The Society for Vascular Surgery clinical practice guidelines on the management of visceral aneurysms

Differentiation of multiple visceral artery aneurysm rupture from major bleeding after coronary artery bypass grafting

BACKGROUND

Visceral artery aneurysm is a very rare disease, but it is clinically important because of the high risk of rupture involved. These ruptures must be differentiated from those that occur during hospitalization after extra-abdominal surgery.

METHODS

During hospitalization after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting, a 77-year-old woman developed hypovolemic symptoms and had decreased hemoglobin. There was no obvious bleeding, but while screening for possible complications after cardiac surgery, abdominal computed tomographic angiography showed multiple visceral artery aneurysms of the gastroduodenal and pancreaticoduodenal arteries along with hemoperitoneum.

RESULTS

The patient underwent coil embolization of the visceral artery aneurysm and was discharged without any complications.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with coronary artery disease with risk factors for atherosclerosis, if anemia occurs without apparent bleeding after surgery, visceral artery aneurysm should be considered as a differential diagnosis.

Splenic artery aneurysm in obstetric patients: a series of four cases with different clinical presentation and outcome

OBJECTIVE

To describe four consecutive cases of splenic artery aneurysm with different clinical patterns of presentation among obstetric patients.

METHOD

A series of four cases of splenic artery aneurysm diagnosed in pregnant or post-partum women at our University center between January 1998 and December 2020. Clinical and radiological data were retrospectively obtained by reviewing paper and electronic medical records after acquiring patient's consent.

RESULTS

One case was completely asymptomatic and incidentally identified at the beginning of pregnancy, thus allowing for multidisciplinary treatment. The other three cases were unknown: two manifested with maternal collapse due to aneurysm rupture in the third trimester of gestation, whereas one presented with acute abdominal pain during the post-partum period and was successfully managed before rupture occurred.

CONCLUSION

Although being extremely rare, SAA rupture in obstetric patients can be associated with dramatic consequences. Since early suspicion and prompt intervention are essential to avoid fatal outcomes, promotion of knowledge of all the potential clinical patterns of presentation of SAA rupture among obstetric patients is mandatory.

A Large Series of True Pancreaticoduodenal Artery Aneurysms

INTRODUCTION

True pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms (PDAA) are rare and prior reports often fail to distinguish true aneurysms from pseudoaneuryms. We sought to characterize all patients who presented to our health-system from 2004-2019 with true PDAA, with a focus on risk factors, interventions, and patient outcomes.

METHODS

Patients were identified by querying a single health-system PACS database for radiographic reports noting a PDAA. Retrospective chart review was performed on all identified patients. Patients with pseudoaneurysm, identified as those with a history of pancreatitis, abdominal malignancy, hepatopancreaticobiliary surgery, or abdominal trauma, were excluded. Continuous variables were compared using t-tests, and categorical variables were compared using Fisher's exact tests.

RESULTS

A total of 59 true PDAA were identified. Forty aneurysms (68%) were intact (iPDAA) and 19 (32%) were ruptured (rPDAA) at presentation. Mean size of ruptured PDAA was 16.4 mm (median size 14.0 mm; range 10 - 42 mm) and mean size of intact PDAA was 19.4 mm (median size 17.5mm; range 8 - 88 mm), this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.95). Significant celiac disease (occlusion or >70% stenosis) was noted in 39 aneurysms (66%). Those with rupture were less likely to have significant celiac disease (42% vs 78%, P=0.017), and less likely to have aneurysmal wall calcifications (6% vs 53%, P=0.002). Thirty-seven patients underwent intervention (63%); with eight (22%) undergoing concomitant hepatic revascularization (2 stents and 6 bypasses) due to the presence of celiac disease. Eighteen patients with occluded celiac arteries underwent aneurysm intervention; of those, 11 were performed without hepatic revascularization (61.1%). Those with rPDAA experienced an aneurysm related mortality of 10.5% while those with iPDAA experienced a rate of 5.6%. One patient with celiac occlusion and PDA rupture who did not undergo hepatic artery bypass expired postoperatively from hepatic ischemia. Ruptured PDAA showed a trend towards increased need for aneurysm-related endovascular or open reintervention, but this was not statistically significant (47% vs 28%, P=0.13).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support previous reports that the rupture risk of PDAA is independent of size, their development is often associated with significant celiac stenosis or occlusion, and rupture risk appears decreased in patients with concomitant celiac disease or aneurysm wall calcifications. Endovascular intervention is the preferred initial treatment for both intact and ruptured PDAAs, but reintervention rates are high in both groups. The role for hepatic revascularization remains uncertain, but it does not appear to be mandatory in all patients with complete celiac occlusion who undergo PDAA interventions.

Combined endovascular and surgical treatment of a giant celiac artery aneurysm with consequent gastric outlet obstruction: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Visceral artery aneurysms (VAA) are rare with an incidence of up to 0.2% and mortality of up to 40%. Aneurysms larger than 5 cm are referred to as giant visceral artery aneurysms (GVAA). We present a case of a celiac artery aneurysm of 14 cm which required endovascular and surgical management. A review of the literature with focus on treatment is also provided.

CASE PRESENTATION

In this case report, a 76-year-old male presented with postprandial nausea and vomitus. An ultrasound and computed tomography scan showed an aneurysm of the celiac artery of approximately 14 cm. Initial treatment was conducted with coiling. Despite this treatment, patient presented again with the same complaints, most likely due to gastric outlet syndrome caused by the aneurysm sac. Partial open removal of the aneurysm sac was performed with release of the duodenum. Due to recurring dysphagia and postprandial nausea, a gastroenterostomy was created, which was later supplemented with a Roux-en-Y anastomosis due to gastroparesis. Patient recovered uneventful after the Roux-en-Y and was discharged from the hospital.

CONCLUSION

Giant visceral artery aneurysms sometimes need multimodal treatment. We showed that an endovascular first approach of a giant visceral artery aneurysm is not only technically feasible, but it also facilitates subsequent open surgery due to limiting blood loss and reducing the need for extensive mobilisation of the viscera to gain arterial control.

Surgical Excision of a Contained Rupture of an Inferior Mesenteric Aneurysm

Inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) aneurysms represent the minority of visceral aneurysm presentations. A 57-year-old female was admitted with a symptomatic IMA aneurysm secondary to atherosclerotic disease. She was treated with open excision which revealed a contained ruptured of a true aneurysm. This case highlights the challenges of an accurate preoperative diagnosis of IMA aneurysm and the correct position of the recent guidelines on visceral aneurysms issued by the Society of Vascular Surgery (SVS).

[Superior mesenteric artery aneurysm]

We report surgical treatment of 4 patients with superior mesenteric artery aneurysm. A comprehensive examination including Doppler ultrasound and CT angiography of visceral arteries made it possible to assess the features of vascular anatomy. In accordance with the peculiarities of upper mesenteric artery angioarchitectonics, open and endovascular methods were used. A differentiated approach made it possible to treat patients without any complications.

Gastrointestinal bleeding due to pseudoaneurysms in children

Radiological embolization is the treatment of choice in adults with visceral artery pseudoaneurysm (PSA) and gastrointestinal bleeding, but pediatric data is scanty. We analyzed the etiology, clinical presentation, and outcome of radiological intervention in children with PSA of celiac (CA) or superior mesenteric artery (SMA) branches. Electronic records of children with PSA of CA or SMA branches were reviewed and data on clinical and laboratory profile, radiological intervention, and outcome was recorded. Eleven children with PSA (5 boys, 11 [7-17] years) were studied. Etiology was liver abscess (n 4), abdominal trauma (n 3), pancreatitis (n 3), and indeterminate in 1 case. Ten (91%) patients were symptomatic: abdominal pain (10, 91%), hematemesis/melena (9, 81%), and Quincke's triad (1, 9%). One child with pancreatic pseudocyst was diagnosed incidentally on imaging. Doppler ultrasound identified PSA only in 3 cases, while computed tomography angiography (CTA) picked all cases. Children with liver abscess, trauma, and unknown etiology had PSA from CA (right hepatic artery 7, left hepatic artery 1). Of the 3 pancreatitis cases, 2 had PSA from SMA (inferior pancreatico-duodenal artery and ileal branch) and 1 from CA (left gastric artery). Radiological embolization was done in 9 (81%) cases (coil 6, glue 2, both 1), without any complications or failure. One case resolved spontaneously and 1 died pre-intervention. Nine intervened cases were asymptomatic in follow-up [6 (1-24) months].Conclusion: Liver abscess, trauma, and pancreatitis are causes of PSA of CA and SMA branches in children. A majority present with gastrointestinal bleeding and are identified on CTA. Radiological embolization was safe with 100% success. What is Known: • Pseudoaneurysm of visceral artery is an uncommon cause of gastrointestinal bleeding. • Endoluminal intervention is an established and efficacious treatment modality in adults and preferred over surgery. What is New: • Liver abscess, abdominal trauma and pancreatitis are common causes of celiac artery and superior mesenteric artery branch pseudoaneurysm in children and computed tomography angiography has high sensitivity in identifying these pseudoaneurysms. • Minimally invasive radiological angio-embolization, in the hands of trained radiologists, is a safe and successful modality of treatment in children.

A rare case of renal artery aneurysm - dawning of new treatment approach

Renal artery aneurysms are a rare occurrence, with a prevalence of about <1%. The majority of patients are asymptomatic and are diagnosed through incidental findings on imaging. In very rare occurrences, the aneurysm can rupture and cause significant morbidity and even death.

Idiopathic Aneurysm of the Aortic Arch in an Infant

Congenital aortic aneurysms are rare disorders, usually associated with genetic aortic syndromes. Here, we describe the case of an idiopathic aortic arch aneurysm which had been diagnosed prenatally by fetal echocardiography. The diagnosis was confirmed after birth in the neonatal period and successful surgical resection of the aneurysm was performed at the age of 3 months. The idiopathic etiology of the aneurysm, its localization, and the early surgical resection render this case very unusual.

Assessment of open surgical and endovascular management of true hepatic artery aneurysms over 20 years highlights increased rupture risk in females

BACKGROUND

True hepatic artery aneurysms (HAAs) are rare but have been associated with a significant risk of rupture and associated mortality. The 2020 release of HAA-specific clinical practice guidelines represented an important step toward management standardization. However, it remains essential to build on the body of evidence to further refine these recommendations.

METHODS

The HAA management and outcomes from a single academic center during a 20-year period were retrospectively reviewed. We identified 72 patients from the institutional radiology database (November 24, 1999 to 2019). Pseudoaneurysms were excluded, and 48 patients were found to have had true HAAs. Forty-three HAA patients had sufficient medical records for inclusion in the analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 43 patients with HAA included, 65% were male. The mean age was 63 years (range, 22-89 years). Of the HAAs, 72% presented asymptomatically, 16% had ruptured, and 12% were symptomatic at presentation. Most HAAs were of atherosclerotic origin (74%). In addition, 16% of the patients had other visceral aneurysms and 12% had nonvisceral aneurysms on presentation. The mean HAA size overall was 3.3 cm (range, 0.8-10.8 cm), with most being solitary (72%) and involving the common hepatic artery (65%). Rupture was more common in females (40%) and those with vasculitis (67%), with females representing 86% of all patients with rupture. The mean size at intervention was 4.8 cm (21 patients [49%]). Ten patients (23%) had undergone open surgical repair (seven elective and three emergent because of rupture). Eleven patients (26%) had undergone endovascular intervention (64% elective and 36% emergent). Nonoperative management was selected for 22 patients (51%). These patients had a mean HAA diameter of 2.1 cm, and 59% had a life-limiting illness. Of the 18 patients who had been initially monitored for a mean of 3.9 ± 4.1 years, 3 had undergone elective repair and 2 had minimal growth. None of these patients had a subsequently documented rupture.

CONCLUSIONS

True HAAs are a rare but important clinical phenomenon, with 16% of patients presenting with rupture in this study. Endovascular intervention is a promising alternative to open surgical repair, with no 30-day mortality, and is suitable for ruptured HAAs. Importantly, for the first time, our findings have demonstrated an increased risk of rupture for females, highlighting the need for additional data and ultimately, sex-specific guidelines.

Gastric Ulcer Bleeding associated with a Left Gastric Artery Pseudoaneurysm

A left gastric artery (LGA) pseudoaneurysm is known to occur as a complication of abdominal surgery, trauma, or pancreatitis. However, an LGA pseudoaneurysm presenting with gastrointestinal bleeding is rare. A 77-year-old man complained of dizziness and three episodes of melena in the last 24 hours. He did not have a history of surgery, trauma, or pancreatitis. He underwent primary coronary intervention for unstable angina and started dual antiplatelet therapy 1 month prior. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) revealed a 3-cm ulcer in the lesser curvature of the gastric high body with a pulsating subepithelial tumor-like lesion in the ulcer. Hemostasis was achieved endoscopically. Three days after the endoscopic hemostasis, hematemesis and hypovolemic shock occurred. Emergent angiography of the superior mesenteric artery revealed an LGA pseudoaneurysm with extravasation. Coil embolization was successfully performed. Three days after the angiographic embolization, EGD revealed improvement of the gastric ulcer, which was covered with exudate, and disappearance of the subepithelial tumor-like lesion. At the 2-month follow-up, EGD showed that the ulcer was in the healing stage.

Management of huge splenic artery aneurysm with new hybrid procedure including endovascular and open surgical approach: Case series

INTRODUCTION

Splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) account for more than half of all visceral artery aneurysms. Small SAAs are usually asymptomatic, but giant aneurysms are more likely to cause symptoms and result in life-threatening complications; these aneurysms treatment can be challenging. Splenic artery aneurysms treatment includes laparotomy, laparoscopy, or endovascular techniques.

CASE PRESENTATION

This case series reports the details of successful management of three patients with huge splenic artery aneurysms who underwent hybrid surgery, endovascular inflow control with a balloon, and open aneurysm resection.

DISCUSSION

Although endovascular treatment options are increasingly favored, only selected aneurysms are suitable for these procedures, as marked tortuosity of the artery or SAA in the proximal splenic artery may not be suitable for endovascular management.

CONCLUSION

Open surgery escorted by endovascular techniques can be considered an ideal treatment of SAA in the proximal region of the splenic artery.

Vascular coil extrusion into the duodenum 6 years after hepatic artery aneurysm embolization

A 50-year-old man with a history of coil embolization of a symptomatic 5.3-cm hepatic artery aneurysm 6 years previously presented with a massive gastrointestinal bleed. He was found to have embolization coils extruding into the duodenum from a hepaticoduodenal arterioenteric fistula. The present case demonstrates that endovascular intervention for a large hepatic artery aneurysm can have long-term consequences. We have described a novel complication of embolization of a giant hepatic artery aneurysm that necessitated complex open repair.

Concomitantly discovered visceral artery aneurysms do rarely grow during cancer therapy

Visceral artery aneurysms (VAA) are a rare entity of arterial aneurysms with the imminent threat of rupture. The impact of cancer and chemotherapy on the growth of VAAs is unknown. A retrospective dual center cohort study of patients with concomitant VAA and different types of cancer was conducted and the impact of various chemotherapeutic agents on VAA growth was studied by sequential CT analysis. For comparison, a non-cancer all comer cohort with VAAs and no cancer was studied to compare different growth rates. The primary endpoint was aneurysm progress or regression >1.75 mm. Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and Mann-Whitney test was used for statistical comparison. In the 17-year-period from January 2003 to March 2020, 59 patients with 30 splenic artery aneurysms, 14 celiac trunk aneurysms, 11 renal artery aneurysms and 4 other VAA and additional malignancy were identified. 20% of patients suffered from prostate cancer, the rest were heterogeneous. The most prevalent chemotherapies were alkylating agents (23%), antimetabolites (14%) and mitose inhibitors (10%). Eight patients had relevant growth of their VAA and one patient showed diameter regression (average growth rate 0.1 ± 0.5 mm/year). Twenty-nine patients with 14 splenic, 11 RAAs (seven right) and 4 celiac trunk aneurysms were available in the non-cancer comparison cohort (average growth rate 0.5 ± 0.9 mm/year, p = 0.058). However, the growth rate of patients receiving operative treatment for relevant VAA growth was significantly higher (p = 0.004). VAAs grow rarely, and rather slow. Cancer and/or chemotherapy do not significantly influence the annual growth rate. Additional control examinations seem unnecessary.

Successful Endovascular and Endoscopic Treatment of a Symptomatic Celiac Artery Aneurysm for Obstructive Jaundice: A Clinical Case Report

BACKGROUND

Celiac artery aneurysm (CAA) is an infrequent aneurysm of the celiac visceral branch and is potentially life-threatening, mainly due to the risk of rupture. CAA is often diagnosed following rupture and rarely diagnosed secondary to a primary manifestation; obstructive jaundice is extremely rare and poorly described. This clinical case report reports a combined endovascular and endoscopic noninvasive treatment.

METHODS

A 51-year old male was admitted to the emergency department at the Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova in Reggio Emilia following several days of jaundice. The patient did not have any history of abdominal trauma, chronic pancreatitis, bile duct calculus or alcohol abuse. Cholestatic impairment was demonstrated by blood analyses and abdominal ultrasound revealed a large cephalo-pancreatic mass. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed a 40 mm CAA, causing a common bile duct (CBD) compression and dilatation of the hepatic bile ducts. After a multidisciplinary team consultation, a noninvasive, combined endovascular and endoscopic approach was programmed in a hybrid room.

RESULTS

Immediate results confirmed successful exclusion of the CAA, stent graft patency and the absence of endoleak with correct positioning of a plastic stent in the CBD. At 1 month, an abdominal CT-angiography (CTA) evidenced a type II endoleak, successfully treated with an endovascular secondary procedure and an asymptomatic, partial downward dislodgement of the plastic stent in the CBD was correct with the positioning of 2 plastic stents. At 3-months cholangiography showed no dilation of intraepatic biliary ducts.

CONCLUSIONS

Symptomatic CAA with common bile duct compression could be amenable to a combined endovascular and endoscopic noninvasive treatment.

Multimodal repair of renal artery aneurysm-10-year single center experience

OBJECTIVES

Renal artery aneurysm (RAA) is a rare disease with various treatment options in indicated patients. In the current survey, the ten-year experience in treatment of RAAs using different endovascular and surgical treatments depending on RAA characteristics is discussed.

METHODS

All patients undergone RAA treatment via endovascular or surgical approaches at our center between January 2010 and December 2020 were enrolled. Patient demographics and peri-operative and late results were collected from a prospectively maintained database.

RESULTS

Eleven patients with RAA underwent treatment as follows: four patients received endovascular approach, four patients underwent in-situ RAA repair, and kidney autotransplantations were carried out in three patients. In all three treatment groups, the first therapeutic attempt was successful and none of the patients underwent secondary intervention due to RAA. Kidney autotransplantation was associated with a higher blood loss and a longer time of procedure compared to that of endovascular approach and in-situ repair. In-hospital postoperative complications were reported in five patients, including renal pole perfusion defect, renal artery thrombosis, and urinary tract infection. No acute kidney organ loss was seen, but one patient suffered from chronic kidney loss due to renal artery occlusion. In one patient undergoing autotransplantation, ureter anastomosis was reported, which led to acute renal failure, and a surgical treatment with resection and reanastomosis of the ureter was necessary. Hypertension was not resolved after RAA repair in any of the patients with preoperative hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

RAA treatment selection depends on patient characteristics, anatomy, location, and arising branches of the aneurysm. In cases with complex anatomy, treatment strategy could not be just decided based on consensus guidelines, but a multidisciplinary team is required. Interventional therapies showed excellent results in non-complicated proximal aneurysms, especially regarding the length of hospital stay and postoperative morbidities. Open surgery is a complementary alternative in cases where minimally invasive therapy is not possible. Ex-situ repair with autotransplantation could be considered for anatomically complex distal aneurysms.

Ruptured Left Gastric Artery Aneurysm Associated with Fibromuscular Dysplasia

Background: Fibromuscular dysplasia is a non-inflammatory, non-atherosclerotic vascular disease that commonly affects renal and carotid arteries but involvement of virtually any vascular territory has been observed.Research Design/ Study sample: This is a case report of a ruptured left gastric artery aneurysm as the first presentation of fibromuscular dysplasia.Data collection: After written consent from the patient, relevant clinical notes and imaging were retrospectively reviewed and critically analysed.Purpose: This case reiterates the importance of considering fibromuscular dysplasia as an uncommon cause of visceral artery aneurysms. In addition, this case shows that the impact of visceral artery vasospasm on endovascular access should not be underestimated and subsequent attempts can be successful after a period of resuscitation.Results: After initial difficulty in endovascular treatment due to visceral vasospasm, the case was successfully managed with with staged open ligation and endovascular embolization after a period of resuscitation.Conclusions: FMD is an important differential diagnosis to consider in cases of visceral aneurysms.

Double-barrel stenting for endovascular repair of a superior mesenteric artery dissecting aneurysm

The patient was a 58-year-old man with a history of hypertension who had incidentally been found to have a 2.7-cm dissecting fusiform superior mesenteric artery aneurysm involving a long segment of a proximal to distal superior mesenteric artery. Double-lumen anatomy was present, with the true lumen perfusing the proximal and mid-small bowel and the false lumen perfusing the distal small bowel and the ileocolic artery. The patient elected to undergo endovascular repair using double-barrel stenting with self-expanding and balloon-expandable covered stents, as described. Computed tomography angiography after 1 year demonstrated patent stents.

Laparoscopic splenic artery aneurysmectomy with ICG guided partial splenectomy: alternative approach

We herein report the case of a voluminous splenic artery aneurysm (SAA) diagnosed in a 48 year-old Caucasian male patient. After endovascular treatment failure, considering the volumetric aneurysm increase and recurrent symptoms, a laparoscopic splenic artery aneurysmectomy with partial splenectomy guided by indocyanine green fluorescence (ICG) was performed. This conservative strategy leads to save a spleen volume of about 10 cm³ to avoid postsplenectomy thrombocytosis and infections, potential immunodeficiency and overwhelming postsplenectomy infection syndrome (OPSS) and to preserve pancreatic vascularization preventing distal pancreas injuries.

Abdominal Aortic and Visceral Artery Aneurysms

Abdominal aortic aneurysms account for nearly 9000 deaths annually, with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms being the thirteenth leading cause of death in the United States. Abdominal aortic aneurysms can be detected by screening, but a majority are detected incidentally. Visceral artery aneurysms are often discovered incidentally, and treatment is guided by symptoms, etiology, and size. A timely diagnosis and referral to a vascular specialist are essential for timely open or endovascular repair and to ensure successful patient outcomes.

[Rare cause of renal infarction in a 28-year-old male patient]

Es wird über den Fall eines 28-jährigen Patienten mit einem Niereninfarkt aufgrund eines embolisierenden Aneurysmas nach traumatischer Dissektion einer Nierensegmentarterie berichtet. Er stellte sich 1,5 Jahre nach einem Motorradunfall mit Abdominal- und Flankenschmerzen vor. C‑reaktives Protein und Laktat-Dehydrogenase waren erhöht. Die Diagnose wurde mittels computertomographischer Angiographie gestellt. Weitere Ursachen eines Niereninfarkts wurden ausgeschlossen. Nach interdisziplinärer Besprechung entschieden wir uns bei jungem und sportlich aktivem Patienten für ein interventionelles Coiling, um eine langfristige Antikoagulation zu vermeiden.

Successful Prophylactic Embolization of a Renal Artery Aneurysm During Pregnancy

Renal artery aneurysms (RAA) have an increased risk of rupture during pregnancy with high mortality rates for the mother and fetus. There are many reports on the treatment of ruptured RAA during pregnancy and the Society for Vascular Surgery recommends to prophylactically treat unruptured RAA of any size in women of reproductive age to limit risk of rupture during pregnancy. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no reported case of prophylactic treatment of unruptured RAA during pregnancy. Here we report the case of a 39-year-old G2P1 who had prophylactic endovascular coiling of an unruptured left RAA during her second trimester of pregnancy. Our case report is the first to demonstrate that unruptured RAA can be safely intervened endovascularly to prevent rupture without disrupting the pregnancy.

Single Centre Experience in Open and Endovascular Treatment of Renal Artery Aneurysms

BACKGROUND

The true incidence and natural history of renal artery aneurysm (RAA) remain unclear and still exists controversy over indication for treatment. Several techniques of conventional surgical reconstructions are described in literature, and more recently endovascular therapies have been reported with satisfying results and lower complication rate. This paper aims to investigate the outcomes of both endovascular and open repair of RAA achieved in a single institution involving 3 medical teams (urology, vascular surgery and neuroradiology).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We conducted a single-centre retrospective observational study about all patients surgically or endovascularly treated for RAA over a 15-year period. Pre-operative, procedural and post-operative data at the early, mid- and long-term follow-up were collected and analysed, focusing on operative technique used for repair and related outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 27 patients (n = 17 (63%) women, mean age 58 ± 13.2, n = 26 saccular RAA) were included. Mean aneurysm was size was 18.8 ± 6.3 mm. Most diagnosis were accidental. Symptomatic RAA showed with macroscopic haematuria (n = 3, 25.9%), unstable hypertension (n = 2; 7%), chronic lumbar pain (n = 1, 3.7%) and renal infarct (n = 1, 3.7%). Conventional surgery (ex-vivo repair, aneurysmorraphy, aneurysm resection and end-to-end anastomosis) was performed in 14 (51.8%) cases and endovascular coiling embolization in 13 (48.2%). Mean hospital length of stay was 5.4 ± 3.6 days. Intensive Care Unit stay was needed only in the surgically treated patients (mean 1.1 ± 1.2 days). During the early follow-up, morbidity rate was 7/14 in surgically treated patients vs. 1/13 in endovascular group; it included bleeding, retroperitoneal hematoma, arterial thrombosis and bowel obstruction. The discharge imaging showed complete aneurysm exclusion and renal artery patency in all cases. At a mean follow-up of 39 ± 42 months, 3 patients (11%) were lost to follow up and 2 (7.4 %) died from unrelated cause. None of these patients required dialysis but a statistically significant (P = 0.09) decrease in GFR was noted between the preoperative period and last follow-up control. RAA repair neither showed blood pressure control improvement nor reduced the need for anti-hypertensive drug use.

CONCLUSION

Open or endovascular techniques are both safe and efficient to treat RAA. Even though, surgical management is burdened with higher morbidity rate, the operative technique should be selected according to anatomical features, diameters and location of RRA; and the number of renal branches involved. Further larger studies are needed to define the feasibility and safety for a wider application of the endovascular approach.

Evolving Diagnostic and Therapeutic Options for Visceral Artery Aneurysms

BACKGROUND

Visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs) are associated with a very high mortality rate when ruptured and may present as a surgical emergency. Due to their rarity and varying pathophysiology, literature concerning the optimal management of VAAs is limited. This review evaluates the evolving management options for VAAs with a focus on open and endovascular repair.

METHODS

A combination of databases including OVID, PubMed and Medline were used to perform a literature search. Search terms employed include 'visceral artery aneurysms', 'angiography', '3D-volumetric rendering', 'management', 'open repair' and 'endovascular repair', amongst others.

RESULTS

3D modelling in conjunction with existing diagnostic techniques, such as computed tomography and angiography, may improve diagnostic sensitivity. The literature surrounding operative management of VAAs highlights the effectiveness of endovascular repair for anatomically suitable aneurysms. Advances in endovascular technologies may expand the type and number of aneurysms amenable to catheter-based treatment approaches. For aneurysms not amenable to endovascular treatment, or those with an emergency indication, open repair remains an appropriate management choice.

CONCLUSION

Although rare, VAAs pose a high mortality risk, especially when ruptured. Practical limitations that restrict current operative approaches may be overcome by recent developments including novel neurointerventional techniques that have been applied in VAA management.

Ilio-Hepatic Artery Bypass for Hypoplasia of the Celiac Axis and Its Branches with an Inferior Pancreaticoduodenal Artery Aneurysm

Hemorrhage due to a ruptured pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm is potentially fatal. We describe a case of a 51-year-old man, incidentally diagnosed with an inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm associated with probable congenital hypoplasia of the celiac axis and its branches. Considering the rupture risk, we performed an ilio-hepatic artery bypass with an autologous vein graft and aneurysmorrhaphy. The postoperative course was uneventful. At the 24-month follow-up, the bypass was patent, with no aneurysm recurrence. The ilio-hepatic artery bypass is effective and preserves visceral blood flow. However, the iliac artery is susceptible to occlusive disease, and long-term follow-up is required.

Morbidity and mortality associated with open repair of visceral aneurysms

BACKGROUND

The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) recently published clinical practice guidelines on the management of visceral aneurysms. However, studies investigating the perioperative outcomes of open repair of visceral aneurysms have been limited to single-center experiences with variable results that span multiple decades. In the present study, we sought to detail the morbidity and mortality associated with open repair of visceral aneurysms using a national database in the contemporary era.

METHODS

National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data from 2013 to 2019 were queried for patients who had undergone open repair of visceral aneurysms, which had been classified as mesenteric, renal, or splenic using Current Procedural Terminology and International Classification of Diseases codes. The primary endpoint was the composite of major complications (cardiovascular, pulmonary, progressive renal failure, deep wound infection, return to operating room, sepsis) and 30-day mortality. Logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of the primary endpoint for nonruptured aneurysm cases.

RESULTS

Of the 304 aneurysms, 263 were nonruptured (137 mesenteric, 66 renal, 60 splenic) and 41 were ruptured (24 mesenteric, 1 renal, 16 splenic) and had undergone open repair. For those with nonruptured aneurysms, their mean age was 59.4 ± 14.7 years and 48.3% were women. For those with nonruptured aneurysms, the 30-day mortality was 1.9% and the major complication rate was 12.9%. A return to the operating room (5.3%) and prolonged ventilator support (3.8%) were especially common. As expected, rupture was associated with significantly greater mortality (22.0%; P < .001) and major complications (34.1%; P = .001). The use of postoperative transfusion was common in the elective group but was significantly greater in the ruptured group (24.3% vs 80.5%; P < .001). The predictors of the primary outcome for nonruptured aneurysms included male sex (odds ratio [OR], 2.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28-6.7; P = .011), anticoagulation (not discontinued before surgery) or bleeding disorder (OR, 4.52; 95% CI, 1.37-14.7; P = .012), and albumin <3.0 g/dL (OR, 4.66; 95% CI, 1.17-18.6; P = .029). Neither age nor aneurysm location were significant risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Open repair of visceral aneurysms was associated with acceptable morbidity and mortality, although these risks are significantly greater once ruptured. Male sex, bleeding risk, and low albumin were all risk factors for adverse events and should be considered for operative planning and postoperative care.

Endovascular management of a large renal artery aneurysm: a case report and review of the literature

Background

A renal artery aneurysm is a rare clinical presentation that can be found incidentally on imaging or during workup for refractory hypertension. Its presentation can be similar to that of a renal artery pseudoaneurysm, but the etiologies of the two vascular lesions differ. We present a patient who had an incidental finding of a large renal artery aneurysm that was managed with endovascular embolization. We also describe the literature surrounding the etiology, presentation and management of both renal artery aneurysms and renal artery pseudoaneurysms.

Case presentation

A 62-year-old man was referred to a urologic oncologist for workup of a newly found renal mass. Initial imaging with computed tomography showed a homogenous, well-circumscribed mass arising from the right kidney. Further evaluation with Doppler ultrasonography demonstrated pulsatile flow within the renal mass that was concerning for a renal artery pseudoaneurysm. The patient initially underwent a diagnostic angiogram by interventional radiology and was found to have a true renal artery aneurysm. Interventional radiology considered placement of a covered stent or angioembolization, but treatment was deferred due to concern for compromising the patient’s renal function. Patient was subsequently transferred to a neighboring hospital for management by vascular surgery. After considering both open surgical and endovascular approaches, the patient ultimately underwent angioembolization of the renal artery aneurysm. Short-term follow-up showed successful exclusion of the aneurysm with minimal adverse effects to the patient.

Conclusions

Our case report documents a unique case of an incidentally found large renal artery aneurysm that was successfully managed with endovascular embolization. Renal artery aneurysms and renal artery pseudoaneurysms, which can present similarly on imaging, are important diagnostic considerations in a patient presenting with a new renal mass. While open surgical approaches can be used to repair aneurysms, endovascular approaches using stenting or angioembolization are safe and effective options for treating renal aneurysms and renal pseudoaneurysms.

Complex endovascular treatment of a celiac trunk artery aneurysm with splenic artery rescue: Santini et al.: Celiac trunk artery aneurysm treatment - endovascular approach

Visceral arterial aneurysms are uncommon pathologies, with an uncertain ethology and no clear treatment guidelines. As in our case, where we treated a 70 y.o. male patient, who came to us for un unspecific abdominal pain. So, he practiced a CT total body with contrast, presenting a celiac trunk aneurysm with involvement of the hepatic and splenic artery and therefore the team decided for an endovascular treatment, successfully obtained. Our experience is about the description of a case in its most practical and technical aspect, especially in complicated or rare conditions.

Prevalence of and Factors Associated with Arterial Aneurysms in Patients with Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia: 17-Year Retrospective Series of 418 Patients

PURPOSE

To estimate the prevalence of and identify characteristics associated with the presence of aneurysms in a cohort of patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the study institution's HHT database, 418 patients with a definite HHT diagnosis were identified based on the clinical Curaçao criteria and/or an HHT-associated genetic mutation. Regression modeling was used to evaluate the association between arterial aneurysms and older age, male sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, genetic mutations, the presence of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) unrelated to the aneurysms, and HHT-related genetic mutations.

RESULTS

Forty-three (10.3%) patients had at least 1 aneurysm. Sixteen (3.8%) patients had multiple aneurysms. Of the variables analyzed, older age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0-1.1), the presence of anatomically and flow-unrelated AVMs (OR = 3.2; 95% CI: 1.3-8.0), and the presence of activin A receptor type II-like 1 (ACVRL1) mutation (OR = 4.0; 95% CI: 1.5-10) were associated with the presence of at least 1 aneurysm.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort of patients with HHT, the prevalence of intracranial and visceral arterial aneurysms was estimated to be 10.3%. Older age, the presence of unrelated AVMs, and the presence of the ACVRL1 mutation were associated with the presence of arterial aneurysms. Further study is required to assess the clinical importance and risk of rupture of aneurysms in patients with HHT.

Endovascular treatment of an asymptomatic hepatic artery aneurism: case report

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.

Contemporary Outcomes of in Situ Open Surgical Repair of Mid-Portion and Distal Renal Artery Aneurysms

INTRODUCTION

The best management of renal artery aneurysms (RAAs) remains controversial, especially when they are located from the mid to distal portions of the main renal artery. Our aim is to evaluate our 10-year experience with in situ open surgical repairs from a cohort of non-proximal RAAs at a single vascular surgery center.

METHODS

A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of all patients who underwent RAA in situ repairs located from the mid to distal portions of the renal artery at our Institution was performed between 2009 and 2020. Data on patient demographics, comorbidities, aneurysm location and morphology, type of in situ technique, and perioperative data were assessed. Postoperative biomarkers and renal function were collected, and mid-term follow-up results were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 15 RAA located at mid and distal portions of the renal artery repaired with in situ techniques were performed in 15 patients (nine men, mean age 62.4 ± 6.36 years). At diagnosis, 12 patients were asymptomatic; a history of abdominal pain was found in one patient, and two patients had drug-resistant hypertension. Two patients had already undergone previous unsuccessful attempts of endovascular treatment. All patients presented an aneurysm diameter >20 mm (mean diameter 2.75 ± 5 mm). At admission, mean serum creatinine and glomerular filtration rate were 1.10 ± 0.23 mg/dL and 69.8 ± 9.8 mL/min/1.73 m², respectively. Nine lesions were present in the distal portion of the renal artery, with 4 cases having ≥3 efferent branches and the other 5 with two efferent branches. The other six RAAs were in the mid-portion: in 4 cases, one efferent branch, and in 2 cases, two efferent branches were involved. All patients underwent in situ open repair: an end-to-end anastomosis was performed in 9 cases, aneurysm resection with primary closure in 3 cases, bypass with graft interposition in 2 cases (one iliac-renal reconstruction), and with vein interposition in 1 case. The mean renal ischemia time was 21.8 ± 9.4 min. A significant decrease on renal function was not observed (mean glomerular filtration rate at discharge: 64.8 ± 12.0 mL/min/1.73m²; P > 0.22). During recovery, one patient developed retroperitoneal hematoma treated conservatively. During follow-up (mean 46 months, range 2-135), one patient developed occlusion of a terminal renal artery branch without decreased kidney function.

CONCLUSION

In situ techniques for RAA from the mid to distal portions of the renal artery are technically complex; however, based on our results, these procedures were safe and effective, providing satisfactory early and mid-term outcomes.

Early Thrombosis of Splenic Artery Stent Graft

Splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) are among the most common visceral aneurysms behind aortic and iliac arteries. Certain factors like aneurysm size (especially giant SAAs), hypertension (HTN), symptomatology, pregnancy, portal hypertension (pHTN), and liver transplantation increase the risk of rupture. Most often found incidentally, but when symptomatic, can present with nonspecific symptoms like nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and epigastric/left upper quadrant pain. Diagnosis can be accomplished with different modalities of CT or MRI and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) being the gold standard for diagnosis. Treatment is usually preferred for aneurysms >2 cm, symptomatic cases, and pregnant women. Various surgical/interventional procedures can be performed and selected based on the patient’s sex, age, location of the aneurysm, size of the aneurysm, and presenting complaints/complications. Endovascular techniques with or without stent-graft placement are being used more, given the minimally invasive nature of these procedures. No clear guidelines exist on initiation of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), but based on guidelines from visceral arterial stenting (especially iliac arteries and renal arteries), multiple case reports/series on SAAs, we highly recommend the usage of DAPT pre- and post-stent-graft placement to improve patency.

Isolated giant true intercostal artery aneurysm with arteriovenous fistula: A case report

OBJECTIVES

Intercostal artery aneurysm (IAA) is a very rare condition. Interestingly, only one study reported a case of intercostal aneurysm caused by an arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Here, we report the case of a patient with non-ruptured isolated giant true IAA caused by an AVF (size, 28 × 41 mm).

METHODS

Treatment options for IAA include open surgery and endovascular treatment (EVT). We chose EVT, as it is minimally invasive. The right 11th intercostal artery and aneurysm diverged from the aorta. Two outflow arteries, one inflow artery, and an AVF from the aneurysm were confirmed, and coil embolization was performed. The artery of Adamkiewicz did not communicate with the right 11th intercostal artery. We performed angiography and confirmed occlusion of IAA with endoleak.

RESULTS

There were no clinical findings indicative of spinal cord infarction after treatment. The patient did not develop complications and was discharged the day after treatment. Endoleak was not observed on computed tomography angiography findings at 1 month after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

In our patient, an AVF might have caused IAA. Endovascular treatment for non-ruptured isolated giant IAA is a safe and minimally-invasive treatment. We found that performing EVT is beneficial when the size of the IAA exceeds 30 mm.

A new classification and strategies for endovascular treatment of celiac artery aneurysms

BACKGROUND

Endovascular treatment is being increasingly used for celiac artery aneurysms (CAAs), but systematic endovascular treatment strategies have not been defined yet. This study intended to investigate the strategies of endovascular management of CAAs according to a single-center experience.

METHODS

Anatomically, CAAs were classified into two types: Type I CAAs located in the main trunk of celiac artery. Type II CAAs located on the branches of the celiac artery. Type I and Type II CAAs can be further divided into two different subtypes according to fusiform (a) or saccular or (b) morphology: type Ia, type Ib, type IIa, and type IIb. Patient demographics, clinical manifestations, aneurysm characteristics, endovascular intervention procedures, and perioperative and follow-up outcomes were reviewed and analyzed.

RESULTS

Between August 2012 and August 2020, 18 consecutive patients (12 men; mean age, 56.8 ± 14.5 years) with CAAs were identified and treated with endovascular procedures. There were seven patients with type Ia, three patients with type Ib, four patients with type IIa, and four patients with type IIb CAAs. One patient died of hemorrhagic shock due to a ruptured aneurysm. Technical success was achieved in 16 patients (88.9%). The mean follow-up period was 51.7 ± 19.4 months. No hepatic or intestinal ischemia or death developed perioperatively or during the follow-up period. No aneurysmal expansion was detected on CTA surveillance, except for one patient who was diagnosed with an endoleak during the follow-up and received reintervention.

CONCLUSIONS

The endovascular strategy based on the novel classification of CAAs was safe and effective, with a favorable mid-term clinical outcome.

Unsuccessful Stent Graft Repair of a Hepatic Artery Aneurysm Presenting with Haemobilia: Case Report and Comprehensive Literature Review

Aims

To discuss treatment strategies for non-traumatic, non-iatrogenic hepatic artery aneurysms (HAAs) in the presence of an arteriobiliary fistula, illustrated by a case and followed by a comprehensive review of the literature.

Methods

Following the PRISMA guidelines, 24 eligible HAA cases presenting with haemobilia were identified. Characteristics of patients, aneurysms, treatment strategies and their outcomes were collected.

Results

A 69 year old patient with no previous hepatobiliary intervention or trauma, presented with jaundice and haemobilia caused by a HAA. Initial treatment by endovascular stenting was chosen to prevent ischaemic liver complications. Unfortunately, this strategy failed because of stent migration due to ongoing infection leading to a type 1A endoleak. The patient had to be converted to open surgery with ligation of the HAA. The patient recovered uneventfully and no complications occurred during the following 12 months.

Comprehensive literature review

Of the 24 cases, nine had a true HAA and 15 were pseudo/mycotic aneurysms, mainly caused by endocarditis or cholecystitis. The majority were located in the right hepatic artery. In 20 cases, an endovascular first approach was chosen with embolisation, none with covered stents. Three of these cases had to be converted to open surgery because of rebleeding. In all open (primary or secondary) cases, ligation of the HAA was performed. One patient in these series died. No liver ischaemia or abscesses were reported, although one patient developed an ischaemic gallbladder.

Conclusions

Patients who present with a HAA and haemobilia may be treated safely by embolisation or open ligation. Using a covered stent graft in these patients can cause problems due to ongoing infection and should be monitored closely by imaging. Publication bias and lack of long term follow up imply cautious interpretation of these findings.

In patients presenting with haemobilia in the presence of a non-traumatic and non-iatrogenic hepatic artery aneurysm•

Endocarditis and cholecystitis are the most common causes

•

The main treatment modality is embolisation

•

Liver ischaemia and liver abscesses have not been reported after treatment

•

Close surveillance is recommended as the area has to be considered contaminated

•

Treatment should be performed by a multidisciplinary team

Visceral Artery Aneurysms Embolization and Other Interventional Options: State of the Art and New Perspectives

Visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs) are rare, usually asymptomatic and incidentally discovered during a routine radiological examination. Shared guidelines suggest their treatment in the following conditions: VAAs with diameter larger than 2 cm, or 3 times exceeding the target artery; VAAs with a progressive growth of at least 0.5 cm per year; symptomatic or ruptured VAAs. Endovascular treatment, less burdened by morbidity and mortality than surgery, is generally the preferred option. Selection of the best strategy depends on the visceral artery involved, aneurysm characteristics, the clinical scenario and the operator's experience. Tortuosity of VAAs almost always makes embolization the only technically feasible option. The present narrative review reports state of the art and new perspectives on the main endovascular and other interventional options in the treatment of VAAs. Embolization techniques and materials, use of covered and flow-diverting stents and percutaneous approaches are accurately analyzed based on the current literature. Visceral artery-related considerations and targeted approaches are also provided and discussed.

Management of Pancreaticoduodenal Artery Aneurysms Based on a Single-Institution Experience

OBJECTIVES

Pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms (PDAAs) are rare and have a high propensity for rupture. Historically, management of PDAAs included surgical reconstruction but has evolved with advances in endovascular therapy. We report our experience with management of PDAAs during the last 30 years.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed our prospectively maintained registry between January 1, 1992 - March 30, 2020.

RESULTS

We identified 8 patients with PDAAs: 4 with associated celiac artery occlusive disease and 4 without identifiable etiologies. Four patients were treated with surgical resection of the PDAAs: 2 intact aneurysms underwent concomitant revascularization (superior mesenteric artery-to-hepatic artery Dacron bypass; supra celiac aorta-to-hepatic artery Dacron bypass) and 2 (1 intact, 1 rupture) underwent ligation alone. Four patients were treated with coil embolization of the PDAA: 2 with concomitant stent-graft exclusion of the aneurysm (1 non-rupture, 1 rupture) and 2 without adjunctive measures (intact). There were no deaths nor any significant procedure-related morbidity.

CONCLUSION

Our large single-center experience shows that PDAAs can be successfully treated by open or endovascular intervention with selective revascularization.

Endovascular treatment of wide-neck saccular renal artery aneurysm with waffle-cone technique

In the past, treatment of visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs) was exclusively surgical. These aneurysms were rarely diagnosed in elective or emergency cases. Development of imaging techniques and endovascular procedures has changed the history of the therapeutic options for this pathology. Endovascular management of VAAs has arisen to advances in endovascular techniques and has achieved high efficacy.

Splenic artery aneurysm, case series of seven patients

Splenic artery aneurysms (SAA) account for 46-60% of all visceral artery aneurysms. Small SAAs are usually asymptomatic, but giant aneurysms are more likely to cause symptoms and can result in life-threatening complications. Treatment of a splenic artery aneurysms includes laparotomy, laparoscopy or endovascular techniques. Case presentation: In this article, seven interesting cases of splenic artery aneurysms in different size and parts of artery and various interventions (open, endovascular and hybrid surgery) are discussed. Six of the patients were male. Five of them had giant SAAs (≥5 cm). Two patients underwent hybrid surgery. Coil embolization was carried out for one patient. All seven patients discharged with no procedure-related complications. Endovascular procedures considered as a first choice of treatment for splenic artery aneurysm. Open surgery is reserved mostly for the treatment of complications or if the endovascular techniques fail, lack of availability of endovascular procedures or allergy to contrast medium.

Management and outcome of true visceral and renal artery aneurysm repair

Purpose

Visceral and renal artery aneurysms (VAA, RAA) are very rare pathologies. Both surgical and endovascular therapies are discussed as therapeutic options for ruptured and non-ruptured aneurysm repair; we describe our experience in the open and endovascular management of these entities.

Methods

Retrospective database analysis of 60 treated VAA and RAA in 59 patients between 1994 and 2020. Outcome data was descriptively analyzed.

Results

Thirty-seven aneurysms were surgically treated and 23 interventionally. In the total study cohort, we observed a mortality of 1.7% and a morbidity of 18.6%. One major complication occurred. The morbidity was higher after surgical repair in ruptured and non-ruptured cases. The mean aneurysm diameter was 30.5 ± 15.6 mm. Patients with hepatic or pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms presented more often in the stage of rupture, without differences in aneurysm size. The length of hospital stay after endovascular repair was significantly shorter compared to open surgical treatment (7.2 ± 6.9 days versus 11.8 ± 6.7 days, p = 0.014), but only in elective cases. Primary technical success was significantly better in patients that underwent surgical repair in an intention to treat analysis (100% versus 79.3%). The mean follow-up of the cohort was 53.5 months (range 3–207 months).

Conclusion

Elective endovascular therapy and open surgery of VAA and RAA are safe procedures with a good periprocedural and long-term outcome. Surgical revascularization showed a better primary technical success but was associated with longer length of hospital stays.

Management of a common and proper hepatic artery aneurysm

First-line management of hepatic artery aneurysms is via an endovascular approach. However, unfavorable anatomy may preclude this. We present a patient with an aneurysm involving most of the common hepatic artery and the entire proper hepatic artery including the emergence of the right and left hepatic artery and the gastroduodenal artery. The endovascular approach was not feasible due to unfavorable anatomy. The patient was successfully treated with an open bifurcated Dacron graft.

Transcirculation microballoon-assisted coil embolization for dorsal pancreatic artery aneurysm due to celiac artery dissection: A case report

The dorsal pancreatic artery is a part of peripancreatic arcade connecting celiac artery to transpancreatic artery. A dorsal pancreatic artery aneurysm derived from dissection of celiac artery is a rare pathology, and it sometimes requires ingenious strategy in an endovascular surgery. Hereby, we report a case of a patient who underwent coil embolization for dorsal pancreatic artery aneurysm due to celiac artery dissection by applying transcirculation approach of a balloon catheter through the peripancreatic arcade, which was successfully achieved.

A rare case of spontaneous rupture of renal artery pseudoaneurysm in a previously hypertensive patient

Introduction. The renal artery and segmental renal artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare and usually asymptomatic vascular lesion which in most of the cases thrombose spontaneously, but at same time it can be a source of life-threatening hemorrhage and shock. Today, these pseudoaneurysms are discovered with increasing frequency due to unrelated abdominal imaging or on screening work-ups for hypertension, as well as widespread use of angiography. Typically, they are seen in patients after trauma, inflammation, or renal surgery or biopsy. Case outline. In our case, a 52-year-old male patient with no prior history of surgery, significant abdominal trauma and systemic disease, presented with left flank pain and signs of hypovolemic shock that manifested before the admission in the surgical emergency room. The CT scan promptly demonstrated rupture of large retroperitoneal hematoma with the massive intraperitoneal hemorrhage. The angiography confirmed the rupture of the renal artery pseudoaneurysm. The patient had the urgent operation. A life-saving nephrectomy was performed while intraperitoneal hemorrhage and retroperitoneal hematoma was evacuated. The fourteen days after surgery the patient was discharged fully recovered, with normal diuresis and serum levels of creatinine and urea within referential values. During the period of hospitalization, he was diagnosed and treated hypertension. Conclusion. Rupture of pseudoaneurysms with the following hemorrhage into the intraperitoneal cavity and retroperitoneum is a life-threatening condition, as proven with this case in which hypovolemic shock manifested before the admission. We would like to highlight the importance of high blood-pressure control and the importance of regular check-ups.