Systematic Review and Single-Center Experience for Endovascular Management of Visceral and Renal Artery Aneurysms

A Qualitative Systematic Review of Endovascular Management of Renal Artery Aneurysms

PURPOSE

To perform a qualitative systematic review of endovascular management of renal artery aneurysms (RAAs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive electronic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases from 2000 to 2022 was performed using the search terms "renal artery," "aneurysm," and "endovascular." Means of outcome measures were calculated with a primary end point focused on RAA-related mortality and rupture. Secondary end points included reintervention rate and renal infarction.

RESULTS

Twenty-six, single-center, retrospective, observational studies were included. There were 454 RAAs treated in 427 patients using endovascular techniques. Mean age was 53.8 years, with a female predominance (62%). A variety of endovascular treatments of RAA were used with excellent technical success (96%), renal parenchymal preservation, and a low rate of moderate/severe adverse events (AEs). Primary coil embolization was the most commonly used technique (44.7%). There was an overall AE rate of 22.9%, of which 6.7% were moderate/severe and there was 0% periprocedural mortality. The most common AE was renal infarction (49 patients, 11.5%); however, renal function was preserved in 84% of patients. Nephrectomy rate was 0.4%. Computed tomography (CT) angiography was the most common imaging follow-up modality used in 72% of studies. Only 9 studies (34%) reported anticoagulant use. Although the risk of delayed aneurysm reperfusion warrants clinical and imaging surveillance, relatively few patients (3%) required reintervention in this cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular management of RAA is a technically feasible treatment option with low rates of AEs and reintervention. The present study highlights the techniques available for interventional radiologists, a need for standardization of AE reporting, anticoagulation therapy, and follow-up imaging.

Guidelines on the diagnosis, treatment and management of visceral and renal arteries aneurysms: a joint assessment by the Italian Societies of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (SICVE) and Medical and Interventional Radiology (SIRM)

The objective of these Guidelines is to provide recommendations for the classification, indication, treatment and management of patients suffering from aneurysmal pathology of the visceral and renal arteries. The methodology applied was the GRADE-SIGN version, and followed the instructions of the AGREE quality of reporting checklist. Clinical questions, structured according to the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome) model, were formulated, and systematic literature reviews were carried out according to them. Selected articles were evaluated through specific methodological checklists. Considered Judgments were compiled for each clinical question in which the characteristics of the body of available evidence were evaluated in order to establish recommendations. Overall, 79 clinical practice recommendations were proposed. Indications for treatment and therapeutic options were discussed for each arterial district, as well as follow-up and medical management, in both candidate patients for conservative therapy and patients who underwent treatment. The recommendations provided by these guidelines simplify and improve decision-making processes and diagnostic-therapeutic pathways of patients with visceral and renal arteries aneurysms. Their widespread use is recommended.

CIRSE Standards of Practice for the Endovascular Treatment of Visceral and Renal Artery Aneurysms and Pseudoaneurysms

BACKGROUND

Endovascular treatment of visceral and renal artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms is an effective, minimally invasive treatment that has been successfully used since the early 1990s, with refined and expanded techniques and tools currently offering excellent outcomes. Due to increased detection of such lesions in recent years, many of which are asymptomatic, revision of the indications for intervention and the correct endovascular treatment approaches has become essential.

PURPOSE

This document will presume that the indication for treatment is clear and approved by the multidisciplinary team and will define the standards required for the performance of each intervention, as well as their relative advantages and limitations. CIRSE Standards of Practice documents are not intended to impose a standard of clinical patient care, but recommend a reasonable approach to, and best practices for, the performance of the endovascular treatment of visceral and renal artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms.

METHODS

The writing group was established by the CIRSE Standards of Practice Committee and consisted of five clinicians with internationally recognised expertise in endovascular treatments. The writing group reviewed the existing literature on visceral and renal artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms, performing an evidence search using PubMed to identify publications in English and relating to human subjects from 1990 to 2022. The final recommendations were formulated through consensus.

RESULTS

Endovascular treatment has an established role in the successful management of visceral and renal artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms, and this Standards of Practice document provides up-to-date recommendations for its safe performance.

Endovascular repair of a giant common hepatic aneurysm

Hepatic artery aneurysms are a rare phenomenon but their diagnosis and prompt treatment are imperative due to a high risk of mortality and complications. Appropriate management depends on patient characteristics, anatomical location of the aneurysm, operative risk and collateral arterial supply. Management options include surgical and endovascular approaches. The endovascular approach has gained popularity over recent years as it is an effective and less invasive alternative to surgical management. In this case report, we present a giant common hepatic artery aneurysm and its successful endovascular management. The patient had a complete resolution of symptoms after the procedure and remained well 8 months postprocedure.

Technical considerations of endovascular management of true visceral artery aneurysms

BACKGROUND

True visceral artery aneurysms are potentially complex to treat but with advances in technology and increasing interventional radiology expertise over the past decade are now increasingly the domain of the interventional radiologist. BODY: The interventional approach is based on localization of the aneurysm and identification of the anatomical determinants to treat these lesions to prevent aneurysm rupture. Several different endovascular techniques are available and should be selected carefully, dependent on the aneurysm morphology. Standard endovascular treatment options include stent-graft placement and trans-arterial embolisation. Different strategies are divided into parent artery preservation and parent artery sacrifice techniques. Endovascular device innovations now include multilayer flow-diverting stents, double-layer micromesh stents, double-lumen balloons and microvascular plugs and are also associated with high rates of technical success.

CONCLUSION

Complex techniques such as stent-assisted coiling and balloon-remodeling techniques are useful techniques and require advanced embolisation skills and are further described.

Current Debates in the Management of Visceral Artery Aneurysms: Where the Guidelines Collide

On one hand, the main difficulties in establishing a wide, evidence-based consensus about the best approach to visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs) and pseudoaneurysms (VAPAs) are the paucity of data, due to their rarity in the general population, and the extreme heterogeneity of this group of diseases, which encompasses different aneurysm types, with different degrees of rupture risks according to their anatomical locations [...].

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.

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.

Analysis of outcomes of endovascular embolisation: A cross-sectional two-center study on 46 visceral artery pseudoaneurysms

Purpose

Visceral artery pseudoaneurysms (VAPAs) are uncommon in clinical practice but may have serious clinical outcomes up to death. Endovascular management is a safe effective alternative option to traditional surgical procedures. This study assesses the outcome of different embolic materials and techniques used in the endovascular management of VAPAs.

Materials and methods

This is a two-center retrospective analysis of endovascular embolisation of 46 VAPAs, with a mean pseudoaneurysm size of 13 ± 11.35 mm, that were urgently managed between July 2018 and March 2020. Patients’ presentations were GIT hemorrhage, intrabdominal hemorrhage, hematuria, and abdominal pain in 34.78%, 30.43%, 23.91%, and 10.87% respectively. Management using coils only was done in 28/46 patients (60.87%), NBCA glue only in 16/46 patients (34.78%), combined coils and NBCA glue in 1/46 patient (2.17%), and Amplatzer plugs only in 1 patient (2.17%). The management techniques were sac packing in 9/46 patients (19.57%), inflow occlusion in 28/46 patients (60.87%) and trapping in 9/46 patients (19.57%). All patients were followed-up for 1 year after the procedure.

Results

The overall clinical success and periprocedural complication rates were 93.48%, and 15.22% respectively, and 30-day mortality was zero. Clinical success was 92.86% in the coil subgroup (n = 28), and 93.75% in the NBCA glue subgroup (n = 16). The technical success rate was 100%. Effectiveness of the procedures during the follow-up was 97.83%. Target lesion re-intervention rate was 2.17%.

Conclusion

Transarterial embolisation can provide high technical and clinical success rates with low periprocedural complication and re-intervention rates, as well as satisfactory procedure effectiveness in the management of VAPAs.

Neurovascular Neck-Bridging device in treatment of wide-necked splenic artery aneurysms

We report the cases of 2 female patients, 45-year-old and 49-year-old, affected by wide-necked splenic aneurysm. We embolized the 2 lesions assisted by a new scaffolding neurovascular device, the Cascade Net, an innovative –occlusive remodeling device for temporary bridging in endovascular coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms. Visceral artery aneurysms are rare with an estimated prevalence of 2%-3% in imaging series and up to 10% in autopsy series. Most are asymptomatic and their diagnosis is occasionally. Aneurysm spontaneous rupture has been demonstrated in 2%-10% of cases and it can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Conservative management and open repair were the preferred treatment options for many years. Endovascular repair has been increasingly used since 2000; and the most widespread method of treatment has been coiling. Because of tortuosity of the parent artery, wide neck, and unfavorable locations at arterial branch points, 6% of Visceral and renal artery aneurysms VRAA cannot be adequately treated by simple coiling and requires parent artery remodeling through balloon occlusion, stent placement or parent vessel occlusion, leading to, in the latter situation, a compromised organ perfusion. Increasingly, balloon-assisted, and stent-assisted approaches as well as novel scaffolding neurovascular devices such as the Cascade Net, have allowed wide necked aneurysms to be bridged during endovascular treatment with smaller delivery system, averting parent artery occlusion and risk of distal embolization.

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.

Endovascular Treatment of Giant Visceral Aneurysms: An Overview

Giant visceral aneurysms (or pseudoaneurysms) are aneurysmal lesions of the splanchnic vessels that are larger than 5 cm in diameter. As with other visceral aneurysms, treatment may be either surgical or endovascular. Both treatments face challenges given the anatomical complexity of such lesions. However, in the era of novel tools and techniques that have been developed in this field, an increasing number of giant visceral aneurysms can now be treated using endovascular approaches. The purpose of this article is to offer an overview of the most current techniques and trends in the endovascular treatment of giant visceral artery aneurysms.

Coil embolization of renal artery aneurysms: Simultaneous delivery of three microdevices with a novel 6-Fr guiding sheath

Here, we report the case of a 59-year-old male patient who underwent transcatheter embolization of bilateral renal artery aneurysms, using 2 microballoons and 1 microcatheter, all carried within a single guiding sheath. During coil embolization in a visceral artery, there are situations that can require multiple microdevices. We developed a new 6-Fr Shephard-hook type guiding sheath (Parent Plus 60) with a lumen large enough to deliver three microdevices simultaneously. This technique can be used broadly in different clinical scenarios, and it may provide novel treatment strategies to clinicians in the future.

Endovascular management of giant visceral artery aneurysms

Endovascular management of small visceral artery aneurysms is an established treatment with satisfactory outcomes. However, when size exceeds 5 cm visceral aneurysms are considered as “giant” (giant visceral artery aneurysms or GVAAs) and management is significantly more complex. Between August 2007 and June 2019 eleven cases of GVAAs that were endovascularly treated were retrospectively reviewed and included in this single center study. Mean size was 80 mm (± 26.3 mm) x 46 mm (+ \-11.8 mm). Nine of the lesions were true aneurysms, and two were pseudoaneurysms. In 8 patients, the lesion was causing compression symptoms in the surrounding organs, one patient developed a contained rupture while 2 patients were completely asymptomatic. However, all patients were hemodynamically stable at the time of treatment. Technical success was defined as immediate complete exclusion of the aneurysmal sac, and clinical success as complete relief from clinical symptoms. Follow-up was performed with CT angiography, ultrasound and clinical examination. Mean follow-up was 45 months (range 6–84). Technical and clinical success were both 91%. Complications were one lack of control of contained rupture that was subsequently operated, one case of self-limiting non-target spleen embolization and one case of splenic abscess. Three patients died, one due to the contained rupture 15 days after procedure, the other two for other causes and occurred during the long-term follow-up. This series suggests that endovascular treatment of giant visceral artery aneurysms and pseudoaneuryms is a valid minimally invasive solution with very satisfactory immediate and long-term outcomes unless the aneurysm is already ruptured. A variety of endovascular tools may be required for successful treatment.

[Endovascular treatment of aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms of visceral arteries]

AIM

The purpose of the study was to demonstrate the possibilities and efficacy of endovascular interventions in patients with visceral artery aneurysms.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 2013 to June 2020, we performed 15 embolizations of visceral artery aneurysms in 15 patients (8 men and 7 women). The technical success rate was 100%. The patients' age varied from 32 to 71 years. In 8 cases, the aneurysm was located in the basin of the splenic artery, in 3 cases in the gastroduodenal artery, in 2 cases in the superior mesenteric artery and in 2 cases in the renal artery. Three aneurysms were classified as false, and 12 as true. All aneurysms were saccular, with their diameter ranging from 6 to 32 mm. In 2 patients aneurysms were detected after endured infective endocarditis, in 8 during examination in abdominal pain syndrome, and in 5 cases as an incidental finding while performing computed tomography of abdominal organs. One patient was subjected to embolization of the afferent vessel, two underwent implantation of stent grafts into the aneurysmal neck area, and eleven underwent aneurysmal sac embolization with microcoils. In 9 cases, embolization was performed using microcoils only in 1 case using microcoils with balloon assistance, and in 2 cases using microcoils with stent assistance. We used from 1 to 12 microcoils, with a diameter of from 2 to 30 mm.

RESULTS

During endovascular embolization of visceral artery aneurysms there were no target-organ infarctions, haemorrhagic complications, nor lethal outcomes. In the early postoperative period, 7 patients developed pain syndrome. In 1 case pain syndrome was relieved by narcotic analgesics, in 4 cases by spasmolytics, and in 2 cases by a combination of spasmolytics and non-narcotic analgesics.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular treatment of visceral arterial aneurysms is an efficient and safe method.

[Embolization of splenic artery aneurysms: Treatment of choice. About a case and review of the literature]

Splenic artery aneurysms constitute 60% of digestive artery aneurysms. They are often discovered incidentally and by imaging. Currently, endovascular treatment is considered the first-line treatment, as it is less invasive with less morbidity and mortality than surgery. An aggressive approach in their management is certainly justified because the overall mortality of ruptured splenic aneurysms is 25%. False splenic aneurysms have a greater potential for rupture than true aneurysms because they grow faster. Endovascular treatment is generally indicated for aneurysms larger than 2cm or with an increase in size of more than 0.5cm/year. Embolization is rarely associated with an infarction of the spleen due to the good supply of short gastric vessels. Embolization is performed using different materials including coils, which can be used alone or with other embolic agents. Post-embolization syndrome can be seen with persistent pain, fever and other systemic symptoms. Endovascular treatment compared to open surgery is associated with better quality of life and appears to be the most cost-effective strategy. Endovascular treatment and especially coil embolization are starting to be the standard treatment. Surgical and laparoscopic treatment are reserved for ruptured aneurysms which are burdened with significant mortality, especially in pregnant women. We report the case of a 66-year-old female patient in whom a splenic artery aneurysm was discovered incidentally during an ultrasound for an ovarian cyst.

Treatment of visceral artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms with the use of cerebral flow diverting stents: initial experience

Background

Flow-diverter stents (FDS) are designed to maintain laminar flow in the parent artery and sidebranches and to promote thrombosis of the aneurysm. Although these devices were developed for use in intracranial circulation, FDS could be employed to treat aneurysms regardless of their location, when anatomic factors may limit the efficacy of classic endovascular techniques. The objective of this study is to describe the initial experience of a single center in the treatment of visceral artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms (VAA-VAP) with cerebral FDS, analyzing safety, efficacy and 1-year outcome. Between 2016 and 2018 six patients (4 women, mean age 57.6) underwent treatment with FDS of 4 VAA and 2 VAP located in renal (4), hepatic (1) and splenic arteries (1). Mean aneurysm diameter was 14.3 mm (range 8–22). All the aneurysms had sidebranches arising from the neck or had an unfavorable dome-to-neck ratio. Technical success, safety, efficacy and 1-year outcome were analyzed. Follow-ups (FU) with Color-Doppler US and CTA ranged from 12 to 36 (mean 20) months.

Results

Technical success was achieved in all cases. There were no aneurysm rupture nor reperfusion after exclusion. Five out of six (83.3%) FDS were patent at each FU; all the aneurysms showed shrinkage with a mean dimensional reduction rate of 55.8%. Sac thrombosis was observed in 4 aneurysms at 1 (n = 3) and at 12-month FUs. There was one sidebranch occlusion with evidence of a small area of kidney hypoperfusion at the 12-month FU, which was asymptomatic. In one patient, a reintervention was needed because CTA showed a severe in-stent stenosis, which was symptomatic. Mean hospitalization was 4.1 days.

Conclusions

Treatment of morphologically complex VAA and VAP with cerebral FDS proved to be safe and efficient. Stronger evidence from larger populations are required.

Balloon-assisted coil embolization (BACE) of a wide-necked aneurysm of the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery

Background

Aneurysms of the pancreaticoduodenal arcades are an uncommon pathology, with a prevalence of 2%, and could be congenital or acquired. Treatment of visceral aneurysms is therefore generally recommended when the aneurysmal sac equals or exceeds 2 cm. Wide-necked (> 4 mm) and main artery branch aneurysms represent a challenge for conventional endovascular coil embolization due to the risk of coil migration.

Main body

This case describes the technical feasibility of balloon-assisted coil embolization (BACE) in the treatment a wide neck aneurysm of inferior pancreatic duodenal artery due to celiac axis occlusion.

Short conclusion

In case of celiac trunk occlusion, BACE is a safe procedure associated with optimal technical success rates, in order to treat the aneurysms and to preserve splanchnic vascularization.

Contemporary endovascular management of splenic vascular pathologies

The spleen is a commonly injured organ and the splenic vasculature is also susceptible to inflammation and trauma, often resulting in aneurysm formation. Splenic artery aneurysms carry a high risk of rupture and are associated with high mortality and morbidity. Due to the advances in endovascular techniques and devices, endovascular management of splenic vascular pathologies is now considered a first-line strategy. Endovascular embolisation and advance techniques including balloon- or stent-assisted coil embolisation enables minimally invasive management option while preserving splenic function.

Endovascular flow-diversion of visceral and renal artery aneurysms using dual-layer braided nitinol carotid stents

BACKGROUND

Visceral and renal artery aneurysms (VRAAs) are uncommon but are associated with a high mortality rate in the event of rupture. Endovascular treatment is now first line in many centres, but preservation of arterial flow may be difficult in unfavourable anatomy including wide necked aneurysms, parent artery tortuosity and proximity to arterial bifurcations. Endovascular stenting, and in particular flow-diversion, is used in neurovascular intervention to treat intracranial aneurysms but is less often utilised in the treatment of VRAAs. The CASPER stent is a low profile dual-layer braided nitinol stent designed for carotid stenting with embolic protection and flow-diversion properties. We report the novel use of the CASPER stent for the treatment of VRAAs. We present a case series describing the treatment of six patients with VRAAs using the CASPER stent.

RESULTS

Six patients with unruptured VRAAs were treated electively. There were three splenic artery aneurysms and three renalartery aneurysms. Aneurysms were treated with the CASPER stent, with or without loose aneurysm coil packing or liquid embolic depending on size and morphology. All stents were successfully deployed with no immediate or periprocedural complications. Four aneurysms completely occluded after serial imaging follow up with one case requiring repeat CASPER stenting for complete occlusion. In one patient a single aneurysm remained patent at last follow up, A single case was complicated by delated splenic infarction and surgical splenectomy.

CONCLUSION

Preliminary experience with the CASPER stent suggests it is technically feasible and effective for use in the treatment of VRAAs.

Assessment of renal vascular anatomy on multi-detector computed tomography in living renal donors

BACKGROUND

Prospective renal donors are a select population of healthy individuals who have been thoroughly screened for significant comorbidities before they undergo multi-detector computed tomography angiography and urography (MDCT).

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to describe the anatomy of potential living renal donor subjects using MDCT over a 2-year period. The primary objective is to identify the renal arterial anatomy variations, with a secondary objective of identifying venous and collecting system/ureteric variations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective study was performed of prospective living kidney transplant donors at a national kidney transplant centre. Study inclusion criteria were all potential kidney donors who underwent MDCT during the living-donor assessment process over a 2-year period.

RESULTS

Our cohort included 160 potential living donors who had MDCT; mean age was 45.6 years (range, 21-71). Two renal arteries were identified on the left in 40 subjects (25%) and on the right in 42 subjects (26.3%). A total of 3 or more renal arteries were identified on the left in 7 subjects (4.4%) and on the right in 7 subjects (4.4%). On the left, the distances between multiple arteries ranged from 1 mm to 43 mm, and on the right, they were 1 mm to 84 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

Conventionally described anatomy was only seen on the left side in 70.6% and 69.4% on the right side of subjects. Single renal arteries are seen in 54.4% showing that conventional anatomy has a relatively low incidence.

Elective Embolization of Splenic Artery Aneurysms with an Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer Agent (Squid) and Detachable Coils

PURPOSE

To report the safety and efficacy of the embolization of splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) with coils plus ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) agent.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A single-center retrospective study was conducted from 2016 to 2019 to collect SAAs. Twelve asymptomatic patients (mean age, 59 years) with 15 SAAs (mean size, 23.6 mm; size range, 15-40 mm) were treated with embolization. Embolization was performed with EVOH (Squid 8/34) and fibered detachable coils. Transfemoral embolization was performed with a microcatheter to achieve a splenic artery occlusion embolizing the SAA and its efferent and afferent branches. Follow-up was based on color Doppler ultrasound at 24 hours and on computed tomography (CT) angiography at 1 (n = 12) and 6 months (n = 12) after embolization. Mean number of coils and Squid vials used for each patient, major/minor complications, technical success, 30-day clinical success, cases of revascularization/reintervention, and mortality were assessed. Technical success was defined as complete exclusion of the aneurysmal segment and cessation of blood flow into the sac. Clinical success at 1 month was based on the absence of clinical symptoms and the exclusion of aneurysm revascularization on CT angiography.

RESULTS

The mean number of coils and Squid vials was 5.75 (standard deviation [SD], 1.58; range, 3-9) and 1.41 (SD, 0.49; range, 1-2), respectively. Both technical and 30-day clinical success were 100%, with no cases of aneurysm revascularization (CT angiography performed in all patients at 1 month and 6 months and in 3 patients at 24 months). No major complications or fatal events were recorded. In terms of minor complications, 2 cases of mild pancreatitis (transient amylases increase) and 1 case of focal splenic ischemia without clinical sequelae were recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

Embolization in SAAs using coils plus EVOH was safe and effective without SAA revascularization.

Systematic and Multidisciplinary Evaluation of Fibromuscular Dysplasia Patients Reveals High Prevalence of Previously Undetected Fibromuscular Dysplasia Lesions and Affects Clinical Decisions: The ARCADIA-POL Study

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD), regarded as a generalized vascular disease, may affect all vascular beds and may result in arterial stenosis, occlusion, aneurysm, or dissection. It has been proposed to systematically evaluate all vascular beds in patients with FMD, regardless of initial FMD involvement. However, the impact of this approach on clinical decisions and on management is unknown. Within the prospective ARCADIA-POL study (Assessment of Renal and Cervical Artery Dysplasia-Poland), we evaluated 232 patients with FMD lesions confirmed in at least one vascular bed, out of 343 patients included in the registry. All patients underwent a detailed clinical evaluation including computed tomography angiography of intracranial and cervical arteries, as well as computed tomography angiography of the abdominal aorta, its branches, and upper and lower extremity arteries. In the study group, FMD lesions were most frequently found in renal arteries (87.5%). FMD was also found in cerebrovascular (24.6%), mesenteric (13.8%), and upper (3.0%) and lower extremity (9.9 %) arteries. Newly diagnosed FMD lesions were found in 34.1% of the patients, and previously undetected vascular complications were found in 25% of the patients. Among all FMD patients included in the study, one out of every 4 evaluated patients qualified for interventional treatment due to newly diagnosed FMD lesions or vascular complications. The ARCADIA-POL study shows for the first time that the systematic and multidisciplinary evaluation of patients with FMD based on a whole-body computed tomography angiography scan has an impact on their clinical management. This proved the necessity of the systematic evaluation of all vascular beds in patients with FMD, regardless of initial FMD involvement.

Transcatheter Arterial Embolization of a Ruptured Superior Rectal Artery Aneurysm in Type 1 Neurofibromatosis: A Case Report

신경섬유종증 1형은 상염색체우성질환으로 가장 흔한 유전 질환 중 하나이다. 혈관병증은 드물게 발생할 수 있으며, 신경섬유종증 1형 혈관병증은 동맥류, 협착, 동정맥기형의 형태로 나타난다. 동맥류의 경우 자연파열과 같은 치명적인 합병증을 유발할 수 있다. 신경섬유종증 1형과 연관된 하장간막동맥류의 파열로 인한 장간막출혈은 매우 드물게 보고되고 있다. 이에 저자들은 신경섬유종증 1형에 의한 방추형 상직장동맥류의 자발적 파열로 내원한 56세 여성환자에서 코일을 이용한 경도관 동맥 색전술을 시행하여 성공적으로 치료한 1예를 경험하였기에 이를 보고하고자 한다.

Double-Lumen Balloons, Are They Only Useful in Neurointerventions? Preliminary Outcomes of Double-Lumen Balloon-Assisted Embolization of Visceral Artery Aneurysms

Objectives:

This study aimed to assess the feasibility and results of double-lumen balloon-assisted embolization of visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs).

Methods:

Nine patients (mean age, 55.3 ± 10.8 years) diagnosed with VAA (superior mesenteric, n = 5; splenic, n = 2; renal, n = 2) and undergoing double-lumen balloon-assisted embolization were included in this study. Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) was used in the 6-month follow-up to assess the aneurysms and patency of the parent arteries.

Results:

All patients were successfully treated with no reports of morbidity or mortality. Residual filling of the aneurysm neck was detected in 2 patients at the end of the procedure, but those parts were found to be stable in the sixth-month MRA. In 1 patient with renal aneurysm, a stent had to be deployed using a double-lumen balloon catheter because of the prolapse of the coil into the main artery. In another patient with a very large-necked superior mesenteric artery aneurysm, additional coils could be used at the same time thanks to the double-lumen balloon as the coils were not stabilized enough during embolization with the microcatheter coils. Liquid embolic agent was also used in this patient from the same lumen because of the large diameter of the aneurysm.

Conclusions:

Double-lumen balloons, which are mostly used in neurointerventional procedures, can be efficiently used as in the treatment of VAAs due to their ability to deploy stent and perform coil-liquid embolization through 1 lumen.

Endovascular treatment of a hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm using a novel pericardium covered stent

Visceral and renal artery aneurysms (VRAAs) and pseudoaneurysms are rare. Their increasing incidence is largely thought to be due to advances in medical imaging. Twenty percent of VRAAs occur in hepatic arteries, with approximately fifty percent of these represented by pseudoaneurysms, which are prone to spontaneous rupture. Many treatments for VRAAs exist, with the endovascular approach being favoured. Treatment aims to preserve visceral perfusion and exclude the aneurysm; however, complex aneurysms may require parent artery or end-organ sacrifice. Covered stents allow rapid aneurysm exclusion while preserving parent artery patency, a favourable outcome when parent artery or end-organ sacrifice is undesirable. The AneuGraft pericardium covered stent (PCS) combines the benefits of a low-profile covered stent with those of a low immunogenic material. We describe the endovascular treatment of a patient with a hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm, where parent artery sacrifice was considered unacceptable. The AneuGraft PCS was used to provide immediate and complete exclusion, with dual antiplatelet therapy for 1 week, followed by single antiplatelet use. The procedure was a technical success, with preservation of the hepatic arteries and complete exclusion of the pseudoaneurysm. There were no complications immediately following the procedure or on post-procedural follow-up. The pseudoaneurysm remained excluded at 6-week CT angiogram (CTA) follow-up. This case describes a safe and effective method for completely excluding a complex pseudoaneurysm, utilising the AneuGraft PCS, allowing for the potential management of a wider range of aneurysms with unfavourable morphology.

Gigantic Ruptured Aneurysm of the Gastroduodenal Artery Successfully Treated by Coiling

Introduction

Visceral aneurysms are rare and a life threatening condition in the case of rupture.

Report

A 78 year old woman presented with sudden brief loss of consciousness and complained of abdominal tenderness on examination. Computed tomography revealed a gigantic 100 × 130 × 200 mm ruptured true aneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery, which was successfully treated by endovascular coiling. Post-operative observation was uneventful and the six week follow up duplex ultrasound confirmed absence of luminal flow in the aneurysm.

Discussion

The treatment threshold of visceral aneurysms and treatment modalities are reviewed.

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Giant ruptured visceral aneurysm successfully treated endovascularly.

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Visceral aneurysms are rare and mostly asymptomatic.

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Rupture is associated with high mortality.

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Endovascular approach for treatment is fast and safe.

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Wide consensus on treatment threshold is lacking.

Robotic Renal Artery Aneurysm Repair

BACKGROUND

Renal artery aneurysm (RAA) is a rare condition, traditionally managed with endovascular or open surgical techniques.

OBJECTIVE

To report our experience with robotic RAA repair.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Nine consecutive patients underwent intracorporeal robotic surgery for 10 RAAs.

SURGICAL PROCEDURE

Two patients underwent concomitant robotic partial nephrectomy. One patient had RAA in a solitary kidney. Median RAA diameter was 2.2 (1.8-3)cm. Intracorporeal transarterial hypothermic renal perfusion was performed in five patients. Robotic techniques included tailored aneurysmectomy and repair (n=5), excision with end-to-end anastomosis (n=2), aneurysmectomy with branch reimplantation (n=1), prosthetic interposition graft repair (n=1), and simple nephrectomy (n=1; this patient's data were excluded from analysis).

MEASUREMENTS

Demographics, RAA characteristics, intraoperative techniques, perioperative outcomes, and follow up data were analyzed. Aneurysms were diagnosed by computed tomography, angiography, or incidentally during the performance of a partial nephrectomy.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

All cases were performed robotically, without conversion to open surgery. Median (range) operative time was 3.8 (3-6)h, warm ischemia time 26 (19-32)min, hypothermic renal perfusion time 34 (29-69)min, and estimated blood loss 100 (25-400)ml. No intraoperative blood transfusion was required. Median hospital stay was 3 (2-6)d. One patient had a Clavien-Dindo grade II complication. At median follow-up of 16 (2-67)mo, all patients had preserved renal function. Follow-up imaging confirmed normal caliber reconstructed renal arteries with globally perfused kidneys, except for two kidneys with small segmental infarcts due to an intentionally ligated small polar vessel. Limitations include the small number of patients and the retrospective nature of the study.

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic repair of complex RAAs is feasible. Surgical expertise, patient selection, and RAA-specific vascular reconstruction are critical for success. Greater experience is needed to evaluate the proper place of robotic repair of RAAs.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We report intracorporeal robotic repair for complex renal artery aneurysms. This robotic operation is feasible and safe, and replicates open principles. However, it requires considerable experience and expertise.

Endovascular treatment of visceral artery and renal aneurysms (VRAA) using a constant mesh density flow diverting stent

BACKGROUND

Flow diverting stents have been used safely and effectively for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms, particularly for large and wide necked aneurysms that are not amenable to conventional endovascular treatment with coiling. The Surpass Streamline device (Stryker Neurovascular, MI, USA) is a relatively new and unique flow diverting stent which maintains constant device mesh density over varying vessel diameters. This may potentially provide advantages compared to other flow diverting stents in achieving aneurysmal occlusion.

CASE PRESENTATION

Two patients with VRAA were treated using the Surpass Streamline device. The first patient was a 65-year-old male with an incidental 2.4 cm aneurysm originating from the hepatic artery near the gastroduodenal artery (GDA). The second patient was a 56-year-old male with an incidental 1.9 cm renal aneurysm arising from an anterior inferior segmental branch of the left renal artery. A Surpass flow diverting stent was used to successfully exclude the aneurysm neck in both cases. Reduced flow was achieved in one patient (equivalent to O'Kelly-Marotta [OKM] Grade B1). Preserved flow and stagnation (equivalent to OKM Grade A3) was achieved in the other. There was preserved distal flow in the parent arteries. No immediate complications were encountered in either case. Complete occlusion of both aneurysms was seen on follow up CT angiographic imaging within 8-weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

The Surpass flow diverting stent can be used safely and effectively to treat VRAA. It should be considered in unruptured large and giant wide necked VRAAs aneurysms. Additional large prospective studies are required for further validation.

Treatment of Visceral Artery Aneurysms Using Novel Neurointerventional Devices and Techniques

The presence of branching vessels, a wide aneurysm neck, and/or fusiform morphology represents a challenge to conventional endovascular treatment of visceral artery aneurysms. A variety of techniques and devices have emerged for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms, in which more aggressive treatment algorithms aimed at smaller and morphologically diverse aneurysms have driven innovation. Here, modified neurointerventional techniques including the use of compliant balloons, scaffold- or stent-assisted coil embolization, and flow diversion are described in the treatment of visceral aneurysms. Neurointerventional devices and their mechanisms of action are described in the context of their application in the peripheral arterial system.

Ruptured renal artery aneurysm in pregnancy and puerperium: literature review of 53 cases

PURPOSE

To summarize and define the most appropriate diagnostic methods and therapeutic options for ruptured renal artery aneurysms in pregnancy based on rarely published data.

METHODS

Literature searches of English-, German-, Spanish-, and Italian-language articles were performed in PubMed (1946-2018), PubMed Central (1900-2018) and Google Scholar. The search terms included renal artery aneurysm, renal artery rupture, pregnancy, puerperium, nierenarterienaneurysma, schwangerschaft, wochenbett, aneurisma de la arteria renal, el embarazo, puerperio, aneurisma dell'arteria renale and gravidanza. Additional studies were identified by reviewing reference lists of retrieved studies.

RESULTS

Fifty-three cases were collected. The average maternal age was 31 ± 6 years; 71.4% were multiparous and significantly older than primiparas. The majority presented in the third trimester (62.3%), followed by second (20.7%) and the first (5.7%), while 11.3% presented postpartum. All postpartum patients presented during the first week postpartum and 50% during the first 24 h postpartum. Parity was not associated with the trimester of presentation. The left renal artery was affected slightly more frequently (58.5% vs. 41.5%). There were no differences in the affected side according to trimester of presentation, including postpartum. 25 out of 53 cases underwent ipsilateral nephrectomy (47.1%) and 18 underwent aneurysm repair or coil embolization (34.0%). There was no difference in maternal (25.8%) vs. 4 (18.1%) and fetal mortality according to the side of rupture. There were no differences in the distribution of maternal or fetal mortality frequency according to the trimester of presentation.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical presentation is easily confused with more common conditions and time to diagnosis is often delayed. Diagnostic delay is associated with high maternal and fetal mortality. Ruptured renal artery aneurysm should be included in the differential diagnosis for pregnant or peripartum patients presenting with acute and severe flank pain, especially if followed by a drop in blood pressure. Early diagnosis and immediate intervention are important for achieving better maternal and fetal outcomes. There are several methods of managing asymptomatic or ruptured renal artery aneurysm during pregnancy although no established guidelines exist.

Balloon-assisted coil embolization (BACE) of a wide-necked renal artery aneurysm using the intracranial scepter C compliant occlusion balloon catheter

Background

True renal artery aneurysms (TRAA) are an uncommon pathology, with a prevalence of less than 1%. Treatment of TRAAs is generally recommended when the aneurysm sac equals or exceeds 2cms. Both wide-necked and main renal artery branch aneurysms represent a challenge for conventional endovascular coil embolization due to the risk of coil migration.

Main body

Intra-procedural remodeling of the aneurysm neck using Balloon Assisted Coil Embolization (BACE) is considered a suitable alternative in challenging cases of visceral artery aneurysms.

Short Conclusion

We describe the novel use of the Scepter C (MicroVention Terumo, Tustin, CA) compliant double lumen neurovascular occlusion balloon in the treatment of a wide-necked branch TRAA in a patient with a solitary kidney.

Covered stenting and transcatheter embolization of splenic artery aneurysms in diabetic patients: A review of endovascular treatment of visceral artery aneurysms in the current era

Diabetes mellitus is associated with both microvascular and macrovascular complications, which can result in visceral aneurysms as for example splenic artery aneurysms: in their management, an endovascular treatment, less invasive than surgery, is generally preferred. Endovascular treatment of splenic artery aneurysms can be based either on covered stenting (CS) or transcatheter embolization (TE). CS generally allows aneurysm exclusion with vessel preservation, while TE usually determines target artery occlusion with potential risk of distal ischemia. We performed a review of the existing literature on endovascular treatment of visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs) and psudoaneurysms (VAPAs) in the current era.

Endovascular Repair of 40 Visceral Artery Aneurysms and Pseudoaneurysms with the Viabahn Stent-Graft: Technical Aspects, Clinical Outcome and Mid-Term Patency

PURPOSE

Endovascular repair of true visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs) and pseudoaneurysms (VAPAs) with stent-grafting (SG) can simultaneously allow aneurysm exclusion and vessel preservation, minimizing the risk of ischemic complications. Our aim was to report a single-center experience on SG of visceral aneurysms, focusing on technical aspects, clinical outcome and mid-term patency.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients affected by VAAs-VAPAs and submitted to endovascular treatment were retrospectively reviewed, and SG cases with the self-expandable peripheral Viabahn stent-graft were analyzed (2003-2017). Aneurysm type, patient number, SG clinical setting, procedural data, peri-procedural complications, technical success, 30-day clinical success, 30-day mortality and follow-up period (aneurysm exclusion, stent-graft patency, ischemic complications) were analyzed.

RESULTS

SG was performed in 40 patients (24 VAPAs/16 VAAs) and in 44 procedures (25 in emergency, 19 in elective treatments), via transfemoral in 37 cases (transaxillary in 7 cases). One peri-procedural complication was recorded (a splenic artery dissection successfully converted to transcatheter embolization). The overall technical and clinical success rates were, respectively, 96 and 84%, with excellent trend in elective treatments (both 100%). Overall 30-day mortality was 12.5% (septic shock after pancreatic surgery). Stent-graft thrombosis occurred in 2 patients within 3 months, with aneurysm exclusion and without ischemic complications. Stent-graft patency and aneurysm exclusion were confirmed at 6, 12 and 36 months in 18, 12 and 7 patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

SG of VAAs and VAPAs was safe and effective, particularly in elective treatments. The Viabahn stent-graft, flexible and without shape memory, is suitable for endovascular repair of tortuous visceral arteries.

Retroperitoneal Pseudoaneurysm Mimicking Ureteral Calculus: Pitfalls in Diagnosis

Arterial aneurysms (AA) can be classified as true aneurysms, characterized by the persistence of all three layers of the arterial wall with progressive dilation and wall thinning; arterial pseudoaneurysms (APAs) are characterized by a tear in the vessel wall and a periarterial hematoma formation. They could occur due to a visceral, retroperitoneal, or peripheral origin. Most AA/APA are usually found incidentally, and it is imperative to be vigilant in order to diagnose and manage them due to their potentially life-threatening complications. We present a case of a 35-year-old woman presenting with right-sided abdominal pain mimicking renal colic with an initial misdiagnosis of ureteral calculus. Post-cystoscopy, a misdiagnosis was confirmed, and subsequently, the patient had a right retroperitoneal mass excision. The histopathology report concluded the calcified retroperitoneal mass to be pseudoaneurysm. Such pitfalls in diagnosis are essential to be shared with the larger medical community for increased vigilance and optimal management of pseudoaneurysms.

Endovascular treatment of visceral artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms with stent-graft: Analysis of immediate and long-term results

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study is to analyze the safety and efficacy of stent-graft endovascular treatment for visceral artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms.

METHODS

Multicentric retrospective series of patients with visceral aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms treated by means of stent graft. The following variables were analyzed: Age, sex, type of lesion (aneurysms/pseudoaneurysms), localization, rate of success, intraprocedural and long term complication rate (SIR classification). Follow-up was performed under clinical and radiological assessment.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients (16 men), with a mean age of 59 (range 27-79), were treated. The indication was aneurysm in 19 patients and pseudoaneurysms in 6. The localizations were: splenic artery (12), hepatic artery (5), renal artery (4), celiac trunk (3) and gastroduodenal artery (1). Successful treatment rate was 96% (24/25 patients). Intraprocedural complication rate was 12% (4% major; 8% minor). Complete occlusion was demonstrated during follow up (mean 33 months, range 6-72) in the 24 patients with technical success. Two stent migrations (2/24; 8%) and 4stent thrombosis (4/24; 16%) were detected. Mortality rate was 0%.

CONCLUSION

In our study, stent-graft endovascular treatment of visceral aneurysmns and pseudoaneurysms has demonstrated to be safe and is effective in the long-term in both elective and emergent cases, with a high rate of successful treatment and a low complication rate.