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Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and... Jul 2022Smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells have a remarkable level of plasticity in vascular pathologies. In thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms, smooth muscle cells... (Review)
Review
Smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells have a remarkable level of plasticity in vascular pathologies. In thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms, smooth muscle cells have been suggested to undergo phenotypic switching and to contribute to degradation of the aortic wall structure in response to, for example, inflammatory mediators, dysregulation of growth factor signaling or oxidative stress. Recently, endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and a clonal expansion of degradative smooth muscle cells and immune cells, as well as mesenchymal stem-like cells have been suggested to contribute to the progression of aortic aneurysms. What are the factors driving the aortic cell phenotype changes and how vascular flow, known to affect aortic wall structure and to be altered in aortic aneurysms, could affect aortic cell remodeling? In this review, we summarize the current literature on aortic cell heterogeneity and phenotypic switching in relation to changes in vascular flow and aortic wall structure in aortic aneurysms in clinical samples with special focus on smooth muscle and endothelial cells. The differences between thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms are discussed.
Topics: Humans; Aortic Aneurysm; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Endothelial Cells; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle
PubMed: 35587695
DOI: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.121.316237 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jan 2024Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) has a prevalence of 0.16-0.34% and an incidence of 7.6 per 100,000 person-years, accounting for 1-2% of all deaths in Western countries.... (Review)
Review
Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) has a prevalence of 0.16-0.34% and an incidence of 7.6 per 100,000 person-years, accounting for 1-2% of all deaths in Western countries. Currently, no effective pharmacological therapies have been identified to slow TAA development and prevent TAA rupture. Large TAAs are treated with open surgical repair and less invasive thoracic endovascular aortic repair, both of which have high perioperative mortality risk. Therefore, there is an urgent medical need to identify the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying TAA development and rupture to develop new therapies. In this review, we summarize animal TAA models including recent developments in porcine and zebrafish models: porcine models can assess new therapeutic devices or intervention strategies in a large mammal and zebrafish models can employ large-scale small-molecule suppressor screening in microwells. The second part of the review covers current views of TAA pathogenesis, derived from recent studies using these animal models, with a focus on the roles of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) pathway and the vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)-elastin-contractile unit. The last part discusses TAA treatment options as they emerge from recent preclinical studies.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Swine; Zebrafish; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Aortic Rupture; Models, Animal; Muscle Contraction; Mammals
PubMed: 38255976
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020901 -
Journal of Cardiac Surgery Dec 2019Pregnancy has been recognized as a predisposing factor for acute aortic dissection (AAD) although its occurrence is quite rare. Currently, no trial and few prospective... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
Pregnancy has been recognized as a predisposing factor for acute aortic dissection (AAD) although its occurrence is quite rare. Currently, no trial and few prospective studies exist about this catastrophic event. The present review and meta-analysis aims to update information on clinical presentation, potential risk factors, treatment, and outcome of acute dissection during pregnancy and puerperium.
METHODS
A comprehensive search of three databases was performed to identify all patients reported in articles published from January 1987. A proportional single-arm meta-analysis with random-effects model was used to pool these variables: risk factors, pregnancy/postpartum occurrence, surgical characteristics, and outcomes.
RESULTS
A total of 11 reports and 85 patients with pregnancy-related AAD were available for this study. The prevalence of connective tissue disorders was 62%, Marfan syndrome being the most common. Out of 76 patients, 46 (61%) had dissection during pregnancy and 30 (39%) during puerperium; 40% of events occurred in primigravidae and 60% in multigravidae. Type A and type B dissection occurred in 67% vs 33% of patients. Surgery was performed in 73% of cases with a maternal and fetal mortality of 23% and 27%, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Throughout pregnancy, AAD is quite rare but fatal, especially in Marfan and Loeys-Dietz syndromes, while isolated bicuspid aortic valve is not a risk factor. Even in Marfan syndrome, pathogenesis and evolution of the disease are still unclear. Occurrence of dissection also during puerperium indicates the need for continuous counselling and aortic size monitoring in women at-risk.
Topics: Aortic Dissection; Aortic Aneurysm; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular
PubMed: 31794127
DOI: 10.1111/jocs.14305 -
Vascular Medicine (London, England) Feb 2020Aortic aneurysms were the primary cause of nearly 10,000 deaths in 2014 according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and may involve segments of the thoracic... (Review)
Review
Aortic aneurysms were the primary cause of nearly 10,000 deaths in 2014 according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and may involve segments of the thoracic or abdominal aorta. Thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections are more commonly associated with an underlying genetic etiology. In the past several decades, in parallel with the burst of new genome sequencing technologies, a number of genetic aortopathies have been identified. These have provided important insights into the molecular mechanisms of aneurysmal disease, but pose challenges in clinical practice as there are limited consensus recommendations at this time. In this review, we aim to address the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment considerations in the key heritable thoracic aortopathies.
Topics: Aortic Dissection; Aortic Aneurysm; Clinical Decision-Making; Decision Support Techniques; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Humans; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; Phenotype; Predictive Value of Tests; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32000633
DOI: 10.1177/1358863X19886361 -
European Journal of Cardio-thoracic... Jul 2021The goal of therapy of proximal aortic aneurysms is to prevent an aortic catastrophe, e.g. acute dissection or rupture. The decision to intervene is currently based on...
OBJECTIVES
The goal of therapy of proximal aortic aneurysms is to prevent an aortic catastrophe, e.g. acute dissection or rupture. The decision to intervene is currently based on maximum aortic diameter complemented by known risk factors like bicuspid aortic valve, positive family history or rapid growth rate. When applying Laplace's law, wall tension is determined by pressure × radius divided by aortic wall thickness. Because current imaging modalities lack precision, wall thickness is currently neglected. The purpose of our study was therefore to correlate maximum aortic diameter with aortic wall thickness and known indices for adverse aortic events.
METHODS
Aortic samples from 292 patients were collected during cardiac surgery, of whom 158 presented with a bicuspid aortic valve and 134, with a tricuspid aortic valve. Aortic specimens were obtained during the operation and stored in 4% formaldehyde. Histological staining and analysis were performed to determine the thickness of the aortic wall.
RESULTS
Patients were 62 ± 13 years old at the time of the operation; 77% were men. The mean aortic dimensions were 44 mm, 41 mm and 51 mm at the aortic root, sinotubular junction and ascending aorta, respectively. Aortic valve stenosis was the most frequent (49%) valvular dysfunction, followed by aortic valve regurgitation (33%) and combined dysfunction (10%). The maximum aortic diameter at the ascending level did not correlate with the thickness of the media (R = 0.07) or the intima (R = 0.28) at the convex sample site. There was also no correlation of the ascending aortic diameter with age (R = -0.18) or body surface area (R = 0.07). The thickness of the intima (r = 0.31) and the media (R = 0.035) did not correlate with the Svensson index of aortic risk. Similarly, there was a low (R = 0.29) or absent (R = -0.04) correlation between the aortic size index and the intima or media thickness, respectively. There was a similar relationship of median thickness of the intima in the 4 aortic height index risk categories (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Aortic diameter and conventional indices of aortic risk do not correlate with aortic wall thickness. Other indices may be required in order to identify patients at high risk for aortic complications.
Topics: Aged; Aorta; Aortic Aneurysm; Aortic Valve; Aortic Valve Stenosis; Heart Valve Diseases; Humans; Male; Middle Aged
PubMed: 33822923
DOI: 10.1093/ejcts/ezab147 -
Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases 2020Patients with a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) frequently develop aneurysms of the aortic root and tubular ascending aorta. Aneurysms of the aortic arch, in the absence of... (Review)
Review
Patients with a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) frequently develop aneurysms of the aortic root and tubular ascending aorta. Aneurysms of the aortic arch, in the absence of concomitant aortopathies, are much less common. According to the 2018 American Association of Thoracic Surgery consensus guidelines on BAV-related aortopathy, prophylactic surgical aortic repair / replacement is recommended starting at a maximum aortic diameter of 50 mm in patients with risk factors. Concomitant aortic surgery is also recommended at an aortic diameter of 45 mm in those patients with other indications for cardiac surgery (most commonly aortic valve procedures). The ultimate goal of prophylactic aortic surgery is the prevention of aortic catastrophes, e.g. aortic rupture or acute aortic dissection, which are associated with high morbidity and mortality. The surgical technique used - in elective and emergency cases - depends on the involvement and nature of the aortic valve disease, as well as the extent of aortic aneurysm formation. The current review focusses on the surgical management of the aortic root, tubular ascending aorta, and proximal aortic arch in BAV patients. Despite the abovementioned recommendations, many BAV patients develop acute aortic syndromes below the recommended aortic diameter thresholds. Further research is therefore required in order to identify high-risk BAV subgroups that would benefit from earlier surgical repair.
Topics: Aortic Aneurysm; Aortic Valve; Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Cardiac Valve Annuloplasty; Heart Valve Diseases; Humans; Suture Techniques
PubMed: 32640281
DOI: 10.1016/j.pcad.2020.06.013 -
WMJ : Official Publication of the State... Sep 2020Recent studies have raised concerns that fluoroquinolone use is associated with an increased risk of aortopathy, including aortic aneurysm with and without dissection. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Recent studies have raised concerns that fluoroquinolone use is associated with an increased risk of aortopathy, including aortic aneurysm with and without dissection.
OBJECTIVE
We performed a meta-analysis with a comprehensive literature review to further investigate this association.
METHODS
This analysis was conducted per PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched for studies that included adult patients (age >18 years) exposed to fluoroquinolones or control antibiotics (amoxicillin/any other antibiotic) for urinary tract infection or pneumonia with a primary outcome of aortic aneurysm or dissection. Heterogeneity was calculated using Q statistic I.
RESULTS
A total of 6 studies-comprised of 59% males-were included in our analysis, which showed an increased combined risk of development of aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection with quinolone exposure when compared with controls (relative risk [RR] = 2.11; 95% CI, 1.62 - 2.75; I= 83.700). Individual relative risk for aortic aneurysm (RR = 2.83; 95% CI, 2.02 - 3.95, I = 89.150) and aortic dissection (RR = 1.99; 95% CI, 1.23 - 3.06; I2= 71.33) also were significantly increased.
CONCLUSION
Compared to other antibiotics, the use of fluoroquinolones was associated with a significantly higher risk of aortic aneurysm and dissection combined.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aortic Dissection; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Aortic Aneurysm; Female; Fluoroquinolones; Humans; Male
PubMed: 33091293
DOI: No ID Found -
The Journal of Thoracic and... Apr 2023Reoperative open surgical repair (OSR) of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to analyze... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Reoperative open surgical repair (OSR) of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to analyze outcomes of fenestrated-branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F-BEVAR) for the treatment of intercostal or visceral aortic patch aneurysms after OSR of TAAAs.
METHODS
We reviewed the clinical data and outcomes of consecutive patients treated at 8 academic centers by F-BEVAR for visceral and intercostal aortic patch aneurysms after OSR of TAAAs (2011-2019). All patients had involvement of at least one target vessel requiring incorporation by a fenestration or directional branch. End points were technical success, 30-day and/in-hospital mortality, major adverse events, patient survival, target vessel patency/instability, and freedom from reintervention.
RESULTS
There were 29 patients with a median age of 70 (interquartile range, 63-74) years. Seven patients (24%) had connective tissue disorders. Technical success was 100%. There were no 30-day/in-hospital mortalities. Major adverse events occurred in 5 patients (17%), including estimated blood loss >1 L in 3 patients (10%), acute kidney injury and respiratory failure in 2 patients (7%) each, and transient paraparesis in 1 patient (3%). Median follow-up was 14 (interquartile range, 7-37) months. At 2 years, primary and secondary patency, freedom from target artery instability, freedom from reintervention, and patient survival were 95%, 100%, 83%, 61%, and 96%, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
F-BEVAR could be considered as an alternative to reoperative OSR in patients with visceral or intercostal aortic patch aneurysms. This series showed no mortality and a low rate of major adverse events, but a significant need for reintervention.
Topics: Humans; Middle Aged; Aged; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Blood Vessel Prosthesis; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracoabdominal; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Treatment Outcome; Risk Factors; Postoperative Complications; Endovascular Procedures; Aortic Aneurysm; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 34030882
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2021.04.063 -
Journal of Perioperative Practice 2021An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an irreversible dilatation of the abdominal aorta. The majority of abdominal aortic aneurysms are asymptomatic and identified... (Review)
Review
An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an irreversible dilatation of the abdominal aorta. The majority of abdominal aortic aneurysms are asymptomatic and identified incidentally while investigating a separate pathology. Others are detected by national screening programmes and some present due to a growth or rupture. Symptomatic or ruptured aneurysms require urgent or emergency repair in patients fit for surgery. Perioperative practitioners should therefore be aware of how patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms present and are investigated, so that they can implement timely management. Guidelines have been recently updated to reflect this. This literature review discusses these recommendations and explores the evidence upon which they are based. The aim of this article is to highlight the important preoperative principles that need to be considered in cases of abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Topics: Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Emergencies; Humans; Mass Screening
PubMed: 32981453
DOI: 10.1177/1750458920954014 -
European Journal of Vascular and... Dec 2022
Topics: Humans; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Aortic Rupture
PubMed: 36216233
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2022.10.009