Guidelines for the management of thoracic aortic disease in 2017

The cardiovascular pathologist in the aortic team

Aortic diseases require a multidisciplinary management for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up with better outcomes in referral centers using a team-based approach. The setting up of a multi-disciplinary aortic team for the discussion of complex cases has been already proposed; it is also supported by the ACC/AHA. Surgeons and radiologists, more or less other physicians such as cardiologists, geneticists, rheumatologists/internal medicine specialists and pathologists are involved into such a team. The role of the cardiovascular pathologist is to examine the aortic specimens, to diagnose and classify the aortic lesions. Herein, the role of the pathologist in the aortic team is discussed and the pathobiology of aortic diseases is reviewed for reference by pathologists. The aortic specimens are mainly obtained from emergency or elective surgical procedures on the thoracic aorta, less frequently from organ/tissue (including cardiac or heart valve) donors, post-mortem procedures or abdominal aortic surgery. In the last decade, together with the progress of medical sciences, the histological definitions and classifications of the aortic pathology are undergoing thorough revisions that are addressed to an etiopathogenetic approach because of possible clinico-pathological correlations, therapeutic and prognostic impact. Pathologists may also have an important role in research and teaching. Therefore, histological analyses of the aortic specimens require adequate sample processing and pathologist expertise because histology contributes to definite diagnosis, correct management of patients and even (in genetic diseases) families, but also to research in the challenging field of aortopathies.

Thoracic Aortic Volume as a Predictor of Cardiovascular Events: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND

It is unclear whether thoracic aortic volume (TAV) is useful for cardiovascular (CV) disease prognosis and risk assessment.

PURPOSE

This study evaluated cross-sectional associations of TAV with CV risk factors, and longitudinal association with incident CV events in the multiethnic study of atherosclerosis.

STUDY TYPE

Retrospective cohort analysis of prospective data.

POPULATION

1182 participants (69 ± 9 years, 54% female, 37% Caucasian, 18% Chinese, 31% African American, 14% Hispanic, 60% hypertensive, and 20% diabetic) without prior CV disease.

FIELD STRENGTH AND SEQUENCES

Axial black-blood turbo spin echo or bright blood steady-state free precession images on 1.5T scanners.

ASSESSMENT

TAV was calculated using Simpson's method from axial images, and included the ascending arch and descending segments. Traditional CV risk factors were assessed at the time of MRI. CV outcomes over a 9-year follow-up period were recorded and represented a composite of stroke, stroke death, coronary heart disease (CHD), CHD death, atherosclerotic death, and CVD death.

STATISTICAL TESTS

Multivariable linear regression models adjusted for height and weight were used to determine the relationship (β coefficient) between TAV and CV risk factors. Cox regression models assessed the association of TAV and incident CV events. A P-value of <0.05 was deemed statistically significant.

RESULTS

Mean TAV was = 139 ± 41 mL. In multivariable regression, TAV was directly associated with age (β = 1.6), male gender (β = 23.9), systolic blood pressure (β = 0.1), and hypertension medication use (β = 7.9); and inversely associated with lipid medication use (β = -5.3) and treated diabetes (β = -8.9). Compared to Caucasians, Chinese Americans had higher TAV (β = 11.4), while African Americans had lower TAV (β = -7.0). Higher TAV was independently associated with incident CV events (HR: 1.057 per 10 mL).

CONCLUSION

Greater TAV is associated with incident CV events, increased age, and hypertension in a large multiethnic population while treated diabetes and lipid medication use were associated with lower TAV.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

Updated 2022 ACC/AHA Guideline Improves Concordance Between TTE and CT in Monitoring Marfan Snydrome and Related Disorders, but Relevant Measurement Differences Remain Frequent

Background

Patients diagnosed with Marfan syndrome or a related syndrome require frequent aorta monitoring using imaging techniques like transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and computed tomography (CT). Accurate aortic measurement is crucial, as even slight enlargement (>2 mm) often necessitates surgical intervention. The 2022 ACC/AHA guideline for Aortic Disease Diagnosis and Management includes updated imaging recommendations. We aimed to compare these with the 2010 guideline.

Methods

This retrospective study involved 137 patients with Marfan syndrome or a related disorder, undergoing TTE and ECG-triggered CT. Aortic diameter measurements were taken based on the old 2010 guideline (TTE: inner edge to inner edge, CT: external diameter) and the new 2022 guideline (TTE: leading edge to leading edge, CT: internal diameter). Bland-Altman plots compared measurement differences.

Results

Using the 2022 guideline significantly reduced differences outside the clinical agreement limit from 49% to 26% for the aortic sinus and from 41% to 29% for the ascending aorta. Mean differences were -0.30 mm for the aortic sinus and +1.12 mm for the ascending aorta using the 2022 guideline, compared to -2.66 mm and +1.21 mm using the 2010 guideline.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates for the first time that the 2022 ACC/AHA guideline improves concordance between ECG-triggered CT and TTE measurements in Marfan syndrome patients, crucial for preventing life-threatening aortic complications. However, the frequency of differences >2 mm remains high.

Clinical Relevance/Application

Accurate aortic diameter measurement is vital for patients at risk of fatal aortic complications. While the 2022 guideline enhances concordance between imaging modalities, frequent differences >2 mm persist, potentially impacting decisions on aortic repair. The risk of repeat radiation exposure from ECG-triggered CT, considered the 'gold standard', continues to be justified.

Survival Analysis of Risk Factors for Mortality of Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Tertiary Referral Hospital, Ethiopia: A Retrospective

Background

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent a leading cause of global mortality, necessitating proactive identification of risk factors for preventive strategies. This study aimed to uncover prognostic factors influencing cardiovascular patient survival.

Methods

This study, which used a sample size of 410, showed how to analyze data using simple random sampling. It was conducted at the Tikur Anbessa Specialist Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, between September 2012 and April 2016. The Cox PH and stratified Cox regression models were used for the analysis.

Results

Findings disclosed a patient cohort where 200 patients (48.8%) persisted through subsequent evaluation, while 210 patients (51.2%) succumbed. Blood pressure (BP), specific CVD, and education levels (EL) exhibited nonproportionalities in scaled Schoenfeld residuals (P < 0.001), prompting necessary stratification. Inadequacies in the Cox proportional hazards model led to favoring the stratified Cox model. Notably, EL, BP, cholesterol level (CL), alcohol use (AU), smoking use (SU), and pulse rate (PR) exhibited statistical significance (P < 0.001). Acceptability of the absence of interaction in the model, with disease types as strata, was established. Different cardiovascular conditions served as distinct groups, where EL, AU, BP, PR, CL, and SU emerged as variables with statistically substantiated significance associated with the mortality of patients with CVD.

Conclusion

Implications stress the imperative of widespread awareness among policymakers and the public concerning cardiovascular disease incidence. Such awareness is pivotal in mitigating identified risk factors, guiding more effective healthcare interventions tailored to the multifaceted challenges posed by cardiovascular health.

Animal Models, Pathogenesis, and Potential Treatment of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) has a prevalence of 0.16-0.34% and an incidence of 7.6 per 100,000 person-years, accounting for 1-2% of all deaths in Western countries. Currently, no effective pharmacological therapies have been identified to slow TAA development and prevent TAA rupture. Large TAAs are treated with open surgical repair and less invasive thoracic endovascular aortic repair, both of which have high perioperative mortality risk. Therefore, there is an urgent medical need to identify the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying TAA development and rupture to develop new therapies. In this review, we summarize animal TAA models including recent developments in porcine and zebrafish models: porcine models can assess new therapeutic devices or intervention strategies in a large mammal and zebrafish models can employ large-scale small-molecule suppressor screening in microwells. The second part of the review covers current views of TAA pathogenesis, derived from recent studies using these animal models, with a focus on the roles of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) pathway and the vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)-elastin-contractile unit. The last part discusses TAA treatment options as they emerge from recent preclinical studies.

Quantifying the effects of circulatory arrest on acute kidney injury in aortic surgery

OBJECTIVES

We aim to investigate the association between parameters surrounding circulatory arrest and postoperative acute kidney injury in aortic surgery.

METHODS

This is a single-center retrospective study of 1118 adult patients who underwent aortic repair with median sternotomy between January 2010 and May 2019. Acute kidney injury was defined on the basis of a modified version of the 2012 Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes Scale that excluded urine output. The primary outcome of interest was any stage of acute kidney injury.

RESULTS

Circulatory arrest was required in 369 patients, and 307 patients (27.5%) developed acute kidney injury: stage 1 in 241 patients, stage 2 in 38 patients, and stage 3 in 28 patients. Lower-body ischemia (the period during circulatory arrest without blood flow to kidneys) duration was not associated with acute kidney injury after multivariable logistic regression (1-40 minutes, odds ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.43-1.04; P = .075; >40 minutes, odds ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.29-1.55; P = .356). Hypertension (odds ratio, 1.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-2.54; P = .020), preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (odds ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.98-1.00; P = .010), packed red blood cell transfusion volume (odds ratio, 1.00; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.00; P = .028), and nadir temperature (odds ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.88-0.99; P = .013) were independently associated with acute kidney injury after multivariable analysis. Although there was a positive association between lower-body ischemia duration and development of acute kidney injury with univariable cubic spline, the positive curve was flattened after adjustment for the described variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the range of our clinical practice, prolonged lower-body ischemia duration was not independently associated with postoperative acute kidney injury, whereas nadir temperature was.

Central aortic versus axillary artery cannulation for aortic arch surgery

Objective

Central aortic cannulation for aortic arch surgery has become more popular over the last decade; however, evidence comparing it with axillary artery cannulation remains equivocal. This study compares outcomes of patients who underwent axillary artery and central aortic cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass during arch surgery.

Methods

A retrospective review of 764 patients who underwent aortic arch surgery at our institution between 2005 and 2020 was performed. The primary outcome was failure to achieve uneventful recovery, defined as having experienced at least 1 of the following: in-hospital mortality, stroke, transient ischemic attack, bleeding requiring reoperation, prolonged ventilation, renal failure, mediastinitis, surgical site infection, and pacemaker or implantable cardiac defibrillator implantation. Propensity score matching was used to account for baseline differences across groups. A subgroup analysis of patients undergoing surgery for aneurysmal disease was performed.

Results

Before matching, the aorta group had more urgent or emergency operations (P = .039), fewer root replacements (P < .001), and more aortic valve replacements (P < .001). After successful matching, there was no difference between the axillary and aorta groups in failure to achieve uneventful recovery, 33% versus 35% (P = .766), in-hospital mortality, 5.3% versus 5.3% (P = 1), or stroke, 8.3% versus 5.3% (P = .264). There were more surgical site infections in the axillary group, 4.8% versus 0.4% (P = .008). Similar results were seen in the aneurysm cohort with no differences in postoperative outcomes between groups.

Conclusions

Aortic cannulation has a safety profile similar to that of axillary arterial cannulation in aortic arch surgery.

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: A Review of Epidemiology, Pathophysiology and Principles of Management

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a sudden rupture of coronary artery wall leading to false lumen and intramural hematoma formation. It commonly occurs in young and middle-aged women lacking typical cardiovascular risk factors. Fibromuscular dysplasia and pregnancy are strongly associated with SCAD. To date, the "inside-out" and "outside-in" are the two proposed hypothesis for the pathogenesis of SCAD. Coronary angiography is the gold standard and first line diagnostic test. Three types of SCAD have been described according to coronary angiogram. Intracoronary imaging modalities are reserved for patients with ambiguous diagnosis or to guide percutaneous coronary intervention view the increased risk of secondary iatrogenic dissection. The management of SCAD includes conservative approach, coronary revascularization strategies accounting for percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass graft, and long-term follow-up. The overall prognosis of patients with SCAD is favorable marked by a spontaneous healing in a large proportion of cases.

[Lesions of the paravertebral mediastinum]

BACKGROUND

Lesions of the paravertebral mediastinum are rare, and knowledge of possible differential diagnoses is essential for clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE/METHODS

To review common lesions of the paravertebral mediastinum.

RESULTS

The paravertebral mediastinum mainly includes fatty tissue and neurogenic structures. Imaging is commonly performed using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Neurogenic tumors are the most common lesions of the paravertebral mediastinum. Other pathologies include extramedullary hematopoiesis, lipomatous, lymphogenic, inflammatory, and cystic lesions. Moreover, also diaphragmatic hernias, vascular and esophageal pathologies may be found in the paravertebral mediastinum.

Outcomes after cardiac rehabilitation in patients following repair of thoracic aortic aneurysm or dissection: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Patients receiving thoracic aortic repair suffer from long-term impairment in daily functioning and quality of life following intervention due to a combination of their life-threatening condition (i.e. aortic aneurysm or dissection), undergoing major surgery, as well as long-term exercise restrictions thereafter. Despite the known risks of exercise, it is vital that patients regain physical activity in order to recover their daily functioning and quality of life. Cardiac rehabilitation could be a safe and effective treatment to support patients to become physically active by providing exercise training, comprehensive rehabilitation services, and safety recommendations. Despite new insights in recent literature and clinical practice, international guidelines do not recommend cardiac rehabilitation due to limited evidence. We aim to fill this knowledge gap by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation in patients following thoracic aortic repair.

METHODS

This protocol has been developed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P). MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL will be searched for eligible observational and interventional studies from inception up to April 2022. Screening (title/abstract and full text), data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and therapeutic validity rating will be conducted by two independent reviewers. A random-effects model will be used to meta-analyse performance-based outcomes, patient-reported outcomes, clinician-reported outcomes, and researcher-reported outcomes. Subsequently, meta-bias and confidence in evidence will be analysed by two independent reviewers.

DISCUSSION

To exercise or not to exercise in patients following thoracic aortic repair has been a topic of discussion for years. The intended systematic review and meta-analysis will provide comprehensive evidence on the effectiveness of phase III outpatient exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation in patients following thoracic aortic repair. Findings from this review may inform future guidelines for the management of patients with thoracic aortic disease.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42022301204.

Impact of the underlying aortic pathology on postimplantation syndrome after endovascular thoracic aortic repair

BACKGROUND

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is the treatment option of choice for almost all pathologies of the descending thoracic aorta. The aim of the present study was to determine the impact of aortic pathology on the occurrence of postimplantation syndrome (PIS) after TEVAR.

METHODS

Seventy-four patients undergoing TEVAR for aortic dissection (TAD, 25), aortic aneurysm (TAA, 26), and aortic rupture or perforated ulcer (TAR/PAU, 23) were included in this retrospective study. The clinical outcome measures were persistent inflammation at hospital discharge and in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

PIS was assessed in 22.97% of all patients, predominantly in the TAD group (P=0.03). CRP increased after TEVAR (156.6±94.5, P<0.001; 108.1±57.7, P<0.01 and 117.8±70.4, P<0.05) vs. baseline (58.1±77.5, 31.94±52.1 and 31.9±52.1 mg/L, in TAD, TAA and TAR/PAU, respectively) and this increase was more accentuated in TAD group (P<0.05). Stent-length was similar in all groups (P=0.226) but correlated with postoperative CRP only in TAD (R=0.576, P=0.013). Fresh parietal thrombus correlated with CRP (R=0.4507, P=0.0005) and is (OR=1.0883, P=0.0001), together with the pathology of aortic dissection (OR=6.2268, P=0.0288), a predictor of PIS after TEVAR. Whereas mortality (5.4%) did not correlate with PIS (P=0.38) either with aortic pathology (P=0.225), hospital stay after TEVAR was significantly prolonged by PIS (P=0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Aortic dissection is associated with more inflammation after TEVAR than aortic aneurysm, rupture or perforated ulcer, with the amount of fresh parietal thrombus playing the most significant role in the occurrence of PIS. Importantly, PIS prolongs hospital stay but not mortality after TEVAR.

Progress of CT aortic angiography combined with coronary artery in the evaluation of acute aortic syndrome

Acute aortic syndrome (AAS) is a group of cardiovascular diseases that seriously threaten human life and health. AAS patients are often complicated with coronary artery disease and other related diseases, which require rapid and clear clinical diagnosis to avoid serious adverse events. In recent years, with the progress of science and technology, a variety of computer tomography (CT) angiography techniques have been applied in the clinic, and the diagnosis rate of AAS with coronary heart disease (CAD) has greatly increased. At the same time, the development of surgical technology and endovascular repair technology has significantly reduced the mortality and complication rate of AAS surgery. In the clinical diagnosis of AAS and related diseases, CT aortic angiography (CTA) combined with coronary CTA is increasingly applied to identify related diseases. Here, the current research progress on the technique of aortic CTA combined with coronary CTA is reviewed.

MINOCA: One Size Fits All? Probably Not—A Review of Etiology, Investigation, and Treatment

Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) is a heterogeneous group of conditions that include both atherosclerotic (coronary plaque disruption) and non-atherosclerotic (spontaneous coronary artery dissection, coronary artery spasm, coronary artery embolism, coronary microvascular dysfunction, and supply–demand mismatch) causes resulting in myocardial damage that is not due to obstructive coronary artery disease. Failure to identify the underlying cause may result in inadequate and inappropriate therapy in these patients. The cornerstone of managing MINOCA patients is to identify the underlying mechanism to achieve the target treatment. Intravascular imaging is able to identify different morphologic features of coronary plaques, while cardiac magnetic resonance is the gold standard for detection of myocardial infarction in the setting of MINOCA. In this review, we summarize the relevant clinical issues, contemporary diagnosis, and treatment options of MINOCA.

Discrepancy of echocardiography and computed tomography in initial assessment and 2-year follow-up for monitoring Marfan syndrome and related disorders

Patients with Marfan syndrome and related disorders are at risk for aortic dissection and aortic rupture and therefore require appropriate monitoring. Computed tomography (CT) and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) are routinely used for initial diagnosis and follow-up. The purpose of this study is to compare whole-heart CT and TTE aortic measurement for initial work-up, 2-year follow-up, and detection of progressive aortic enlargement. This retrospective study included 95 patients diagnosed with Marfan syndrome or a related disorder. All patients underwent initial work-up including aortic diameter measurement using both electrocardiography-triggered whole-heart CT and TTE. Forty-two of these patients did not undergo aortic repair after initial work-up and were monitored by follow-up imaging within 2 years. Differences between the two methods for measuring aortic diameters were compared using Bland-Altman plots. The acceptable clinical limit of agreement (acLOA) for initial work-up, follow-up, and progression within 2 years was predefined as <  ± 2 mm. Bland-Altman analysis revealed a small bias of 0.2 mm with wide limits of agreement (LOA) from + 6.3 to - 5.9 mm for the aortic sinus and a relevant bias of - 1.6 mm with wide LOA from + 5.6 to - 8.9 mm for the ascending aorta. Follow-up imaging yielded a small bias of 0.5 mm with a wide LOA from + 6.7 to - 5.8 mm for the aortic sinus and a relevant bias of 1.1 mm with wide LOA from + 8.1 to - 10.2 mm for the ascending aorta. Progressive aortic enlargement at follow-up was detected in 57% of patients using CT and 40% of patients using TTE. Measurement differences outside the acLOA were most frequently observed for the ascending aorta. Whole-heart CT and TTE measurements show good correlation, but the frequency of measurement differences outside the acLOA is high. TTE systematically overestimates aortic diameters. Therefore, whole-heart CT may be preferred for aortic monitoring of patients with Marfan syndrome and related disorders. TTE remains an indispensable imaging tool that provides additional information not available with CT.

Association of genetic variants in ULK4 with the age of first onset of type B aortic dissection

Background: The association between autophagy, structural alterations of the aortic wall, and endothelial dysfunction in humans has yet to be fully elucidated. The family of ULK (UNC51-like) enzymes plays critical roles in autophagy and development. This study aimed to evaluate the association between ULK gene family members and patient age of first type B aortic dissection (TBAD) onset.

Methods: The genotype data in a TBAD cohort from China and the related summary-level datasets were analyzed. We applied the sequence kernel association test (SKAT) to test the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and age of first onset of TBAD controlling for gender, hypertension, and renal function. Next, we performed a 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to explore the potential causal relationship between ULK4 and early onset of TBAD at the level of gene expression coupled with DNA methylation with genetic variants as instrumental variables.

Results: A total of 159 TBAD patients with 1,180,097 SNPs were included. Concerning the association between the ULK gene family and the age of first onset of the TBAD, only ULK4 was found to be significant according to SKAT analysis (q-FDR = 0.0088). From 2-sample MR, the high level of ULK4 gene expression was related to a later age of first onset of TBAD (β = 4.58, p = 0.0214).

Conclusion: This is the first study of the ULK gene family in TBAD, regarding the association with the first onset age. We demonstrated that the ULK4 gene is associated with the time of onset of TBAD based on both the SKAT and 2-sample MR analyses.

Assessing the Accuracy of an Artificial Intelligence-Based Segmentation Algorithm for the Thoracic Aorta in Computed Tomography Applications

The aim was to evaluate the accuracy of a prototypical artificial intelligence-based algorithm for automated segmentation and diameter measurement of the thoracic aorta (TA) using CT. One hundred twenty-two patients who underwent dual-source CT were retrospectively included. Ninety-three of these patients had been administered intravenous iodinated contrast. Images were evaluated using the prototypical algorithm, which segments the TA and determines the corresponding diameters at predefined anatomical locations based on the American Heart Association guidelines. The reference standard was established by two radiologists individually in a blinded, randomized fashion. Equivalency was tested and inter-reader agreement was assessed using intra-class correlation (ICC). In total, 99.2% of the parameters measured by the prototype were assessable. In nine patients, the prototype failed to determine one diameter along the vessel. Measurements along the TA did not differ between the algorithm and readers (p > 0.05), establishing equivalence. Inter-reader agreement between the algorithm and readers (ICC ≥ 0.961; 95% CI: 0.940−0.974), and between the readers was excellent (ICC ≥ 0.879; 95% CI: 0.818−0.92). The evaluated prototypical AI-based algorithm accurately measured TA diameters at each region of interest independent of the use of either contrast utilization or pathology. This indicates that the prototypical algorithm has substantial potential as a valuable tool in the rapid clinical evaluation of aortic pathology.

Tracking an Elusive Killer: State of the Art of Molecular-Genetic Knowledge and Laboratory Role in Diagnosis and Risk Stratification of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection

The main challenge in diagnosing and managing thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAA/D) is represented by the early detection of a disease that is both deadly and “elusive”, as it generally grows asymptomatically prior to rupture, leading to death in the majority of cases. Gender differences exist in aortic dissection in terms of incidence and treatment options. Efforts have been made to identify biomarkers that may help in early diagnosis and in detecting those patients at a higher risk of developing life-threatening complications. As soon as the hereditability of the TAA/D was demonstrated, several genetic factors were found to be associated with both the syndromic and non-syndromic forms of the disease, and they currently play a role in patient diagnosis/prognosis and management-guidance purposes. Likewise, circulating biomarker could represent a valuable resource in assisting the diagnosis, and several studies have attempted to identify specific molecules that may help with risk stratification outside the emergency department. Even if promising, those data lack specificity/sensitivity, and, in most cases, they need more testing before entering the “clinical arena”. This review summarizes the state of the art of the laboratory in TAA/D diagnostics, with particular reference to the current and future role of molecular-genetic testing.

Aneurysm growth, survival, and quality of life in untreated thoracic aortic aneurysms: the effective treatments for thoracic aortic aneurysms study

AIMS

To observe, describe, and evaluate management and timing of intervention for patients with untreated thoracic aortic aneurysms.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Prospective study of UK National Health Service (NHS) patients aged ≥18 years, with new/existing arch or descending thoracic aortic aneurysms of ≥4 cm diameter, followed up until death, intervention, withdrawal, or July 2019. Outcomes were aneurysm growth, survival, quality of life (using the EQ-5D-5L utility index), and hospital admissions. Between 2014 and 2018, 886 patients were recruited from 30 NHS vascular/cardiothoracic units. Maximum aneurysm diameter was in the descending aorta in 725 (82%) patients, growing at 0.2 cm (0.17-0.24) per year. Aneurysms of ≥4 cm in the arch increased by 0.07 cm (0.02-0.12) per year. Baseline diameter was related to age and comorbidities, and no clinical correlates of growth were found. During follow-up, 129 patients died, 64 from aneurysm-related events. Adjusting for age, sex, and New York Heart Association dyspnoea index, risk of death increased with aneurysm size at baseline [hazard ratio (HR): 1.88 (95% confidence interval: 1.64-2.16) per cm, P < 0.001] and with growth [HR: 2.02 (1.70-2.41) per cm, P < 0.001]. Hospital admissions increased with aneurysm size [relative risk: 1.21 (1.05-1.38) per cm, P = 0.008]. Quality of life decreased annually for each 10-year increase in age [-0.013 (-0.019 to -0.007), P < 0.001] and for current smoking [-0.043 (-0.064 to -0.023), P = 0.004]. Aneurysm size was not associated with change in quality of life.

CONCLUSION

International guidelines should consider increasing monitoring intervals to 12 months for small aneurysms and increasing intervention thresholds. Individualized decisions about surveillance/intervention should consider age, sex, size, growth, patient characteristics, and surgical risk.

Location of Aortic Enlargement and Risk of Type A Dissection at Smaller Diameters

BACKGROUND

Previous work has demonstrated that more than one-half of acute type A aortic dissections (ATADs) occur at a maximal aortic diameter (MAD) of <5.5 cm. However, no analysis has investigated whether ATAD risk at smaller MADs is more common with modest dilation of the aortic root (AR) or supracoronary ascending aorta (AA) in patients without genetically triggered aortopathy.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to determine if the segment of modest aortic dilation affects risk of ATAD.

METHODS

Using the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD) database from May 1996 to October 2016, we identified 667 ATAD patients with MAD <5.5 cm. Patients were stratified by location of the largest proximal aortic segment (AR or AA). Patients with known genetically triggered aortopathy were excluded. MADs at time of dissection were compared between AR and AA groups. Secondary outcomes included operation, postoperative outcomes, and long-term survival.

RESULTS

Of patients with ATAD at an MAD <5.5 cm, 79.5% (n = 530) were in the AA group and 20.5% (n = 137) in the AR group. Modestly dilated ARs (median MAD 4.6 cm [IQR: 4.1-5.0 cm]) dissected at a significantly smaller diameter than modestly dilated AAs (median MAD 4.8 cm [IQR: 4.4-5.1 cm]) (P < 0.01). AR patients were significantly younger than AA patients (58.5 ± 13.0 years vs 63.2 ± 13.3 years; P < 0.01) and more commonly male (78% vs 65%; P < 0.01). Postoperative and long-term outcomes did not differ between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

ATAD appears to occur at smaller diameters in patients with modest dilation in the AR vs the AA (4.6 vs 4.8 cm). These findings may have implications for future consensus guidelines regarding the management of patients with aortic disease.

Utility of 4D Flow MRI in Thoracic Aortic Diseases: A Literature Review of Clinical Applications and Current Evidence

Despite the recent technical developments, surgery on the thoracic aorta remains challenging and is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Decisions about when and if to operate are based on a balance between surgical risk and the hazard of aortic rupture. These decisions are sometimes difficult in elective cases of thoracic aortic diseases, including aneurysms and dissections. Abnormal wall stress derived from flow alterations influences disease progression. Therefore, a better understanding of the complex hemodynamic environment inside the aortic lumen will facilitate patient-specific risk assessments of complications, which enable clinicians to provide timely prophylactic interventions. Time-resolved 3D phase-contrast (4D flow) MRI has many advantages for the in vivo assessment of flow dynamics. Recent developments in 4D flow imaging techniques has led to significant advances in our understanding of physiological flow dynamics in healthy subjects and patients with thoracic aortic diseases. In this clinically focused review of thoracic aortic diseases, we demonstrate the clinical advances acquired with 4D flow MRI from published studies. We provide a systematic overview of key evidences and considerations regarding normal thoracic aortas, thoracic aortic aneurysms, aortic dissections, and thoracic aortas with prosthetic graft replacement.

Fully automated guideline-compliant diameter measurements of the thoracic aorta on ECG-gated CT angiography using deep learning

Background

Manually performed diameter measurements on ECG-gated CT-angiography (CTA) represent the gold standard for diagnosis of thoracic aortic dilatation. However, they are time-consuming and show high inter-reader variability. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the accuracy of measurements of a deep learning-(DL)-algorithm in comparison to those of radiologists and evaluated measurement times (MT).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 405 ECG-gated CTA exams of 371 consecutive patients with suspected aortic dilatation between May 2010 and June 2019. The DL-algorithm prototype detected aortic landmarks (deep reinforcement learning) and segmented the lumen of the thoracic aorta (multi-layer convolutional neural network). It performed measurements according to AHA-guidelines and created visual outputs. Manual measurements were performed by radiologists using centerline technique. Human performance variability (HPV), MT and DL-performance were analyzed in a research setting using a linear mixed model based on 21 randomly selected, repeatedly measured cases. DL-algorithm results were then evaluated in a clinical setting using matched differences. If the differences were within 5 mm for all locations, the cases was regarded as coherent; if there was a discrepancy >5 mm at least at one location (incl. missing values), the case was completely reviewed.

Results

HPV ranged up to ±3.4 mm in repeated measurements under research conditions. In the clinical setting, 2,778/3,192 (87.0%) of DL-algorithm's measurements were coherent. Mean differences of paired measurements between DL-algorithm and radiologists at aortic sinus and ascending aorta were -0.45±5.52 and -0.02±3.36 mm. Detailed analysis revealed that measurements at the aortic root were over-/underestimated due to a tilted measurement plane. In total, calculated time saved by DL-algorithm was 3:10 minutes/case.

Conclusions

The DL-algorithm provided coherent results to radiologists at almost 90% of measurement locations, while the majority of discrepent cases were located at the aortic root. In summary, the DL-algorithm assisted radiologists in performing AHA-compliant measurements by saving 50% of time per case.

Comparison of two techniques (in vivo and ex-vivo) for evaluating the elastic properties of the ascending aorta: Prospective cohort study

Introduction

Aneurysms of the ascending aorta (AA) correspond to a dilatation of the ascending aorta that progressively evolves over several years. The main complication of aneurysms of the ascending aorta is type A aortic dissection, which is associated with very high rates of morbidity and mortality. Prophylactic ascending aorta replacement guidelines are currently based on maximal AA diameter. However, this criterion is imperfect. Stretching tests on the aorta carried out ex-vivo make it possible to determine the elastic properties of healthy and aneurysmal aortic fragments (tension test, resistance before rupture). For several years now, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has provided another means of evaluating the elastic properties of the aorta. This imaging technique has the advantage of being non-invasive and of establishing aortic compliance (local measurement of stiffness) without using contrast material by measuring the variation of the aortic surface area during the cardiac cycle, and pulse wave velocity (overall stiffness of the aorta).

Materials and methods

Prospective single-center study including 100 patients with ascending aortic aneurysm requiring surgery. We will perform preoperative cine-MRI and biomechanical laboratory stretching tests on aortic samples collected during the cardiac procedure. Images will be acquired with a 3T MRI with only four other acquisitions in addition to the conventional protocol. These additional sequences are a Fast Low Angle Shot (FLASH)-type sequence performed during a short breath-hold in the transverse plane at the level of the bifurcation of the pulmonary artery, and phase-contrast sequences that encodes velocity at the same localization, and also in planes perpendicular to the aorta at the levels of the sino-tubular junction and the diaphragm for the descending aorta. For ex-vivo tests, the experiments will be carried out by a biaxial tensile test machine (ElectroForce®). Each specimen will be stretched with 10 times of 10% preconditioning and at a rate of 10 mm/min until rupture. During the experiment, the tissue is treated under a 37°C saline bath. The maximum elastic modulus from each sample will be calculated.

Results

The aim of this study is to obtain local patient-specific elastic modulus distribution of the ascending aorta from biaxial tensile tests and to assess elastic properties of the aorta using MRI, then to evaluate the correlation between biaxial tests and MRI measurements.

Discussion

Our research hypothesis is that there is a correlation between the evaluation of the elastic properties of the aorta from cardiac MRI and from stretching tests performed ex-vivo on aorta samples collected during ascending aorta replacement.

Artificial intelligence-based analysis of body composition in Marfan: skeletal muscle density and psoas muscle index predict aortic enlargement

BACKGROUND

Patients with Marfan syndrome are at risk for aortic enlargement and are routinely monitored by computed tomography (CT) imaging. The purpose of this study is to analyse body composition using artificial intelligence (AI)-based tissue segmentation in patients with Marfan syndrome in order to identify possible predictors of progressive aortic enlargement.

METHODS

In this study, the body composition of 25 patients aged ≤50 years with Marfan syndrome and no prior aortic repair was analysed at the third lumbar vertebra (L3) level from a retrospective dataset using an AI-based software tool (Visage Imaging). All patients underwent electrocardiography-triggered CT of the aorta twice within 2 years for suspected progression of aortic disease, suspected dissection, and/or pre-operative evaluation. Progression of aortic enlargement was defined as an increase in diameter at the aortic sinus or the ascending aorta of at least 2 mm. Patients meeting this definition were assigned to the 'progressive aortic enlargement' group (proAE group) and patients with stable diameters to the 'stable aortic enlargement' group (staAE group). Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Two possible body composition predictors of aortic enlargement-skeletal muscle density (SMD) and psoas muscle index (PMI)-were analysed further using multivariant logistic regression analysis. Aortic enlargement was defined as the dependent variant, whereas PMI, SMD, age, sex, body mass index (BMI), beta blocker medication, and time interval between CT scans were defined as independent variants.

RESULTS

There were 13 patients in the proAE group and 12 patients in the staAE group. AI-based automated analysis of body composition at L3 revealed a significantly increased SMD measured in Hounsfield units (HUs) in patients with aortic enlargement (proAE group: 50.0 ± 8.6 HU vs. staAE group: 39.0 ± 15.0 HU; P = 0.03). PMI also trended towards higher values in the proAE group (proAE group: 6.8 ± 2.3 vs. staAE group: 5.6 ± 1.3; P = 0.19). Multivariate logistic regression revealed significant prediction of aortic enlargement for SMD (P = 0.05) and PMI (P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Artificial intelligence-based analysis of body composition at L3 in Marfan patients is feasible and easily available from CT angiography. Analysis of body composition at L3 revealed significantly higher SMD in patients with progressive aortic enlargement. PMI and SMD significantly predicted aortic enlargement in these patients. Using body composition as a predictor of progressive aortic enlargement may contribute information for risk stratification regarding follow-up intervals and the need for aortic repair.

Chronic Cough as a Presenting Symptom of a Giant Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm: A Case Report

Chronic cough has a broad differential, and thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a rare but potentially life-threatening etiology. We present a giant arch TAA in a non-dyspneic, Pacific Islander man with significant tobacco-use history who presented with chronic cough with no acute pulmonary process noted on imaging. Given the high mortality rates associated with thoracic aortic aneurysms, the purpose of this report is to highlight the importance of keeping TAA as a rare differential for chronic cough, particularly when caring for patients with elevated risk. Recognition of patients with thoracic aortic disease who have a class I indication for surgical intervention (meaning there is evidence or general agreement that surgery will be beneficial, useful, and effective) as well as prompt evaluation of their anatomical landmarks in the perioperative period is critical. Imaging and, in particular, computed tomography remain the optimal modalities to screen for thoracic aortic disease.

Health-Related Quality of Life After Extensive Aortic Replacement

To assess and compare patient-reported long-term health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after combined proximal aortic (arch ± ascending, root) and distal aortic (descending thoracic ± abdominal) replacement using open vs multimodal/endovascular (hybrid) approaches. From 2010 to 2016, 146 adults underwent single- or multi-stage aortic arch plus descending thoracic aorta replacement, 31 open and 115 hybrid. The 2 surgical approach groups had similar preoperative characteristics and extent of surgery. Cross-sectional follow-up revealed 49 deaths (7 open, 42 hybrid). Of the 97 survivors, 72 (74%) responded to the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Global-10 survey (18 open, 54 hybrid) a median 6.2 years (15th, 85th percentiles: 3.1, 7.9) after their last aortic surgery. Predictors of HRQoL scores were identified by random forest regression. Overall physical HRQoL T-score was lower than that of population norms (46 vs 50, P < 0.0001); mental HRQoL T-score was similar (50 vs 50, P > 0.9). Neither T-score was significantly different according to surgical approach (P ≥ 0.3). Greater number of postoperative complications and history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were the most important predictors of lower physical HRQoL, and prior myocardial infarction was the most important predictor of lower mental HRQoL. Although extensive aortic replacement had a small long-term effect on patient-reported physical HRQoL, both physical and mental HRQoL can be preserved in survivors with both surgical approaches. Surgeons should recommend the approach they believe will yield the best long-term survival, but lifelong follow-up is crucial, and patients should understand that they may require multiple operations.

Management of Acute Type A Aortic Dissection at a Public Cardiac Center in the Northeast Region of Brazil

Introduction

Aortic diseases are among the most serious cardiovascular diseases; the overall mortality rate due to diseases such as aneurysms and aortic dissections has been estimated at 2.78 per 100,000 persons in 2010, with a higher mortality rate in men than women. Our objective was to evaluate the epidemiological profile of patients with acute type A aortic dissection at a cardiology referral center.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed at a public cardiac center with 24 patients hospitalized from 1/1/2016 to 12/31/2017 with a confirmed diagnosis of acute type A aortic dissection.

Results

Twenty (83.3%) out of 24 patients underwent surgery and four (16.7%) did not undergo surgery. Among those who underwent surgery, 10 (50%) died and 10 (50%) were discharged, and all non-operated patients died (P=0.114) (Fisher's exact test). The male gender predominated (n=19, 79.2%), 86.7% (n=13) of the patients presented body mass index > 25 kg/m², chest pain was found in 91.7% (n=22), and renal failure was present in 45.8% (n=11) of the cases. Hypertension predominated in 91.7% (n=22) and the main exam was aortic angiotomography in 79.2% (n=19) of the cases.

Conclusion

The study presented a small sample size, making it impossible to associate the factors, although the service was considered a high-volume referral center. It is possible that the delay in arriving at the service and the accomplishment of invasive imaging with the use of contrast agents have aggravated the patients’ condition and have been decisive for the increase in lethality, which requires further studies.

A "sneaky" symptom of aortic dissection. Brief literature review, physiopathology and diagnostic tools management

Aortic diseases cover a large spectrum of conditions, such as aortic aneurysm and acute aortic syndromes (i.e., dissections, intramural hematoma, penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer, traumatic aortic injuries, and pseudoaneurysms), genetic diseases (e.g., Marfan syndrome) and congenital abnormalities, such as coarctation of the aorta. These conditions may have an acute presentation; thus, if the acute aortic syndrome is the first sign of the disease, the prognosis is extremely poor. Prompt diagnosis and timely therapy are therefore mandatory. In this paper, we discuss a deceptive symptom of painless aortic dissection and its physiopathology. Furthermore, we briefly review the literature and discuss the management of diagnostic tools.

Aneurysmal Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery in an Active Duty U.S. Military Male (Case Report)

We present a rare case of four-vessel aortic arch with an aneurysmal aberrant right retro-esophageal subclavian artery (ARSA) in a healthy, asymptomatic active duty U.S. military male. ARSA has a prevalence of 0.6%-1.4%, of which ∼80%-84% are retro-esophageal ARSAs. Intrathoracic subclavian artery aneurysms are rare and often occur in association with congenital aortic arch anomalies and/or concomitant thoracic aortic pathology. This case adds to three previously documented cases of thoracic aortic disease (TAD) in the U.S. military and is the second documented case of ARSA in the U.S. military. This case highlights successful TAD identification in a service member before clinical decompensation.

Emergent thoracic endovascular aortic aneurysm repair for ruptured aneurysm: in-hospital and long-term results

The use of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has rapidly increased following Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 2005. Initially used for the repair of intact thoracic aneurysms and aortic dissections, TEVAR is now routinely used for the treatment of ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm as well. Emergent TEVAR for the repair of ruptured aneurysm has demonstrated improved perioperative mortality and morbidity compared to traditional open repair. Spinal cord ischemia and permanent paraplegia rates are also lower following TEVAR compared to open repair. However, TEVAR requires routine surveillance and has demonstrated the need for reintervention compared to open repair. Furthermore, the perioperative survival benefits of TEVAR were attenuated on mid-term and long-term survival analysis.

Early and mid-term outcome of frozen elephant trunk using spinal cord protective perfusion strategy for acute type A aortic dissection

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of spinal cord injury in total arch replacement with frozen elephant trunk for acute type A aortic dissection using our spinal cord protection technique.

METHODS

Between January 2013 and December 2017, 33 patients underwent total arch replacement with frozen elephant trunk for acute type A aortic dissection (mean age 67.9 ± 13.3 years). Our spinal cord protection technique involved maintaining extracorporeal circulation through the left subclavian artery in all procedures, using aortic occlusion balloon during distal anastomosis, and inserting frozen elephant trunk above Th 8 with transesophageal echocardiographic guidance. Computed tomography was performed within 1-2 weeks, 12 months, and 36 months postoperatively. We compared the degree of thrombosis of the descending aorta between preoperation and early postoperative period by Fisher's exact test. Moreover, we evaluated postoperative mortality and mobility (including spinal cord injury) at follow-up.

RESULTS

The operative mortality within 30 days was 6.1%. Neither paraplegia nor paraparesis was noted. We observed significant thrombosis of the false lumen at the distal arch and aortic valve level of the descending aorta in postoperative early term period (p < 0.01). At mid-term follow-up (mean 33.9 months), survival probability and 3-year freedom from reoperation rates were 93.9 ± 4.1% and 95.0 ± 4.9%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The frozen elephant trunk technique with our spinal protection strategy provides good postoperative outcomes. Our strategy can maintain spinal cord perfusion without complete ischemia time even during lower body ischemia time. Implementation of our spinal protection strategy will help prevent spinal cord injury and dilated downstream aorta.

Cardiac Surgery During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: Perioperative Considerations and Triage Recommendations

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2, represents the third human affliction attributed to the highly pathogenic coronavirus in the current century. Because of its highly contagious nature and unprecedented global spread, its aggressive clinical presentation, and the lack of effective treatment, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 infection is causing the loss of thousands of lives and imparting unparalleled strain on healthcare systems around the world. In the current report, we discuss perioperative considerations for patients undergoing cardiac surgery and provide clinicians with recommendations to effectively triage and plan these procedures during the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak. This will help reduce the risk of exposure to patients and healthcare workers and allocate resources appropriately to those in greatest need. We include an algorithm for preoperative testing for coronavirus disease 2019, personal protective equipment recommendations, and a classification system to categorize and prioritize common cardiac surgery procedures.

Incidence, predictors, and outcomes of spinal cord ischemia in elective complex endovascular aortic repair: An analysis of health insurance claims

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine predictors and outcomes associated with spinal cord ischemia (SCI) after elective fenestrated or branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F/BEVAR) of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA), abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), or aortic dissection.

METHODS

Health insurance claims data of Germany's third largest insurance provider, DAK-Gesundheit, were used to investigate SCI in elective F/BEVAR performed between 2008 and 2017. The International Classification of Diseases and German Operation and Procedure Classification System were used. We stratified the results into F/BEVAR with one or two (AAA) vs three or more (TAAA) fenestrations or branches.

RESULTS

A total of 877 patients (18.9% female; 5.8% with SCI) matching the inclusion criteria were identified during the study period. SCI occurred more often after F/BEVAR of TAAA vs AAA (10.7% vs 3.0%; P < .001). SCI was associated with female sex in the AAA group (odds ratio, 3.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25-11.15; P = .014) and with cardiac arrhythmias in the TAAA group (odds ratio, 2.98; 95% CI, 1.24-7.06; P = .013). Compared with patients without SCI, SCI patients were more likely to suffer from drug use disorders (eg, opioids, cannabinoids, sedatives) in the TAAA group (17.6% vs 2.1%; P < .05). After F/BEVAR of TAAA, the occurrence of SCI was associated with higher 90-day mortality (14.7% vs 1.1%; P < .05), longer postoperative hospital stay (22 vs 9 days; P < .05), and severe adverse events, such as acute respiratory insufficiency (44.1% vs 12.7%), acute renal failure (35.3% vs 11.3%), and pneumonia (29.4% vs 4.9%; all P < .05). In adjusted analyses, SCI was associated with worse long-term survival after F/BEVAR for TAAA (hazard ratio, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.37-4.73; P < .003).

CONCLUSIONS

Female AAA patients and TAAA patients with cardiac arrhythmias are at highest risk for development of SCI after F/BEVAR. The occurrence of this event was strongly associated with higher major complication rates and worse short-term and long-term survival. This emphasizes a need to further illuminate the value of spinal cord protection protocols in F/BEVAR.

Surgical treatment of acute aortic dissection Stanford type A in the third trimester of pregnancy: A case report

Background

Aortic dissection is rare in pregnancy, but it is often life-threatening. Thus, early diagnosis and optimal treatment are crucial. In addition, regular multidisciplinary care plays an important role in improving the therapeutic outcome.

Case

A 31-year-old pregnant woman (gravida 2, para 1, abortus 0) was transferred to our centre at 34 weeks of gestation with onset of dyspnoea and serious chest pain radiating to her back. Ultrasonography unexpectedly revealed a dilation of the aortic root with a sign of dissection. Computed tomography confirmed a type A aortic dissection based on the Stanford classification. She was successfully treated by caesarean section prior to open repair of acute type A dissection and received multidisciplinary care. The patient was discharged on the 16th postoperative day, and the baby is still alive without adverse events.

Conclusion

Aortic dissection in pregnancy is relatively rare, but physicians should be on high alert for the condition when a pregnant woman has chest pain. Early diagnosis and adequate treatment in addition to regular multidisciplinary care are crucial to achieve favourable results.

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Acute aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition that requires urgent assessment and therapy.

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Aortic dissection in pregnancy is rare but can be fatal to the mother and to the fetus.

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Multidisciplinary care is required to achieve a favourable outcome.

A Case of Hoarseness with Acute Back Pain - Cardiovocal Syndrome Revisited

A previously well 81-year-old Chinese male presented with hoarseness and low back pain for one month. Chest radiography at presentation revealed widening of the mediastinal silhouette. Nasopharyngoscopy detected left vocal cord paralysis. CT aortogram revealed a large saccular aortic arch aneurysm with a dissection flap extending distally down to the aortic bifurcation. The combination of clinical and imaging findings was consistent with cardiovocal syndrome. In view of good premorbid function, surgical repair was offered, and the patient underwent surgical repair and recovered well with no further back pain. A review of cases of cardiovocal syndrome suggest that prognosis of recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis is dependent on the degree and duration of compression, and usually persists despite treatment of the underlying aneurysm.

Paraplegia and acute aortic dissection: a diagnostic challenge for physicians in the emergency situation

Acute aortic dissection presenting neurological symptoms is rare and entails significant diagnostic challenges. We present a case of 45-year-old woman with a medical history of essential hypertension and smoking, admitted with lobar pneumonia. During her inpatient treatment, she developed severe back pain and numbness below the level of the umbilicus. Due to her presenting symptoms considered differential diagnoses were paravertebral abscess and acute stroke. CT scan of the head did not reveal any ischaemic changes. Further investigation with MRI (with and without contrast) raised concerns for possible aortic dissection. CT angiography of thorax, abdomen and pelvis displayed extensive aortic dissection extending from aortic root to left iliac artery limiting flow to right carotid artery causing stenosis. The patient was diagnosed with Stanford type A aortic dissection. The patient was referred to the cardiothoracic surgery team for surgical repair. The patient made a good recovery after a prolonged course of hospitalisation, followed by cardiac rehabilitation and physical therapy.

Size and dissection: what is the relation?

Thoracic aortic aneurysm is a complex disease. The consequences of such silent and indolent disease include acute aortic syndrome if not recognized early and treated appropriately. Aortic aneurysm size was a reliable clinical marker to aid clinical intervention; however, aneurysm growth is variable and is influenced by many factors such as age, presence of connective tissue disorders, genetic disorders, hypertension, inflammatory conditions of the aorta, autoimmune diseases, smoking, and history of previous cardiac surgery. Therefore, aortic size became a non-specific disease surrogate and prediction tool on outcome and intervention. In this review article, we examined the current literature for evidence about aneurysm size and its relation to type A aortic dissection.

Effect of Imaging Surveillance After Endovascular Aneurysm Repair on Reinterventions and Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Purpose: To study the effects of imaging surveillance after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) on reintervention and mortality. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted comparing complication rates in EVAR patients compliant with the imaging surveillance protocol vs partially or noncompliant patients. Two authors independently selected articles and performed quality assessment and data extraction. Risk differences for reintervention and mortality between compliant and partially/noncompliant patients were meta-analyzed. The pooled risk difference (RD) is reported with the 95% confidence interval (CI). The review protocol is registered at Prospero (CRD42017080494). Results: A total of 11 cohort studies involving 21,838 patients were included. Studies differed in imaging, their surveillance protocols, and definitions of compliance subgroups. Median follow-up was 31.7 months (interquartile range 29.8, 49.3). The overall reintervention rate was 5%, while the overall mortality was 31%. The RD for the reintervention rate was 4% (95% CI 1% to 7%) in favor of partial/noncompliance [number needed to harm 25 (95% CI 14 to 100)], while mortality showed a nonsignificant RD of 12% (95% CI −2% to 26%) in favor of partial/noncompliance. Two studies reported that 41% to 53% of reinterventions were performed for complications detected through imaging surveillance; the other events were detected through patient symptoms. Conclusion: Patients who are compliant with imaging surveillance appear to undergo more reinterventions than those who are partially or noncompliant. However, imaging surveillance does not seem to protect against mortality. This suggests that the recommended yearly imaging surveillance may not be beneficial for all EVAR patients.

Chronic Type A Aortic Dissection: Rare Presentation of Incidental Pericardial Effusion

Aortic dissection is the most devastating sequelae of aortopathy other than aortic rupture. However, aortic dissection can be asymptomatic in the acute phase with delayed symptomatic presentation or incidental diagnosis upon chest imaging. We report a case of a 63-year-old male who was diagnosed with pericardial effusion upon preoperative workup for elective cholecystectomy. Further investigations confirmed hemorrhagic pericardial effusion secondary to a chronic dissecting ascending aortic aneurysm. The patient condition was successfully managed with open surgical repair with an uneventful postoperative course. This case demonstrates an extremely rare presentation of incidental hemorrhagic pericardial effusion caused by a chronic dissecting ascending aortic aneurysm.

Computational Fluid Dynamic Study for aTAA Hemodynamics: An Integrated Image-Based and Radial Basis Functions Mesh Morphing Approach

We present a novel framework for the fluid dynamics analysis of healthy subjects and patients affected by ascending thoracic aorta aneurysm (aTAA). Our aim is to obtain indications about the effect of a bulge on the hemodynamic environment at different enlargements. Three-dimensional (3D) surface models defined from healthy subjects and patients with aTAA, selected for surgical repair, were generated. A representative shape model for both healthy and pathological groups has been identified. A morphing technique based on radial basis functions (RBF) was applied to mold the shape relative to healthy patient into the representative shape of aTAA dataset to enable the parametric simulation of the aTAA formation. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed by means of a finite volume solver using the mean boundary conditions obtained from three-dimensional (PC-MRI) acquisition. Blood flow helicity and flow descriptors were assessed for all the investigated models. The feasibility of the proposed integrated approach pertaining the coupling between an RBF morphing technique and CFD simulation for aTAA was demonstrated. Significant hemodynamic changes appear at the 60% of the bulge progression. An impingement of the flow toward the bulge was observed by analyzing the normalized flow eccentricity (NFE) index.