Metamaterial design for aortic aneurysm simulation using 3D printing.

INTRODUCTION: The use of three-dimensional (3D) printed anatomic models is steadily increasing in research and as a tool for clinical decision-making. The mechanical properties of polymers and metamaterials were investigated to evaluate their application in mimicking the biomechanics of the aortic vessel wall. METHODOLOGY: Uniaxial tensile tests were performed to determine the elastic modulus, mechanical stress, and strain of 3D printed samples. We used a combination of materials, designed to mimic biological tissues' properties, the rigid VeroTM family, and the flexible Agilus30™. Metamaterials were designed by tessellating unit cells that were used as lattice-reinforcement to tune their mechanical properties. The lattice-reinforcements were based on two groups of patterns, mainly responding to the movement between links/threads (chain and knitted) or to deformation (origami and diamond crystal). The mechanical properties of the printed materials were compared with the characteristics of healthy and aneurysmal aortas. RESULTS: Uniaxial tensile tests showed that the use of a lattice-reinforcement increased rigidity and may increase the maximum stress generated. The pattern and material of the lattice-reinforcement may increase or reduce the strain at maximum stress, which is also affected by the base material used. Printed samples showed max stress ranging from 0.39 ± 0.01 MPa to 0.88 ± 0.02 MPa, and strain at max stress ranging from 70.44 ± 0.86% to 158.21 ± 8.99%. An example of an application was created by inserting a metamaterial designed as a lattice-reinforcement on a model of the aorta to simulate an abdominal aortic aneurysm. CONCLUSION: The maximum stresses obtained with the printed models were similar to those of aortic tissue reported in the literature, despite the fact that the models did not perfectly reproduce the biological tissue behavior.

Mortality risk and burden of aortic aneurysm and dissection attributable to low temperatures: A nationwide case-crossover analysis in Brazil, a predominantly tropical country.

BACKGROUND: Low temperatures are adverse contributors to cardiovascular diseases, but the associations between short-term exposure to cold and the risk of death from aortic dissection and aneurysm remain unclear, particularly in tropical regions. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted based on 123,951 records of deaths caused by aortic dissection and aneurysms extracted from the national Mortality Information System in Brazil between 2000 and 2019. METHODS: Relative risks and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) for the aortic-related deaths associated with low ambient temperatures were estimated using the conditional logistic model combined with the distributed lag nonlinear model. Subgroup analyses were performed by age group, sex, race, education level, and residential region. Furthermore, this study calculated the number and fraction of aortic-related deaths attributed to temperatures below the temperature threshold to quantify the cold-related mortality burden of aortic diseases. RESULTS: During the study period, aortic-related deaths and mortality rates in Brazil exhibited a steady increase, rising from 4419 (2.66/100,000) in 2000 to 8152 (3.88/100,000) in 2019. Under the identified temperature threshold (26 °C), per 1 °C decrease in daily mean temperature was associated with a 4.77 % (95 % CI: 4.35, 5.19) increase in mortality risk of aortic-related diseases over lag 0-3 days. Females, individuals aged 50 years or older, Asian and Black race, and northern residents were more susceptible to low temperatures. Low temperatures were responsible for 19.10 % (95 % CI: 17.71, 20.45) of aortic-related deaths in Brazil. CONCLUSION: This study highlights that low temperatures were associated with an increased risk of aortic-related deaths, with a remarkable burden even in this predominantly tropical country.

Resection of Mycotic Iliac Artery Aneurysm with Extra-Anatomic Bypass: An Alternative to Aneurysmorrhaphy in Difficult Situations.

Mycotic aneurysms of the iliac and other large arteries are rare and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Treatment of mycotic aneurysms usually requires modification of the surgical technique done for cases of degenerative or atherosclerotic aneurysms. Degenerative and atherosclerotic fusiform aneurysms are usually managed with aneurysmorrhaphy using a prosthetic graft, which however is not ideal for mycotic aneurysms. Avoidance of prosthetic material at the site of mycotic aneurysm is a better option with higher chances of resolution of infection and favorable patient outcome.

Acute global testicular infarction: A rare and important complication after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Testicular ischemia is one of the most rarely reported complications of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). Although the pathogenesis remains unclear, thromboembolic events in the setting of testicular artery origin occlusion by the stent graft and poor baseline collateral testicular circulation are presumed causes. A 73-year-old man developed acute right testicular infarction 3 days after EVAR, requiring orchiectomy. This case emphasizes the importance of recognizing and evaluating testicular pain after EVAR and counseling patients on this possible EVAR complication.

Explantador de Cabrera: un nuevo dispositivo para explantar endoprótesis aórticas después de reparo endovascular de aneurisma de aorta, un estudio experimental ex vivo / Cabrera explanter: a new device to explant aortic stents after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair, an ex vivo experimental study

Introducción. Las complicaciones posteriores a la reparación endovascular de aneurisma (EVAR) pueden resolverse con técnicas endovasculares. Sin embargo, cuando está indicada, la explantación de una endoprótesis es un procedimiento complejo, que se asocia a lesiones vasculares o viscerales, con alta morbimortalidad, en pacientes con edad avanzada y múltiples comorbilidades, y por lo tanto, alto riesgo quirúrgico. No existen dispositivos producidos por la industria para explantar las endoprótesis aórticas, por lo que el objetivo de este trabajo fue desarrollar un dispositivo para la explantación de endoprótesis aórticas. Métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio experimental, en fase preclínica, para desarrollar un dispositivo para la explantación de endoprótesis aórticas, con pruebas en modelos 3D y en un modelo animal porcino cadavérico. Resultados. Es factible desarrollar un modelo experimental de un nuevo dispositivo para explantar endoprótesis aórticas, denominado explantador de Cabrera, y comprobar su funcionamiento en un modelo animal cadavérico. El uso del explantador de Cabrera limitó el daño de la pared aórtica por parte de la endoprótesis en un 100 % al momento de su explantación en un modelo experimental ex vivo. Conclusión. Usando una jeringa septo, el explantador de Cabrera es superior a la técnica estándar de explantación de una endoprótesis al limitar la lesión de la pared aórtica, al colapsar y liberar los ganchos de fijación suprarrenal de forma controlada y segura al interior de la luz aórtica y, posteriormente, extraerla de forma rápida y efectiva, conservando la mayor cantidad de aorta sana para la posterior reconstrucción aorto-ilíaca.

Introduction. Complications after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) can be resolved with endovascular techniques; however, when indicated, stent explantation is a complex procedure, which is associated with vascular or visceral injuries, with high morbidity and mortality in patients, with advanced age and multiple comorbidities, and therefore high surgical risk. There are no devices produced by the industry to explant aortic endoprostheses, so the objective of this work was to develop a device for the explantation of aortic endoprostheses. Methods. An experimental study was carried out, in the preclinical phase, to develop a device for the explantation of aortic endoprostheses, with tests in 3D models and in a cadaveric porcine animal model. Results. It is feasible to develop an experimental model of a new device for explanting aortic endoprostheses, called Cabrera explanter, and verify its operation in a cadaveric animal model. The use of the Cabrera explanter limited damage to the aortic wall by the endoprosthesis by 100% at the time of explantation in an ex vivo experimental model. Conclusions. Using a septum syringe, the Cabrera explanter is superior to the standard stent explantation technique by limiting injury to the aortic wall, collapsing and releasing the adrenal fixation hooks in a controlled and safe manner into the aortic lumen, and subsequently, extract it quickly and effectively, preserving the greatest amount of healthy aorta for the subsequent aorto-iliac reconstruction.

Un caso complejo de isquemia mesentérica crónica: Reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / A complex case of chronic mesenteric ischemia: Case report and literature review

Introducción. La isquemia mesentérica crónica es una entidad infrecuente, con una prevalencia de 0,03 %, donde más del 90 % son debidas a enfermedad arterioesclerótica que compromete principalmente la arteria mesentérica superior. Sus síntomas son dolor abdominal crónico y pérdida de peso, asociado a alteraciones imagenológicas que hacen el diagnóstico. El tratamiento depende de las condiciones clínicas del paciente y el número de vasos comprometidos. Es claro que la enfermedad multivaso sintomática requiere revascularización. Caso clínico. Mujer de 67 años, fumadora activa con antecedentes de hipertensión arterial y dislipidemia, con cuadro de crisis hipertensiva tipo urgencia que requirió manejo en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos. Se hizo diagnóstico de aneurisma toracoabdominal Crawford IV, oclusión aorto-ilíaca (TASC D) y oclusión crónica del tronco celíaco y la arteria mesentérica superior. Por los síntomas de isquemia mesentérica crónica fue llevada a tratamiento quirúrgico con baipás aorto-bifemoral más baipás retrógrado a la arteria mesentérica superior por vía abierta. Resultado. La paciente tuvo mejoría de la sintomatología y aumentó 13 % del peso al seguimiento a los 3 meses. Conclusión. La isquemia mesentérica crónica es una condición subdiagnosticada, marcador de riesgo cardiovascular, con alta carga de morbilidad y mortalidad, en la cual, con una identificación temprana se puede ofrecer una terapia de revascularización, sea por vía endovascular o abierta, con el fin de mejorar la calidad de vida y la ganancia de peso, y evitar la necrosis intestinal.

Introduction. Chronic mesenteric ischemia is a rare entity, with a prevalence of 0.03%, where more than 90% are due to arteriosclerotic disease that mainly affects the superior mesenteric artery. Its symptoms are chronic abdominal pain and weight loss, associated with imaging alterations that make the diagnosis. Treatment depends on the patient's clinical conditions and the number of vessels involved. It is clear that symptomatic multivessel disease requires revascularization. Clinical case. A 67-year-old woman, an active smoker with a history of high blood pressure and dyslipidemia, presented with an emergency-type hypertensive crisis that required management in the Intensive Care Unit. A diagnosis of Crawford IV thoracoabdominal aneurysm, aorto-iliac occlusion (TASC D), and chronic occlusion of the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery was made. Due to the symptoms of chronic mesenteric ischemia, she underwent surgical treatment with aorto-bifemoral bypass plus retrograde bypass to the superior mesenteric artery via an open approach. Result. The patient had improvement in symptoms and gained 13% weight at 3-month follow-up. Conclusion. Chronic mesenteric ischemia is an underdiagnosed condition, a marker of cardiovascular risk, with a high burden of morbidity and mortality, in which, with early identification, revascularization therapy can be offered, either endovascularly or open, in order to improve quality of life and weight gain, and avoiding intestinal necrosis.

Geographical disparities in access to surgical treatment and mortality rates from abdominal aortic aneurysms in Brazil: A retrospective longitudinal study.

INTRODUCTION: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a growing public health problem, and not all patients have access to surgery when needed. This study aimed to analyze spatiotemporal variations in AAA mortality and surgical procedures in Brazilian intermediate geographic regions and explore the impact of different surgical techniques on operative mortality. METHODS: A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted to evaluate AAA mortality from 2008 to 2020 using space-time cube (STC) analysis and the emerging hot spot analysis tool through the Getis-Ord Gi* method. RESULTS: There were 34,255 deaths due to AAA, 13,075 surgeries to repair AAA, and a surgical mortality of 14.92%. STC analysis revealed an increase in AAA mortality rates (trend statistic = +1.7693, p = 0.0769) and a significant reduction in AAA surgery rates (trend statistic = -3.8436, p = 0.0001). Analysis of emerging hotspots revealed high AAA mortality rates in the South, Southeast, and Central-West, with a reduction in procedures in São Paulo and Minas Gerais States (Southeast). In the Northeast, there were extensive areas of increasing mortality rates and decreasing procedure rates (cold spots). CONCLUSION: AAA mortality increased in several regions of the country while surgery rates decreased, demonstrating the need for implementing public health policies to increase the availability of surgical procedures, particularly in less developed regions with limited access to services.

Challenges in prompt identification and surgical correction of Marfan Syndrome aortic disease in a middle-income country: a case series study.

BACKGROUND: Marfan Syndrome is an autosomal dominant disease caused by pathogenetic variants in the FBN1 gene. The progressive dilatation of the aorta and the potential risk of acute aortic syndromes influence the prognosis of these patients. We aim to describe population characteristics, long-term survival, and re-intervention patterns in patients who underwent aortic surgery with a previously confirmed clinical diagnosis of Marfan Syndrome in a middle-income country. METHODS: A retrospective single-center case series study was conducted. All Marfan Syndrome patients who underwent aortic procedures from 2004 until 2021 were included. Qualitative variables were frequency-presented, while quantitative ones adopted mean ± standard deviation. A subgroup analysis between elective and emergent procedures was conducted. Kaplan-Meier plots depicted cumulative survival and re-intervention-free. Control appointments and government data tracked out-of-hospital mortality. RESULTS: Fifty patients were identified. The mean age was 38.79 ± 14.41 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 2:1. Common comorbidities included aortic valve regurgitation (66%) and hypertension (50%). Aortic aneurysms were observed in 64% without dissection and 36% with dissection. Surgical procedures comprised elective (52%) and emergent cases (48%). The most common surgery performed was the David procedure (64%), and the Bentall procedure (14%). The in-hospital mortality rate was 4%. Complications included stroke (10%), and acute kidney injury (6%). The average follow-up was 8.88 ± 5.78 years. Survival rates at 5, 10, and 15 years were 89%, 73%, and 68%, respectively. Reintervention rates at 1, 2.5, and 5 years were 10%, 14%, and 17%, respectively. The emergent subgroup was younger (37.58 ± 14.49 years), had the largest number of Stanford A aortic dissections, presented hemodynamic instability (41.67%), and had a higher requirement of reinterventions in the first 5 years of follow-up (p = 0.030). CONCLUSION: In our study, surveillance programs played a pivotal role in sustaining high survival rates and identifying re-intervention requirements. However, challenges persist, as 48% of the patients required emergent surgery. Despite not affecting survival rates, a greater requirement for reinterventions was observed, emphasizing the necessity of timely diagnosis. Enhanced educational initiatives for healthcare providers and increased patient involvement in follow-up programs are imperative to address these concerns.

Mortality and hospitalization trends for aortic aneurysms and dissections in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: In Mexico, there is a paucity of evidence on mortality and hospitalization patterns associated with aortic aneurysms and dissections. OBJECTIVE: To analyze national databases and describe the epidemiological characteristics of different aortic pathologies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study, in which mortality and hospitalization attributed to aortic aneurysms and dissections were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed on Stata 16. RESULTS: A total of 6,049 deaths were documented in the general population, which included 2,367 hospitalizations and 476 (20.1%) in-hospital deaths. In addition, a statistically significant age difference was found between mean age at death in the general population (69.5 years) and the in-hospital death group (64.1 years, p < 0.001). As for hospitalizations secondary to ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms, 149 cases were identified, with a mean age of 65.6 years, out of whom 53 (35.5%) were under 65 years of age, with a mean age of 47.8 years. CONCLUSIONS: Epidemiological reports of aortic pathology in Mexico are scarce; therefore, implementation of screening and detection programs for aortic pathologies is necessary in order to address the disparities identified in this analysis.

ANTECEDENTES: Existe evidencia escasa en México respecto a la mortalidad y patrones del ingreso hospitalario asociados a aneurismas y disecciones aórticos. OBJETIVO: Analizar las bases de datos nacionales y describir las características epidemiológicas de diferentes patologías aórticas agudas. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal y observacional de una base de datos retrospectiva, en el que se analizó la mortalidad y hospitalización atribuidas a aneurismas y disecciones aórticos. El análisis estadístico se realizó en Stata 16. RESULTADOS: Se documentaron 6049 muertes en la población general, 2367 hospitalizaciones y 476 muertes intrahospitalarias. Adicionalmente, se encontró una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre las medias de edad de fallecimiento de la población general (65.5 años) y de los pacientes que murieron en el hospital (64.1 años), p < 0.001. En cuanto a las hospitalizaciones secundarias a aneurisma de aorta abdominal roto, 149 casos fueron evidenciados con una media de edad de 65.6 años; 53 (35.5 %) de estos tenía menos de 65 años, con una media de edad de 47.8 años. CONCLUSIONES: Los reportes epidemiológicos de patología aórtica en México son escasos, por ello la implementación de programas de tamizaje y la detección de patologías aórticas son necesarias para mejorar las disparidades encontradas en este análisis.

Bilateral sciatic artery persistence in a patient with infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm.

A persistent sciatic artery (PSA) is a rare congenital vascular anomaly, with an estimated prevalence ranging from 0.01% to 0.05%. This condition can cause ischemic events in the lower limbs and sciatic artery aneurysms but can also be asymptomatic. A PSA can complicate the treatment of other coexistent vascular diseases due to the thin caliber of the external iliac and femoral arteries. We report a case of a patient with bilateral PSAs and an infrarenal aortic aneurysm. The aneurysm was successfully treated by the endovascular approach. An ultra-low profile endograft associated with access incisions slightly above the usual position was used to overcome this challenging access.

The association between frailty and outcomes following ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVE: Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) is a less invasive method than the more physiologically stressful open surgical repair (OSR) for patients with anatomically appropriate abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Early postoperative outcomes are associated with both patients; physiologic reserve and the physiologic stresses of the surgical intervention. Among frail patients with reduced physiologic reserve, the stress of an aortic rupture in combination with the stress of an operative repair are less well tolerated, raising the risk of complications and mortality. This study aims to evaluate the difference in association between frailty and outcomes among patients undergoing minimally invasive EVAR and the physiologically more stressful OSR for ruptured AAAs (rAAAs). METHODS: Our retrospective cohort study included adults undergoing rAAA repair in the Vascular Quality Initiative from 2010 to 2022. The validated Risk Analysis Index (RAI) (robust, ≤20; normal, 21-29; frail, 30-39; very frail, ≥40) quantified frailty. The association between the primary outcome of 1-year mortality and frailty status as well as repair type were compared using multivariable Cox models generating adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Interaction terms evaluated the association's moderation. RESULTS: We identified 5806 patients (age, 72 ± 9 years; 77% male; EVAR, 65%; robust, 6%; normal, 48%; frail, 36%; very, frail 10%) with a 53% observed 1-year mortality rate following rAAA repair. OSR (aHR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.19-1.73) was associated with increased 1-year mortality when compared with EVAR. Increasing frailty status (frail aHR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.00-1.59; very frail aHR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.26-2.13) was associated with increased 1-year mortality, which was moderated by repair type (P-interaction < .05). OSR was associated with increased 1-year mortality in normal (aHR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.20-1.87) and frail (aHR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.20-1.89), but not among robust (aHR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.59-1.32) and very frail (aHR, 1.29; 95% CI, 0.97-1.72) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Frailty and OSR were associated with increased adjusted risk of 1-year mortality following rAAA repair. Among normal and frail patients, OSR was associated with an increased adjusted risk of 1-year mortality when compared with EVAR. However, there was no difference between OSR and EVAR among robust patients who can well tolerate the stress of OSR and among very frail patients who are unable to withstand the surgical stress from rAAA regardless of repair type.

One-stage or two-stage elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery and abdominal aortic aneurysm open repair in low and moderate cardiac surgical risk patients.

OBJECTIVES: Coronary artery disease (CAD) and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) are common arterial pathologies that might occur simultaneously; however, there is not enough evidence about the optimal strategy for patients with concomitant indications of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and open repair of the AAA (AAOR). This study aims to present the outcomes in low and moderate cardiac surgical risk patients who underwent one-stage or two-stage elective CABG and AAOR in a middle-income country. METHODS: An observational, retrospective case series study was conducted. Patients who had low and moderate cardiac surgical risk (less than 8% mortality risk on the STS score) and had the concomitant indication for CABG and AAOR between December 2005 and August 2021 were included. Patients were assigned to one of three strategies: Group 1 underwent one-stage surgery for CABG and AAOR, Group 2 underwent two-stage surgery within the same in-patient stay, and Group 3 underwent two-stage surgery in a new in-patient stay within 6 months. RESULTS: Twenty seven, patients with simultaneous requirements of CABG and AAOR were identified, with a mean age of 69.5 ± 6.1 years and 92.6% were male. The most common comorbidities were hypertension at 77.8% and dyslipidemia at 55.6%. The average mortality risk calculated by the STS score was 2.09% ± 1.53%. In Group 1 (n = 9), 1/9 had in-hospital mortality and no reinterventions were needed. In Group 2 (n = 10), 1/10 had in-hospital mortality, and the most common postoperative complication was acute kidney injury 2/10. Furthermore, 2/10 required a reintervention. In Group 3 (n = 8), no in-hospital mortality was present, however, complications such as sepsis, atrial fibrillation, and acute kidney injury occurred in 2/8 patients each, and 2/8 required a reintervention. CONCLUSION: Patients with CAD and AAA that need a concomitant surgical correction with CABG and an AAOR are uncommon in contemporary practice, given the advances in endovascular therapy. When indicated, one-stage surgery can be performed in patients with low cardiac surgical risk, proper patient selection plays a fundamental role and might be performed in experienced centers. However, two-staged surgeries at the same or different inpatient stay may be considered for asymptomatic AAA with close monitoring during the postoperative period. These findings can hold significance for addressing sociodemographic barriers in low and middle-income countries. More robust and extensive studies are needed to make clear comparisons between the different strategies.

Stress Load and Ascending Aortic Aneurysms: An Observational, Longitudinal, Single-Center Study Using Computational Fluid Dynamics.

Ascending aortic aneurysm (AAoA) is a silent disease with high mortality; however, the factors associated with a worse prognosis are not completely understood. The objective of this observational, longitudinal, single-center study was to identify the hemodynamic patterns and their influence on AAoA growth using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), focusing on the effects of geometrical variations on aortic hemodynamics. Personalized anatomic models were obtained from angiotomography scans of 30 patients in two different years (with intervals of one to three years between them), of which 16 (53%) showed aneurysm growth (defined as an increase in the ascending aorta volume by 5% or more). Numerically determined velocity and pressure fields were compared with the outcome of aneurysm growth. Through a statistical analysis, hemodynamic characteristics were found to be associated with aneurysm growth: average and maximum high pressure (superior to 100 Pa); average and maximum high wall shear stress (superior to 7 Pa) combined with high pressure (>100 Pa); and stress load over time (maximum pressure multiplied by the time interval between the exams). This study provides insights into a worse prognosis of this serious disease and may collaborate for the expansion of knowledge about mechanobiology in the progression of AAoA.

[Medullary infarction secondary to endovascular treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm] / Infarto medular secundario a tratamiento endovascular de aneurisma de aorta toraco-abdominal.

Medullary infarction is a severe and infrequent pathology, which represents 1% of all ischemic strokes, and is also a rare complication of different surgical procedures. It is caused by the acute interruption of the blood flow of the spinal cord, manifesting itself with clinical neurological deficits related to the affected vascular territory. Methods: We present the case of an 80-year-old patient, with cardiovascular risk factors, who is present on post-surgical day 13, after placement of a vascular endoprosthesis for a thoracoabdominal aneurysm, sudden appearance of paraparesis with progression to paraplegia and hypoesthesia in both lower extremities. CT angiography of the aorta rules out local complications in the endoprosthesis. Medullary MRI showed images compatible with acute dorsal medullary infarction from level D9. Results: On discharge, the patient presented paraplegia and hypoesthesia of both lower extremities with fecal and urinary incontinence. Conclusion: Spinal cord infarction may be limited to a vascular territory or be more extensive according to its pathogenesis. The affectation of the anterior spinal artery is the most common and is characterized by bilateral motor deficits and loss of thermoalgesic sensitivity, which could have a great impact on the quality of life of patients. Its etiology is varied, including aortic surgery within its causes. MRI is very useful for its diagnosis and currently there are no clinical guides for the optimal treatment.

Introducción: El infarto medular es una patología severa e infrecuente, que representa el 1% del total de ictus isquémicos, siendo además una complicación rara de distintos procedimientos quirúrgicos. Es causado por la interrupción aguda del flujo sanguíneo de la médula espinal, manifestándose con déficits neurológicos clínicos relacionados con el territorio vascular afectado. Métodos: Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 80 años, con factores de riesgo cardiovascular, quien presenta en día postquirúrgico 13, tras colocación de endoprótesis vascular por aneurisma toraco-abdominal aparición brusca de paraparesia con progresión a paraplejía e hipoestesia en ambas extremidades inferiores.  Angio-TC de aorta descarta complicación local en la endoprótesis. RM medular mostró imágenes compatibles con Infarto agudo de médula dorsal desde el nivel D9. El paciente no fue subsidiario de tratamiento revascularizador. El tratamiento consistió en medidas de soporte. Resultados: Al alta el paciente presentaba paraplejia e hipoestesia de ambas extremidades inferiores con incontinencia fecal y urinaria. Conclusión: El infarto de la médula espinal puede estar limitado a un territorio vascular o estar más extendido según su patogenia. La afectación de la arteria espinal anterior es la más común y se caracteriza por déficits motores bilaterales y pérdida de la sensibilidad termoalgésica, pudiendo llegar a producir un gran impacto en la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Su etiología es variada, incluyéndose la cirugía aórtica dentro de sus causas. La RM es muy útil para su diagnóstico y actualmente no existen guías clínicas para el tratamiento óptimo.

Utility of multimodal molecular imaging in the diagnosis and decision-making in arterial diseases.

Arterial diseases are prevalent in the general population, particularly in the elderly, and they are among the main causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Nuclear imaging is a useful tool in diagnosis and follow-up in different areas of medicine, and over the last 2 decades, these study modalities have become more relevant in the field of angiology and vascular surgery due to their potential benefit in the interpretation of pathophysiological mechanisms associated with the natural history and severity of diseases that affect the circulation such as vasculitis, degenerative aortic aneurysms (AA), peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and complications following reconstructive procedures such as graft infections. The literature has shown evidence of an important number of radiotracers for specific molecules involved in the activity of these entities and their utility as predictors during surveillance and possible therapeutic targets. The present narrative review aims to describe the use of nuclear medicine, imaging methods, and radiotracers that have been applied in arterial diseases, as well as the advantages and considerations, their importance in the diagnosis and follow-up of these complex groups of patients, and future perspectives.

Tendencias de mortalidad y hospitalización por aneurismas y disecciones de aorta en México / Mortality and hospitalization trends for aortic aneurysms and dissections in Mexico

Resumen Antecedentes: Existe evidencia escasa en México respecto a la mortalidad y patrones del ingreso hospitalario asociados a aneurismas y disecciones aórticos. Objetivo: Analizar las bases de datos nacionales y describir las características epidemiológicas de diferentes patologías aórticas agudas. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal y observacional de una base de datos retrospectiva, en el que se analizó la mortalidad y hospitalización atribuidas a aneurismas y disecciones aórticos. El análisis estadístico se realizó en Stata 16. Resultados: Se documentaron 6049 muertes en la población general, 2367 hospitalizaciones y 476 muertes intrahospitalarias. Adicionalmente, se encontró una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre las medias de edad de fallecimiento de la población general (65.5 años) y de los pacientes que murieron en el hospital (64.1 años), p < 0.001. En cuanto a las hospitalizaciones secundarias a aneurisma de aorta abdominal roto, 149 casos fueron evidenciados con una media de edad de 65.6 años; 53 (35.5 %) de estos tenía menos de 65 años, con una media de edad de 47.8 años. Conclusiones: Los reportes epidemiológicos de patología aórtica en México son escasos, por ello la implementación de programas de tamizaje y la detección de patologías aórticas son necesarias para mejorar las disparidades encontradas en este análisis.

Abstract Background: In Mexico, there is a paucity of evidence on mortality and hospitalization patterns associated with aortic aneurysms and dissections. Objective: To analyze national databases and describe the epidemiological characteristics of different acute aortic pathologies. Material and methods: Retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study, in which mortality and hospitalization attributed to aortic aneurysms and dissections were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed on Stata 16. Results: A total of 6,049 deaths were documented in the general population, which included 2,367 hospitalizations and 476 in-hospital deaths. In addition, a statistically significant difference was found between mean age at death in the general population (69.5 years) and the in-hospital death group (64.1 years), p < 0.001. As for hospitalizations secondary to ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, 149 cases were identified, with a mean age of 65.6 years, out of whom 53 (35.5 %) were under 65 years of age, with a mean age of 47.8 years. Conclusions: Epidemiological reports of aortic pathology in Mexico are scarce; therefore, implementation of screening and detection programs for aortic pathologies is necessary in order to address the disparities identified in this analysis.

Herramientas para el tamizaje de aneurisma de aorta abdominal / Tools for abdominal aortic aneurysm screening

Introducción. El aneurisma de la aorta abdominal (AAA) es la dilatación de la aorta abdominal mayor de 1,5 veces el diámetro esperado. Su prevalencia es variable, con tasas reportadas de hasta el 12,5 %. Se considera como causa de muerte de más de 10.000 personas al año en los Estados Unidos. El objetivo de esta revisión de la literatura fue describir los factores de riesgo y las herramientas de tamizaje de AAA. Métodos. Se realizó una búsqueda de la literatura utilizando dos ecuaciones en bases de datos electrónicas, empleando términos seleccionados de "Medical Subject Heading" (MeSH) y "Descriptores en Ciencias de la Salud" (DeCS). Se evaluó la calidad de los estudios con la herramienta STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology). Resultados. Se recolectaron 40 artículos y a partir de ellos se construyó el texto de revisión, identificando en estos, los factores de riesgo asociados al desarrollo de AAA, tales como sexo masculino, tabaquismo, hipertensión arterial, antecedente familiar y obesidad, entre otros. La diabetes mellitus parece actuar como factor protector. Dentro de los instrumentos de tamizaje, el ultrasonido abdominal es uno de los más usados. Conclusión. El AAA es una patología multifactorial. En la actualidad la ultrasonografía de aorta es el método de elección para el tamizaje, permitiendo la detección precoz. El tamizaje de AAA con métodos no invasivos, como el ultrasonido, es útil sobre todo en zonas con prevalencia alta de la patología y en pacientes con determinados factores de riesgo.

Introduction. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a dilation of the abdominal aorta greater than 1.5 times the expected diameter. Its prevalence is variable, with reported rates of up to 12.5%. It is considered the cause of death of more than 10,000 people a year in the United States. The objective of this literature review was to describe risk factors and screening tools for AAA. Methods. A literature search was conducted using two equations in electronic databases, using terms selected from "Medical Subject Heading" (MeSH) and "Descriptors in Health Sciences" (DeCS). The quality of the studies was evaluated with the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) tool. Results. Forty articles were collected and from them the review text was constructed, identifying the risk factors associated with the development of AAA, such as male sex, smoking, high blood pressure, family history and obesity, among others. Diabetes mellitus seems to act as a protective factor. Among the screening instruments, abdominal ultrasound is one of the most used. Conclusion. AAA is a multifactorial pathology. Currently, aortic ultrasonography is the method of choice for screening, allowing early detection. Screening for AAA with non-invasive methods, such as ultrasound, is useful especially in areas with a high prevalence of this pathology and in patients with certain risk factors.

Hypertension during transfer is associated with poor outcomes in unstable patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE: Limited data exist for optimal blood pressure (BP) management during transfer of patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA). This study evaluates the effects of hypertension and severe hypotension during interhospital transfers in a cohort of patients with rAAA in hemorrhagic shock. METHODS: We performed a retrospective, single-institution review of patients with rAAA transferred via air ambulance to a quaternary referral center for repair (2003-2019). Vitals were recorded every 5 minutes in transit. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP of ≥140 mm Hg. The primary cohort included patients with rAAA with hemorrhagic shock (≥1 episode of a systolic BP of <90 mm Hg) during transfer. The primary analysis compared those who experienced any hypertensive episode to those who did not. A secondary analysis evaluated those with either hypertension or severe hypotension <70 mm Hg. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. RESULTS: Detailed BP data were available for 271 patients, of which 125 (46.1%) had evidence of hemorrhagic shock. The mean age was 74.2 ± 9.1 years, 93 (74.4%) were male, and the median total transport time from helicopter dispatch to arrival at the treatment facility was 65 minutes (interquartile range, 46-79 minutes). Among the cohort with shock, 26.4% (n = 33) had at least one episode of hypertension. There were no significant differences in age, sex, comorbidities, AAA repair type, AAA anatomic location, fluid resuscitation volume, blood transfusion volume, or vasopressor administration between the hypertensive and nonhypertensive groups. Patients with hypertension more frequently received prehospital antihypertensives (15% vs 2%; P = .01) and pain medication (64% vs 24%; P < .001), and had longer transit times (36.3 minutes vs 26.0 minutes; P = .006). Episodes of hypertension were associated with significantly increased 30-day mortality on multivariable logistic regression (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.54-14.39; P = .007; 59.4% [n = 19] vs 40.2% [n = 37]; P = .01). Severe hypotension (46%; n = 57) was also associated with higher 30-day mortality (aOR, 2.82; 95% CI, 1.27-6.28; P = .01; 60% [n = 34] vs 32% [n = 22]; P = .01). Those with either hypertension or severe hypotension (54%; n = 66) also had an increased odds of mortality (aOR, 2.95; 95% CI, 1.08-8.11; P = .04; 58% [n = 38] vs 31% [n = 18]; P < .01). Level of hypertension, BP fluctuation, and timing of hypertension were not significantly associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertensive and severely hypotensive episodes during interhospital transfer were independently associated with increased 30-day mortality in patients with rAAA with shock. Hypertension should be avoided in these patients, but permissive hypotension approaches should also maintain systolic BPs above 70 mm Hg whenever possible.

Outcomes of octogenarians receiving aortic repair.

OBJECTIVE: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair is recommended for aneurysms greater than 5.5 cm in men and 5 cm in women. Because AAA is more common among the elderly, we sought to evaluate contemporary practices of elective AAA repair and 2-year postoperative outcomes in octogenarians. METHODS: We identified octogenarians undergoing elective AAA repair in the Vascular Quality Initiative from 2012 to 2019. We included patients undergoing endovascular (EVAR) and open (OAR) aortic repair. Demographics and comorbid conditions were compared between patient groups. Frailty was calculated using previously published methods. Patients with frailty scores above the 75th percentile of the operative cohort were considered high frailty. The primary outcome was 1- and 2-year mortality. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications. Standard statistical methods were utilized. Cox proportional hazard models were used to identify factors that affect mortality. RESULTS: The frequency of AAA repair in octogenarians has remained stable. Of all aortic operations, 21.4% were performed on octogenarians; 9735 (23.3% of 41,712) EVAR and 755 (10.3% of 7325) OARs. Among octogenarian patients, 42.0% of EVARs were under size thresholds: 48.3% males ≤5.5 cm diameter and 21.5% females ≤5.0 cm diameter compared with 18.8% OARs: 23.4% males and 10.7% females. Additionally, 25.6% had high frailty scores. Among octogenarians, 1- and 2-year mortality was 9.3% ± 0.3% and 14.8% ± 0.4% for EVAR and 15.2% ± 1.3% and 18.9% ± 1.5% for OAR patients, respectively (P < .01). In-hospital mortality rate was higher after OAR (0.87% EVAR vs 7.55% OAR; P < .01) and differed with frailty (EVAR, low frailty 0.2% vs high frailty 1.7%; OAR, low frailty 2.3% vs high frailty 15.6%). For EVAR, patient factors associated with mortality included heart failure (hazard ratio [HR], 1.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-1.25; P = .001) and dialysis (HR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.13-2.59; P = .012). For OAR, coronary artery disease (HR, 1.55; 95% CI, 0.98-2.44; P = .062) was associated with mortality. Statin use was protective of mortality for all patients (EVAR: HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.60-0.78; P < .01): OAR: HR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.37-0.92; P = .020). Among octogenarians, high frailty was independently associated with 2-year mortality (EVAR: HR, 3.36; 95% CI, 2.62-4.31; P < .01 and OAR: HR, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.09-5.10; P = .030). CONCLUSIONS: Nationally, a large portion of elective AAA repair in octogenarians is performed below recommended size thresholds, one-quarter of whom are frail with poor long-term 2-year mortality rates. High 2-year mortality following AAA repair in this age group exceeds the published risk of rupture for 5- to 5.5-cm AAA, suggesting that increase in the size threshold of elective repair among octogenarians should be explored.