Predictive value of small ulcers in the evolution of acute type B intramural hematoma

Clinical and Imaging Predictors of Disease Progression in Type B Aortic Intramural Hematomas and Penetrating Aortic Ulcers: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

This work aims to review recent literature on penetrating aortic ulcers (PAUs) and intramural hematomas (IMHs), in order to identify clinical and imaging factors connected to aortic-related adverse events (AAE).

METHODS

We performed a systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Metanalyses (PRISMA) guidelines. An electronic search was conducted on Medline and Embase databases. We included articles reporting on PAUs and/or IMHs localized in the descending thoracic and/or abdominal aorta and analyzing clinical and/or radiological markers of AAE.

RESULTS

Of 964 records identified through database searching, 17 were incorporated in the present review, including 193 and 1298 patients with type B PAUs and IMHs, respectively. The 30-days aortic-related mortality (ARM) was 4.3% and 3.9% for PAUs and IMHs. A total of 21% of patients with IMHs underwent intervention during the follow-up period, and 32% experienced an AAE. PAU markers of AAE were minimum depth (ranging from 9.5 to 15 mm) and diameter (≥12.5 mm). Maximum aortic diameter (MAD) cut-off values ranging from 38 to 44.75 mm were related to AAE for IMHs, together with ulcer-like projection (ULP) of the aortic wall.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite data heterogeneity in the literature, this PAU- and IMH-focused review has highlighted the imaging and clinical markers of disease progression, thus identifying patients that could benefit from an early intervention in order to reduce the AAE rate.

Management of spontaneous isolated intramural hematoma of the superior mesenteric artery: a single-center experience

PURPOSE

To investigate the clinical course and optimal management for spontaneous isolated intramural hematoma of the superior mesenteric artery (SIHSMA).

METHODS

From January 2015 to October 2020, a total of 31 consecutive patients with SIHSMA were included in this study. The demographics, clinical features, treatment details, imaging information, and outcomes were reviewed.

RESULTS

There were 24 males and 7 females, with a mean age of 54.9 years (SD 6.9 years). Seven patients (7/31, 23%) were associated with ulcer-like projection (ULP), one patient (1/31, 3%) with intramural blood pool (IBP), and the remaining twenty-three patients (23/31, 74%) had no ULP or IBP. All patients were initially managed conservatively and underwent a median follow-up of 25.5 months (IQR 14.5, 39.9), which showed 3 patients (3/31, 10%) subsequently underwent stenting (2 within 7 days and 1 after 1.5 months), 1 patient (1/31, 3%) progressed to a localized dissection 7 months later but remained stable and asymptomatic until the time of writing, and the remaining patients (27/31, 87%) had no progression. In the present cohort, the overall survival was 100% (31/31). The free-from progression and stenting rate under conservative treatment was 87% (27/31). The invasive intervention rate was 10% (3/31). The natural complete regression rate of IMH in patients without ULP was higher than those with ULP (91% [21/23] vs. 29% [2/7], p = .003).

CONCLUSION

The majority of patients with SIHSMA can be managed conservatively. Patients with ULP seemed to have a lower IMH regression rate than those without ULP.

Prognostic value of estimated glomerular filtration rate and presence of proteinuria in type B aortic intramural hematoma

Background

Although aggressive medical treatment is recommended in patients with type B aortic intramural hematoma (IMH), a variety of aortic events can occur during the later period. For early identification of these patients, the present study was aimed at evaluating the prognostic validity of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the presence of proteinuria in type B aortic IMH.

Methods

Data of 61 patients with type B IMH in Peking University People's Hospital from January 2008 to December 2018 were retrospectively collected. The serum creatinine level and urine protein levels were measured at admission. And eGFR were calculated by the CKD-EPI equation. Adverse aortic-related events were defined as a composite of satisfaction of criteria for surgical conversion (with or without actual surgical intervention) and death from aortic rupture.

Results

Initial eGFR was significantly different between patients with adverse aortic-related events and those without (P=0.003). On multivariate analysis, eGFR <90 mL/min/1.73 m² (OR, 8.726; 95% CI: 1.711-46.144; P=0.009) and ULP (OR, 17.516; 95% CI: 3.322-92.258; P=0.001) were independent predictors of adverse aorta-related events. Furthermore, eGFR <90 mL/min/1.73 m² and proteinuria (+) (OR, 8.344; P=0.030) had significantly greater rates of aortic-related events. In addition, eGFR <90 mL/min/1.73 m² and proteinuria (+) had incremental prognostic value (C-statistic, 0.860, P=0.039) compared with ulcer-like projection (C-statistic, 0.815) alone.

Conclusions

Initial eGFR and presence of proteinuria were able to provide incremental prognostic information in addition to ulcer-like projection in patients with type B aortic IMH.

Prediction of adverse events in patients with initially medically treated type A intramural hematoma

BACKGROUND

Prior studies provided limited data regarding natural history of initially medically treated type A intramural hematoma (IMH).

OBJECTIVES

To develop predictive models for adverse aorta-related events in patients with type A IMH.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective pooled analysis of individual patient data, including baseline clinical and CT characteristics. All patients enrolled were followed up for adverse aorta-related events, defined as a composite of aortic disease-related death and the presence of aortic complications that required aortic invasive treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 172 patients (52.9% men) were included, with a mean age of 61.1 ± 11.2 years. During a median follow-up time of 770.5 (45.3-1695.8) days, 60 patients (34.9%) experienced adverse aorta-related events. In Cox regression model for predicting adverse aorta-related events, hypertension (HR = 3.78, p = .067), MAD (HR = 1.05, p = .018), presence of ULP (HR = 2.43, p = .002) and pericardial effusion (HR = 1.65, p = .061) were independently associated with adverse aorta-related events. A majority of the adverse aorta-related events (n = 46, 76.7%) occurred within acute and subacute phase (90 days) of IMH. In predictive model for 90 days aortic events, MAD≥50.7 mm (OR = 2.79, p = .006) and presence of ULP (OR = 3.20, p = .002) were independent predictors. C statistic of the predictive model were 0.71 (p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Predictive models including baseline clinical and CT characteristics as predictors allow for accurate estimation of risk of adverse aorta-related events in patients with type A IMH. The proposed predictive models are helpful for risk estimates and decision making.

Is the Natural Anatomical Evolution of Type B Intramural Hematomas Reliable to Identify the Patients at Risk of Aneurysmal Progression?

BACKGROUND

The natural history of type B intramural hematomas is little-known. Aneurysmal progression or an aortic dissection occurs in 15 to 20% of the cases. The study of the natural anatomical evolution could help identify the patients at risk of unfavorable evolution.

METHODS

All the patients monitored for a type B intramural hematoma between 2009 and 2018 were included in this monocentric retrospective study. Computed tomography angiography centerline measurement of diameters was obtained in various points of aortic segmentation on day (D) 0 and at one month (M1). Aortic volumes (lumen, intramural hematoma, and total volume) were calculated. The circulating volume was calculated using the volume rendering method. The volume of the intramural hematoma was measured using a manual section-by-section segmentation tool, and the total volume was obtained by summing up the two preceding volumes. Two groups of patients were compared: group 1 (favorable anatomical evolution) and group 2 (unfavorable anatomical evolution).

RESULTS

Between January 2008 and August 2018, 25 patients were managed for a type B intramural hematoma in our center. After an average follow-up of 15.5 months (1-52), 13 patients (52%) presented a favorable evolution and 12 (48%) an unfavorable evolution. At M1, a significant increase of the luminal diameters (37 mm vs. 32 mm; P < 0.01) and a significant reduction in the longitudinal extension (19 mm vs. 26 mm; P < 0.01) were observed. The maximum aortic diameter evolved significantly between D0 and M1 in the unfavorable evolution group (49 mm vs. 44 mm, respectively; P = 0.038). Such a difference was not found in the favorable evolution group (37.4 vs. 37.1, respectively; P = 0.552). An overall significant reduction in the total aortic volume (166 cm³ vs. 219 cm³; P < 0.01), the circulating volume (124 cm³ vs. 145 cm³; P = 0,026), and the volume of the hematoma (42 cm³ vs. 39 cm³; P < 0.01) was observed. The circulating volume decreased significantly between D0 and M1 in the favorable evolution group (110 cm³ vs. 135 cm³; P = 0.05), whereas no difference was noted in the unfavorable group (142 cm³ vs, 157 cm³; P = 0.24).

CONCLUSIONS

The progression of the maximum aortic diameter and of the circulating volume after one month of follow-up could be predictive factors of the poor long-term evolution of type B intramural hematomas.

Acute type B aortic intramural hematoma: the added prognostic value of a follow-up CT

OBJECTIVES

To investigate prognostic significance of follow-up CT findings for initially medically treated type B aortic intramural hematoma (IMH).

METHODS

We performed a retrospective pooled analysis of individual patient data, including baseline and follow-up CT characteristics. All enrolled patients were followed up for adverse aorta-related events, defined as a composite of aortic disease-related death and surgical or endovascular aortic repair.

RESULTS

A total of 238 patients (73.9% men) were included, with a mean age of 58.1 ± 9.8 years. During follow-up, 83 patients (34.9%) experienced adverse aorta-related events, most of the events (83.1%) occurred within 1 month after follow-up CT imaging (n = 69). In the Cox regression model for predicting adverse aorta-related events, baseline maximal aortic diameter (MAD) (HR = 1.05, p = 0.008), ulcer-like projection (ULP) (HR = 2.47, p < 0.001), changes of maximal hematoma thickness (MHT) (HR = 1.22, p < 0.001), newly developed ULP (HR = 4.44, p < 0.001), and newly developed pleural effusion (HR = 2.46, p = 0.002) were powerful independent predictors. In combined predictive model for 1-month aortic events, baseline MHT ≥ 11.8 mm (OR = 4.39, p = 0.001), ULP (OR = 3.98, p < 0.001), changes of MHT (OR = 1.46, p < 0.001), newly developed ULP (OR = 9.27, p = 0.002), and newly developed pleural effusion (OR = 3.45, p = 0.015) were independent predictors. Besides, in patients with pleural effusion at baseline, resorption of pleural effusion was associated with adverse aorta-related events (HR = 0.36, p = 0.027) and 1-month aortic events (OR = 0.23, p = 0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

Follow-up CT findings provide strong and incremental prognostic information for initially medically treated type B IMH, which are helpful for risk estimates and decisions-making.

KEY POINTS

• Follow-up CT provides strong and incremental prognostic information for initially medically treated type B aortic intramural hematoma. • Follow-up CT is highly recommended for type B intramural hematoma in patients who did not receive urgent invasive therapy. • Follow-up CT is helpful for risk estimates and decisions-making.

MDCT distinguishing features of focal aortic projections (FAP) in acute clinical settings

Focal aortic projections (FAP) are protrusion images of the contrast medium (focal contour irregularity, breaks in the intimal contour, outward lumen bulging or localized blood-filled outpouching) projecting beyond the aortic lumen in the aortic wall and are commonly seen on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scans of the chest and abdomen. FAP include several common and uncommon etiologies, which can be demonstrated both in the native aorta, mainly in acute aortic syndromes, and in the post-surgical aorta or after endovascular therapy. They are also found in some types of post-traumatic injuries and in impending rupture of the aneurysms. The expanding, routine use of millimetric or submillimetric collimation of current state-of-the-art MDCT scanners (16 rows and higher) all the time allows the identification and characterization of these small ulcer-like lesions or irregularities in the entire aorta, as either an incidental or expected finding, and provides detailed three-dimensional pictures of these pathologic findings. In this pictorial review, we illustrate the possible significance of FAP and the discriminating MDCT features that help to distinguish among different types of aortic protrusions and their possible evolution. Awareness of some related and distinctive radiologic features in FAP may improve our understanding of aortic diseases, provide further insight into the pathophysiology and natural history, and guide the appropriate management of these lesions.