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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Selective endarterectomy of external carotid artery (ECA) stenosis has been considered a therapeutic option for patients presenting with symptomatic ipsilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion to correct cerebral hypoperfusion or eliminate a source of emboli. However, data are scarce, and the long-term benefit of ECA revascularization remains unclear. Our objective was to study the operative results and durability of selective ECA endarterectomy in patients presenting with cerebrovascular symptoms in association with nonacute ipsilateral ICA occlusion. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of 27 consecutive patients who underwent selective ECA endarterectomy in a single center between 2000 and 2010. All patients presented with neurologic symptoms (<6 months of surgery, 78% repeat events) referable to an ipsilateral occlusion of the ICA and concomitant stenosis of the ECA. We assessed the perioperative clinical outcome <30 days and at midterm follow-up (mean, 31.6 months). Patency was defined as freedom of duplex ultrasound detected ≥50% restenosis. RESULTS: Endarterectomy of the ECA was successful in 26 patients (96.3%) with one ECA found occluded at surgery. No perioperative deaths occurred. In the 30 days after surgery, one patient developed an ipsilateral disabling ischemic stroke (3.7%), and one patient (3.7%) had a myocardial infarction. At follow-up, nine patients had died: one of a fatal ischemic stroke, six of non-vascular-related causes, and two of unknown causes. At 3 years, 83% (standard error, 8%) of patients were free from stroke or death, and 80% (standard error, 8%) of the operated-on arteries were patent. Five patients developed restenosis ≥50% (n = 2, asymptomatic) or occlusion (n = 3, one symptomatic) ≤3 months, and two other patients developed late asymptomatic restenosis. CONCLUSIONS: Selective endarterectomy of the ECA in symptomatic patients with an ipsilateral occlusion of the ICA is a feasible procedure with an acceptable perioperative risk. Most patients remain stroke-free during follow-up and have a low rate of symptomatic restenosis.
Journal of vascular surgery: official publication, the Society for Vascular Surgery [and] International Society for Cardiovascular Surgery, North American Chapter 03/2013; · 3.52 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:: Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI) is the most advanced stage of peripheral arterial disease and is usually treated with bypass surgery or endovascular revascularization. However, a considerable proportion of CLI patients are not eligible to these treatment strategies and amputation is often the only option left. In the past decade, research has focused on bone marrow (BM)-derived cell-based strategies that aim at neovascularization to improve limb perfusion. Individual studies did not convincingly prove efficacy of BM-derived cell therapy in CLI patients thus far. OBJECTIVES:: Perform a meta-analysis of all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) available that studied BM-derived cell therapy compared to standard care with or without placebo in CLI patients and provide summary efficacy data on this approach. METHODS:: A systematic search in the electronic databases of Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register was performed. All studies were critically appraised and data were extracted and meta-analyzed using a random-effects model. Major amputation and amputation-free survival were considered as the primary endpoints. RESULTS:: A total of 12 RCTs jointly including 510 CLI patients were identified and analyzed. The meta-analysis showed beneficial effects of BM-derived cell therapy on both subjective and surrogate objective endpoints, that is, pain score, pain-free walking distance, ankle-brachial index, and transcutaneous oxygen measurements (all P < 0.00001). Overall, the RCTs showed reduced amputation rates in the therapeutic arms of the included trials with a relative risk (RR) on major amputation of 0.58 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.40-0.84; P = 0.004]. However, when only the placebo-controlled RCTs were considered, the beneficial effect on major amputation rates was considerably reduced and nonsignificant (RR = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.40-1.51; P = 0.46). Amputation-free survival did not significantly differ between the BM treated and the control group (RR = 1.16; 95% CI, 0.92-1.48; P = 0.22). CONCLUSIONS:: This meta-analysis underlines the promising potential of BM-derived cell therapy in CLI patients. Importantly, the results of placebo-controlled and non-placebo-controlled RCTs seem to diverge, which stresses the necessity to use placebo in the control arms of these trials. Future well-designed larger placebo-controlled RCTs are needed and should include long-term follow-up data to assess durability of treatment effects.
Annals of surgery 02/2013; · 7.90 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Because best medical treatment is improving, the risk of stroke in asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (ACAS) may decline. We evaluated the risk of ischemic stroke and stratified it according to stroke subtype in patients with ACAS during long-term follow-up. METHODS: In total, 4319 consecutive patients in the Second Manifestations of Arterial disease study with clinically manifest arterial disease or specific risk factors, but without a history of cerebrovascular disease, were included. Degree of stenosis was evaluated with duplex ultrasound scanning. Strokes during follow-up were classified according to subtype. Cox-proportional hazard-regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between ACAS and future stroke. RESULTS: We identified 293 (6.8%) patients with ACAS 50% to 99%, of whom 193 had 70% to 99% stenosis. In these subgroups, mean follow-up was 6.2 and 6.0 years, respectively. In total, 94 ischemic strokes occurred, of which 8 in ACAS 50% to 99% patients. The any territory annual ischemic stroke risk was 0.4% in 50% to 99% ACAS and 0.5% per year for 70% to 99% ACAS patients. The risk of ischemic stroke was not significantly increased in patients with ACAS 70% to 99% (hazard ratio, 1.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.7-3.5). Patients with ACAS 50% to 99% and ACAS 70% to 99% tended to have nonsignificantly more large vessel disease strokes (hazard ratio, 1.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.5-4.2 and hazard ratio, 1.7; 95% confidence interval, 0.5-5.6). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with clinically manifest arterial disease or type 2 diabetes mellitus have a low risk of developing ischemic stroke, irrespective of its subtype and independent of the degree of ACAS stenosis.
Stroke 02/2013; · 5.73 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE: The management of small popliteal artery aneurysms remains a matter of debate. The goal of this study was to gain additional knowledge about this pathology, focusing specifically on popliteal arteries smaller than 20 mm in diameter. Furthermore, the need for surveillance of the contralateral popliteal artery in patients with a small aneurysm was studied. METHODS: A retrospective follow-up study was conducted in 2 Dutch hospitals. From 1998 until 2011, data were collected through a search in the hospital patient databases. A small aneurysm (which was defined as a popliteal artery diameter of 10-20 mm) was identified and evaluated in 73 patients. These patients were monitored, whereby symptoms, complications, and survival were recorded. In addition, the contralateral popliteal artery was analyzed in all 73 patients. RESULTS: Of 73 small aneurysms, 58% were asymptomatic, of which 24% developed an indication for surgical repair during follow-up. Furthermore, 32% were symptomatic and 11% completely thrombosed. Results of surgically treated aneurysms were good, with a secondary patency of 90% after a median follow-up of 30 months. A contralateral popliteal artery exceeding 10 mm was present in 49 patients (67%), of whom 59% had an indication for surgery. CONCLUSION: This study found that small popliteal artery aneurysms show a considerable risk of becoming symptomatic. In all patients with a known popliteal artery aneurysm, investigation of the contralateral popliteal artery is advised.
Annals of Vascular Surgery 02/2013; · 1.03 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: AIM: To visualize baroreceptors in the human carotid bifurcation by light microscopy. Baroreceptor location is investigated in order to provide recommendations for the extent of adventitial stripping in the treatment for carotid sinus syndrome (CSS). METHODS: Human carotid specimens were transversely cut in 20μm sections. After immunohistochemical staining using antibodies to vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2) and protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5), the presence of baroreceptor tissue was studied using light microscopic techniques. RESULTS: Visual assessment indicated that VGLUT2 and PGP 9.5 immunoreactivity was present in the adventitia of the carotid arteries and that nerve density was highest in the medial wall of the proximal first cm of the internal carotid artery (ICA). CONCLUSION: Human carotid baroreceptors, as reflected in immunoreactivity for VGLUT2 and PGP 9.5, are mainly localized in the medial portions of the proximal ICA. If surgical carotid denervation is indicated in patients suffering from carotid sinus syndrome, adventitial stripping of the proximal portion of the ICA should be sufficient.
Annals of anatomy = Anatomischer Anzeiger: official organ of the Anatomische Gesellschaft 02/2013; · 0.88 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Suprarenal pathologies can be treated with immediately available devices with the chimney technique, which offers a bail-out in patients not eligible for a branched or fenestrated stent graft. We present an adjusted chimney technique for total renal and visceral revascularization in a patient with a suprarenal aneurysm. Although short-term results look promising, longer follow-up is anticipated.
Journal of vascular surgery: official publication, the Society for Vascular Surgery [and] International Society for Cardiovascular Surgery, North American Chapter 02/2013; · 3.52 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE: The Endurant endograft (Medtronic Inc, Minneapolis, Minn) is a new-generation device specifically developed to perform well in complex abdominal aortic aneurysm anatomy. Previous reports on the 1- and 2-year results of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) with the Endurant endograft showed excellent outcome, including prevention of migration and type I endoleaks, but occurrence and outcome of post-EVAR occlusion have not been determined in a large multicenter patient cohort with midterm follow-up, which is the objective of this study. METHODS: Data of consecutive patients treated with the Endurant from December 2007 to April 2012 in three Dutch tertiary vascular referral hospitals were prospectively gathered and retrospectively analyzed. Follow-up consisted of regular office visits, computed tomography angiography at 1 and 12 months after EVAR, and subsequently, duplex ultrasound imaging or computed tomography angiography at regular intervals. Patients with ruptured aneurysms or with earlier abdominal aortic surgery were excluded. The incidence and clinical outcome of endograft occlusions were analyzed. An expert review board assessed all cases in the search for possible causes of occlusion. RESULTS: Included were 496 patients (87.7% male), who were a median age of 74 years (range, 68-78 years). Median follow-up was 1.7 years (range, 0-4.6 years). Twenty graft occlusions (4.0%) occurred during follow-up. Median time between primary EVAR and detection of the occlusion was 1 month, with 55% occurring ≤60 postoperative days and 90% ≤1 year. No association was found between occlusion and sex (P = .28), age (P = .96), or use of an aortouniiliac device (P = .66). Technical error was the considered cause of the occlusion in 12 patients (60%). The estimated freedom from occlusion was 98.4% at 30 days, 95.7% at 1 year, and 95.3% at 3 years. Presenting symptoms of occlusion were acute limb ischemia in 50%. Treatment was surgical (75%) or percutaneous (25%). Successful revascularization was achieved in 17 of 20 patients, but reocclusions occurred in five, resulting in a transfemoral amputation in one patient. Occlusion-related mortality was 0.6% (3 of 496). CONCLUSIONS: At a median follow-up of 1.7 years, Endurant endograft occlusion occurred in 4.0% of 496 patients. Most occlusions occurred ≤2 months after EVAR, and rarely after 1 year. A technical justification for occlusion could be found for 60% of patients. A more liberal intraoperative and early postoperative (re)intervention strategy may reduce the occlusion rates and improve outcome.
Journal of vascular surgery: official publication, the Society for Vascular Surgery [and] International Society for Cardiovascular Surgery, North American Chapter 02/2013; · 3.52 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE: Most studies based on state and nationwide registries evaluating perioperative outcome after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) rely on hospital discharge data only. Therefore, the true 30-day complication risk after carotid revascularization may be underestimated. METHODS: We used the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database 2005-2010 to assess the in-hospital and postdischarge rate of any stroke, death, cardiac event (new Q-wave myocardial infarction or cardiac arrest), and combined stroke/death and combined adverse outcome (S/D/CE) at 30 days following CEA. Multivariable analyses were used to identify predictors for in-hospital and postdischarge events separately, and in particular, those that predict postdischarge events distinctly. RESULTS: A total of 35,916 patients who underwent CEA during 2005-2010 were identified in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database; 59% were male, median age was 72 years, and 44% had a previous neurologic event. Thirty-day stroke rate was 1.6% (n = 591), death rate was 0.8% (n = 272), cardiac event rate was 1.0% (n = 350), stroke or death rate was 2.2% (n = 794), and combined S/D/CE rate was 2.9% (n = 1043); 33% of strokes, 53% of deaths, 32% of cardiac events, 40% of combined stroke/death, and 38% of combined S/D/CE took place after hospital discharge. Patients with a prior stroke or transient ischemic attack had similar proportions of postdischarge events compared with patients without prior symptoms. Independent predictors for postdischarge events, but not for in-hospital events were female sex (stroke [odds ratio (OR), 1.6; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.2-2.1] and stroke/death [OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.7]), renal failure (stroke [OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.4-6.2]) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (death [OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.6-3.7], stroke/death [OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.4-2.4], and S/D/CE [OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.4-2.3]). CONCLUSIONS: With 38% of perioperative adverse events after CEA happening posthospitalization, regardless of symptoms status, we need to be alert to the ongoing risks after discharge particularly in women, patients with renal failure, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This emphasizes the need for reporting and comparing 30-day adverse event rates when evaluating outcomes for CEA, or comparing carotid stenting to CEA.
Journal of vascular surgery: official publication, the Society for Vascular Surgery [and] International Society for Cardiovascular Surgery, North American Chapter 02/2013; · 3.52 Impact Factor
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Journal of Endovascular Therapy 02/2013; 20(1):61-3. · 2.86 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Background: Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is characterized by lower extremity artery obstruction and a largely unexplained impaired ischemic neovascularization response. Bone marrow (BM) derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) contribute to neovascularization. We hypothesize that reduced levels and function of circulating progenitor cells and alterations in the BM contribute to impaired neovascularization in CLI.
PLoS ONE 01/2013; · 4.09 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Patients with carotid artery stenosis and ocular ischemic events have a much lower risk of future ipsilateral ischemic stroke on medical treatment and lower procedural risks for endarterectomy and stenting than patients with cerebral ischemic events, and are closer in risk to patients with asymptomatic stenosis. The reasons for this difference in prognosis are not fully understood, but may reflect differences in carotid plaque pathology. METHODS: In consecutive patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy for recently symptomatic stenosis (Oxford Plaque Study, Athero-Express Study), we compared carotid plaque histology (using validated semiquantitative scales) in those who had cerebral events within the last 6 months (n=1317) versus those with ocular events only (n=323). RESULTS: Compared with plaques from patients with ocular events only, those from patients with cerebral events had significantly more large lipid core (odds ratio [OR], 1.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.82; P=0.02), inflammation (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.02-1.72; P=0.04) and overall plaque instability (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.05-1.80; P=0.02), and less fibrous content (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.54-0.92; P=0.01), and calcification (OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.54-0.91; P=0.008). The overall number of histological features known to be associated with vulnerable plaque was greater in patients with cerebral events than in those with ocular events (P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Carotid plaques from patients undergoing endarterectomy for previous ocular ischemic events have fewer vulnerable plaque features than those from patients with recent cerebral ischemic events, possibly explaining some of the differences in risk of stroke between these groups.
Stroke 01/2013; · 5.73 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is characterized by lower extremity artery obstruction and a largely unexplained impaired ischemic neovascularization response. Bone marrow (BM) derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) contribute to neovascularization. We hypothesize that reduced levels and function of circulating progenitor cells and alterations in the BM contribute to impaired neovascularization in CLI.
Levels of primitive (CD34(+) and CD133(+)) progenitors and CD34(+)KDR(+) EPC were analyzed using flow cytometry in blood and BM from 101 CLI patients in the JUVENTAS-trial (NCT00371371) and healthy controls. Blood levels of markers for endothelial injury (sE-selectin, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and thrombomodulin), and progenitor cell mobilizing and inflammatory factors were assessed by conventional and multiplex ELISA. BM levels and activity of the EPC mobilizing protease MMP-9 were assessed by ELISA and zymography. Circulating angiogenic cells (CAC) were cultured and their paracrine function was assessed.
Endothelial injury markers were higher in CLI (P<0.01). CLI patients had higher levels of VEGF, SDF-1α, SCF, G-CSF (P<0.05) and of IL-6, IL-8 and IP-10 (P<0.05). Circulating EPC and BM CD34(+) cells (P<0.05), lymphocytic expression of CXCR4 and CD26 in BM (P<0.05), and BM levels and activity of MMP-9 (P<0.01) were lower in CLI. Multivariate regression analysis showed an inverse association between IL-6 and BM CD34(+) cell levels (P = 0.007). CAC from CLI patients had reduced paracrine function (P<0.0001).
CLI patients have reduced levels of circulating EPC, despite profound endothelial injury and an EPC mobilizing response. Moreover, CLI patients have lower BM CD34(+)-cell levels, which were inversely associated with the inflammatory marker IL-6, and lower BM MMP-9 levels and activity. The results of this study suggest that inflammation-induced BM exhaustion and a disturbed progenitor cell mobilization response due to reduced levels and activity of MMP-9 in the BM and alterations in the SDF-1α/CXCR4 interaction contribute to the attenuated neovascularization in CLI patients.
PLoS ONE 01/2013; 8(1):e55592. · 4.09 Impact Factor
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Santi Trimarchi,
Jip L Tolenaar,
Frederik H W Jonker,
Brian Murray,
Thomas T Tsai,
Kim A Eagle,
Vincenzo Rampoldi,
Hence J M Verhagen,
Joost A van Herwaarden, Frans L Moll,
Bart E Muhs,
John A Elefteriades
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Partial thrombosis of the false lumen has been reported as a significant predictor of mortality during follow-up in patients with acute type B aortic dissection. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation of false lumen thrombosis and aortic expansion during follow-up in patients with acute type B aortic dissection. METHODS: All medically treated patients with acute type B aortic dissection observed in 4 cardiovascular referral centers between 1998 and 2011, with admission and follow-up computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scans, were included. Aortic diameters of the dissected aortas were measured at 4 levels on the baseline and follow-up scans, and annual growth rates were calculated. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to investigate the effect of false lumen thrombosis on aortic growth rate. RESULTS: A total of 84 patients were included, of whom 40 (47.6%) had a partially thrombosed false lumen, 7 (8.3%) had a completely thrombosed false lumen, and 37 (44.0%) had a patent false lumen. A total of 273 of the 336 (81.3%) evaluated aortic levels were dissected segments. Overall, the mean aortic diameter increased significantly at all evaluated levels (P < .001). Univariate analysis showed that annual aortic growth rates were significantly higher in those segments having a false lumen with partial thrombosis (mean, 4.25 ± 10.2) when compared with the patent group (mean, 2.10 ± 5.56; P = .035). In multivariate analysis, partial lumen thrombosis was an independent predictor of higher aortic growth (adjusted mean difference, 2.05 mm/year; 95% confidence interval, 0.10-4.01; P = .040). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with acute type B aortic dissection, aortic segments with a partially thrombosed false lumen have a significantly higher annual aortic growth rate when compared with those presenting with patent or complete thrombosis of the false lumen. Therefore, patients with partial thrombosis require more intensive follow-up and may benefit from prophylactic intervention.
The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery 12/2012; · 3.41 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP-12) promotes atherosclerosis in animal models. MMP-12 is expressed in only a subset of foam-cell macrophages (FCMs) in human plaques. We investigated whether the prevalence of this MMP-12-expressing subpopulation is a prognostic indicator of adverse outcome in patients after carotid endarterectomy (CEA).
Serial sections of culprit lesions from 236 patients who underwent CEA and had undergone 3 years of clinical follow-up were stained immunocytochemically for MMP-12 and for CD68, and the MMP-12/CD68 ratio was used to quantify the MMP-12-expressing subpopulation. A high MMP-12/CD68 ratio correlated with a high content of lipid and total macrophages and a low content of vascular smooth muscle cells, as well as with MMP-8 (R=0.211, P=0.001), MMP-9 (R=0.251, P<0.001), and cleaved caspase-3 (R=0.142, P=0.036) activity measured in a neighboring segment. Dual immunohistochemical examination confirmed the location of MMP-12 in a subpopulation of MMP-8- and MMP-9-positive FCMs, whereas all apoptotic FCMs were MMP-12 positive. Patients who yielded plaques within the highest quartile compared with the lowest quartile of MMP-12/CD68 ratio had a 2.4-fold (hazard ratio, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.1- to 5.1-fold; adjusted P=0.027) increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular event and a 3.4-fold (3.4; 1.2- to 9.6-fold, P=0.024) increased risk for stroke.
The prevalence of an MMP-12-positive subset of FCMs is a prognostic marker for adverse clinical outcome after CEA.
Journal of the American Heart Association. 12/2012; 1(6):e001040.
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ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE: An association of intraluminal thrombus (ILT) with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) growth has been suggested. Previous in vitro experiments have demonstrated that aneurysm-associated thrombus may secrete proteolytic enzymes and may develop local hypoxia that might lead to the formation of tissue-damaging reactive oxygen species. In this study, we assessed the hypothesis that ventral ILT thickness is associated with markers of proteolysis and with lipid oxidation in the underlying AAA vessel wall. METHODS: Ventral AAA tissue was collected from asymptomatic patients at the site of maximal diameter during open aneurysm repair. Segments were divided, one part for biochemical measurements and one for histologic analyses. We measured total cathepsin B, cathepsin S levels, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 activity. Myeloperoxidase and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were determined as measures of lipid oxidation. Histologic segments were analyzed semiquantitatively for the presence of collagen, elastin, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and inflammatory cells. Preoperative computed tomography angiography scans of 83 consecutive patients were analyzed. A three-dimensional reconstruction was obtained, and a center lumen line of the aorta was constructed. Ventral ILT thickness was measured in the anteroposterior direction at the level of maximal aneurysm diameter on the orthogonal slices. RESULTS: Ventral ILT thickness was positively correlated with aortic diameter (r = 0.25; P = .02) and with MMP-2 levels (r = 0.27; P = .02). No biochemical correlations were observed with MMP-9 activity or cathepsin B and S expression. No correlation between ventral ILT thickness and myeloperoxidase or thiobarbituric acid reactive substances was observed. Ventral ILT thickness was negatively correlated with VSMCs (no staining, 18.5 [interquartile range, 12.0-25.5] mm; minor, 17.6 [10.7-22.1] mm; moderate, 14.5 [4.6-21.7] mm; and heavy, 8.0 [0.0-12.3] mm, respectively; P = .01) and the amount of elastin (no staining, 18.6 [12.2-30.0] mm; minor, 16.5 [9.0-22.1] mm; moderate, 11.7 [2.5-15.3] mm; and heavy 7.7 [0.0-7.7] mm, respectively; P = .01) in the medial aortic layer. CONCLUSIONS: ILT thickness appeared to be associated with VSMCs apoptosis and elastin degradation and was positively associated with MMP-2 concentrations in the underlying wall. This suggests that ILT thickness affects AAA wall stability and might contribute to AAA growth and rupture. ILT thickness was not correlated with markers of lipid oxidation.
Journal of vascular surgery: official publication, the Society for Vascular Surgery [and] International Society for Cardiovascular Surgery, North American Chapter 11/2012; · 3.52 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Atherosclerotic disease results in major clinical events and remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the western World. Atherosclerotic plaques have a heterogeneous presentation. Atherosclerotic plaques with a vulnerable phenotype have been associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular complications. Intraplaque neovascularization and hemorrhage are histopathological features that have been linked with the vulnerable plaque. The role of intraplaque neovascularization and hemorrhage in plaque destabilization and lesion progression has gained serious interest. Intraplaque neovascularization and hemorrhage have been correlated with the occurrence of prior cardiovascular events and have predictive value for the occurrence of future cardiovascular events. Pharmacological interventions showed an inhibiting effect of lipid-lowering drugs on plaque neovascularization. Imaging modalities such as contrast-enhanced ultrasound or MRI are able to visualize intraplaque neovascularization and hemorrhage noninvasively. Consequently, detection of intraplaque neovascularization and hemorrhage visualized with noninvasive imaging might improve the stratification of 'high-risk' patients.
Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine 10/2012; 13(10):635-9. · 1.51 Impact Factor
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Journal of Endovascular Therapy 08/2012; 19(4):512-4. · 2.86 Impact Factor
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Frederik H W Jonker,
Santi Trimarchi,
Vincenzo Rampoldi,
Himanshu J Patel,
Patrick O'Gara,
Mark D Peterson,
Rossella Fattori, Frans L Moll,
Matthias Voehringer,
Reed E Pyeritz,
Stuart Hutchison,
Daniel Montgomery,
Eric M Isselbacher,
Christoph A Nienaber,
Kim A Eagle
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ABSTRACT: A considerable number of patients with acute type B aortic dissection (ABAD) treated with medical management alone will exhibit aortic enlargement during follow-up, which could lead to aortic aneurysm and rupture. The purpose of this study was to investigate predictors of aortic expansion among ABAD patients enrolled in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection.
We analyzed 191 ABAD patients treated with medical therapy alone enrolled in the registry between 1996 and 2010, with available descending aortic diameter measurements at admission and during follow-up. The annual aortic expansion rate was calculated for all patients, and multivariate regression analysis was used to investigate factors affecting the expansion rate.
Aortic expansion was observed in 59% of ABAD patients; mean expansion rate was 1.7 ± 7 mm/y. In multivariate analysis, white race (regression coefficient [RC], 4.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4 to 7.7) and an initial aortic diameter less than 4.0 cm (RC, 6.3; 95% CI, 4.0 to 8.6) were associated with increased aortic expansion. Female sex (RC, -3.8; 95% CI, -6.1 to -1.4), intramural hematoma (RC, -3.8; 95% CI, -6.5 to -1.1), and use of calcium-channel blockers (RC, -3.8; 95% CI, -6.2 to -1.3) were associated with decreased aortic expansion.
White race and a small initial aortic diameter were associated with increased aortic expansion during follow-up, and decreased aortic expansion was observed among women, patients with intramural hematoma, and those on calcium-channel blockers. These data raise the possibility that the use of calcium-channel blockers after ABAD may reduce the rate of aortic expansion, and therefore further investigation is warranted.
The Annals of thoracic surgery 07/2012; 94(4):1223-9. · 3.74 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Extracranial carotid artery aneurysm (ECAA) is an uncommon but serious condition. The morbidity and mortality of ECAA are assumed to be high when untreated. ECAA treatment presents a challenge because of accessibility of the carotid artery and lack of evidence-based guidelines. When exclusion of the aneurysm is considered, surgical resection of the aneurysm with reconstruction of blood flow is still considered the gold standard. Several alternative and endovascular approaches are discussed.
Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy 07/2012; 10(7):925-31.
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ABSTRACT: During endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR), blood is trapped in the aneurysm sac at the moment the endograft is deployed. It is generally assumed that this blood will coagulate and evolve into an organized thrombus. It is unknown whether this process always occurs, what its time span is, and how it influences aneurysm shrinkage. With magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), quantitative analysis of the aneurysm sac is possible in terms of endoleak volume as well as unorganized thrombus volume and organized thrombus volume. We investigated the presence of unorganized thrombus in nonshrinking aneurysms years after EVAR.
Fourteen patients with a nonshrinking aneurysm without endoleak on computed tomography/computed tomography angiography underwent MRI with a blood pool agent (gadofosveset trisodium). Precontrast T1-, precontrast T2-, and postcontrast T1-weighted images (3 and 30 minutes after injection) were acquired and evaluated for the presence of endoleak. The aneurysm sac was segmented into endoleak, unorganized thrombus, and organized thrombus by interactively thresholding the differently weighted images. The classification was visualized in real-time as a color overlay on the MR images. The volumes of endoleak, unorganized thrombus, and organized thrombus were calculated.
Median time after EVAR was 2 years (range, 1-8.2 years). The average aneurysm sac volume of the patients was 167 ± 107 mL (mean ± standard deviation). Nine patients had an endoleak on the postcontrast T1-w images 30 minutes after injection. On average, the aneurysm sac contained 78 ± 61 mL unorganized thrombus, which corresponded to 51 ± 21 volume-percentage, irrespective of the presence of an endoleak on the blood pool agent enhanced MRI images (independent t-test, P = .8).
In our study group, half of the nonshrinking aneurysm sac contents consisted of unorganized thrombus years after EVAR.
Journal of vascular surgery: official publication, the Society for Vascular Surgery [and] International Society for Cardiovascular Surgery, North American Chapter 05/2012; 56(4):938-42. · 3.52 Impact Factor
