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The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jun 2021Thoracic aortic arch aneurysms (TAAs) can be a life-threatening condition due to the potential risk of rupture. Treatment is recommended when the risk of rupture is...
BACKGROUND
Thoracic aortic arch aneurysms (TAAs) can be a life-threatening condition due to the potential risk of rupture. Treatment is recommended when the risk of rupture is greater than the risk of surgical complications. Depending on the cause, size and growth rate of the TAA, treatment may vary from close observation to emergency surgery. Aneurysms of the thoracic aorta can be managed by a number of surgical techniques. Open surgical repair (OSR) of aneurysms involves either partial or total replacement of the aorta, which is dependent on the extent of the diseased segment of the aorta. During OSR, the aneurysm is replaced with a synthetic graft. Hybrid repair (HR) involves a combination of open surgery with endovascular aortic stent graft placement. Hybrid repair requires varying degrees of invasiveness, depending on the number of supra-aortic branches that require debranching. The hybrid technique that combines supra-aortic vascular debranching with stent grafting of the aortic arch has been introduced as a therapeutic alternative. However, the short- and long-term outcomes of HR remain unclear, due to technical difficulties and complications as a result of the angulation of the aortic arch as well as handling of the arch during surgery.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effectiveness and safety of HR versus conventional OSR for the treatment of TAAs.
SEARCH METHODS
The Cochrane Vascular Information Specialist searched the Cochrane Vascular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and AMED databases and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and ClinicalTrials.gov trials registers to 22 March 2021. We also searched references of relevant articles retrieved from the electronic search for additional citations.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We considered for inclusion in the review all published and unpublished randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) comparing HR to OSR for TAAs.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently screened all titles and abstracts obtained from the literature search to identify those that met the inclusion criteria. We retrieved the full text of studies deemed as potentially relevant by at least one review author. The same review authors screened the full-text articles independently for inclusion or exclusion.
MAIN RESULTS
No RCTs or CCTs met the inclusion criteria for this review.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Due to the lack of RCTs or CCTs, we were unable to determine the safety and effectiveness of HR compared to OSR in people with TAAs, and we are unable to provide high-certainty evidence on the optimal surgical intervention for this cohort of patients. High-quality RCTs or CCTs are necessary, addressing the objective of this review.
Topics: Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Humans; Negative Results
PubMed: 34085713
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012923.pub2 -
Annals of Vascular Surgery. Brief... Sep 2022Venous thrombosis has been widely described in the setting of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection; however, arterial thrombosis has...
OBJECTIVES
Venous thrombosis has been widely described in the setting of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection; however, arterial thrombosis has rarely been reported. This study aims to assess the incidence, risk factors, interventions, and outcomes of acute aortoiliac arterial thrombosis in patients with active SARS-CoV-2 infections.
METHODS
We present seven SARS-CoV-2-positive patients from our institution who acutely developed thrombi in the aortoiliac arterial system (7/2020-1/2021). A systematic review of the literature on aortoiliac arterial thrombosis in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infections in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was also performed. The available data from all reported cases in the literature and at our institution were analyzed.
RESULTS
Thirty published articles and journal correspondences, including 52 patients, were reviewed and analyzed in addition to our institution's 7 cases. In total, 59 SARS-CoV-2-positive patients were found to have acute aortoiliac thrombosis. The abdominal aorta was the most frequent location for the development of a thrombus. Baseline demographics and medical comorbidities were not significantly different between the symptomatic and asymptomatic cohorts. Seventy-one percent of patients were symptomatic (lower limb ischemia: 75.0%, renal infarction: 20.0%, stroke: 12.5%, mesenteric ischemia: 10.0%). All patients with thrombus involving the ascending aorta, aortic bifurcation, or iliac artery developed thromboembolic or ischemic complications. All patients received systemic anticoagulation. Fifty-three percent of all patients were managed medically. Ninety-four percent of the asymptomatic patients were managed medically. One asymptomatic patient underwent endovascular aspiration of a mobile thrombus. Three (23.1%) deaths occurred in the asymptomatic cohort from hypoxic respiratory failure. Fourteen (36.8%) deaths occurred in the symptomatic cohort. The in-hospital mortality rate was 33.3% overall and 43.8% for patients with thrombi involving more than one aortoiliac segment.
CONCLUSIONS
The presence of thrombi in the aortoiliac arterial system appears to be a poor prognostic indicator for patients with active SARS-CoV-2 infections. Medical management of patients with asymptomatic aortoiliac thrombi may be considered. The presence of thrombi involving the ascending aorta, aortic bifurcation, or iliac artery may warrant consideration for operative intervention due to the risk for thromboembolic or ischemic complications. Further study is needed to fully delineate the risk factors, optimal treatment, and outcomes of arterial thrombosis in the setting of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
PubMed: 35821740
DOI: 10.1016/j.avsurg.2022.100105 -
World Journal of Emergency Surgery :... Mar 2023Studies on the mortality of blunt abdominal aortic injury (BAAI) are rare and have yielded inconsistent results. In the present study, we aimed to quantitatively analyse... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Studies on the mortality of blunt abdominal aortic injury (BAAI) are rare and have yielded inconsistent results. In the present study, we aimed to quantitatively analyse the retrieved data to more accurately determine the hospital mortality of BAAI.
METHODS
The Excerpta Medica Database, PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases were searched to identify relevant publications without date restrictions. The overall hospital mortality (OHM) of BAAI patients was set as the primary outcome measure. English publications with data that met the selection criteria were included. The quality of all included studies was assessed by the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist and the American Agency for Health Care Quality and Research's cross-sectional study quality evaluation items. After data extraction, a meta-analysis of the Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation of data was performed using the Metaprop command in Stata 16 software. Heterogeneity was assessed and reported as a percentage using the I index value and as a P value using the Cochrane Q test. Various methods were used to determine the sources of heterogeneity and to analyse the sensitivity of the computation model.
RESULTS
Of the 2147 references screened, 5 studies that involved 1593 patients met the selection criteria and were included. There were no low-quality references after assessment. One study that only included 16 juvenile BAAI patients was excluded from the meta-analysis of the primary outcome measure due to high heterogeneity. Due to the low heterogeneity (I = 47.6%, P = 0.126 for Q test) that was observed after using the random effects model, the fixed model was subsequently used to pool the effect sizes of the remaining four studies, thus yielding an OHM of 28.8% [95% confidence interval (CI) 26.5-31.1%]. The stability of the model was verified by sensitivity analysis, and Egger's test (P = 0.339) indicated a low level of publication bias. In addition, we also performed meta-analyses and obtained a pooled hospital mortality of operation (13.5%, 95% CI 8.0-20.0%), a pooled hospital mortality of non-operation (28.4%, 95% CI 25.9-31.0%), and a pooled rate of aortic rupture (12.2%, 95% CI 7.0-18.5%) of BAAI.
CONCLUSIONS
The present study indicated that BAAI has an OHM of 28.8%, indicating that this disease deserves more attention and research.
Topics: Humans; United States; Hospital Mortality; Cross-Sectional Studies; Aorta, Abdominal; Wounds, Nonpenetrating
PubMed: 36991444
DOI: 10.1186/s13017-023-00492-w -
Radiology Research and Practice 2022Typically, the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery branch off separately from the anterior aspect of the abdominal aorta. The celiacomesenteric trunk (CMT) is a... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Typically, the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery branch off separately from the anterior aspect of the abdominal aorta. The celiacomesenteric trunk (CMT) is a rare variant in which those arteries share a common origin. We sought to compare the prevalence of CMT in the Caribbean with the global prevalence as calculated by a systematic review.
METHODS
In this study, we evaluated all consecutive patients who had multiphase contrast-enhanced CT scans at two major referral centres in the Caribbean from August 30, 2017, to September 1, 2019. In patients with a CMT, we recorded demographic and anatomic details. We then conducted a systematic literature search and retrieved raw data to calculate the global prevalence (number of individuals with a CMT divided by the sum total of study samples). We compared CMT prevalence in our sample with the global prevalence using Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Statistical significance was considered to be present when the value was <0.05.
RESULTS
From 832 CTs, 665 scans met the inclusion criteria. There were 16 (2.41%) CMTs: 3 (0.45%) classic CMTs, 12 (1.8%) hepato-mesenteric trunks, and 1 (0.15%) hepato-spleno-mesenteric trunk. Forty-two studies reported on CMTs in a total of 74,320 persons. The global CMT prevalence was comparable (3.88%; = 0.054), but the incidence of hepato-mesenteric variants was significantly lower in our sample (1.8% vs. 3.24%; = 0.0352).
CONCLUSION
There was no difference in the prevalence of a classic CMT in the Caribbean compared to the global prevalence. However, the hepato-mesenteric trunk (incomplete CMT variant) was significantly less prevalent in the Caribbean. Advances in Knowledge: Healthcare professionals performing hepatobiliary interventions must be aware of these differences in order to minimize morbidity during their interventions.
PubMed: 36267126
DOI: 10.1155/2022/1715631 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery Dec 2021The aim of our systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the effect of accessory renal artery (ARA) coverage on renal function in terms of acute kidney injury... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The aim of our systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the effect of accessory renal artery (ARA) coverage on renal function in terms of acute kidney injury (AKI), renal infarction, chronic renal failure (CRF), and mortality in patients undergoing standard endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) or endovascular repair of complex aneurysms.
METHODS
An electronic search of the English language medical literature from 2000 to September 2020 was conducted using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases with the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) method for studies reporting on ARA management in patients undergoing endovascular repair of aneurysms in the abdominal and thoracoabdominal aorta. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1, patients with ARA coverage; and group 2, patients without an ARA or without coverage of the ARA. Each group included two arms, one of patients who had undergone standard EVAR and one of patients who had undergone endovascular treatment of a complex aortic aneurysm. The GRADE (grading of recommendations assessment, development, evaluation) approach was used to evaluate the quality of evidence and summary of the findings. The primary outcomes included the incidence of AKI, renal infarction, CRF, and mortality.
RESULTS
Ten retrospective, nonrandomized, control studies were included in the systematic review reporting on 1014 patients (302 with a covered ARA vs 712 without an ARA or without ARA coverage). In six studies, the mean diameter of the covered ARA was <4 mm (range, 2.7-3.4 mm). The mean follow-up was 22.74 months (range, 1-42 months). In the standard EVAR subgroup, the risk of AKI (odds ratio [OR], 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.21-2.51; I = 0%] in the early period, and CRF (OR, 4.44; 95% CI, 0.46-42.61; I = 87%) and death (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.36-2.31; I = 0%) during follow-up were similar between groups 1 and 2. Only the risk of renal infarction was greater in group 1 than in group 2 (OR, 93.3; 95% CI, 1.48-5869; I = 92%). In the complex aneurysm repair subgroup, the risk of AKI (OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 0.61-5.64; I = 42%) in early period and CRF (OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 0.88-3.07; I = not applicable) and death (OR, 3.63; 95% CI, 0.14-96.29; I = 56%) during follow-up were similar between groups 1 and 2. Only the risk of renal infarction was greater for group 1 compared with group 2 (OR, 8.58; 95% CI, 4.59-16.04; I = 0%).
CONCLUSIONS
ARA (<4 mm) coverage in patients undergoing standard EVAR or endovascular repair of complex aneurysms is associated with an increased risk of renal infarction. However, we found no clinical effects of ARA coverage on renal function or mortality in early postoperative and follow-up period. Preservation of an ARA >4 mm should be considered.
Topics: Acute Kidney Injury; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Endovascular Procedures; Humans; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Renal Artery; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34197943
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2021.06.032 -
Journal of the American Heart... Apr 2021Background Prior studies have suggested aortic peak wall stress (PWS) and peak wall rupture index (PWRI) can estimate the rupture risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Background Prior studies have suggested aortic peak wall stress (PWS) and peak wall rupture index (PWRI) can estimate the rupture risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), but whether these measurements have independent predictive ability over assessing AAA diameter alone is unclear. The aim of this systematic review was to compare PWS and PWRI in participants with ruptured and asymptomatic intact AAAs of similar diameter. Methods and Results Web of Science, Scopus, Medline, and The Cochrane Library were systematically searched to identify studies assessing PWS and PWRI in ruptured and asymptomatic intact AAAs of similar diameter. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed using inverse variance-weighted methods. Leave-one-out sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of findings. Risk of bias was assessed using a modification of the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and standard quality assessment criteria for evaluating primary research papers. Seven case-control studies involving 309 participants were included. Meta-analyses suggested that PWRI (standardized mean difference, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.14-0.70; =0.004) but not PWS (standardized mean difference, 0.13; 95% CI, -0.18 to 0.44; =0.418) was greater in ruptured than intact AAAs. Sensitivity analyses suggested that the findings were not dependent on the inclusion of any single study. The included studies were assessed to have a medium to high risk of bias. Conclusions Based on limited evidence, this study suggested that PWRI, but not PWS, is greater in ruptured than asymptomatic intact AAAs of similar maximum aortic diameter.
Topics: Aorta, Abdominal; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Aortic Rupture; Aortography; Asymptomatic Diseases; Biomechanical Phenomena; Humans
PubMed: 33855866
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.120.019772 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery Jan 2023At present, the rupture risk prediction of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) and, hence, the clinical decision making regarding the need for surgery, is determined by... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
At present, the rupture risk prediction of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) and, hence, the clinical decision making regarding the need for surgery, is determined by the AAA diameter and growth rate. However, these measures provide limited predictive information. In the present study, we have summarized the measures of local vascular characteristics of the aneurysm wall that, independently of AAA size, could predict for AAA progression and rupture.
METHODS
We systematically searched PubMed and Web of Science up to September 13, 2021 to identify relevant studies investigating the relationship between local vascular characteristics of the aneurysm wall and AAA growth or rupture in humans. A quality assessment was performed using the ROBINS-I (risk of bias in nonrandomized studies of interventions) tool. All included studies were divided by four types of measures of arterial wall characteristics: metabolism, calcification, intraluminal thrombus, and compliance.
RESULTS
A total of 20 studies were included. Metabolism of the aneurysm wall, especially when measured by ultra-small superparamagnetic iron oxide uptake, and calcification were significantly related to AAA growth. A higher intraluminal thrombus volume and thickness had correlated positively with the AAA growth in one study but in another study had correlated negatively. AAA compliance demonstrated no correlation with AAA growth and rupture. The aneurysmal wall characteristics showed no association with AAA rupture. However, the metabolism, measured via ultra-small superparamagnetic iron oxide uptake, but none of the other measures, showed a trend toward a relationship with AAA rupture, although the difference was not statistically significant.
CONCLUSIONS
The current measures of aortic wall characteristics have the potential to predict for AAA growth, especially the measures of metabolism and calcification. Evidence regarding AAA rupture is scarce, and, although more work is needed, aortic wall metabolism could potentially be related to AAA rupture. This highlights the role of aortic wall characteristics in the progression of AAA but also has the potential to improve the prediction of AAA growth and rupture.
Topics: Humans; Risk Factors; Aortic Rupture; Aortography; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Thrombosis; Aorta, Abdominal
PubMed: 35843510
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2022.07.008 -
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2021(1) Background: Perivascular adipose tissue attenuation, measured with computed tomography imaging, is a marker of mean local vascular inflammation since it reflects the... (Review)
Review
(1) Background: Perivascular adipose tissue attenuation, measured with computed tomography imaging, is a marker of mean local vascular inflammation since it reflects the morphological changes of the fat tissue in direct contact with the vessel. This method is thoroughly validated in coronary arteries, but few studies have been performed in other vascular beds. The aim of the present study is to provide insight into the potential application of perivascular adipose tissue attenuation through computed tomography imaging in extra-coronary arteries. (2) Methods: A comprehensive search of the scientific literature published in the last 30 years (1990-2020) has been performed on Medline. (3) Results: A Medline databases search for titles, abstracts, and keywords returned 3251 records. After the exclusion of repetitions and the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria and abstract screening, 37 studies were selected for full-text evaluation. Three papers were finally included in the systematic review. Perivascular adipose tissue attenuation assessment was studied in the internal carotid artery, ascending thoracic aorta, and abdominal aorta. (4) Conclusions: Perivascular adipose tissue attenuation seems to be an applicable parameter in all investigated vascular beds, generally with good inter-observer reproducibility.
PubMed: 34441429
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11081495 -
Annals of Vascular Surgery May 2024Infected aortic grafts and mycotic aneurysms represent one of the most complex challenges faced by vascular surgeons. Treatment has progressed from extra-anatomical... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Outcomes Following Use of Bovine Pericardium (Xenoprosthetic) Grafts for Reconstruction of Mycotic Aortic Aneurysms and Infected Aortic Grafts: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
BACKGROUND
Infected aortic grafts and mycotic aneurysms represent one of the most complex challenges faced by vascular surgeons. Treatment has progressed from extra-anatomical bypass to in situ reconstruction. Additionally, bovine pericardium reconstruction (BPR) has increased, due to accessibility and reduced lower limb morbidity. There remains, however, limited evidence for its use. The aim is to pool all known data to understand outcomes following BPR of mycotic aneurysms or infected vascular grafts.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted in November 2021 with subsequent computerized meta-analysis of the pooled results and a final search in March 2022. Three databases, Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE), Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and National Institutes of Health PubMed (PubMed), were searched for the search term "(bovine OR xenoprosthetic) AND (aneurysm)", according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.
RESULTS
From 9 studies, there were 133 patients: 67% graft infections and 33% mycotic aneurysms. Fifty-seven percent of reconstructions were in the abdominal aorta and 33% were in the thoracic aorta. One hundred fifty-eight pathogens were identified, including Staphylococcus aureus (23%), Candida albicans (13%), and Escherichia coli (13%). In 12%, no microorganisms were identified. Thirty-day mortality was 19.14% (CI 10.83-28.71), late mortality was 19.08% (confidence interval [CI] 7.76-32.83), and overall mortality was 40.20% (CI 29.82-50.97). One patient died intraoperatively. There were a total of 151 in-hospital complications after 30 days postoperation. Common complications were acute renal failure (17%), pneumonia (14%), delirium (12%), respiratory insufficiency (11%) and renal insufficiency (7%). Lower limb ischemia was low, occurring in 5.66% (CI 0.54-13.82) of patients. Loss of graft patency leading to reintervention occurred in 1.20% (CI 0.00-7.71) of the grafts. Reinfection rate was 0.00% (CI 0.00-1.21).
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis highlights low reinfection and high graft patency using BPR with medium-length follow-up; however, there remain limited long-term and comparative data regarding options for aortic reconstruction. As expected in this complex cohort, the complication rate and 30-day mortality remain high.
Topics: Humans; Cattle; Animals; Aneurysm, Infected; Reinfection; Treatment Outcome; Blood Vessel Prosthesis; Aorta, Abdominal; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Aortic Aneurysm; Pericardium; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38307226
DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2023.11.037 -
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024This study had two main objectives. Firstly, we conducted a thorough literature review on the prenatal diagnosis of abdominal congenital arteriovenous fistulas (CAVFs)...
This study had two main objectives. Firstly, we conducted a thorough literature review on the prenatal diagnosis of abdominal congenital arteriovenous fistulas (CAVFs) involving the abdominal aorta and hepatic arteries. Secondly, we aimed to provide detailed descriptions of eight additional cases diagnosed at our medical center and assess the outcome of this anomaly for informed counseling. We conducted a systematic search of online databases using specific keywords like "outcome", "ultrasound", "intrahepatic fistulae", and "fetal venous anomalies", focusing on studies published between 1998 and 2023. We selected 10 relevant articles and analyzed 13 cases. Additionally, we conducted a five-year prospective study in two referral centers, identifying eight CAVF cases with an incidence rate of 0.16%. Among the 21 cases evaluated, 11 resulted in live births, all of which received treatment. However, four cases (36.3%) had poor postnatal outcomes and neonatal demise due to heart failure. Prenatal signs of poor fetal hemodynamics, including cardiomegaly or hydrops, were observed in 52.3% of cases, regardless of outcome. Our findings highlight the rarity of this vascular malformation and emphasize the importance of effective treatment to avoid unfavorable outcomes. The long-term effectiveness of prenatal treatment or postnatal embolization remains uncertain, with liver transplantation being considered the most reliable treatment option.
PubMed: 38667471
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14080826