Frail patients having vascular surgery during the early COVID-19 pandemic experienced high rates of adverse perioperative events and amputation.

BACKGROUND: Frailty predicts adverse perioperative outcomes and increased mortality in patients having vascular surgery. Frailty assessment is a potential tool to inform resource allocation, and shared decision-making about vascular surgery in the resource constrained COVID-19 pandemic environment. This cohort study describes the prevalence of frailty in patients having vascular surgery and the association between frailty, mortality and perioperative outcomes. METHODS: The COVID-19 Vascular Service in Australia (COVER-AU) prospective cohort study evaluates 30-day and six-month outcomes for consecutive patients having vascular surgery in 11 Australian vascular units, March-July 2020. The primary outcome was mortality, with secondary outcomes procedure-related outcomes and hospital utilization. Frailty was assessed using the nine-point visual Clinical Frailty Score, scores of 5 or more considered frail. RESULTS: Of the 917 patients enrolled, 203 were frail (22.1%). The 30 day and 6 month mortality was 2.0% (n = 20) and 5.9% (n = 35) respectively with no significant difference between frail and non-frail patients (OR 1.68, 95%CI 0.79-3.54). However, frail patients stayed longer in hospital, had more perioperative complications, and were more likely to be readmitted or have a reoperation when compared to non-frail patients. At 6 months, frail patients had twice the odds of major amputation compared to non-frail patients, after adjustment (OR 2.01; 95% CI 1.17-3.78), driven by a high rate of amputation during the period of reduced surgical activity. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight that older, frail patients, experience potentially preventable adverse outcomes and there is a need for targeted interventions to optimize care, especially in times of healthcare stress.

A Budget Impact Model for the use of Drug-Eluting Stents in Patients with Symptomatic Lower-Limb Peripheral Arterial Disease: An Australian Perspective.

PURPOSE: Improvement in long-term outcomes through innovative, cost-effective medical technologies is a focus for endovascular procedures aimed at treating symptomatic lower-limb peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The advent of drug-eluting stents (DES) has improved symptomatic PAD treatment via a reduction in high rates of target lesion revascularisation (TLR). The present study aimed to compare the 5-year financial impact of treatment with Eluvia, a new paclitaxel-eluting stent, versus treatment with Zilver PTX, a drug-coated stent, among patients in Australia by developing a budget impact model (BIM). METHODS: A BIM was developed from an Australian public hospital payer perspective using Australian national cost weights (AUD), published literature, and public hospital audit data. Clinical outcomes, including clinically driven TLRs (CD-TLRs), adverse events, and length of stay, were based on the 2-year results of the IMPERIAL trial, which compared Eluvia DES to Zilver PTX. RESULTS: Assuming EVP eligibility rate of 80% and DES uses rate ranging from 10 to 28% (superficial femoral artery lesions only), the 5-year model forecasted a treatment population between 14,428 and 40,399 patients. The model estimated 1499-4198 fewer CD-TLRs and 16,515-46,243 fewer hospital days with Eluvia DES use. This translated to 5-year potential savings of $4.3-$12.1 million to the Australian public hospital payer attributable to reduced CD-TLRs for Eluvia DES and $33.1-$92.6 million to Australian public hospitals owing to reduced adverse events and hospital bed days. CONCLUSION: Eluvia DES use as treatment for symptomatic lower-limb PAD could lead to potential savings for the Australian public healthcare system based on improved patient outcomes.

Multicentre Covariate Adjustment Analysis of Short-Term and 5-Year Outcomes after Endovascular Repair according to Sex.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported worse outcomes in women compared to men after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). This study aimed to evaluate sex-specific short-term and 5-year outcomes after EVAR. METHODS: A total of 409 consecutive patients underwent elective EVAR from 2004 to 2017 at two tertiary hospitals in Western Australia. Baseline, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were examined retrospectively according to sex. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality (death within 30 days after EVAR). Secondary outcomes were 30-day composite endpoint, length of stay after EVAR, 5-year survival, freedom from reintervention, residual aneurysm size after EVAR, and major adverse event rate at 5-year follow-up. RESULTS: A cohort of 409 patients, comprising 57 women (14%) and 352 men (86%), was analysed. Female patients were older (median age, 76.8 versus 73.5 years, p=0.017). Male patients were more likely to be past smokers (40.9% versus 22.8%, p=0.017). Male patients were more likely to be past smokers (40.9% versus 22.8%, p=0.017). Male patients were more likely to be past smokers (40.9% versus 22.8%, p=0.017). Male patients were more likely to be past smokers (40.9% versus 22.8%, p=0.017). Male patients were more likely to be past smokers (40.9% versus 22.8%, p=0.017). Male patients were more likely to be past smokers (40.9% versus 22.8%, p=0.017). Male patients were more likely to be past smokers (40.9% versus 22.8%. CONCLUSION: This study found no significant differences in 30-day and 5-year outcomes between female and male patients treated with EVAR, implying that EVAR remains a safe treatment choice for female patients.

Novel Management of Peri-Aortitis after Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

INTRODUCTION: The management of peri-aortitis, a rare complication after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), is described in a patient with a solitary kidney. REPORT: A 64 year old man who developed peri-aortitis after elective EVAR for a 6.6 cm infrarenal AAA is reported. Peri-aortitis was diagnosed two months after the procedure and was successfully treated with corticosteroids. CONCLUSION: There is no clear consensus on the best medical therapy for peri-aortitis secondary to EVAR. Peri-aortitis must be considered in patients with ongoing systemic symptoms of inflammation after EVAR, and early management is crucial to the early resolution of symptoms.

Multivariable Analysis of Patients With Severe Persistent Postprocedural Hypotension After Carotid Artery Stenting.

Purpose: To assess the incidence and predictors of severe, persistent postprocedural hypotension (PPH) after carotid artery stenting (CAS). Materials and Methods: A total of 146 patients (mean age 72.8 years; 104 men) who underwent 160 CAS procedures using a standardized protocol at 3 vascular centers were retrospectively analyzed. The primary endpoint was postprocedural hypotension, defined as a reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) >40 mm Hg from baseline or an SBP of <90 mm Hg sustained for >1 hour after CAS. Potential prognostic factors for postprocedural hypotension were identified and subjected to logistic regression analyses; outcomes are presented as the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: PPH developed in 36 (24.7%) patients after 37 (23.1%) CAS procedures. These patients had significantly longer intensive care unit and hospital stays than those who did not develop hypotension (p<0.001). PPH was associated with severe lesion calcification (OR 6.28, 95% CI 1.81 to 21.98, p=0.004) and contrast volume (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.02, p<0.001). A 4-fold increase in the risk of PPH (OR 4.22, 95% CI 1.38 to 13.33, p=0.012) was found between the embolic protection device most associated with PPH (Angioguard) and the device least associated with PPH (Emboshield NAV6). A similar trend was also observed for the Precise vs Xact stents (OR 6, 95% CI 2.08 to 17.6, p=0.001). Bootstrapped multivariable modeling identified the Precise stent and contrast volume as significant predictors of persistent postprocedural hypotension. Further investigation of the contrast volume revealed associations with sex, severe calcification, arch type, previous coronary artery bypass surgery, and primary stenting, suggesting that the contrast volume reflects the complexity of the procedure. Conclusion: The complexity of the procedure and type of stent may play a role in the development of postprocedural hypotension after CAS.

Management challenges of late presentation Dacron patch infection after carotid endarterectomy.

An 83-year-old man presented 4 years after right carotid endarterectomy (CEA) with an infection of his prosthetic Dacron patch. Initial scans (CT angiogram and whole body labelled white cell scan) were clear with no infection or collection noted. Systemically, the patient presented well with no recorded fevers. With an occluded left internal carotid artery and severely stenosed vertebral arteries, surgery presented a high risk of major stroke due to the lack collateral supply and this was discussed extensively. The patient subsequently declined surgical management, and he was monitored closely on an outpatient basis. He presented again a year later with ongoing haemoserous ooze from the CEA site. Subsequently a two-stage procedure was performed, where initially a stent was inserted, followed by patch excision and debridement. A muscle flap was then mobilised over the opening. This new approach to carotid patch infections should gain traction over time as a safer alternative for high-risk patients.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Plaque Hemorrhage for Risk Stratification in Carotid Artery Disease With Moderate Risk Under Current Medical Therapy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-defined carotid plaque hemorrhage (MRIPH) can predict recurrent cerebrovascular ischemic events in severe symptomatic carotid stenosis. It is less clear whether MRIPH can improve risk stratification despite optimized medical secondary prevention in those with moderate risk. METHODS: One-hundred fifty-one symptomatic patients with 30% to 99% carotid artery stenosis (median age: 77, 60.5% men) clinically deemed to not benefit from endarterectomy were prospectively recruited to undergo MRI and clinical follow-up (mean, 22 months). The clinical carotid artery risk score could be evaluated in 88 patients. MRIPH+ve was defined as plaque intensity >150% that of adjacent muscle. Survival analyses were performed with recurrent infarction (stroke or diffusion-positive cerebral ischemia) as the main end point. RESULTS: Fifty-five participants showed MRIPH+ve; 47 had low, 36 intermediate, and 5 high carotid artery risk scores. Cox regression showed MRIPH as a strong predictor of future infarction (hazard ratio, 5.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.64-16.34; P=0.005, corrected for degree of stenosis), also in the subgroup with 50% to 69% stenosis (hazard ratio, 4.1; 95% confidence interval, 1-16.8; P=0.049). The absolute risk of future infarction was 31.7% at 3 years in MRIPH+ve versus 1.8% in patients without (P<0.002). MRIPH increased cumulative risk difference of future infarction by 47.1% at 3 years in those with intermediate carotid artery risk score (P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: The study confirms MRIPH to be a powerful risk marker in symptomatic carotid stenosis with added value over current risk scores. For patients undergoing current secondary prevention medication with clinically uncertain benefit from recanalization, that is, those with moderate degree stenosis and intermediate carotid artery risk scores, MRIPH offers additional risk stratification.

Durability of the balloon-expandable covered versus bare-metal stents in the Covered versus Balloon Expandable Stent Trial (COBEST) for the treatment of aortoiliac occlusive disease.

OBJECTIVE: The Covered vs Balloon Expandable Stent Trial (COBEST) is the first multicenter trial to investigate the patency of covered stents (CSs) and bare-metal stents (BMSs) in the treatment of aortoiliac arterial disease. The short-term results demonstrated that CSs were superior to BMSs in maintaining patency for TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) C and D lesions at 18 months and were equivalent to BMSs for TASC B lesions. The current study was conducted to determine if the initial patency advantage of CSs over BMSs was sustained at the 5-year follow-up. METHODS: A retrospective post hoc analysis of COBEST was performed. Originally, 125 patients with 168 iliac arteries were prospectively enrolled and randomly assigned to receive a CS or BMS. In this study, 77 of the 125 patients (61.6%; 119 limbs) were assessed at 60 months for the primary and secondary end points, with particular attention paid to the outcomes stratified according to TASC lesion severity. The primary end point was the rate of binary stenosis or freedom from stent occlusion of the treated area, as determined by ultrasound imaging or quantitative visual angiography. RESULTS: The 5-year results of the COBEST showed that the CS had a significantly higher patency rate than the BMS at 18, 24, 48, and 60 months (95.1%, 82.1%, 79.9%, 74.7% for CS vs 73.9%, 70.9%, 63% and 62.5% for BMS; log-rank test, P = .01). On multivariate analysis, the type of stent used (hazard ratio [HR], 2.797; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.471-5.318; P = .002) and the Rutherford classification (HR, 2.019; 95% CI, 1.278-3.191; P = .026) significantly affected the adjusted primary patency. On subgroup analysis, the CS showed significantly higher patency and a survival benefit compared with the BMS in TASC C and D lesions (HR, 8.639; 95% CI, 54.253-75.753; P = .003). Moreover, fewer patients received target limb revascularization in the CS group than in the BMS group (odds ratio, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.47-3.36; P = .02); however, there was no statistically significant difference in the rate of amputations between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The 5-year results of the COBEST demonstrated that the CS has an enduring patency advantage over the BMS in both the short and long terms. Furthermore, the CS showed acceptable patency rates for the treatment of more severe TASC C and D lesions, and patients who received a CS required fewer revascularization procedures. However, the choice of stent did not affect the rate of major limb amputations.

Covered stents in iliac artery occlusive disease: what is the evidence?

The last two decades have seen a revolution in the treatment of aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD). Acceptable safety and durability outcomes have now been realized with endovascular treatments, which is increasingly finding a place in the treatment of AIOD. Evolution of stent technologies and endovascular techniques is seeing an expansion of AIOD lesions indicated for primary endovascular treatment. The literature evidence basis is continuously evolving, and questions remain as to the optimal form of vessel treatment. Covered stents have been increasingly promoted for their long-term durability, particularly in extensive, challenging AIOD lesions. Here, we explore the seminal evidence basis for covered stents in the treatment of AIOD, and aim to provide a sound evidence based argument for their use.

Risk factors associated with cerebrovascular recurrence in symptomatic carotid disease: a comparative study of carotid plaque morphology, microemboli assessment and the European Carotid Surgery Trial risk model.

BACKGROUND: The European Carotid Surgery Trial (ECST) risk model is a validated tool for predicting cerebrovascular risk in patients with symptomatic carotid disease. Carotid plaque hemorrhage as detected by MRI (MRIPH) and microembolic signals (MES) detected by transcranial Doppler (TCD) are 2 emerging modalities in assessing instability of the carotid plaque. The aim of this study was to assess the strength of association of MES and MRIPH with cerebrovascular recurrence in patients with symptomatic carotid artery disease in comparison with the ECST risk prediction model. METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-four prospectively recruited patients (mean [SD]: age 72 [9.8] years, 33% female) with symptomatic severe (50% to 99%) carotid stenosis underwent preoperative TCD, MRI of the carotid arteries to assess MES, PH, and the ECST risk model. Patients were followed up until carotid endarterectomy, recurrent cerebral event, death, or study end. Event-free survival analysis was done using backward conditional Cox regression analysis.Of the 123 patients who had both TCD and MRI, 82 (66.7%) demonstrated PH and 46 (37.4%) had MES. 37 (30.1%) cerebrovascular events (21 transient ischemic attacks, 6 amaurosis fugax, and 10 strokes) were observed. Both carotid PH (HR=8.68; 95% CI 2.66 to 28.40, P<0.001) as well as MES (HR=3.28; 95% CI 1.68 to 6.42, P=0.001) were associated with cerebrovascular event recurrence. Combining MES and MRIPH improved the strength of association (HR=0.74, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.83; P<0.001). The ECST risk model was not associated with recurrence (HR=0.86; 95% CI 0.45 to 1.65; P=0.65). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of carotid plaque hemorrhage is better associated with recurrent cerebrovascular events in patients with symptomatic severe carotid stenosis than the presence of microembolic signals; combining MES and MRIPH, further improves the association while the ECST risk score was insignificant.

Long-term outcome of endovascular repair of popliteal artery aneurysm presents a credible alternative to open surgery.

PURPOSE: Endovascular repair of popliteal artery aneurysms (PAA) has become increasingly popular; however, long-term patency and limb salvage rates are not fully established. METHODS: A retrospective review of all endovascular PAA repairs at our institution (from 2005 to 2012) identified 34 PAAs in 26 patients, of which 32 % presented with acute symptoms. PAA were repaired with either Hemobahn(®) or Viabahn(®) endografts, using an entirely percutaneous approach. All patients were given Clopidogrel and/or aspirin postoperatively. Mean follow-up duration was 40 (range 4-86) months. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to determine primary patency, secondary patency, and limb salvage rates. Complications and reintervention rates also were examined. RESULTS: At 1, 3, and 5 years follow-up, the primary graft patency was 88, 82, and 82 %, respectively, and secondary patency was 90, 86, and 86 %. Amputation-free survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 97, 94, and 94 %, respectively. Technical success was achieved in 100 %. There were five graft occlusions: one was asymptomatic, one was treated with thrombolysis successfully, and one was thrombolysed but reoccluded resulting in nondisabling claudication. Two were not suitable for thrombolysis and required amputation. The overall reintervention rate was 12 %. CONCLUSIONS: The primary and secondary patency rates of endovascular repair of PAA are equivalent to the reported outcome of open repair. Reintervention and limb salvage rate appears better than open repair. With improved long-term outcomes, endovascular repair can be considered a credible treatment strategy for routine uncomplicated PAA.

Safety of carotid endarterectomy following thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: The timing of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) following thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke remains controversial. We have described our unit's experience and performed a systematic review and pooled data synthesis of the safety of CEA in this group of patients. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients who had undergone CEA following thrombolysis between 2010 and 2012 was performed. A systematic review of the literature was also performed using PUBMED, EMBASE, and major conference proceedings. The primary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and ischemic stroke. The secondary outcome measures were 30-day postoperative all-cause morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: Seven patients underwent CEA following thrombolysis with mean age ± standard deviation of 70.57 ± 7.57. Five were men and five had CEA under local anesthesia. CEA was performed in median of 7 days (range, 2-12) after onset of stroke. Thirty-day morbidity was 14% (1/7) with one patient who experienced ICH postoperatively. There was no mortality. Nine studies were identified for systemic review. Seventy patients were included in the pooled data synthesis. One patient (1%) experienced postoperative ICH. When our series was included, the 30-day postoperative ICH was 3% (2/77). The overall 30-day postoperative morbidity was 4% (3/77), and there was no mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Despite slightly higher rates of postoperative hemorrhagic strokes than those in randomized trials, CEA appears safe following thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke. However, more data on the timing of surgery is needed.

Magnetic resonance detected carotid plaque hemorrhage is associated with inflammatory features in symptomatic carotid plaques.

BACKGROUND: Both magnetic resonance detected carotid plaque hemorrhage (MRI PH(+)) and features of inflammation are associated with increased risk of cerebrovascular events in patients with carotid stenosis. To further assess the potential of MRI PH as a biomarker for complicated carotid plaque, its relationship with inflammation needs to be assessed. In this study we assess whether MRI PH(+) carotid plaques are associated with inflammatory infiltration. METHODS: Thirty-five consecutive patients with symptomatic, high-grade carotid stenosis scheduled for carotid endarterectomy had preoperative MRI. The carotid plaques removed at operation were assessed for inflammatory features and compared with MRI findings. RESULTS: Twenty-one (60%) carotid arteries were MRI PH(+) and 14 (40%) were MRI PH(-). The MRI PH(+) plaques were associated with histologic evidence of plaque hemorrhage, high lipid proportion, and low fibrous content. They also had higher levels of macrophage and lymphoid cells compared with MRI PH(-) plaques (P < 0.05, by χ² test) and were more likely to be AHA VI (P < 0.005, χ² test). MRI PH(+) plaques were also more likely to be graded as unstable based on morphology and cellular composition. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate an association between MRI PH and signs of active plaque disease. The relationship between inflammatory activity and plaque instability may thus explain the increased risk associated with MRI PH(+) plaques and increased risk of symptoms.

Carotid plaque hemorrhage on magnetic resonance imaging strongly predicts recurrent ischemia and stroke.

OBJECTIVE: There is a recognized need to improve selection of patients with carotid artery stenosis for carotid endarterectomy (CEA). We assessed the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-defined carotid plaque hemorrhage (MRIPH) to predict recurrent ipsilateral cerebral ischemic events, and stroke in symptomatic carotid stenosis. METHODS: One hundred seventy-nine symptomatic patients with ≥ 50% stenosis were prospectively recruited, underwent carotid MRI, and were clinically followed up until CEA, death, or ischemic event. MRIPH was diagnosed if the plaque signal intensity was >150% that of the adjacent muscle. Event-free survival analysis was done using Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox regression models controlling for known vascular risk factors. We also undertook a meta-analysis of reported data on MRIPH and recurrent events. RESULTS: One hundred fourteen patients (63.7%) showed MRIPH, suffering 92% (57 of 62) of all recurrent ipsilateral events and all but 1 (25 of 26) future strokes. Patients without MRIPH had an estimated annual absolute stroke risk of only 0.6%. Cox multivariate regression analysis proved MRIPH as a strong predictor of recurrent ischemic events (hazard ratio [HR] = 12.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.8-30.1, p < 0.001) and stroke alone (HR = 35.0, 95% CI = 4.7-261.6, p = 0.001). Meta-analysis of published data confirmed this association between MRIPH and recurrent cerebral ischemic events in symptomatic carotid artery stenosis (odds ratio = 12.2, 95% CI = 5.5-27.1, p < 0.00001). INTERPRETATION: MRIPH independently and strongly predicts recurrent ipsilateral ischemic events, and stroke alone, in symptomatic ≥ 50% carotid artery stenosis. The very low stroke risk in patients without MRIPH puts into question current risk-benefit assessment for CEA in this subgroup.

The utilisation of the MUST nutritional screening tool on vascular surgical wards.

Whilst malnutrition is prevalent in approximately 40% of general surgical patients, the prevalence of malnutrition and nutritional screening practices amongst vascular patients remain unknown. The Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) is recommended for risk screening and provides 3 scores for risk classification: 0=low risk, 1=intermediate risk, 2=high risk. The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate the use of MUST on vascular wards. This prospective study was undertaken in a tertiary referral vascular unit in the UK. Patient demographics, utilisation of MUST by nursing staff (N-MUST) and referral to nutritional support teams (NST) were studied. When MUST was not completed by nursing staff, the study team (S-MUST) performed it. Fifty-three patients, median (interquartile range, IQR) age 67 (59-75) years were initially studied. For N-MUST: Overall MUST score was recorded in 18/25 (72%) patients, of whom 1 (4%) scored 2, whilst the remainder scored 0. For S-MUST: Overall MUST scores were recorded in 28 patients, MUST=0 in 75% and ≥2 in 21%. An educational session on use of MUST was delivered to nursing staff, as well as a Trust-wide educational initiative to improve assessment of nutritional status and, after a 2-month period, the study was repeated. The second cohort comprised forty-two patients, median (IQR) age 72 (64-79) years. For N-MUST: Overall MUST score was recorded in 37/40 (93%) patients, of whom 3 (8%) scored ≥2. For S-MUST: Overall MUST scores were recorded in 2 patients, MUST = 0 in 67% and ≥2 in 33%. Despite the ease of use of MUST, it was under-utilised on vascular wards. However, following provision of a dedicated educational programme to ward nursing staff, utilisation of MUST for risk scoring patients on admission increased to over 90%.

Lower prevalence of carotid plaque hemorrhage in women, and its mediator effect on sex differences in recurrent cerebrovascular events.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Women are at lower risk of stroke, and appear to benefit less from carotid endarterectomy (CEA) than men. We hypothesised that this is due to more benign carotid disease in women mediating a lower risk of recurrent cerebrovascular events. To test this, we investigated sex differences in the prevalence of MRI detectable plaque hemorrhage (MRI PH) as an index of plaque instability, and secondly whether MRI PH mediates sex differences in the rate of cerebrovascular recurrence. METHODS: Prevalence of PH between sexes was analysed in a single centre pooled cohort of 176 patients with recently symptomatic, significant carotid stenosis (106 severe [≥70%], 70 moderate [50-69%]) who underwent prospective carotid MRI scanning for identification of MRI PH. Further, a meta-analysis of published evidence was undertaken. Recurrent events were noted during clinical follow up for survival analysis. RESULTS: Women with symptomatic carotid stenosis (50%≥) were less likely to have plaque hemorrhage (PH) than men (46% vs. 70%) with an adjusted OR of 0.23 [95% CI 0.10-0.50, P<0.0001] controlling for other known vascular risk factors. This negative association was only significant for the severe stenosis subgroup (adjusted OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.067-0.50) not the moderate degree stenosis. Female sex in this subgroup also predicted a longer time to recurrent cerebral ischemic events (HR 0.38 95% CI 0.15-0.98, P = 0.045). Further addition of MRI PH or smoking abolished the sex effects with only MRI PH exerting a direct effect. Meta-analysis confirmed a protective effect of female sex on development of PH: unadjusted OR for presence of PH = 0.54 (95% CI 0.45-0.67, p<0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: MRI PH is significantly less prevalent in women. Women with MRI PH and severe stenosis have a similar risk as men for recurrent cerebrovascular events. MRI PH thus allows overcoming the sex bias in selection for CEA.

Use of the Hardman index in predicting mortality in endovascular repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms.

PURPOSE: The Hardman index is a predictor of 30-day mortality after open ruptured abdominal aneurysm repair through the use of preoperative patient factors. The aim of this study was to assess the Hardman index in patients undergoing endovascular repair of ruptured aortic aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 95 patients undergoing emergency endovascular repairs of computed tomography-confirmed ruptured aneurysms from 1994 to 2008 in a university hospital was performed. All relevant patient variables, calculations of the Hardman index, and the incidence of 30-day mortality were collected in these patients. Correlation of the relationship between each variable and the overall score with the incidence of 30-day mortality was undertaken. RESULTS: The 24-hour mortality was 16% and 30-day mortality 36%. Increasing scores on the Hardman index showed an increasing mortality rate. Thirty-day mortality in patients with a score of 0 to 2 was 30.5%, and in those with a score of ≥3 was 69.2% (P = .01, risk ratio = 2.26, 95% confidence interval = 0.98 to 5.17). This is lower than predicted in both patient groups based on Hardman index score. Loss of consciousness was the only statistically significant independent predictor of 30-day mortality with a risk ratio of 3.16 (95% confidence interval = 2.00-4.97, P < .001). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the Hardman index can predict an increased risk of 30-day mortality from endovascular repairs of ruptured aortic aneurysms. However, mortality from endovascular repair is much lower than would be predicted in open repair and it therefore cannot be used clinically as a tool for exclusion from intervention.

Emergency endovascular repair of aortocaval fistula--a single center experience.

PURPOSE: To review the outcomes of patients undergoing emergency endovascular repair of aortocaval fistula (ACF) secondary to abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). CASE REPORT: Four consecutive patients who underwent emergency endovascular repair of ACF associated with AAA in a tertiary institution between 2002 and 2009. Of the 4 patients, 3 had initially been misdiagnosed and managed for several days by other specialists for their symptoms prior to diagnosis of their ACF. Three patients died in the early postoperative period. The fourth patient made a satisfactory postoperative recovery but subsequently required further endovascular surgery to treat a persistent type 1 endoleak. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience illustrates the importance of early diagnosis and management of ACF. Even in experienced hands, the management of spontaneous ACF associated with AAA is challenging. Endovascular surgery may still have a role in improving outcomes in these patients.

Plaque hemorrhage is a marker of thromboembolic activity in patients with symptomatic carotid disease.

PURPOSE: To assess whether carotid plaque hemorrhage depicted with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was associated with thromboembolic activity as assessed with transcranial Doppler imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The local research ethics committee approved the study, and all patients gave informed written consent. Between April 2005 and December 2006, patients with high-grade symptomatic carotid stenosis were prospectively recruited. All underwent MR imaging of the carotid arteries for plaque hemorrhage and diffusion-weighted imaging of the brain. Transcranial Doppler imaging of the symptomatic carotid artery was performed over 1 hour to assess the presence of microembolic signal. To determine the relationship between the presence of plaque hemorrhage and diffusion-weighted imaging-positive signal and presence of microembolic signal, a logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients (23 women and 28 men; mean age ± standard deviation, 72 years ± 11) underwent complete MR imaging; 46 (86%) of these patients underwent complete transcranial Doppler imaging. In 32 (63%) patients, there was plaque hemorrhage in the index carotid artery. The presence of plaque hemorrhage increased the risk for ipsilateral abnormalities at diffusion-weighted imaging (odds ratio, 6.2 [95% confidence interval: 1.7, 21.8]; P < .05). Multiple diffusion-weighted imaging-depicted abnormalities of multiple ages were present exclusively in patients with plaque hemorrhage shown at MR imaging (12 of 32 [38%] patients with plaque hemorrhage versus none of 19 patients without plaque hemorrhage; P < .05). The presence of plaque hemorrhage also increased the presence of microembolic signal (odds ratio, 6.0 [95% confidence interval: 1.8, 19.9]; P = .003). CONCLUSION: In patients with carotid plaque hemorrhage demonstrated at MR imaging, there was increased spontaneous microembolic activity at transcranial Doppler imaging and cerebral ischemic lesion patterns suggestive of recurrent embolic events; these findings suggest that plaque hemorrhage shown at MR imaging might be a marker of thromboembolic activity and further validate the usefulness of carotid imaging in identifying patients with active carotid arterial disease.