnT) levels were also assessed 24h (Day 1) and 48 h (Day 2) after PCI. AMP, EMP, and PMP were higher in ACS than in SA (all P<0.01). In the SA group, AMP, PMP, and EMP were similar in patients with or without PAD. In the ACS group, AMP increased until Day 2 (P=0.001), while EMP and PMP peaked on Day 1 (P<0.01) then decreased to baseline values. Day 2 AMP correlated with Day 2 TnT levels (r=0.43, P=0.01) while Day 1 EMP and PMP correlated with Day 1 hs-CRP (r=0.37, P=0.04 and r=0.33, P=0.05; respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Higher MP levels were observed in ACS than in SA. Atherosclerotic burden did not affect MP levels in stable patients.

Low-dose multidetector CT angiography in the evaluation of infrarenal aorta and peripheral arterial occlusive disease.

PURPOSE: To investigate the ionizing radiation dose, image quality, and diagnostic performance of computed tomographic (CT) angiography of the peripheral arteries with three different CT angiographic acquisition protocols, with use of pretreatment digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as the reference standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was approved by the institutional review board and performed in agreement with the 1990 Declaration of Helsinki and subsequent amendments. Each patient provided informed consent before undergoing CT. The authors performed a prospective, single-center, randomized comparison of three different x-ray exposure CT acquisition protocols in 60 randomized patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease referred for 64-section multidetector CT angiography of the lower limb (0.625-mm collimation, intravenous administration of 100 mL of iomeprol [400 mg iodine per milliliter] at 4 mL/sec). The acquisition protocols were performed with (a) 120 kVp and a noise index of 26 (moderate noise reduction [MNR]), referred to as the 120-kVp MNR group; (b) 80 kVp and a noise index of 26, referred to as the 80-kVp MNR group; and (c) 80 kVp and a noise index of 30 (high noise reduction [HNR]), referred to as the 80-kVp HNR group. Axial and three-dimensional (3D) images were qualitatively and quantitatively compared by using the overall F test and pairwise comparisons. The X(2) test was used to compare the three protocols in terms of diagnostic performance in patients who also underwent DSA before an interventional procedure. RESULTS: Significantly higher attenuation values were obtained in the vessels with the 80-kVp MNR and 80-kVp HNR acquisition protocols. No significant differences were noted in terms of image quality with either axial source images or 3D reconstructions. Likewise, no significant differences were found among the three protocols in terms of noise throughout the peripheral vasculature. Finally, no significant differences were found among the three groups with regard to diagnostic performance. Overall dose reductions of 48% and 61% were obtained for the 80-kVp MNR and 80-kVp HNR protocols, respectively. CONCLUSION: Substantial reductions of radiation dose are achievable at multidetector CT angiography of the peripheral arteries without compromising image quality and diagnostic performance if acquisition protocols are modified appropriately and used in conjunction with a contrast material containing a high concentration of iodine.

Assessment of the genetic effects of polymorphisms in the osteoprotegerin gene, TNFRSF11B, on serum osteoprotegerin levels and carotid plaque vulnerability.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a secretory glycoprotein which belongs to the tumor necrosis factor receptor family. Various mechanisms have been suggested by which calcification might alter atherosclerotic plaque stability, but the significance of this intimal calcification is controversial. High concentrations of OPG have been associated with the presence of vascular and cardiovascular diseases. This study was designed to assess the association between gene polymorphisms of the OPG gene (TNFRSF11B), the serum OPG level, and plaque stability in patients with carotid atherosclerosis. METHODS: We studied 177 patients with internal carotid artery stenosis who underwent carotid endarterectomy and also 303 controls. Carotid endarterectomy samples removed from patients were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Concentrations of OPG were measured and gene polymorphisms were examined by polymerase chain reaction and restriction enzyme analysis and were compared, initially between patients with carotid atherosclerosis and controls, and subsequently between stable and unstable carotid plaques. RESULTS: We found that the GG genotype of the T245G polymorphism, the CC genotype of the T950C polymorphism, and the CC genotype of the G1181C polymorphism were significantly higher in patients with carotid plaque than in controls (21.5% versus 10.9% , P<0.01; 15.8% versus 7.6%, P<0.01; and 20.3% versus 10.9%, P<0.01, respectively) and that these polymorphisms were associated with high serum OPG levels (4.02 [3.07] versus 2.94 [1.81] pmol/L; P<0.01), which were significantly higher in patients with unstable atherosclerotic plaques (5.86 [4.02] versus 3.53 [1.87] pmol/L; P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The TNFRSF11B gene polymorphisms studied are associated with high serum OPG levels and might be potential markers for plaque instability.

CT angiography in stent-graft sizing: impact of using inner vs. outer wall measurements of aortic neck diameters.

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of using inner wall vs. outer wall measurements on stent-graft sizing for endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). METHODS: Preoperative static and electrocardiographically-gated 64-slice computed tomographic angiography (CTA) datasets were acquired on 40 consecutive AAA patients (29 men; mean age 78.9 ± 6 years, range 75-89). On static images, the aortic neck diameters were manually measured twice by 2 readers at 3 clinically relevant levels (supra-, juxta-, and infrarenal). The measurements were obtained from intima-to-intima (inner wall) and from adventitia-to-adventitia (outer wall). Dynamically reconstructed scans were also reviewed in each phase of the cardiac cycle to identify inner and outer minimum/maximum diameters. Using inner and outer wall measurements performed on static images, readers selected the size of a stent-graft that required inner neck diameter measurements and then one that required outer wall diameters. To calculate the relative oversizing, each selected stent-graft size was compared to that obtained using dynamic measurements. Oversizing <4% or >30% was considered inadequate. RESULTS: Mean variations for the inner and outer wall diameters of 9.75% ± 4.01% and 8.66% ± 3.71%, respectively, were recorded on static CTAs; the absolute changes in diameters were 1.82 ± 0.63 mm and 1.91 ± 0.64 mm, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found relative to aortic pulsatility at the 3 levels in the neck for the inner or outer wall diameters. Significant variability was seen between inner (mean 20.8 ± 3.4 mm) vs. outer (mean 23.7 ± 4.3 mm; p < 0.05) wall diameters. Stent-graft sizes significantly changed on the basis of the measurement method and device; for example, using the outer diameter to size a stent-graft that requires an inner diameter reference changed 36% of the selected stent-graft sizes, with ~20% being excessively oversized. Conversely, using the inner diameter to size an outer-diameter-based stent-graft resulted in nearly 40% of the sizes being altered. Based on dynamic measurements, the changes were more dramatic: the oversizing was considered excessive in up to 90% of patients if the measurement method did not match the stent-graft's stipulated reference. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that stent-graft sizing should follow the manufacturer's recommendations for using inner or outer diameter references based on dynamic patterns (mean value between diastolic and systolic diameters suggested).

Proximal aneurysmal neck: dynamic ECG-gated CT angiography--conformational pulsatile changes with possible consequences for endograft sizing.

PURPOSE: To assess the magnitude of variations in size of the proximal neck of the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in patients selected to undergo endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) and the potential effect on choice of endograft diameter by using 64-section dynamic electrocardiographically (ECG)-gated computed tomographic (CT) angiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective single-center study was performed in 40 patients with AAA who underwent both static and dynamic ECG-gated CT angiography. The ethical conduct of the study was approved by the departmental review board, and all patients provided written informed consent. Dynamic ECG-gated data sets were acquired with a low-dose acquisition protocol (100 kV) by using a 0.625-mm-section collimation (40 mL iomeprol [400 mg of iodine per milliliter] versus 80 mL). Pulsatility measurements were taken at suprarenal, juxtarenal, and infrarenal levels within the aneurysmal neck. Manual CT angiographic measurements were performed on modified axial images. On static axial images, one vascular surgeon and one interventional radiologist selected the diameter of the main body of the potential infrarenal stent-graft to implant. The diameter of the main body of the stent-graft selected was compared with the dynamic measurements obtained to calculate the potential relative oversizing performed. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients were enrolled. Significant aortic pulsatility was demonstrated within the aneurysmal neck (mean variation, 9.01% ± 4.81 [standard deviation]; absolute change, 1.83 mm ± 1.01; P < .05). When compared with dynamic measurements, the diameter of the endograft selected on the basis of static images would be potentially changed in 12 of 40 (30%) patients. Comparing the minimum or maximum diameter of the aneurysmal neck with the diameter of the endograft selected on the basis of static images, the relative oversizing performed was considered inadequate in seven of 40 (18%) patients. CONCLUSION: Dynamic ECG-gated CT may provide information in regard to pulsatile motion that could change the diameter of the endograft selected on the basis of static imaging measurements.

The Pruitt-Inahara carotid shunt as an assisting tool to anastomose the arterial free flap pedicle to the internal carotid artery in the vessel-depleted neck.

Microvascular free tissue transfer in head and neck reconstruction requires suitable recipient vessels which are frequently compromised by prior surgery or radiotherapy to the neck. This article details a new technique of arterial free flap pedicle anastomosis to the internal carotid artery in a vessel-depleted neck. A 63-year-old female was referred because of recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, which involved the left-sided tongue base and pharynx with circumferential involvement of the homolateral external carotid artery. This artery and its branches were excluded as potential recipients. To close the defect after tumor excision, a free vertical rectus abdominis muscle arterial flap pedicle was anastomosed to the homolateral internal carotid artery with the help of a Pruitt-Inahara outlying carotid shunt. The venous anastomosis was performed to the internal jugular vein. The VRAM flap survived without complications. This procedure is to be considered an alternative rescue technique for salvage reconstruction in vessel depleted necks.

Infections of the aorta and iliac arteries. Report of 20 years experience in a single centre.

AIM: Retrospective review of aorto-iliac infections in a single vascular surgery center. METHODS: From a retrospective review of their experience in the last 20 years, the Authors analyze a series of 12 cases of aorto-iliac infection. Prognostic factors, surgical options and results are discussed and compared with the literature. RESULTS: Infections of the aorta eventually associated with aneurysmal degeneration are uncommon (less than 3% of all aortic aneurysms) but still a life-threatening condition with high hospital mortality (25%). No statistical evaluation can be drawn from small series; however, early results are apparently influenced by emergency surgery and comorbidities affecting the immune response; in-situ reconstruction is associated with better long-term results (patency 100%, recurrent infection 0%). CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, in situ aortic grafting reconstruction associated with proper antibiotic therapy obtained satisfactory results in terms of mortality and long-term survival Endovascular treatment can be adopted in critical patients with prohibitive surgical risk.