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Seminars in Thoracic and Cardiovascular... 2022Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) may grow asymptomatically until they rupture, with a mortality over 90%. The true incidence and prevalence of this condition is uncertain... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) may grow asymptomatically until they rupture, with a mortality over 90%. The true incidence and prevalence of this condition is uncertain and epidemiologic data is scarce, understudied and dispersed. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the incidence and prevalence of TAAs in population-based studies. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL from inception to October 2020 for all population-based studies reporting on incidence and/or prevalence of TAAs. Data were pooled using a random effects model. The main outcome was the overall available worldwide incidence and prevalence of TAAs. The secondary outcomes were to evaluate the incidence of ruptured TAAs, differences in the location of these aneurysms (either ascending, arch or descending aorta) and differences in prevalence/incidence across different study designs. Twenty-two studies were included in the review and meta-analysis. The pooled incidence and prevalence of TAAs was 5.3 per 100,000 individuals/year (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.0; 8.3) and 0.16% (95% CI: 0.12; 0.20), respectively. The pooled incidence of ruptured aneurysms was 1.6 per 100,000 individuals/year (95% CI: 1.3; 2.1). We found a significant difference of the prevalence in autopsy-only studies, which was 0.76% (95% CI: 0.47; 1.13) and the prevalence of TAAs dropped down to 0.07% (95% CI: 0.05;0.11) when these studies were excluded from the overall analysis. The current epidemiologic information provided serve as a base for future public-health decisions. The lack of well-design population-base studies and the limitations encountered serve as calling for future research in this field.
Topics: Aortic Aneurysm; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Humans; Incidence; Prevalence; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33705940
DOI: 10.1053/j.semtcvs.2021.02.029 -
World Neurosurgery Feb 2022Vertebral body erosion (VBE) is commonly caused by neoplastic, inflammatory, or infectious diseases: it can be rarely associated with aortic wall disorders, such as...
BACKGROUND
Vertebral body erosion (VBE) is commonly caused by neoplastic, inflammatory, or infectious diseases: it can be rarely associated with aortic wall disorders, such as chronic contained rupture of aortic aneurysm (CCR-AA). CCR-AA is a rare event comprising <5% of all reported cases. This condition is easily undiagnosed, differential diagnosis may be challenging, and there is no consensus or recommendation that dictates guidance on management of spinal surgical treatment.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of the literature of all cases of VBE secondary to CCR-AA to identify clinical, radiologic, and surgical outcome characteristics with the aim of providing a basis for future research studies.
RESULTS
The search returned 80 patients. All reported patients had a history of hypertension. In almost all patients, the AA size reported was high (mean diameter, 7.056 cm). The treatment of this condition involves various reported treatment strategies: a totally conservative approach, treatment of the aortic aneurysm through a minimally invasive endovascular procedure, or an open surgery and combined approach. Despite the wide variability in therapeutic strategy, the rate of good outcomes was relatively high at 80%.
CONCLUSIONS
Back pain and pain along the vertebral column are such frequent symptoms that unusual causes or serious and life-threatening complications may be overlooked. In addition to the common traumatic and degenerative causes of back pain, AA must also be considered. A combined approach between vascular and spine surgery could be achieved without any increased risk.
Topics: Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Aortic Rupture; Back Pain; Humans; Spinal Diseases; Spine; Treatment Outcome; Vertebral Body
PubMed: 34737100
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.10.116 -
Current Cardiology Reviews 2021Aortic aneurysms are worrisome because of their predisposition to dissection and rupture. Beta-blockers are considered first-line therapy for aortic aneurysms. The... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Aortic aneurysms are worrisome because of their predisposition to dissection and rupture. Beta-blockers are considered first-line therapy for aortic aneurysms. The following meta-analysis assesses if beta-blockers diminish aortic aneurysm growth.
METHODS
A literature search was performed to collect information on clinical trials that have assessed aortic aneurysm growth between beta-blockers and placebo. The primary endpoint was aortic aneurysm growth rate per year. A forest plot with a random-effects model was used for analysis.
RESULTS
Eight clinical trials were included in the analysis. Beta-blockers showed a statistically non-significant effect on aortic aneurysm growth (standard mean difference -0.44; 95% CI [-0.44, 0.00]).
CONCLUSION
Beta-blockers do not significantly influence aortic aneurysm growth. Further studies are required to find a suitable medical therapy to reduce growth rates.
Topics: Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Humans
PubMed: 33143615
DOI: 10.2174/1573403X16999201102213619 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery Sep 2018Outcomes after repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA) have improved in the last decade. It is unknown whether this has resulted in a reduction of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Outcomes after repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA) have improved in the last decade. It is unknown whether this has resulted in a reduction of postoperative bowel ischemia (BI). The primary objective was to determine BI prevalence after RAAA repair. Secondary objectives were to determine its major sequelae and differences between open repair (OR) and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).
METHODS
This systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42017055920) followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines. MEDLINE and Embase were searched for studies published from 2005 until 2018. The methodologic quality of observational studies was assessed with the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) tool. The quality of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was assessed with the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias. BI prevalence and rates of BI as cause of death, reoperation, and bowel resection were estimated with meta-analyses with a random-effects model. Differences between OR and EVAR were estimated with pooled risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Changes over time were assessed with Spearman rank test (ρ). Publication bias was assessed with a funnel plot analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 101 studies with 52,670 patients were included; 72 studies were retrospective cohort studies, 14 studies were prospective cohort studies, 12 studies were retrospective administrative database studies, and 3 studies were RCTs. The overall methodologic quality of the RCTs was high, but that of observational studies was low. The pooled prevalence of BI ranged from of 0.08 (95% CI, 0.07-0.09) in database studies to 0.10 (95% CI, 0.08-0.12) in cohort studies. The risk of BI was higher after OR than after EVAR (risk ratio, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.25-2.57). The pooled rate of BI as cause of death was 0.04 (95% CI, 0.03-0.05), and that of BI as cause of reoperation and bowel resection ranged between 0.05 and 0.07. BI prevalence did not change over time (ρ, -0.01; P = .93). The funnel plot analysis was highly suggestive of publication bias.
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of clinically relevant BI after RAAA repair is approximately 10%. Approximately 5% of patients undergoing RAAA repair suffer from severe consequences of BI. BI is less prevalent after EVAR than after OR.
Topics: Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Aortic Rupture; Humans; Intestines; Ischemia; Postoperative Complications; Risk Factors
PubMed: 30146037
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2018.05.018 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery Mar 2023Despite the improvements in xenogeneic grafts and surgical techniques, management of aortic graft infection has remained challenging. The optimal graft material has... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Despite the improvements in xenogeneic grafts and surgical techniques, management of aortic graft infection has remained challenging. The optimal graft material has remained controversial, with high rates of reinfection using prosthetic grafts and a limited time for venous harvest in an emergent setting. Recent studies have highlighted an increase in the use of Omniflow II biosynthetic vascular grafts (LeMaitre Vascular, Burlington, MA) for aortic reconstruction. The primary aim of the present study was to review the key outcomes for the Omniflow II graft in terms of reinfection and complications.
METHODS
The National Healthcare Service healthcare databases advanced search function was used to search nine databases for the search term "Omniflow." The present study complied with the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis) statement. Eligible studies related to aortic graft infection or in situ aortic reconstruction were selected in accordance with prespecified eligibility criteria and included for review. Data on the surgical technique, comorbidities, graft reinfection, mortality, and complications were combined. The data were analyzed using Stata/MP, version 17 (StataCorp, College Station, TX), and the probabilities were pooled using a DerSimonian and Laird random effects model with Freeman-Tukey arcsine transformation.
RESULTS
Six studies with 60 patients (44 men; age range, 29-89 years) were included. Of the 60 patients, 25 had undergone surgical reconstruction because of early graft infection (<4 months after the index procedure), 24 for late graft infection, and 3 because of mycotic aneurysms. Eight high-risk patients had undergone surgical reconstruction for prevention of an initial graft infection. Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and S. epidermis were the most common organisms. Early mortality was 8.83% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12%-20.53%), and late mortality was 18.49% (95% CI, 5.51%-35.34%). Follow-up varied from 9 months to 2 years. No graft rupture or graft degeneration had occurred during follow-up. However, 6.2% (95% CI, 0.39%-15.81%) had experienced early graft occlusion, and 3.83% (95% CI, 0.00%-16.34%) had developed early graft stenosis. Two cases of postoperative reinfection were reported. The freedom from reinfection was 97.71% (95% CI, 87.94%-100.00%).
CONCLUSIONS
Use of the Omniflow II graft for aortic reconstruction is a feasible alternative with acceptable mortality and low reinfection rates. However, there is a risk of limb occlusion. Although these studies were of low quality, the Omniflow II graft shows promise in this difficult patient cohort, especially when bifurcated reconstruction is required.
Topics: Male; Humans; Adult; Middle Aged; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Reinfection; Prosthesis-Related Infections; Treatment Outcome; Blood Vessel Prosthesis; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 36404431
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2022.09.009 -
The British Journal of Surgery Mar 2017The aim was to identify and evaluate existing patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for use in patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) to inform the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The aim was to identify and evaluate existing patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for use in patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) to inform the selection for use in surgical practice.
METHODS
Two reviews were conducted: a systematic review to identify valid, reliable and acceptable PROMs for patients with an AAA, and a qualitative evidence synthesis to assess the relevance to patients of the identified PROM items. PROM studies were evaluated for their psychometric properties using established assessment criteria, and for their methodological quality using the COSMIN checklist. Qualitative studies were synthesized using framework analysis, and concepts identified were then triangulated using a protocol with the item concepts of the identified PROMs.
RESULTS
Four PROMs from three studies were identified in the first review: Short Form 36, Australian Vascular Quality of Life Index, Aneurysm Dependent Quality of Life (AneurysmDQoL) and Aneurysm Symptoms Rating Questionnaire (AneurysmSRQ). None of the identified PROMs had undergone a rigorous psychometric evaluation within the AAA population. Four studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, from which 28 concepts important to patients with an AAA were identified. The AneurysmDQoL and AneurysmSRQ together provided the most comprehensive assessment of these concepts. Fear of rupture, control, ability to forget about the condition and size of aneurysm were all concepts identified in the qualitative studies but not covered by items in the identified PROMs.
CONCLUSION
Further research is needed to develop PROMs for AAA that are reliable, valid and acceptable to patients.
Topics: Aged; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Female; Humans; Male; Patient Reported Outcome Measures; Patient Satisfaction; Psychometrics; Quality of Life
PubMed: 27935014
DOI: 10.1002/bjs.10407 -
Journal of Endovascular Therapy : An... Aug 2014To quantitatively summarize the incidence of misdiagnosis of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAA), the most common presenting features, and the commonest incorrect... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
To quantitatively summarize the incidence of misdiagnosis of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAA), the most common presenting features, and the commonest incorrect differential diagnoses.
METHODS
A systematic search according to PRISMA guidelines was performed using EMBASE and MEDLINE databases to identify studies reporting the initial rate of misdiagnosis of patients with rAAA. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to estimate the rate of misdiagnosis, presenting features, and commonest differential diagnoses. A sensitivity analysis was performed for studies reporting after 1990.
RESULTS
Nine studies comprising 1109 patients contributed to the pooled analysis, which found a 42% incidence of rAAA misdiagnosis (95% CI 29% to 55%). In studies reporting after 1990, misdiagnosis was seen in 32% (95% CI 16% to 49%). The most common erroneous differential diagnoses were ureteric colic and myocardial infarction. Abdominal pain, shock, and a pulsatile mass were presenting features in 61% (49%-72%), 46% (32%-61%), and 45% (29%-62%) of rAAAs, respectively.
CONCLUSION
The rate of misdiagnosis of rAAA has remained consistent over time and is concerning. There is a need for an effective clinical decision tool to enable accurate diagnosis and triage at the scene of the emergency.
Topics: Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Aortic Rupture; Diagnosis, Differential; Diagnostic Errors; Humans; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis
PubMed: 25101588
DOI: 10.1583/13-4626MR.1 -
Annals of Vascular Surgery Aug 2018Aortic stent-graft infection (SGI) is rare but remains one of the most challenging and threatening complications. This systematic review aimed to identify the clinical... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Aortic stent-graft infection (SGI) is rare but remains one of the most challenging and threatening complications. This systematic review aimed to identify the clinical features, treatment, and outcomes of endograft infection after abdominal endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR).
METHODS
A systematic literature review of all published literature from January 1991 to September 2016 on SGI was performed under the instruction of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Aorta, aneurysm, endovascular, stent-graft, endograft and infection were the keywords used in our comprehensive search in PubMed and MEDLINE databases. Data analysis was performed using SPSS, V 22.0.
RESULTS
A total of 185 potential relevant articles were identified, but only 11 studies with 402 patients met the inclusion criteria. Majority of the patients were male (308/402, 77%), with a mean age ranging from 65 to 73 years. Most of the endografts were implanted for EVAR (351/402, 87%), while the other 51 (13%) endografts were infected following TEVAR. Among the 402 patients, 39 (9.7%) patients presented with aortic rupture. Ninety-two of 380 (24.2%) patients with available data had aortoenteric fistula (AEF). Sixty-nine patients (17%) died in hospital or within 30 days after operation. One hundred fourteen patients (28%) died during follow-up. The most commonly used stent grafts were Zenith (Cook Inc, Bloomington, IN) (22%) and Excluder (W.L. Gore, Flagstaff, AZ) (20%). Of the 402 patients in this series, 108 patients (27%) had negative culture, and multiple microorganisms were identified in 103 patients (26%). The most frequently isolated microorganisms were Staphylcoccus species (30.1%), Streptococcus (14.8%), and fungus (9.2%). Forty-two patients (42/401, 10%) received conservative treatment, whereas 359 (90%) patients underwent surgical treatment, including stent graft removal with in situ reconstruction or extra-anatomical bypass, and secondary endovascular procedure. Patients in the surgical group had a higher survival rate compared with conservative group (58% vs. 33%, P = 0.002). The survival rate was higher in the patients with infected EVAR than TEVAR (58% vs. 27%, P = 0.000). Patient with AEF had a worse prognosis (survival rate 72% vs. 33%, P = 0.002).
CONCLUSIONS
Current evidence suggests that surgical treatment is a better option compared with conservative management in selected patients with aortic endograft infection. The outcome was worse in patients with infected TEVAR and AEF.
Topics: Aged; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Aorta; Blood Vessel Prosthesis; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Conservative Treatment; Device Removal; Endovascular Procedures; Female; Humans; Male; Prosthesis Design; Prosthesis-Related Infections; Risk Factors; Stents; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 29772328
DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2018.02.038 -
European Journal of Vascular and... Jan 2011Small aneurysms of the abdominal aorta (3.0-5.5 cm in diameter) often are managed by regular surveillance, rather than surgery, because the risk of surgery is considered... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Small aneurysms of the abdominal aorta (3.0-5.5 cm in diameter) often are managed by regular surveillance, rather than surgery, because the risk of surgery is considered to outweigh the risk of aneurysm rupture. The risk of small aneurysm rupture is considered to be low. The purpose of this review is to summarise the reported estimates of small aneurysm rupture rates.
METHODS AND FINDINGS
We conducted a systematic review of the literature published before 2010 and identified 54 potentially eligible reports. Detailed review of these studies showed that both ascertainment of rupture, patient follow-up and causes of death were poorly reported: diagnostic criteria for rupture were never reported. There were only 14 studies from which rupture rates (as ruptures per 100 person-years) were available. These 14 published studies included 9779 patients (89% male) over the time period 1976-2006 but only 7 of these studies provided rupture rates specifically for the diameter range 3.0-5.5 cm, which ranged from 0 to 1.61 ruptures per 100 person-years.
CONCLUSIONS
Rupture rates of small abdominal aortic aneurysms would appear to be low, but most studies have been poorly reported and did not have clear ascertainment and diagnostic criteria for aneurysm rupture.
Topics: Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Aortic Rupture; Humans; Research Design; Risk Assessment
PubMed: 20952216
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2010.09.005 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery Dec 2019Intraluminal thrombus (ILT) is present in most abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), although its role in AAA progression is controversial. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Intraluminal thrombus (ILT) is present in most abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), although its role in AAA progression is controversial.
METHODS
A literature search was performed to identify studies that investigated the association between ILT volume and AAA rupture. A study assessment tool was developed to assess the methodologic quality of included studies. A meta-analysis was conducted using an inverse variance-weighted random-effects model to compare the ILT volume in ruptured and asymptomatic intact AAAs. Leave-one-out sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of the findings. A subanalysis was performed including studies in which patients with asymptomatic intact and ruptured AAAs were matched for aortic diameter. Interstudy heterogeneity was assessed using the I statistic.
RESULTS
Eight studies involving 672 patients were included in this systematic review. Meta-analysis of all studies found a greater ILT volume in patients with ruptured AAAs than in patients with asymptomatic intact AAAs (standardized mean difference, 0.56; 95% confidence interval, 0.17-0.96; P = .005; I = 79.8%). Sensitivity analyses suggested that the findings were robust; however, aortic diameter was significantly larger in ruptured than in asymptomatic intact AAAs (mean ± standard deviation, 78 ± 18 and 64 ± 15 mm, respectively; P < .001). In the subanalysis of studies that matched for diameter, no significant difference in ILT volume between groups was found (standardized mean difference, 0.03; 95% confidence interval, -0.27 to 0.33; P = .824; I = 0%).
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis suggests that ILT volume is greater in patients with ruptured AAAs than in patients with asymptomatic intact AAAs, although this is most likely due to the larger diameter of ruptured AAAs.
Topics: Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Aortic Rupture; Disease Progression; Humans; Risk Factors; Thrombosis
PubMed: 31327602
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2019.03.057