Comparison of Splenic Artery Aneurysms in Patients with and without Portal Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) are rare but seem to have higher incidence in patients with portal hypertension (PH). The present article aims to analyze the interference of PH in the natural history of these aneurysms. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of data recorded prospectively. Between January 2000 and December 2019, all SAAs patients in follow-up at a tertiary institution were selected for analysis. Primary end point was to analyze the presentation and evolution of SAAs in patients with PH, and secondary was to identify cumulative rates of freedom from rupture, interventions, and survival in this group, during a 10-year follow-up. RESULTS: In total, 96 patients were identified with SAAs, 79 (82.29%) did not have PH and 17 (17.7%) had this comorbidity. Among the demographic characteristics, the patients with SAAs and PH were significantly younger (52 years [standard deviation {SD} 13.3] versus 61.9 years [SD 12.2] [P = 0.05]) and had lower number of pregnancies (1.1 pregnancies [SD 1.2] versus 3.37 pregnancies [SD 2.3] [P = 0.03]). Patients with PH had a higher cumulative rate of surgical intervention throughout follow-up (up to 75.6% in 10 years) when compared to patients without PH, with 36.9% intervention rate in 10 years of follow-up. Patients with PH had larger diameter at diagnosis (35 mm, SD 27.3) compared to patients without PH (22.6 mm, SD 16.1), P = 0.008. However, there were no statistical differences in the relative growth rate, in aneurysmal rupture rate throughout follow-up, as well as in survival over the years, between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The patients with SAAs and PH are significantly younger, have larger SAA diameters at diagnosis and have a higher cumulative rate of surgical intervention throughout follow-up in 10 years, despite the relative growth rate being similar to that of patients without PH.

Aneurisma esplénico como hallazgo incidental durante el embarazo: a propósito de un caso / Splenic aneurysm as an incidental finding during pregnancy: a case report

El embarazo, especialmente el tercer trimestre, incrementa notablemente el riesgo de rotura de los aneurismas esplénicos. Cuando esto ocurre, se desencadena un cuadro clínico grave manifestado principalmente como un dolor abdominal agudo acompañado de inestabilidad hemodinámica. A pesar de la gran morbimortalidad tanto materna como fetal que esto conlleva, no existe hoy en día consenso sobre su manejo óptimo. Se presenta el caso de una secundigesta a la que se diagnostica de manera incidental un aneurisma en la arteria esplénica durante el segundo trimestre de gestación. Tras confirmarse dicho diagnóstico mediante resonancia magnética, se decide realizar una esplenectomía programada vía laparotómica en semana 24+2. La evolución maternofetal posterior fue favorable hasta la semana 40 en la que se produjo un parto eutócico. Los aneurismas esplénicos deben tratarse en todas las gestantes, independientemente de su tamaño o sintomatología, pues el beneficio supera los riesgos que supone una cirugía programada.

Pregnancy, especially the third trimester, significantly increases the risk of splenic aneurysm rupture. When this occurs, it results in a severe clinical presentation primarily characterized by acute abdominal pain accompanied by hemodynamic instability. Despite the substantial maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality associated with this condition, there is currently no consensus on its optimal management. We present the case of a second-time pregnant woman who incidentally received a diagnosis of a splenic artery aneurysm during the second trimester of gestation. After confirming this diagnosis through magnetic resonance imaging, it was decided to perform a scheduled laparotomic splenectomy at 24+2 weeks of gestation. Subsequent maternal and fetal evolution was favorable until the 40th week when a eutocic delivery occurred. Splenic aneurysms should be treated in all pregnant women, regardless of their size or symptomatology, as the benefits outweigh the risks associated with elective surgery.

Aneurisma de la vena yugular interna, presentación de caso en adulto / Internal jugular venous aneurysm in an adult: case report

Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 77 años, en quien, durante una cirugía de resección de tumor cutáneo, se observa incidentalmente aumento de volumen cervical derecho de características dinámicas. El hallazgo corresponde a un aneurisma de la vena yugular interna derecha, diagnóstico de mayor frecuencia en población pediátrica, habitualmente de curso benigno.

A 77-year-old woman in whom, during a skin tumor resection surgery, a right cervical swelling with dynamic characteristics was observed. The finding is compatible with an aneurysm of the right internal jugular vein, more commonly obsered in children, usually with a benign course.

Hemorragia Intracerebral Imprevisible en un Hombre Joven: La Importancia de la Tomografía computarizada craneal post-mortem / Unpredictable Intracerebral Hemorrhage in a Young Male: The Importance of Post-Mortem Cranial Computed Tomography

La muerte súbita es aquella que ocurre dentro de las 24 horas posteriores al inicio de los síntomas y se caracteriza por ser clínicamente inexplicable, inesperada y repentina. Debido a la naturaleza de la muerte súbita, no es posible llegar a un diagnóstico preciso sin una autopsia. En esta comunicación breve, evaluaremos el caso de un empleado de crucero de 33 años, sin historial médico/farmacológico previo, el cual falleció súbitamente mientras reposaba en su camarote. Debido a las sospechas iniciales de una posible muerte causada por una sobredosis de cocaína, se le realizó un panel toxicológico abarcador el cual resultó negativo. Empero, una tomografía computarizada (TC) craneal sin contraste revirtió la hipótesis inicial y la autopsia neuropatológica -sorpresivamente- confirmó que la verdadera causa de muerte fue la ruptura de un aneurisma sacular desconocido en el polígono de Willis.

Sudden death occurs within 24 hours after the onset of symptoms and is characterized by being clinically inexplicable, sudden, and unexpected. Due to the nature of sudden death, it is not possible an accurate diagnosis without performing an autopsy. In this brief communication, we will evaluate the case of a 33-year-old cruise employee, with no prior medical/pharmacological history, who suddenly died while resting in his cabin. Due to initial suspicions of a possible cocaine overdose death, a comprehensive toxicology panel was performed, although yielding a negative result. A cranial computed tomography without contrast reversed the initial hypothesis and the neuropathological autopsy -surprisingly- confirmed that the true cause of death was the rupture of an unknown saccular aneurysm in the Circle of Willis.

Endovascular Repair of a Spontaneous Popliteal Arteriovenous Fistula Associated With a Venous Aneurysm.

Popliteal arteriovenous fistulae (PAF) are anomalous communications between the arterial and venous systems of the lower extremity. They are usually secondary to trauma and are rarely associated with additional vascular defects. The coexistence of a PAF and a venous aneurysm is rare and usually occurs in patients with connective tissue disorders. Evidence regarding the management of this type of anomaly is scarce. However, both open and endovascular approaches seem feasible alternatives for treating this condition. Here, we describe a spontaneous popliteal arteriovenous fistula associated with a venous aneurysm in a 42-year-old male patient who presented with a popliteal mass. Satisfactory endovascular closure of the fistula and exclusion of the venous aneurysm were achieved using an Amplatzer™ Vascular Plug II.

True Idiopathic Brachial Artery Aneurysm Treated With a Saphenous Vein Graft.

Purpose: The objective of this study is to report a case of a 65-year-old woman who presented with pallor and pain of her left arm secondary to a true arterial brachial aneurysm, which was successfully treated with saphenous vein bypass and embolization of the aneurysm sac. A review of the literature is also presented. Case report: A 65-year-old woman presented with an acute onset of pallor and pain of her left forearm, and hand. On physical examination, there was a pulsatile mass at the forearm. A doppler ultrasound showed a fusiform aneurysmal dilatation of the brachial artery of 23 mm of diameter. A dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI angiogram confirmed a fusiform dilation of the distal brachial artery. The patient was scheduled for open repair. A fusiform 20 x 60 mm aneurysm of the distal brachial artery extending to the cubital fossa was found and a brachial artery to radial and ulnar arteries bypass with interposed reverse right saphenous vein was created. Embolization of the aneurysm sac was performed using Gelita-spon ® (Gelita Medical, Eberbach, Germany). A final angiogram showed an adequate perfusion through the bypass to the hand, and no contrast in the aneurysmal sac. Postoperative course was uneventful with discharge on the fourth postoperative day. Conclusion: Revascularization with autologous saphenous vein graft and exclusion of the aneurysm with local embolization is a good treatment alternative in a patient with symptomatic brachial aneurysm with distal embolization.

Rol de las imágenes en la patología arterial no ateroesclerótica poco frecuente en el abdomen / Role of images in rare vascular pathology in the abdomen

Resumen La patología arterial no ateromatosa constituye un grupo de patologías poco frecuentes, pero de gran importancia debido a su morbilidad y mortalidad asociadas. La presentación clínica de estas entidades es inespecífica, por lo que el estudio inicial con imágenes es fundamental. Debido a esto, es muy importante reconocer los signos radiológicos característicos de cada una en las diversas modalidades imagenológicas para poder sospechar y orientar el diagnóstico.

Abstract Non-atheromatous arterial pathology constitutes a group of infrequent pathologies but of great importance due to their associated morbidity and mortality. In general, the clinical presentation of these pathologies is quite nonspecific, so the clinician decides to perform imaging studies thinking of more common entities. It is for this reason that it is very important to recognize characteristic radiological signs in the various imaging modalities to be able to suspect and orient a pathology of this kind.

Aneurisma de la vena porta. A propósito de un caso / Portal vein aneurysm. A case presentation

RESUMEN Fundamento: los aneurismas de la vena porta son entidades poco frecuentes, representan aproximadamente el 3% de los aneurismas del sistema venoso. La mayoría de los aneurismas de la vena porta se detectan en pacientes con hígado sano, aunque en algunas ocasiones la hipertensión portal podría favorecer el desarrollo de la patología. Los lugares más comunes son la confluencia venosa esplenomesentérica, la vena porta principal y las ramas de la vena porta intrahepática en los sitios de bifurcación. Objetivo: presentar el caso de un paciente portador de una aneurisma de la vena porta. Presentación del Caso: Paciente femenina, blanca de 49 años de edad con antecedentes de trastornos dispépticos, y en ocasiones, dolor a nivel del hipocondrio derecho. Su examen físico era negativo y la impresión diagnóstica de su médico de asistencia era litiasis vesicular. Durante la realización del examen ultrasonográfico se encuentra como dato positivo una dilatación de tipo aneurismático de la vena porta en el inicio de su trayecto intrahepático de 18 mm de diámetro, y el resto del examen resultó negativo. Conclusiones: Por lo inusual de este caso se decide hacer su presentación.

ABSTRACT: portal vein aneurysms are uncommon, representing approximately the 3% of venous system aneurysms. Most portal vein aneurysms are detected in patients with healthy liver, although on some occasions portal hypertension could favor their development. The most common sites are the splenomesenteric venous confluence, the main portal vein and the branches of the intrahepatic portal vein at bifurcation sites. Objective: to present the case of a patient with a portal vein aneurysm. Case Presentation: A 49-years-old white female patient with a history of dyspeptic disorders, and sometimes pain in the right upper quadrant. Her physical examination was negative and the diagnostic impression from her attending physician was gallstones. During the ultrasound examination, an aneurysmal dilatation of the portal vein at the beginning of its intrahepatic path of 18 mm in diameter was found as a positive finding, being the rest of the examination negative Conclusions: Due to the unusual nature of this case, it was decided to present it.

Prevalence, growth rate and complications of splenic artery aneurysms in chronic liver disease patients.

Background: Chronic liver disease (CLD) patients are at greater risk for developing splenic artery aneurysm (SAA). Treatment for aneurysms > 2.5 cm in this population is considered. However, the procedure might be challenging in CLD patients, and complications may interfere in liver transplantation. We, therefore, sought to estimate the prevalence, growth rate and complications of SAA in patients with CLD. As secondary objective, we sought to evaluate whether those features differ in pre and post transplantation follow-up and among aneurysms with diameters greater or less than 2.5 cm at diagnosis. Patients and methods: We searched for the terms "SAA" and "CLD" on CT or MRI reports from January 2009 to December 2016. Patients with single examination or less than 6 months follow-up were excluded. Results: Fifty nine out of 2050 CLD patients presented SAA (prevalence of 2.9%). Fifteen patients were excluded (due to exclusion criteria). Forty-four CLD patients (mean age 55.9 years) presented 76 SAA (follow-up median of 27.2 months). Aneurysms presented mean size of 1.5 ± 0.74 cm at diagnosis and growth rate of 0.12 ± 0.14 cm/y. Two (4.5%) patients presented mild complications (aneurysm thrombosis). No significant differences were observed in the growth rates of aneurysms < 2.5 cm and ≥ 2.5 cm or in the initial size and growth rates of aneurysms of patients submitted to and not submitted to liver transplantation. Conclusions: The estimated prevalence of SAA in patients with DLC in the Brazilian population is 2.9% (CI95% 2.2-3.6%). Although SAA in CLD patients are less likely to remain stable and grow faster than in general population, aneurysms are usually diagnosed at smaller size and complications are rare. These findings might support conservative management with close surveillance, especially in smaller aneurysms.

Poor runoff and distal coverage below the knee are associated with poor long-term outcomes following endovascular popliteal aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVE: Reports of good short-term outcomes for endovascular repair of popliteal artery aneurysms have led to an increased use of the technique. However, data are lacking on long-term limb-related outcomes and factors associated with the failure of endovascular repair. METHODS: All patients who underwent endovascular popliteal aneurysm repair (EPAR) at a single institution from January 2006 to December 2018 were included in the study. Demographics, indications, anatomic and operative details, and outcomes were reviewed. Long-term patency, major adverse limb event-free survival (MALE-FS) and graft loss/occlusion were analyzed with multivariable cox regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: We included 117 limbs from 101 patients with a mean follow-up of 55.6 months (range, 0.43-158 months). The average age was 73 ± 9.3 years. Thirty-two patients (29.1%) were symptomatic (claudication, rest pain, tissue loss, or rupture). The stent grafts crossed the knee joint in 91.4% of cases. In all, 36.8% of procedures used one stent graft, 41.0% used two stent grafts, and 22.2% of procedures used more than two stent grafts. The median arterial length covered was 100 mm, with an average length of stent overlap of 25 mm. Tapered configurations were used in 43.8% of cases. The majority of limbs (62.8%) had a three-vessel runoff, 20.2% had a two-vessel runoff, and 17% has a one-vessel runoff. The Kaplan-Meier estimates of graft occlusion at 1 and 3 years were 6.3% and 16.2%, respectively. The 1- and 3-year primary patency rates were 88.2% and 72.6%, and the 1- and 3-year major adverse limb event-free survival (MALE-FS) rates were 82% and 57.4%. The 1- and 3-year survival rates were 92.9% and 76.2%, respectively. On multivariable Cox regression, aneurysm size, one-vessel runoff, and coverage below the knee were associated with a lower 3-year MALE-FS. Coverage below the knee was also associated with a lower 3-year MALE-FS. Other anatomic or technical details were not associated with limb-related events or patency. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the largest single center analysis to describe the predictors of poor outcomes after EPAR. EPAR is a safe and effective way to treat popliteal artery aneurysms. Factors associated with poor MALE-FS after EPAR include single-vessel tibial runoff and coverage below the knee.

Superior vena cava aneurysm: an unusual mediastinal mass.

Superior vena cava aneurysms are rare mediastinal vascular lesions. Aneurysms are classified as fusiform and saccular, with the latter being rarer than the former. We report the case of an asymptomatic 75-year-old woman who presented with a superior mediastinal mass. She underwent chest computed tomography angiography, which demonstrated a saccular aneurysm in the superior vena cava.

Aneurisma verdadeiro isolado de artéria femoral profunda associado a doença arterial periférica: relato de caso / True isolated deep femoral artery aneurysm associated with peripheral artery disease: case report

Resumo Os aneurismas verdadeiros de artéria femoral profunda são extremamente raros, representando cerca de 0,5% do total dos aneurismas periféricos. Neste relato, descrevemos um paciente de 79 anos de idade, sexo masculino, com histórico de abordagem cirúrgica prévia convencional devido a aneurisma de aorta abdominal, que deu entrada no Serviço de Cirurgia Vascular do Hospital das Clínicas com quadro de claudicação intermitente de membros inferiores. Foi realizado eco-Doppler colorido arterial do membro inferior direito, que revelou doença arterial periférica femoro-poplítea e infrapatelar. A angiotomografia computadorizada identificou oclusão aortoilíaca e do enxerto bifurcado desde o segmento infrarrenal da aorta, além de aneurisma de artéria femoral profunda de 3,7 x 3,5 cm de diâmetro com 7 cm de extensão. Procedeu-se com a ressecção do aneurisma e revascularização da artéria femoral profunda por interposição de prótese de Dacron® e reimplante de artéria femoral superficial na prótese. Portanto, nos casos de aneurisma de artéria femoral profunda concomitante a doença arterial periférica, deve-se atentar para revascularização e perfusão adequada do membro inferior.

Abstract True deep femoral artery aneurysms are extremely rare, accounting for about 0.5% of all peripheral aneurysms. In this report, we describe a 79-year-old male patient with a history of prior abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery via a conventional approach who was admitted to the vascular surgery service at the Hospital das Clínicas with intermittent claudication of the lower limbs. Arterial color-Doppler ultrasonography of the right lower limb was performed, revealing peripheral arterial disease of the femoral--popliteal and infrapatellar segments. Computed tomography angiography identified aortoiliac and bifurcated graft occlusion from the infrarenal segment of the aorta, in addition to a deep femoral artery aneurysm with diameters of 3.7 cm x 3.5 cm and length of 7 cm. Resection of the aneurysm was followed by revascularization of the deep femoral artery by interposition of a Dacron® graft and reimplantation of the superficial femoral artery into the graft. In cases of deep femoral artery aneurysms with concomitant peripheral arterial disease, it is important to ensure revascularization and adequate perfusion of the lower limb.

Tratamento endovascular de aneurisma de artéria hepática assintomático: relato de caso / Endovascular treatment of an asymptomatic hepatic artery aneurism: case report

Resumo Relatamos o caso de um paciente masculino, 77 anos, portador de hipertensão arterial, sem outras comorbidades ou fatores de risco para coronariopatia. Apresentava-se assintomático e, durante exame de ultrassonografia abdominal de rotina, foi diagnosticada uma massa vascular hepática de, aproximadamente, 5 cm de diâmetro. Foi solicitada angiotomografia computadorizada abdominal, que evidenciou aneurisma de artéria hepática de até 5,2 cm de calibre máximo, 7,2 cm de extensão no maior eixo longitudinal e calibre máximo da luz verdadeira de 3,0 cm. Optou-se por realização de correção endovascular do aneurisma com implante de três endopróteses vasculares revestidas Lifestream 7x58 mm, 8x58 mm e 8x37 mm sequenciais, com sucesso, conseguindo-se direcionamento do fluxo pelas próteses, levando à exclusão do aneurisma. O paciente evoluiu assintomático, mesmo 2 anos após o implante, sem intercorrências clínicas. Controle com dúplex arterial, realizados 6 e 12 meses após o procedimento, evidenciaram bom fluxo pelas endopróteses, sem "leak" para o saco aneurismático.

Abstract We report a case of an asymptomatic, 77-year-old, male patient with arterial hypertension and no other comorbidities or risk factors for coronary disease. During a routine abdominal ultrasound examination, he was diagnosed with a hepatic vascular mass with an approximate diameter of 5 cm. Abdominal computed angiotomography was requested, showing an aneurysm of the hepatic artery, with maximum diameter of up to 5.2 cm, longest longitudinal axis of 7.2 cm, and a maximum true lumen caliber of 3.0 cm. We opted for endovascular aneurysm repair with implantation of three sequential Lifestream covered vascular stents (7x58mm, 8x58mm, and 8x37mm), successfully diverting the flow through the stents and excluding the aneurysm. The patient remains asymptomatic and free from clinical complications 2 years after the procedure. Control examinations with arterial duplex ultrasound 6 and 12 months after the procedure showed good flow through the stents with no leakage into the aneurysmal sac.