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Journal of Clinical Medicine May 2024: The right-sided aortic arch (RAA) is an uncommon variation of the aortic arch (AA), characterized by the aorta crossing over the right main bronchus. In the RAA, the... (Review)
Review
: The right-sided aortic arch (RAA) is an uncommon variation of the aortic arch (AA), characterized by the aorta crossing over the right main bronchus. In the RAA, the descending aorta can be found on either the right or left side of the spine. The current study comprises a comprehensive retrospective computed tomography angiography (CTA) investigation into the prevalence of the RAA within the Greek population. Additionally, we will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to elucidate both common and rare morphological variants of the RAA. This research is significant as it sheds light on the prevalence and characteristics of the RAA in a specific population, providing valuable insights for clinical practice. : Two hundred CTAs were meticulously investigated for the presence of a RAA. In addition, the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus online databases were thoroughly searched for studies referring to the AA morphology. The R programming language and RStudio were used for the pooled prevalence meta-analysis, while several subgroup analyses were conducted. : A unique case of 200 CTAs (0.5%) was identified with an uncommon morphology. The following branches emanated from the RAA under the sequence: the right subclavian artery (RSA), the right common carotid artery (RCCA), the left common carotid artery (LCCA), and the left vertebral artery (LVA) in common origin with the aberrant left subclavian artery (ALSA). The ALSA originated from a diverticulum (of Kommerell) and followed a retroesophageal course. : Sixty-two studies (72,187 total cases) met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of the RAA with a mirror-image morphology was estimated at 0.07%, and the RAA with an ALSA was estimated at <0.01%. AA anomalies, specifically the RAA, raise clinical interest due to their coexistence with developmental heart anomalies and possible interventional complications. Congenital heart anomalies, such as the Tetralogy of Fallot and patent foramen ovale, coexisted with RAA mirror-image morphology.
PubMed: 38892815
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113105 -
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Vascular calcifications in aorto-iliac arteries are emerging as crucial risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) with profound clinical implications. This... (Review)
Review
Vascular calcifications in aorto-iliac arteries are emerging as crucial risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) with profound clinical implications. This systematic review, following PRISMA guidelines, investigated methodologies for measuring these calcifications and explored their correlation with CVDs and clinical outcomes. Out of 698 publications, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. In total, 7 studies utilized manual methods, while 4 studies utilized automated technologies, including artificial intelligence and deep learning for image analyses. Age, systolic blood pressure, serum calcium, and lipoprotein(a) levels were found to be independent risk factors for aortic calcification. Mortality from CVDs was correlated with abdominal aorta calcification. Patients requiring reintervention after endovascular recanalization exhibited a significantly higher volume of calcification in their iliac arteries. Conclusions: This review reveals a diverse landscape of measurement methods for aorto-iliac calcifications; however, they lack a standardized reproducibility assessment. Automatic methods employing artificial intelligence appear to offer broader applicability and are less time-consuming. Assessment of calcium scoring could be routinely employed during preoperative workups for risk stratification and detailed surgical planning. Additionally, its correlation with clinical outcomes could be useful in predicting the risk of reinterventions and amputations.
PubMed: 38786352
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14101053 -
The American Journal of Cardiology Jul 2024The effectiveness of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) with angiography compared with angiography guidance alone in treating aortic conditions, such as dissections,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Comparative Study
The effectiveness of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) with angiography compared with angiography guidance alone in treating aortic conditions, such as dissections, aneurysms, and blunt traumatic injuries, remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the current literature for IVUS use during thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and abdominal endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases was conducted in March 2024 adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Studies comparing outcomes of TEVAR/EVAR with and without IVUS were identified. The outcomes of interest included contrast volume, fluoroscopy and procedural time, perioperative endoleak, and reinterventions and all-cause mortality during follow-up. Data with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted. Pooled analysis was performed using a random-effect model. Subgroup analysis was performed stratified by the condition being treated. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies. A total of 4,219 patients (n = 2,655 IVUS and n = 1,564 non-IVUS) from 9 observational studies were included. The IVUS group exhibited a reduction in contrast agent volume (weighted mean difference -34.65 mL, 95% CI -54.73 to -14.57) and fluoroscopy time (weighted mean difference -6.13 minutes, 95% CI -11.10 to -1.15), with no difference in procedural time. The perioperative type I and III endoleak occurrences were similar (risk ratio 2.36, 95% CI 0.55 to 10.11; risk ratio 0.72, 95% CI 0.09 to 5.77, respectively). Reintervention and mortality during follow-up were comparable (hazard ratio 0.80, 95% CI 0.33 to 1.97; hazard ratio 0.75, 95% CI 0.47 to 1.18, respectively). All the included studies had small risks of bias. In conclusion, this meta-analysis provides evidence that IVUS enables the safe deployment of TEVAR/EVAR with reduced contrast agent and radiation exposure.
Topics: Humans; Ultrasonography, Interventional; Endovascular Procedures; Aorta, Thoracic; Aorta, Abdominal; Angiography; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Endovascular Aneurysm Repair
PubMed: 38768845
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2024.05.017 -
Vascular May 2024Blunt thoracic aortic injuries (BTAIs) involving the aortic arch are a challenging condition. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with fenestration, which...
OBJECTIVES
Blunt thoracic aortic injuries (BTAIs) involving the aortic arch are a challenging condition. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with fenestration, which expands the proximal landing zone, is able to exclude the injury while preserving blood flow in supra-aortic branches.
METHODS
Here we report a case of TEVAR with fenestrations of all supra-aortic branches for traumatic aortic pseudoaneurysm and perform a systematic review.
RESULTS
A 24-year-old man suffering a blunt thoracic injury and a left femoral fracture was sent to our hospital. A pseudoaneurysm was found in the aortic arch between the brachiocephalic artery and the left common carotid artery. The patient underwent emergent TEVAR with fenestrations of all supra-aortic branches, which excluded the pseudoaneurysm and preserved the patency of all branches. The orthopedic team then treated the femoral fracture. The patient's recovery was unremarkable. We performed a systematic review on TEVAR with fenestrations for BTAI. Six patients (75%) received TEVAR with single fenestration, 1 patient (12.5%) received TEVAR with two fenestrations, and 1 patient (12.5%) had fenestrations of all supra-aortic branches. Except one patient died in the perioperative, other patients survived without stent-related complications in the short-term follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS
TEVAR with fenestration is feasible for treating BTAI involving the aortic arch in selected patients.
PubMed: 38739928
DOI: 10.1177/17085381241254427 -
Morphological Aspects of the Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery-A Systematic Review of the Literature.Journal of Personalized Medicine Mar 2024The aberrant origin of the right subclavian artery (ARSA), also known as the lusoria artery, is a congenital malformation with an incidence of 0.5-4.4%. Most cases are... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The aberrant origin of the right subclavian artery (ARSA), also known as the lusoria artery, is a congenital malformation with an incidence of 0.5-4.4%. Most cases are incidental due to minimal clinical manifestations. Computer tomography (CT) is important in diagnosing and evaluating these patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We conduct a computerized search in two databases, PubMed and EMBASE, for articles published between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2023, PROSPERO code: CRD42024511791. Eligible for inclusion were case reports and case series that presented the aberrant origin of the right subclavian artery. The main outcome was the highlighting of the morphological types of ARSA. In this context, we proposed a new classification system of this anomaly. The secondary outcome was the evaluation of the demographic distribution of the lusoria artery.
RESULTS
Our search identified 47 articles describing 51 patients with ARSA. The typical course for ARSA is retroesophageal, being registered in 49 out of 51 patients. This malformation is frequently associated with Kommerell diverticulum (15 out of 51), troncus bicaroticus (7 out of 51), and aberrant origins of the right vertebral artery (7 out of 51). We observed a higher incidence of the condition among women (32 out of 51) compared to men (19 out of 51). From a demographic point of view, ARSA is more frequent in the "44 to 57 years" and "58 to 71 years" age ranges.
CONCLUSIONS
ARSA is a congenital malformation resulting from a defect in the development of the aortic arches. The imaging studies such as computer tomography play a defined diagnostic role.
PubMed: 38672962
DOI: 10.3390/jpm14040335 -
PeerJ 2024Obesity is a well-known predictor for poor postoperative outcomes of vascular surgery. However, the association between obesity and outcomes of thoracic endovascular... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Obesity is a well-known predictor for poor postoperative outcomes of vascular surgery. However, the association between obesity and outcomes of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is still unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to assess the roles of obesity in the outcomes of TEVAR.
METHODS
We systematically searched the Web of Science and PubMed databases to obtain articles regarding obesity and TEVAR that were published before July 2023. The odds ratio (OR) or hazard ratio (HR) was used to assess the effect of obesity on TEVAR outcomes. Body mass index (BMI) was also compared between patients experiencing adverse events after TEVAR and those not experiencing adverse events. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the quality of the enrolled studies.
RESULTS
A total of 7,849 patients from 10 studies were included. All enrolled studies were high-quality. Overall, the risk of overall mortality (OR = 1.49, 95% CI [1.02-2.17], = 0.04) was increased in obese patients receiving TEVAR. However, the associations between obesity and overall complications (OR = 2.41, 95% CI [0.84-6.93], = 0.10) and specific complications were all insignificant, including stroke (OR = 1.39, 95% CI [0.56-3.45], = 0.48), spinal ischemia (OR = 0.97, 95% CI [0.64-1.47], = 0.89), neurological complications (OR = 0.13, 95% CI [0.01-2.37], = 0.17), endoleaks (OR = 1.02, 95% CI [0.46-2.29], = 0.96), wound complications (OR = 0.91, 95% CI [0.28-2.96], = 0.88), and renal failure (OR = 2.98, 95% CI [0.92-9.69], = 0.07). In addition, the patients who suffered from postoperative overall complications ( < 0.001) and acute kidney injury ( = 0.006) were found to have a higher BMI. In conclusion, obesity is closely associated with higher risk of mortality after TEVAR. However, TEVAR may still be suitable for obese patients. Physicians should pay more attention to the perioperative management of obese patients.
Topics: Humans; Obesity; Endovascular Procedures; Postoperative Complications; Aorta, Thoracic; Body Mass Index; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome; Endovascular Aneurysm Repair
PubMed: 38650653
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17246 -
Medicine Feb 2024A high incidence of anatomical variations in the origin of the branches of the aortic arch has been reported, Nowadays, this variation is considered the most frequent in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
A high incidence of anatomical variations in the origin of the branches of the aortic arch has been reported, Nowadays, this variation is considered the most frequent in the aortic arch, its prevalence being estimated between 0.5% and 2.5% of the population. To understand its origin, knowledge of embryonic development is necessary.
METHODS
We searched the MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Latin-American literature and caribean of health sciences databases with dates ranging from their inception to June 2023. Study selection, data extraction, and methodological quality were assessed with the guaranteed tool for anatomical studies (Anatomical Quality Assurance). Finally, the pooled prevalence was estimated using a random effects model.
RESULTS
Thirty-nine studies were found that met the eligibility criteria. Twenty studies with a total of 41,178 subjects were included in the analysis. The overall prevalence of an ARSA variant was 1% (95% confidence interval = 1%-2%), the clinical findings found are that if ARSA is symptomatic it could produce changes in the hemodynamic function of the thoracocervical region in addition to other associated symptomatic complications in surrounding structures.
CONCLUSIONS
ARSA can cause several types of alterations in the cervical or thoracic region, resulting in various clinical complications, such as lusory dysphagia. Hence, knowing this variant is extremely important for surgeons, especially those who treat the cervico-thoracic region. The low prevalence of ARSA means that many professionals are completely unaware of its existence and possible course and origin. Therefore, this study provides detailed knowledge of ARSA so that professionals can make better diagnoses and treatment of ARSA.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Subclavian Artery; Cardiovascular Abnormalities; Deglutition Disorders; Aorta, Thoracic; Uterine Cervical Diseases
PubMed: 38394517
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000036856 -
Journal of Endovascular Therapy : An... Feb 2024Blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) represents a potentially life-threatening condition and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is recommended as the first-line... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) represents a potentially life-threatening condition and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is recommended as the first-line treatment (Class I level of evidence C) by the current guidelines. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the perioperative and mid-term follow-up outcomes of patients with BTAI treated with TEVAR.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We reviewed the English literature published between 2000 and 2022, via Ovid, using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases, until July 30, 2022. Observational studies and case series, with ≥5 patients, reporting on the perioperative and follow-up outcomes of patients who underwent TEVAR for BTAI were included. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the risk of bias. Primary outcomes were technical success and 30-day mortality, cerebrovascular morbidity. Secondary outcomes were mortality and re-interventions during the mid-term follow-up.
RESULTS
From 5201 articles identified by the literature search, 35 eligible studies were included in this review. All studies had a retrospective study design. In total, 991 patients were included. The mean age was 34.5±16.5 years (range=16-89 years). Technical success was 98.0% (odds ratio [OR], 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.98, 0.99, p<0.001, =0%). Mortality at 30 days was 5.0% (OR, 95% CI=0.03, 0.06, p<0.001, =5.56%). Spinal cord ischemia occurred in 1.0% (OR, 95% CI=0.01, 0.02, p<0.001, =0%) and stroke rate was 2.0% (OR, 95% CI=0.01, 0.02, p<0.001, =0%). The available follow-up was estimated at 29 months (range=3-119 months) with mortality rate at 2.0% (OR, 95% CI=0.01, 0.02, p<0.001, =0%) and re-intervention rate at 1.0% (OR, 95% CI=0.01, 0.02, p<0.001, =10.5%).
CONCLUSION
Thoracic endovascular aortic repair showed high technical success and low early cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality rates. In the mid-term follow-up, the estimated mortality and re-intervention rates were also low. Furthermore, higher quality prospective studies are needed.
CLINICAL IMPACT
Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is recommended as the first line treatement in patients with blunt thoracic aortic injuries (BTAI). This systematic review of 35 retrospective studies and 991 patients showed high technical success (98.0%) with an associated 30-day mortality at 5.0% and low spinal cord ischemia (1%) and stroke rates (2.0%). Mid-term mortality and re-intervention rates reassure the effectiveness of TEVAR in BTAI cases.
PubMed: 38369733
DOI: 10.1177/15266028241233163 -
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 -
Esophagus : Official Journal of the... Apr 2024Aorto-esophageal fistula (AEF) due to esophageal cancer (EC) is a life-threatening condition characterized by sudden hemorrhage, which often causes sudden death. To... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Aorto-esophageal fistula (AEF) due to esophageal cancer (EC) is a life-threatening condition characterized by sudden hemorrhage, which often causes sudden death. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for AEF due to EC, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched the MEDLINE (PubMed) databases, the Cochrane Library databases, Ichushi-Web (the databases of the Japan Medical Abstract Society), and CiNii (Academic information search service of the National Institute of Information from Japan) from January 2000 to November 2023 for articles about TEVAR for an emergent aortic hemorrhage (salvage TEVAR [S-TEVAR]), and the prophylactic procedure (P-TEVAR). Six studies (140 cases) were eligible for meta-analysis. The 90-day mortality of S-TEVAR and P-TEVAR was 40% (95% CI 23-60, I = 36%) and 8% (95% CI 3-17, I = 0%), respectively. Post-S-TEVAR hemorrhagic and infectious complications were 17% (95% CI 3-57, I = 71%) and 20% (95% CI 5-57, I = 66%), respectively. Post-P-TEVAR hemorrhagic and infectious complications were 2% (95% CI 0-10, I = 0%) and 3% (95% CI 1-12, I = 0%), respectively. TEVAR for AEF due to EC may be a useful therapeutic option to manage or prevent hemorrhagic oncological emergencies.
Topics: Humans; Endovascular Aneurysm Repair; Aorta, Thoracic; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Treatment Outcome; Aortic Diseases; Hemorrhage; Esophageal Fistula; Esophageal Neoplasms
PubMed: 38302854
DOI: 10.1007/s10388-024-01042-2