Correlation of Glycosylated Hemoglobin Levels with Histological and Ultrasound Characteristics of the Carotid Plaque in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Patients.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to investigate the correlation of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels with histological characters of atherosclerotic plaque that makes it vulnerable, as well as ultrasound (US) criteria that can contribute to the prognosis of carotid disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a single-center prospective study. Our study population consists of 74 diabetic and nondiabetic patients with carotid atherosclerosis who underwent carotid endarterectomy in our department. Patient categorization was based on the following criteria: levels of HbA1c, gender, and risk factors (smoking, hypertension), carotid stenosis rate, symptomatic or asymptomatic carotid disease, histological examination of the atherosclerotic plaque, and US morphological criteria of the plaque. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 68.2 years (standard deviation = 7.8); 58.1% were smokers, 71.6% had arterial hypertension, 37.8% had symptomatic carotid disease, and 64.9% had atherosclerotic plaque type 6. Futhermore, 95.9% of the patients had a carotid stenosis rate more than 70% and 4.1% had from 50% to 69%. Older patients had more frequent type 7 and 8 atherosclerotic plaque based on American Heart Association scoring system than younger patients (P = 0.041). The relative likelihood of atherosclerotic plaque type 7 and 8 was 1.12 times higher in older patients (Odds ratio [OR] = 1.12, P = 0.029). Patients with higher levels of HbA1cwere more likely to have type 6 atherosclerotic plaque than those with atherosclerotic lesions type 7 and 8 (P < 0.001). Specifically, increasing the level of HbA1c by 1 mg/dl increases the likelihood of the presence of vulnerable plaque by 2.55%. Moreover, the relative likelihood of a type 6 atherosclerotic plaque was 10.4 times higher in the older patients (OR = 10.4, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that levels of HbA1c and advanced age are 2 factors that may be correlated with the presence of vulnerable carotid plaques in diabetic population. Moreover, HbA1c is an independent factor that could possibly be used as a prognostic marker for carotid artery disease, although further studies are needed to explore this association to elucidate the precise role of HbA1c.

Combined Type III and Type II Endoleaks after Endovascular Aneurysm Repair: Presentation of 2 Cases and a Literature Review.

Although endovascular aneurysm repair is a feasible option for high-risk patients resulting in lower perioperative mortality when compared with open repair, the need for reintervention and long-term follow-up affects its use. The aim of the current report is to present 2 cases of patients with type IIIa endoleak from limb disconnection (one patient with double-bilateral endoleak) combined with a late type II endoleak and symptomatic sac growth treated in our department. We also performed a literature review about type III endoleaks and their treatment options.

Thrombolysis in Acute Lower Limb Ischemia: Review of the Current Literature.

BACKGROUND: Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) is a therapeutic option with acceptable results in patients with acute limb ischemia (ALI) but with severe systemic or intracranial bleeding being the most significant clinical complication. The aim of the study is to collect and present direct results of CDT in patients treated for ALI. METHODS: Reports on CDT treatment in ALI until December 2016 were searched in PubMed using the keywords catheter direct thrombolysis, acute lower limb ischemia, and any combination. RESULTS: A total of 256 clinical trials were identified. After the exclusion criteria were applied, 10 articles were selected including 1,249 patients and 1,361 lower extremities treated for ALI. Acute thrombosis of a limb artery or bypass graft was the main cause of ischemia ranging from 77.7% to 98.0%. The overall technical success rate of the applied method reached 79.3% (1,079 successful cases). Complications of any type occurred in 358 (28.7%) patients. Of them, 72 (20.1%) experienced a minor complication while 286 (79.9%) had a major life-threatening complication. The need for secondary interventions was 77.8% (935 patients). The death rate during the first month was 4.2% (56 patients), while the percentage of patients who suffered amputation because of a failed thrombolysis during the same period was 11.5% (156 patients). Finally, the survival rate without amputation within 30 days was 88.5% (1.105 out of a total of 1,249 patients studied). CONCLUSIONS: Results confirm the high direct technical success rate of CDT and the high percentage of patients survived without amputation within 30 days, although major complications are a great disadvantage of the method.

Massive Scrotal Hematoma due to Ruptured Anastomotic Pseudoaneurysm in a Patient with Aortobifemoral Bypass Surgery: CTA Evaluation.

A 74-year-old male patient was presented with scrotal swelling and a pulsatile mass of the left femoro-inguinal region. His medical history included hypertension, coronary artery disease, respiratory failure, and an aortobifemoral bypass surgery performed 7 years ago. Ultrasound evaluation revealed a massive scrotal hematoma. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) was conducted, confirming the aortobifemoral graft existence and revealing bilateral anastomotic pseudoaneurysms with the left one being ruptured, resulting in extension of the hematoma to the left femoro-inguinal region and the scrotum. An emergency surgery was performed, where proximal control of the left limb of the synthetic graft as well as distal control of the iliac vessels were accomplished. After the control of the hemorrhage, an iliofemoral bypass with a Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) 6 mm synthetic graft was placed. Unfortunately, the patient passed away during the first postoperative day due to myocardial infarction.

Endovascular Repair of a Complex Isolated Dissecting Aneurysm of the Superior Mesenteric Artery.

INTRODUCTION: Isolated dissection of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is rare and remains the most common reason for aneurysmal degeneration of the vessel. The treatment is challenging and not standardised. The purpose of this report is to demonstrate that coiling of the false lumen is a good alternative for dissecting SMA aneurysms. REPORT: A 50 year old male presented with a 3.3 cm dissecting aneurysm of the SMA and epigastric pain of moderate severity. More than 50% of the ileal arteries arose from the collapsed true lumen. Via transfemoral access the true lumen was catheterised. An open cell balloon expandable stent was deployed at the proximal and a closed cell self expandable stent at the distal end of the dissection flap. Through the cells of the first stent a microcatheter was advanced into the false lumen and 33 coils were deployed into the aneurysm sac. A stent graft was deployed within the first stent leading to the total exclusion of the aneurysm. Follow up at three months was uneventful and the patency was assessed by contrast enhanced ultrasound. DISCUSSION: Coiling of the false aneurysm is a good alternative for dissecting SMA aneurysms, where no other open surgical or endovascular options are applicable.

AAA Rupture and Psoas Hematoma due to Type II Endoleak from Inferior Mesenteric Artery "Unusual" Collaterals.

Although endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in the abdominal aorta has reduced the perioperative mortality when compared with open repair, the need for reintervention after complications such as endoleak may be presented in up to 20% of the cases. Type II endoleak from branch vessels is often benign but can potentially be associated with progressive abdominal aortic aneurysm growth and sac expansion. We present a rare case of a patient who presented with sac expansion and psoas hematoma due to Type II endoleak from "unusual" collaterals of IMA and was treated successfully with endoleak microembolization and percutaneous decompression of the hematoma.