Analysis of Thoracic Aorta Injury in 27 Road Traffic Accident Deaths / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To analyze the characteristics of thoracic aorta injury in road traffic accidents, to provide data reference for forensic identification.@*METHODS@#The data of 27 traffic accident death cases with thoracic aorta injury were analyzed according to relevant parameters including sex, age, mode of transportation, and thoracic aorta injury.@*RESULTS@#Aortic injury in traffic accidents was significantly more in males than females, and 74.1% cases were in the age range of 31-70 years. The most common mode of transportation was the motorcycle, followed by electric bike, most of which crashed with trucks. Most cases were accompanied by rib fractures and lung injuries. Thoracic aorta injury was the most common in ascending aorta, followed by aortic arch and thoracic aorta. Ascending aorta injury was most likely to occur in the range of 0-<1.6 cm from the aortic valve, while it was rare over 2.6 cm. Taking the aortic valve as the reference, the most common locations of injury were the anterior semilunar valve, followed by the right posterior semilunar valve and the left posterior semilunar valve. Thoracic aortic rupture occurred in 63.0% cases, and intima and media lacerations only occurred in 37.0% cases. A few deceased had aortic diseases.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The proximal part of the ascending aorta is prone to be injured because of the large external force of traffic accidents. The medical examiner should carefully examine the aortic injury in traffic accident deaths, and evaluate the relationship between the injury and the disease according to the condition and degree of aortic injury.

Abordagem endovascular de lesão de aorta torácica penetrante - relato de caso / Endovascular treatment of penetrating thoracic aorta injury - case report

Resumo O cenário atual do trauma por causas violentas tem apresentado um elevado número de casos. Entre eles, a lesão de aorta torácica por trauma penetrante é uma condição de elevada morbimortalidade que exige diagnóstico adequado e que, nos últimos anos, tem sido corrigida com procedimentos endovasculares. Essa modalidade de tratamento se mostra mais segura, com menor número de complicações em relação ao procedimento cirúrgico aberto. Após a realização da abordagem endovascular, há necessidade de acompanhamento contínuo, que visa monitorar as condições de saúde do paciente e corrigir possíveis complicações relacionadas ao procedimento. O objetivo deste artigo é relatar um caso de traumatismo penetrante de aorta torácica, tratado por via endovascular, visto que a literatura aborda predominantemente as lesões por trauma contuso.

Abstract In the current scenario, traumas with violent causes are responsible for large numbers of cases. Among these, thoracic aorta injury caused by penetrating trauma is a cause of elevated morbidity and mortality, demanding adequate diagnosis, and can now often be repaired using endovascular procedures. This treatment method has proven to be safer, with a lower rate of complications than open surgical procedures. After endovascular repair, it is necessary to conduct continuous monitoring of the patient's health and correct any complications related to the procedure that may emerge. The objective of this article is to describe a case of penetrating trauma of the thoracic aorta that was treated endovascularly, since the literature predominantly covers blunt trauma injuries.

Tratamento endovascular de dissecção traumática de aorta torácica - série de 16 casos / Endovascular treatment of traumatic dissection of the thoracic aorta - series of 16 cases

Resumo Contexto As lesões de aorta nos traumatismos torácicos fechados possuem alta mortalidade pré-hospitalar e no serviço de emergência. O tratamento endovascular é um método de escolha para o tratamento dessas lesões; entretanto, muitos resultados em relação a essa abordagem permanecem desconhecidos. Objetivos O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever a experiência no tratamento endovascular de lesões traumáticas de aorta torácica em um centro de referência em trauma. Métodos Este trabalho trata-se de estudo descritivo realizado através da revisão de prontuários eletrônicos de pacientes vítimas de trauma contuso de aorta torácica, atendidos em um hospital de referência em trauma na cidade de Curitiba (Paraná, Brasil). Resultados Dezesseis pacientes foram incluídos no estudo. Todos os pacientes foram vítimas de acidente de trânsito, sendo que 75% dos acidentes ocorreram por colisão entre veículos. As lesões de aorta variaram de Grau I a IV, e a maioria dos pacientes apresentou lesão de grau II (50%). Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a terapia endovascular com implante de endoprótese sendo realizado em média 71 horas após o trauma. Dois pacientes evoluíram a óbito, porém de causas não relacionadas à lesão de aorta. Durante o seguimento, apenas dois pacientes apresentaram complicações (endoleak e progressão da dissecção). Conclusões O método endovascular é uma alternativa viável no tratamento de lesões de aorta torácica por trauma contuso. São necessários estudos randomizados e controlados a fim de reforçar a indicação desse método como terapia para esse tipo de lesão.

Abstract Background Aortic injuries caused by blunt chest traumas have high pre-hospital and emergency mortality. The endovascular approach is one option for treatment of these injuries, but many outcomes related to this approach remain unknown. Objectives The aim of this study is to describe a specialist trauma center's experience with endovascular treatment of cases like these. Methods This is a descriptive study based on review of the electronic medical records of patients who had suffered from blunt thoracic aorta trauma and were seen at a hospital specializing in trauma cases in the city of Curitiba (Paraná, Brazil). Results Sixteen patients were included in the study. All patients were traffic accident victims and 75% of the accidents were the result of vehicle collisions. Aortic lesions ranged from grade I to IV and the majority had grade II lesions (50%). All patients underwent endovascular treatment with endografts, an average of 71 hours after the trauma. Two patients died, both from causes unrelated to their aortic injuries. During follow-up, only two patients presented complications (endoleak and progression of the dissection). Conclusions The endovascular method is a viable alternative for treatment of blunt trauma thoracic aortic injuries. Randomized and controlled studies are needed to provide evidence to support indication of this method to treat this type of injury.

Arterial bullet embolism after thoracic gunshot wound / Embolia balística arterial após ferimento torácico por arma de fogo

Bullet embolization of the arterial or venous systems is a rare complication of penetrating gunshot injuries. A 29-year­old man presented at the emergency department with a gunshot wound to the left arm, which had transfixed the arm and entered the thorax, with no exit wound. Initial radiographies showed a projectile in the upper left thigh. Contrast­enhanced tomography showed a pseudo-aneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta and the bullet inside the proximal left superficial femoral artery. Physical examination found diminished left pedal pulses, and the patient complained of left toe numbness. Endovascular thoracic aortic pseudoaneurysm repair was performed, sealing the descending aortic orifice with an endograft, and thromboembolectomy/bullet retrieval was carried out via a left femoral incision, both successfully. Considering that diagnosis of missile emboli depends on a high degree of suspicion, physicians who manage gunshot wound patients must be acutely aware of the possibility of intravascular bullet embolism

A embolia balística pelo sistema arterial ou venoso é uma complicação rara de ferimentos penetrantes por arma de fogo. Um homem de 29 anos se apresentou na emergência com um ferimento por arma de fogo no braço esquerdo, que transfixou o braço e atingiu o tórax, sem ferimento de saída. Radiografias iniciais mostraram o projétil na coxa superior esquerda. A tomografia contrastada mostrou um pseudoaneurisma da aorta torácica descendente e o projétil no interior da artéria femoral superficial proximal esquerda. Ao exame físico, o pulso pedioso esquerdo estava diminuído e o paciente referiu dormência no hálux esquerdo. Foi realizado o reparo endovascular da aorta torácica e a tromboembolectomia/retirada do projétil por incisão femoral esquerda, ambos bem-sucedidos. Considerando que o diagnóstico de embolia balística depende de um alto grau de suspeição, os médicos que manejam pacientes com ferimentos por arma de fogo devem estar atentos a essa possibilidade

Inhibition of PKC-dependent extracellular Ca2+ entry contributes to the depression of contractile activity in long-term pressure-overloaded endothelium-denuded rat aortas

We examined the contractile responsiveness of rat thoracic aortas under pressure overload after long-term suprarenal abdominal aortic coarctation (lt-Srac). Endothelium-dependent angiotensin II (ANG II) type 2 receptor (AT2R)-mediated depression of contractions to ANG II has been reported in short-term (1 week) pressure-overloaded rat aortas. Contractility was evaluated in the aortic rings of rats subjected to lt-Srac or sham surgery (Sham) for 8 weeks. ANG I and II levels and AT2R protein expression in the aortas of lt-Srac and Sham rats were also evaluated. lt-Srac attenuated the contractions of ANG II and phenylephrine in the aortas in an endothelium-independent manner. However, lt-Srac did not influence the transient contractions induced in endothelium-denuded aortic rings by ANG II, phenylephrine, or caffeine in Ca2+-free medium or the subsequent tonic constrictions induced by the addition of Ca2+ in the absence of agonists. Thus, the contractions induced by Ca2+ release from intracellular stores and Ca2+ influx through stored-operated channels were not inhibited in the aortas of lt-Srac rats. Potassium-elicited contractions in endothelium-denuded aortic rings of lt-Srac rats remained unaltered compared with control tissues. Consequently, the contractile depression observed in aortic tissues of lt-Srac rats cannot be explained by direct inhibition of voltage-operated Ca2+ channels. Interestingly, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced contractions in endothelium-denuded aortic rings of lt-Srac rats were depressed in the presence but not in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. Neither levels of angiotensins nor of AT2R were modified in the aortas after lt-Srac. The results suggest that, in rat thoracic aortas, lt-Srac selectively inhibited protein kinase C-mediated activation of contraction that is dependent on extracellular Ca2+ entry.

Cirugía abierta versus cirugía endovascular en el tratamiento de la patología de la aorta torácica descendente / Open Surgery versus Endovascular Surgery in the Treatment of the Descendent Thoracic Aortic Disease

Introducción: El reparo endovascular de la aorta torácica (REVAT) se ha incrementado en el mundo en los últimos años con relación al abierto. Objetivo: Comparar los resultados clínicos del REVAT frente al reparo abierto en la Fundación Cardio Infantil (Bogotá, Colombia) entre 2002 y 2011. Metodología: Análisis retrospectivo de la cohorte de pacientes sometidos a reparo abierto (grupo 1) en comparación de REVAT (grupo 2). En cada uno de los grupos se evaluó tiempo quirúrgico, tasa de morbilidad, mortalidad, reintervención y estancia hospitalaria. Resultados: Se incluyeron 57 pacientes en el análisis (26 % reparo abierto; 74 % REVAT). Se reintervinieron dos pacientes por endofugas tipo 1 en el grupo 2 y un caso por sangrado en el grupo 1. La mortalidad operatoria fue para el grupo 1 de 20 %, y para el grupo 2, de 2,3 %. El tiempo quirúrgico fue de 398 ± 180 min (grupo 1) versus 85,5 ± 35 min (grupo 2 (p = 0,0001) y el tiempo de estancia hospitalaria promedio fue de 9,8 días (grupo 1) y 5,3 días (grupo 2) [p = 0,01]). El tiempo promedio de seguimiento fue 4,8 ± 3,1 años. Conclusiones: El REVAT parece ofrecer menor morbilidad, mortalidad, tiempo quirúrgico y estancia hospitalaria respecto al reparo abierto, aunque las poblaciones de pacientes incluidos no fueron estrictamente comparables. Se requieren nuevos análisis en un diseño prospectivo, idealmente aleatorizado para documentar los beneficios a largo plazo de este tipo de reparo...

Introduction: Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair(TEVAR) has increased worldwide morethan open repair in the last few years. Objective:To compare clinical outcomes of TEVARversus open surgery at Fundación Cardio Infantil(Bogota, Colombia), between 2002 and 2011.Methods: Retrospective analysis of the cohort ofpatients with open repair (group 1) in comparisonto TEVAR (group 2). In each group, surgicaltime, morbidity rates (infection, hemorrhage,medular ischemia, cerebrovascular event, andpostoperative renal failure), mortality, reintervention,and hospital stay were evaluated. For comparisonsa univariate analysis was used, being a p< 0.05 statistically significant. Results: 57 patientswere included (26 % open repair; 74 % TEVAR).Two type 1 endoleaks on group 2 and 1 bleedingpatient in group 1 required a second surgery. Surgicalmortality was 20 % in group 1, and 2.3 % ingroup 2); surgical time was 398 ± 180 (group 1)versus 85.5 ± 35 min (group 2) (p = 0.0001); andhospital stay was 9,8 days (group 1) and 5.3 days(group 2). Average follow-up time was 4.8 ± 3.1years. Conclusions: TEVAR may be associatedwith less morbidity, mortality, surgical time, andhospital stay than open repair, although the populationsincluded were not strictly comparable.New, prospective studies, ideally randomized,are needed to support the long term benefits ofthis type of repair...

Tumor carcinoide e sequestro pulmonar / Carcinoid tumor and pulmonary sequestration

O sequestro pulmonar é definido como uma massa de tecido pulmonar separada da árvore traqueobrônquica e irrigada por uma artéria sistêmica anômala. Sua associação com neoplasias pulmonares é rara. Relatamos o caso de uma paciente de 39 anos com o diagnóstico de tumor carcinoide localizado no brônquio intermediário, associado a alterações caracterizadas como bronquiectasias em lobo inferior direito. A paciente foi submetida à toracotomia para ressecção da área acometida e, durante a cirurgia, apresentou hemorragia importante decorrente da transecção da artéria anômala que nutria o sequestro pulmonar intralobar localizado em lobo inferior direito, não identificado nos exames pré-operatórios.

Pulmonary sequestration is defined as a mass of lung tissue separated from the tracheobronchial tree and irrigated by an anomalous systemic artery. It is rarely seen in conjunction with lung neoplasms. We report the case of a 39-year-old female patient diagnosed with a carcinoid tumor, located in the intermediate bronchus and accompanied by bronchiectasis in the right lower lobe. The patient underwent thoracotomy for the resection of the affected area. During surgery, she presented with significant hemorrhage resulting from the transection of the anomalous artery that irrigated an intralobar pulmonary sequestration, which was located in right lower lobe and had not been identified in pre-operative examinations.

Tratamiento endovascular de las lesiones traumáticas de la aorta descendente con endoprótesis Apollo®: Experiencia de diez años / Endovascular treatment of descending aortic traumatic lesions with the Apollo® endograft: Ten years experience

Introducción: Las heridas traumáticas de la aorta torácica tienen una alta mortalidad. Su tratamiento es factible si el diagnóstico es rápido y preciso. El abordaje endovascular es una alternativa menos invasiva, con una menor tasa de complicaciones según la literatura. Se presenta una serie de pacientes con traumatismos tratados por este método con la colocación de endoprótesis Apollo®, en el Centervasc - Río de Janeiro, acompañado de seguimiento a largo plazo. Materiales y métodos: Se recogieron de forma prospectiva y retrospectiva los datos de seis pacientesconsecutivos (edad media 37.6 años, entre 19 y 56 años) de los pacientes con lesiones traumáticas de la aorta torácica descendente (5 trauma contuso y uno penetrante) tratados por método endovascular, con carácter de urgencia, con la implantación de endoprótesis recta Apollo® (Nano endoluminal, SC, Brasil) entre 2000 y 2006. Se analizaron las características demográficas de los pacientes, el tipo de trauma, los aspectos técnicos del implante, resultados angiográficos inmediatos y complicaciones tempranas o tardías. Como complicaciones, se consideraron la aparición de flujo persistente periprotésico o intrasaco (endofuga), las fallas estructurales de los dispositivos, la incidencia de paraplegia y la muerte hasta julio de 2010, un período mínimo de 4 años y un máximo de 10 años. Resultados: En cuatro pacientes, el tratamiento se llevó a cabo en menos de 14 hs. tras el traumaen un caso después de 36 horas y en otro caso, sólo 14 días después del evento inicial. Los procedimientos fueron realizados bajo anestesia general sin el drenaje de líquido cefalorraquídeo, con abordaje quirúrgico femoral unilateral asociado a la punción contralateral de la femoral común.La heparinización sistémica se utilizó sólo si no había evidencia de una hemorragia interna o trauma en la cabeza. Ningún paciente experimentó una conversión a procedimiento quirúrgico abierto...

Introdução: As lacerações traumáticas da aorta torácica tem elevada mortalidade imediata. O seu tratamento é factível se o diagnóstico for rápido e preciso. A abordagem endovascularé a alternativa menos invasiva e com menor índice de complicações segundo a literatura. Apresentamos uma série de pacientes vítimas de trauma tratados por este método, com implante de endopróteses Apollo®, no Centervasc-Rio, acompanhados em longo prazo.Materiais e Métodos: Foram coletados de forma prospectiva e retrospectiva os dados de seis pacientes consecutivos (idade média de 37,6 anos, entre 19 e 56 anos) portadores de lesõestraumáticas da aorta torácica descendente (5 traumas contusos e 1 penetrante) tratados pelo método endovascular, em caráter de emergência, com implante de Endopróteses Retas Apollo® (Nano Endoluminal, SC, Brasil) entre 2000 e 2006. Foram analisadas as características demográficas dos pacientes, o tipo de trauma, os aspectos técnicos do implante, os resultadosangiográficos imediatos e as complicações precoces ou tardias. Como complicações considerou-seo surgimento de persistência de fluxo periprotético ou intra saco (endoleak), falhas estruturais dos dispositivos, a ocorrência de paraplegia e de óbito até julho de 2010, com seguimento mínimode 4 anos e máximo de 10 anos.Resultados: Em quatro pacientes o tratamento foi realizado em menos de 14h após o trauma, em um caso após 36h e em um caso, somente 14 dias após o evento inicial. Os procedimentosforam realizados sob anestesia geral, sem drenagem liquórica, com acesso cirúrgico femoral unilateral associado a punção femoral comum contralateral. Heparinização sistêmica somente foi empregada se não houvesse evidência de hemorragia interna ou de trauma cranioencefálico. Nenhum paciente foi submetido a conversão para o procedimento cirúrgico aberto...

Introduction: Traumatic injuries of the thoracic aorta have a high mortality. The treatment is feasible if the diagnosis is prompt and accurate. The endovascular approach is a less invasive alternative,with a lower rate of complications according to the literature. A series of patients with injuries and treated by the placement of the Apollo® endograft were treated at the Centervasc - Río deJaneiro, together with a long-term follow up. Materials and methods: Prospective and retrospective data were collected of six consecutive patients(mean age 37.6 years, range 19 and 56 years) with traumatic lesions of the descending aorta (5 blunt trauma and 1 penetrating trauma) treated in emergency by endovascular approach implanting an Apollo® endograft (Nano endoluminal, SC, Brazil) between 2000 and 2006. The demographiccharacteristics of the patients, the type of trauma, the technical aspects of the endograft, the immediate angiographic results, and early and late complications were analyzed. Among the complications up to July 2010 for a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 10 years we can mentionthe presence of periprothesic or in the sac (endoleak) flow, structural failures of the devices, the incidence of paraplegia and death. Results: In four patients the procedure was carried out within less than 14 hours after the initial trauma and in one case after 36 hours. In another case, 14 days after the index event. Procedures were carried out under general anesthesia without cerebrospinal fluid drainage, with unilateral femoral approach combined with the contralateral puncture of the common femoral. Systemic heparinization was used only under evidence of internal hemorrhage or head trauma. No patient had to be converted to an open surgical procedure...

Tratamento endovascular da aorta torácica: momento atual e perspectivas futuras? / Endovascular treatment of the thoracic aorta, present moment and future perspective

O tratamento endovascular das doenças da aorta torácica progrediu muito rapidamente nos últimos anos, principalmente nas lesões da aorta descendente e que possuem uma zona adequada de fixação proximal e distal. Hoje em dia as endopróteses disponíveis no mercado nacional permitem tratar aneurismas da aorta torácica descendente, dissecção da aorta do tipo B, hematomas e úlceras de aorta, e lesões traumáticas. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar os estudos recentes publicados e avaliar os resultados encorajadores do tratamento de casos desafiadores como as dissecções de aorta do tipo B e lesões traumáticas da aorta. Além disso, avaliamos os resultados iniciais da nova geração de endopróteses desenvolvidas para o tratamento e aneurismas tóraco-abdominais e justa-renais. Com esta ampla revisão esperamos expandir a população de pacientes que podem ser tratados por este método. Devido a condições de emergências, doenças associadas, muitos pacientes não têm opções cirúrgicas e com resultados apresentados com o tratamento endovascular das dissecções do tipo B e lesão traumática da aorta; a cirurgia endovascular passa a ser a primeira opção no tratamento destas doenças.

Treatment of thoracic aortic lesions using endografts has rapidly progressed.Clinical trials are underway evaluating stent graft use in a variety of applications. Endovascular repair can successfully treat challenging aortic indications such as type B dissection, traumatic injury and transection.The goal of this paper is to analyze the recent results of endovascular repair. Investigators are working to improve upon encouraging initial experiences and determine the degree to which endovascular repair can successfully treat challenging aortic diseases.We also analyze the next-generation endovascular systems that are designed to treat thoraco-abdominal aneurysms and para-renal aneurysms.The effort of this paper is to expand the population of patients that can be treated. Due to emergent conditions, comorbid concerns, high risk for surgery, and difficult anatomies, many patients have insufficient options for treating their life-threatening aortic diseases. For those patients with type B aortic dissections and traumatic aortic rupturel...

Tratamiento endovascular de transecciones agudas de la aorta descendente / Endovascular treatment of acute traumatic aortic rupture

Background: Traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta as a result from high-speed deceleration injury is associated with a mortality rate of 80 percent to 90 percent at the scene of the accident. Survivors usually have life-threatening injuries to other organ systems. Standard open repair is associated with a high penoperative morbidity and mortality. Endografting offers a less invasive alternative to open surgical repair. Aim: To evaluate results of endovascular management of acute traumatic descending thoracic aortic ruptures. Methods: Between August 2002 and March 2010, patients treated for this trauma were reviewed. Results: 16 patients (fourteen males mean age 42.7 +/- 15.8 years, range 24-74) underwent endovascular treatment of an acute aortic rupture. Associated traumas in fifteen patients were: severe brain (7), spleen (4), liver (1), kidney (3) and large bone (9) injuries. Motor vehicle accidents caused 13 of the injuries and fall from height 3. Rupture was diagnosed with admission CT sean and confirmed by intraoperative angiogram. Patients were treated with thoracic aortic endograft, in 11 cases the left subclavian artery was covered with no need for further revascularization. Technical success was 100 percent, no procedure-related mortality or paraplegia was observed. One patient died 5 days after the procedure due to severe associated injuries. During a mean follow-up of 30.8 months (range 1-80), no deaths, complications or need for further interventions presented. Conclusion: Endovascular treatment of acute traumatic aortic isthmic rupture is encouraging and compares favorably to open surgical approach with low morbidity and mortality rates.

Los accidentes por desaceleración súbita se asocian a transección de la aorta torácica, falleciendo 85-90 por ciento de ellos en el sitio del suceso. Los que sobreviven presentan habitualmente politraumatismo asociado grave, teniendo la reparación quirúrgica convencional de la aorta una alta morbimortalidad. La reparación endovascular es una alternativa menos invasiva y de menor morbi-mortalidad. Objetivo: Analizar los resultados de la reparación endovascular de transecciones agudas de la aorta torácica. Pacientes y Métodos: Se revisan los antecedentes de los pacientes tratados entre agosto de 2002 y marzo de 2010. Resultados: Tratamos 16 pacientes (14 hombres, 42,7 +/- 15,8 años, extremos 24-74) con transección traumática aguda de aorta torácica descendente. Quince presentaban lesiones asociadas: traumatismo encéfalo-craneano (7), fractura de huesos largos (9), laceración esplénica (4), hepática (1), renal (3). La causa del accidente fue vehicular en 13 casos y caída de altura en 3. El diagnóstico fue realizado mediante tomograña axial computada al ingreso y luego angiograña en la sala de operaciones. El tratamiento consistió en la cobertura de la zona de transección mediante el implante de una endoprótesis, siendo necesario cubrir la arteria subclavia izquierda en 11 casos, sin requerir revascularización de la extremidad. El éxito técnico fue 100 por ciento, no hubo mortalidad relacionada al procedimiento. No hubo paraplejia. Un paciente de 60 años fallece al 5to día por lesiones asociadas graves. En el seguimiento alejado a 30,8 meses (1-80) no ha habido complicaciones ni reintervenciones. Conclusión: La cirugía endovascular es una alternativa eficaz y con baja morbimortalidad para el tratamiento de transecciones de la aorta torácica.

Endovascular and open repair for blunt aortic injury, treated in one clinical institution in Brazil: a case series

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this retrospective study is to analyze and compare the results of conventional surgical repair and endovascular treatment of blunt aortic injury over the past 8 years. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients (25 male; mean age, 35 years) were treated for blunt aortic injury between April 2001 and March 2009 in a university hospital in Brazil. Twenty-six patients were included in the study: five were treated with operative repair (OR) and 21 with endovascular treatment (TEVAR). Two patients were excluded from analysis: one was managed conservatively, and one was treated with endovascular treatment for chronic dissection related to aortic trauma. RESULTS: Mean age was lower in the OR group than in the endovascular treatment group (17.8 vs. 38 years, P = .003). There was one death in the OR group and four deaths in the endovascular treatment group. Mean follow-up for the overall group was 33.6 months, with 48.7 months (range 8-83 months) for the OR group, and 29.8 months (range 2-91 months) for the TEVAR group. Mean time elapsed from injury to repair was 23.4 hours (range 8-48 h, median 20 h) for the OR group and 30.3 hours (range 2-240 h, median 18 h) for the TEVAR group (P = .374). The duration of surgery was shorter in the endovascular treatment group (142 versus 237 minutes; P = .005). There were no significant differences with respect to the number of postoperative days requiring mechanical ventilation, duration of ICU stay or duration of hospital stay. CONCLUSION: In this retrospective analysis, endovascular treatment was a safe method for repair of blunt aortic trauma, with immediate and midterm results that were comparable to those results obtained with operative repair. No complications from the stent graft were identified during follow-up. Nevertheless, long-term follow-up is necessary to confirm the effectiveness of this treatment.

Disnea y derrame pleural izquierdo masivo como forma de presentación de la disección de la aorta descendente / Dyspnea and left pleural effusion as a dissection of the thoracic aorta

Se presenta el caso de un paciente que acudió a urgencias por disnea intensa. La historia clínica, la situación de bajo gasto cardíaco y el derrame pleural masivo serohemático llevaron a la sospecha de disección aórtica.

Traumatic pseudo-aneurysm and concurrent dissection of the aortic arch treated with endovascular stenting

The pseudo-aneurysms of thoracic aorta are rare and a life-threatening complication of aortic surgery and blunt chest trauma. This article demonstrates a case report of a traumatic aortic arch dissection and formation of a false aneurysm after blunt chest trauma in Iran. A 23-year-old man was referred complaining of chest pain and exertional cough. He had a history of chest and abdominal trauma five months ago after a car accident, resulting in acceleration-deceleration injury. The trauma resulted in an extensive injury on the left side of the chest and abdomen associated with multiple rib fractures, hemopneumothorax and splenic rupture. Splenectomy and left chest tube drainage was performed. The patient was admitted for 15 days. Finally, he recovered to normal and was discharged in satisfactory condition. However, his chest pain and cough restarted and its severity gradually increased. In chest x-ray, a left upper mediastinal mass was detected, which was later confirmed by 64 multi-slice chest CT scan as a false aortic arch aneurysm and aortic dissection. It seems endovascular stent-graft technique for the treatment of thoracic aorta aneurysm may present a good treatment choice with a low risk and less invasive approach

Utilidad del uso de la ecocardiografía transesofágica durante la inserción de una endoprótesis de aorta torácica. Caso clínico / Usefulness of transesophageal echocardiography during insertion of a thoracic aorta endoprosthesis. A case report

El uso de la ecocardiografía transesofágica (ETE) durante la inserción de una endoprótesis aórtica torácica percutánea puede ser de gran utilidad. Esto es porque se trata de una técnica de monitorización escasamente invasiva con la que se obtienen imágenes de la aorta en tiempo real y de alta calidad, sin interferir en el campo quirúrgico. Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente de alto riesgo portador de una disección de aorta torácica tipo B al que se le instaló con éxito una endoprótesis bajo visión angiográfica y ecocardiográfica. La ETE fue muy útil durante este procedimiento, pues permitió una excelente visión anatómica de la aorta. Además, con el uso de Doppler color fue posible evaluar la ausencia de endofugas paraprotésicas durante el procedimiento. En conclusión, la ETE puede ser una técnica de imágenes útil y complementaria de la angiografía durante la instalación de una endoprótesis de aorta torácica.

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) can be very useful during endovascular treatment of the thoracic aorta. TEE is a minimally invasive monitoring technique that provides high qua lit y images of the aorta without interfering the surgical field. A successful endovascular repair of a thoracic aortic dissection monitored by angiography and TEE is reported. The excellent images of the aorta provided by TEE and color Doppler were very useful for its anatomical evaluation and for demonstrating the absence of paraprosthetic endoleaks. In conclusion, during the implantation of a stent-graft in the aorta, TEE must be installed because it provides additional in formation to angiography.

O uso da ecocardiografia transesofágica (ETE) durante a colocação de uma endoprótese aórtica torácica percutanea pode ser de grande utilidade, por tratar-se de uma técnica de monitoramento minimamente invasiva que gera imagens da aorta de alta qualidade em tempo real e sem interferir no campo cirúrgico. É apresentado o caso clínico de um paciente de alto risco, portador de uma dissecção de aorta torácica tipo B, ao qual se colocou com exito uma endoprótese sob visão angiográfica e ecocardiográfica. A ETE foi de grande utilidade durante este procedimento, pois permitiu uma excelente visão anatómica da aorta. Além disso, o uso do Doppler em cores possibilitou avaliar a ausencia de endofugas paraprotéticas durante o procedimento. Em conclusão, a ETE pode ser uma técnica de imagens útil e complementar da angiografia durante a colocação de uma endoprótese de aorta torácica.

Current diagnosis and management of blunt traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta

The diagnosis and management of aortic lacerations has been gradually improving. Historically, aortic laceration were a common cause of cause of exsanguination with extremely rate. However, in modern trauma systems with advanced ressuscitation and rapid radiology imaging, the diagnosis of an aortic injury is improving with an emphasis on preventing the progression of intimal flaps and pseudoaneurysms to frank dissection or rupture. Both diagnostic modalities and the paradigm of immediate operative intervention have changed. The evolution of endovascular steting may play a future role in definitive care.

Tratamento endovascular em paciente portador de coarctação da aorta: relato de caso / Endovascular treatment in a patient with aortic coarctation: case report

Coarctação da aorta constituí um estreitamento de origem congênita na porção inicial da aorta torácica. Tem incidência de 6 a 8 por cento em nascidos vivos. A apresentação clínica é variada. O tratamento de escolha é o cirúrgico. Relatamos um caso de paciente do sexo feminino de 31 anos, com queixa de dor constrictiva na região cervical, dispnéia e claudicação intermitente em membros inferiores, sendo diagnosticada coarctação da aorta associada a estenose aórtica grave, que foi tratada com combinação das técnicas implantação de stents endovascular e angioplastia por balão.

Anatomical organization of aortic arch variations in the India: embryological basis and review

Objectives: To determine the percentage and type of aortic arch variations in Indian subjects and their clinical surgical importance and embryological basis. Patients and methods: In our investigation, branching patterns of the aortic arch were studied in 62 formalinfixed cadavers of booth sexes of Indian origin, aged 45-79. The dissections were carried out in formalin preserved after exposing the thoracic and cervical region during routine dissection of undergraduate students of Indiam origin in Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore. Results: The usual three-branched aortic arch was found in 56 cadavers (91,4 percent); variations were found in six cadavers (9,6 percent); 4,8 percent presented common origin of the carotid arteries; 1,6 percent had biinnominate sequence, and the same specimen had left coronary artery arising from arch of aorta directly; 1,6 percent presented right subclavian artery arising directy from the aorta; 1,6 percent had left vertebral artery a branch of aortic arch...

Blunt aortic injury.

Blunt aortic injury (BAI) is a lethal complication of blunt chest trauma. It accounts for up to 18.0% of deaths related to motor vehicle accident. Specific signs and symptoms are frequently absent. The majority of patients who sustain BAI die at the scene. Those who reach the hospital will survive if diagnosis and treatment is provided in timely manner. Several different techniques of repairing the BAI have been reported. Although endovascular grafts have gained much ground as an acceptable alternative to traditional surgical repair of aortic aneurysms, its application in the acute setting has been reported. We reported two cases of BAI successfully treated with endovascular graft in acute setting.