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Intractable & Rare Diseases Research Feb 2024Situs viscerum inversus (SVI) is a very rare condition in that abdominal and thoracic organs are located reversed. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening... (Review)
Review
Situs viscerum inversus (SVI) is a very rare condition in that abdominal and thoracic organs are located reversed. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening pathology due to progressive aortic enlargement until the rupture. The association between SVI and AAA is very infrequent. The aim of this study is to identify the surgical procedures available to treat AAA in SVI. We performed a literature review of all studies about AAA in SVI patients, analyzing PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science (WOS), Google Scholar databases. The survey includes all publications until June 2023. The outcomes include demographic findings, type of surgical procedure, intraoperative and postoperative complications, follow-up. A total of 12 studies, including 12 patients, were considered eligible for the review. AAA mean size was 70.5 mm (range: 55-90 mm); the most common localization was in the infrarenal aortic portion. 6 studies reported data on elective surgery, and 6 on emergency procedures. In one case endovascular treatment was performed. No intraoperative complications are reported; 3 postoperative complications are registered. Medium follow-up period was 13.5 months (range: 3-60). According to the available literature, the treatment of AAA in SVI is feasible and does not show an incremented morbidity compared to patients with a normal visceral configuration. This treatment seems to be effective also in case of endovascular treatment. AAA treatment in SVI should be performed (especially in elective settings) in high volume centers where it is possible to bring on collaboration across different surgical specialists.
PubMed: 38404738
DOI: 10.5582/irdr.2023.01081 -
Atherosclerosis Jun 2021Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an important cause of death worldwide and has an estimated heritability between 70 and 77%. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an important cause of death worldwide and has an estimated heritability between 70 and 77%. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are an established way to discover genetic risk variants. The aim of this study was to systematically review the findings and quality of previous AAA GWAS.
METHODS
The Medline, PubMed, Web of Science and relevant genetic databases were searched to identify previous AAA GWAS. A framework was developed to grade the methodological quality of the GWAS. Data from included studies were extracted to assess methods and findings.
RESULTS
Eight case-control studies were included. Thirty-three of the 38 total single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously reported were associated with AAA diagnosis at genome-wide significance (p < 5.0 × 10). The CDKN2B antisense RNA-1 gene had the most significant association with AAA diagnosis (p = 6.94 × 10 and p = 1.54 × 10 for rs4007642 and rs10757274 respectively). Age, sex and smoking history were not reported for the complete cohort in any of the included studies, although five of the eight studies adjusted or matched for at least two confounding variables. All included studies had important design limitations including lack of sample size estimation, inconsistent case and control ascertainment and limited phenotyping of the AAAs. AAA growth was assessed in one GWAS, however, no significant associations with the reported SNPs were found.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review identified 33 SNPs associated with AAA diagnosis at genome-wide significance previously validated in multiple cohorts. The association between SNPs and AAA growth was not adequately examined. Previous GWAS have a number of design limitations.
Topics: Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Case-Control Studies; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Genome-Wide Association Study; Humans; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Risk Factors
PubMed: 34038762
DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2021.05.001 -
Prevalence and Epidemiological Pattern of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in Africa: A Systematic Review.Journal of the West African College of... 2020The incidence of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) in high-income countries has been declining in the last three decades. However, in most low-income and middle-income... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
The incidence of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) in high-income countries has been declining in the last three decades. However, in most low-income and middle-income countries especially in Africa, little is known about its burden. The absence of screening services for AAA in African countries makes it difficult to detect and promptly manage AAA before rupture, which has significant implications for mortality. This study sought to systematically assess the prevalence of AAA amongst patients visiting hospitals in Africa and evaluate its epidemiological pattern.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic review was performed on the EMBASE, GLOBAL HEALTH, MEDLINE, and PUBMED databases. The review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement standards and protocol registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020162214). A data extraction tool was used to get relevant information from these studies. Quality assessment and risk of bias were performed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale for cross-sectional studies. Results were summarised in tables, figures, and a forest plot. A narrative synthesis approach of the articles was taken.
RESULTS
Two hundred and sixty-one studies were identified and after the exclusion of 246, a final 15 were deemed suitable for analysis. A total of 4012 participants were screened for AAA and of these, 129 cases were identified. The prevalence of AAA in these studies ranged from 0.7 to 6.4%. Male participants accounted for 115 (89.1%) of the cases. There was a wide age range (31-72 years) reflective of both its possible infective and degenerative aetiology. AAA was reported to be associated with hypertension, smoking, advanced age, coronary artery disease, and HIV infection. There was no association between AAA and diabetes. Over 50% of cases were identified incidentally. About one-third (23-54%) of the participants presented aortic rupture with a mortality rate ranging between 65 and 72%.
CONCLUSIONS
AAA prevalence in Africa is probably higher than the current thinking as there is no baseline data to compare with. Aetiologically, AAA was shown to be associated with hypertension, smoking, coronary artery disease, and possibly infectious pathologies like HIV. Large epidemiological studies would help better characterise AAA in this setting. Lastly, efforts targeting the reduction of the risk factors for AAA would go a long way in reducing the burden of AAA.
PubMed: 35531585
DOI: 10.4103/jwas.jwas_15_21 -
Annals of Vascular Surgery Mar 2023Aortocaval fistula (ACF) secondary to an abdominal aortic aneurysm is a rare complication, inadvertently caused by a rupture into the inferior vena cava. Different... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Aortocaval fistula (ACF) secondary to an abdominal aortic aneurysm is a rare complication, inadvertently caused by a rupture into the inferior vena cava. Different treatment modalities have been applied toward the repair of such lesions, including open surgical and endovascular repair. The aim of this study was to report on ACF treatment and to analyze its early and mid-term outcomes.
METHODS
A systematic search of the English medical literature published between 2000 and 2022 was undertaken, using PubMed, SCOPUS, and CENTRAL databases as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis 2020 guidelines. A study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022329058). Studies reporting on primary ACF outcomes following open surgical or endovascular repair were included. The ROBINS-I tool was applied for risk of bias assessment. Outcomes included technical success, 30-day and mid-term survival, endoleak following endovascular repair, and reintervention rates.
RESULTS
In total, 110 case studies, incorporating 196 patients (mean age; 66.2 years, males 96%) were included. Open surgical repair was applied in 78% (153/196). From the available data, technical success rate for each modality was 99% (152/153) and 100% (43/43), respectively. Open and endovascular repair demonstrated 87.5% (126/144) and 97.6% (42/43) 30-day survival, respectively, while mid-term survival was 86% (74/86) and 95.2% (20/21), respectively (medial follow-up: 14 months [1-54 months]). Endoleaks were reported in 19 endovascular cases (39.5%). Type II endoleak was the most frequent with a rate at 32.5% (14/43). Reintervention rates were 2.5% (4/151) and 35.7% (15/42) for open and endovascular repair, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Only few case studies were published on the treatment of this rare condition, while almost all invasive procedures were performed in males. Management of ACF repair with both open and endovascular approach was associated with excellent technical success rate and acceptable early and mid-term survival outcomes. Reintervention remained an issue for patients who were managed endovascularly.
Topics: Male; Humans; Endoleak; Treatment Outcome; Arteriovenous Fistula; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Endovascular Procedures; Risk Factors; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 36496094
DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2022.11.008 -
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2022The aim of this study was to determine the association between fluoroquinolones (FQs) use, the risk of aortic aneurysm or dissection (AAD), and the prognosis of...
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine the association between fluoroquinolones (FQs) use, the risk of aortic aneurysm or dissection (AAD), and the prognosis of patients with pre-existing AAD.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We searched PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Scopus, and Web of Science on 31 March 2022. Observational studies that evaluated the association of FQs with AAD risk in the general population or FQs with the prognosis of patients with preexisting AAD and presented adjusted effect estimates were included. Two reviewers assessed study eligibility, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias and certainty of evidence using GRADE.
RESULTS
Of the 13 included studies, 11 focused on the association of FQs with AAD incidence, and only one study investigated the association of FQs with the patient with AAD prognosis. FQ use was associated with an increased risk of AAD within 30 days (RR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.11-1.81; very low certainty) and 60 days (RR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.26-1.64; low certainty). Specifically, the association was significant when compared with amoxicillin, azithromycin, doxycycline, or no antibiotic use. Furthermore, patients with preexisting AAD exposure to FQ had an increased risk of all-cause mortality (RR: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.50-1.73; moderate certainty) and aortic-specific mortality (RR: 1.80; 95% CI: 1.50-2.15; moderate certainty), compared to the non-exposed FQ group within a 60-day risk period.
CONCLUSION
FQs were associated with an increased incidence of AAD in the general population and a higher risk of adverse outcomes in patients with preexisting AAD. Nevertheless, the results may be affected by unmeasured confounding factors. This should be considered by physicians contemplating using FQs in patients with aortic dilation and those at high risk of AAD.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/], identifier [CRD42021230171].
PubMed: 36017083
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.949538 -
Annals of Vascular Surgery Sep 2022To provide a contemporary review on endovascular false lumen (FL) embolization for thoracic aortic dissection (AD) and evaluate its early outcome. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
To provide a contemporary review on endovascular false lumen (FL) embolization for thoracic aortic dissection (AD) and evaluate its early outcome.
METHODS
A systematic literature review on FL embolization for thoracic AD from January 2003 to December 2020 was performed under the instruction of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Each article was analyzed using a standardized protocol including predefined demographic characteristics, perioperative mortality, and major complications.
RESULTS
A total of 29 papers with 229 patients were included into the analysis. The methods of FL occlusion used were the candy-plug technique, the knickerbocker technique, the "cork in the bottleneck" technique, and direct FL embolization with a combination of stent-grafts, coils, onyx, plugs, and glue. FL embolization procedure was performed in 79 patients (34.5%) with type A AD and 150 (65.5%) with type B AD. FL direct embolization was the most frequently used technique and it was applied in 198 (86.5%) patients. Candy-plug, knickerbocker, and "cork in the bottleneck" techniques were used in 26 (11.4%), 3 (1.3%), and 2 (0.9%) patients, respectively. Technical success was achieved in all patients except one (228/229, 99.6%) in which implantation of a stent to celiac trunk was not possible. There were 4 hospital deaths (1.7%). Neurological complications occurred in 6 patients (2.6%), including 4 (1.7%) spinal cord ischemia and 2 (0.9%) ischemic stroke. There were 1 (0.4%) iatrogenic retrograde dissection and 2 (0.9%) renal failure reported. The mean duration of follow-up was 16.5 months. There were 21 deaths (9.3%) during follow-up and 8 (3.6%) were aorta-related. Thirty three (14.7%) secondary interventions were performed. Five patients (2.2%) required an open completion thoracoabdominal procedure incorporating the stent-graft into the repair. Complete FL thrombosis was observed in 181 (80.4%) patients, 34 (15.1%) had partial thrombosis, and 10 (4.4%) had FL progression.
CONCLUSIONS
FL embolization of the distal thoracic aorta is a promising technique in a group of patients to promote FL thrombosis and aortic remodeling in thoracic aorta.
Topics: Aortic Dissection; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Blood Vessel Prosthesis; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Endovascular Procedures; Humans; Retrospective Studies; Stents; Thrombosis; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35339592
DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2022.03.020 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery Mar 2021The prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is well reported in Western countries and AAA screening programs are well-established. However, although individual... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
The prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is well reported in Western countries and AAA screening programs are well-established. However, although individual studies have reported that the prevalence of AAAs is lower in Asian populations, high-quality data on the prevalence of AAA in Asians are relative lacking. The present study aimed to systematically synthesize the data available in the literature and report the prevalence of AAAs in Asians.
METHODS
An electronic search was performed using two major databases (PubMed and EMBASE) with no limitations imposed on the year of publication. The review conformed to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Studies that reported the prevalence of AAAs in Asians were selected, and the population characteristics, AAA definition, method of screening, target population, and total number of patients screened were recorded.
RESULTS
Our search yielded 157 unique articles. After a full-text review, 17 articles were included in the present study. All 17 studies of fair quality. The overall AAA prevalence was 1.30% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01%-1.59%) in Asian populations. The prevalence of AAAs was 2.56% (95% CI, 1.81%-3.31%) in Asian populations selected for cardiovascular risk factors and 0.61% (95% CI, 0.37%-0.85%) in Asian populations not selected for cardiovascular risk factors.
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of AAAs in the general Asian population is low. However, the prevalence in Asian populations selected for cardiovascular risk factors approaches the prevalence of AAAs in Western populations. As such, screening for AAAs in carefully selected Asian male populations with cardiovascular risk factors could potentially yield benefits. Opportunistic screening for AAAs during ultrasound examination of the abdomen or transthoracic echocardiography for other indications could also be considered. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the potential benefits of screening for AAAs in carefully selected Asian populations.
Topics: Aged; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Asia; Asian People; Diagnostic Screening Programs; Female; Heart Disease Risk Factors; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Predictive Value of Tests; Prevalence; Risk Assessment
PubMed: 32987145
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2020.08.140 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery Feb 2022To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of all population-based studies reporting on incidence of acute aortic dissections (AADs). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of all population-based studies reporting on incidence of acute aortic dissections (AADs).
METHODS
We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Open Grey databases from inception to August 2020 for population-based studies reporting on the incidence of AAD. A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines using a registered protocol (CRD42020204007). Data were pooled using a random effects model of proportions using Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation. The main outcome was the incidence of AAD. Secondary outcomes were incidence type A aortic dissections (TAAD) and type B aortic dissections (TBAD), the incidence of aortic dissection repair and medical management, and the incidence of in-hospital mortality. In addition, we estimated the proportion of aortic dissection repair and mortality (in hospital, overall and specific mortality according to subtype) among patients with AAD.
RESULTS
Thirty-three studies were included. The pooled incidence of AADs was 4.8 per 100,000 individuals/year (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.6-6.1). The incidence of TAAD was 3.0 per 100,000/year (95% CI, 1.8-4.4) and the incidence of TBAD was 1.6 per 100,000/year (95% CI, 1.1-2.2). The incidence of AAD needing repair was 1.4 per 100,000/year (95% CI, 1.0-2.0) (or 1.4 [95% CI, 1.2-1.7] for TAAD and 0.4 [95% CI, 0.2-0.7] for TBAD). The incidence of medically managed AAD was 3.4 per 100,000/year (95% CI, 2.4-4.5). The incidence of in-hospital death owing to AAD was 1.3 per 100,000 individuals/year (95% CI, 0.9-1.9), 1.0 (95% CI, 0.6-1.4; I = 97%) for TAAD, and 0.3 for TBAD (95% CI, 0.2-0.4; I = 96%).
CONCLUSIONS
A global estimate regarding the incidence rate of AADs was achieved. The incidence of AAD varied significantly between study designs and geographical regions. More accurate information on AAD epidemiology is crucial for public health decisions, clinical understanding, and healthcare management.
Topics: Acute Disease; Aortic Dissection; Aortic Aneurysm; Global Health; Humans; Incidence; Population Surveillance; Risk Factors
PubMed: 34560218
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2021.08.080 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery Apr 2022We sought to evaluate the impact of obesity on perioperative mortality and complication rates in patients undergoing endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) and open surgical... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
We sought to evaluate the impact of obesity on perioperative mortality and complication rates in patients undergoing endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) and open surgical repair (OSR) for abdominal aortic aneurysms.
METHODS
A systematic review of all studies reporting abdominal aortic aneurysm treatment perioperative (30-day) outcomes in obese patients (body mass index ≥30 kg/m). The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included cardiac complications, respiratory complications, wound complication, renal complications, and neurological complications at 30 days. These outcomes were pooled for meta-analysis. Analysis first compared obese vs nonobese patients undergoing EVAR and OSR then compared EVAR with OSR in obese patients.
RESULTS
We identified seven observational studies with 14,971 patients (11,743 EVAR, 3228 OSR). Obese patients undergoing EVAR had lower 30-day mortality (1.5%) compared with nonobese patients (2.2%) (odds ratio [OR], 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.50-0.96; P = .03; I = 0%; Grade of evidence: low). In OSR, obese patients (5.0%) had similar 30-day mortality to nonobese patients (5.7%) (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.70-1.20; P = .54; I = 0%; Grade of evidence: low). Wound complications were higher in obese patients undergoing OSR (OR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.74-3.06; P < .001; I = 0%; Grade of evidence: low). EVAR was associated with a lower 30-day mortality (1.5%) compared with OSR (5.0%) in obese patients (OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.12-0.46; P < .001; I = 38%; Grade of evidence: low). Cardiac, respiratory, wound, renal, and neurological complications were also reduced in EVAR.
CONCLUSIONS
Obese patients have lower 30-day mortality in EVAR compared with nonobese patients. In OSR, obese patients had similar 30-day mortality but higher wound complications compared with nonobese patients. Obese patients otherwise have similar cardiopulmonary complication rates compared with nonobese patients in both EVAR and OSR. EVAR offers lower 30-day mortality and morbidity compared with OSR in obese patients. This study suggests that EVAR is superior to OSR in obese patients.
Topics: Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Endovascular Procedures; Humans; Obesity; Postoperative Complications; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34785300
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2021.10.053 -
Annals of Vascular Surgery May 2021Concern exists about durability of stent grafts used to bridge aortic grafts to visceral and renal arteries during fenestrated and branched endovascular aneurysm repair...
BACKGROUND
Concern exists about durability of stent grafts used to bridge aortic grafts to visceral and renal arteries during fenestrated and branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F/B-EVAR). There are no guidelines regarding the ideal technique for joining target vessels (TVs).
METHODS
We systematically reviewed data published from 2014 to 2019 using PRISMA guidelines and PICO models. Keywords were searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. All articles were screened by two authors (a third author in case of discrepancies). Only original articles regarding F/B-EVAR in complex aortic aneurysm, reporting the number and type of TVs mated, the onset of bridging stent complications, and reinterventions on TVs were included. Analysis included quality assessment scoring, types of stent grafts, and complications related to bridging stents.
RESULTS
19 studies were included with 2,796 patients and 9556 TV; 4,797 renal arteries (50.2%), 4,174 visceral arteries (43.6%), and undefined TV (n = 585; 6.1%) were bridged. Balloon-expandable stent-grafts (B-EXP) were used in 40.9% and self-expandable (S-EXP) in 22.7% and undefined stents in 36.3%. The included studies had quality assessment scores ranging between 11/15 and 15/15, with high grade of accordance on reporting general results, but a low grade of accordance on reporting detailed data. Despite study heterogeneity, high-volume analysis confirmed a higher rate of complication in renal arteries than visceral arteries, 6% (95% CI 4-8) vs. 2% (95% CI 1-3), respectively. The rate of reinterventions was similar, 3% (95% CI 2-4) and 2% (95% CI 1-3). S-EXP versus B-EXP stent complication was 4% (95% CI 2-7) vs. 3% (95% CI 2-5), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review underlines the low grade of accordance in reporting detailed data of bridging stents in F/B-EVAR. Renal TVs were more prone to complications, with an equivalent reintervention rate to visceral TVs. As to B-EVAR, the choice of B-EXP over S-EXP is still uncertain.
Topics: Aged; Aortic Aneurysm; Blood Vessel Prosthesis; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Endovascular Procedures; Female; Humans; Male; Postoperative Complications; Prosthesis Design; Renal Artery; Retreatment; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Stents; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Viscera
PubMed: 33359330
DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2020.10.052