Aortic Arch Calcification on Routine Chest Radiography is Strongly and Independently Associated with Non-Dipper Blood Pressure Pattern / A Calcificação no Arco Aórtico na Radiografia de Tórax de Rotina está Forte e Independentemente Associada ao Padrão Não-Dipper de Pressão Arterial

Abstract Background: Non-dipper blood pressure (NDBP) is one of the important causes of hypertension-related target organ damage and future cardiovascular events. Currently, there is no practical tool to predict NDBP pattern. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between aortic arch calcification (AAC) on chest radiography and NDBP pattern. Methods: All patients referred for ambulatory BP monitoring test were approached for the study participation. NDBP was defined as the reduction of ≤10% in nighttime systolic BP as compared to the daytime values. AAC was evaluated with chest radiography and inter-observer agreement was analyzed by using kappa statistics. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association of AAC and NDBP pattern. A 2-tailed p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 406 patients (median age: 51.3) were included. Of these, 261(64%) had NDBP pattern. Overall, the prevalence of AAC was 230 (57%). Non-dipper group had significantly higher prevalence of AAC (70% vs. 33%, p < 0.0001) as compared to the dipper group. Presence of AAC was a strong and independent predictor of NDBP pattern (OR 3.919, 95%CI 2.39 to 6.42) in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Presence of AAC on plain chest radiography is strongly and independently associated with the presence of NDBP pattern.

Resumo Fundamento: A pressão arterial não-dipper é uma das causas mais importantes de lesão de órgão-alvo da hipertensão e de eventos cardiovasculares futuros. Atualmente, não há uma ferramenta prática para prever o padrão não-dipper de pressão arterial. Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a relação entre a calcificação no arco aórtico detectada no raio de tórax e o padrão não-dipper de pressão arterial. Métodos: Todos os pacientes encaminhados para monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial foram abordados para participação no estudo. A pressão arterial não-dipper foi definida como a redução de ≤10% da pressão arterial sistólica noturna quando comparada com os valores diários. A calcificação no arco aórtico foi avaliada através de radiografia do tórax e a concordância interobservador foi analisada utilizando a estatística kappa. Análises de regressão logística uni e multivariada foram realizadas para avaliar a associação entre a calcificação no AA e o padrão PADV. Valores de p bicaudais < 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados: Ao todo, 406 pacientes (idade mediana: 51,3) foram incluídos. Desses, 261(64%) apresentavam padrão não-dipper de pressão arterial. De modo geral, a prevalência de calcificação no arco aórtico foi de 230 (57%). O grupo não-dipper apresentou prevalência significativamente maior de calcificação no arco aórtico (70% vs. 33%, p < 0,0001) em relação ao grupo dipper. A presença de calcificação no arco aórtico foi um preditor forte e independente de padrão não-dipper de pressão arterial (OR = 3,919; IC: 95% 2,39-6,42) em análise multivariada. Conclusões: A presença de calcificação no arco aórtico em raio-x de tórax simples está forte e independentemente associada à presença de padrão não-dipper de pressão arterial.

Use of 3d printing in preoperative planning and training for aortic endovascular repair and aortic valve disease

Abstract Introduction: Three-dimensional (3D) printing has become an affordable tool for assisting heart surgeons in the aorta endovascular field, both in surgical planning, education and training of residents and students. This technique permits the construction of physical prototypes from conventional medical images by converting the anatomical information into computer aided design (CAD) files. Objective: To present the 3D printing feature on developing prototypes leading to improved aortic endovascular surgical planning, as well as transcatheter aortic valve implantation, and mainly enabling training of the surgical procedure to be performed on patient's specific condition. Methods: Six 3D printed real scale prototypes were built representing different aortic diseases, taken from real patients, to simulate the correction of the disease with endoprosthesis deployment. Results: In the hybrid room, the 3D prototypes were examined under fluoroscopy, making it possible to obtain images that clearly delimited the walls of the aorta and its details. The endovascular simulation was then able to be performed, by correctly positioning the endoprosthesis, followed by its deployment. Conclusion: The 3D printing allowed the construction of aortic diseases realistic prototypes, offering a 3D view from the two-dimensional image of computed tomography (CT) angiography, allowing better surgical planning and surgeon training in the specific case beforehand.

Treatment of patients with aortic atherosclerotic disease with paclitaxel-associated lipid nanoparticles

OBJECTIVE: The toxicity of anti-cancer chemotherapeutic agents can be reduced by associating these compounds, such as the anti-proliferative agent paclitaxel, with a cholesterol-rich nanoemulsion (LDE) that mimics the lipid composition of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). When injected into circulation, the LDE concentrates the carried drugs in neoplastic tissues and atherosclerotic lesions. In rabbits, atherosclerotic lesion size was reduced by 65% following LDE-paclitaxel treatment. The current study aimed to test the effectiveness of LDE-paclitaxel on inpatients with aortic atherosclerosis. METHODS: This study tested a 175 mg/m2 body surface area dose of LDE-paclitaxel (intravenous administration, 3/3 weeks for 6 cycles) in patients with aortic atherosclerosis who were aged between 69 and 86 yrs. A control group of 9 untreated patients with aortic atherosclerosis (72-83 yrs) was also observed. RESULTS: The LDE-paclitaxel treatment elicited no important clinical or laboratory toxicities. Images were acquired via multiple detector computer tomography angiography (64-slice scanner) before treatment and at 1-2 months after treatment. The images showed that the mean plaque volume in the aortic artery wall was reduced in 4 of the 8 patients, while in 3 patients it remained unchanged and in one patient it increased. In the control group, images were acquired twice with an interval of 6-8 months. None of the patients in this group exhibited a reduction in plaque volume; in contrast, the plaque volume increased in three patients and remained stable in four patients. During the study period, one death unrelated to the treatment occurred in the LDE-paclitaxel group and one death occurred in the control group. CONCLUSION: Treatment with LDE-paclitaxel was tolerated by patients with cardiovascular disease and showed the potential to reduce atherosclerotic lesion size.

Tratamento híbrido das doenças do arco aórtico / Hybrid treatment of aortic arch disease

Introdução: O manejo das doenças da aorta torácica que envolvem a aorta ascendente, arco aórtico e aorta torácica descendente constituem um desafio técnico e é uma área em constante desenvolvimento e inovação. Objetivo: Analisar os resultados iniciais e a médio prazo do tratamento híbrido das doenças do arco aórtico. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo de procedimentos realizados no período de janeiro de 2010 a dezembro de 2012, em que foram analisados o sucesso técnico e terapêutico, a morbimortalidade, os desfechos neurológicos, a taxa de vazamentos e de reintervenções. Resultados: Em um total de 95 pacientes tratados por doenças da aorta torácica no período, 18 realizaram o tratamento híbrido e adentraram neste estudo. A idade média foi de 62,3 anos. O sexo masculino esteve presente em 66,7%. O sucesso técnico e terapêutico foi de 94,5% obe 83,3%, respectivamente. A mortalidade perioperatória foi de 11,1%. Não houve óbito durante o acompanhamento de 1 ano. A taxa de reintervenção foi de 16,6%, devido a 2 casos de endoleak tipo Ia e um caso de endoleak tipo 2. Não foi observada oclusão dos enxertos anatômicos ou extra-anatômicos durante o período de seguimento. Conclusão: O tratamento híbrido das doenças do arco aórtico demonstrou ser uma alternativa viável à cirurgia convencional. As taxas de sucesso terapêutico e de reintervenções demonstram a necessidade do seguimento clínico rigoroso desses pacientes a longo prazo. .

Introduction: The management of thoracic aortic disease involving the ascending aorta, aortic arch and descending thoracic aorta are technically challenging and is an area in constant development and innovation. Objective: To analyze early and midterm results of hybrid treatment of arch aortic disease. Methods: Retrospective study of procedures performed from January 2010 to December 2012. The end points were the technical success, therapeutic success, morbidity and mortality, neurologic outcomes, the rate of endoleaks and reinterventions. Results: A total of 95 patients treated for thoracic aortic diseases in this period, 18 underwent hybrid treatment and entered in this study. The average ages were 62.3 years. The male was present in 66.7%. The technical and therapeutic success was 94.5% e 83.3%. The perioperative mortality rate of 11.1%. There is any death during one-year follow- up. The reoperation rates were 16.6% due 2 cases of endoleak Ia and one case of endoleak II. There is any occlusion of anatomic or extra anatomic bypass during follow up. Conclusion: In our study, the hybrid treatment of aortic arch disease proved to be a feasible alternative of conventional surgery. The therapeutic success rates and re- interventions obtained demonstrate the necessity of thorough clinical follow-up of these patients in a long time. .