In-vivo evaluation of silk fibroin small-diameter vascular grafts: state of art of preclinical studies and animal models.

Autologous vein and artery remains the first choice for vascular grafting procedures in small-diameter vessels such as coronary and lower limb districts. Unfortunately, these vessels are often found to be unsuitable in atherosclerotic patients due to the presence of calcifications or to insufficient size. Synthetic grafts composed of materials such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) are frequently employed as second choice, because of their widespread availability and success in the reconstruction of larger arteries. However, ePTFE grafts with small diameter are plagued by poor patency rates due to surface thrombogenicity and intimal hyperplasia, caused by the bioinertness of the synthetic material and aggravated by low flow conditions. Several bioresorbable and biodegradable polymers have been developed and tested to exploit such issues for their potential stimulation to endothelialization and cell infiltration. Among these, silk fibroin (SF) has shown promising pre-clinical results as material for small-diameter vascular grafts (SDVGs) because of its favorable mechanical and biological properties. A putative advantage in graft infection in comparison with synthetic materials is plausible, although it remains to be demonstrated. Our literature review will focus on the performance of SF-SDVGs in vivo, as evaluated by studies performing vascular anastomosis and interposition procedures, within small and large animal models and different arterial districts. Efficiency under conditions that more accurately mime the human body will provide encouraging evidence towards future clinical applications.

Editor's Choice - Peri-Operative Outcomes of Carotid Endarterectomy are Not Improved on Dual Antiplatelet Therapy vs. Aspirin Monotherapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the peri-operative outcomes of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) vs. aspirin monotherapy was carried out, to determine optimal peri-operative management with these antiplatelet agents. DATA SOURCES: The Web of Science, Pubmed, and Embase databases were searched from inception to July 2021. The corresponding authors of excluded articles were contacted to obtain additional data for possible inclusion. REVIEW METHODS: The main outcomes included ischaemic complications (stroke, transient ischaemic attack [TIA], and transcranial Doppler [TCD] measured micro-emboli), haemorrhagic complications (haemorrhagic stroke, neck haematoma, and re-operation for bleeding), and composite outcomes. Pooled estimates using odds ratios (ORs) were combined using a random or fixed effects model based on the results of the chi square test and calculation of I2. RESULTS: In total, 47 411 patients were included in 11 studies, with 14 345 (30.2%) receiving DAPT and 33 066 (69.7%) receiving aspirin only. There was no significant difference in the rates of peri-operative stroke (OR 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72 - 1.05) and TIA (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.52 - 1.17) despite a significant reduction in TCD measured micro-emboli (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.10 - 0.35) in the DAPT compared with the aspirin monotherapy group. Subgroup analysis did not reveal any significant difference in ischaemic stroke risk between patients with asymptomatic and symptomatic carotid artery stenosis. DAPT was associated with an increased risk of neck haematoma (OR 2.79, 95% CI 1.87 - 4.18) and re-operation for bleeding (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.77 - 2.23) vs. aspirin. Haemorrhagic stroke was an under reported outcome in the literature. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis found that CEA while on DAPT increased the risk of haemorrhagic complications, with similar rates of ischaemic complications, vs. aspirin monotherapy. This suggests that the risks of performing CEA on DAPT outweigh the benefits, even in patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis. The overall quality of studies was low, and improved reporting of CEA outcomes in the literature is necessary.

Modifications in Near Infrared Spectroscopy for Cerebral Monitoring During Carotid Endarterectomy in Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Patients.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate trends and differences in Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) monitoring during carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in patients affected by asymptomatic and symptomatic carotid artery stenosis, to predict postoperative neurological complications (PNCs). METHODS: NIRS data of CEAs performed in a University Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. All the interventions were performed under general anesthesia and patients with intraoperative complications were excluded. Mean regional Oxygen Saturation Index (rSO2), pre-clamp values (mean baseline value, MBv and Single Mark Baseline value, SMBv) were collected and compared to the lowest rSO2 values during carotid cross-clamp (LSO2v) calculated within 3 min (percentage drop, PD). ROC curve analysis with Youden's Test was performed to determine the best threshold value of PD, in order to identify PNCs in both asymptomatic and symptomatic groups. RESULTS: Between 2007 and 2015, a total of 399 CEAs were consecutively performed with NIRS monitoring. Three-hundred-seventy-two CEAs in 355 patients were reviewed. Asymptomatic stenoses were 291 (81.9%), eleven (2.9%) PNC were registered (5 in asymptomatic and 6 in symptomatic group). Asymptomatic and symptomatic diseases had different MBv (69.5 ± 7.5 vs. 71.8 ± 6.9, respectively; P = 0.011) and similar rSO2 value during carotid clamping (63.7 ± 8.0 vs. 63.7 ± 6.7, respectively: P = 0.958). Asymptomatic patients experiencing PNCs had a greater PD than non-PNCs group (20.5 ± 10.2% vs. 12.5 ± 7.6%, respectively using MBv as baseline value; P = 0.002), in contrast, in symptomatic patients, in which a low PD was associated with PNCs, it does not reach statistical significance (using MBv, 12.6 ± 5.4% vs. 14.8 ± 6.7%, respectively; P= 0.476). In order to detect PNCs, ROC analysis revealed an optimal PD cut-off value of -17% in asymptomatic CEAs. (Sensibility (Se) 0.80, Specificity (Sp) 0.76, PPV 0.05, NPV 0.99, Youden's index 0.56; P = 0.020) In symptomatic a threshold value of -9% was found, without reaching statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: NIRS as cerebral monitoring during CEA can predict PNCs in asymptomatic stenosis. Asymptomatic and symptomatic groups differ in baseline and intraprocedural cut-off values to detect an augmented PNCs risk.

Three-Layered Silk Fibroin Tubular Scaffold for the Repair and Regeneration of Small Caliber Blood Vessels: From Design to in vivo Pilot Tests.

Silk fibroin (SF) is an eligible biomaterial for the development of small caliber vascular grafts for substitution, repair, and regeneration of blood vessels. This study presents the properties of a newly designed multi-layered SF tubular scaffold for vascular grafting (SilkGraf). The wall architecture consists of two electrospun layers (inner and outer) and an intermediate textile layer. The latter was designed to confer high mechanical performance and resistance on the device, while electrospun layers allow enhancing its biomimicry properties and host's tissues integration. In vitro cell interaction studies performed with adult Human Coronary Artery Endothelial Cells (HCAECs), Human Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells (HASMCs), and Human Aortic Adventitial Fibroblasts (HAAFs) demonstrated that the electrospun layers favor cell adhesion, survival, and growth. Once cultured in vitro on the SF scaffold the three cell types showed an active metabolism (consumption of glucose and glutamine, release of lactate), and proliferation for up to 20 days. HAAF cells grown on SF showed a significantly lower synthesis of type I procollagen than on polystyrene, meaning a lower fibrotic effect of the SF substrate. The cytokine and chemokine expression patterns were investigated to evaluate the cells' proliferative and pro-inflammatory attitude. Interestingly, no significant amounts of truly pro-inflammatory cytokines were secreted by any of the three cell types which exhibited a clearly proliferative profile. Good hemocompatibility was observed by complement activation, hemolysis, and hematology assays. Finally, the results of an in vivo preliminary pilot trial on minipig and sheep to assess the functional behavior of implanted SF-based vascular graft identified the sheep as the more apt animal model for next medium-to-long term preclinical trials.

Relevance of inflammation and matrix remodeling in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) progression.

Aneurysm is a multifactorial degenerative disease characterized by focal dilatation of blood vessels. Although abdominal aortic (AAA) and popliteal aneurysms (PAA) are the most common dilatative vascular diseases and share some features, a comparison between the different anatomical sites and the relative pathophysiological differences has not been established. In order to gain deeper insights to AAA and PAA, we have characterized the role of matrix remodelling, vascular cells phenotype depletion and the inflammatory process in both diseases. Results show a more extensive presence of T-cell, B-cell and monocyte-macrophage infiltration in AAA with respect to PAA. Concurring with this aspect, IL-6, IL-8 and MCP-1 are 10-fold increased in AAA. Moreover, MMP-9, and metalloproteinase inhibitor 3 (TIMP3) resulted up-regulated in AAA tissues. Regarding the catalytic activity, which is tightly related to the oxidative stress, we found an up-regulation of superoxide dismutase [Mn] mitochondrial (SODM), glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPX3) and peroxiredoxin-1 (PRDX1). Histological analyses clearly showed a massive elastin fragmentation in AAA. This may enhance the inflammatory response, which has a prevalent role in AAA, while PAA is mainly guided by a loss of the contractile phenotype. These findings suggest insight in these potentially devastating diseases in term of their progression, aiming to identify potential specific markers respectively for AAA and PAA treatment.

Medical Therapy Before Carotid Endarterectomy: Changes Over a 13-Year Period and Comparison Between Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Patients.

We evaluated the evolution of chronic medical therapy in patients admitted for carotid endarterectomy (CEA) over a 13-year period and to analyze the difference in medical treatment between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. A retrospective study was conducted on patients treated between 2002 and 2015. The use of antiplatelets (acetylsalicylic acid [ASA], ticlopidine, and clopidogrel), oral anticoagulant therapy (OAT), statins and antihypertensives (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors [ACE-I]/angiotensin receptor blockers [ARBs], ß-blockers [BB]) administration was evaluated. During the study period, 852 CEAs were performed in 681 (79.9%) asymptomatic patients. Prescription rate increased significantly for ASA (+29.2%), clopidogrel (+10.3%), statins (+60.8%), ACE-I/ARBs (+31.1%), and BB (+19.3%; all Ptrend < .05). No significant modification was observed for ticlopidine and OAT (ticlopidine use was abandoned in the recent years, but this difference was not significant due to the small numbers). A lower medication intake was recorded for symptomatic patients when compared with asymptomatic patients, except for OAT and clopidogrel. Our analysis suggests that medical therapy has changed over the years for patients with carotid stenosis. Although this is a big step toward best medical therapy, preoperative drug therapy remains suboptimal in symptomatic patients.

Development and validation of a score to predict life expectancy after carotid endarterectomy in asymptomatic patients.

OBJECTIVE: Recent improvement of best medical treatment for carotid stenosis has sparked a debate on the role of surgery-identification of patients who may benefit from carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is crucial to avoid overtreatment. An expected 5-year postoperative survival is one of the main selection criteria. The aim of this study was the development of a score for predicting survival of asymptomatic patients after CEA. METHODS: Our score was derived from a retrospective analysis of 648 consecutive asymptomatic patients from a single hospital. External validation of the score was then performed on a second cohort of 334 asymptomatic patients from two different hospitals in the same area. Factors associated with reduced postoperative survival within the derivation cohort (DC) were identified and tested for statistical significance. Each selected factor was assigned a score proportional to its ß coefficient: 1 point for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and lack of statin treatment; 4 points for age 70 to 79 years and creatinine concentration ≥1.5 mg/dL; 8 points for age ≥80 years and dialysis. The DC was divided into four groups based on individual scores: group 1, 0 to 3 points; group 2, 4 to 7 points; group 3, 8 to 11 points; and group 4, ≥12 points. Group-specific survival curves were calculated. The validation cohort (VC) was stratified according to the score. Survival of each of the four risk groups within the VC was compared with its analogue from the DC. RESULTS: Median follow-up of the DC and VC was, respectively, 56 and 65 months. Intercohort comparison of 5-year survival was 84.7% ± 1.7% vs 85.2% ± 2% (P = .41). Group-specific 5-year survival within the DC was 97% ± 1.5% (group 1), 88.4% ± 2.2% (group 2), 69.6% ± 4.7% (group 3), and 48.1% ± 13.5% (group 4; P < .0001). Five-year survival within the VC was 95.5% ± 2% (group 1), 89.5% ± 2.7% (group 2), 65% ± 6.1% (group 3), and 44.8% ± 14.1% (group 4; P < .0001). Intercohort comparison of group-specific survival curves showed close similarity throughout the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our score is a simple clinical tool that allows a quick and reliable prediction of survival in asymptomatic patients who are candidates for CEA. This selective approach is crucial to avoid unnecessary surgery on patients who are less likely to survive long enough to experience the benefits of this preventive procedure.

Role of preoperative serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate values in asymptomatic patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of chronic kidney disease (CKD), assessed by preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and serum creatinine (Cr), on postoperative outcomes and long-term survival in asymptomatic patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA). METHODS: We examined data about patients that underwent CEA between January 2002 and September 2014 in our Institution. Retrospective analysis to assess preoperative comorbidities and postoperative complications was performed. Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula was used to calculate eGFR. Patients were divided into four groups based on values of preoperative eGFR: group A (≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2), group B (89-60 mL/min/1.73 m2), group C (59-30 mL/min/1.73 m2) and group D (≤29 mL/min/1.73 m2), and into two groups based on preoperative Cr values: group 1 (<1.5 mg/dL) and group 2 (≥1.5 mg/dL). Primary outcomes were death or the development of one or more postoperative major complications within 30 days after surgery, for each group. Survival curves of Kaplan-Meier were plotted for each group of patients to assess long-term mortality. RESULTS: During the study period, 853 CEAs in 808 patients were performed, of which 682 CEA in 645 patients for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. Symptomatic patients (19.58%) and patients receiving hemodialysis (0.46%) were excluded. Among CEAs analyzed, 678 (99.4%) had preoperative Cr values recorded and 637 (93.4%) had preoperative eGFR values recorded. The number of patients in each group according to eGFR values was 84 (13.2%) for group A, 250 (39.3%) for group B, 271 (42.5%) for group C and 32 (5.0%) for group D; according to Cr values was 609 (89.8%) for group 1 and 69 (10.2%) for group 2. One death and 24 (3.52%) postoperative major complications, of which 20 postoperative neurological events (NE) and 4 postoperative myocardial infarctions (MI), occurred within 30 days after surgery. The median follow-up was 55 months (IQR 27-84). Regarding general population, multivariate analysis with age found no significant correlation between Cr and primary outcomes, to the contrary of eGFR (OR=1.02; CI: 1.01-1.02; P<0.0001). No significant differences were observed concerning primary outcomes according to eGFR and Cr groups. Five-year survival rates for groups A, B, C and D were 98±0.02%, 90±0.02%, 80±0.03% and 56±0.12% respectively (P<0.0001) and 88±0.02% and 62±0.08% for group 1 and 2 respectively (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: eGFR and Cr classes are not a dependable method in evaluating postoperative complications risk after CEA in asymptomatic patients, although preoperative eGFR values influence 30-days morbility. Both eGFR and Cr groups are reliable predictors to discriminate among asymptomatic patients candidates for CEA, based on their life expectancy.

Vascular Injury Due to Humerus Fracture in Pediatric Age: When the Treatment Is Mandatory.

BACKGROUND: Pink pulseless hand syndrome is a rare condition of vascular injury due to distal humerus fracture. It is characterized by radial and ulnar pulselessness in a complex of good hand perfusion which can remain pink and warm. The management and treatment of this condition is still very debated. METHODS: We report 4 cases of arm traumas which occurred in pediatric patients. In all cases, after the fixation of the fracture by the orthopedic surgeon, the clinical evaluation and duplex ultrasound demonstrated the so called "pink pulseless hand syndrome." RESULTS: We decided to proceed with an immediate surgical exploration and decompression followed by a prompt recovery of the pulsatility. Postoperative course was uneventful. At 3-year follow-up, the young patients have a normal hand function with no neurovascular damages and regular peripheral signals. CONCLUSIONS: Physical and ultrasound examination in cases of pediatric humerus fractures is important to show vascular complications before the orthopedic treatment which is usually privileged. In case of vascular damages, urgent surgical exploration can be the unique choice for a correct treatment.

Open and endovascular elective treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms: a real-world experience.

PURPOSE: To present a real-world experience of the elective treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) using both open repair (OR) and endovascular repair (EVAR). METHODS: Data from patients treated consecutively between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2014 were collected retrospectively and reviewed. The primary outcomes were 30-day mortality and complication rates, freedom from reintervention, and survival in the long-term. RESULTS: We analyzed data on 1112 patients (660 EVAR, 452 OR). The 30-day mortality and complications rates were higher after OR than after EVAR (2.9 vs. 1.1%, P = .03 and 24.7 vs. 1.1%, P < .0001, respectively). At 10 years, survival was 66.1 ± 3.2% after OR and 78.1 ± 2.2% after EVAR (P = .0006) and freedom from reintervention was 93.5 ± 1.8% after OR and 88.4 ± 1.8% after EVAR (P = .005). The preoperative aneurysm diameter was significantly associated with the development of type Ia endoleaks after EVAR (P < .0001) and of a proximal pseudoaneurysm after OR (P < .0001). CONCLUSION: In the long-term, EVAR was associated with higher reintervention rates, but better survival than OR. The preoperative AAA diameter was the most important predictor of the development of endoleaks after EVAR and proximal pseudoaneurysm after OR.

Endothelial MMP-9 drives the inflammatory response in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

Progression of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is typified by chronic inflammation and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation of the aortic wall. Vascular inflammation involves complex interactions among inflammatory cells, endothelial cells (ECs), vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs), and ECM. Although vascular endothelium and medial neoangiogenesis play a key role in AAA, the molecular mechanisms underlying their involvement are only partially understood. In AAA biopsies, we found increased MMP-9, IL-6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), which correlated with massive medial neo-angiogenesis (C4d positive staining). In this study, we developed an in vitro model in order to characterize the role of endothelial matrix metalloproteinase-9 (e-MMP-9) as a potential trigger of medial disruption and in the inflammatory response bridging between ECs and vSMC. Lentiviral-mediated silencing of e-MMP-9 through RNA interference inhibited TNF-alpha-mediated activation of NF-κB in EA.hy926 human endothelial cells. In addition, EA.hy926 cells void of MMP-9 failed to migrate in a 3D matrix. Moreover, silenced EA.hy926 affected vSMC behavior in terms of matrix remodeling. In fact, also MMP-9 in vSMC resulted inhibited when endothelial MMP-9 was suppressed.

Comparison of posterior and medial approaches for popliteal artery aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Long-term results of the posterior approach (PA) for the treatment of popliteal artery aneurysms are lacking in the literature. We reviewed our experience during a 13-year period in patients with popliteal artery aneurysms, comparing those treated through a PA with those operated on through a standard medial approach (MA). METHODS: Clinical data of all patients treated between February 1998 and October 2011 were retrospectively reviewed and outcomes analyzed. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival, and χ(2), Wilcoxon, and log-rank tests were used for analysis. RESULTS: A total of 77 aneurysms were treated in 65 patients (64 men). Mean age was 68 years (range, 48-96 years). Thirty-six aneurysms were asymptomatic (47%). Mean sac diameter was 2.8 ± 1 cm. A PA was used in 43 PAAs (55%) and an MA in 34. The PA and MA patients differed significantly in age (median being older), smoking history (more frequent in PA), and renal insufficiency and cerebrovascular disease (higher for MA). In 42 cases the aneurysm was symptomatic (54.5%) for chronic limb ischemia, with intermittent claudication in 18 patients, acute ischemia in 17, blue toe syndrome in 3, compression on adjacent structures in 3, and rupture with severe acute pain in 1. All PA repairs consisted of aneurysmectomy with an interposition graft with end-to-end anastomoses; among MA repairs, 22 interposition grafts and 12 bypasses were performed. A polytetrafluoroethylene graft was used in 54 cases. Five patients had an early thrombosis (two PA and three MA). No perioperative deaths occurred. Two patients sustained a permanent (PA) and a temporary (MA) peroneal nerve lesion. There were no early amputations. The median in-hospital stay was longer for MA (10 days) than for PA (7 days; P = .02). Median follow-up was 58.8 months (range, 5 days-166 months). Nine patients died during follow-up of unrelated causes. The 5-year primary and secondary patency rates were 59.6% ± 8.6% and 96.5% ± 3.4%, respectively, for PA, and 65.1% ± 11.1% and 79.4% ± 9.7%, respectively, for MA (P = .53 for primary patency rate and P = .22 for secondary patency rate). Limb salvage was 100% at 5 years and 93.3% ± 6.4% at 10 years for PA and 91.1% ± 6.3% at both time points for MA (P = .28). CONCLUSIONS: PA and MA both achieved satisfactory results in primary and secondary patency rates, as well as limb salvage, during long-term follow-up. The differences between the two groups were small and not statistically significant. PA was burdened by similar postoperative nerve and wound complications compared with MA. The in-hospital stay after PA was significantly lower.

Use of ultrasound debridement as an adjunctive tool for treating infected prosthetic vascular grafts in the lower extremities.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the role of an ultrasound (US) debridement system to treat conservatively patients with poor medical conditions who presented with infection of a prosthetic vascular graft in the lower extremities. METHODS: Data of all patients who underwent debridement of the grafts and/or surrounding tissue using an ultrasonic generator (Genera, Italia Medica, Milan, Italy) were recorded and retrospectively reviewed. Based on cultures, patients received specific antibiotic therapy. Partial graft removal, sartorius muscle flap rotation, or negative pressure wound treatment (NPWT) was selectively used. Early and late morbidity and mortality and recurrence were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirteen patients (median age, 72 years; range, 57-92 years; 8 men) were treated (12 Szilagyi grade III and 1 grade II infections) with US debridement without removing the graft (8 cases) or with partial excision and "in situ" reconstruction with a silver prosthetic graft (5 cases). Sartorius flap rotation was associated in 6 and NPWT in 1 case. One patient died perioperatively because of pulmonary edema because of sepsis secondary to treatment failure. Estimated freedom from reinfection was 90.9 ± 9% at 6 months and 77.9 ± 14% at 1 and 2 years. Estimated limb survival was 78.7 ± 13% at 6 months, 65.6 ± 16% at 1 year, and 52.5 ± 18% at 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: US debridement proved to be a valuable aid in the treatment of patients with infected grafts and poor medical conditions. Used in conjunction with antibiotics, it allowed us to be more conservative without compromising the chance of success.

Unusual clinical presentation of primary aortoduodenal fistula.

Primary aorto-enteric fistula (PAEF) develops between the native aorta and the gastro-intestinal tract, in the presence of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. It is a rare, life-threatening condition and appears to be less frequent than secondary aorto-enteric fistula, which is associated with previous aortic prosthetic reconstruction. When untreated, the overall mortality rate is almost 100%. Diagnosis may be challenging until the occurrence of a massive haemorrhage. In the presence of gross contamination, patients tend to a worse prognosis. Extra-anatomical bypass and repair of the enteric tract is the treatment of choice in case of gross contamination. In situ reconstruction is often reported in cases of mild bacterial contamination. Endovascular treatment has recently become a valid option in haemodynamically unstable patients, but a staged approach, with delayed surgical treatment, seems advisable.

Conservative management in a young woman affected by isolated left subclavian artery dissection.

Subclavian Artery Dissection (SAD) is a rare condition, generally due to arterial catheterization, blunt trauma or connective tissue disease. Spontaneous or minimally traumatic cases have also been reported. Clinical manifestations are usually chest and/or back pain, pulse loss and paresthesia, whereas nausea, dizziness and vomiting are present in case of involvement of the vertebral artery. We report an unusual case of a young woman presenting isolated left SAD after traffic accident, minimally symptomatic, and treated with medical therapy alone. A conservative management and a closed follow-up appear to be a safe approach in patients affected by uncomplicated SAD without other comorbidities.

Outcomes of urgent carotid endarterectomy for stable and unstable acute neurologic deficits.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the outcomes of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) performed in an urgent setting on acutely symptomatic patients selected through a very simple protocol. METHODS: From January 2002 to January 2012, 193 symptomatic patients underwent CEA. Of these, 90 presented with acute symptoms, and after a congruous carotid stenosis was identified, underwent urgent operations (group 1): 27 patients had transient ischemic attack (group 1A), 52 patients had mild to moderate stroke (group 1B), and 11 patients had stroke in evolution (group 1C). The remaining 103 patients with a nonrecent neurologic deficit were treated by elective surgery in the same period (group 2). End points were 30-day neurologic morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: The median delay of urgent CEA (U-CEA) from deficit onset was 48 hours (interquartile range, 13-117 hours). Groups 1 and 2 were comparable in demographics. Acute patients showed a higher rate of stroke at presentation (70% vs 37%; P = .001) and of history of coronary artery disease (30% vs 13.5%; P = .007). Acute patients sustained six postoperative strokes (6.6%). Neurologic outcomes were correlated to clinical presentation: no strokes occurred in group 1A patients, and 5.8% group 1B patients and 27.3% group 1C patients had postoperative stroke (P < .01). Postoperative mortality was 4.4% for U-CEA: one fatal myocardial infarction, one intracranial hemorrhage, and two thromboembolic strokes. Elective patients sustained four postoperative strokes (3.9%), with one death (0.9%) as a consequence of hyperperfusion cerebral edema. U-CEAs performed ≤48 hours from symptom onset had a lower postoperative stroke rate than those performed >48 hours (4.4% vs 8.8%; P = .3). Among patients presenting with a stroke (group 1B), the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) assessment at discharge showed improvement in 79% (although only 25% had ≥4 points in reduction), stability in 17%, and deterioration in 4%. Patients with moderate stroke were slightly better in NIHSS improvement than those with mild stroke (median NIHSS variation at discharge, -3 vs -1; P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results with U-CEA confirm that this population has a higher risk profile compared with elective surgery. The type of acute presentation is correlated with perioperative risk. U-CEA was safe when performed on patients presenting with transient ischemic attack. An acceptable complication rate was achieved for patients with minor to moderate strokes. The poorest outcomes occurred in patients presenting with stroke in evolution: U-CEA in these patients should be offered with extreme caution, although we are aware that a conservative treatment may not grant a better prognosis.

Seat belt injuries of the abdominal aorta in adults--case report and literature review.

Blunt abdominal trauma with major vascular involvement is found to be rare. Although few series have been reported in the literature, the true incidence of blunt abdominal aortic injury is unknown. Different modalities of blunt trauma may occur among civilians with steering wheel and seat belt injury secondary to motor vehicle accident the most frequent. Mechanical forces produce variable patterns of injury; therefore, the onset of signs and symptoms can be different. Dissection and thrombosis of the abdominal aorta have been frequently described among seat-belted adult patients with major vascular involvement. The associated abdominal viscus and/or vertebral lesions must always be taken into account. Prompt diagnosis allows adequate surgical treatment. We present the case of a 66-year-old woman, restrained front passenger involved in a motor vehicle collision, who had small bowel transection, vertebral fractures, and aortic partial occlusion below inferior mesenteric artery with bilateral iliac artery involvement. Along with the case reported, the purpose of this study is to highlight and compare features and management of the previous cases described in the English literature.