Use of carbon dioxide for therapeutic decision-making in endoleaks: a case report / Uso de CO2 na tomada de decisão terapêutica de endoleak: relato de caso

Abstract Endovascular aneurysm repair is currently the most frequently treatment modality for infrarenal aortic aneurysms. Endoleaks are the most common cause of reintervention after endovascular aneurysm repair. It is often unclear which type of endoleak is the correct diagnose, making the treatment decision difficult. We report the case of a 72-year-old man with an endoleak two years after endovascular aneurysm repair. Images suggested a type III endoleak, but this was not confirmed by contrast aortography. We proceeded with the investigation using aortography with carbon dioxide and observed a type IA endoleak. This was successfully treated by implantation of a proximal cuff. A review of the literature shows that the role of carbon dioxide in endoleak management is still unclear. We present a case in which carbon dioxide was essential to both diagnosis and therapeutic decision-making in a type IA endoleak.

Resumo O tratamento endovascular dos aneurismas de aorta abdominal é atualmente a modalidade de tratamento mais comum. Os endoleaks representam a causa mais frequente de reintervenção após o tratamento endovascular. O diagnóstico do tipo de endoleak frequentemente é incerto, tornando o tratamento desafiador. Apresentamos o caso de um paciente de 72 anos, com endoleak após 2 anos de tratamento endovascular de aneurisma de aorta abdominal. Os exames de imagem pré-operatórios sugeriam um endoleak tipo III; entretanto, durante aortografia com contraste iodado, não foi possível identificá-lo. Optamos por realizar aortografia com dióxido de carbono (CO2), sendo, então, identificado um endoleak tipo IA, que foi tratado com sucesso com o uso de uma extensão (cuff) proximal. O papel do CO2 no diagnóstico de endoleaks ainda não está claro. Relatamos um caso em que o uso do CO2 foi essencial para o diagnóstico e para a decisão de tratamento do endoleak tipo IA.

Procedimentos cardiovasculares híbridos / Hybrid cardiovascular procedures

O desenvolvimento das salas cirúrgicas híbridas permitiu que operações de abordagem cirúrgica convencional pudessem ser realizadas e complementadas com a abordagem percutânea e endovascular, criando uma nova forma de tratar os pacientes por meio de cirurgias híbridas. Os procedimentos híbridos permitem que cirurgiões e cardiologistas intervencionistas possam associar suas expertises para tratar, da melhor forma possível, os pacientes com doenças cada vez mais complexas e avançadas, com melhores resultados, reduzindo a morbidade e mortalidade perioperatória e permitindo recuperação mais rápida

The development of hybrid operating rooms allowed that conventional surgical approach operations could be performed and complemented with the percutaneous and endovascular approach, creating a new way of treating patients through hybrid surgeries. Hybrid procedures allow surgeons and interventional cardiologists to combine their expertise to best treat patients with increasingly complex and advanced diseases, with better outcomes, reducing perioperative morbidity and mortality and allowing faster recovery

Long-term traumatic and asymptomatic aorto-right atrial fistula

Abstract Aorto-atrial fistulas due to cardiac trauma are rare, and survivors require immediate surgical correction. Here, we report a case of an aorto-right atrial fistula due to penetrating trauma after a 16-year evolution, which developed symptoms of acute coronary syndrome and was treated with myocardial revascularization and correction of the aorto-cameral fistula.

Dissecção aguda de aorta manifestando-se com infarto agudo do miocárdio: relato de caso / Acute aortic dissection manifesting with acute myocardial infarction: case report

A dissecção aguda da aorta (DAA) é uma emergência cardiovascular que acarreta mortalidade alta, 50% a 68% em 48 horas e até 85% em um mês. Este caso refere-se a um homem com 65 anos, ex-tabagista, que teve precordialgia com queimação irradiada para membros superiores, associada a náuseas. O eletrocardiograma mostrou upradesnivelamento ST em parede inferolateral. Recebeu tratamento para infarto agudo do miocárdio com AAS, clopidogrel, enoxaparina e tenecteplase. O cateterismo cardíaco evidenciou DAA tipo A de Stanford e coronárias sem obstruções. O ecocardiograma transtorácico mostrou insuficiência aórtica moderada e dissecção estendendo-se da raiz da aorta até a porção descendente proximal. O paciente foi submetido à cirurgia de Bentall de Bono e enxerto safeno-coronário direito devido à obstrução durante a cirurgia, com boa evolução pós-operatória. A DAA continua a ser um desafio diagnóstico na sala de emergência. De acordo com International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection, os achados clínicos nas dissecções tipo A incluem dor torácica súbita e intensa (86%), irradiação dorsal (47%), sopro de insuficiência aórtica (44%), assimetria de pressão arterial (50%) e pulsos (30%), alargamento de mediastino à radiografia de tórax (63%) e supradesnivelamento de ST (4%), majoritariamente por oclusão de óstio da coronária direita. O caso destaca-se pela evolução favorável a despeito do tratamento com potencial catastrófico inicialmente direcionado para doença coronariana aguda aterotrombótica

Acute Aortic Dissection (AAD) is a cardiovascular emergency that entails high mortality - 50-68% in 48 hours and up to 85% in one month. This case involves a 65-year-old male ex-smoker who had onset of precordial pain with a burning sensation, radiating into the upper limbs, in combination with nausea. Electrocardiogram showed inferolateral wall ST elevation. He received treatment for acute myocardial infarction with acetylsalicylic acid, clopidogrel, enoxaparin and tenecteplase. Cardiac catheterization revealed Stanford type A AAD and unobstructed coronary arteries. Transthoracic echocardiogram showed moderate aortic regurgitation and aortic dissection extending from the aortic root to its proximal descending portion. The patient underwent a Bentall-De Bono procedure and right coronary artery bypass grafting using the saphenous vein due to obstruction during surgery, with good postoperative progress. AAD remains a diagnostic challenge in the emergency room. According to the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection, clinical findings in type A dissections include: sudden severe chest pain (86%), dorsal irradiation (47%), aortic regurgitation murmur (44%), asymmetric blood pressure (50%) or pulse (30%), mediastinal widening on chest radiograph (63%) and ST-segment elevation (4%), mainly due to right coronary ostium occlusion. The case is distinctive because of favorable progress in spite of the potentially catastrophic treatment initially targeting acute coronary atherothrombotic disease

Surgical treatment of complex aneurysms and thoracic aortic dissections with the Frozen Elephant Trunk technique / Tratamento cirúrgico dos aneurismas complexos e dissecções da aorta torácica utilizando a técnica "Frozen Elephant Trunk"

Abstract Objective: Report initial experience with the Frozen Elephant Trunk technique. Methods: From July 2009 to October 2013, Frozen Elephant Trunk technique was performed in 21 patients (66% male, mean age 56 ±11 years). They had type A aortic dissection (acute 9.6%, chronic 57.3%), type B (14.3%, all chronic) and complex aneurysms (19%). It was 9.5% of reoperations and 38% of associated procedures (25.3% miocardial revascularization, 25.3% replacement of aortic valve and 49.4% aortic valved graft). Aortic remodeling was evaluated comparing preoperative and most recent computed tomography scans. One hundred per cent of complete follow-up, mean time of 28 months. Results: In-hospital mortality of 14.2%, being 50% in acute type A aortic dissection, 8.3% in chronic type A aortic dissection, 33.3% in chronic type B aortic dissection and 0% in complex aneurysms. Mean times of cardiopulmonary bypass (152±24min), myocardial ischemia (115±31min) and selective cerebral perfusion (60±15min). Main complications were bleeding (14.2%), spinal cord injury (9.5%), stroke (4.7%), prolonged mechanical ventilation (4.7%) and acute renal failure (4.7%). The need for second-stage operation was 19%. False-lumen thrombosis was obtained in 80%. Conclusion: Frozen Elephant Trunk is a feasible technique and should be considered. The severity of the underlying disease justifies high mortality rates. The learning curve is a reality. This approach allows treatment of more than two segments at once. Nonetheless, if a second stage is made necessary, it is facilitated. .

Resumo Objetivo: Relatar experiência inicial com a técnica "Frozen Elephant Trunk". Métodos: Entre julho de 2009 e outubro de 2013, 21 pacientes, 66% homens, média de idade de 56±11 anos, 66,7% portadores de dissecção da aorta tipo A de Stanford (9,6% agudas e 57,1% crônicas), tipo B (14,3%, todas crônicas) e aneurismas complexos (19%), foram operados pela técnica Frozen Elephant Trunk. Foram 9,5% de reoperações e 38% com procedimentos associados (25,3% revascularizações do miocárdio, 25,3% troca da valva aórtica e 49,4% tubos valvulados). Remodelamento da aorta foi avaliado com a comparação de angiotomografia pré-operatória e pós-operatória mais recente. Seguimento 100% dos pacientes, tempo médio de 28 meses. Resultados: Mortalidade hospitalar de 14,2%, sendo 50% nas dissecções do tipo A agudas, 8,3% nas tipo A crônicas, 33,3% nas tipo B crônicas e 0% nos aneurismas complexos. Tempos médios de CEC (152±24min), isquemia miocárdica (115±31min) e perfusão cerebral seletiva (60±15min). Principais complicações pós-operatórias foram sangramento (14,2%), acidente vascular encefálico (4,7%), paraplegia (9,5%), intubação>72h (4,7%) e insuficiência renal aguda (4,7%). Houve necessidade de complementação do tratamento (distal ao stent) em 19%. Houve trombose da falsa luz em 80%. Conclusão: Frozen Elephant Trunk é opção técnica a ser utilizada. A gravidade e extensão da doença justificam mortalidade mais elevada. A curva de aprendizado é uma realidade. Esta abordagem permite abordar mais de dois segmentos de aorta em um estágio, mas se necessário segundo estágio, este é facilitado. .

Aortoduodenal syndrome: a rare cause of intestinal obstruction

No abstract available.

Espessura do tecido subcutaneo como preditor independente de ruido em imagem de TC cardiaca / Subcutaneous Tissue Thickness is an Independent Predictor of Image Noise in Cardiac CT

Fundamento: Há poucos dados sobre a definição de parâmetros simples e robustos para predizer artefato de imagem em tomografia computadorizada (TC) cardíaca. Objetivos: Avaliar o valor da simples medida da espessura do tecido subcutâneo (espessura pele-esterno) como preditor de artefato de imagem em TC cardíaca. Métodos: O estudo avaliou 86 pacientes submetidos a angiotomografia computadorizada cardíaca (ATCC) com sincronização prospectiva com ECG e avaliação de escore de cálcio coronário com 120 kV e 150 mA. A qualidade da imagem foi medida objetivamente pelo artefato de imagem na aorta em ATCC, sendo 'artefato baixo' definido como aquele < 30 UH. Os diâmetros torácicos anteroposterior e laterolateral, o artefato de imagem na aorta e a espessura pele-esterno foram medidos como preditores de artefato em ATCC. A associação de preditores e artefato de imagem foi avaliada usando-se correlação de Pearson. Resultados: A dose média de radiação foi 3,5 ± 1,5 mSv. O artefato de imagem médio na ATCC foi de 36,3 ± 8,5 UH, sendo o artefato de imagem médiona fase sem contraste do exame de 17,7 ± 4,4 UH. Todos os preditores foram independentemente associados com artefato em ATCC. Os melhores preditores foram espessura pele-esterno, com correlação de 0,70 (p < 0,001), e artefato de imagem na fases em contraste,com correlação de 0,73 (p < 0,001). Ao avaliar a habilidade de predizer artefato de imagem baixo, as áreas sob a curva ROC para o artefato de imagem na fases em contraste e para a espessura pele-esterno foram 0,837e 0,864, respectivamente. Conclusão: Tanto espessura pele-esterno quanto artefato de escore de cálcio são preditores simples e precisos de artefato de imagem em ATCC. Tais parâmetros podem ser incorporados aos protocolos ...

Background: Few data on the definition of simple robust parameters to predict image noise in cardiac computed tomography (CT) exist. Objectives: To evaluate the value of a simple measure of subcutaneous tissue as a predictor of image noise in cardiac CT. Methods: 86 patients underwent prospective ECG-gated coronary computed tomographic angiography (CTA) and coronary calcium scoring (CAC) with 120 kV and 150 mA. The image quality was objectively measured by the image noise in the aorta in the cardiac CTA, and low noise was defined as noise < 30HU. The chest anteroposterior diameter and lateral width, the image noise in the aorta and the skin-sternum (SS) thickness were measured as predictors of cardiac CTA noise. The association of the predictors and image noise was performed by using Pearson correlation. Results: The mean radiation dose was 3.5 ± 1.5 mSv. The mean image noise in CT was 36.3 ± 8.5 HU, and the mean image noise in non-contrast scan was 17.7 ± 4.4 HU. All predictors were independently associated with cardiac CTA noise. The best predictors were SS thickness, with a correlation of 0.70 (p < 0.001), and noise in the non-contrast images, with a correlation of 0.73 (p < 0.001). When evaluating the ability to predict low image noise, the areas under the ROC curve for the non-contrast noise and for the SS thickness were 0.837 and 0.864, respectively. Conclusion: Both SS thickness and CAC noise are simple accurate predictors of cardiac CTA image noise. Those parameters can be incorporated in standard CT protocols to adequately adjust radiation exposure. .

Takayasu arteritis associated with ulcerative colitis and optic neuritis: first case in Korea

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a chronic vasculitis that affects the aortic arch and its primary branches. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease of unknown etiology. Patients diagnosed with both TA and UC have rarely been reported. The pathogenesis of TA and UC is uncertain, but cell-mediated mechanisms play an important role in both diseases, and a genetic factor is thought to have an effect on the coincidence of these two diseases. We herein report a 38-year-old female with TA who had a history of UC with optic neuritis. We believe that this is the first case of the coexistence of TA and UC in Korea.

Aortic intramural hematoma after thrombolysis in a patient with acute massive pulmonary embolism

No abstract available.

A Case of Coarctation of the Aorta Diagnosed by Tardus-Parvus Renal Doppler Flow Patterns

No abstract available.

Multidetector Computed Tomography Findings of a Papillary Fibroelastoma of the Aortic Valve: A Case Report

Papillary fibroelastoma is a rare benign cardiac tumor that represents 10% of all primary cardiac tumors. Diagnosis is accomplished incidentally by echocardiography that is usually performed for another purpose. Most papillary fibroelastomas are asymptomatic, but the lesions are recognized as a cause of embolisms. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no case report of computed tomography findings of a papillary fibroelastoma. We report a case of a papillary fibroelastoma in a 78-yr-old woman who had dyspnea and chest tightness. Echocardiography revealed a small lobulated mobile echogenic mass attached to the aortic valve, and CT demonstrated a lobulated soft tissue density mass with a thin stalk at the sinotubular junction of the aortic valve.

Revascularización endovascular de la enfermedad oclusiva ateroesclerótica crónica de la aorta infrarrenal: reporte de tres casos clínicos / Endovascular revascularization of infrarenal aortic chronic atherosclerotic disease: a report of three clinical cases

La revascularización endovascular de la aorta infrarrenal en pacientes sintomáticos con lesiones oclusivas ateroescleróticas crónicas surge como modalidad terapéutica en casos seleccionados, idealmente en lesiones tipo A y B. Comunicar los resultados inmediatos y el seguimiento a largo plazo, de pacientes con clínica de claudicación intermitente de miembros inferiores, diagnosticados con estenosis significativa de la aorta infrarrenal entre junio de 2002 y enero de 2008. Tres pacientes fueron sometidos a angioplastía percutánea de la aorta infrarrenal. con implante de stent o stent-graft, indicándose al egreso aspirina, clopidogrel y cilostazol, así como rehabilitación. Se realizó seguimiento clínico y por angiotomografía al año. El promedio de estenosis fue de 86,3%, 0% posangioplastia. Durante el seguimiento se evidenció mejoría clínica y ausencia de reestenosis. La angioplastia con balón e implantación de stent ha demostrado ser una técnica segura y efectiva como lo describe la literatura actualmente. Siendo una modalidad de menor costo para pacientes con esta entidad clínica.

Endovascular revascularization of chronic atherosclerotic type A and B lesions of the infrarenal aorta is a therapeutic option in selecte symptomatic patients. Communicate immediate and long-term follow-up autcome of patients with lower limb intermittent claudication with significant infrarenal aortic stenosis diagnosis between June 2002 and January 2008. Three patients underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of the infrarenal aorta with either stent or stent-graft deployment, treated ofter discharge with aspirin, clopidogret and rehabilitation. One year clinical and tomographic follow up was made. Stenosis average was 86.3%, 0% after angioplasty. Clinical improvement and no restenosis were evident during follow-up. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with stent deployment seems to be a safe an effective approach to treat these lesions as reported in the literature, at a lower cost on an outpatient basis.

Aortic Stenosis: Evaluation with Multidetector CT Angiography and MR Imaging

Aortic valvular stenosis (AS) is the most common valve disease which results in the need for a valve replacement. Although a Doppler echocardiography is the current reference imaging method, the multidetector computerized tomograpghy (MDCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have recently emerged as a promising method for noninvasive valve imaging. In this study, we briefly describe the usefulness and comparative merits of the MDCT and MRI for the evaluation of AS in terms of valvular morphology (as the causes of AS), quantification of aortic valve area, pressure gradient of flow (for assessment severity of AS), and the evaluation of the ascending aorta and cardiac function (as the secondary effects of AS). The familiarity with the MDCT and MRI features of AS is considered to be helpful for the accurate diagnosis and proper management of patients with a poor acoustic window.

Traumatic pseudoaneurysm from the aorta to the left common carotid artery presenting as widened mediastinum

Diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm of the aorta or its main branches is a challenge in patients with blunt chest trauma. Computed tomography helps to demonstrate intrathoracic hemorrhage and suspected great vascular injury when a chest radiograph reveals widening of the mediastinum. Aortic angiography remains the gold standard in the determination of the site, and severity of vascular injury for definitive surgical intervention. Timing of surgical repair is controversial. Delayed repair of traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the aorta after primary control of associate injuries decreases mortality significantly, thus improving prognosis. We report a case of successful repair of a traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the aortic arch with extension to the left common carotid artery in an 18-year-old female patient. The diagnosis, surgical approaches, and timing of operation are discussed along with case presentation

Tratamento das lesões de aorta nos traumatismos torácicos fechados / Management of aortic lesions in blunt chest trauma

OBJETIVO: Rever a casuística, etiologia, lesões associadas, tipos de tratamento e evolução das lesões da aorta por trauma torácico fechado. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo em prontuário dos pacientes atendidos no Pronto-Socorro do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade de São Paulo e tratados pelo Grupo de Cirurgia Vascular de janeiro de 2001 a junho de 2004. Foram analisados 10 pacientes, todos do sexo masculino, sendo sete com técnica endovascular e três com técnica operatória aberta. RESULTADOS: Quanto à localização, foram observadas oito lesões da aorta descendente junto ao istmo, uma lesão da aorta descendente na transição tóraco-abdominal e uma dissecção traumática da aorta. O intervalo de tempo para o tratamento cirúrgico foi, em média, de 10,62 ± 3,45 horas para os que receberam tratamento endoluminal e 28 ± 32,39 para os operados de forma convencional. Já o período de internação total variou de 9 a 180 dias (média de 23,33 ± 6,66 dias para os tratados com endoprótese e 42,55 ± 52,7 para os operados de forma convencional). Foram utilizadas uma endoprótese Excluder®, uma Apolo® e cinco Talent®. Dos pacientes operados, dois utilizaram bomba átrio femoral. Ocorreram dois óbitos, um entre os operados de forma convencional e um entre os operados com endopróteses. CONCLUSÕES: As lesões da aorta em casos de trauma torácico fechado são pouco freqüentes e geralmente associadas a um grande número de lesões associadas. O diagnóstico precoce e preciso é fundamental para a evolução do paciente. A correção com endopróteses nos pacientes estáveis do ponto de vista hemodinâmico apresenta-se como solução eficaz.

OBJECTIVE: To review the population, etiology, associated injuries, types of treatment, and evolution of aortic injuries due to blunt chest trauma. METHODS: Retrospective study of medical charts of patients admitted to the Emergency Department at Hospital das Clínicas of Universidade de São Paulo, and treated by the Vascular Surgery Department from January 2001 to June 2004. Ten male patients were assessed: seven were treated by endovascular techniques and three by conventional operation. RESULTS: Concerning the location, there were eight injuries of the descending thoracic aorta proximal to the isthmus, one injury of the descending aorta at the thoracoabdominal transition, and one traumatic dissection of the aorta. Mean time for the surgical procedure was 10.62 ± 3.45 hours for patients submitted to endoluminal repair and 28 ± 32.39 hours for those submitted to conventional repair. The total hospitalization period varied from 9 to 180 days (mean of 23.33 ± 6.66 days for patients who received endoprosthesis and 42.55 ± 52.7 for those conventionally operated). Endoprostheses used were: one Excluder®, one Apolo®, and five Talent®. Of the operated patients, two used atrium femoral artery bypass. There were two deaths, one among the patients conventionally operated and one among those who received endoprosthesis. CONCLUSIONS: Aortic lesions in blunt chest trauma are rare and often associated to a great number of lesions. Early and accurate diagnosis is the key for the progress of patients. The endovascular repair in hemodynamically stable patients is an efficient alternative.

Recent progress in the evaluation of acute thoracic aortic injuries after blunt chest trauma

The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the value of contrast-enhanced spiral CT for detecting and managing acute thoracic aortic injury. Trauma registry data and medical records were reviewed for the last 100 patients who were suspected to have traumatic aortic injuries and who underwent contrast enhanced spiral CT. The following CT findings were considered indicative of aortic injury, intimal flap, lumen abnormality, contour irregularity, pseudo-aneurysm, and extravasation of contrast material. On the basis of these direct findings no further investigations were performed. Isolated mediastinal hematoma on CT scans was considered as indirect sign of aortic injury; thoracic aotography was performed for these patients. CT scan was normal in 23 patients and abnormal in 77 patients. Isolated mediastinal hematoma was present in 54 patients. All of them had negative angiograms. The remaining 23 patients had direct CT signs. Aortic injuries were confirmed at the thoracotomy in 21 of them. Successful aortic repair was done in 19 of them, while the remaining 2 patients died from exsanguinations at surgery. On the basis of our results we determined the correct values of sensitivity [92%], specificity [100%], positive predictive value [100%], negative predictive value [99.8%], and accuracy [99.8%]. Contrast enhanced spiral CT has a critical rule in the exclusion of thoracic aortic injuries in patients with major blunt chest trauma and prevents unnecessary thoracic aortography. Direct CT signs of aortic injury don't require further investigations to confirm diagnosis. In cases of isolated mediastinal hematorna other possible sources of bleeding should be considered before directing patients to thoracic aortography. Survival of patients with acute thoracic aortic injuries depends on early surgical repair and this requires prompt and accurate diagnosis

Pseudo-aneurisma de artéria renal pós-endopielotomia retrógrada: relato de caso e revisão de literatura / Renal artery pseudoaneurysm following retrograde endopyelotomy: case report and literatura review

A correção da estenose de junção ureteropiélica por viaendourológica não é totalmente isenta de complicações. Entre as mais raras encontra-se a formação de pseudo-aneurisma da artéria renal ou de um de seus ramos. Os autores relatam o caso de um paciente de 41 anos portador de estenose de junção ureteropiélica, com hematúriamacroscópica com repercussão hemodinâmica após endopielotomia retrógrada. À arteriografia diagnóstica, observou-se pseudo-aneurisma da artéria renal. Optou-se pela embolização da lesão com mola de Gianturco sem intercorrências. Pela raridade do caso e conduta poucouniforme, optamos pela apresentação do caso e revisão de literatura.