Experiência inicial com ultrassom Doppler com contraste por microbolhas em adição ao ultrassom Doppler convencional para seguimento de correção endovascular de aneurisma de aorta abdominal / Initial experience with Duplex scan combined with contrast-enhanced ultrasound for follow-up of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

Resumo Contexto O ultrassom contrastado por microbolhas (CMUS) é uma modalidade diagnóstica de acurácia bem demonstrada por estudos internacionais para seguimento de reparo endovascular do aneurisma de aorta abdominal (EVAR). Não existem, no entanto, estudos nacionais focados nesse método de seguimento. Objetivos O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar a experiência inicial com CMUS em um hospital terciário, traçando uma comparação dos achados do CMUS com o ultrassom Doppler convencional (USGD), com o intuito de verificar se a adição de contraste ao protocolo padrão de controle ultrassonográfico incorreu alteração nos achados. Métodos Entre 2015 e 2017, 21 pacientes em seguimento de EVAR foram submetidos ao USGD seguido de CMUS. Foram avaliados os achados de exame referentes à identificação de complicações, bem como à capacidade de identificação da origem da endofuga. Resultados Entre os 21 casos avaliados, 10 complicações foram evidenciadas no total: sete pacientes apresentaram endofuga (33,3%); dois pacientes apresentaram estenose em ramo de endoprótese (9,52%); e um paciente apresentou dissecção em artéria ilíaca externa (4,76%). Em 21 pacientes avaliados, o uso combinado dos métodos identificou 10 casos de complicações pós-EVAR. Em seis dos sete casos de endofugas (85,71%), o uso dos métodos combinados foi capaz de identificar a origem. O USGD isolado falhou na identificação da endofuga em dois casos (28,5%), identificando achados duvidosos em outros dois casos (28,5%), que obtiveram definição diagnóstica após associação do CMUS. Conclusões O CMUS é uma técnica de fácil execução, a qual adiciona subsídios ao seguimento de EVAR infrarrenal.

Abstract Background Microbubble contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is an accurate diagnostic method for follow-up after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) that has been well-established in international studies. However, there are no Brazilian studies that focus on this follow-up method. Objectives The objective of this study was to report initial experience with CEUS at a tertiary hospital, comparing the findings of CEUS with those of conventional Doppler ultrasound (DUS), with the aim of determining whether addition of contrast to the standard ultrasonographic control protocol resulted in different findings. Methods From 2015 to 2017, 21 patients in follow-up after EVAR underwent DUS followed by CEUS. The findings of these examinations were analyzed in terms of identification of complications and their capacity to identify the origin of endoleaks. Results There was evidence of complications in 10 of the 21 cases examined: seven patients exhibited endoleaks (33.3%); two patients exhibited stenosis of a branch of the endograft (9.52%); and one patient exhibited a dissection involving the external iliac artery (4.76%). In the 21 patients assessed, combined use of both methods identified 10 cases of post-EVAR complications. In six of the seven cases of endoleaks (85.71%), use of the methods in combination was capable of identifying the origin of endoleakage. DUS alone failed to identify endoleaks in two cases (28.5%) and identified doubtful findings in another two cases (28.5%), in which diagnostic definition was achieved after employing CEUS. Conclusions CEUS is a technique that is easy to perform and provides additional support for follow-up of infrarenal EVAR.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm: diagnosis and management

This guideline covers diagnosing and managing abdominal aortic aneurysms. It aims to improve care by helping people who are at risk to get tested, specifying how often to monitor asymptomatic aneurysms, and identifying when aneurysm repair is needed and which procedure will work best.

New predictors of aneurysm sac behavior after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify new predictors of sac behavior after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) and to investigate whether sac behavior is associated with long-term clinical outcomes. METHODS: A total of 168 patients undergoing successful EVAR for abdominal aortic aneurysms with CTA follow-up of at least 1 year were included. Predictors of aneurysm sac behavior and its impact on long-term clinical outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: According to sac behavior, eligible patients were stratified into the sac regression group (n = 79, 47.0%) and the sac non-regression group (n = 89, 53.0%). Patients in the regression group were younger (p = 0.036) and more likely to take sarpogrelate hydrochloride postoperatively (p = 0.011) than those in the non-regression group. The incidence of postimplantation syndrome (PIS) was significantly higher in the regression group (p = 0.005). On multivariate analysis, sac regression was more likely to occur in those with PIS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-2.64; p = 0.023) and less likely to occur in those with transient type II endoleaks (HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.20-0.95; p = 0.037) and higher thrombus density within the sac on follow-up CTA (HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95-0.99; p = 0.013). Non-regression of the sac was associated with significantly higher rates of re-intervention during the follow-up period (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In addition to type II endoleaks, PIS and thrombus density are new predictors of aneurysm sac behavior, and sac regression is significantly associated with lower rates of re-intervention. KEY POINTS: • After endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR), patients with sac regression were younger and more likely to take sarpogrelate hydrochloride postoperatively than those with sac non-regression. • The incidence of postimplantation syndrome (PIS) was significantly higher in patients with sac regression. • In our analysis, PIS and thrombus density within the sac were newly identified predictors of aneurysm sac behavior after EVAR.

The potential of cardiac rehabilitation as a method of suppressing abdominal aortic aneurysm expansion: a pilot study.

This study is a prospective evaluation of the effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in terms of clinical outcomes for small abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) that were previously reported in a retrospective cohort study. We conducted a prospective non-randomized trial on patients with small AAA (N = 40; mean age 75.0 ± 6.6 years). Patients were enrolled into one of two groups, rehabilitation (CR) or non-rehabilitation (non-CR) group. Only CR group participated in a supervised-CR program including bicycle ergometer for 150 days. The AAA expansion rate and the risk of AAA repair were compared between two groups. We also researched the relationship between AAA expansion rate and body composition, blood IL-6 and TGFß1 levels. The CR (N = 15) and non-CR groups (N = 25) were comparable in terms their baseline data. The CR group had a significantly smaller change in the maximal AAA size (- 1.3 ± 2.4 mm/years) compared to the non-CR group (2.0 ± 3.6 mm/years) (p < 0.01). The IL-6, and TGFß1 levels were unrelated to the changes in AAA size. There was mild positive correlation between the change in systolic blood pressure from rest to exercise and the AAA expansion rate (p = 0.06). The risk of AAA repair after 12 months was lower in the CR group compared to the non-CR group (0% vs. 28%, respectively). CR in patients with small AAA significantly suppressed AAA expansion and resulted in a lowered risk of AAA repair.Clinical trial Trial name: The study of the profitability and protective effect of cardiac rehabilitation on abdominal aortic aneurysm. Number: UMIN000028237. UTL: https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R0000323.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Protects Against the Expansion of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: Virtually no reports on the effects of exercise in patients with a small abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) exist. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study on 1515 patients with a small AAA before surgery at 2 high-volume hospitals in Tokyo, Japan, from April 2004 to September 2015. A carefully modified cardiac rehabilitation program without excessive blood pressure elevation during exercise was prescribed to 50 patients with an AAA. Using propensity score matching, mortality and clinical outcomes, including AAA expansion rate, were compared between 2 groups: rehabilitation group and nonrehabilitation group. The background characteristics of the rehabilitation group (n=49) and the nonrehabilitation group (n=163) were almost identical. The risk for AAA repair was much lower in the rehabilitation group after matching (before matching: hazard ratio, 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.25-0.72; P=0.001; and after matching: hazard ratio, 0.19; 95% confidence interval, 0.07-0.50; P<0.001). AAA expansion rate was slower in the rehabilitation group (before matching: rehabilitation versus nonrehabilitation group, 2.3±3.7 versus 3.8±3.4 mm/y [P=0.008]; after matching: rehabilitation versus nonrehabilitation group, 2.1±3.0 versus 4.5±4.0 mm/y [P<0.001]). Elevation of blood pressure during exercise was positively correlated with AAA expansion rate after the rehabilitation program (r=0.569, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac rehabilitation protects against the expansion of small AAAs and mitigates the risk associated with AAA repair, possibly because of the decreased elevation of blood pressure during exercise. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: upload.umin.ac.jp. Unique identifier: UMIN000028237.

Exercise Training Improves Ventilatory Efficiency in Patients With a Small Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED STUDY.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of exercise training on ventilatory efficiency and physiological responses to submaximal exercise in subjects with small abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). METHODS: Sixty-five male patients (72.3 ± 7.0 years) were randomized to exercise training (n = 33) or usual care group (n = 32). Exercise subjects participated in a training groups for 3 mo. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing was performed before and after the study period and peak (Equation is included in full-text article.)O2, the ventilatory threshold (VT), the oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES), and the (Equation is included in full-text article.)E2/(Equation is included in full-text article.)CO2 slope were identified. Baseline work rates at VT were matched to examine cardiopulmonary responses after training. RESULTS: Significant interactions indicating improvements before and after training in the exercise group were noted for time (P < .01), (Equation is included in full-text article.)O2 (P < .01), and work rate (P < .01) at the VT. At peak effort, significant interactions were noted for time (P < .01) and work rate (P < .01), while borderline significance was noted for absolute (P = .07) and relative (P = .04) (Equation is included in full-text article.)O2. Significant interactions were observed for the OUES both when using all exercise data (P = .04) and when calculated up to the VT (P < .01). For the (Equation is included in full-text article.)E2/(Equation is included in full-text article.)CO2 slope, significance was noted only when calculated up to the VT (P = .04). After training, heart rate, (Equation is included in full-text article.)E, (Equation is included in full-text article.)O2 and respiratory exchange ratio were significantly attenuated for the same baseline work rate only in the exercise group (all P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Exercise training improves ventilatory efficiency in patients with small AAA. In addition, patients who exercised exhibited less demanding cardiorespiratory responses to submaximal effort.

Resultados em longo prazo de embolização de endoleaks tipo II / Long-term outcomes of embolization of type II endoleaks

CONTEXTO: Endoleaks tipo II são frequentes após o reparo endovascular de aneurismas de aorta. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o sucesso da embolização de endoleaks tipo II utilizando diferentes técnicas e materiais. MÉTODOS: Entre 2003 e 2015, 31 pacientes foram submetidos a embolização de endoleak tipo II, totalizando 41 procedimentos. Esses procedimentos foram conduzidos por acesso translombar, acesso femoral ou uma combinação de ambos, utilizando Onyx®18, Onyx®34, coils, plugue vascular Amplatzer® e trombina como material emboligênico. Sucesso foi definido como ausência de reintervenção. O teste de qui-quadrado e o teste exato de Fisher foram utilizados para a análise estatística. RESULTADOS: O tempo médio entre a correção do aneurisma de aorta e a embolização foi de 14 meses. Quinze (36%) das intervenções utilizaram Onyx®18; sete (17%) utilizaram coils e Onyx®34; seis (14%) utilizaram Onyx®34; quatro (10%) utilizaram coils e Onyx®18; quatro (10%) usaram Onyx®18 e Onyx®34; e três (7%) usaram coils e trombina; um (2%) usou coils e um (2%) usou Amplatzer®. Onze pacientes (35%) necessitaram de reintervenção. A taxa de sucesso foi de 71,43% (10) para os pacientes com as artérias lombares como fonte do endoleak, 80% (8) quando a fonte era a artéria mesentérica inferior e 40% (2) quando havia combinação de ambas (p & 0,05). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa com relação ao tipo de embolização, material emboligênico e tipo de reparo da aorta para a correção do aneurisma. CONCLUSÕES: A terapia endovascular de endoleaks tipo II é um desafio, sendo necessária reintervenção em até 36% dos casos. A taxa de sucesso é menor quando o endoleak é nutrido pela combinação das artérias lombares e da artéria mesentérica inferior.

BACKGROUND: Type II endoleaks are common after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term outcomes of embolization of type II endoleaks using different techniques and materials. METHODS: Between 2003 and 2015, 31 patients underwent embolization of type II endoleaks, in a total of 41 procedures. Patients underwent transarterial or translumbar embolization using Onyx®18, Onyx®34, coils, Amplatzer® plug and/or thrombin. Embolization success was defined as no endoleak reintervention. The chi-square test and Fisher exact test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Median embolization time after aortic aneurysm repair was 14 months. Fifteen (36%) embolization interventions were performed using Onyx®18; seven (17%) with coils and Onyx®34; six (14%) with Onyx®34; four (10%) with coils and Onyx® 18; four with Onyx®18 and Onyx®34; three (7%) with coils and thrombin; one (2%) with coils; and one (2%) with an Amplatzer® device. Eleven patients (35%) required reintervention. The embolization success rate was 71.43% (10) for patients with lumbar arteries as the source of the endoleak, 80% (8) for the inferior mesenteric artery and 40% (2) when both inferior mesenteric artery and lumbar arteries were the culprit vessels (p & 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference with regards to type of embolization, embolic material or type of previous aortic repair. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular treatment of type II endoleaks is challenging and reintervention is needed in up to 36% of patients. Endoleaks supplied by both the inferior mesenteric artery and the lumbar arteries have a lower rate of success.

Aneurisma de aorta abdominal infectado por Salmonella species / Infected abdominal aneurysm due to Salmonella species

Os aneurismas de aorta abdominal infecciosos (AAAIs) são raros e apresentam uma alta mortalidade devido à septicemia e ao risco de ruptura. A opção terapêutica consagrada consiste na correção aberta com ressecção do aneurisma, debridamento e reconstrução com veia autóloga. Mais recentemente, alguns grupos vêm relatando séries de casos nas quais se realizou tratamento endovascular. Em ambas as opções, a antibioticoterapia adjuvante é imperativa. Relatamos um caso ilustrativo em que o tratamento de escolha foi a cirurgia aberta com reconstrução utilizando-se veia autóloga.

Infected abdominal aortic aneurysms are rare and have high mortality due to sepsis and the possibility of rupture. The treatment of choice is open repair with aneurysm resection, debridement and reconstruction with an autologous vein graft. More recently, case series have been described in which the endovascular approach was the first option. With both approaches adjuvant antibiotic therapy is imperative. We report an illustrative case in which the treatment was open surgery reconstruction using an autologous vein graft.

Surgical treatment of chronic aortoiliac occlusion / Tratamento cirúrgico da oclusão crônica aorto-ilíaca

Chronic aortoiliac occlusion (CAIO) is a significant cause of lower limb ischemia and is often found in young patients who smoke. OBJECTIVE: To review recent results achieved treating CAIO patients with open surgery. METHODS: From November 2011 to April 2014, 21 patients with CAIO were treated at the Santa Casa de Misericórdia, Porto Alegre, Brazil. Demographic data, comorbidities, clinical presentation and surgical results were analyzed. RESULTS: Eleven women and ten men were treated with direct aortic bypass (DAB; n=18) or with extra-anatomic bypass (EAD; n=3). Mean age was 53.7 ± 7.3 years (range: 43-79 years) and all patients smoked. Thirteen patients (62%) had critical ischemia. Six of the patients treated with DAB (33.4%) also required additional revascularization (3 renal and 3 femoropopliteal procedures). Perioperative mortality was zero. Four patients (22.2%) suffered transitory renal dysfunction, but only one patient (5.6%) required hemodialysis. Median follow-up time was 17 months (range: 2-29 months) and there was just one late death, from ischemic heart disease, 7 months after the surgery on the abdominal aorta. CONCLUSIONS: Aortic reconstruction is a safe method for treating patients with CAIO, with low perioperative morbidity and mortality rates...

A oclusão crônica aorto-ilíaca (OCAI) é uma importante causa de isquemia dos membros inferiores e é frequentemente encontrada em pacientes jovens e tabagistas. OBJETIVO: Revisar os resultados recentes da cirurgia aberta em pacientes com OCAI. MÉTODOS: Entre novembro de 2011 e abril de 2014, 21 pacientes com OCAI foram tratados na Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre. Foram analisados dados demográficos, comorbidades, apresentação clínica e resultados cirúrgicos. RESULTADOS: Onze mulheres e dez homens foram tratados com derivação aórtica direta (DAD; n=18) ou com derivação extra-anatômica (DEA; n=3). A média de idade foi 53,7 ± 7,3 anos (variação 43-79 anos), sendo todos os pacientes tabagistas. Treze pacientes (62%) apresentavam isquemia crítica. Dos pacientes submetidos à DAD, seis (33,4%) necessitaram de revascularização associada (3 renais e 3 fêmoro-poplíteas). A mortalidade perioperatória foi nula. Quatro pacientes (22,2%) desenvolveram disfunção renal transitória, mas apenas um paciente (5,6%) necessitou de hemodiálise. O tempo mediano de seguimento foi de 17 meses (variação 2-29 meses), havendo apenas um óbito tardio, por cardiopatia isquêmica, sete meses após a cirurgia da aorta abdominal. CONCLUSÃO: A reconstrução aórtica é um método seguro para o tratamento de pacientes com OCAI, com baixas taxas de morbidade e mortalidade perioperatórias...

Beneficial Effects of Pre-operative Exercise Therapy in Patients with an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: The impact of post-operative complications in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) surgery is substantial, and increases with age and concomitant co-morbidities. This systematic review focuses on the possible effects of pre-operative exercise therapy (PET) in patients with AAA on post-operative complications,aerobic capacity, physical fitness, and recovery. METHODS: A systematic search on PET prior to AAA surgery was conducted. The methodological quality of the included studies was rated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. The agreement between the reviewers was assessed with Cohen's kappa. RESULTS: Five studies were included, with a methodological quality ranging from moderate to good. Cohen's kappa was 0.79. Three studies focused on patients with an AAA (without indication for surgical repair) with physical fitness as the outcome measure. One study focused on PET in patients awaiting AAA surgery and one study focused on the effects of PET on post-operative complications, length of stay, and recovery. CONCLUSION: PET has beneficial effects on various physical fitness variables of patients with an AAA. Whether this leads to less complications or faster recovery remains unclear. In view of the large impact of post-operative complications, it is valuable to explore the possible benefits of a PET program in AAA surgery.

Perspectives on stem cell-based elastic matrix regenerative therapies for abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are potentially fatal conditions that are characterized by decreased flexibility of the aortic wall due to proteolytic loss of the structural matrix. This leads to their gradual weakening and ultimate rupture. Drug-based inhibition of proteolytic enzymes may provide a nonsurgical treatment alternative for growing AAAs, although it might at best be sufficient to slow their growth. Regenerative repair of disrupted elastic matrix is required if regression of AAAs to a healthy state is to be achieved. Terminally differentiated adult and diseased vascular cells are poorly capable of affecting such regenerative repair. In this context, stem cells and their smooth muscle cell-like derivatives may represent alternate cell sources for regenerative AAA cell therapies. This article examines the pros and cons of using different autologous stem cell sources for AAA therapy, the requirements they must fulfill to provide therapeutic benefit, and the current progress toward characterizing the cells' ability to synthesize elastin, assemble elastic matrix structures, and influence the regenerative potential of diseased vascular cell types. The article also provides a detailed perspective on the limitations, uncertainties, and challenges that will need to be overcome or circumvented to translate current strategies for stem cell use into clinically viable AAA therapies. These therapies will provide a much needed nonsurgical treatment option for the rapidly growing, high-risk, and vulnerable elderly demographic.

Endurance exercise training in patients with small abdominal aortic aneurysm: a randomized controlled pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of endurance exercise training in patients with small abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), and to obtain preliminary data of its impact on important health outcomes. DESIGN: Randomized controlled pilot study. SETTING: University rehabilitation facility. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with small AAA (N=28; mean age ± SD, 72±7 y). INTERVENTION: Participants were randomized to a 12-week program of moderate-intensity endurance exercise or standard care control (encouragement to exercise only). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Safety was assessed in terms of the frequency of adverse events and changes in maximum AAA diameter. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks including cardiopulmonary fitness (ventilatory threshold), health-related quality of life (Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey [version 2]), and markers of vascular risk (eg, blood pressure and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein). RESULTS: Of 545 patients contacted, 28 (5%) entered the trial. There were 3 (11%) dropouts. Adherence to the exercise program was 94%. There were no paradoxical increases in AAA size or adverse clinical events. Ventilatory threshold increased in the exercise group, but not the control group (adjusted mean difference, 2.5 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1); 95% confidence interval, 0.5-4.5; d=.82). Systolic blood pressure and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein decreased in the exercise group compared with the control group (d=.34 and d=.58, respectively). There were no substantial changes in anthropometric variables or quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a low recruitment rate, the findings suggest that moderate-intensity endurance exercise training is feasible in patients with small AAA, and can evoke improvements in important health outcomes.

Usefulness of an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol for perioperative management following open repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

PURPOSE: To achieve early recovery and early discharge from the hospital by applying an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol, which is mainly used with colonic surgery, for the perioperative management of open AAA surgery. METHOD: One hundred twenty-seven open AAA surgery cases successfully carried out between 2003 and 2011 were included in this study. The ERAS protocol was used for the cases from April 2008 onward, and we performed a comparison of the conventionally treated cases with ERAS cases regarding the start of postoperative oral consumption, the postoperative hospital stay, and hospitalization medical costs. RESULTS: The time to restarting oral consumption and the postoperative hospital stay were significantly shorter for the ERAS group (n = 52) compared to the conventionally managed group (n = 75); with values of 59 ± 15 and 93 ± 25 h (p = 0.021), 9 ± 3 and 16 ± 5 days (p = 0.001), respectively. The medical costs for the ERAS group were 92 % of the costs of the conventionally managed group. CONCLUSION: Use of the ERAS protocol for the perioperative management of open AAA surgery shortened the time before recommencing oral consumption, the postoperative hospital stay, and reduced the medical costs compared to the conventional approach.

Effects of exercise training in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm: preliminary results from a randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: No effective medical therapy exists for early abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) disease. Lower extremity exercise improves aortic hemodynamics and reduces inflammation, but the safety and efficacy of exercise training in AAA disease is unknown. As an interim analysis of our prospective, randomized, longitudinal trial of exercise for AAA suppression, we investigated whether subjects with early disease could safely achieve target metabolic and hemodynamic goals. METHODS: One hundred eight participants were randomized to exercise training (EX) or usual care (UC). EX subjects participated in a combination of in-house and home exercise training, with efforts directed toward moderate daily exercise participation. Comparisons were made between EX and UC subjects who completed 1 year of follow-up (n = 26 and 31, respectively, mean age 72 ± 8 years). EX and UC groups were compared for safety, cardiopulmonary exercise test responses, weekly energy expenditure, and biometric indices. RESULTS: No paradoxical increase in AAA growth rate or adverse clinical events occurred as a consequence of exercise training. EX participants expended an average of 2269 ± 1207 kcal/wk and increased exercise capacity (42% increase in treadmill time, 24% increase in estimated metabolic equivalents, P = .01 and .08 between groups, respectively). EX participants demonstrated a significant reduction in C-reactive protein and tended to reduce waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio (P = .06 and .07, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary analyses suggest that exercise training is well tolerated and sustainable in small AAA subjects over 1 year. Despite age and comorbidities, exercising AAA subjects achieve meaningful exercise targets and significantly modify activity-dependent variables.

Quantification of hemodynamics in abdominal aortic aneurysms during rest and exercise using magnetic resonance imaging and computational fluid dynamics.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) affect 5-7% of older Americans. We hypothesize that exercise may slow AAA growth by decreasing inflammatory burden, peripheral resistance, and adverse hemodynamic conditions such as low, oscillatory shear stress. In this study, we use magnetic resonance imaging and computational fluid dynamics to describe hemodynamics in eight AAAs during rest and exercise using patient-specific geometric models, flow waveforms, and pressures as well as appropriately resolved finite-element meshes. We report mean wall shear stress (MWSS) and oscillatory shear index (OSI) at four aortic locations (supraceliac, infrarenal, mid-aneurysm, and suprabifurcation) and turbulent kinetic energy over the entire computational domain on meshes containing more than an order of magnitude more elements than previously reported results (mean: 9.0-million elements; SD: 2.3 M; range: 5.7-12.0 M). MWSS was lowest in the aneurysm during rest 2.5 dyn/cm(2) (SD: 2.1; range: 0.9-6.5), and MWSS increased and OSI decreased at all four locations during exercise. Mild turbulence existed at rest, while moderate aneurysmal turbulence was present during exercise. During both rest and exercise, aortic turbulence was virtually zero superior to the AAA for seven out of eight patients. We postulate that the increased MWSS, decreased OSI, and moderate turbulence present during exercise may attenuate AAA growth.

Effect of short-term exercise training on aerobic fitness in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) represent a high-risk surgical group. Despite medical optimization and radiological stenting interventions, mortality remains high and it is difficult to improve fitness. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effect of a 6 week, supervised exercise programme (30 min continuous moderate intensity cycle ergometry, twice weekly) on anaerobic threshold (AT) in subjects with AAA. METHODS: Thirty participants with an AAA under surveillance were randomized to either the supervised exercise intervention (n=20) or a usual care control group (n=10). AT was measured using cardiopulmonary exercise testing, at baseline (AT1), week 5 (AT2), and week 7 (AT3). The change in AT (AT3-AT1) between the groups was compared using a mixed model ancova, providing the mean effect together with the standard deviation (sd) for individual patient responses to the intervention. The minimum clinically important difference (MCID) was defined as an improvement in AT of 2 ml O(2) kg(-1) min(-1). RESULTS: Of the 30 participants recruited, 17 of 20 (exercise) and eight of 10 (control) completed the study. The AT in the intervention group increased by 10% (equivalent to 1.1 ml O(2) kg(-1) min(-1)) compared with the control (90% confidence interval 4-16%; P=0.007). The sd for the individual patient responses to the intervention was 8%. The estimated number needed to treat (NNT) for benefit was 5 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The small mean benefit was lower than the MCID. However, the marked variability in the individual patient responses revealed that a proportion of patients did benefit clinically, with an estimated NNT of 5.

[Challenging treatment of aortic aneurysm is under change]. / Aortta-aneurysman vaativa hoito muuttumassa.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm is a common and increasing health risk. Indication for therapy in men is an aneurysm over 55 mm and in women, over 50 mm in diameter. Novel endovascular treatment procedures are nowadays suitable for a large proportion of patients and will improve patient safety, shorten the duration of therapy and speed up rehabilitation. Therapeutically very challenging problems are aneurysms affecting the renal and visceral arteries, infections of aortic prostheses as well as aneurysmal ruptures during emergency services. Managing of these problems requires experience, whereby centralizing their treatment will improve treatment outcome.

An insider's view on person-centred rehabilitation: a case study.

PURPOSE: The author, a rehabilitation specialist of more than 30 years, presents her observations of the medical and rehabilitation services her husband received after a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. Building on the person-centred approach, she identified several problems and describes theory-based strategies how she and her husband (patient) addressed these problems. In addition, she provides insight in the complex role she fulfilled as family caregiver: liaison, advocate and as personal health manager (taking care of her own health). METHOD: A qualitative analysis and interpretation based on personal observations and discussions with medical and rehabilitation professionals. RESULTS: The author argues that the culture of the institution (knowledge and compassion) and the role of the patient advocate have major implications on the outcome of a patient's functional gains. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health can be a useful tool to enhance transparency within the patient-centred approach. CONCLUSION: Although this case study is described from the perspective of one case, the information shared in this paper may stimulate further discussion and research in the concept and implementation of person-centred rehabilitation.