Is Mini-Invasive Surgery an Alternative for the Treatment of Juxtarenal Aortic Aneurysms?

INTRODUCTION: Aim of our study is to evaluate the outcomes of mini-laparotomy, suprarenal cross-clamping, and enhanced recovery after elective open surgical repair for juxta-renal abdominal aortic aneurysms (JAAA) in a tertiary referral center. METHODS: Data of all consecutive patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) electively treated with left sub-costal mini-laparotomy requiring infrarenal or suprarenal cross-clamping between 2013 and 2018 were retrospectively collected. Patients were divided into two groups: infra-renal cross-clamping (group A) and JAAA requiring supra-renal cross-clamping (group B). Early and mid-term mortality, postoperative renal dysfunction according to RIFLE criteria and factors affecting postoperative outcome were analysed. RESULTS: Four hundred one patients, 356 (88.8%) men, mean age 70.8 yrs, underwent open surgical repair (OSR), 343 (85.5%) AAA in group A, 58 (14.5%) JAAA in group B. Mean diameter of the aneurysms was 54 ± 11.4 mm vs. 52 ± 9 mm and mean time of intervention 154.9 ± 56.3 min vs. 180.1 ± 65.7 min respectively. Total clamp time was 72.27 ± 31.4 vs. 75 ± 33.1 and suprarenal clamp time in group B 27.82 ± 14.1 min. Mean hospital length of stay was 5.1 ± 2.8 vs. 5.37 ± 3.4 days respectively. At 30 days, 3 (0.9%) patients died in group A and no one in group B; at 24 months 7 (2%) deaths in group A and 4 (6.9%) in group B. Preoperative, postoperative and discharge serum creatinine mean value, in group B, were 1.07 ± 0.32, 1.31 ± 0.36 and 1.83 ± 1.24 respectively. Based on RIFLE criteria for renal function, we observed Risk in 14.2% and Injury in 12.7% of patients after suprarenal cross clamping. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that mini-invasive open repair for JAAA with a suprarenal cross-clamping can be performed with acceptable morbidity and mortality rates similar to traditional surgical approach without significant modifications of renal functions.

Influence of Type of Fixation and Other Characteristics on Outcome after Endovascular Repair of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular treatment nowadays represents a valuable option in the treatment of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAAs). The aim of this study is to evaluate a 15-year, single-center experience with endovascular treatment of rAAAs and the role of the type of fixation in outcome. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all consecutive hemodynamically stable and unstable patients with a diagnosed rAAA treated at this hospital with an endovascular procedure between December 1999 and January 2015 was conducted. Patients with symptomatic aneurysms and impending ruptures were excluded. Predictive factors of immediate and overall major complications and survival were investigated. Study end points included technical and clinical success, mortality, and major adverse events. RESULTS: This study included 142 patients. Technical success was 97.1% within 30 days, 60 major adverse events were reported in 43 patients (30.3%), including 40 deaths (28.2%). Clinical success at 30 days was 59.9%. Predictive factors of 30-day mortality were chronic renal disease (odds ratio [OR] 3.44, P = 0.006), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 2.42, P = 0.032), hemodynamic instability at presentation (OR 4.57, P = 0.001), and the use of an aortic balloon (OR 23.4, P < 0.001). The use of local anesthesia (OR 0.38, P = 0.017) had a protective influence. One-year survival was 52%. At a median follow-up of 44 months (range 0.5-152), overall survival was 39% (95% CI 30-48), with a median overall survival of 13 month (95% CI 6-36). Five-year survival was 23%. Predictive factors of long-term mortality were advanced age (>85 years) (hazard ratio [HR] 2.0, P = 0.002), hemodynamic instability at admission (HR 1.90, P = 0.005), and the use of an aortic balloon (HR 4.56, P < 0.001). The implantation of an anatomically fixated (AFIX) device was found to be protective against mortality (OR 0.41, P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: In this series, satisfactory rates of complications and survival were observed after endovascular repair of rAAAs. In addition to the well-known predictors of outcome, the type of fixation also seems to play a significant role, and the AFIX device was associated with improved longer term survival when its use was deemed feasible.

Contemporary economic and clinical evaluations of endovascular repair for intact descending thoracic aortic aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess clinical and contemporary costs associated with elective endovascular repair of intact descending thoracic aortic aneurysms (DTAA) into the mid-term follow-up. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained clinical database including 29 consecutive patients from July 2005 to December 2009 treated with elective endovascular repair (TEVAR) or TEVAR and surgical infrarenal repair (hybrid) of intact DTAA was performed. Mean age was 74.5 years old (±7.1). Primary clinical endpoints include mortality and major morbidity. Additionally a comprehensive economic appraisal of individual in-hospital and follow-up costs was executed. Economic endpoints include in-hospital and follow-up costs and patient discharge status. Elective endovascular and open repairs' clinical and economical outcomes in contemporary literature were assessed for comparison according to PRISMA standards. RESULTS: Immediate mortality was 6.9% (1/24 TEVAR and 1/5 hybrid). Three respiratory complications were recorded (11%; 2 TEVAR, 1 hybrid). Renal and cardiac complication rates were 7.4% (1 TEVAR, 1 hybrid) and 3.7% (1 TEVAR) respectively. Routine discharge home was achieved for 85% of patients (95.7% TEVAR, 25% hybrid). Three endoleaks were treated throughout the follow-up (2 TEVAR, 1 hybrid; mean 30.4 mo, ±19.9) rendering an 11% (3/27) reintervention rate. Average immediate cost was €21,976.87 for elective endovascular repair and €33,783.21 for elective endovascular hybrid repair. Additional reintervention and routine follow-up costs augmented immediate costs by 12.4%. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports satisfying immediate clinical outcomes for TEVAR and TEVAR+surgical infrarenal procedures. Although limited by a small population size and difficulties in economic comparisons, this study presents the real world social and economic cost scenario for both elective TEVAR and TEVAR hybrid treatment of DTAA of both the in-hospital and at mid term follow-up periods.

Midterm Outcomes of the Nellix Endovascular Aneurysm Sealing System: A Dual-Center Experience.

PURPOSE: To report midterm outcomes of the Nellix Endovascular Aneurysm Sealing (EVAS) System in the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). METHODS: Between September 2013 and July 2014, 64 AAA patients (mean age 76.6±6.8 years; 61 men) were treated with the EVAS system at 2 centers (only procedures performed at least 12 months prior to the analysis were included). Most patients were treated for a stable AAA, while 1 patient was treated for a ruptured aneurysm. Mean aneurysm diameter was 57.3±9.3 mm. The proximal neck measured a mean 21.5±3.3 mm in diameter and 27.0±12.1 mm long; the neck angle was 16.9°±19.3°. Eleven (17.2%) patients were treated outside the instructions for use (IFU). RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in 63 (98.4%) of 64 patients; 1 type Ia endoleak was treated intraoperatively. One (1.6%) aneurysm-related death occurred at 4 months due to a secondary aortoenteric fistula. Overall, endoleaks occurred in 3 (4.7%) patients (2 type Ia, 1 type II). The estimated rates for 18-month overall survival, freedom from aneurysm-related death, and freedom from secondary interventions were 92.7%, 98.4%, and 95.0%, respectively. Patients treated outside the IFU had a significantly higher incidence of device-related complications (p=0.03). CONCLUSION: The use of the Nellix device in everyday clinical practice is safe and offers promising midterm results. The risk of secondary aortoenteric fistula requires further analysis. Longer follow-up is needed to assess the actual efficacy of the device, although the risk of migration with late endoleak seems low.

Endovascular treatment of an early arch aneurysm rupture after open thoracoabdominal aortic repair.

Optimal treatment for synchronous aortic aneurysms is still debated. Staged repair is advocated as the standard of care. Its disadvantage however is the consistent risk of rupture of the untreated aortic segment during recovery; moreover a considerable percentage of patients either refuse the second stage or is lost to follow-up. We present the case of a patient with a ruptured aortic arch aneurysm after open-surgery for a type III thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. Our therapeutic decision is described and discussed, with all the related advantages and disadvantages.

Use of Aortic Occluders and Endovascular Plugs in a 2-step Hybrid Treatment of Secondary Aortoenteric Fistulas.

Aortoenteric fistula (AEF) is a dreadful complication of abdominal aortic surgery. Surgical treatment is associated to high mortality and requires urgent graft removal with extra-anatomic or in situ reconstruction. Other authors suggest the use of stent grafts, both as a stand-alone procedure or as a bridge solution before open repair. We reviewed the results of a cohort of patients that presented at our institution with an AEF and were treated with a novel 2-step endovascular-open surgical procedure. The first step consisted in immediate endovascular occlusion of the infrarenal graft with deployment, below the renal arteries, of an aortic occluder and/or endovascular plugs. After occlusion of the infrarenal graft, extra-anatomic reconstruction (axillofemoral bypass) was performed. The second step consisted in the removal of the infrarenal graft with aortic stump ligation and took place after a few days recovery to allow improvement of patients' condition. A total of 5 selected patients were treated. Endovascular aortic occlusion was achieved in all cases with the deployment of 1 (3 patients) or 2 (2 patients) devices. The mean interval between the first and the second step was 7 days (min 4-max 13). Complete removal of the aortic graft was possible in all patients. One patient died on the first postoperative day due to multiorgan failure (1 of 5, 20%). Mean survival after discharge was 24 months (min 6-max 36). One patient died at 6 months because of aortic stump blowout. In our initial experience, endovascular aortic occlusion seems an effective option to prevent fatal enteric bleeding and a valuable first-step treatment for selected cases of AEF.

Fast-track in abdominal aortic surgery: experience in over 1,000 patients.

BACKGROUND: Fast-track recovery programs have led to reduced patient morbidity and mortality after surgery. Minimally invasive surgery and anesthesia, with programs of early postoperative recovery are the main aspects of fast-track recovery programs. The optimization of pain control, early mobilization, and oral feeding allows for a rapid functional rehabilitation, which leads to minor morbidity and early discharge from the hospital to home. METHODS: We enrolled all nonemergent patients treated for elective abdominal aortic surgery for an aneurysm or obstructive disease from April 2000 to June 2014. The fast-track protocol was applied to all these patients. A transperitoneal aortic approach was used through a left subcostal incision and was complemented with epidural anesthesia-analgesia and a protocol of early rehabilitation. RESULTS: A total of 1,014 patients were treated for elective aortic surgery. For 980 patients (96.6%), clear liquids followed by a semisolid diet were tolerated starting on the afternoon of the day of intervention (day 0). Nine hundred eighty-seven patients (97.3%) began early ambulation on day 0, and for 81.2% of the population, regular colonic function returned within the second postoperative day. Seventeen deaths (1.7%) occurred. Nine hundred ten patients (89.7%) had no complications. The median hospital length of stay was 3 days for the entire series, and 80.4% of patients (n = 815) were discharged to their homes between the second and fifth days after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The fast-track program can be efficiently and safely applied to aortic surgery and that this program improves surgical outcomes, allows for earlier discharge, and reduces costs.

Midterm results of endovascular treatment of superficial femoral artery disease with biodegradable stents: single-center experience.

PURPOSE: To assess the midterm efficacy of a biodegradable poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) stent in the treatment of superficial femoral artery (SFA) occlusive disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 2009 and April 2011, 35 de novo SFA lesions were treated with 43 biodegradable stents. This nonrandomized, retrospective, single-center study included patients with moderate or severe claudication, lower-limb rest pain, or ischemic ulceration restricted to the toes; symptoms were classified as Rutherford category 2 (48.6%), 3 (37.1%), 4 (8.6%), or 5 (5.7%). The population included 28 men and had a mean age of 71 years (range, 51-81 y). Follow-up included clinical examination and color-flow duplex imaging. Mean follow-up was 38.3 months (range, 30-58 mo). RESULTS: Technical success was reported in all patients (100%). There were no intraoperative or immediate (< 30 d) complications.. During follow-up, one in-stent occlusion and seven in-stent restenoses occurred, all of which were successfully treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. Primary and secondary patency rates were 77.1% and 97.1% at 24 and 36 months, respectively. No stent recoil or stent fracture was encountered. Late follow-up (> 12 mo) by ultrasound confirmed total reabsorption of the stent structures. Clinical improvement (ie, an upward shift of at least two Rutherford categories) was achieved in all 35 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Midterm results for biodegradable PLLA stents for atherosclerotic SFA lesions were associated with high technical success and secondary patency rates, without stent recoil and vessel remodeling.

Durability and efficacy of tibial arterial stent placement for critical limb ischemia.

PURPOSE: To analyze the efficacy and durability of long-term tibioperoneal arterial stent placement for selected cases of symptomatic chronic limb ischemia (CLI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2005 to June 2012, 168 limbs (155 patients) were treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA)/stent placement for de novo tibial stenosis or occlusion in at least one tibial artery. Most patients (92.9%) were classified with severe disease (Rutherford category 5/6). Concomitant interventions were performed in 58%. Bare metal (84%) and drug-eluting (16%) stents were used. Indications for stent placement were residual stenosis after PTA (> 30%), elastic recoiling, and dissection. Primary endpoints were freedom from symptomatic intrastent restenosis, target lesion revascularization (TLR), major amputation, and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Technical success rate was 99%. Within 30 days, five deaths (3.2%) occurred, and a 1.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.1%-27.2%) major adverse cardiac event rate, 3.6% (95% CI, 0.1%-22.1%) major adverse limb event rate, and 1.8% (95% CI, 0%-27.5%) amputation rate were recorded. Mean follow-up was 33 months (range, 1-96 mo). Symptomatic intrastent restenosis occurred in 20 limbs (12%) at a mean of 10.3 months ± 11.27; this was identified as a prognostic factor for limb loss (P = .045). TLR was necessary in 10.8% of limbs, for a limb salvage rate of 89.2%. OS was influenced by age (> 75 y; P < .001), diabetes (P = .048), and renal insufficiency and/or dialysis (P < .001). Estimated survival rate was 63% at 36 months (hazard ratio, 1.63; 95% CI, 54%-70%). CONCLUSIONS: Stent placement offers promising short- to long-term restenosis and patency rates, even in cases of multilevel symptomatic disease. Rigorous follow-up is vital.

Cryopreserved autologous saphenous vein for staged treatment of bilateral popliteal aneurysms: report of three cases.

Popliteal artery aneurysms are the most common aneurysmal disease of the lower extremity. Although endovascular solutions are gaining consensus, open surgery with interposition grafting remains the standard of care. The great saphenous vein (GSV) is the most commonly used conduit and shows the best long-term results. However, optimal vein segments can sometimes be unavailable, thus leading to the use of unsuitable segments or prosthetic grafts. We report the cases of 3 patients who had bilateral popliteal aneurysms and only 1 GSV that was considered suitable for grafting, without alternative venous segments. All patients underwent staged treatment with the use of the GSV. After the first operation, the remaining GSV was cryopreserved and then reused for the contralateral limb. All patients had an uneventful outcome. No graft occlusions and no aneurysmal dilatations were detected at follow-up. Cryopreservation of autologous vein for staged treatment of bilateral popliteal aneurysms is feasible and seems to avoid the risk of residual GSV loss during the time inbetween the interventions.

Comparison of renal perfusion solutions during thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

BACKGROUND: To determine whether renal perfusion with cold crystalloid solution enriched with histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (Custodiol; Dr Franz-Kohler Chemie GmbH, Bensheim, Germany) provides better protection against renal ischemic injury than cold lactated Ringer's solution in patients undergoing thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm open repair. METHODS: We analyzed a prospectively compiled database containing all 111 consecutive patients who underwent thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm open repair at our center from 2008 to 2011. A cohort of 104 consecutive patients was identified of which 50 (48%) had renal perfusion with Custodiol and 54 (52%) with lactated Ringer's solution. Propensity score matching based on baseline clinical variables, which were expected to influence renal outcomes, was performed to correct for any bias that may have been associated with the use of Custodiol. Acute kidney injury (AKI) as defined by Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes guidelines and perioperative estimated glomerular filtration rate were compared in the two groups. Independent predictors of AKI were also identified by multivariate analysis. RESULTS: After propensity score matching, we were able to match 42 Custodiol cases one-to-one with those receiving perfusion with lactated Ringer's solution. Overall 30-day mortality was 5.9%; temporary hemodialysis or continuous veno-venous hemofiltration was needed in 4.8% of the patients without any case of dialysis at discharge. Freedom from AKI was significantly increased in the Custodiol group (38.1% vs 9.5%; P = .002) despite longer total renal ischemic time (51.5 ± 16.4 minutes vs 43.6 ± 16.0 minutes; P = .05). By analysis of variance for repeated measures, a significant upward trend of perioperative estimated glomerular filtration rate was observed in the Custodiol group (group × time interaction = F3,66; P < .001), and by multivariate analysis, Custodiol perfusion was the only independent predictor of non-AKI (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: The use of Custodiol was safe and provided improved perioperative renal function compared with lactated Ringer's solution. Randomized trials are needed to confirm these data and to assess their clinical consequences.

Culture of the aspirated coronary thromboembulus specimen: a peculiar diagnostic method for infective endocarditis.

A 69-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for persistent fever, myalgias, articular pain, headache, and hypoaesthesia of the scalp. The clinical scenario was typical for giant-cell arteritis. During hospital stay, patient developed fugax amaurosis, stroke, and acute coronary syndrome. The definitive diagnosis of infective endocarditis, supported by transesophageal echocardiography, was confirmed only by culturing the material obtained during angiography and coronary thromboaspiration.

Bifurcated coronary stents for infrapopliteal angioplasty in critical limb ischemia.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this article is to report the preliminary results of infrapopliteal percutaneous transluminal angioplasty stenting with the Nile Croco coronary bifurcated stent (Minvasys, Gennevilliers, France) for selected patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI). METHODS: From October 2006 to December 2010, 31 patients with CLI with below-the-knee TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus C and D lesions at the popliteal (n = 17, 54.8%) and distal tibioperoneal trunk (n = 14, 45.2%) bifurcations, with suboptimal primary percutaneous transluminal angioplasty results (residual stenosis >30%, elastic recoiling, or dissection), with at least two-vessel runoff to the foot (present or after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty), free of aortoiliac arterial disease, and at high surgical risk (more than three risk factors) were treated with the Nile Croco coronary bifurcated stent. Study end points included technical success, immediate and midterm primary and secondary patency rates, clinical improvement, and limb salvage. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in all patients (100%) without any intraoperative complications. Early complications included an acute stent occlusion and an acute compartment syndrome for a collateral arterial branch perforation. Median follow-up was 12.1 months (range, 1-32). Primary and secondary patency rates were 96.7% and 86.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 67.2%-94.6%) at 30 days and and 100% and 96.6% (95% CI, 78.0%-99.5%) at 1 year, respectively. Clinical improvement (an upward shift of at least two Rutherford categories) was achieved in 28 patients (90.3%). A major amputation was required in one patient (3.2%). The overall limb salvage rate at 1 year was 96.7% (95% CI, 78.6%-99.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary data suggest that the Nile Croco bifurcated stent for below-the-knee angioplasty in selected patients with CLI is associated with high rates of technical success, early and midterm patency, and clinical improvement. Limb salvage rates are acceptable for this technically highly challenging anatomy, yet further studies with larger patient populations are necessary to validate these results.

Urgent carotid artery stenting with technical modifications for patients with transient ischemic attacks and minor stroke.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of urgent carotid artery stenting (CAS) with technical modifications in patients with recent (<24 hours) initial or recurrent (≥2 episodes in 24 hours) transient ischemic attacks (TIA) or with minor stroke. METHODS: A single-center, prospective, observational study was begun in March 2005 to assess an urgent CAS protocol for the treatment of selected high-risk patients with carotid artery disease who presented within 24 hours of an initial or recurrent TIA or minor stroke. Up to June 2011, 78 patients (59 men; mean age 76 years) with TIA (n=57) or minor stroke (n=21) underwent urgent CAS (within 48 hours) for severe internal carotid artery stenosis. Outcome measures were major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), modifications in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) values for minor stroke patients, and postoperative stroke and death rates. RESULTS: Technical and procedural success rates were 100% and 97.4%, respectively; 1 intraoperative minor stroke occurred due to stent thrombosis. At 30 days, 2 patients had recurrent minor stroke; one subsequently died after a hemorrhagic brain infarction. The MACCE rate was 3.8%. There were no cases of myocardial infarction or access-related complications. Of the 20 surviving minor stroke patients, 14 showed improvement in neurological deficit on the NIHSS scale at 30 days, while 5 remained stable and one was neurologically impaired. CONCLUSION: Urgent CAS in selected patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis was satisfactory in preventing the recurrence of TIA and stroke in this study. Urgent CAS with careful patient selection, contemporary tools (medical and technical), and expert technique may represent a possible solution for some patients with recent or recurrent TIA or minor stroke.

An intense and short-lasting burst of neutrophil activation differentiates early acute myocardial infarction from systemic inflammatory syndromes.

BACKGROUND: Neutrophils are involved in thrombus formation. We investigated whether specific features of neutrophil activation characterize patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) compared to stable angina and to systemic inflammatory diseases. METHODS AND FINDINGS: The myeloperoxidase (MPO) content of circulating neutrophils was determined by flow cytometry in 330 subjects: 69 consecutive patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), 69 with chronic stable angina (CSA), 50 with inflammation due to either non-infectious (acute bone fracture), infectious (sepsis) or autoimmune diseases (small and large vessel systemic vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis). Four patients have also been studied before and after sterile acute injury of the myocardium (septal alcoholization). One hundred thirty-eight healthy donors were studied in parallel. Neutrophils with normal MPO content were 96% in controls, >92% in patients undergoing septal alcoholization, 91% in CSA patients, but only 35 and 30% in unstable angina and AMI (STEMI and NSTEMI) patients, compared to 80%, 75% and 2% of patients with giant cell arteritis, acute bone fracture and severe sepsis. In addition, in 32/33 STEMI and 9/21 NSTEMI patients respectively, 20% and 12% of neutrophils had complete MPO depletion during the first 4 hours after the onset of symptoms, a feature not observed in any other group of patients. MPO depletion was associated with platelet activation, indicated by P-selectin expression, activation and transactivation of leukocyte ß2-integrins and formation of platelet neutrophil and -monocyte aggregates. The injection of activated platelets in mice produced transient, P-selectin dependent, complete MPO depletion in about 50% of neutrophils. CONCLUSIONS: ACS are characterized by intense neutrophil activation, like other systemic inflammatory syndromes. In the very early phase of acute myocardial infarction only a subpopulation of neutrophils is massively activated, possibly via platelet-P selectin interactions. This paroxysmal activation could contribute to occlusive thrombosis.

Aberrant right subclavian artery in blunt aortic injury: implication for treatment and review of the literature.

Blunt aortic injury (BAI) involving an aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) is uncommon. The presence of an ARSA entails several treatment issues, in particular regarding the risk of perioperative posterior cerebral stroke. We report the case of a man with an ARSA who suffered from BAI. An initial conservative treatment with delayed open repair was chosen. A review of the published literature with discussion of the case is presented. The presence of an ARSA in patients with BAI can be considered a poor anatomy for endovascular repair, and suitable patients may benefit from delayed open repair.

Early and transient release of leukocyte pentraxin 3 during acute myocardial infarction.

Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) plays cardioprotective and anti-atherogenic roles in murine models. PTX3 blood levels raise during early acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Neutrophils from healthy subjects physiologically contain PTX3 in secondary (also called specific) granules. In this study, we report that circulating neutrophils release preformed PTX3 in the early phase of AMI (within 6 h from the onset of clinical symptoms). Depletion of intracellular PTX3 correlates with increased plasma levels and with platelet-neutrophil heterotypic aggregates. Neutrophil PTX3 returns to normal values 48 h after the onset of symptoms; concentration does not vary in matched healthy controls or in patients with chronic stable angina. In vitro, recognition of activated P-selectin(+) platelets causes the formation of neutrophil-platelet heteroaggregates and the release of neutrophil PTX3. Purified or membrane-bound P-selectin triggers PTX3 release from resting neutrophils. Released PTX3 binds to activated platelets in vitro. Moreover, PTX3 binds to a substantial fraction of platelets from patients in the circulating blood. PTX3-bound activated platelets have a reduced ability to 1) form heterotypic aggregates with neutrophils and monocytes; 2) activate neutrophils, as evaluated assessing the upregulation of leukocyte ß(2) integrins; 3) aggregate with other platelets; and 4) bind to fibrinogen. Our results suggest that neutrophils early release prestored PTX3 in patients undergoing AMI. PTX3 binds to activated circulating platelets and dampens their proinflammatory and prothrombotic action, thus possibly contributing to its cardioprotective effects.

Surgical treatment of posterior nutcracker syndrome.

Posterior nutcracker syndrome (PNS) is a rare condition due to left renal vein (LRV) hypertension, caused by compression of the LRV between the vertebral column and the abdominal aorta. Diagnosis of PNS is challenging, as symptoms are variable and not specific. Therapeutic options are debated, and either conservative, open, or endovascular approaches have been advocated as both safe and effective. We report our experience with a case of PNS in a 17-year-old woman, who presented with a 2 year history of recurrent hematuria associated to severe left flank and back pain, successfully treated with anterior transposition of the LRV.