Actualización de biomarcadores para la detección precoz de isquemia intestinal / Update on biomarkers for early detection of intestinal ischemia

La isquemia intestinal asocia una elevada mortalidad debida principalmente a un retraso en el diagnóstico. Sibien el angio tC es una herramienta sensible y específica, suele transcurrir demasiado tiempo hasta su realizacióndebido a una presentación clínica poco específica. en este tiempo la isquemia intestinal puede progresar a estadiosirreversibles con afectación sistémica. La obtención de biomarcadores precisos y de elevación precoz acortaría eltiempo diagnóstico de esta patología, lo que disminuiría su mortalidad asociada. Se sabe que las moléculas usadastradicionalmente, entre ellas el lactato, no tienen buena capacidad diagnóstica. no obstante, se ha observado unaelevada sensibilidad con el uso del esteroisómero D del lactato y la procalcitonina para detectar colitis isquémicatras cirugía de aorta, al tiempo que se recomienda valorar los niveles de dímero D para descartar isquemia mesen-térica aguda en pacientes con dolor abdominal. Otras moléculas con un potencial rendimiento diagnóstico sonla proteína ligadora de ácidos grasos intestinales (I-FaBp) y el péptido similar al glucagón de tipo 1 (GLp-1), aúnen investigación.(AU)

Intestinal ischemia associates high mortality rates, mainly due to a delay in diagnosis. although computed tomog-raphy angiography (Cta) remains a sensitive and specifi c tool, it usually takes quite long until it is done, due to anunspecific clinical presentation. In this time lapse, intestinal ischemia may progress to an irreversible stage withsigns of systemic failure. the acquisition of precise and early detection biomarkers for the disease would shortenthe time to diagnosis and hence its associated mortality. It is acknowledged that those molecules which have beenclassically used-lactate amongst them-do not have a proper diagnostic capacity. nevertheless, the D stereoisomerof lactate and procalcitonin have shown high sensitivity for detection of ischemic colitis after open aortic surgery,while D-dimer measurement is recommended to rule out acute mesenteric ischemia in patients with abdominalpain. Other molecules with a potential for diagnostic yield are intestinal fatty acid binding protein (i-FaBp) andglucagon-like peptide-1 (GLp-1), still under investigation.(AU)

The persistent breach between evidence and practice in the prevention of surgical site infection. Qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Despite the dissemination of guidelines for surgical site infection (SSI) prevention, a gap between the theoretical measures and their compliance persists. Accurate estimates of the implementation of preventative measures is crucial before planning dissemination strategies. METHODS: A web-based survey was distributed to members of 11 Associations of operative nurses and surgeons. Questions aimed to determine their awareness of evidence, personal beliefs and actual use of the main preventative measures. RESULTS: Of 1105 responders, 50.5% receive no feed-back of their SSI rate. Responders show a moderate rate of awareness of the recommendations about not removing hair, hair clipping, skin antisepsis with alcoholic solutions, and normothermia. Antibiotic prophylaxis is given for more than 24 h by 18.8% of respondents. Screening for S. aureus is performed by 27.6%. Hair removal by shaving is used by 16.6% of responders. The most common antiseptic solutions are alcoholic chlorhexidine (57.2%) and aqueous povidone (23.3%). 62.8% of surgeons allow the solution to air dry before applying surgical drapes. Adhesive drapes in the surgical field are used routinely in 33.4% of cases. Perioperative normothermia, glucose control and hyperoxia are used in 84.3%, 65.9% and 23.3% of cases. Antimicrobial sutures and negative pressure therapy are used by 20.2% and 43.5% of teams, respectively. Prior to closing the incision, 83.9% replace surgical instruments always or selectively. Wound irrigation before closing is used in 78.1% of cases, mostly with saline. Check-lists, standardized orders, surveillance, feed-back and educational programs were rated most highly by respondents as a means to improve compliance with preventative guidelines, but few of these strategies were in place at their institutions. CONCLUSION: Gaps in the translation of evidence into practice remain in the prevention of SSI among different surgical specialities. Several areas for improvement have been identified, as some core prevention measures are not in common use.

Fracaso renal agudo tras el uso de trombectomía farmacomecánica en la trombosis venosa aguda / Acute renal failure after the use of pharmacomechanical thrombectomy in acute venous thrombosis

La trombectomía farmacomecánica (TFM) ha demostrado disminuir la incidencia de síndrome postrombótico tras la trombosis venosa profunda (TVP), reduciendo comorbilidades, costes asociados e ingresos hospitalarios. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 23 años, sin antecedentes de interés, que debuta con fracaso renal agudo (FRA) tras TFM por TVP en miembro superior. Revisamos la literatura publicada hasta la actualidad referente a FRA tras el uso del sistema de TFM para el tratamiento de TVP. El riesgo de FRA tras TFM es considerable, y aunque el pronóstico sea por lo general benigno, dicha complicación debería ser advertida en la lista de posibles complicaciones asociadas a la TFM. Se ha de insistir en la adecuada hidratación preoperatoria y posoperatoria, limitando los tiempos de trombectomía mecánica y cuantificando el efluente obtenido para reducir el posible daño nefrológico. Enfatizamos la prudencia al indicar TFM en mujeres jóvenes y delgadas

Pharmacomechanical thrombectomy (FMT) has proven to decrease the incidence of post-thrombotic syndrome after deep vein thrombosis (DVT), reducing comorbidities, associated costs and hospital admissions. We present the case of a 23-year-old woman, without medical history of interest, who debuts with acute kidney injury (AKI) after TFM due to upper limb DVT. We review the literature published to date regarding AKI after the use of the FMT system for the treatment of DVT. The risk of AKI after FMT is considerable and although usually benign, this complication should be listed as possible complication after FMT. It is necessary to insist on adequate pre and postoperative hydration by limiting mechanical thrombectomy times and quantifying the effluent obtained to reduce possible nephrological damage. We emphasize prudence when indicating FMT in young and slim females

Pelvic radiation therapy as a potential risk factor for ischemic colitis complicating abdominal aortic reconstruction.

A 78-year-old man with a 56-mm juxtarenal aneurysm and previous pelvic radiotherapy for prostate cancer (3 years earlier) who was disease free during follow-up received elective aortoaortic bypass suprarenal clamping through a transperitoneal approach. After the patient experienced initial abdominal pain and diarrhea, a computed tomography scan showed mild sigmoid inflammation, and the patient received conservative treatment. One month after discharge, the patient underwent urgent laparotomy and bowel and sigmoid resection for an enterocutaneous fistula. At 6-month follow-up, he has recovered, although a bowel stoma remains.

Predictors of inadequate EndoAnchors aortic wall penetration for the Endosutured therapy in hostile neck patients.

BACKGROUND: The use of EndoAnchors is increasing; however, not much about appropriate use in terms of aortic wall penetration (AWP) is described. We aim to evaluate the procedural and anatomical conditions related with borderline (b) or absence (ab) of AWP when checked on first CT-scan after the Endosutured aortic repair (ESAR) for hostile neck anatomies (HNA). METHODS: This study with NCT04100499 is a single center prospective evaluation of patients receiving EndoAnchors for prevention or treatment of a proximal EVAR failure. AWP was evaluated on first CT-scan and findings correlated with neck anatomical features and procedural data. The sum of borderline and absence of AWP was considered as Inadequate - In-AWP (failure). Adjunctive procedures, reinterventions, all-cause mortality, absence of type Ia EL and aneurysm related mortality are also described. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients were treated during the study period and 43 high-surgical risk patients were finally included in the study for analysis with at least one HNA criteria (58%) and associating two in 21% or even three in 21%. A total of 250 EndoAnchors were deployed at a median 6 (range, 4-10) per case. From those, 31 (12.5%) achieved b-AWP and 11 (4.4%) ab-AWP, meaning 42 (16.8%) EndoAnchors with In-AWP. Univariate-analysis showed being an occasional user and a therapeutic case as predictor for at least one and more failures. The only predictor on multivariate analysis for two or more EndoAnchors with In-AWP was being an occasional user. Cumulative-survival and freedom from type-Ia EL at 2-years was 84% and 95%; respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes of the ESAR therapy should be validated according to their aortic wall penetration checked on first CT-scan. EndoAnchors use in HNA should not be considered an easy approach for the endovascular technique, especially for therapeutic cases. An individual and specific case analysis counterbalancing inadequate use of the device in unexperienced users should be evaluated against the increased risk of proximal failure as in standard EVAR alone during HNA treatment.

Adapting Vascular Surgery Practice to the Current COVID-19 Era at a Tertiary Academic Center in Madrid.

BACKGROUND: The epidemic potential of coronavirus infection is now a reality. Since the first case detected in late 2019 in China, a fast worldwide expansion confirms it. The vascular patient is at a higher risk of developing a severe form of the disease because of its nature associating several comorbid states, and thus, some vascular surgery communities from many countries have tried to stratify patients into those requiring care during these uncertain times. METHODS: This is an observational study describing the current daily vascular surgery practice at one tertiary academic hospital in Madrid region, Spain-one of the most affected regions worldwide due to the COVID-19 outbreak. We analyzed our surgical practice since March 14th when the lockdown was declared up to date, May 14th (2 months). Procedural surgical practice, organizational issues, early outcomes, and all the troubles encountered during this new situation are described. RESULTS: Our department is composed of 10 vascular surgeons and 4 trainees. Surgical practice has been reduced to only urgent care, totaling 50 repairs on 45 patients during the period. Five surgeries were performed on 3 COVID-19-positive patients. Sixty percent were due to critical limb ischemia, 45% of them performed by complete endovascular approach, whereas less than 10% of repairs were aorta related. We were allocated to use a total of 5 surgical rooms in different locations, none our usual, as it was converted into an ICU room while performing 50% of those repairs with unusual nursery staff. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 outbreak has dramatically changed our organization and practice in favor of urgent or semiurgent surgical care alone. The lack of in-hospital/ICU beds and changing nursery staff changed the whole availability organization at our hospital and was a key factor in surgical decision-making in some cases.

Partial Renal Coverage after Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair with Suprarenal Fixation Seems Not to be Associated with Early Renal Impairment.

BACKGROUND: Efforts to achieve optimal seal during endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) may produce partial coverage of the lowest renal artery and in some cases even occlusion. This coverage might alter the renal ostial flow, which could finally affect renal function. We sought to evaluate the incidence of renal ostium coverage and its possible effects on renal function. METHODS: All patients undergoing elective EVAR with suprarenal fixation devices between January 2014, and December 2017, at our institution were identified. Patients with preoperative and postoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA), as well as the preoperative, postoperative, and one year postintervention creatinine levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were included in the present study. Patients in hemodialysis, with a preoperative eGFR <30 mL/min, urgent EVAR, neck adjunctive procedures, excessive aortic thrombus, or procedure-related reintervention were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 127 patients received EVAR for aortoiliac aneurysmatic pathologies between January 2014, and December 2017. Forty-three of them met the inclusion criteria having a median follow-up of 18.8 months (range; 12.0-53.9). Twenty-six (60.5%) patients presented at least one criterion of hostile neck condition and 23 (53.5%) had a preoperative eGFR <60 mL/min. The average distance from the proximal endograft fabric to the lower renal artery was 1.5 mm (range, 0.0-6.0) while a total of 15 renal ostia (34.9%) suffered unintended partial coverage (range, 20 to 75% of the renal ostium) in the postoperative CTA. Nine of these patients (60%) had a hostile neck condition. Eight patients (18.6%) suffered significant deterioration (>20% of the eGFR), 27 patients (62.8%) maintained their renal function and 8 (18.6%) presented an improvement of the eGFR in the latest available blood sample. Renal function impairment showed no significant association with renal ostium coverage (P = 0.561), hostile neck condition (P = 0.973), or the diameter of the renal artery (P = 0.835). In the subgroup analysis, patients with the eGFR <60 mL/min did not show significantly greater renal function deterioration (P = 0.568). CONCLUSIONS: Partial renal coverage is not an uncommon phenomenon occurring in one-third of the treated patients. However, it was not associated with renal function impairment in the early term. Further studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm our results in the long haul.

¿Existe aún la zona de no stent? Resultados iniciales de stenting en arteria poplítea en pacientes con isquemia crítica / Does the non-stent area still exist? Preliminary results of popliteal artery stenting in patients with critical limb ischemia

INTRODUCCIÓN: la enfermedad aterosclerótica en la región femoropoplítea es la principal causa de isquemia crónica de miembros inferiores. Existen diversos tipos de tratamiento quirúrgico -abierto, convencional o endovascular para su tratamiento. El sector poplíteo ha sido una zona conflictiva para el uso de stent debido a su alta carga de estrés mecánico. MÉTODO: estudio retrospectivo observacional monocéntrico en el tratamiento de isquemia crítica con el uso de un stent dual de nitinol y fluoropolímeros en cualquier porción de la arteria poplítea entre enero de 2012 y enero de 2017. La indicación del stent fue fallo del tratamiento endovascular de la angioplastia (disección, reestenosis o recoil). Realizamos seguimiento clínico y ecográfico a 3, 6 y 12 meses. Se evalúa permeabilidad primaria, secundaria, salvamento de miembro y mortalidad. RESULTADOS: se incluyen 19 pacientes -8 hombres (42,1%) y 11 mujeres (57,9%), con una edad media de 77,4 años y características basales habituales. La mediana de seguimiento fue de 8 meses (rango 1-66 meses). Durante el seguimiento, la permeabilidad primaria a 3 meses fue de 94,7% y de 88% a 6 y 12 meses. La permeabilidad secundaria a 3 meses fue del 100% y de 92,9% a 6 y 12 meses. La tasa libre de amputación fue de 92,9% al año de seguimiento. La supervivencia al año fue del 72%. CONCLUSIÓN: el stent dual de nitinolfluoropolímeros impregnado en heparina es una buena opción terapéutica para la isquemia crítica en el sector poplíteo después de fallo con angioplastia, ya que demuestra altas tasas de permeabilidad y supervivencia del miembro en pacientes con isquemia crítica. Es necesario validar los resultados a medio y largo plazo para valorar la posibilidad de stenting primario en este sector

INTRODUCTION: femoropopliteal atheroscletoric disease is the main cause of chronic limb ischemia. There are different types of surgical treatment, open by pass or endovascular. Due to high mechanical stress the popliteal artery has always been considered a no-stent zone. METHOD: observational retrospective one-center study in the treatment of patients with critical limb ischemia (Rutherford-Baker grade 3-5) treated with dual stent along popliteal artery between January 2012 and January 2017. Indication of the stent was primary angioplasty failure (arterial dissection, re-stenosis or recoil). We performed follow-up with ultrasonography at 3, 6 and 12 months. We describe primary patency, secondary patency, limb salvage and mortality. RESULTS: we collected 19 patients, 8 men (42.1%) and 11 women (57.9%), 77.4 years of mean age. The median of follow-up was 8 months (range 1-66 months). Primary patency was 94.7% at 3 months and 88% at 6 and 12 months. Secondary patency was 100% at 3 months and 92.9% at 6 and 12 months. The limb salvage rate was 92.9% at 1 year. Survival rate was 72% for the first year. CONCLUSION: dual stent of nitinol and fluoropolymers impregnated with heparin seems to be a good option in patients with critical limb ischemia associating popliteal artery lesions. It has high patency and limb salvage rates. Despite that, it is necessary to validate these results in medium and long term

Symptomatic Aortic Bare-Metal Stent Fracture after PETTICOAT Technique for Complicated Type B Aortic Dissection.

BACKGROUND: Aortic bare-metal stent rupture is an exceptional complication, associated with high risk of aorta rupture and death. We describe a successful endovascular approach for a symptomatic aortic bare-metal stent fracture after the provisional extension to induce complete attachment (PETTICOAT) technique. METHODS: A 53-year-old man with a complicated type B aortic dissection (visceral malperfusion) was treated with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and "PETTICOAT" technique. The 1-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up scans showed progressive aortic remodeling. After 15 months from the initial procedure, the patient was admitted to the emergency department with severe thoracic pain and two syncopal episodes. Urgent angio-computed tomography (CT) showed bare-metal stent rupture and aortic dilatation to 45 mm at the site of stent fracture. RESULTS: He was urgently treated with TEVAR to cover the entire length of the bare-metal stent under local anesthesia and motor-evoked potential (MEP) monitoring. If signs of medullary ischemia are observed in the MEP register, a carotid-subclavian bypass was planned. At 12 months of follow-up, the patient remains asymptomatic. CT scan at 1 month and 12 months showed no signs of endoleak and aortic remodeling to 40 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Although unusual, this case demonstrates the possibility of material fatigue/failure and highlights the need of close imaging follow-up after TEVAR for treatment of aortic diseases.

Expanded Suitability of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms for Total Endovascular Repair Using the Endurant Endograft and Heli-FX EndoAnchors.

PURPOSE: To assess if the suitability of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (RAAAs) can be expanded by combining the Endurant stent-graft with the Heli-FX EndoAnchors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scans of 90 patients (mean age 73.2±9 years; 87 men) with RAAA admitted between January 2014 and January 2018 in 2 tertiary care centers were analyzed in a 3-dimensional workstation. Anatomical features of the aneurysms according to the instructions for use (IFU) for the Endurant endograft were evaluated and expansion of treatment with Heli-FX EndoAnchors was assessed. RESULTS: Neck length <10 mm was present in 41 (45.6%) patients; 5 had neck diameters outside the IFU and 45 (50.0%) had conical necks. Thrombus and calcium were absent in 63 (70.0%) and 73 (81.1%), respectively. In the study cohort, 44 (48.9%) patients met all the neck criteria, although overall IFU compliance was found in only 35 (38.9%) patients due to iliac-related issues in 21 patients. The adjunctive use of EndoAnchors in the entire study group would enhance the therapeutic range to an additional 24 patients, 8 of whom would need an associated iliac procedure. This represents an expansion of the total EVAR approach from 48.9% to 75.6% of cases if some iliac issues are overcome and from 38.9% to 56.7% without correcting iliac deficiencies. CONCLUSION: The main reason of being unfit for endovascular treatment in this series was neck length <10 mm. Based on this analysis, nearly 40% of RAAA patients would have been candidates for EVAR based on the IFU neck criteria for the Endurant stent-graft. This suitability could be nearly doubled with the use of EndoAnchors and correction of unsuitable iliac anatomy. The use of EndoAnchors has the potential to offer a significant benefit in the endovascular treatment of RAAA patients.

Descending Aorta Rupture after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Embolization.

BACKGROUND: To report a case of rupture of the descending aorta after aortic migration during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). METHODS: An 85-year-old man with a severe and symptomatic aortic stenosis underwent elective TAVR, which complicated with embolization into the ascending aorta. While repositioning into the descending aorta, the procedure complicated with aortic rupture. RESULTS: The patient required urgent thoracic intravalve stent-graft implantation (thoracic endovascular aortic repair [TEVAR]). Reintervention with other stent graft was required 2 days after initial procedure as proximal rupture was again diagnosed. Patient was discharged 50 days later because of other medical complications. He remains stable at 1 year of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: TEVAR is a valid and safe option in the treatment of iatrogenic acute aortic rupture due to TAVR.

The Cuff Plus Anchoring Funnel Technique for Endovascular Aortic Repair (CAF-EVAR) for Large Infrarenal Necks.

PURPOSE: To present a case of a patient with possible short (2 years approximately) life expectancy and a 68-mm abdominal aortic aneurysm with a large infrarenal neck and large suprarenal aorta that precluded chimney endovascular aortic repair (Ch-EVAR) treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The technical aspects of a modification of the funnel technique (thoracic endograft as a proximal extension of a main infrarenal device in wide necks) are described. We advocated a migrated bifurcated 36-mm endograft in a 34-mm native aorta, ten mm below the lowest renal artery and added endoanchor (four) fixation to this "intentionally migrated main endograft." Afterward, we extended proximally a large aortic 38-mm-wide/50-mm-long cuff using the remaining 10-mm neck for cuff sealing. This aortic cuff achieved 8.5% oversizing in this 10-mm neck length. We again added additional endoanchoring (four) on this cuff. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Insights into technical issues for this bailout technique are described. No proximal endoleak or sac enlargement or migration is founded on 6-month follow up.

Outcomes of open and endovascular repair of inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Objective Reports on inflammatory aortic abdominal aneurysm treatment are scarce. Traditionally, open surgery has been validated as the gold standard of treatment; however, high technical skills are required. Endovascular aortic repair has been suggested as a less invasive treatment by some authors offering good results. The purpose of our study was to report our experience and outcomes in the treatment of inflammatory aortic abdominal aneurysm using both approaches. Material and methods A retrospective review and data collection of all patients treated for inflammatory aortic abdominal aneurysm between 2000 and 2015 was done in one academic center. Diagnosis of inflammatory aortic abdominal aneurysm was based on preoperative CT-scan imaging. Type of treatment, postoperative and long-term morbidity and mortality are described. Abdominal compressive symptoms (hydronephrosis) severity and relief after treatment are described. Results Thirty-four patients with intact inflammatory aortic abdominal aneurysm were included. Twenty-nine (85.3%) patients were treated by open means and the remaining five (14.7%) with endovascular aortic repair. Nearly 90% were considered high-risk patients. Median follow-up was 46 months (range 24-112). The two groups were comparable, except for the age and preoperative hydronephrosis. There was no statistical significance in blood transfusion requirements, intensive care hospitalization, 30-day and long-term mortality between the two groups. Preoperative hydronephrosis was diagnosed in four (13.8%) patients in the open surgery group and three (60%) patients in the endovascular aortic repair group. Improvement of hydronephrosis was recognized in three out of the four patients in the open repair group and two out of the three in the endovascular aortic repair group. Renal function remained stable in both groups during follow-up. Conclusions Open surgery remains a safe and valid option for the treatment of inflammatory aortic abdominal aneurysm. Although our study included a small number of patients with endovascular aortic repair treatment, results are promising. Further randomized controlled studies may be necessary to assess long-term effectiveness of endovascular aortic repair treatment in this disease.

No Difference in Neck Enlargement for Patients Treated With Double Proximal Self-Expandable Suprarenal Fixation Endografting.

INTRODUCTION: Neck enlargement is well described in patients treated with self-expandable endografts for abdominal aortic aneurysms. Double endografting (ie, overlapping of stent grafts) occurs in patients with proximal cuffs or bifurcated to monoiliacal configuration conversions. When the aortic neck of patients receives 2 suprarenal fixation endografts, it may behave differently in terms of radial force and interaction of additional suprarenal stents extending to the visceral aorta. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study comparing 2 groups. Group 1 included 18 patients treated with 2 proximal self-expandable endografts. Group 2 included 17 patients treated with 1 self-expandable endograft who were consecutively treated during the period of treatment in group 1. Neck measurements were analyzed in both groups preoperatively and in the last computed tomography scan during follow-up. Suprarenal, interrenal, juxtarenal, and infrarenal (at 5 and 10 mm) diameters, as well as interrenal and infrarenal (5 mm) areas, were measured. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics, initial neck measurements, and aneurysmal sac evolution including endoleaks between the groups. Both groups showed neck enlargement. Group comparisons of all parameters in posttreatment neck measurements showed no statistical change. Univariate analysis showed oversizing to be significant in interrenal diameter and area and infrarenal at 10 mm diameter; however, 2-way analysis of variance analysis showed that the interaction between oversizing and the number of stent grafts was not significant. CONCLUSION: Neck enlargement occurs in patients with self-expandable endografts with a tendency to reach the size of the endograft in the long term. Double endografting seems to interact in the same way as simple endografting in the aortic neck. Although the main limitation of our study lies in the small sample size, the presence of an additional "double" stent graft does not appear to result in any differences in aortic neck dilatation when compared to a single stent graft.

Failed Minimally Invasive Staged Treatment of a Giant Symptomatic Aortic Perigraft Hygroma after Open Aortic Repair.

BACKGROUND: Perigraft hygromas or seromas are an unusual finding and/or complication after open aortic repair. METHODS AND RESULTS: We present a case of an 82-year-old man with a previous urgent aortic bifurcated graft for abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture. He received several treatments due to abdominal compartment syndrome, requiring a Bogota Bag and colostomy derivation. He was finally discharged home and lost on follow-up. Eight years after this procedure, he presented to the urgency department with an abdominal mass and pain. Urgent computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a giant bilobed aortic sac, corresponding with a huge hygroma. A 3-stage minimally invasive procedure was scheduled due to hostile abdomen. Six months after successful treatment, patient came with fever and abdominal pain. He was diagnosed with graft infection and aortoenteric fistula and was treated with explantation and silver in situ repair. CONCLUSIONS: Aortic hygroma or seromas after open repair should be treated by open means whenever possible. Endovascular techniques could be a valid option in selected patients; however, further evidence is needed.

A Word of Caution for Extra Large Self-expandable Nitinol Stents.

BACKGROUND: To report an unsuccessful use of large nitinol stent to prevent proximal endoleak in endograft treatment for juxtarenal aortic aneurysm. CASE REPORT: An 82-year-old male presented coronary disease and severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease requiring oxygen support. A large 80-mm juxtarenal aneurysm was found on routine urological examination. Neck features were as follows: 7 mm and high anterior-posterior angulation. ASA risk score IV was given. Patient wanted to be treated. We decided a 1-shot intervention based on self-expandable suprarenal fixation endograft with adjunctive extra large self-expandable (high radial force) nitinol stent. Control computed tomography scan demonstrates nitinol stent severe infolding and a possible perforation of the primary endograft. At 6-month follow-up, sac reveals enlargement of 5 mm and 6% volume increase. Patient does not want further treatments due to high risk of procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Extreme caution should be taken when using self-expandable extra large nitinol stents for preventive matters. Oversizing should be carefully considered, not necessarily reaching the endograft chosen size. When short and angulated neck morphology co-exists, other devices or procedures may be a better option.

Anticoagulation Alone for Aortic Segment Treatment in Symptomatic Primary Aortic Mural Thrombus Patients.

BACKGROUND: Primary aortic mural thrombus (AMT) is a rare entity. Asymptomatic AMT may be found in imaging studies for other disease studies. Symptomatic AMT as embolic events may localize in the arterial branches of the aorta; limb ischemia is the most usual clinical presentation, though. However, when proximal aorta is compromised, visceral branches occlusion and ischemia may determine morbidity and mortality in these patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study with collection of data from January 2011 to September 2016. Medical records of patients were reviewed for: demographic data, cardiovascular risk factors or any known prothrombotic predisposing condition, clinical presentation, vessel of embolism, localization of aortic thrombus, treatment of AMT and symptoms, follow-up, and computed tomography scan imaging findings. RESULTS: A total of 8 patients were included in the study. Mean age was 54.7 ± 11.5 years, with male/female ratio 3:1. Four (50%) patients had AMT at the arch or descending aorta, 3 (37.5%) patients in the infrarenal sector, and the remaining in the visceral aorta. All but one patient received anticoagulation alone for the aortic thrombus. Patient with femoral thromboembolectomy died in the early postoperative time due to severe massive embolism. Median follow-up was 23 months (range, 1-50). Five out of seven patients showed complete aortic thrombus resolution in imaging follow up. None of the patients presented recurrence of embolic events. CONCLUSIONS: An anticoagulation first-approach treatment may be reasonable if mild organ damage is encountered. This strategy may be continued if no recurrences in embolic events are encountered, as high percentage of thrombus resolution is expected. Open or endovascular may be saved for life-threatening visceral or arch branches damage.

Late aortic silver graft re-infection due to Streptococcus milleri group (Streptococcus anginosus). Case report and literature review / Reinfección tardía de prótesis aórtica de plata debida a grupo Streptococcus milleri (Streptococcus anginosus). Reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura

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