The 1ALCTL and 1BLCTL isoforms of Arg/Abl2 induce fibroblast activation and extra cellular matrix remodelling differently

The fibrotic tissue and the stroma adjacent to cancer cells are characterised by the presence of activated fibroblasts (myofibroblasts) which play a role in creating a supportive tissue characterised by abundant extracellular matrix (ECM) secretion. The myofibroblasts remodel this tissue through secreted molecules and modulation of their cytoskeleton and specialized contractile structures. The non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase Arg (also called Abl2) has the unique ability to bind directly to the actin cytoskeleton, transducing diverse extracellular signals into cytoskeletal rearrangements. In this study we analysed the 1ALCTL and 1BLCTL Arg isoforms in Arg^−/− murine embryonal fibroblasts (MEF) cell line, focusing on their capacity to activate fibroblasts and to remodel ECM. The results obtained showed that Arg isoform 1BLCTL has a major role in proliferation, migration/invasion of MEF and in inducing a milieu able to modulate tumour cell morphology, while 1ALCTL isoform has a role in MEF adhesion maintaining active focal adhesions. On the whole, the presence of Arg in MEF supports the proliferation, activation, adhesion, ECM contraction and stiffness, while the absence of Arg affected these myofibroblast features.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.

Summary: The non-receptor tyrosine kinase Arg and its isoforms modulate the extra cellular matrix production that is relevant in fibrosis and tumour growth, this may open future novel therapeutic approaches.

CHRNA2 and Nocturnal Frontal Lobe Epilepsy: Identification and Characterization of a Novel Loss of Function Mutation

Mutations in genes coding for subunits of the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) have been involved in familial sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy (also named autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy, ADNFLE). Most of these mutations reside in CHRNA4 and CHRNB2 genes, coding for the α4 and β2 nAChR subunits, respectively. Two mutations with contrasting functional effects were also identified in the CHRNA2 gene coding for the α2 subunit. Here, we report the third mutation in the CHRNA2, found in a patient showing ADNFLE. The patient was examined by scalp EEG, contrast-enhanced brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nocturnal video-polysomnographic recording. All exons and the exon-intron boundaries of CHRNA2, CHRNA4, CHRNB2, CRH, KCNT1 were amplified and Sanger sequenced. In the proband, we found a c.754T>C (p.Tyr252His) missense mutation located in the N-terminal ligand-binding domain and inherited from the mother. Functional studies were performed by transient co-expression of α2 and α2^Tyr252His, with either β2 or β4, in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells. Equimolar amounts of subunits expression were obtained by using F2A-based multi-cistronic constructs encoding for the genes relative to the nAChR subunits of interest and for the enhanced green fluorescent protein. The mutation reduced the maximal currents by approximately 80% in response to saturating concentrations of nicotine in homo- and heterozygous form, in both the α2β4 and α2β2 nAChR subtypes. The effect was accompanied by a strong right-shift of the concentration-response to nicotine. Similar effects were observed using ACh. Negligible effects were produced by α2^Tyr252His on the current reversal potential. Moreover, binding of (±)-[³H]Epibatidine revealed an approximately 10-fold decrease of both K_d and B_max (bound ligand in saturating conditions), in cells expressing α2^Tyr252His. The reduced B_max and whole-cell currents were not caused by a decrease in mutant receptor expression, as minor effects were produced by α2^Tyr252His on the level of transcripts and the membrane expression of α2β4 nAChR. Overall, these results suggest that α2^Tyr252His strongly reduced the number of channels bound to the agonist, without significantly altering the overall channel expression. We conclude that mutations in CHRNA2 are more commonly linked to ADNFLE than previously thought, and may cause a loss-of-function phenotype.

A Novel KCNJ2 Mutation Identified in an Autistic Proband Affects the Single Channel Properties of Kir2.1

Inwardly rectifying potassium channels (Kir) have been historically associated to several cardiovascular disorders. In particular, loss-of-function mutations in the Kir2.1 channel have been reported in cases affected by Andersen-Tawil syndrome while gain-of-function mutations in the same channel cause the short QT3 syndrome. Recently, a missense mutation in Kir2.1, as well as mutations in the Kir4.1, were reported to be involved in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) suggesting a role of potassium channels in these diseases and introducing the idea of the existence of K⁺ channel ASDs. Here, we report the identification in an Italian affected family of a novel missense mutation (p.Phe58Ser) in the KCNJ2 gene detected in heterozygosity in a proband affected by autism and borderline for short QT syndrome type 3. The mutation is located in the N-terminal region of the gene coding for the Kir2.1 channel and in particular in a very conserved domain. In vitro assays demonstrated that this mutation results in an increase of the channel conductance and in its open probability. This gain-of-function of the protein is consistent with the autistic phenotype, which is normally associated to an altered neuronal excitability.

CD73 Regulates Stemness and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Ovarian Cancer-Initiating Cells

Cancer-initiating cells (CICs) have been implicated in tumor development and aggressiveness. In ovarian carcinoma (OC), CICs drive tumor formation, dissemination, and recurrence, as well as drug resistance, thus accounting for the high death-to-incidence ratio of this neoplasm. However, the molecular mechanisms that underlie such a pathogenic role of ovarian CICs (OCICs) remain elusive. Here, we have capitalized on primary cells either from OC or from its tissues of origin to obtain the transcriptomic profile associated with OCICs. Among the genes differentially expressed in OCICs, we focused on CD73, which encodes the membrane-associated 5′-ectonucleotidase. The genetic inactivation of CD73 in OC cells revealed that this molecule is causally involved in sphere formation and tumor initiation, thus emerging as a driver of OCIC function. Furthermore, functional inhibition of CD73 via either a chemical compound or a neutralizing antibody reduced sphere formation and tumorigenesis, highlighting the druggability of CD73 in the context of OCIC-directed therapies. The biological function of CD73 in OCICs required its enzymatic activity and involved adenosine signaling. Mechanistically, CD73 promotes the expression of stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal transition-associated genes, implying a regulation of OCIC function at the transcriptional level. CD73, therefore, is involved in OCIC biology and may represent a therapeutic target for innovative treatments aimed at OC eradication.

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CD73 is enriched in ovarian cancer-initiating cells (OCICs)

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CD73 orchestrates OCIC stemness and EMT

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OC initiation and growth require CD73 activity

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OCIC-associated CD73 is a therapeutic target useful for OC eradication

Simultaneous overexpression of human E5NT and ENTPD1 protects porcine endothelial cells against H2O2-induced oxidative stress and cytotoxicity in vitro

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and oxidative stress still limit the survival of cells and organs in xenotransplantation models. Ectonucleotidases play an important role in inflammation and IRI in transplantation settings. We tested the potential protective effects derived by the co-expression of the two main vascular ectonucleotidases, ecto-5'-nucleotidase (E5NT) and ecto nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 1 (ENTPD1), in an in vitro model of H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress and cytotoxicity. We produced a dicistronic plasmid (named pCX-DI-2A) for the co-expression of human E5NT and ENTPD1 by using the F2A technology. pCX-DI-2A-transfected porcine endothelial cells simultaneously overexpressed hE5NT and hENTPD1, which were correctly processed and localized on the plasma membrane. Furthermore, such co-expression system led to the synergistic enzymatic activity of hE5NT and hENTPD1 as shown by the efficient catabolism of pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic extracellular adenine nucleotides along with the enhanced production of the anti-inflammatory molecule adenosine. Interestingly, we found that the hE5NT/hENTPD1 co-expression system conferred protection to cells against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress and cytotoxicity. pCX-DI-2A-transfected cells showed reduced activation of caspase 3/7 and cytotoxicity than mock-, hE5NT- and hENTPD1-transfected cells. Furthermore, pCX-DI-2A-transfected cells showed decreased H₂O₂-induced production of ROS as compared to the other control cell lines. The cytoprotective phenotype observed in pCX-DI-2A-transfected cells was associated with higher detoxifying activity of catalase as well as increased activation of the survival signaling molecules Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Our data add new insights to the protective effects of the combination of hE5NT and hENTPD1 against oxidative stress and constitute a proof of concept for testing this new genetic combination in pig-to-non-human primates xenotransplantation models.

Abstract LB-282: Two different strategies of delivery CRISPR/Cas9 system to gene edit rs4644 SNP in LGALS3 gene

Galectin-3 is a glycoprotein of 31KDa with a chimeric structure. It is encoded by a single gene, LGALS3, located on chromosome 14. Previous studies showed a relation between the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (rs4644, c.191C>A, p.Pro64His) and the risk of cancer. In literature, some data show different results indicating that SNP could have different roles in base on the tissues. The aim of our study is to create isogenic cell lines that differ only for SNP permitting further studies about the function of SNP in different cancers. The “generation” of the cell lines is performed with a Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats-associated Endonuclease 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system. We have used two different strategies to deliver the system. In the first strategy, our aim was the reduction of the problem of efficiency of transfection that could depend on different cell lines. In fact, we have used the lentivirus method to deliver all components of the CRISPR/Cas9 on Nthy-Ori (normal thyroid tissue) and HCT 116 +/+ (colorectal cancer tissue) cells. Two different vectors (pCW-Cas9 and pLXgRNA) are used to build up the inducible CRISPR/Cas9 system and HR410PA-1 vector (transfected by Lipofectamine 3000) is used to knock-in. HR410PA-1 is a particular vector that facilities the homologous recombination (HR) to repair the double strand break. Moreover, to improve HR, we use also Scr7, which is an inhibitor of DNA IV ligase. In the second approach, we have used the double nickase system using two modified Cas9 vectors (SpCas9D10a) that produce only a single strand break. In this way, the problem of off-targets is notably reduced. In this approach, the knock-in is due to or single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides (ssODNs) or HR410PA-1 vector. The first results show that some of the transfected cells are edited in a correct way. In the further steps, we will isolate the “positive clones” using the selection cassette in HR410PA-1 vector (GFP protein and/or puromycin) or the single cell dilution assay (1 cell/well) for the transfected cells with ssODNs.

Citation Format: Alda Corrado, Irene Lepori, Simona Miglietta, Simone Batoni, Marianna Vitiello, Monica Evangelista, Elisa Chisci, Roberto Giovannoni, Laura Poliseno, Federica Gemignani, Stefano Landi. Two different strategies of delivery CRISPR/Cas9 system to gene edit rs4644 SNP in LGALS3 gene [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-282. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-LB-282

Simultaneous Overexpression of Functional Human HO-1, E5NT and ENTPD1 Protects Murine Fibroblasts against TNF-α-Induced Injury In Vitro

Several biomedical applications, such as xenotransplantation, require multiple genes simultaneously expressed in eukaryotic cells. Advances in genetic engineering technologies have led to the development of efficient polycistronic vectors based on the use of the 2A self-processing oligopeptide. The aim of this work was to evaluate the protective effects of the simultaneous expression of a novel combination of anti-inflammatory human genes, ENTPD1, E5NT and HO-1, in eukaryotic cells. We produced an F2A system-based multicistronic construct to express three human proteins in NIH3T3 cells exposed to an inflammatory stimulus represented by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), a pro-inflammatory cytokine which plays an important role during inflammation, cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis and in the inflammatory response during ischemia/reperfusion injury in several organ transplantation settings. The protective effects against TNF-α-induced cytotoxicity and cell death, mediated by HO-1, ENTPD1 and E5NT genes were better observed in cells expressing the combination of genes as compared to cells expressing each single gene and the effect was further improved by administrating enzymatic substrates of the human genes to the cells. Moreover, a gene expression analyses demonstrated that the expression of the three genes has a role in modulating key regulators of TNF-α signalling pathway, namely Nemo and Tnfaip3, that promoted pro-survival phenotype in TNF-α injured cells. These results could provide new insights in the research of protective mechanisms in transplantation settings.

Transrenal E-XL stenting prior to EVAR in the case of abdominal aortic aneurysm associated to proximal aortic neck dissection

Chronic dissection of proximal aortic neck is a rare occurrence in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and a gold standard therapy has not been defined so far. Herein we report two successful cases of an original adjunctive procedure involving the transrenal placement of a self-expanding nitinol stent (E-XL aortic stent, Jotec GmbH, Germany) in order to fix a dissection flap in the aortic neck wall prior to the deployment of the bifurcated endograft. Primary technical success and midterm clinical success was achieved in both cases with freedom from any early or late reintervention. Scheduled follow-up angio-CT scans did not show any Type I endoleak, graft migration or renal/visceral arteries complications. According to these findings, patients with an AAA, presenting with a proximal neck with chronic dissection, can be safely and effectively treated by pre-emptive transrenal E-XL stenting and endovascular aneurysm repair.

Ocular complications after posterior superior alveolar nerve block: a case of trochlear nerve palsy

Many intraoperative complications occurring during third molar surgery are described in the literature. Unilateral trochlear nerve palsy secondary to dental anaesthesia is a rare complication. We report the case of a 36-year-old healthy man, ASA I classification, requiring upper third molar extraction. Articaine 1:200,000 epinephrine for right posterior superior alveolar (PSA) nerve block was administered locally in the mucobuccal fold above the upper third molar. A few minutes after PSA nerve block the patient experienced double-vision. The patient was subsequently visited by an ophthalmologist and the condition was diagnosed as transient unilateral vertical diplopia due to temporary paralysis of the superior oblique muscle as a result of the anaesthetic solution involving the IV cranial nerve. The authors report this unusual case and discuss the possible anatomical pathways that might explain this rare phenomenon.

An original technique for the treatment of symptomatic common carotid artery occlusion and concomitant ipsilateral internal carotid artery stenosis

Successful hybrid treatment of the total symptomatic acute occlusion of a common carotid artery (CCA) concomitant to ipsilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis has only been described once in the literature to date. The management of this anatomic distribution of disease can be a challenge both to plan and perform. The aim of this paper is to report an original hybrid revascularization technique for the treatment of two patients with symptomatic CCA acute occlusion and ipsilateral ICA stenosis. Details of the surgical technique and mid-term follow-up are provided.

Stroke and pulmonary embolism following manual and bandage compression after bleeding from a common femoral artery access site

Manual compression (MC) is required to seal a common femoral artery (CFA) access site after endovascular intervention unless a mechanical closure device is used. Herein we report previously unpublished complications following MC of a CFA access site: stroke (embolism through a patent foramen ovale) and pulmonary embolism. These were a T thrombosis of the internal carotid artery combined with multi pulmonary embolisms and a case of pulmonary embolism. No thrombophilic conditions or other possible causes of venous emboli could be demonstrated in either case by laboratory tests or color-Duplex ultrasound. These were the only two cases of pulmonary and cerebral embolism seen at our university tertiary referral center, over a five-year period. This short report considers the potential risk factors as well as a prevention policy for these complications.

Renal aneurysms: surgical vs. endovascular treatment

Renal artery aneurysms (RAA) are rare (general population incidence is 0.09%). At this time, the appropriateness of the type of intervention ‑ surgical or endovascular ‑ is based on single center experiences rather than large randomized trials. Endovascular therapy offers less morbidity but surgery has excellent long-term results. In reality, the choice of the treatment relies on the operative risk. A patient with a RAA and good surgical risk should be offered open surgery. If the patient is deemed to be at high risk from surgery then the choice of the type of endovascular treatment (stent grafting, coil/glue embolization, multilayer stenting) should be based on the location and shape of the RAA. RAA should be treated by surgeons/interventionalists who have demonstrated expertise in renal artery procedures.

Open vascular surgery as a starting point for endovascular surgery

What distinguishes vascular surgeons from other specialists who treat patients with vascular disease is their ability to combine skills in both open and endovascular treatments. Open vascular surgery should be considered the "starting point" for endovascular surgery, since training and practice in vascular surgery require extensive knowledge of the basic science and a thorough education in general surgical techniques. In addition, surgeons must possess detailed specialized knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of arteries, veins and lymphatics and of the pathological processes which may affect them. This scientific and technical background is also imperative for endovascular surgery. Open vascular surgery can also be considered as a potential finishing point of endovascular surgery. In fact, open surgery is still often the only solution for complex cases considered unsuitable for an endovascular approach, or for different types of complications following endovascular treatments. As endovascular surgery is increasingly considered as the initial treatment option for many patients with vascular disease, it is crucial that vascular surgery training programs develop methods to maintain the open surgical skills of their trainees. The only way for vascular surgeons to remain the premier specialists to care for patients with vascular disease is for them to combine skills in both open and endovascular treatments.

Proctorship for CAS training: a pilot study of safety and reproducibility

AIM

The literature continues reporting a high complication rate for carotid artery stenting (CAS) during the learning-curve phase (LCP). The aim of this study was to report a simple and reproducible method designed to improve CAS results during the LCP.

METHODS

Between February 2007 and December 2009, a qualified vascular surgeon ran a proctorship program for CAS. The program was divided into four practical phases: in the teaching phase (a) the first 20 CAS were performed by the proctor assisted by a trainee surgeon; in the training phase (b) for the 21st to the 50th CAS the trainee surgeon was supervised by the proctor; in the skilled phase (c), between the 51st and the 80th procedure, a trainee surgeon performed CAS while the proctor was scrubbed-in but operating only on demand; in the final phase (d), following the 81st CAS, the procedure was performed without the proctor's presence. The inclusion criterion was carotid stenosis ≥70% and patient selection was performed for the first 40 cases based on patient and lesion characteristics. The procedure for CAS was standardized.

RESULTS

Four trainees performed 604 CASs in two centers. The procedural success rate of CAS was 98.8% (N.=594/604) without any differences among the four trainees (P=0.902). The overall TIA, myocardial infarction, minor, major and fatal stroke rate at 30 days was respectively 1.7% (N.=10), 0.8% (N.=5), 1.2% (N.=7), 0.64% (N.=4) and 0.3% (N.=2). The effectiveness of this program was demonstrated by a significant decrease in the proctor's intervention between phase b and phase c (P<0.001) and by a similar trend in the complication rate achieved by the four trainees, in all phases and centers (P=0.075 and 0.788, respectively).

CONCLUSION

This preliminary experience of a proctorship program in the LCP, together with patient selection and standardization of the procedure and materials used, seems to be safe and reproducible. Moreover, possibly randomized, studies comparing different CAS training techniques are needed in order to validate our findings.

Acute aortic dissection: natural history and classification

Acute aortic dissection is an uncommon but potentially catastrophic pathology with high mortality and morbidity. Significant advances in the understanding, diagnosis and management of aortic dissection have been made since the first case was reported 3 centuries ago. This article aims to review our current understanding of the natural history and classification of acute aortic dissection.

Endovascular approach for ruptured abdominal aortic aneursyms

The rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) causes about 15000 deaths/year in the USA alone. Even though over the last 50 years progress in surgical techniques and in postoperative intensive care have been outstanding, the analysis of registries has shown either no decrease in the mortality rate for surgically treated rAAAs. Some reports asserted better out come for endovascular repair (EVAR) compared with surgery in case of rAAA. Despite this evidence, EVAR for rAAA remains prerogative of few centers worldwide. In conclusion only larger study or registry could assest the real role of EVAR in the management of rAAA.

Endovascular thoracic aortic repair and risk of spinal cord ischemia: the role of previous or concomitant treatment for aortic aneurysm

Spinal cord ischemia (SCI) is one of the most devastating complications undergoing surgical or endovascular repair of the thoracic aorta. The incidence of SCI after thoracic aorta open repair varies from 2% to 21%, depending on the extent of the descending thoracic aorta replacement compared with as high as 12% of cases after endovascular aortic repair. Endoluminal repair allows the avoidance of aortic cross clamping and its sequelae; however, the intercostal arteries covered by the stent graft cannot be reimplanted. Perioperative risk factors contributing to SCI have been reported to include length of aortic coverage, prior abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair, hypotension, and left subclavian artery coverage. Although the putative mechanism of loss of lumbar collateral perfusion in those who had prior aortic repairs appears reasonable, occurrence of SCI in this subset of patients has not been consistent. Spinal cord perfusion is dependent on the net pressure of the mean arterial pressure minus the mean intrathecal pressure. Systemic pressure can be maximized by volume resuscitation and vasopressors. Intrathecal spinal pressure can be minimized by drainage of the spinal cord, although this is not without its potential risks. More recently, there have been attempts at attenuating the cellular damage caused by SCI, either with systemic or intrathecal administration of pharmacologic agents, which attempt to mitigate the inflammatory response of cellular reperfusion. This is a review of the risk factors for SCI during TEVAR in patients with previous or concomitant treatment for aortic aneurysm.

Ischemic foot: definition, etiology and angiosome concept

Ischemic foot is a condition of decreased arterial perfusion. It has several etiologies, atherosclerotic peripheral arterial disease, including that secondary to diabetes mellitus, being the most common. Other potential causes of ischemic foot are acute embolism from cardiac, arterial or paradoxical sources, and thrombosis secondary to arterial blood clots due to procoagulative states (e.g. vasculitis and hematologic disorders), arterial spasms or injury resulting from drug use or from external or iatrogenic trauma. Prompt diagnosis and revascularization of the affected limb play a crucial role in the treatment of ischemic foot. The angiosome principle, defined by Ian Taylor's landmark anatomic study in 1987, divides the body into three-dimensional anatomic units of tissue fed by a source artery (the angiosome). Detailed knowledge of the vascular anatomy of the leg, and in particular of angiosomes in the foot, helps the clinician make better decisions when dealing with ischemic foot. The physician can better estimate the possibility of wound healing, and decide which type of revascularization has the most chance of success, given the existing blood supply. If surgical or endovascular revascularization is successful, the foot should no longer appear ischemic and painful, and the wounds should granulate. Newly granulating wounds should be carefully protected, and meticulous daily local wound care should be performed to promote healing and prevent infection. The quality of subsequent wound care is also a critical component in promoting healing and avoiding further tissue loss.

Management of abdominal endograft infection

Incidence, clinical presentation and management of aortic grafts infection after open surgical repair are well described in the literature. Infective complications involving endografts after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) have been scarcely investigated, since more attention has been given to the technical aspects of the procedure, including endoleaks, device migration, neck dilatation, endotension and aneurysm rupture. Nevertheless, that is a rare but severe complication occurring after EVAR; potentially difficult to diagnose and treat. Since 1991 only 102 cases of abdominal endograft infections have been reported in the literature. Treatment of infected abdominal endografts is controversial. Although reports have shown that high-risk patients with infected stent grafts treated conservatively with antimicrobial therapy and percutaneous drainage can still survive, most authors agree that an infected endograft should be removed if patient's conditions allow intervention. Standard treatment for infected abdominal endografts includes complete graft excision and local debridement followed by extra-anatomical bypass revascularization or in situ reconstruction with an aortic-bisiliac or bifemoral graft (Dacron or PTFE) or with a homograft. Lower overall mortality was observed for surgical management by explantation of infected endograft followed by in situ replacement as compared to other surgical solutions, but no definitive conclusions can be drawn about the optimal treatment strategy for aortic reconstruction.

Diabetic patients: epidemiology and global impact

Definition of the exact epidemiology and the global impact of diabetes is not easy, being strictly related to the availability of data in developing countries and to the use in the existing population-based investigations of common criteria for the diagnosis and definition of diabetes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) the total number of people with diabetes was 171 million in 2000, and is projected to rise up to 366 million in 2030. The true prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in people with diabetes has been difficult to determine, as most patients are asymptomatic, many do not report their symptoms, screening modalities have not been uniformly agreed upon, and pain perception may be blunted by the presence of peripheral neuropathy. Population-based studies, using a validated and reproducible test, have revealed a prevalence of PAD in people with diabetes to be up to 30%. Among people with diabetes, the annual incidence of developing a foot ulcer ranges from 1% to 4.1% and the prevalence ranges from 4% to 10%, which suggests that the lifetime incidence may be as high as 25%. Foot ulcer associated to PAD requires revascularization, although it is generally considered that the outcome in those people is inferior to that in non-diabetic patients. In summary, the increasing worldwide diabetes prevalence will inevitably result in increasing proportions of deaths from cardiovascular disease, as well as in increased prevalence and associated consequences of other complications of diabetes. As suggested by WHO, a concerted, global initiative is required to address the diabetes epidemic.

Carotid highly-calcified de novo stenosis and cutting-balloon angioplasty: a tool to prevent haemodynamic depression?

AIM

Severe highly-calcified de-novo lesions of carotid arteries are important predictors of haemodynamic depression (HD) after carotid artery stenting (CAS). Cutting-balloon angioplasty (CBA) using low-inflation pressures has been described as an effective method to achieve important luminal gain and avoid HD.

METHODS

from January 2005 to December 2007 102 consecutive patients (mean age 76.36+/-7.54 years) with severe highly-calcified de novo lesions of carotid artery undergoing CAS were prospectively observed and randomized in two groups: group 1 (N=50) underwent standard CAS, group 2 (N=52) underwent CAS with CBA. Patients with prior ipsilateral carotid endarterectomy (CEA), betablockers therapy or arrhytmias were excluded. HD was defined as periprocedural hypotension (systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg) or bradycardia (heart rate <60 beats/min). CBA angioplasty was carried out using CB coronary device, 0.014 inch compatible, from 3 to 4 mm or CB peripheral device, 0.018 inch compatible, from 5 to 6 mm in diameter, inflated at a mean-maximum value of 8.6 atmospheres; the average number of cuts per lesion was 2.7.

RESULTS

Demographic and clinical characteristic of both groups at the basal conditions were comparable. HD occurred in 18/50 (36%) procedures in group 1, and in 3/52 (5.76%) in group 2. The difference between the two groups concerning HD incidence was statistically significant (P<0.001). There was a strong (P<0.001) association between HD and CBA and the OR=0.109 (95%CI 0.019-0.425) confirmed the protective role of CBA. No major intraprocedural complications were observed in this series. Postprocedural Doppler ultrasound scan showed one case (2%) of in-stent restenosis in group 1 representing early failure due to recoil, and only 1 (1.92%) neurological adverse event (transient ischemic attack, TIA) in group 2.

CONCLUSIONS

HD is a common occurrence after CAS, especially in patients with both long and calcified plaque. Only a tailored procedure with a correct remodelling of the plaque allows to avoid both HD and elastic recoil of the target lesion.

Subintimal angioplasty with the aid of a re-entry device for TASC C and D lesions of the SFA

AIM

The aim of this prospective study was to assess the clinical effectiveness and related midterm patency of subintimal angioplasty (SAP) in patients suffering from critical limb ischaemia (CLI) in a single tertiary care university centre. The secondary aim was to evaluate the safety and clinical effectiveness of using a re-entry device when re-canalisation by SAP was unsuccessful.

METHODS

From January 2005 to December 2007, consecutive patients suffering from CLI (Rutherford clinical categories: 4-6) were treated with SAP. All patients included in the study had occluded SFA (TASC C and D) and underwent clinical and ultrasound follow-up examinations at day 30 and at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months, and then yearly. A re-entry device (Outback, Cordis Corporation, Miami Lakes, Florida, USA in all cases) was only used when re-canalisation by simple SAP was unsuccessful, and stenting was used when residual stenosis was >30% or there was a flow-limiting dissection. Factors that could modify the outcome were analysed.

RESULTS

In this study, 145 patients were treated, with a technical success rate of 83.5% (121 of 145) for simple SAP. Stenting was performed in 43% (n=62) of successful SAP procedures. No death occurred in the perioperative period, while the 30-day mortality was 4.8% (7 of 145). The re-entry device (Outback) was used in 24 cases (16.5%). The technical success of the re-entry device was 79% (19 of 24), with a 90% success rate of stent placement at the site of re-entry. Complications occurred in 6.2% of all procedures (n=9) (three arterial perforations (2.1%), three distal embolisations (2.1%), two femoral artery pseudo-aneurysms (1.4%) and one arterio-venous fistula (0.7%)). Factors capable of independently affecting the patency were renal insufficiency (p=0.03), current smoking (p=0.01) and diabetes (p=0.04). The primary patency at 1 and 3 years was 70% and 34% and the secondary patency at 1 and 3 years was 77% and 43%, respectively. At the same time intervals, the limb-salvage rate was 88% and 49%.

CONCLUSIONS

SAP with the aid of a re-entry device for TASC C and D lesions of the SFA seems to be safe and clinically effective in patients suffering from CLI, according to the experience at our centre. Further follow-up and more data are necessary to confirm these findings.

An unusual late complication after SFA stenting: the artery rupture

Peripheral artery rupture as a late complication of an endovascular stenting, due to the protrusion of a stent, has never been described in the literature in thigh arteries. Here we describe two anecdotic cases of artery rupture after superficial femoral artery (SFA) stenting. In both cases the endovascular procedure was performed as a reintervention at 2 and 27 months after a failed surgical or hybrid procedure for limb revascularization. The stent had been delivered in the first part of the SFA and the rupture occurred at the junction between the common femoral artery and SFA, which is one of the most flexible parts of the femoral artery. The cause of rupture was probably caused by an ulcer of the stent against the artery wall concomitant with a status of local or systemic infection. A huge pseudoaneurysm developed in both cases. The massive bleeding was stopped by an emergency surgical bypass, with the removal of the stented artery. These two cases show the possibility of SFA rupture after stenting. Previous surgical treatment, the site of stenting (first part of the SFA) and an active infection could predispose patients to this life-threatening complication.

Anomalies and variant anatomy of the aorta and the supra-aortic vessels: additional challenges met by hybrid procedures

INTRODUCTION

Endovascular or hybrid approach to the aortic arch aneurysms is nowadays an appealing solution for selected patients. Aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the technical and clinical success recorded in complex anatomical settings of endografting.

METHODS

Between December 2004 and December 2008, 73 patients were treated with a stent-graft for thoracic aorta aneurysms at our Vascular and Endovascular Surgery center, or in other Italian Centers by our Vascular Surgeon as Proctor. The aortic arch was involved in 31 cases. Four cases of bovine arch, three aberrant right subclavian artery and one case of isolated origin of all the supra-aortic trunks (6 vessels) were recorded. Technical success, procedural planning time and procedural time, stroke and paraplegia incidences were analyzed in terms of difference between "normal" or "complex" arches.

RESULTS

Technical success was achieved in all cases. Complex anatomy of the arch and the supra-aortic trunks increased the technical difficulty of endovascular exclusion of the aneurysm and required more often complex debranching of the supra-aortic vessel necessary to obtain an adequate landing zone and to preserve the brain and spinal cord perfusion. We observed one stroke in complex arches procedures and two strokes (one of them fatal) in normal arch procedures. No cases of paraplegia were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience complex anatomy of the arch did not represent a predictive factor in term of peri-procedural major neurological adverse events.

Rationale and design of emergent/urgent carotid artery stenting (EUCAS) registry

EUCAS is a multicenter Registry of carotid artery stenting (CAS) in patients with acute cerebral ischemia (TIA or minor stroke), designed to determine the role of early endovascular intervention in a selected population with a vulnerable lesion of carotid bifurcation. The aim of the registry is to study the safety and efficacy of emergent/urgent CAS and to improve patient selection and consequently reduce the time loss between the index event and the intervention. Secondary aim is to study the plasma levels of plaque vulnerability biomarkers before and after carotid intervention in high risk patients to compare these value with a control group of patients with asymptomatic severe carotid stenosis, and to test the hypothesis that carotid stenting stabilizes the plaque at 1 month. The Registry is open to expert interventionists performing carotid stenting with a documented experience of at least 100 CAS, and the participants are free to apply the preferred endovascular techniques and devices, remembering to include the use of the cerebral protection device. All changes in the neurological status and all new cerebral ischemic events following the procedure will be reported. Follow-up surveillance to 1 month will include Duplex scanning, neurological examinations and blood collections for inflammatory biomarkers determination.

A rare vascular tumour with distinctive clinical findings

Subungual glomus tumours are rare benign hamartomas arising from the arterial end of the glomus body (an arteriovenous shunt related to thermoregulation). A combination of clinical examination, Color-Doppler ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to support the diagnosis confirmed by histology. A 45 year old male patient with a three-year-old swelling of the proximal thumbnail presented himself at the Surgery Department. A slightly bluish nail plate and tenderness under the thumbnail were evident at clinical examination. He suffered the classic trilogy of sensitivity to pain, pressure and temperature of the thumb lesion. Ultrasound and MRI revealed the presence of a small oval-shaped mass with hypervascularisation. All these elements reinforced the assumed diagnosis of a glomic tumour. The patient underwent excisional surgery under local anaesthesia. Histological examination confirmed a typical glomus tumour. Postoperative follow-up was uneventful and all symptoms disappeared immediately after surgery. Whenever a patient presents suffering from a reddish-purple, tender lesion, usually located at the extremities and especially in the nail bed, with paroxysmal pain and cold-sensitivity, a glomus tumour should be investigated. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice and is commonly resolutive.

Advential cystic disease of the popliteal artery: experience of a single vascular and endovascular center

Adventitial cystic disease (ACD) is an uncommon condition with only around 300 cases reported in the literature. ACD consists of a collection of gelatinous material within a cyst, that is adjacent or surrounding a vessel. In the last five years three cases of ACD have been observed: the first case was a 48-year-old man, ex nicotine abuser, with a four-month history of progressive claudication; the second case was a 55-year-old man, ex nicotine abuser, with ischemic heart failure and a one-year history of progressive claudication; the third case was a 70-year-old man, with diabetes, dislipidemia and current nicotine abuser with a few-day history of acute pain in the right leg. In two cases the cysts were incised and the contents evacuated. The adventitia was repaired and the wound closed. The first patient is currently asymptomatic after four years from surgery. The second one, at 21 months, follow-up, presented newly severe claudication. Duplex ultrasound scan and computed tomography angiography demonstrated a cranial progression of the lesions. This lesion was treated with bare stent, with complete regression of the symptoms. The third patient was treated with interposition of an autogenous saphenous vein. The patient is asymptomatic at the three-month follow-up. Even if ACD is quite rare, it should be taken in consideration in young patients with severe claudication and no- or poor comorbidities. The best treatment is the incision of the cysts and the advential reconstruction. Short lesions can be treated with endovascular therapy.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in octogenarians: myth or reality?

AIM

We studied the thirty-day mortality and morbidity rate to assess the value of conventional open repair vs endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) in an elderly population presenting with a ruptured, symptomatic or asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) undergoing emergency, urgent or elective repair.

METHODS

During the period from January 2004 to May 2007, 329 consecutive patients were treated for AAA in our Department. Among these, 81 (24.6%) were aged >80 years (mean age 83.6, range 80-95 years). These older patients were divided into groups according to their clinical presentation: ruptured AAA group (rAAA) - 22 cases (4 emergency EVAR, 18 emergency open repair); symptomatic non-ruptured AAA group (sAAA) - 15 cases (11 urgent EVAR, 4 urgent open repair); asymptomatic AAA group (asAAA) - 44 cases (32 elective EVAR, 12 elective open repair). The main outcome measures were 30-day mortality and 30-day morbidity rate.

RESULTS

The mortality rate following open surgery vs EVAR was 66.6% vs 50% (P=NS) in the rAAA group, 25% vs 0% (P=NS) in the sAAA group, and 9% vs 3.2% (P=NS) in the asAAA group. When comparing postoperative morbidities in the octogenarians, 3 of the patients that received EVAR (6.4%) and 15 of those that received open repair (48.4%) had a severe complication (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The introduction of EVAR has considerably changed the balance of risks and benefits for AAA treatment. Our study confirms the high mortality rate for octogenarians with rAAA and haemodynamic instability, and supports the value of an active EVAR approach for octogenarians with AAA to prevent rupture. Moreover, the introduction of endovascular techniques as part of an overall treatment algorithm for ruptured AAAs appears to be potentially associated with improved outcomes in terms of mortality and morbidity as compared to open surgical repairs alone.

Carotid Artery Stenting in a Single Center: Are Six Years of Experience Enough to Achieve the Standard of Care?

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to determine safety, short and mid-term outcomes of Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS) and Endarterectomy (CEA) during the last 6 years in a single vascular surgery center.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 2624 consecutive carotid revascularizations performed between December 2000 and December 2006 in 2176 patients with severe carotid artery stenosis (symptomatic > or = 70%, asymptomatic > or = 80%), of which 1589 were CEA and 1035 CAS. Patients were followed up at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the procedure and then yearly.

RESULTS

The percutaneous procedure was successful in 99.2% of the cases. No intra-procedural death occurred. The overall death and stroke rates at 30 days, 1 year and 3 years were 1.54%, 2.86%, 7.43% in the CAS group and 2.07%, 3.55%, 6.95% in the CEA group, respectively (p value not significant in any case).

CONCLUSIONS

At our vascular surgery centre the results of CEA and CAS are similar. CAS has become our standard of care in preventing strokes and is an effective alternative to CEA for low-risk patients as well.

Renovascular hypertension. 8 years experience of a vascular surgery centre

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical success and clinical outcome of surgical revascularization, angioplasty and/or stenting for renal artery stenosis (RAS) in patients with renovascular hypertension (RVH). The secondary aim was to identify independent negative predictors of blood pressure control after successful renal revascularization.

METHODS

From January 1998 to July 2006, we treated 97 cases of RAS in 83 RVH patients. Inclusion criteria were RAS > or =80% associated with hypertension refractory to medical control with at least three drugs including a diuretic. Therapeutic options were surgical revascularization in 15 cases (11 renal endarterectomies, 4 aortorenal bypasses) and endoluminal treatment in 82 (14 balloon angioplasties, 68 stents).

RESULTS

Technical success was 100% for both surgical and endovascular procedures; 13 cases of restenosis (> or =80%) were detected: 12 (14.6%) in the endoluminal group and one (6.6%) in the surgical group (P=0.68). During the follow-up period (average 37 months, range 6-94), blood pressure control improved in 43% of patients, disease stabilized in 37% and the natural course of RVH deteriorated in 20%. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that only a long history of antihypertensive drug use was a predictor of inefficacy of blood pressure control after revascularization (P<0.04).

CONCLUSION

The complete resolution of RVH associated with severe RAS appears unrealistic in several cases. Early and long-term results in terms of technical success and restenosis were acceptable and similar for surgical and endovascular renal intervention. An early diagnosis of RVH could improve the control of hypertension after successful renal revascularization.