Impact of true or false lumen renal perfusion after type B aortic dissection on renal volume

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of true, false, and combined lumen perfusion of renal arteries on mid- and long-term kidney volume in patients with type B aortic dissection (TBAD).

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with a TBAD between 2008 and 2015 in a single high-volume European center. The origin of the renal arteries was evaluated on a dedicated 3D workstation (TeraRecon Inc., San Mateo, CA, USA) and coded as either arising from the true lumen (TL), false lumen (FL) or from a combination of both (CL). Additional evaluated anatomical parameters were renal volume, length, width, and depth of the kidneys. Measurements were recorded at the time of diagnosis (T0) and at 1-month (T1), 6-months (T2), 18-months (T3) and 36-month of follow-up time (T4).

RESULTS

A total of 131 renal arteries and kidneys were evaluated in 69 patients. Mean age was 64±13 years and 77% were male. The absolute number and percentage of assessed renal arteries/kidneys was 131 (100%) at T0, 89 (68%) at T1, 73 (56%) at T2, 57 (44%) at T3 and 43 (44%) at T4. At the time of diagnosis, 71.6% renal arteries originated from the TL, 19.1% from the FL and 9.2% from a CL. TEVAR was performed in 92.7% patients and nine patients had additional renal artery stenting. At T0 the mean renal volume was 212.1±70.9cm³, 178±61.2 in women versus 222.2±70.6 in men (P=0.002). Forty-three percent of the patients had a renal volume reduction ≥15% from T0 to their last available CTA. Mixed model analysis showed a significant overall renal volume reduction of 13.7cm³ from T0 to T4 (P<0.05). No significant differences in renal-volume reduction were observed depending on origin of the renal artery, though an estimated reduction of renal volume from T0 to T4 of 40.8 cm³ was seen when the kidneys were perfused by a CL, while TL perfusion only caused a reduction of 15.6 cm³ and no relevant volume change over time was observed when the renal artery originated from FL. Alongside a renal volume reduction, mixed model analysis also showed a significant serum-creatinine increase, from 0.8618mg/at T0 to 1.38±0.56 mg/dL at T4 (P<0.001), as well as a significant glomerular filtration rate reduction over time, from > 60mL/min at T0 to 49±13 mL/min at T4 (P<0.001). A negative correlation was observed between creatinine values and renal volume change, while a positive correlation was observed between GFR and renal volume change (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a significant mid-term renal-volume reduction in patients with TBAD, independent of the origin of the renal arteries. Albeit not statistically significant, combined renal artery perfusion may lead to a greater volume reduction, potentially secondary to a relevant dynamic compression by the dissection membrane. Further multicentre studies are warranted to determine the effect on long-term renal function and on possible preventive strategies.

Meta-analysis of Comparative Studies Between Self- and Balloon-Expandable Bridging Stent Grafts in Branched Endovascular Aneurysm Repair

PURPOSE

Currently there is no robust evidence which type of bridging stent graft provides better outcomes after branched endovascular aortic repair (BEVAR). Self-expanding (SESG) and balloon-expandable (BESG) stent grafts are both commonly used to connect branches to their respective target vessels (TV). The aim of the current review was to evaluate the impact of the type of bridging stent grafts on TV outcomes during the mid-term follow-up after BEVAR.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study protocol was registered to the PROSPERO (CRD42021274766). A search of the English literature was conducted, using PubMed and EMBASE databases via Ovid and Cochrane database via CENTRAL, from inception to June 30, 2021, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Only comparative studies on BEVAR reporting TV outcomes related to BESG vs SESG were considered eligible. Individual studies were assessed for risk of bias using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach was used to evaluate the quality of evidence. The primary outcomes were primary patency, freedom from endoleak, TV instability, and re-intervention between BESG and SESG, used as bridging stents in branches. The outcomes were summarized as odds ratio along with their 95% confidence intervals (CI), through a paired meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Five out of 609 articles published from 2016 to 2020 were included in the analysis. In total, 1406 TV were revascularized, 547 (38.9 %) with BESGs and 859 with SESGs. The overall pooled primary patency (odds ratio [OR], 0.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.29-1.09; p=.256, I²=4.24%) and freedom from branch-related endoleak (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.17-1.48; p<.122, I²=0.18%) did not differ between the stent types during the available follow-up (17 months, range = 12-35 months). In 4 studies (619 TV), SESG required fewer secondary interventions (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.23-1.83; p=.009, I²=0%) and TV instability rate was lower (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.33-1.65; p=.003, I²=0%) compared with BESG during the available follow-up.

CONCLUSION

BESG and SESG seem to perform similarly in terms of primary patency and branch-related endoleak during the mid-term follow-up. Current data from retrospective studies suggest that overall TV instability and re-intervention rates are favorable for SESG as bridging stent grafts in BEVAR.

Factors Associated With Noninfectious Fever After Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair

PURPOSE

The post-endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) inflammatory response, which is very often associated with fever, has been ascribed to a wide range of proinflammatory mediators and operative events. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of such factors in the development of fever of noninfectious origin after elective EVAR.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of patients treated with standard elective EVAR between February 2017 and December 2020 was undertaken. The database included patients' demographics and comorbidities, as well as laboratory inflammatory markers (white blood cell count, neutrophils, and C-reactive protein [CRP]) and anatomical characteristics (sac diameter, inferior mesenteric artery [IMA] patency and diameter, number of patent lumbar arteries, internal iliac artery [IIA] patency or occlusion). Intraoperative details, such as type of stent graft material and IIA overstenting, were also analyzed. Patients with infectious postoperative complications or previously receiving systemic anti-inflammatory medication were excluded. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 22.0 for Windows software (IBM Corp, Armonk, New York).

RESULTS

From 332 patients treated with elective EVAR between 2017 and 2020, 268 patients (all men) were included in the analysis. The mean age was 72.1±7.5 years and the mean aneurysm diameter was 59.1±12.1 mm. Seventeen patients were excluded due to a known infection site. From the study cohort, 114 (42.5%) patients presented with fever. Multivariate regression analysis confirmed that the occlusion of IMA ≥5 mm (p<0.008) and higher CRP (p<0.001) were independent factors associated with postoperative fever. A subanalysis was performed only on patients with patent IMA before EVAR. In the multivariate regression analysis of this subgroup, IMA ≥5 mm (p=0.008), presence of dyslipidemia (p=0.037), and higher CRP (p<0.001) were related to fever.

CONCLUSION

Occlusion of an existing wide (≥5 mm) and patent IMA prior to EVAR may contribute to the development of post-EVAR pyrexia. The CRP is a reliable marker for post-EVAR fever. Further prospective studies are needed to corroborate these findings.

Safety and Effectiveness of TEVAR in Native Proximal Landing Zone 2 for Chronic Type B Aortic Dissection in Patients With Genetic Aortic Syndrome

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to report the safety and effectiveness of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in a native proximal landing zone (PLZ) 2 for chronic type B aortic dissection (TBAD) patients with genetic aortic syndrome (GAS).

METHODS

A retrospective review of a single center database to identify patients with GAS treated with TEVAR in native PLZ 2 for chronic TBAD and thoracic false lumen aneurysm between February 2012 and February 2018 was undertaken.

RESULTS

In total, 31 patients with GAS (24 Marfan syndrome [MFS], 5 Loeys-Dietz syndrome [LDS], and 2 vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome [vEDS]) were treated by endovascular repair. Nineteen patients were treated by TEVAR as index procedures with 8 patients (5 females, mean age = 55, range = 36-79 years old) receiving TEVAR in native PLZ 2. Left subclavian artery (LSA) perfusion was preserved in all 8 patients: by left common carotid artery-LSA bypass in 6 patients, chimney stenting of the LSA in 1 patient, and partial coverage of LSA ostium in 1 patient. Technical success was achieved in all patients (100%). There was no 30 day mortality (0%). The 30 day morbidity (0%) was free from major complications. The median follow-up was 40 months (range = 7-79). One patient died due to non-aortic-related cause. Native PLZ 2 was free from complications in MFS patients (5/8). Two patients with LDS developed type Ia endoleak with aneurysmal progression. One patient was treated by proximal extension with a double inner branched arch stent-graft landing in the replaced ascending aorta. The other one was treated with frozen elephant trunk.

CONCLUSION

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair in native PLZ 2 was safe and effective with no early or midterm PLZ complications in patients with MFS with chronic TBAD in this limited series. Native PLZ 2 is not safe in patients with LDS and should only be used in emergencies as a bridging to open repair.

Management of Ascending Aorta and Aortic Arch: Similarities and Differences Among Cardiovascular Guidelines

BACKGROUND

Ascending aorta and aortic arch diseases have an increasing interest among cardiovascular specialists regarding diagnosis and management. Innovations in endovascular surgery and evolution of open surgery have extended the indications for treatment in patients previously considered unfit for surgery. The aim of this systematic review of the literature was to present and analyze current cardiovascular guidelines for overlap and differences in their recommendations regarding ascending aorta and aortic arch diseases and the assessment of evidence.

METHODS

The English medical literature was searched using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases from January 2009 to December 2020. Recommendations on selected topics were analyzed, including issues from definitions and diagnosis (imaging and biomarkers) and indications for treatment to management, including surgical techniques, of the most important ascending aorta and aortic arch diseases.

RESULTS

The initial search identified 2414 articles. After exclusion of duplicate or inappropriate articles, the final analysis included 5 articles from multidisciplinary, cardiovascular societies published between 2010 and 2019. The definition of non-A-non-B aortic dissection is lacking from most of the guidelines. There is a disagreement regarding the class of recommendation and level of evidence for the diameter of ascending aorta as an indication. The indication for treatment of aortic disease may be individualized in specific cases while the growth rate may also affect the decision making. The role of endovascular techniques has not been established in current guidelines except by 1 society. Supportive evidence level in the management of aortic arch diseases remains limited.

CONCLUSION

In current recommendations of cardiovascular societies, the ascending aorta and aortic arch remain a domain of open surgery despite the introduction of endovascular techniques. Recommendations of the included societies are mostly based on expert opinion, and the role of endovascular techniques has been highlighted only from 1 society. The chronological heterogeneity apparent among guidelines and the inconsistency in evidence level should be also acknowledged. More data are needed to develop more solid recommendations for the ascending aorta and aortic arch diseases.

Non-Standard Management of Target Vessels With the Inner Branch Arch Endograft: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate early and mid-term results of non-standard management of the supraaortic target vessels with the use of the inner branch arch endograft in a single high-volume center.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A single-center retrospective study including all patients undergoing implantation of an inner branch arch endograft from December 2012 to March 2021, who presented a non-standard management of the supraaortic target vessels (any bypass other than a left carotid-subclavian or landing in a dissected target vessel). Technical success, mortality, reinterventions, endoleak (EL), and aortic remodeling at follow-up were analyzed.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients were included. In 17 (71%) cases, the non-standard management was related to innominate artery (IA) compromise (12 with IA dissection, 2 with short IA, 2 with short proximal aortic landing zone that required occlusion of IA, 1 with occluded IA after open arch repair). Two (8%) cases were related to an aberrant right subclavian artery (RSA), 1 patient (4%) due to the concomitant presence of a left vertebral artery (LVA) arising from the arch and an occluded left subclavian artery (LSA), and another patient presented with an occluded LSA distal to a dominant vertebral artery. Three (13%) cases were exclusively related to management in patients with genetic aortic syndromes. Twenty (83%) patients had a previous type A aortic dissection. Ten (42%) patients presented a thoracic or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm and 8 (33%) patients an arch aneurysm, 6 of them associated to false lumen (FL) perfusion. There were 2 (8%) perioperative minor strokes, and 1 patient with perioperative mortality. Seven patients presented an early type I endoleak, all resolved at follow-up. Seven patients required reinterventions during follow-up (7 reinterventions related to continuous false lumen perfusion, 3 related to Type Ia endoleak, 2 related to surgical bypass). All patients who presented with FL perfusion had complete FL thrombosis at follow-up. No patient presented aneurysm growth at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of the inner branch arch endograft with a non-standard management of the supraaortic target vessels is a possible option. Despite a high reintervention rate, regression or stability of the aneurysmal diameter was achieved in all the patients with follow-up.

A systematic review and meta-analysis on early mortality after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in females in urgent and elective setting

OBJECTIVE

Females represent a group of patients with higher mortality after abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), endovascular (EVAR) or open (OSR), repair. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the 30-day mortality after AAA repair in females, comparing both EVAR and OSR, in elective and urgent settings.

METHODS

The protocol of the review was registered to the PROSPERO (CRD42021242686). A search of the English literature was conducted, using PubMed, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases, from inception to March 5, 2021, using the Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines (PRISMA). Only studies reporting on 30-day mortality of AAA repair, in urgent and elective setting, comparing EVAR and OSR, in female population were eligible. Patients were stratified according to the need for elective or urgent repair. Symptomatic and ruptured cases were included into the urgent group. Individual studies were assessed for risk of bias using the ROBINS-I tool. The GRADE approach was used to evaluate the quality of evidence. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality after AAA repair in the female population, comparing EVAR and OSR. The outcomes were summarized as odds ratio along with their 95% confidence intervals (CI), through a paired meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Eight studies reported data on 30-day mortality following AAA repair. A total of 56,982 females (22,995 EVAR vs. 33,987 OSR) were included. A significantly reduced total 30-day mortality rate was recorded among females that underwent EVAR compared to OSR (OR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.23-0.27; P<.001, Ι²=86%). Also a reduced 30-day mortality was found in females that underwent elective EVAR compared to OSR (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.33-0.41; P< .001, Ι²=48%). Despite that OSR was more frequently offered in the urgent setting (OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.19-0.23; P< .001, Ι²=84%), EVAR was associated with a reduced 30-day mortality (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.40-0.57; P<.001, Ι²=0%).

CONCLUSIONS

In females, EVAR is associated with lower 30-day mortality in both elective and urgent AAA repair, although it appears as less likely to be offered in the setting of urgent AAA repair.

Correction to: Role of Endoluminal Techniques in the Management of Chronic Type B Aortic Dissection

The article “Role of Endoluminal Techniques in the Management of Chronic Type B Aortic Dissection”, written by Konstantinos Spanos and Tilo Kölbel, was originally published Online First without Open Access.

Early outcomes of t-Branch off-the-shelf multibranched stent-graft in urgent and emergent repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

We compared the outcomes between elective, urgent, and emergent treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) using the t-Branch off-the-shelf multibranched stent-graft (Cook Medical, Bloomington, Ind).

METHODS

All consecutive patients treated for TAAAs using the t-Branch between September 2012 and June 2019 were included in the present study. The patients were divided into three groups according to the urgency of repair: (1) elective, (2) urgent, and (3) emergent. The periprocedural details and 30-day outcomes were analyzed. Survival and reinterventions were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests.

RESULTS

The t-Branch stent-graft was used for 100 patients during the study period. Of the 100 patients, 30 (73% male; mean age, 65 ± 10 years) were treated electively, 49 (54% male; mean age, 72 ± 7 years) urgently, and 21 (81% male; mean age, 75 ± 9 years) emergently. Transfemoral access with a steerable sheath was used more frequently for target vessel catheterization in the elective group (57%) than in the urgent (8%) and emergent (5%) groups (P = .021). The total number of targeted vessels was 111 of 120 (93%) in the elective group vs 185 of 196 (94%) in the urgent group and 82 of 84 (98%) in the emergent group. The corresponding technical success rates were 97% (29 of 30), 98% (48 of 49), and 95% (20 of 21). The median intensive care unit stay was shorter in the elective group (3 days; range, 1-41 days) than in the urgent group (5 days; range, 1-41 days) and emergent group (11 days; range, 3-37 days; P = .004). The 30-day mortality rate was lower in the elective group (2 of 30; 7%) than in the urgent group (8 of 49; 16%) and emergent group (5 of 21; 24%; P = .049). The acute kidney injury rate was lower in the elective group (2 of 30; 7%) than in the urgent group (11 of 49; 22%) and emergent group (8 of 21; 38%; P = .002). The spinal cord ischemia rate was also lower in the elective group (5 of 30; 17%) than in the urgent group (5 of 49; 10%) and emergent group (8 of 21; 38%; P = .051). The median follow-up was 8 months (interquartile range, 3.2-18.5 months). The cumulative survival rate was 95%, 87%, and 87% at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. The cumulative freedom from reintervention during follow-up was 92%, 86%, and 77% at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The technical success of TAAA repair using t-Branch stent-graft was not affected by an urgent or emergent presentation. However, the occurrence of worse periprocedural morbidity and mortality was significantly associated with an urgent or emergent presentation.

Clinical effect of accessory renal artery coverage after endovascular repair of aneurysms in abdominal and thoracoabdominal aorta

BACKGROUND

The aim of our systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the effect of accessory renal artery (ARA) coverage on renal function in terms of acute kidney injury (AKI), renal infarction, chronic renal failure (CRF), and mortality in patients undergoing standard endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) or endovascular repair of complex aneurysms.

METHODS

An electronic search of the English language medical literature from 2000 to September 2020 was conducted using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases with the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) method for studies reporting on ARA management in patients undergoing endovascular repair of aneurysms in the abdominal and thoracoabdominal aorta. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1, patients with ARA coverage; and group 2, patients without an ARA or without coverage of the ARA. Each group included two arms, one of patients who had undergone standard EVAR and one of patients who had undergone endovascular treatment of a complex aortic aneurysm. The GRADE (grading of recommendations assessment, development, evaluation) approach was used to evaluate the quality of evidence and summary of the findings. The primary outcomes included the incidence of AKI, renal infarction, CRF, and mortality.

RESULTS

Ten retrospective, nonrandomized, control studies were included in the systematic review reporting on 1014 patients (302 with a covered ARA vs 712 without an ARA or without ARA coverage). In six studies, the mean diameter of the covered ARA was <4 mm (range, 2.7-3.4 mm). The mean follow-up was 22.74 months (range, 1-42 months). In the standard EVAR subgroup, the risk of AKI (odds ratio [OR], 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.21-2.51; I² = 0%] in the early period, and CRF (OR, 4.44; 95% CI, 0.46-42.61; I² = 87%) and death (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.36-2.31; I² = 0%) during follow-up were similar between groups 1 and 2. Only the risk of renal infarction was greater in group 1 than in group 2 (OR, 93.3; 95% CI, 1.48-5869; I² = 92%). In the complex aneurysm repair subgroup, the risk of AKI (OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 0.61-5.64; I² = 42%) in early period and CRF (OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 0.88-3.07; I² = not applicable) and death (OR, 3.63; 95% CI, 0.14-96.29; I² = 56%) during follow-up were similar between groups 1 and 2. Only the risk of renal infarction was greater for group 1 compared with group 2 (OR, 8.58; 95% CI, 4.59-16.04; I² = 0%).

CONCLUSIONS

ARA (<4 mm) coverage in patients undergoing standard EVAR or endovascular repair of complex aneurysms is associated with an increased risk of renal infarction. However, we found no clinical effects of ARA coverage on renal function or mortality in early postoperative and follow-up period. Preservation of an ARA >4 mm should be considered.

Early outcomes of the t-Branch off-the-shelf multi-branched stent graft in 542 patients for elective and urgent aortic pathologies - a retrospective observational study

OBJECTIVE

The t-Branch, a standardized off-the-shelf multi-branched stent graft has been used for the treatment of elective and urgent cases in aortic disease. The aim of this study was to assess the early outcomes in terms of technical success, mortality, and morbidity in >500 patients being treated with the t-Branch device.

METHODS

A two-center retrospective observational study was undertaken including patients treated using the t-Branch (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN) in elective or urgent settings for complex abdominal aortic aneurysm and thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm between 2014 and 2019 (early experience 2014-2016; late experience 2017-2019). Primary endpoints were technical success and early (30-day) mortality, and secondary endpoints were early morbidity, endoleak, and target vessel patency rates. Multivariable regression models were used to determine the independent association of risk factors with (1) mortality and (2) spinal cord ischemia.

RESULTS

A total of 542 patients (mean age, 70.5 ± 8.5 years; 388 men [72%]; mean aneurysm diameter, 7.5 ± 2.5 cm) were included (63% elective; 90% thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm). The technical success rate was 97% (526/542) (elective, 96.7% [328/339] vs urgent, 97.6% [208/213]). The total 30-day mortality rate was 12.3% (8.5% in elective, 15% in symptomatic, and 30% in contained rupture). After multivariate regression analysis, the mortality rate was associated with older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.11; P < .001) and with lower baseline glomerular filtration rate (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.98-0.99; P < .001). In elective cases, the mortality rate was associated with a history of coronary artery disease (OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.09-0.73; P < .011) and higher body mass index (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.77-0.98; P < .027). In urgent cases, the mortality rate was associated with older age, (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02-1.13; P < .010) and lower baseline glomerular filtration rate (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95-0.99; P < .001). The spinal cord ischemia rate was 10.5% (6.5% temporary, 4% permanent) and was associated with the early study period (OR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.03-3.89; P < .038). The renal impairment rate was 13%, the stroke rate was 2.5%, and the myocardial infarction rate was 1.8%, whereas the access complications rate was 7.7%. On early computed tomography angiography, the primary patency rate for the right renal artery was 99.6%, for the left renal artery was 100%, for the superior mesenteric artery was 99.4%, and for the coeliac trunk was 99.8%. The endoleak I and III rates were 2.7% (15/542) and 2.7% (15/542), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Elective and urgent use of the t-Branch multi-branched off-the shelf stent graft showed high technical success and early target vessel patency rates. Early mortality and morbidity rates were acceptable.

Endovascular Repair of Postdissection Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm in Patients With Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

PURPOSE

To report endovascular repair of postdissection thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) in 2 patients with vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS).

CASE REPORTS

Case 1. A 56-year-old vEDS male patient with a 50-mm type III TAAA [history of aortic root repair, hemiarch replacement, and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for acute type A aortic dissection (TAAD) 7 years ago] was treated by a 2-stage procedure; first, cervical debranching of the left subclavian artery and second TEVAR and t-branch. The postoperative course was uneventful. Follow-up computed tomography angiography (CTA) 3.5 years postoperatively demonstrated aortic remodeling with patency of targeted visceral vessels and no endoleak. Case 2. A 47-year-old vEDS male patient presented with a TAAA (diameter of 67 mm). The patient had a history of aortic valve and arch replacement with elephant trunk for acute TAAD, and consequently a TEVAR and candy-plug procedure after a ruptured false lumen (FL) aneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta. He also had a surgical repair by an aorto-bi-iliac graft. Two years later, CTA demonstrated aneurysmal FL dilatation distally to the candy-plug and he was treated with fenestrated EVAR (F-EVAR).

CONCLUSION

Endovascular repair of postdissection TAAA was feasible and safe with good short-term outcome in 2 patients with vEDS.

Fenestrated and Branched Endovascular Aortic Repair of Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm With More Than 4 Target Visceral Vessels due to Renovisceral Arterial Anatomical Variations: Feasibility and Early Results

PURPOSE

This study describes technical success, feasibility, and early results of fenestrated and branched endovascular aortic repair (F/B-EVAR) for treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) or pararenal aneurysms with more than 4 target visceral vessels (TVs) due to renovisceral arterial anatomical variations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with TAAAs or pararenal aortic aneurysms who had more than 4 TVs due to renovisceral arterial anatomical variations of renal, celiac, and/or superior mesenteric arteries and received F/B-EVAR between January 2017 and September 2019 at a single aortic center were included in this study. We analyzed technical success, feasibility, and early outcomes.

RESULTS

Twelve patients (mean age 70±10 years, 9 males) were included. The anatomical variations included 6 right accessory renal arteries, 8 left accessory renal arteries, and 1 celiac artery variant. Stent-grafts were fenestrated, branched or combined in 6, 5, or 1 patients, respectively. The mean operating time was 346±120 minutes, the mean fluoroscopy time was 80±29 minutes, and the mean radiation dose area product was 430±219 Gy·cm². The mean contrast volume was 129±45 mL. The total number of TVs was 64; 5 TVs in 9 patients, 6 in 2 patients, and 7 in 1 patient. Technical success was achieved in all cases. The mean intensive care unit stay was 6±5 days, and the mean total hospital stay was 14±10 days. One patient died early (30-day). Early morbidities included respiratory complication in 1 patient, renal insufficiency in 1 patient, and wound infection in 2 patients. No spinal cord ischemia, stroke, or bowel ischemia occurred. Early computed tomography angiography showed 100% patency of the bridging covered stents and TVs. The mean follow-up was 13±4.3 months. No mortality or adverse major event occurred during the follow-up. Two patients with developed type Ic endoleak related to 1 right renal artery and 1 celiac artery covered stent. Patency of the TVs during follow-up was 100%.

CONCLUSION

The use of F/B-EVAR for the treatment of TAAA with more than 4 TVs due to renovisceral arterial anatomical variations in our own experience is feasible and not related to increased morbidity and mortality.

Management of external jugular vein aneurysm: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Aneurysms of the jugular vein system are rare and high clinical suspicion is needed for diagnosis. External jugular vein aneurysms (EJVA) are considered innocent lesions that need treatment mainly for aesthetic reasons. The aim of this systematic review was to present current literature regarding diagnosis and management of EJVAs.

METHODS

A literature review was conducted through the Pubmed/Medline and Scopus regarding articles referring on EJVA from 2000 to 2020. Using the PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses), 30 articles were identified, according to inclusion criteria. Demographics, clinical characteristics, etiology, diagnostic imaging, complications, treatment, and histopathological findings were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven case reports and one case series were identified, including 30 patients and 31 EJVAs. One-third of patients (30.3%) were < 18 years old (mean age 32 years, range 1-72 years) and 54% of them were females. In 51% of the cases, the lesion was characterized as a true aneurysm after histological evaluation. The presence of a soft cervical mass was the most common clinical symptom, while Valsalva maneuver pointed out the presence of an EJVA in 66.7% of patients. Diagnosis was achieved using ultrasonography, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging. Forty-three percent of the patients underwent more than one radiological examination. Twenty patients underwent surgical management. The primary indication of surgical treatment was aesthetic reasons (11/20, 55%). Thrombosis was the most common EJVA complication (11/30, 36.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Differential diagnosis of neck mass should include EJVA. High clinical suspicion and adequate imaging are important for diagnosis. Open surgical approach is the more commonly applied therapeutic strategy.

The Association of Spondylitis and Aortic Aneurysm Disease

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to assess any relation between spondylitis and aortic aneurysmal disease by reviewing the current literature.

METHODS

A systematic search was undertaken using MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases till May 2019, for articles reporting on patients suffering from spondylitis and aortic aneurysm.

RESULTS

The most involved aortic segment was infrarenal aorta (56.9%). The lumbar vertebrae were more frequently affected (79.7%). Commonest symptoms were back pain (79.1%), fever (33.7%) and lower limb pain (29.1%). 55.8% of cases were diagnosed using computed tomography. The pathology was attributed to infectious causes in 25.1% of cases. 53.4% of patients were treated only for the aneurysm, 27.9% for both pathologies, while two patients solely for the vertebral disease. Endovascular aneurysm repair was chosen in 12.8% of cases. The 30-day mortality was 8.1% (7/86); mostly from vascular complications.

CONCLUSIONS

A synchronous spondylitis and aortic aneurysm may share common etiopathology, when an infectious or inflammatory cause is presented. The lumbar vertebrae are more frequently affected. Low quality data do not allow safe conclusion to suggest the best treatment option.

Circulating Biomarkers for the Prediction of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Growth

BACKGROUND

Abdominal aortic aneurysm represents a distinct group of vascular lesions, in terms of surveillance and treatment. Screening and follow-up of patients via duplex ultrasound has been well established and proposed by current guidelines. However, serum circulating biomarkers could earn a position in individualized patient surveillance, especially in cases of aggressive AAA growth rates. A systematic review was conducted to assess the correlation of AAA expansion rates with serum circulating biomarkers.

METHODS

A data search of English medical literature was conducted, using PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL, until 7 March 2021, in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies reporting on humans, on abdominal aortic aneurysm growth rates and on serum circulating biomarkers were included. No statistical analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 25 studies with 4753 patients were included. Studies were divided in two broad categories: Those reporting on clinically applicable (8 studies) and those reporting on experimental (17 studies) biomarkers. Twenty-three out of 25 studies used duplex ultrasound (DUS) for following patients. Amongst clinically applicable biomarkers, D-dimers, LDL-C, HDL-C, TC, ApoB, and HbA1c were found to bear the most significant association with AAA growth rates. In terms of the experimental biomarkers, PIIINP, osteopontin, tPA, osteopontin, haptoglobin polymorphisms, insulin-like growth factor I, thioredoxin, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), and genetic factors, as polymorphisms and microRNAs were positively correlated with increased AAA expansion rates.

CONCLUSION

In the presence of future robust data, specific serum biomarkers could potentially form the basis of an individualized surveillance strategy of patients presenting with increased AAA growth rates.

Prospective comparative study evaluating the role of flavonoids after endovenous thermal ablation

OBJECTIVES

The aim of our study was to evaluate the role of flavonoids in the improvement of post-operative symptoms after endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA).

METHODS

A prospective comparative study of 120 consecutive patients undergoing EVTA of the greater saphenous vein associated with phlebectomies was undertaken. Patients were grouped in those receiving micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF- 60 patients) agent 500 mg Bid 7 days pre- and 30 days post- operatively (MPFF group) and those in the control group (60 patients) who did not. Demographics, intra-operative details, Clinical -Etiology- Anatomy- Pathophysiology (CEAP) clinical class, 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) and Chronic Venous Insufficiency Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (CΙVIQ-20) were recorded. Primary outcome was the postoperative pain assessement using the VAS scale and CIVIQ pain score. Secondary outcomes included assessement of VCSS and CΙVIQ-20 scores.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the groups regarding demographics, clinical and procedural characteristics. Patients in MPFF group reported significantly lower VAS pain levels than control group at 7- (-3.6 ± 1.2 vs -2.7 ± 1.9, p < .0001) and 30- post-operative day (-4.9 ± 0.1 vs -4.2 ± 1, p < .0001). MPFF group also showed better outcome in terms of CIVIQ pain score at 7- (-3.7 ± 1.3 vs -3.5 ± 1.8, p = .008) and 30- post-operative day (-5.3. ± 1.1 vs -4.4 ± 1, p = .017). Both groups showed a significant improvement in VAS pain score (p = .047), global CIVIQ-20 (p = .009) and VCSS (p = .008) at 7- and 30-days post-operatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of flavonoids in patients undergoing EVTA associated with phlebectomies reduces pain by a small amount during early postoperative period.