Surgical Strategy for Protecting Major Branch Arteries during Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for Shaggy Descending Aortic Aneurysms / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

Surgery for a shaggy aortic aneurysm requires a meticulous strategy to prevent embolic complications since the complications are associated with longer length of hospital stay and higher mortality. However, until now, there are no established treatment options to prevent embolic complications. We report a case of a 75-year-old man with a descending aortic aneurysm and a shaggy aorta who underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with major branch artery protection. During the procedure, we placed balloon catheters in the left subclavian and left common iliac arteries, a filter device in the superior mesenteric artery, and a sheath at the ostium of the right common iliac artery. The patient did not develop embolic or other complications and was discharged on the eighth postoperative day. Our strategy of using the balloon occlusion technique and filter placement at the major vessels effectively prevented embolic complications during TEVAR for a shaggy aorta.

The Aortic Pathologies: How Far We Understand It and Its Implications on Thoracic Aortic Surgery

Abstract Thoracic aortic diseases contribute to a major part of cardiac surgeries. The severity of pathologies varies significantly from emergency and life-threatening to conservatively managed conditions. Life-threatening conditions include type A aortic dissection and rupture. Aortic aneurysm is an example of a conservatively managed condition. Pathologies that affect the arterial wall can have a profound impact on the presentation of such cases. Several risk factors have been identified that increase the risk of emergency presentations such as connective tissue disease, hypertension, and vasculitis. The understanding of aortic pathologies is essential to improve management and clinical outcomes.

Prevalencia de dilatación aórtica en pacientes con válvula aórtica bicúspide según los valores de referencia de la población argentina / Prevalence of Aortic Dilation in Patients with Bicuspid Aortic Valve According to Reference Values for the Argentine Population

RESUMEN Introducción: Una proporción significativa de los pacientes con válvula aórtica bicúspide (VAB) desarrollan una dilatación de la aorta que los predispone a serias complicaciones. Objetivos: Estimar la prevalencia de dilatación aórtica aplicando los valores de referencia de la población argentina en pacientes con VAB y la influencia de los distintos métodos de indexación (talla, T, y superficie corporal, SC). Materiales y métodos: Se incluyeron consecutivamente 581 pacientes adultos con VAB. Se definió la dilatación según el criterio propuesto por las guías (fórmulas de Devereux) y sobre la base de los valores propuestos por el registro MATEAR (Medición de Aorta Torácica por Ecocardiografía en Argentina). Resultados: La edad media fue de 44,9 años (±16), 68,7% sexo masculino. Sobre la base del registro MATEAR se observó alta prevalencia de dilatación de la raíz aórtica o aorta ascendente (72,3% según T y 61,5% según SC) que resultó, en la raíz, mayor que la obtenida según las fórmulas de Devereux (T 47% vs. 31,5%; SC 35,2% vs. 26,5% p < 0,001). Se observó una subestimación sistemática al indexar por SC en pacientes con índice de masa corporal >25 kg/m² (57,8% de la población). Conclusiones: La prevalencia de dilatación aórtica, cuando aplicamos los valores de referencia para la población argentina, fue alta y en la raiz significativamente mayor que la determinada por puntos de corte originados en otras poblaciones. Se observó una subestimación sistemática al corregir por superficie corporal en pacientes con índice de masa corporal >25 kg/m², por lo que indexar por talla sería la opción más recomendable.

ABSTRACT Background: A significant proportion of patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) develop aortic dilation predisposing to serious complications. Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of aortic dilation applying reference values for the Argentine population in patients with BAV, and the influence of different indexing methods [height, (H) and body surface area (BSA)] Methods: A total of 581 adult patients with BAV were consecutively included in the study. Aortic dilation was defined according to guideline criteria (Devereux formula) and the reference values suggested by the Echocardiography Thoracic Aortic Assessment in Argentina (MATEAR) registry. Results: Mean age was 44.9±16 years and 68.7% were men. A high prevalence of aortic root or ascending aorta dilation was observed based on MATEAR criteria (72.3% according to H and 61.5 % according to BSA). This was significantly higher for the aortic root than the one obtained with the Devereux formula (H: 47% vs. 31.5%; BSA: 35.2% vs. 26.5% P <0.001). A systematic underestimation was found when indexing for BSA in patients with body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m² (57.8% of population). Conclusions: When applying the reference values for the Argentine population the prevalence of aortic dilation was high and significantly greater than at the root that determined by cutoff points originating in other populations. Systematic underestimation was observed when correcting for BSA in patients with BMI >25 kg/m², so indexing by H would be the most recommended option.

Patient with unicuspid aortic valve and ascending aorta aneurysm treated with ozaki procedure and ascending aorta replacement

Abstract Although aortic valve replacement remains the gold standard treatment for aortic valve diseases like stenosis (AS) or insufficiency, new surgical methods have been developed with a focus in the reconstruction of the aortic valve rather than replacing it. The Ozaki procedure involves a tailored replacement of each individual valvular leaflet with glutaraldehyde-treated autologous pericardium and aims to reproduce the normal anatomy of the aortic valve. Cases of patients with unicuspid aortic valve treated with the Ozaki procedure are uncommon in the litrature and become even more rare when it comes to concomitant diseases like AS and ascending aorta aneurysm. We present the case of a 21-year-old, fit and asymptomatic male, with unicuspid aortic valve with severe stenosis and ascending aorta dilatation, surgically treated with tricuspidization of the aortic valve with glutaraldehyde-treated autologous pericardium and replacement of the ascending aorta with a straight synthetic graft. Postoperative studies showed a fully functional, neo-tailored tricuspid aortic valve with trivial regurgitation. The patient had an uncomplicated recovery, stayed in the intensive care unit for 2 days and was discharged on the 7th postoperative day.

Hoarseness due to aortic arch aneurysms

Abstract Objective: To give an overview of the Ortner's syndrome caused by an aortic arch aneurysm. Methods: By comprehensive retrieval of the pertinent literature published in the past two decades, 75 reports including 86 patients were collected and recruited into this study along with a recent case of our own. Results: The aortic arch aneurysms causing hoarseness were most commonly mycotic aneurysms. In this patient setting, in addition to the left recurrent laryngeal nerve, trachea was the most commonly affected structure by the aortic arch aneurysm. Surgical/interventional/hybrid treatments led to a hoarseness-relieving rate of 64.3%, much higher than that of patients receiving conservative treatment. However, hoarseness recovery took longer time in the surgically treated patients than in the interventionally treated patients. Conclusion: The surgical and interventional treatments offered similar hoarseness-relieving effects. Surgical or interventional treatment is warranted in such patients for both treatment of arch aneurysms and relief of hoarseness.

Total Arch Replacement with a 150-mm J-Graft Open Stent Graft for a Syphilitic Aortic Aneurysm / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A 66-year-old man was under observation as an outpatient for moderate aortic regurgitation and distal aortic arch aneurysm since 2005. He underwent surgery for gradual expansion of the distal aortic arch aneurysm. Preoperative enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed a fusiform-type aortic aneurysm with a maximum short diameter of 63 mm. The aneurysm extended from the left subclavian artery to the descending aorta, 67 mm ahead. Based on the preoperative CT, a 150-mm open stent graft (OSG) was selected because of an adequate landing zone when inserted from the proximal site of the left subclavian artery. A 33-mm diameter graft was selected with a diameter 10% larger than that of the aorta at the landing zone. Moreover, the preoperative rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test was positive at 5.5 RU, and the fixed Treponema pallidum latex agglutination (TPLA) test was positive at 4,670 TU. He had undergone treatment for syphilis, and we concluded that the patient harbored antibodies after syphilis treatment. In the operating room, median sternotomy was performed. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was instated with bilateral axillary artery return, and superior vena cave (SVC) -inferior vena cave (IVC) venous drainage was placed. The aortic wall was strongly adherent to the surrounding tissue, similar to that observed in the aortitis syndrome. We performed aortic valve replacement during the systemic cooling. Under hypothermic circulatory arrest at 25°C with selective cerebral perfusion, the aorta was cut between the left common carotid artery and left subclavian artery. From this site, OSG was inserted to the level of the aortic valve. Total arch replacement was performed with a 30-mm bypass graft. Pathological findings indicated infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma cells around the feeding artery in the aortic aneurysm wall, and the aortic media wall showed fibrillation. Based on the intraoperative and postoperative pathologic findings, we diagnosed the patient with syphilitic aortic aneurysm, and started oral administration of amoxicillin 1,500 mg per day for 3 months. He was discharged on the 13th postoperative day without paraplegia, vocal cord paralysis, or other complications. Although syphilitic aortic aneurysm is rarely seen, it must always be considered as one of the causes of aortic aneurysm.

Influencia del síndrome metabólico en los resultados de la cirugía del sector aorto-iliaco / Influence of the metabolic syndrome on the results of the surgery of the aortic-iliac sector

Introducción: El síndrome metabólico está relacionado con el incremento de la morbilidad y mortalidad de las enfermedades. Objetivo: Determinar la influencia del síndrome metabólico sobre los resultados de la cirugía revascularizadora del sector aorto-ilíaco. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo en dos etapas, en 114 pacientes atendidos en un período de cuatro años (2010-2014) en el Hospital Hermanos Ameijeiras con el diagnóstico de aneurisma de la aorta infrarrenal o enfermedad esteno-oclusiva aorto-ilíaca. Las variables fueron: presencia del síndrome metabólico y tipo de sus criterios positivos, enfermedad al ingreso, complicaciones posoperatoria, condición al alta (vivo /fallecido) y estancia hospitalaria. Se realizó el análisis estadístico correspondiente. Resultados: El 64 por ciento presentó el síndrome metabólico (p= 0,004), que predominó en la enfermedad esteno-oclusiva (48,2 por ciento) y en el aneurisma de la aorta abdominal infrarrenal (15,8 por ciento) sin diferencias significativas entre ambas entidades (p= 0,466). El 43,8 por ciento presentó cuatro criterios positivos, donde la hipertensión arterial fue la más frecuente (94,5 por ciento). Las complicaciones posquirúrgicas (relacionadas con la cirugía y respiratorias) se produjeron en el 64,4 por ciento. Hubo cinco fallecidos (5,3 por ciento) por enfermedades cardiovasculares y vasculares periféricas. El 50,7 por ciento de los enfermos con síndrome metabólico complicado acumuló más de 10 días de estadía posoperatoria. Conclusiones: El síndrome metabólico influye de forma negativa en los resultados de la cirugía revascularizadora del sector aorto-ilíaco en los pacientes con aneurisma de la aorta abdominal infrarrenal o con enfermedad esteno-oclusiva aorto-ilio-femoral, por el incremento de la frecuencia de complicaciones posoperatorias(AU)

Introduction: The metabolic syndrome is related to the increase of the morbidity and the mortality of diseases. Objective: To determine the influence of the metabolic syndrome on the results of the revascularization surgery performed in the aortic-iliac sector. Methods: A two-phase descriptive study was conducted in 114 patients, who were diagnosed with infrarenal aortic aneurysm or steno-occlusive aortic-iliac disease and treated in Hermanos Ameijeiras hospital from 2010-2014. The study variables were presence of metabolic syndrome and type of positive criteria of the same, disease on admission, postoperative complications, patient´s condition on discharge (alive/dead) and hospital length of stay at hospital. The corresponding statistical analysis was made. Results: Sixty four percent presented with the metabolic syndrome (p= 0.004), predominating in steno-occlusive disease (48.2 percent) and the infrarenal abdominal aorta aneurysm (15.8 percent) without significant differences between the two conditions (P= 0.466). In the group, 43.8 percent showed four positive criteria, being hypertension the most common (94.5 percent). Post-surgical complications (related to surgery and respiratory problems) occurred in 64.4 percent. There were five deaths (5.3 percent) due to cardiovascular disease and peripheral vascular diseases. The 50.7 percent of patients with complicated metabolic syndrome had stayed more than 10 days at hospital after surgery. Conclusions: The metabolic syndrome has negative impact on the results of the revascularization surgery of the aortic-iliac sector in patients with infrarenal abdominal aorta aneurysm or with aortic-iliac-femoral steno-occlusive disease, due to increased frequency of postoperative complications(AU)

Stentgraft Treatment for Inflammatory Aortic Aneurysm of Thoracic Aorta in Behçet's Disease / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A 71-year-old man with Behçet's disease was admitted to our hospital for treatment of a thoracic aortic aneurysm. On admission, there was marked inflammatory response, but blood culture was negative and there was no significant accumulation of gallium scintigraphy. The aorta was shaggy and there were two aneurysms in the descending aorta. We performed endovascular aortic repair for this aneurysm in consideration of the inflammatory aortic aneurysm. After treatment, the patient had paraparesis, however he underwent physical rehabilitation to regain function. He was followed up for 1 year and remains in good clinical condition without anastomotic aneurysm, dilatation or aneurysm at another site.

Long-term efficacy of fibrin sealant treating proximal type Ⅰ endoleak after endovascular aneurysm repair in abdominal aortic aneurysm / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective To observe the long-term efficacy of human fibrin sealant (FS) in the treatment of proximal type Ⅰ endoleak after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).Methods The clinical data of 104 AAA patients with proximal type Ⅰ endoleak receiving EVAR + FS in Changhai Hospital from 2003 to 2012 was retrospectively analyzed,among those 77 cases were with less than 15 mm proximal neck,21 cases with greater than 60 degrees proximal neck angulation,37 cases with severe calcification or thrombosis in proximal neck.After failure of conventional endoleak therapy FS was injected through AAA catheter and long-term efficacy was evaluated by CTA during the follow-up.Results Intra-sac pressure decreased significantly after FS injection.Three patients (2.9％)died perioperatively.Postoperative 1'-,3' and 5 year survival rate was 91.8％,80.6％ and 60.2％respectively.Maximum diameter of AAA decreased from (58.78 ± 13.41) mm to (52.6-± 12.2) mm.There was no FS injection related complications.Conclusion Intra-sac injection of FS is an effective,economical and safe method for treating post-EVAR endoleak,especially for AAA with relatively short and twisted aneurysm neck.

Síndrome compartimental abdominal en el contexto de ruptura de aorta abdominal: posibles factores de manejo terapéutico que aumenten incidencia de este síndrome / Abdominal compartment syndrome in the context of ruptured abdominal aorta: possible therapeutic management factors that increase incidence of this syndrome

El síndrome compartimental abdominal (SCA) es cuando la presión intaabdominal (PIA) es sostenida mayor a 20 mmHg asociada con nuevo fallo/disfunción de órganos. Este síndrome se puede presentar por causas primarias abdomino-pélvicas o causas secundarias. Una de las causas primarias es la presencia de aneurisma de aorta abdominal, su ruptura y complicaciones como hematomas retroperitoneales. Se ha discutido sobre la ventaja de realizar reparación endovascular (RE) en el contexto de ruptura de aneurisma de aorta abdominal (RAAA) versus la tradicional reparación por cirugía abierta (CA), tanto en reducción de mortalidad como de complicaciones postquirúrgicas. En cuanto a causas secundarias, estas están relacionadas con el manejo perioperatorio del paciente con RAAA. Se ha evidenciado que una correcta monitorización y manejo del paciente en el pre, trans y postoperatorio, indistintamente de la técnica quirúrgica empleada, tiene mayor incidencia en la disminución de SCA.

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) happens when the intra-abdominal pressure maintains above 20 mmHg with new organ failure. This syndrome has primary abdominal pelvic causes or secondary causes. One of the primary etiologies can be the presence of an abdominal aorta aneurysm, its rupture and complications such as retroperitoneal hematoma. It has been discussed about the advantage of endovascular repair (EVAR) in patients with rupture of abdominal aorta aneurysm (RAAA) vs open repair (OR), reducing mortality and complications after surgery. About de secondary etiologies of ACS, these have been linked with perioperative treatment of patients with RAAA. It has been stablished that the right monitoring and treatment of the patient in the pre, trans and postoperative time, regardless of the surgery technique, has a better influence diminishing the incidence of SCA.

Thoracic Aorta Aneurysm-Endovascular Aortic Repair.

Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) is the treatment of choice for patients with descending thoracic aortic aneurysm who are unfit for open surgery. We report a 50-year-old Asian woman who presented with a saccular symptomatic thoracic aortic aneurysm and underwent EVAR with a covered stent with prompt relief of symptoms and no residual complications at 1 year of follow up.

Válvula aórtica bicúspide: resultados a largo plazo de la cirugía reparadora / Long-term Results with Reconstructiva Surgery of the Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Introducción: La válvula aórtica bicúspide es la anomalía congénita cardíaca más frecuente. En pacientes con requerimienro de cirugía, el tratamiento tradicional ha sido la sustitución valvular. La introducción del concepto de reparación de la válvula aórtica bicúspide ha llevado a nuestro grupo a reproducir las técnicas de reparación, las cuales se han estandarizado y aplicado de manera homogénea en nuestras instituciones. Objetivos: Revisar la experiencia conjunta de tres centros, con la presentación de los resultados a mediano y a largo plazos de la reparación valvular. Material y métodos: Entre octubre de 1995 y febrero de 2013 se intervinieron 666 pacientes con válvulas bicúspides e insuficiencia aórtica y/o aneurisma de la aorta. De ellos, 254 presentaban insuficiencia aórtica aislada y 412, aneurisma o disección. Se reconstruyó la válvula en todos los pacientes (en 254 como procedimiento aislado, en 281 "remodelación de la raíz", en 129 remodelación de la unión sinotubular y en 2 "reimplantación"). Resultados: La mortalidad fue de 3/666 (0,5%): 1/254 (0,4%) tras reparación valvular aislada y 2/410 (0,5%) tras reparación más reemplazo de la aorta. En pacientes con cirugía asociada (coronaria, reparación mitral/tricúspide) fue de 1/77 (1,3%). Durante el seguimiento murieron 12 pacientes (supervivencia a los 10 años: 95%). Las libertades de reoperación y de sustitución valvular a los 10 y 15 años fueron del 80% y 77% y del 86% y 83%, respectivamente. La libertad de reoperación a los 10 años fue superior en el reemplazo de la raíz (86%) o la aorta tubular (84%) en comparación con la reparación aislada (74%; p = 0,005). La libertad de cualquier complicación relacionada con la válvula fue del 80% y 77% a los 10 y 15 años, respectivamente, y fue mejor para reparación incluyendo "remodelación de la raíz" (87% y 82%) que para reparación aislada (77% y 77%; p = 0,04). Conclusiones: La reparación de la válvula aórtica bicúspide es un procedimiento seguro y duradero, con una incidencia baja de "complicaciones relacionadas con la válvula" a mediano y a largo plazos.

Introduction: Bicuspid aortic valve is the most common congenital heart disease. Traditionally, aortic valve replacement has been the approach for patients requiring surgery. After introduction of the bicuspid aortic valve repair concept, our group began reproducing these techniques, which have been standardized and homogeneously applied at our institutions. Objectives: The aim of this study was to review the conjoint experience of three centers and show the mid- and long-term results of bicuspid aortic valve repair. Methods: Between October 1995 and February 2013, 666 patients with bicuspid aortic valve underwent surgery for aortic regurgitation and/or aortic aneurysm. Isolated aortic regurgitation was present in 254 patients, and 412 had aortic aneurysm or dissection. The valve was reconstructed in all the patients (isolated valve repair in 254, "remodelling of the aortic root" in 281, remodelling of the sinotubular junction in 129 and "reimplantation" technique in 2). Results: Mortality was 3/666 (0.5%): 1/254 (0.4%) after isolated valve repair and 2/410 (0.5%) after valve repair plus aortic replacement. In patients with combined procedures (coronary revascularization or mitral/tricuspid valve repair), mortality was 1/77 (1.3%). During follow-up, 12 patients died (10-year survival: 95%). Freedom from reoperation and from aortic valve replacement at 10 and 15 years were 80% and 77%, and 86% and 83%, respectively Freedom from reoperation at 10 years was higher with aortic root (86%) or tubular aorta (84%) replacement, compared with isolated valve repair (74%; p = 0.005). Freedom from any valve-related complication was 80% and 77% at 10 and 15 years, respectively, and was better for valve repair including "remodelling of the aortic root" (87% and 82%) than for isolated repair (77% and 77%; p = 0.04). Conclusions: Bicuspid aortic valve repair is a safe, long-lasting procedure, with a low incidence of mid- and long-term "valve-related complications".

Aneurismas de aorta abdominal e ilíaca y síndrome de Loeys- Dietz / Abdominal aortic iliac aneurysms and Loeys-Dietz syndrome

Se presenta el caso clínico de una paciente de 29 años de edad, con antecedentes de ectasia aórtica, quien había sido estudiada a los 18 años mediante cineangiografía y se halló un aneurisma fusiforme de la aorta abdominal infrarrenal y de la arteria ilíaca primitiva izquierda, de causa no precisada, las cuales fueron sustituidas con derivación aortofemoral izquierda. Posteriormente, en el 2012, presentó dolor y aumento del volumen en la región inguinal izquierda, por lo que fue atendida en el Cuerpo de Guardia del Hospital Provincial Docente Clinicoquirúrgico "Saturnino Lora Torres" de Santiago de Cuba, y evaluada por especialistas del Servicio de Angiología y Cirugía Vascular, los cuales determinaron operarle de urgencia, al observar un aneurisma anastomótico de la arteria femoral izquierda, de causa micótica, y las características: craneosinostosis, úvula bífida y hendidura del paladar; propias del síndrome de Loeys-Dietz.

The case report of a 29 year-old patient, with a history of aortic ectasia who had been studied when she was 18 years through cineangiography is presented and a fusiform aneurysm of the infrarrenal abdominal aorta and of the left primitive iliac artery, of unspecific cause was found, which were substituted with left aortofemoral bypass. Later on, in 2012, she presented pain and increase of the volume in the left inguinal region, reason why she was assisted in the emergency room of "Saturnino Lora Torres" Teaching Provincial Clinical Surgical Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, and evaluated by specialists of the Angiology and Vascular Surgery Service, which determined to treat her with an emergency surgery, when observing an anastomotic aneurysm of the left femoral artery of fungal cause, and the characteristics: craneosinostosis, bifid uvula and cleft palate; characteristic of Loeys Dietz syndrome.

Blood coagulation and fibrinolytic response before and after acute aortic dissection repair / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective To studied perioperative changes in blood coagulation and the fibrinolytic system in patients undergoing acute aortic disec tion repair analyse the reason and outcome for these changes.Methods Between August 2011 and December 2011,30 patientsk[22 male and 8 female,mean aged (43.0±9.13) years] had undergone open repairs of aortic dissection or aneurysm with DHCA.Indications for surgical intervention were type A sortic dissection in 26 patients and aortic aneurysm in 4 patients.According to the time from clinical onset of the dissection to operation,acute group(less than 7 days,A group) 20 patients; chronic group (more than 30 days and aortic aneurysm,C group) 10 patients.Data were gathered for muhiple preoperative and intraoperative factors including age,sex,diagnosis,aortic dissection type,preoperative ejection fraction,aortic surgery history,surgical intervention type,cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time,aortic cross-clamp time,blood transfusion volume (PRBC),mechanic ventilation time,ICU length of stay and hospital length of stay.Platelet (PLT),fibrin degredation product (FDP),D-dimmer,thrombin-antithrombin (TAT),and soluble fibrin monomer complex (SFMC) were assayed before and after operation,as well as 0 h,24 h,48 h,72 h.These valuables were recorded and compared statistically between two groups.Results Preoperative serum level and postoperative peak level of FDP and D-dimmer in group A were significant higher than in gnoup C (P ＜ 0.05)and postopertive serum peak level in group C were significant higher than preoperative level (P ＜ 0.05 ).Preoperative snd postoperative most hours there was significant intergroup difference on the serum levels of SFMC and TAT (P ＜ 0.05 ).Preoperative level of PLT in group A is lower than in group C significantly (P ＜ 0.05 ).The level of PLT in each hour after surgery were much lower than the level before surgery in both group (P ＜0.05 ).In addition,thromhus fonantion in ascending aortic falsc lumen in group A was much moee common than in group C (P ＜0.05 ).There was significant difference on incidence of postoperative complications between two groups (P ＜ 0.05 ).Conclusion Activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis which results from acute aortic dissection and surgical procedure was obscrved before and after surgery to treat acute aortic dissection.There is increasing risk for consumption coagulopathy and thromboembolism during perioperative period.

Aneurisma aorta torácica y falla cardíaca manejado con transplante cardíaco: descripción de un caso clínico / Aorta thoracic aneurysm and cardiac failure treated with cardiac transplant: description of a clinical case

Alrededeor de un 25% de aneurismas aórticos degenerativos afectan a la aorta torácica. En la mayoria de los casos afectan al arco y a la aorta desendente, a diferencia de los luéticosque tienen mayor frecuencia en aorta ascendente. A veces toda la aorta es estásica presentando multiples dilataciones que se extienden a aorta abdominal, dando lugar a aneurisma toracoabdominales. Existen factores predisponentes como la edad, hipertensión sistémica arterial (HTA), anomalias congénitas de la válvula aórtica, transtornos hereditarios del sistema conectivo, traumáticos y otros. Afecta a pacientes entre la quinta y la séptima décadas de la vida, siendo más frecuente en varones (3:1). En menores de 40 años la frecuencia es similar en ambos sexos, debido a la mayor frecuencia en mujeres durante el trecer trimestre del embarazo. La HTA es encontrada en el 80% de los casos, siendo el segundo factor predisponente en importancia.

Around 25% of degenerative aortic aneurysms affect the thoracic aorta. In the majority of cases they affect the arch and the descending aorta, unlike luetic aneurysms, which are more frequent in the ascending aorta. Sometime the entire aorta is in a state of stasis, presenting multiple dilatations that extend to the abdominal aorta giving rise to thoracoabdominal aneurysms. There are predispositional factors, among them systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), congenital anomalies of the aortic valve, hereditary connective system disorders and traumatisms. This condition affects patients in their 50s to 70s and is most frequent in males (3:1). In the under-40s, frequency is similar in both sexes, owing to the higher frequency among women during the third trimester of pregnancy. SAH is found in 80% of cases, being the second most important predispositional factor.

Aneurysm Formation of Cervical Aortic Arch Combined with Subaortic Left Innominate Vein: Case Report

An asymptomatic 26-year-old man was initially admitted with a suspicious mediastinal mass. On the basis of the contrast-enhanced chest CT findings, aneurysm formation involving the left cervical aortic arch associated with subaortic left innominate vein was diagnosed. The aneurysm was confirmed by MR angiography and DSA. The arch aneurysm was surgically removed. We describe this case, and review the literature.

Mycotic Aneurysm of Abdominal Aorta Causing the Right Renal Arterial Stenosis: Case Report

Mycotic aneurysm of the abdominal aorta is a rare disease. Despite intensive antibiotic therapy, rupture leads to a high mortality rate, so early diagnosis and treatment is very important. Rupture is the most common complication of abdominal aortic aneurysm, while renal artery stenosis is very rare. We report the radiologic findings of mycotic aneurysm of the suprarenal abdominal aorta leading to right renal artery stenosis induced by mass effect and renovascular hypertension.

Percutaneous Endovascular Stent-Graft Treatment of Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections: New Techniques and Initial Experience

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of a newly designed percutaneously implanted separate stent-graft (SSG) for the treatment of aortic aneurysms and dissections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a percutaneous technique, SSG placement (in the descending thoracic aorta in 26 cases and infrarenal abdominal aorta in 24) was attempted in 50 patients with aortic aneurysms (n=27) or dissection (n=23). All SSGs were individually constructed using self-expandable nitinol stents and a Dacron graft, and were introduced through a 12 F sheath and expanded to a diameter of 20-34 mm. In all cases, vascular access was through the femoral artery. The clinical status of each patient was monitored, and postoperative CT was performed within one week of the procedure and at 3-6 month intervals afterwards. RESULTS: Endovascular stent-graft deployment was technically successful in 49 of 50 patients (98%). The one failure was due to torsion of the unsupported graft during deployment. Successful exclusion of aneurysms and the primary entry tears of dissections was achieved in all but three patients with aortic dissection. All patients in whom technical success was achieved showed complete thrombosis of the thoracic false lumen or aneurysmal sac, and the overall technical success rate was 92%. In addition, sixteen patients demonstrated complete resolution of the dissected thoracic false lumen (n=9) or aneurysmal sac (n=7). Immediate post-operative complications occurred at the femoral puncture site in one patient with an arteriovenous fistula, and in two, a new saccular aneurysm developed at the distal margin of the stent. No patient died, and there was no instance of paraplegia, stroke, side-branch occlusion or infection during the subsequent mean follow-up period of 9.4 (range, 2 to 26) months. CONCLUSION: In patients with aortic aneurysm and dissection, treatment with a separate percutaneously inserted stent-graft is technically feasible, safe, and effective.

Tuberculous Aneurysm of the Abdominal Aorta: Endovascular Repair Using Stent Grafts in Two Cases

Tuberculous aneurysm of the aorta is exceedingly rare. To date, the standard therapy for mycotic aneurysm of the abdominal aorta has been surgery involving in-situ graft placement or extra-anatomic bypass surgery followed by effective anti-tuberculous medication. Only recently has the use of a stent graft in the treat-ment of tuberculous aortic aneurysm been described in the literature. We report two cases in which a tuberculous aneurysm of the abdominal aorta was success-fully repaired using endovascular stent grafts. One case involved is a 42-year-old woman with a large suprarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm and a right psoas abscess, and the other, a 41-year-old man in whom an abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptured during surgical drainage of a psoas abscess.

Helical CT Angiography of the Whole Aorta and Iliac Arteries by Injection of Split Bolus Contrast Media: Comparison with single Bolus Injection Technique

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of the split-bolus contrast media injection technique in helical CTangiography(CTA) of the whole aorta and iliac arteries with that of the single-bolus technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the split bolus technique in 23 patients, 90 ml of contrast medium (Ultravist 300) was injected ata rate of 3ml/sec;this was followed by an 8-sec pause and the subsequent injection of 30ml. Using the single bolustechnique in another 23 patients, 120ml of contrast medium was injected for 40sec. continuously. CT angiography ofthe thoracic aorta (slice thickness/pitch=3mm/2:1) was performed, first followed by an interscan delay of 8sec,and the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries were then scanned(slice thickness/pitch=3mm/2:1 or 5mm/1.5:1). In allpatients, CT density was measured in the aortic lumen at eight levels, from the origin of the aorta to the iliacbifurcation. RESULTS: Using the split bolus technique, visual assessment revealed second density peak in theaortic lumen of the upper abdomen in 15 of 23 patients(65%), while the use of the single bolus technique revealedno second density peak in any patient. CT density in the aortic lumen at the level of the esophagogastricjunction, and at all levels below this except the abdominal aortic bifurcation, was significantly higher using thesplit bolus technique than with the single bolus technique (t-test, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: For CTA of the wholeaorta and iliac arteries, the split bolus technique is more effective than the single bolus technique.