Screening Men and Women above the Age of 50 Years for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Pilot Study in an Upper Middle Income Country.

OBJECTIVE: Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is recommended in high risk populations based on local conditions. Differences in lifestyle and risk factors between countries with different income status make risk stratification based on geographic location necessary. The majority of epidemiological studies on AAA have reported data from high income countries. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence and risk factors for AAA in an upper middle income country in Eastern Europe. METHODS: A pilot screening project for AAA, supported by a mass media campaign, was conducted in 2023 in seven cities in Serbia. Ultrasound evaluation of the abdominal aorta was performed by a registered vascular surgeon on individuals who agreed to participate. Participants who attended screening completed a questionnaire on demographic and clinical information. To assess risk factors for AAA, univariable logistic regression analysis was performed to compute the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Multivariable logistic regression was subsequently performed with adjustments for sex, age, family history of AAA, and other relevant factors. RESULTS: A total of 4 046 participants (51.2% male and 48.8% female; mean age 68.8 ± 7.6 years) responded to the campaign. An aneurysm was found in 195 (4.8%) screened individuals (8.2% of men and 1.3% of women). In males aged 50 - 64 years, the prevalence of AAA was 5.4%. Male sex, older age, family history of AAA, being a smoker or ex-smoker, being overweight, and alcohol consumption were predictors of AAA in the univariable analysis. After adjustments in the multivariable analysis, male sex (OR 8.04, 95% CI 4.87 - 13.28), older age (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02 - 1.07), positive family history (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.61 - 3.78), smoker status (OR 3.10, 95% CI 2.10 - 4.59), ex-smoker status (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.39 - 3.27), and being overweight (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.25 - 2.74) were independent risk factors for AAA. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of AAA has not been reduced in all countries, and screening strategies might be changed based on local epidemiological data. The results of this pilot study underline the importance of exploring the prevalence of AAA in populations with a high prevalence of smoking.

Nailfold capillaroscopy as diagnostic test in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: A systematic review.

Up to 30 % of patients with psoriasis (PsO) develop psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and diagnosis can be difficult. Nailfold capillaroscopy (NC) is an easily applicable, non-invasive procedure to assess skin microcirculation. This systematic review investigates NC as diagnostic tool for PsO and PsA, including correlations between NC outcome measures to clinical and laboratory outcome measures. This systematic review was built on the PICO and PRISMA guidelines. In total 22 relevant studies were found Searching in the Web of Science, PubMed and Embase, latest update June 13th, 2022. The following NC outcome measures are found to be significantly more prevalent in PsO patients than healthy controls: reduced density, reduced length and more abnormal morphology. Likewise, in PsA patients, reduced density, more abnormal morphology, more microhaemorrhages and fewer hairpin shapes are found to be significantly more prevalent. Results were non-conclusive in terms of disease activity and duration with NC findings. Random-effects meta-analysis showed a significant reduction of density in PsO patients compared to healthy controls (studies: 6, n = 249; SMD = -0.91; 95 % CI [-1.41, -0.40], p = 0.0058, heterogeneity I2=74 %, AUC = 0.740) and in PsA patients compared to healthy controls (studies: 5, n = 130; SMD = -1.22; 95 % CI [-2.38, -0.06], p = 0.0432, heterogeneity I2=89 %, AUC = 0.806). No NC outcome measures were overall conclusive in differentiating PsO from PsA. Considering the conflicting results and small sample sizes further large-scale research on the identification of capillaroscopic changes in PsO and PsA and correlations with standardised clinical and laboratory outcome measures are necessary.

Treatment of vascular non-iatrogenic injuries of upper and lower extremities in tertiary vascular center.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine demographic and baseline characteristics of patients with vascular injuries of extremities and to define the most relevant factors which influenced an early outcome, as well as limb salvage after the management of vascular trauma. METHODS: This study used the database that included 395 patients with peripheral arterial injuries, who were treated in the tertiary vascular university center in the period between 2005-2020. Exclusion criteria were isolated thoracic, abdominal and neck injuries as well as iatrogenic injuries and injuries of intravenous addicts. Univariate binary logistic regression analysis and multiple logistic regression were used to determine risk factors for lomb loss (after vascular reconstruction) or mortality. Decision to perform primary amputation (without vascular reconstruction) was based on surgeons' preference and experience. RESULTS: Out of 395 vascular injuries treated in the period 2005-2020, 210 (53.2%) presented with non-iatrogenic vascular injuries of upper and lower extremities were analyzed. According to the univariate regression analysis, hemorrhage as the main clinical manifestation on admission (P=0.035) and early reintervention (P=0.048) increased, while an early patency of repaired artery (0.010) significantly decreased a 30-day amputation rate. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of these three variables showed that only early patency of repaired artery significantly decreased the early amputation rate (P=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Based on presented experience, the patency of vascular reconstruction plays a crucial role in limb salvage in patients with non-iatrogenic peripheral vascular injuries. All factors that might influence the patency should be in focus of improvement.

Arterial thoracic outlet syndrome: a 30-year experience in a high-volume referral center.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical presentation and contemporary management of arterial thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) in high-volume referral center. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of patients with TOS of any etiology between January 1st 1990 and 2021. Supra-, or combined supra-/infraclavicular approaches have been used for decompression/vascular reconstructions. The group was divided into two equal time periods: period 1 (1990-2006, N.=27) and period 2 (2006-2021, N.=36). RESULTS: Sixty-three consecutive patients underwent surgical treatment due to arterial TOS. Period 2 had more patients who were asymptomatic (N.=16, 44.4% vs. N.=0, 0%, P<0.001) and those presenting with critical hand ischemia (N.=12, 33.3% vs. N.=0, 0%, P=0.01), while acute limb ischemia was more common in period 1 (N.=16, 59.2% vs. N.=5, 13.9%, P<0.001). SA compression without lesion was more common in period 2 (N.=16, 44.4% vs. N.=0, 0%, P<0.001), while SA intimal damage with mural thrombus formation was more common in the period 1 (N.=12, 44.4% vs. N.=1, 2.7%, P<0.001). Decompression as an isolated procedure was performed in 25.4% (N.=16) of all asymptomatic patients, while combined decompressive and vascular procedure in 71.4% (N.=45) of patients. The most common postoperative complication was pneumothorax (N.=7, 11.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The supraclavicular approach with its modifications provides adequate decompression and allows also repair or reconstruction of the SA, as well as complete additional revascularization of the upper extremity without the need for further patient repositioning. While treatment methods and early outcomes have not changed significantly over time, there has been a trend towards different clinical and SA pathomorphological presentation.

Predictors of in-hospital mortality and complications in acute aortic occlusion: a comparative analysis of patients with embolism and in-situ thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: Acute aortic occlusion (AAO) represents potentially fatal acute vascular emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and intervention. Clinical condition of patients with AAO is frequently severely devastated when surgical intervention is questionable. Our objective was to retrospectively review our institutional experience with AAO and assess predictors of intrahospital mortality and morbidity. METHODS: This is a retrospective single-center cohort study with prospectively collected data between January 1, 2005 and January 1, 2018. The total number of 28 consecutive patients with AAO were included in our analysis. Patients with acute aortic thrombosis manifested by bilateral acute limb ischemia were divided in two groups based on potential caues of AAO (embolism or in-situ thrombosis) differentiated according to condition of aortoilical segment. RESULTS: We identified 28 patients with AAO. All of them underwent either aortobifemoral bypass (N.=20, 71%) or bilateral trans-femoral thrombectomy (N.=8, 29%). The overall in-hospital mortality was 36%. Factors that influenced in-hospital mortality were: paralysis (OR=4.41, 95% CI: 1.88-21.78) and higher lactate values on admission (OR=1.23, 95% CI: 1.09-1.83), postoperative development of severe acute kidney injury (OR=3.08, 95% CI: 1.42-14.66), hemodialysis (OR=10.74, 95% CI: 1.64-109.78) and bowel ischemia (OR=5.19, 95% CI: 1.58-55.63). CONCLUSIONS: Paralysis, higher lactate values, development of acute kidney injury, hemodialysis and bowel ischemia are predictors of worse outcome and may be used for risk stratification of patients with acute aortic occlusion and improve counseling patients and their families about expected postoperative outcomes. Patients with embolism and malignant disease have worse outcome; however, this should be tested in future studies on larger sample.

Eversion Carotid Endarterectomy : A Short Review.

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is the main procedure in carotid surgery, as well as the most frequent vascular procedure. Two techniques of CEA are available : eversion and conventional plus patch angioplasty. Eversion CEA is anatomic procedure that reduces ischemic and total operative time. Simultaneous correction of the joined carotid kinking and coiling is possible, easy and safe, while the usage of patch is excluded. Thanks to oblique shape of anastomosis, eversion CEA is associated with low risk of long-term restenosis. The false anastomotic aneurysms occurrence is very rare, almost impossible after eversion CEA. However, the usage of carotid shunt during eversion CEA is not always simple, while proximal or distal extension of the carotid plaque can make eversion CEA more difficult and risky. Eversion CEA should be the first choice in carotid surgery. Conventional CEA is indicated in cases when carotid plaque is extended more than usual, as well as, if the usage of carotid shunt is necessary.

Single center experience in the management of a case series of subclavian artery aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: Subclavian artery aneurysms (SAAs) are rare, but they may cause life- and limb-threatening complications. METHODS: Retrospective review was performed of all SAA patients that underwent treatment at the Clinic for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade between January 1st 2006 and January 1st 2018. The paper includes analysis of etiology and therapeutic options based on the experience from our institution. RESULTS: Twenty (80%) of SAAs involved extrathoracic (ET), while five (20%) intrathoracic (IT) segment. Out of total five IT SAAs, two were asymptomatic (40%), one had dyspnea (20%), while two (40%) had hematothorax due to rupture. Seven (35%) patients with ET SAA had shoulder pain and pulsatile mass, five (25%) acute, seven (35%) had chronic limb ischemia, while one was asymptomatic (5%). Two IT SAAs were treated with open surgery (OS). Other three cases underwent hybrid procedure. One case with ET SAA was treated endovascularly due to hostile anatomy, while in all other 19 cases of ET SAAs open repair was performed, which included: graft interposition in 10 (52.63%), end-to-end anastomosis in 7 (36.84%) cases, while bypass procedure in 2 (10.52%) patients. One of our patients (4%) died during the first 30 postoperative days. CONCLUSIONS: SAAs are rare, however because of their natural history they have huge clinical significance. OS is the method of choice in cases of ET SAAs caused by TOS. Endovascular and hybrid treatment decrease significantly perioperative morbidity and mortality rates in cases of intrathoracic SAAs and thus should be the first option.

Late open conversion after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: experience of three-high volume centers.

BACKGROUND: Accumulated endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) procedures will increase number of patients requiring conversion to open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). In most cases, patients undergo late open surgical conversion (LOSC), many months, or years, after initial EVAR. The aim of this study is to analyze results of LOSC after EVAR in elective and urgent setting, including presenting features, surgical techniques, as well as to review the clinical outcomes and their predictors. METHODS: Retrospective review of all consecutive patients undergoing LOSC after EVAR was performed at three distinct, high volume, vascular centers. Patients that required primary conversion within 30 days after EVAR have not been included in this study. Between January 1st 2010 and January 1st 2017 total of 31 consecutive patients were treated. LOSC were performed either in elective or in urgent setting, thus dividing patients in two groups. Primary outcome was 30-day mortality and secondary postoperative complications. RESULTS: LOSC rate after EVAR was 4.51%. Most common indication for LOSC was type I endoleak (N.=20, 64.51%). All patients that presented with ruptured AAA had some form of endoleak (type I endoleak was present in five from six cases). Most common site for aortic cross-clamping was infrarenal (51.61%). Stent-graft was removed completely in 18 patients (58.06%) and partially in 13 (41.93%). 30-day mortality rate was 16.12% (5 patients) and most common cause of death was myocardial infarction (60%). Following univariate factors were isolated as predictors for 30-day mortality: preoperative coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, urgent LOSC, prolonged time until LOSC, ruptured AAA, supraceliac clamp, higher number of red blood cell transfusion, postoperative myocardial infarction, and prolonged intubation (more than 48 hours). CONCLUSIONS: LOSC seems to be safe and effective procedure when preformed in elective manner. On the other side, urgent LOSC after EVAR is associated with very high postoperative mortality and morbidity. Endoleak remains the main indication for open conversion. Further studies are necessary to standardize timing and treatment options for failing EVAR.

Eversion Carotid Endarterectomy : A Short Review

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is the main procedure in carotid surgery, as well as the most frequent vascular procedure. Two techniques of CEA are available : eversion and conventional plus patch angioplasty. Eversion CEA is anatomic procedure that reduces ischemic and total operative time. Simultaneous correction of the joined carotid kinking and coiling is possible, easy and safe, while the usage of patch is excluded. Thanks to oblique shape of anastomosis, eversion CEA is associated with low risk of long-term restenosis. The false anastomotic aneurysms occurrence is very rare, almost impossible after eversion CEA. However, the usage of carotid shunt during eversion CEA is not always simple, while proximal or distal extension of the carotid plaque can make eversion CEA more difficult and risky. Eversion CEA should be the first choice in carotid surgery. Conventional CEA is indicated in cases when carotid plaque is extended more than usual, as well as, if the usage of carotid shunt is necessary.

Treatment of pediatric vascular injuries: the experience of a single non-pediatric referral center.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric peripheral vascular trauma carries significant risk of complications including limb loss and long-term invalidity. Mechanisms and types of morphological lesions are very diverse. The objectives of this study are to present the experience of a single vascular center in the surgical approach to pediatric vascular injuries, and to analyze the main challenges related to this clinical entity. METHODS: Over a period of 25 years, 17 pediatric peripheral vascular injuries were treated in our institution. Patient's age ranged between one day (newborn) and 15 years (mean: 10.7 years). There were five injuries of upper and 12 injuries of the lower extremity. Preoperative diagnosis was established by clinical examination (N.=4), ultrasonography (N.=1) and angiography (N.=12). Blunt trauma mainly caused arterial thrombosis while penetrating trauma caused arterial laceration or complete transection. Five patients had associated orthopedic injuries (29,4%). There were two posttraumatic pseudoaneurysms and two arterio-venous fistulas. RESULTS: There was no perioperative mortality. Vascular reconstructions included arterial suture (N.=4), thrombectomy + patch angioplasty (N.=1), termino-terminal anastomosis (N.=3), venous anatomic bypass (N.=6), PTFE graft reconstruction (N.=2), and venous extra-anatomic reconstruction (N.=1). Two patients had associated venous injury demanding both arterial and venous reconstruction. In the only case of war trauma treatment ended with limb loss. Other reconstructions presented good early and long-term patency. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric vascular injuries are extremely challenging issues. Treatment includes broad spectrum of different types of vascular reconstructions. It should be performed by vascular surgeon trained in open vascular treatment or pediatric surgeon with significant experience in vascular surgery.

Open repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm with associated horseshoe kidney.

BACKGROUND: Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (RAAA) with concomitant horseshoe kidney (HK) present a unique challenge at the time of repair. The aim of this article was to propose the most rationale strategy during open repair (OR) of RAAA in the presence of HK. METHODS: We identified and analyzed all patients treated at the clinic due to RAAA and HK. An extensive search was performed on all articles published up to August of 2017 describing open and endovascular repair of RAAA with concomitant horseshoe kidney. The following data were extracted and analyzed: patient number, number of renal arteries, Crawford classification of horseshoe kidney vascularization, type of aortic reconstruction, management with renal arteries, 30-day kidney failure and outcome. RESULTS: Transperitoneal approach followed by supraceliac aortic cross clamping without the division of the renal isthmus occurred in all our six cases. Four of them required additional procedures with accessory renal arteries after aortic replacement. Three of patients (50%) died during the first 30 postoperative days, while one developed transitory renal insufficiency. The renal isthmus was preserved in 43.90% and divided in 46.34% of cases. Crawford type I of HK vascularization was presented in 21.95% of cases, type II also in 39.02%, while the type III in 19.51% of cases. In 46.33% of cases a procedure with renal arteries was necessary. In 26.82% accessory renal arteries were ligated, while in 19.51% preserved (reattachment or aorto-renal bypass). Thirty-day mortality was 21.95%, while the incidence of postoperative renal failure was also 21.95%. There was not significant correlation between the renal artery ligation and the postoperative renal failure (r=-0.81, P=0.59). CONCLUSIONS: Transperitoneal approach should be preferred during urgent OR of RAAA with concomitant HK. A supraceliac aortic cross clamping and the placement of occlusive Fogarty catheters into both iliac arteries are recommended for proximal and distal bleeding control. Preservation of accessory renal arteries that are larger than 3 mm in diameter or supply more than 30% of renal parenchima is recommended. The division of the renal isthmus should be avoided if vascularized. It seems that renal arteries could be covered in emergency EVAR without any implications on postoperative kidney function, allowing broader aplication of endovascular treatment for thesse patients.

Similar and Distinct Mechanisms in the Protective Processes of Upper and Lower Gastrointestinal Tract.

Gastrointestinal (GI) mucosal integrity is based on the balance of aggressive and protective mechanisms. Mucosal damage may occur when the injurious factors become dominant or the mucosal defensive processes are impaired. The main target of the therapy against GI mucosal injury is the reduction of aggressive factors, however, the therapeutic possibilities for stimulation of mucosal defensive processes are rather limited. This overview focuses on the gastric and intestinal mucosal protective mechanisms and discusses the main targets that increase protective processes and increase the mucosal resistance to injurious stimuli at pre-epithelial, epithelial and sub-epithelial levels.