Can Biomarkers and PET Imaging Predict Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Growth Rate?

Background: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening condition due to the risk of aneurysm growth and rupture. Biomarkers linked to AAA pathogenesis are attractive candidates for AAA diagnosis and prognosis. The aim of this study was to assess circulating biomarkers levels relationship with PET imaging positivity and their predictive value in AAA growth rate. Methods: A total of 164 patients with AAA had whole body [18F]FDG PET/CT examination and blood drawn for biomarkers analysis at inclusion. Of these, 121 patients had at least one follow-up imaging assessment for AAA progression. Median (quartiles) imaging follow-up period was 32.8 months (15.2-69.6 months). Results: At baseline, PET was visually positive in 28 (17%) patients. Among PET+ patients, female proportion was higher compared to PET-patients (respectively, n = 6, 21.4% vs. n = 11, 8.1%, p = 0.046). Biomarkers of inflammation (CRP, CCL18), of proteolytic activity (MMP9), of extracellular matrix, and calcification regulation (OPN, OPG) were all significantly increased in PET+ patients (p < 0.05). During follow-up, rapid AAA growth (increase in size ≥ 1 cm per year) was observed in 36 (29.8%) patients and several biomarkers (CRP, MMP9, OPN, and OPG) were increased in those patients compared to patients without rapid growth (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Although PET positivity at baseline was not associated with rapid growth, CRP levels showed a significant association.

Association between PET/CT Scan Findings, Treatment, and Cancer Incidence in a Cohort of AAA Patients.

Background: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that poses several challenges. Given the increasing evidence that AAA patients are more likely to develop cancer and the importance of its early detection, we strived to develop a non-invasive tool based on serial FDG-PET/CT scan examinations to identify, among AAA patients, those at risk of cancer. Methods: Between 2006 and 2011 we recruited 149 AAA patients, free of cancer at baseline, and followed them until the end of 2021. All patients underwent an FDG-PET/CT scan at inclusion and possibly more scans during follow-up. At each medical imaging examination, the aneurysmal FDG uptake was recorded. Patients were stratified based on their aortic wall PET status (negative/positive). Any occurrence of cancer was reported. A Cox regression analysis and competing-risk modeling were applied to the data. Results: The proportion of AAA patients who developed cancer was 31.5% (mean time to diagnosis was 5.7 ± 3.4 years) and the death rate was 59%. A difference in cancer incidence between PET+ and PET- patients was detected (46.8% vs. 27.3%; HR = 1.96, 95%CI: 1.07-3.57, p = 0.028). Moreover, AAA patients undergoing surgical treatment had a lower risk of cancer than unoperated patients (28% vs. 50%; HR = 0.41, 95%CI: 0.21-0.80, p = 0.009). Conclusions: In AAA patients, diagnostic imaging with an FDG-PET/CT scan can help identify those patients at a higher risk of developing cancer. Moreover, the higher cancer risk in non-surgically treated patients calls for further analysis of associations between aneurysm growth and malignant disease.

Bioactive surface coating for preventing mechanical heart valve thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: Prosthetic heart valves are the only treatment for most patients with severe valvular heart disease. Mechanical valves, made of metallic components, are the most long-lasting type of replacement valves. However, they are prone to thrombosis and require permanent anticoagulation and monitoring, which leads to higher risk of bleeding and impacts the patient's quality of life. OBJECTIVES: To develop a bioactive coating for mechanical valves with the aim to prevent thrombosis and improve patient outcomes. METHODS: We used a catechol-based approach to produce a drug-releasing multilayer coating adherent to mechanical valves. The hemodynamic performance of coated Open Pivot valves was verified in a heart model tester, and coating durability in the long term was assessed in a durability tester producing accelerated cardiac cycles. Coating antithrombotic activity was evaluated in vitro with human plasma or whole blood under static and flow conditions and in vivo after surgical valve implantation in a pig's thoracic aorta. RESULTS: We developed an antithrombotic coating consisting of ticagrelor- and minocycline-releasing cross-linked nanogels covalently linked to polyethylene glycol. We demonstrated the hydrodynamic performance, durability, and hemocompatibility of coated valves. The coating did not increase the contact phase activation of coagulation, and it prevented plasma protein adsorption, platelet adhesion, and thrombus formation. Implantation of coated valves in nonanticoagulated pigs for 1 month efficiently reduced valve thrombosis compared with noncoated valves. CONCLUSION: Our coating efficiently inhibited mechanical valve thrombosis, which might solve the issues of anticoagulant use in patients and the number of revision surgeries due to valve thrombosis despite anticoagulation.

Alteration of Blood Oxidative Stress Status in Patients with Thoracic Aortic Dissection: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) is a life-threatening condition which usually occurs on an aneurysmal aortic wall. Although increasing data have shown that inflammation and oxidative stress play an important role in the patho-physiology of dissection, systemic oxidative stress status (OSS) has not been clearly determined in patients suffering from TAD. METHODS: A cohort of 115 patients presenting type A or B TAD were admitted to our center from 2013 to 2017. Out of this cohort, 46 patients were included in a study on dissected aorta (LIege study on DIssected Aorta: LIDIA). In 18 out of the 46 patients, systemic OSS parameters were evaluated after TAD diagnosis by determination of eight different antioxidants, four trace elements, two markers of oxidative lipid damage and two inflammatory markers. RESULTS: The 18 TAD patients included 10 men and 8 women (median age: 62 years; interquartile range: 55-68) diagnosed with type A (N = 8) or B (N = 10) TAD. Low plasma levels of vitamin C, ß-carotene, γ-tocopherol, thiol proteins, paraoxonase and selenium were observed in these 18 patients. By contrast, the concentration of copper and total hydroperoxides, copper/zinc ratio, as well as inflammatory markers, were higher than the reference intervals. No difference was observed in oxidative stress biomarker concentrations between type A and B TAD patients. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study, limited to 18 TAD patients, revealed a heightened systemic OSS, determined at 15.5 days (median) after the initial diagnosis, in those TAD patients without complications (malperfusion syndrome and aneurysm formation). Larger studies on biological fluids are needed to better characterize the oxidative stress and interpret its consequence in TAD disease.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Detected with Ultrasound in Korea and Belgium.

The objective was to investigate the prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) and the diameters of the aorta and common iliac arteries (CIAs) in a Korean cohort and secondly to analyze the differences in aortic diameter by comparison with a European cohort. The Korean cohort included participants ≥ 50 years who consented to AAA screening and data were analysed retrospectively. Aortic and common iliac diameters were measured using the outer-to-outer diameter method and prevalence rates were calculated. Common risk factors such as smoking, body mass index, pulmonary disease, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, ischaemic heart disease, and cerebrovascular disease were reported in association with AAA occurrence and AAA development. The aortic diameters were then compared with those in a Belgian cohort of 2487 participants identified in the Liège AAA Screening Program. An aortic size index (ASI) was also calculated to account for the potential size differences in the Belgian and Korean populations. A total of 3124 Korean participants were examined using ultrasound. The prevalence of AAAs in this cohort was 0.7%. The combined prevalence of subaneurysmal dilatation and AAA was 1.5%. The prevalence in male smokers older than 65 years was 2.7% (19/715). The mean infrarenal aortic diameter was 17.3 ± 3.1 mm in men and 15.7 ± 2.7 mm in women; the corresponding values in Belgian participants were 19.4 ± 3.0 mm in men and 17.9 ± 2.4 mm in women. The median aortic size index was 0.99 (interquartile range 0.88-1.12). The mean infrarenal aortic diameter was significantly smaller in the Korean cohort than in the Belgian cohort. Considering the observed prevalence of AAAs in different age groups, the age groups which would contribute to most cases was male persons above 66 years in both cohorts.

Chest discomfort leading to the diagnosis of pulmonary artery aneurysm due to isolated main pulmonary arteritis involving giant cells: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Isolated pulmonary artery vasculitis is an uncommon cause of pulmonary artery aneurysm with very few reported cases in the literature. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We hereby present the case of a 70-year-old man with occasional episodes of exertional chest discomfort. Our investigations revealed an expanding aneurysm of the main pulmonary artery extending to the proximal portion of the right branch. The patient successfully underwent replacement of the main pulmonary artery with a homograft. RESULTS: Histopathological examination revealed images of vasculitis with numerous multinucleated giant cells. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful. CONCLUSION: Management of pulmonary artery aneurysm secondary to isolated pulmonary artery vasculitis is not well studied, and no clear guidelines currently exist in the literature.

Towards Precritical Medical Therapy of the Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

Pharmacotherapy for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) can be useful for prevention, especially in people at higher risk, for slowing down AAA progression, as well as for post-surgery adjuvant treatment. Our review focuses on novel pharmacotherapy approaches targeted towards slowing down progression of AAA, known also as secondary prevention therapy. Guidelines for AAA are not specific to slow down the expansion rate of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, and therefore no medical therapy is recommended. New ideas are urgently needed to develop a novel medical therapy. We are hopeful that in the future, pharmacologic treatment will play a key role in the prevention and treatment of AAA.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in Heart Transplant Recipients: New Insights from a 30-year Experience at a Single Center.

BACKGROUND: The improvement in survival rates for heart transplant recipients (HTRs) has increased their risk of developing extracardiac diseases such as abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). The purposes of this study were to evaluate the prevalence and to describe the clinical features and natural history of AAA in HTRs. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients (375) who underwent heart transplantation (HT) at our center over a 32-year period (1983-2015) was carried out. RESULTS: We identified 20 patients (5.3%) with AAA. All but one patient were male (95%), and most of them (80%) had a history of ischemic heart disease (IHD) prior to transplantation. The mean age of the patients with AAA at transplant was 57.2 ± 7.3 years (range: 42-62 years). Seven of the 20 patients with AAA already had an AAA (30-55 mm) prior to transplantation. The average aneurysm size at the time of diagnosis was 40.9 ± 9.6 mm, and the average patient age at the time of diagnosis was 62.2 ± 8.3 years. The mean linear expansion rate was 10.6 ± 2.12 mm/y, and the exponential expansion rate was 0.220 ± 0.040 year-1, respectively. The median follow-up time was 5.4 years (range 0.1-27.4 years). The median survival was 143 months (95% confidence interval (CI) 65 to 180 months) for the 20 HTRs with AAA and 68.8 months (95% CI 46 to 88 months) for the other HTRs. CONCLUSIONS: The natural history of AAA in HTR is characterized by an increased expansion rate. Male HTR with end-stage IHD are particularly at risk and should be closely followed-up after HT.

[18F] FDG PET/CT can improve the diagnostic accuracy for aortic endograft infection.

PURPOSE: Aortic endograft infection (EI) can result in potentially life-threatening vascular complications. Unfortunately, it is difficult to obtain a correct diagnosis at an early stage in many patients. This report aims at validating the use of [18F] FDG PET/CT imaging for suspected endograft infections in a prospectively collected cohort of patients treated with EVAR and TEVAR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During a 14-year period, 366 patients required aortic stent graft. All procedures were performed electively, except for one patient. Among these 366 patients, eleven patients (3%) were suspected to have aortic EI. Contrast-enhanced CT and FDG PET/CT were performed in all 11 patients. Medical charts and imaging were analysed for these 11 cases, with initial positive CT. RESULTS: The final diagnosis of EI was established in seven (1,9%) based on clinical features, laboratory investigations and a significant [18F] FDG uptake in the aortic graft as well as the aortic wall. The median time from the initial EVAR/TEVAR to diagnosed infection was 180 days. During follow-up, the seven patients had a second PET/CT that was compared with the initial evaluation, decreased uptake was correlated with clinical improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Contemporary diagnostic imaging for a potentially lethal endograft infection lacks precision, this observational study illustrates the potential clinical value of [18F] FDG PET/CT in the management of aortic EI. [18F] FDG PET/CT constitutes an imaging modality able to confirm the diagnosis, monitor disease progression as well as the effect of pharmaceutical treatment and detect relapse.

Outcomes and Predictors of Mortality in a Belgian Population of Patients Admitted with Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Treated by Open Repair in the Contemporary Era.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) rupture is a serious condition that results in extremely high mortality rates. Some improvements in outcome have been reported during the last 2 decades. The objective of the present study was to determine the overall and operative (by open repair) mortality related to ruptured AAA in the contemporary era and to identify preoperative, intraoperative, and early postoperative parameters associated with poor outcomes. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all consecutive patients admitted to our single institution with a diagnosis of ruptured AAA between 2004 and 2013. A total of 103 parameters, including demographic characteristics, medical history, clinical and biological parameters, cardiovascular risk factors, emergency level, diagnostic modalities, time from symptoms to diagnosis and treatment, type of operative procedure and postoperative complications, were analyzed. The primary endpoint considered in this study was the cumulative incidence rate of mortality. The secondary endpoint was the identification, by logistic regression methods, of risk factors for overall mortality as well as for operative, and postoperative mortality. RESULTS: Within our study period, 104 patients were admitted for a ruptured AAA. The majority of patients (84.6%) were male, and the AAA was known in 34.6% of the patients. Rupture occurred for a maximal diameter lower than 55 mm in 25% of the female population, compared to 5.7% of the male population (P = 0.030). The proportions of admitted patients who died before (preoperative mortality), during (intraoperative mortality) or after (postoperative hospital mortality) surgery was 17.3%, 16.3%, and 18.3%, respectively, yielding a cumulative in-hospital mortality of 51.9%. In the multivariate analysis, age ≥ 80 (P = 0.001), myocardial ischemia on the admission ECG (P = 0.046), and management by the physician response unit (P = 0.002) were the only preoperative parameters associated with a higher risk of hospital mortality. Four risk factors were found to be associated with a higher risk of postoperative mortality in the multivariate analysis, and all patients presenting with 3 or more of these risk factors (n = 5) died. CONCLUSIONS: The overall mortality of ruptured AAA in a contemporary cohort of patients who underwent open repair remains high and does not seem to have decreased during recent decades. Ruptures occur at smaller diameters in women than in men, supporting a lower threshold for intervention in women with known AAA. We developed risk scores to predict the mortality of patients with rAAA at different times of their hospital course. The validity of these scores should be assessed in prospective clinical studies.

Proximal false lumen thrombosis is associated with low false lumen pressure and fewer complications in type B aortic dissection.

BACKGROUND: Improved risk stratification is a key priority for type B aortic dissection (TBAD). Partial false lumen thrombus morphology is an emerging predictor of complications. However, partial thrombosis is poorly defined, and its evaluation in clinical studies has been inconsistent. Thus, we aimed to characterize the hemodynamic pressure in TBAD and determine how the pressure relates to the false lumen thrombus morphology and clinical events. METHODS: The retrospective admission computed tomography angiograms of 69 patients with acute TBAD were used to construct three-dimensional computational models for simulation of cyclical blood flow and calculation of pressure. The patients were categorized by the false lumen thrombus morphology as minimal, extensive, proximal or distal thrombosis. Linear regression analysis was used to compare the luminal pressure difference between the true and false lumen for each morphology group. The effect of morphology classification on the incidence of acute complications within 14 days was studied using logistic regression adjusted for clinical parameters. A survival analysis for adverse aortic events at 1 year was also performed using Cox regression. RESULTS: Of the 69 patients, 44 had experienced acute complications and 45 had had an adverse aortic event at 1 year. The mean ± standard deviation age was 62.6 ± 12.6 years, and 75.4% were men. Compared with the patients with minimal thrombosis, those with proximal thrombosis had a reduced false lumen pressure by 10.1 mm Hg (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.3-15.9 mm Hg; P = .001). The patients who had not experienced an acute complication had had a reduced relative false lumen pressure (-6.35 mm Hg vs -0.62 mm Hg; P = .03). Proximal thrombosis was associated with fewer acute complications (odds ratio, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.04-0.60; P = .01) and 1-year adverse aortic events (hazard ratio, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.16-0.80; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: We found that proximal false lumen thrombosis was a marker of reduced false lumen pressure. This might explain how proximal false lumen thrombosis appears to be protective of acute complications (eg, refractory hypertension or pain, aortic rupture, visceral or limb malperfusion, acute expansion) and adverse aortic events within the first year.

Clinical course and challenging management of early COVID-19 infection after heart transplantation: case report of two patients.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data on Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in solid organ transplant patients, especially in heart transplant recipients, with only a few case reports and case series described so far. Heart transplant recipients may be at particular high risk due to their comorbidities and immunosuppressed state. CASE PRESENTATION: This report describes the clinical course and the challenging management of early COVID-19 infection in two heart transplant recipients who tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the perioperative period of the transplant procedure. The two patients developed a severe form of the disease and ultimately died despite the initiation of an antiviral monotherapy with hydroxychloroquine coupled with the interruption of mycophenolate mofetil. CONCLUSIONS: These two cases illustrate the severity and poor prognosis of COVID-19 in the perioperative period of a heart transplant. Thorough screening of donors and recipients is mandatory, and the issue of asymptomatic carriers needs to be addressed.

Blood Biomarkers and Serologic Immunological Profiles Related to Periodontitis in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Patients.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory gum disease associated with systemic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases. AIM: To investigate the association of systemic blood biomarkers, C-reactive protein (CRP), levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and IgG levels against periodontal pathogens Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) with the stability, based on the aortic diameter, the growth rate and the eligibility for surgical intervention, of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). METHODS: Patients with stable AAA (n = 30) and unstable AAA (n = 31) were recruited. The anti-A. actinomycetemcomitans and anti-P. gingivalis IgG levels were analyzed by ELISA, the LPS analysis was performed by using the limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) test, and plasma levels of CRP were determined using an immune turbidimetric method. The association between these blood systemic biomarkers, AAA features, periodontal clinical parameters and oral microbial profiles were explored. Regression models were used to test the relationship between variables. RESULTS: The presence of antibodies against Pg and Aa, LPS and high CRP concentrations were found in all AAA patients. The IgG levels were similar in patients with stable and unstable AAA (both for Aa and Pg). Among investigated blood biomarkers, only CRP was associated with AAA stability. The amount of LPS in saliva, supra, and subgingival plaque were significantly associated with the systemic LPS (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This post-hoc study emphasizes the presence of antibodies against Pg and Aa, LPS and high CRP concentrations in all AAA patients. The presence of Pg in saliva and subgingival plaque was significantly associated with the blood LPS levels. For further studies investigating periodontitis and systemic diseases, specific predictive blood biomarkers should be considered instead of the use of antibodies alone.

Further evidence on the relationship between abdominal aortic aneurysm and periodontitis: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by Gram-negative bacteria responsible for the degradation of tissues surrounding tooth. Moreover, periopathogens can invade the bloodstream, disseminate and promote cardiovascular disease, such as the link between Porphyromonas gingivalis and atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between the severity of periodontitis and of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). METHODS: This cross-sectional study compared patients with stable AAA (n = 30) and patients with unstable AAA (n = 31) based on aortic diameter, growth rate, and eligibility for surgical intervention. Periodontal clinical parameters were recorded as well as the Periodontal Inflamed Surface Area and the Periodontal Index for Risk of Infectiousness (PIRI). Microbiological analyses were performed on saliva and supragingival and subgingival plaque. Quantification of Tannerella forsythia (Tf), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn), and Prevotella intermedia (Pi) was done by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The two AAA groups were homogeneous for age, sex, and most risk factors except hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Periodontal parameters were comparable but the proportion of patients with high PIRI scores was greater in those with unstable AAA (51.6% versus 23.3%). The probing depth (PD) and the proportion of PD >6 mm were positively correlated with AAA size and thrombus volume. Several associations were found between periopathogens such as Pg and AAA diameters and volumes, but no difference could be evidenced between stable and unstable AAA groups. CONCLUSIONS: Periodontitis was highly prevalent in both stable and unstable AAA patients. Severe and progressive periodontitis (stage IV and grade C) tended to be more frequent in the group of patients with unstable AAA. Moreover, Pg was observed in all the samples (saliva, supragingival, and subgingival plaque) and was correlated with AAA diameters and volumes. The study evidenced potential relationships between periodontitis severity and size of AAA.

MiR-574-5p: A Circulating Marker of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm.

Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) can lead to fatal complications such as aortic dissection. Since aneurysm dimension poorly predicts dissection risk, microRNAs (miRNAs) may be useful to diagnose or risk stratify TAA patients. We aim to identify miRNAs associated with TAA pathogenesis and that are possibly able to improve TAA diagnosis. MiRNA microarray experiments of aortic media tissue samples from 19 TAA patients and 19 controls allowed identifying 232 differentially expressed miRNAs. Using interaction networks between these miRNAs and 690 genes associated with TAA, we identified miR-574-5p as a potential contributor of TAA pathogenesis. Interestingly, miR-574-5p was significantly down-regulated in the TAA tissue compared to the controls, but was up-regulated in serum samples from a separate group of 28 TAA patients compared to 20 controls (p < 0.001). MiR-574-5p serum levels discriminated TAA patients from controls with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.87. In the Fbn1C1041G/+ mouse model, miR-574-5p was down-regulated in aortic tissue compared to wild-type (p < 0.05), and up-regulated in plasma extracellular vesicles from Fbn1C1041G/+ mice compared to wild-type mice (p < 0.05). Furthermore, in vascular smooth muscle cells, angiotensin II appears to induce miR-574-5p secretion in extracellular vesicles. In conclusion, miR-574-5p is associated with TAA pathogenesis and may help in diagnosing this disease.

Successful clinical transplantation of hearts donated after circulatory death using normothermic regional perfusion.

BACKGROUND: Heart transplantation (HT) from donation after circulatory death (DCD) has yet to achieve wide clinical application despite the encouraging resultsreported recently. In this study we describe 2 cases of successful adult DCD HT performed at our institution using an original protocol. METHODS: Our local abdominal DCD protocol was updated to allow DCD heart procurement, and was accepted by the institutional ethics committee. The main features of the protocol include: pre-mortem insertion of peripheral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulas; thoracoabdominal normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) by clamping the 3 aortic arch vessels to exclude cerebral circulation; and in-situ heart resuscitation. The retrieved hearts were directly transplanted into recipients located in an adjoining operating room. RESULTS: The procurement warm ischemic time was 25 minutes for the first donor, and 26 minutes for the second donor. The cold ischemic time was 16 minutes for the first recipient and 17 minutes for the second recipient. The suture time was 30 minutes for the first recipient, and 53 minutes for the second recipient. Both recipients were easily weaned off cardiopulmonary bypass in sinus rhythm and inotropic support. Post-operative evaluation of cardiac function was excellent and the patients were subsequently discharged home. CONCLUSIONS: Transplantation of hearts from DCD donors is now a clinical reality.NRP is a useful tool for resuscitation, reperfusion, and preservation of transplanted hearts. It also offers the opportunity to assess the function and viability of organs before transplantation. However,due to ethical issues, some may object to ante-mortem intervention.

Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Predicts and Detects Complications After Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

Purpose: To assess if aortic 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake on positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) could play a role in predicting complications after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Materials and Methods: This study involved 2 cohorts of men with abdominal aortic aneurysm treated by EVAR: those who underwent a PET/CT scan before EVAR (n=17) and those who had a PET/CT during follow-up (n=34). Uptake of FDG was measured as the standardized uptake value (SUV). D-dimer, a marker of fibrinolysis, was measured in blood drawn concomitantly with the PET/CT. Results: A significant uptake of FDG in the aneurysm wall was detected by PET/CT before EVAR in 6 of 17 patients. During the first year after EVAR, type II endoleaks developed in 5 of these FDG+ patients vs 3 of 11 FDG- patients (p=0.04). Two of the FDG+ patients had continued sac growth and required conversion to open repair. A significant association between sac growth rate, SUV, and the presence of endoleak was found in the 34 patients who underwent PET/CT after EVAR. Finally, D-dimer was significantly increased in patients with both endoleak and positive PET/CT in the post-EVAR group. Conclusion: This study suggests that the presence of FDG uptake in the aortic wall might be a useful tool to predict patients at high risk of developing post-EVAR complications.