[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.

Multilayer Stent for Emergency Treatment of Acute Type B Aortic Dissection: A Case Report.

PURPOSE: We report the case of an acute type B dissection with high-risk features treated with multilayer stent. CASE REPORT: A 50-year-old female patient presented to the emergency department with an acute type B aortic dissection. Conservative medical treatment did control blood pressure but did not alleviate her dissection symptoms. She was treated endovascularly with multilayer stents extensively covering the whole dissected area. HThe aortic arch side branches, visceral arteries and renal arteries remained patent after treatment. The recovery was uneventful, and she was discharged the day after the intervention. At 6- and 12-month follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic, the true lumen volume increased and all side branches remained patent. CONCLUSION: We present a case of the use of a multilayer stent for acute type B aortic dissection. This technique allows to treat the whole dissection with low risk of paraplegia or side branch occlusion. Long-term results of ongoing clinical studies should confirm the place of the multilayer stent as a treatment option for type B aortic dissection.

Acute Paraplegia Result from Spinal Ischemia Nine Years After Hybrid Total Arch Repair with Frozen Elephant Trunk: A Case Report.

Spinal cord ischemia due to decreased cord perfusion is a devastating complication in patients with thoracoabdominal dissection following frozen elephant trunk (FET) repair surgery. However, rare occurrence of spinal cord ischemia leading to paraplegia after long-term follow-up of FET repair has been reported. Here, we describe a case of spinal cord ischemia resulting in paraplegia nine years after hybrid total arch repair with FET. Cerebrospinal fluid drainage and serial treatment were utilized to decrease intraspinal pressure and increase blood flow to the spinal cord. Three months after the onset of paraplegia and with treatment and rehabilitation, the patient recovered to walk.

The Neuroprotective Effects of Ginsenoside Rd Pretreatment in a Rat Model of Spinal Cord Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

ABSTRACT Introduction: Paraplegia may develop as a result of spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury in patients who underwent thoracoabdominal aortic surgery. The objective of this research is to determine the neuroprotective effects of ginsenoside Rd pretreatment in a rat model of spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats (n=36) were randomly assigned to three groups. The sham (n=12) and control (n=12) groups received normal saline orally. The Rd group (n=12) received ginsenoside Rd (100 mg/kg) orally 48 hours before the induction of spinal cord ischemia. Spinal cord ischemia was induced by aortic occlusion using a Fogarty balloon catheter in the Rd and control groups. A neurological assessment according to the motor deficit index and a histological evaluation of the spinal cord were performed. To evaluate the antioxidant activity of ginsenoside Rd, malondialdehyde levels and superoxide dismutase activity were determined. Further, the tissue levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta were measured. Results: The Rd group showed significantly lower motor deficit index scores than did the control group throughout the entire experimental period (P<0.001). The Rd group demonstrated significantly greater numbers of normal motor neurons than did the control group (P=0.039). The Rd group exhibited decreased malondialdehyde levels (P<0.001) and increased superoxide dismutase activity (P=0.029) compared to the control group. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta tissue levels were significantly decreased in the Rd group (P<0.001). Conclusion: Ginsenoside Rd pretreatment may be a promising treatment to prevent ischemia-reperfusion injury in patients who undergo thoracoabdominal aortic surgery.

Spinal cord ischemia as intraoperatory complication in shoulder surgery positioned in beach chair: case report.

Spinal cord infarction is an uncommon phenomenon, which can be caused by different etiologies, constituting a real diagnostic challenge which can lead to devastating consequences. General anesthesia in beach chair positioning with intraoperative hypotension in order to avoid surgical bleeding are associated with hypoperfusion and potential neurological ischemia-related complications. We present a case of spinal cord ischemia in the context of shoulder surgery in a beach chair position.

The Neuroprotective Effects of Ginsenoside Rd Pretreatment in a Rat Model of Spinal Cord Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

INTRODUCTION: Paraplegia may develop as a result of spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury in patients who underwent thoracoabdominal aortic surgery. The objective of this research is to determine the neuroprotective effects of ginsenoside Rd pretreatment in a rat model of spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats (n=36) were randomly assigned to three groups. The sham (n=12) and control (n=12) groups received normal saline orally. The Rd group (n=12) received ginsenoside Rd (100 mg/kg) orally 48 hours before the induction of spinal cord ischemia. Spinal cord ischemia was induced by aortic occlusion using a Fogarty balloon catheter in the Rd and control groups. A neurological assessment according to the motor deficit index and a histological evaluation of the spinal cord were performed. To evaluate the antioxidant activity of ginsenoside Rd, malondialdehyde levels and superoxide dismutase activity were determined. Further, the tissue levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta were measured. RESULTS: The Rd group showed significantly lower motor deficit index scores than did the control group throughout the entire experimental period (P<0.001). The Rd group demonstrated significantly greater numbers of normal motor neurons than did the control group (P=0.039). The Rd group exhibited decreased malondialdehyde levels (P<0.001) and increased superoxide dismutase activity (P=0.029) compared to the control group. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta tissue levels were significantly decreased in the Rd group (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Ginsenoside Rd pretreatment may be a promising treatment to prevent ischemia-reperfusion injury in patients who undergo thoracoabdominal aortic surgery.

Acute Paraplegia Result from Spinal Ischemia Nine Years After Hybrid Total Arch Repair with Frozen Elephant Trunk: A Case Report

ABSTRACT Spinal cord ischemia due to decreased cord perfusion is a devastating complication in patients with thoracoabdominal dissection following frozen elephant trunk (FET) repair surgery. However, rare occurrence of spinal cord ischemia leading to paraplegia after long-term follow-up of FET repair has been reported. Here, we describe a case of spinal cord ischemia resulting in paraplegia nine years after hybrid total arch repair with FET. Cerebrospinal fluid drainage and serial treatment were utilized to decrease intraspinal pressure and increase blood flow to the spinal cord. Three months after the onset of paraplegia and with treatment and rehabilitation, the patient recovered to walk.

Spinal cord ischemia as intraoperatory complication in shoulder surgery positioned in beach chair: case report

Abstract Spinal cord infarction is an uncommon phenomenon, which can be caused by different etiologies, constituting a real diagnostic challenge which can lead to devastating consequences. General anesthesia in beach chair positioning with intraoperative hypotension in order to avoid surgical bleeding are associated with hypoperfusion and potential neurological ischemia-related complications. We present a case of spinal cord ischemia in the context of shoulder surgery in a beach chair position.

Comparison between arch zones in modified frozen elephant trunk procedure for complex thoracic aortic diseases

Abstract Introduction: The aim of this study is to compare postoperative outcomes and follow-up of two different modifications facilitating surgical technique of frozen elephant trunk (FET) procedure for complex thoracic aortic diseases - zone 0 (fixation with total arch debranching) and zone 3 (fixation with islet-shape arch repair). Methods: From May 2012 to December 2018, data were collected from 139 patients who had been treated with FET procedure for complex thoracic aortic diseases. According to Ishimaru arch map, patients with proximal anastomotic site of hybrid graft at zone 0 and zone 3 were grouped as Group A (n=58, 41.7%) and Group B (n=81, 58.3%), respectively. Mean age of study population was 54.7±11.4 years, and 111 patients were male (79.9%). Results: In-hospital mortality was observed in 20 (14.4%) patients (n=12, acute type A aortic dissection, and n=4, previous aortic dissection surgery). There was no significant difference between both groups in terms of in-hospital mortality. Four patients from Group A and three patients from Group B had permanent neurological deficit (P=0.32). Three patients from both groups had transient spinal cord ischemia (P=0.334). Although mean total perfusion time was longer in Group A, duration of visceral ischemia, when compared with Group B, was shorter (P<0.001). Five-year survival rate was 82.8% in Group A and 81.5% in Group B (P=0.876). Conclusion: FET procedure is a feasible repair technique in the treatment of complex aortic diseases, providing satisfactory early results. Because of its advantageous aspects, zone 0 fixation with debranching is the preferred technique in our clinic.

Comparison between Arch Zones in Modified Frozen Elephant Trunk Procedure for Complex Thoracic Aortic Diseases.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to compare postoperative outcomes and follow-up of two different modifications facilitating surgical technique of frozen elephant trunk (FET) procedure for complex thoracic aortic diseases - zone 0 (fixation with total arch debranching) and zone 3 (fixation with islet-shape arch repair). METHODS: From May 2012 to December 2018, data were collected from 139 patients who had been treated with FET procedure for complex thoracic aortic diseases. According to Ishimaru arch map, patients with proximal anastomotic site of hybrid graft at zone 0 and zone 3 were grouped as Group A (n=58, 41.7%) and Group B (n=81, 58.3%), respectively. Mean age of study population was 54.7±11.4 years, and 111 patients were male (79.9%). RESULTS: In-hospital mortality was observed in 20 (14.4%) patients (n=12, acute type A aortic dissection, and n=4, previous aortic dissection surgery). There was no significant difference between both groups in terms of in-hospital mortality. Four patients from Group A and three patients from Group B had permanent neurological deficit (P=0.32). Three patients from both groups had transient spinal cord ischemia (P=0.334). Although mean total perfusion time was longer in Group A, duration of visceral ischemia, when compared with Group B, was shorter (P<0.001). Five-year survival rate was 82.8% in Group A and 81.5% in Group B (P=0.876). CONCLUSION: FET procedure is a feasible repair technique in the treatment of complex aortic diseases, providing satisfactory early results. Because of its advantageous aspects, zone 0 fixation with debranching is the preferred technique in our clinic.

Could Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers Offer Better Predictive Value for Spinal Cord Ischaemia Than Current Neuromonitoring Techniques During Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair - A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage is a technique that has significantly reduced the incidence of spinal cord ischaemia (SCI). We present results of a systematic review to assess the literature on this topic in relation to thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair (TAAR). METHODS: Major medical databases were searched to identify papers related to CSF biomarkers measured during TAAAR. RESULTS: Fifteen papers reported measurements of CSF biomarkers with 265 patients in total. CSF biomarkers measured included S-100ß, neuron-specific endolase (NSE), lactate, glial fibrillary acidic protein A (GFPa), Tau, heat shock protein 70 and 27 (HSP70, HSP27), and proinflammatory cytokines. Lactate and S-100ß were reported the most, but did not correlate with SCI, which was also the case with NSE and TAU. GFPa showed significant CSF level rises, both intra and postoperative in patients who suffered SCI and warrants further investigation, similar results were seen with HSP70, HSP27 and IL-8. CONCLUSIONS: Although there is significant interest in this topic, there still remains a significant lack of high-quality studies investigating CSF biomarkers during TAAR to detect SCI. A large and multicentre study is required to identify the significant role of each biomarker.

Medullary ischemia after endovascular procedure of infrarenal aorta in a patient with dual anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Medullary ischemia secondary to surgical procedures of the infrarenal aorta is an infrequent and mostly devastating complication of this procedure, and its nonspecific clinical presentation makes it difficult to promptly diagnose. Prevention measures for this complication are not yet clear; therefore, the need for anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet therapy is discussed. CASE PRESENTATION: This paper reports a case of a 69-year-old Hispanic man presenting with sudden pain and signs of ischemia on his left lower extremity 8 weeks after endovascular repair with endoprosthesis of an infrarenal aorta and left iliac aneurysm. The patient was admitted to the emergency room, where an extensive arterial thrombosis compromising the right iliac and femoral arteries was diagnosed. Dual anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapies were initiated, and therapeutic ranges were achieved. Nonetheless, the patient presented medullary ischemia by microembolization diagnosed by contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, with unsatisfactory evolution of an intracranial hemorrhagic event without documented excessive anticoagulation. The patient developed permanent pure motor deficit of his lower extremities, absence of sphincter control, and mild cognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS: This is a complex and extremely rare case. It is important to continue with clinical investigations that give more clarity about the onset of anticoagulation, antiplatelet therapy, and management of dual schemes to decrease the risk of complications in this type of surgical procedure.

Could cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers offer better predictive value for spinal cord ischaemia than current neuromonitoring techniques during thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair - a systematic review

Abstract Objective: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage is a technique that has significantly reduced the incidence of spinal cord ischaemia (SCI). We present results of a systematic review to assess the literature on this topic in relation to thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair (TAAR). Methods: Major medical databases were searched to identify papers related to CSF biomarkers measured during TAAAR. Results: Fifteen papers reported measurements of CSF biomarkers with 265 patients in total. CSF biomarkers measured included S-100ß, neuron-specific endolase (NSE), lactate, glial fibrillary acidic protein A (GFPa), Tau, heat shock protein 70 and 27 (HSP70, HSP27), and proinflammatory cytokines. Lactate and S-100ß were reported the most, but did not correlate with SCI, which was also the case with NSE and TAU. GFPa showed significant CSF level rises, both intra and postoperative in patients who suffered SCI and warrants further investigation, similar results were seen with HSP70, HSP27 and IL-8. Conclusions: Although there is significant interest in this topic, there still remains a significant lack of high-quality studies investigating CSF biomarkers during TAAR to detect SCI. A large and multicentre study is required to identify the significant role of each biomarker.

Intraoperative monitoring for spinal radiculomedullary artery aneurysm occlusion treatment: What, when, and how long?

BACKGROUND: Spinal radiculomedullary artery aneurysms are extremely rare. Treatment should be tailored to clinical presentation, distal aneurysm flow, and lesion anatomical features. When a surgical occlusion is planned, it is necessary to evaluate whether intraoperative monitoring (IOM) should be considered as an indispensable tool to prevent potential spinal cord ischemia. METHODS: We present a patient with symptoms and signs of spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage resulting from the rupture of a T4 anterior radiculomedullary aneurysm who underwent open surgical treatment under motor evoked potential (MEP) monitoring. RESULTS: Due to the aneurysmal fusiform shape and preserved distal flow, the afferent left anterior radiculomedullary artery was temporarily clipped; 2 minutes after the clamping, the threshold stimulation level rose higher than 100 V, and at minute 3, MEPs amplitude became attenuated over 50%. This was considered as a warning criteria to leave the vessel occlusion. The radiculomedullary aneurysm walls were reinforced and wrapped with muscle and fibrin glue to prevent re-bleeding. The patient awoke from general anesthesia without focal neurologic deficit and made an uneventful recovery with complete resolution of her symptoms and signs. CONCLUSION: This paper attempts to build awareness of the possibility to cause or worsen a neurological deficit if a radiculomedullary aneurysm with preserved distal flow is clipped or embolized without an optimal IOM control. We report in detail MEP monitoring during the occlusion of a unilateral T4 segmental artery that supplies an anterior radiculomedullary artery aneurysm.

Imaging features and differentials in surfer's myelopathy: a case report.

Surfer's myelopathy is a rare non-traumatic cause of myelopathy found in novice surfers. We present a case of a 23-year-old female who developed acute and rapidly progressive bilateral lower extremity paraplegia, paresthesia, and anesthesia, accompanied by lower back discomfort and bowel and bladder dysfunction after surfing for the first time. She had a past history of auto-resolved lower extremity weakness that could be related to anatomy variation of spinal cord vascular supply. This individual variation could have increased the risk for ischemic myelopathy after prolonged prone position with back hyperextension on the surf board. We discuss radiological findings of acute spinal cord infarct and longitudinal extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) as possible differentials in this case. The diagnosis of surfer's myelopathy relies on a first time surfing history since the clinical and radiological presentations can be similar to other entities in some cases. Thus, we highlight the importance of a full clinical report and efficient communication between referring clinicians and radiologists for a precise and early diagnosis.

Ischemia-reperfusion model in rat spinal cord: cell viability and apoptosis signaling study.

This work aimed at determining the ideal ischemia time in an in vitro ischemia-reperfusion model of spinal cord injury. Rat spinal cord slices were prepared and then exposed or not to oxygen deprivation and low glucose (ODLG) for 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 minutes. Cell viability was assessed by triphenyltetrazolium (TTC), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and fluorochrome dyes specific for cell dead (ethidium homodimer) using the apotome system. Glutamate release was enzymatically measured by a fluorescent method. Gene expression of apoptotic factors was assessed by real time RT-PCR. Whereas spinal cord slices exposed to ODLG exhibited mild increase in fluorescence for 30 minutes after the insult, the 45, 60, 75 and 90 minutes caused a 2-fold increase. ODLG exposure for 45, 60, 75 or 90 minutes, glutamate and LDH release were significantly elevated. nNOS mRNA expression was overexpressed for 45 minutes and moderately increased for 60 minutes in ODLG groups. Bax/bcl-xl ratio, caspase 9 and caspase 3 mRNA expressions were significantly increased for 45 minutes of ODLG, but not for 30, 60, 75 and 90 minutes. Results showed that cell viability reduction in the spinal cord was dependent on ischemic time, resulting in glutamate and LDH release. ODLG for 45 minutes was adequate for gene expression evaluation of proteins and proteases involved in apoptosis pathways.

Características da artéria de Adamkiewicz: comparação entre indivíduos com e sem aortopatia / Adamkiewicz artery characteristics: comparison between patients with and without aortopathy

Introdução: O presente estudo visa elucidar a apresentação anatômica da vasculatura medular em exame angiotomográfico e suas diferenças entre pacientes aortopatas e não aortopatas na população brasileira. Objetivos: Determinar as características da artéria de Adamkiewicz (AKA) e artéria espinhal anterior (ASA) por método não invasivo. Secundariamente, determinaremos a distribuição anatômica da AKA na população brasileira e a influência de determinadas aortopatias e comorbidades na identificação da AKA. Casuística: Cento e quinze angiotomografias elegíveis realizadas no Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo foram avaliadas e separadas entre pacientes aortopatas e não aortopatas. Trinta e dois (52,5%) homens e 29 mulheres constituíram o grupo não aortopata e 30 (56,6%) homens e 23 mulheres constituíram o grupo de aortopatas. Método: Análise prospectiva de angiotomografias realizadas em aparelho de 320 detectores através de software open-source OsiriX e identificação da AKA e ASA por reconstrução multiplanar tridimensional. Dados clínicos e sociodemográficos foram estratificados. Resultados: A AKA foi identificada em 78,7% dos integrantes do grupo não aortopata e em 40,7% dos pacientes aortopatas (p =< 0,0001). A ASA foi identificada em 80,3% dos integrantes do grupo não aortopata e em 46,3% dos pacientes aortopatas (p=0,0001). Em 53 (73,6%) casos a AKA originou-se do lado esquerdo. Discussão: A angiotomografia é exame de rotina no pré-operatório de doenças aórticas. O presente trabalho apresentou detecção da AKA em grupo não aortopata equiparável com a literatura, apesar do aumento de detectores no aparelho de tomografia e a identificação da AKA em grupo aortopata pouco abaixo da literatura, mas significativamente diferente do grupo não aortopata: maior proporção de identificação da AKA e ASA em pacientes não aortopatas. Houve diferença na distribuição da AKA em comparação com a literatura...

Introduction: This study investigated differences in spinal vasculature between healthy and diseased aortas among Brazilian population. Objective: The study aimed to identify and describe the spinal vascular anatomy, evaluate Anterior Spinal Artery (ASA) and Adamkiewicz artery (AKA) characteristics using non-invasive multidetector computed tomography (CT), as well as examine differences between groups with and without aortic disease. The secondary aim was to evaluate anatomic distribution of AKA level and side and the influence of clinical factors in its detection. Methods: CT scans of 115 patients from Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo were evaluated in terms of detection rate and AKA level and side. The results were also compared with data compiled from a review of the English language literature on this topic. We analysed 320-detector CT scans using OsiriX open source software. Furthermore, we identified the AKA and ASA using tridimensional multiplannar reconstruction. Clinical and demographics data were retrieved. Results: AKA identification showed higher detection rate in patients with healthy aortas (78.7%) compared to diseased aortas (40.7%) p < 0.0001. ASA was identified in 80.3% of the healthy aortas patients and 46.3% of the diseased aortas patients (p=0.0001). In 53 (76.6%) cases, the AKA originated from a left intercostal artery. Discussion: CT scan is a routine preoperative exam for aorta diseases. We observed a detection rate similar to that reported in previous literature on healthy aortas, in spite of the CT having more detectors. Furthermore, AKA identification in aorta diseased group was below literature, but statistically different from the healthy aorta group, higher AKA and ASA identification was found in healthy aorta group. The results indicated significant difference between previous literatures and our study in AKA detection. Conclusions: AKA...