Central nervous injury risk factors after endovascular repair of a thoracic aortic aneurysm with type B aortic dissection

Aortic dissection is the deadliest disease of the cardiovascular system.Type B aortic dissection accounts for 30%-60%of aortic dissections and is mainly treated by endovascular repair of thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair(TEVAR).However,patients are prone to various complications after surgery,with central nervous system injury being the most common,which seriously affects their prognosis and increases the risk of disability and death.Therefore,exploring the risk factors of central nervous system injury after TEVAR can provide a basis for its prevention and control.AIM To investigate the risk factors for central nervous system injury after the repair of a thoracic endovascular aneurysm with type B aortic dissection.METHODS We enrolled 306 patients with type B aortic dissection who underwent TEVAR at our hospital between December 2019 and October 2022.The patients were categorized into injury(n=159)and non-injury(n=147)groups based on central nervous system injury following surgery.The risk factors for central nervous system injury after TEVAR for type B aortic dissection were screened by comparing the two groups.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed.RESULTS The Association between age,history of hypertension,blood pH value,surgery,mechanical ventilation,intensive care unit stay,postoperative recovery times on the first day after surgery,and arterial partial pressure of oxygen on the first day after surgery differed substantially(P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that age,surgery time,history of hypertension,duration of mechanical ventilation,and intensive care unit stay were independent risk factors for central nervous system injury after TEVAR of type B aortic dissection(P<0.05).CONCLUSION For high-risk patients with central nervous system injury after TEVAR of type B aortic dissection,early intervention measures should be implemented to lower the risk of neurological discomfort following surgery in high-risk patients with central nervous system injury after TEVAR for type B aortic dissection.

Perioperative factors analysis in patients with aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection aneurysm

This study was undertaken to analyze the perioperative factors and complications that influence the final outcome after deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and superficial hypothermia during operations on aortic aneurysms from Jan 2000 to Jun 2004. The results show that deep hypthermic circulatory arrest group provided a high risk of pulmonary insufficiency-hypoxemia and temporary neurological dysfunction in complication but not increased the risk of hospital mortality.

Beyond the Usual Suspects (Aortic Dissection in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease)

A comprehensive differential diagnosis is essential in the emergency department, even when patient presentations are atypical. Timely recognition of life-threatening conditions, such as aortic dissection, hinges on this critical diagnostic approach.

Surgical Treatment of Aortic Aneurysm and Aortic Dissection:A Retrospective Analysis of 122 Cases

The study summarizes the clinical experience of surgical treatments of various types of thoracic aneurysm and aortic dissection. Clinical data of 122 patients with thoracic aneurysm and aortic dissection during July 2005 to July 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. The elective operations were performed in 107 patients while emergency surgery was done in 15 cases. Different surgical strategies were employed on the basis of diseased region, including simple ascending aortic replacement （n=3）, aortic root replacement （n=43）, hemi-arch replacement/total arch replacement ＋ elephant trunk technique （n=32）, thoracic/thoracoabdominal aortic replacement （n=8） and endovascular repair （n=36）. In this series, there is 4 cases of perioperative death due to massive cerebral hemorrhage （n=1）, respiratory failure （n=1） and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome （MODS） （n=2）. Three cases developed post-operative massive cerebral infarction and the relatives of the patients abandoned treatment. Instant success rate of endovascular repair was 100%. The intimal rupture was sealed. Blood flow was unobstructed in true lumen and no false lumen was visualized. It was concluded that aggressive surgery should be considered in the patients with thoracic aneurysm and aortic dissection. Surgical procedures should vary with the location and the nature of the lesions.

Images in emergency medicine:giant ascending aortic aneurysm dissection with hemopericardium

Acute chest pain represents a common presentation at emergency department. Aortic dissection in young patients, however, is fortunately rare. We report a case of giant ascending aortic aneurysm with Stanford type A aortic dissection in an otherwise well 22-year-old male patient. Operative aortic valve and root replacement was undertaken with favourable outcome. Histopathologic examination of the resected aorta revealed acute on chronic inflammatory change with Langerhans type giant cells consistent with a diagnosis of giant cell aortitis. While uncommon, emergencies of the aorta may present in young patients. Predisposing conditions are discussed.

The incidence rate and histological characteristics of intimal hyperplasia in elastase-induced experimental abdominal aortic aneurysms in mice

Intimal hyperplasia(IH)is a negative vascular remodeling after arterial injury.IH occasionally occurs in elastase-induced abdominal aortic aneurysm(AAA)mouse models.This study aims to clarify the incidence and histological characteristics of IH in aneurysmal mice.A retrospective study was conducted by including 42 male elastaseinduced mouse AAA models.The IH incidence,aortic diameters with or without IH,and hyperplasia lesional features of mice were analyzed.Among 42 elastase-induced AAA mouse models,10 mice developed mild IH(24%)and severe IH was found in only 2 mice(5%).The outer diameters of the AAA segments in mice with and without IH did not show significant difference.Both mild and severe IH lesions show strong smooth muscle cell positive staining,but endothelial cells were occasionally observed in severe IH lesions.There was obvious macrophage infiltration in the IH lesions of the AAA mouse models,especially in mice with severe IH.However,only a lower numbers of T cells and B cells were found in the IH lesion.Local cell-secreted matrix metalloproteinases(MMP)2 was highly expressed in all IH lesions,but MMP9 was only overexpressed in severe lesions.In conclusion,this study is the first to demonstrate the occurrence of aneurysmal IH and its histological characteristics in an elastaseinduced mouse AAA model.This will help researchers better understand this model,and optimize it for use in AAA-related research.

Impact of D-dimer on in-hospital mortality following aortic dissection:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND The utility of D-dimer(DD)as a biomarker for acute aortic dissection(AD)is recognized.Yet,its predictive value for in-hospital mortality remains uncertain and subject to conflicting evidence.AIM To conduct a meta-analysis of AD-related in-hospital mortality(ADIM)with elevated DD levels.METHODS We searched PubMed,Scopus,Embase,and Google Scholar for AD and ADIM literature through May 2022.Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics and effect size(hazard or odds ratio)analysis with random-effects models.Sample size,study type,and patients’mean age were used for subgroup analysis.The significance threshold was P<0.05.RESULTS Thirteen studies(3628 patients)were included in our study.The pooled prevalence of ADIM was 20%(95%CI:15%-25%).Despite comparable demographic characteristics and comorbidities,elevated DD values were associated with higher ADIM risk(unadjusted effect size:1.94,95%CI:1.34-2.8;adjusted effect size:1.12,95%CI:1.05-1.19,P<0.01).Studies involving patients with a mean age of<60 years exhibited an increased mortality risk(effect size:1.43,95%CI:1.23-1.67,P<0.01),whereas no significant difference was observed in studies with a mean age>60 years.Prospective and larger sample size studies(n>250)demonstrated a heightened likelihood of ADIM associated with elevated DD levels(effect size:2.57,95%CI:1.30-5.08,P<0.01 vs effect size:1.05,95%CI:1.00-1.11,P=0.05,respectively).CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis shows elevated DD increases in-hospital mortality risk in AD patients,highlighting the need for larger,prospective studies to improve risk prediction models.

Application of multi-planar reconstruction technique in endovascular repair of aortic dissection

BACKGROUND Endovascular repair of aortic dissection is an effective method commonly used in the treatment of Stanford type B aortic dissection.Stent placement during the operation was one-time and could not be repeatedly adjusted during the operation.Therefore,it is of great significance for cardiovascular physicians to fully understand the branch status,position,angle,and other information regarding aortic arch dissection before surgery.AIM To provide more references for clinical cardiovascular physicians to develop treatment plans.METHODS Data from 153 patients who underwent endovascular repair of aortic dissection at our hospital between January 2021 and December 2022 were retrospectively collected.All patients underwent multi-slice spiral computed tomography angiography.Based on distinct post-image processing techniques,the patients were categorized into three groups:Multiplanar reconstruction(MPR)(n=55),volume reconstruction(VR)(n=46),and maximum intensity projection(MIP)(n=52).The detection rate of aortic rupture,accuracy of the DeBakey classification,rotation,and tilt angles of the C-arm during the procedure,dispersion after stent release,and the incidence of late complications were recorded and compared.RESULTS The detection rates of interlayer rupture in the MPR and VR groups were significantly higher than that in the MIP group(P<0.05).The detection rates of De-Bakey subtypesⅠ,Ⅱ,andⅢin the MPR group were higher than those in the MIP group,and the detection rate of typeⅢin the MPR group was significantly higher than that in the VR group(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the detection rates of typesⅠandⅡcompared to the VR group(P>0.05).The scatter rate of markers and the incidence of complications in the MPR group were significantly lower than those in the VR and MIP groups(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The application of MPR in the endovascular repair of aortic dissection has improved the detection rate of dissection rupture,the accuracy of anatomical classification,and safety.

Carotid versus axillary artery cannulation for descending aorta remodeling in type A acute aortic dissection

BACKGROUND Arterial cannulation sites for the surgical repair of type A aortic dissection(AAD)have evolved from right axillary artery(AA)cannulation to bilateral carotid artery(CA)based of femoral artery(FA)cannulation.Postoperative descending aorta remodeling is closely linked to the false lumen area ratio(FLAR),defined as false lumen area/aortic area,as well as to the incidence of renal replacement therapy(RRT).AIM To investigate the effect of the updated arterial cannulation strategy on descending aortic remodeling.METHODS A total of 443 AAD patients who received FA combined cannulation between March 2015 and March 2023 were included in the study.Of these,209 received right AA cannulation and 234 received bilateral CA cannulation.The primary outcome was the change in FLAR,as calculated from computed tomography angiography in three segments of the descending aorta:Thoracic(S1),upper abdominal(S2),and lower abdominal(S3).Secondary outcomes were the incidence of RRT and the serum inflammation response,as observed by the levels of high sensitivity C reaction protein(hs-CRP)and Interleukin-6(IL-6).RESULTS The postoperative/preoperative ratio of FLAR in S2 and S3 was higher in the AA group compared to the CA group(S2:0.80±0.08 vs 0.75±0.07,P<0.001;S3:0.57±0.12 vs 0.50±0.12,P<0.001,respectively).The AA group also had a significantly higher incidence of RRT(19.1%vs 8.5%,P=0.001;odds ratio:2.533,95%CI:1.427-4.493)and higher levels of inflammation cytokines 24 h after the procedure[hr-CRP:117±17 vs 104±15 mg/L;IL-6:129(103,166)vs 83(69,101)pg/mL;both P<0.001]compared to the CA group.CONCLUSION The CA cannulation strategy was associated with better abdominal aorta remodeling after AAD repair compared to AA cannulation,as observed by a greater change in FLAR and lower incidence of RRT.

Cases Report of Atypical Aortic Dissection

Background: Aortic dissection (AD) is one of the common causes of fatal chest pain in emergency medicine. The main and most common clinical manifestation is pain, with about 90% of patients experiencing sudden persistent, tearing or cutting-like pain in the chest or back. However, there have also been reports of myocardial infarction, heart failure, renal failure, syncope, shock, stroke, paraplegia and other cases. Clinical misdiagnosis is common. Aim: Alert clinicians to aortic dissection with shock and chest tightness as the main clinical presentations. Case Presentation: Report on two cases of aortic dissection with syncope and shock as the main manifestations. Conclusion: Aortic dissection is a highly dangerous cardiovascular emergency with a high mortality rate. In clinical practice, awareness of the clinical manifestations of aortic dissection should be increased. Careful inquiry about medical history, attention to atypical clinical presentations of aortic dissection, thorough physical examination, and comprehensive diagnostic evaluation can improve the success rate of diagnosing aortic dissection.

Causal Relationship between Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Observational studies indicate a positive correlation between COPD and the risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), suggesting individuals with COPD are more likely to develop AAA. However, the causal relationship between COPD and AAA remains unclear. Method: This study employed a bidirectional Mendelian Randomization (MR) approach to assess the causal relationship between COPD and AAA. A two-step MR analysis was conducted to evaluate the mediating effect of 1400 circulating metabolites between COPD and AAA. Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) were sourced from the MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit (MRC-IEU) database, and MR analysis was performed using the TwoSampleMR R package. The results were filtered using the Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW) method to identify genes strongly associated with both COPD and AAA. Furthermore, the Super Exact Test R package was utilized to determine the overlapping genes between COPD and AAA. Enrichment analysis for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) was conducted using the clusterProfiler R package. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis was carried out using STRING v12.0. Results: The IVW method indicated a causal relationship between the risk increase of COPD and AAA (OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.16 - 1.86, p = 0.001). Among 1400 circulating metabolites, plasma-free proline was identified as mediating the relationship between COPD and AAA, with a mediation effect proportion of −4.6% (95% CI: −9.032%, −0.164%, p = 0.042). Additionally, PPI analysis revealed 20 functionally interrelated genes mediating the linkage between COPD and AAA. KEGG enrichment analysis showed functional enrichment of these genes in the pathway of aldosterone synthesis and secretion. Conclusion: Our study supports a causal relationship between COPD and an increased risk of AAA. Specifically, plasma-free proline and pathways related to aldosterone synthesis and secretion may play key roles in the connection between COPD and AAA.

Comparing pharmacotherapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation for the treatment of anxiety and depression after aortic dissection surgery

BACKGROUND Aortic coarctation is a potentially fatal condition that is primarily treated surgically.Despite successful procedures,patients frequently experience postoperative anxiety and depression,which can hinder recovery and worsen outcomes.Pharmacological interventions,such as 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors,are commonly prescribed;however,their efficacy alone or in combination with non-invasive brain stimulation techniques,such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS),remains unclear.AIM To assess the effect of medications and TMS on post-aortic surgery anxiety and depression.METHODS We analyzed the outcomes of 151 patients with anxiety and depression who were hospitalized for aortic dissection between January 2020 and September 2022.Using the random number table method,75 and 76 patients were allocated to the normal control and study groups,respectively.All the patients were treated using routine procedures.The control group was administered anti-anxiety and antidepression drugs,whereas the study group was treated with TMS in addition to these medications.The patients in both groups showed improvement after two courses of treatment.The Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA)and the Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD)were used to assess anxiety and depression,respectively.The serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)and 5-HT were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)was used to estimate sleep quality,and the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status(RBANS)was used to assess cognitive function.RESULTS The HAMD and HAMA scores reduced in 2 groups,with the study group achieving a lower level than control(P<0.05).In the control group,43 patients recovered,17 showed improvement,and 15 were deemed invalid.In the study group,52 recovered,20 improved,and four were invalid.The efficacy rate in study group was 94.74%compared to 80.00%in control(P<0.05).The BDNF and 5-HT levels increased in both groups,with higher levels observed in the experimental group(P<0.05).Moreover,the PSQI scores decreased in 2 groups,but were lower in the intervention group than control(P<0.05).The scores of the RBANS items increased,with the study group scoring higher than control(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Combining anti-anxiety and anti-depressive drugs with repetitive TMS after aortic surgery may enhance mood and treatment outcomes,offering a promising clinical approach.

Innovation in pathogenesis and management of aortic aneurysm

Aortic aneurysm(AA)refers to the persistent dilatation of the aorta,exceeding three centimeters.Investigating the pathophysiology of this condition is important for its prevention and management,given its responsibility for more than 25000 deaths in the United States.AAs are classified based on their location or morphology.various pathophysiologic pathways including inflammation,the immune system and atherosclerosis have been implicated in its development.Inflammatory markers such as transforming growth factorβ,interleukin-1β,tumor necrosis factor-α,matrix metalloproteinase-2 and many more may contribute to this phenomenon.Several genetic disorders such as Marfan syndrome,Ehler-Danlos syndrome and Loeys-Dietz syndrome have also been associated with this disease.Recent years has seen the investigation of novel management of AA,exploring the implication of different immune suppressors,the role of radiation in shrinkage and prevention,as well as minimally invasive and newly hypothesized surgical methods.In this narrative review,we aim to present the new contributing factors involved in pathophysiology of AA.We also highlighted the novel management methods that have demonstrated promising benefits in clinical outcomes of the AA.

Ultrasound Combined with CTA in Diagnosis of Painless Aortic Dissection Combined with Carotid Artery Active Thrombosis: A Case Report

Background: Aortic dissection (AD) is a relatively rare but dreadful illness, often accompanied by severe, sharp (or tearing) back pain or anterior chest pain, as well as acute hemodynamic compromise. Painless dissection has also been reported in rare cases and might be misdiagnosed due to its atypical symptoms leading to catastrophic outcomes. Case presentation: The patient was admitted to the hospital due to right limb weakness with speech inability for more than 10 hours. In the routine cardiac ultrasound examination, the avulsion intimal echo was found in the initial segment of the descending aorta. The rupture range was about 11 mm, and the lumen was separated into real and false lumen. Further computed tomography angiography (CTA) examination confirmed the major arterial dissection (De Bakey Type I). Conclusion: We report a case of painless aortic dissection with active carotid artery thrombosis diagnosed by ultrasound and CTA, and to improve the understanding of painless aortic dissection by reviewing relevant domestic and foreign literature.

DeBakey Type III Aortic Dissection Causing Bowel Necrosis: A Case Report

Rationale:Aortic dissection is a life-threatening medical emergency associated with high morbidity and mortality.Preoperative mesenteric malperfusion increases the surgical risk and mortality in patients with type B aortic dissection.For DeBakey type III B patients involving most of the thoracoabdominal aorta,endovascular treatment to improve true lumen perfusion may have limited benefits.Organ reperfusion on-time is crucial.Patient concerns:A 38-year-old man was admitted with sudden severe upper abdominal pain.Emergency CTA of the entire aorta revealed an aortic dissection with an entry tear in the descending aortic arch involving the celiac trunk,superior mesenteric artery,bilateral common iliac arteries and right external iliac artery,with thrombosis in the superior mesenteric artery.Diagnoses:The patient was diagnosed with DeBakey type III aortic dissection with mesenteric artery embolism.Enhanced chest CT showed the entry tear location and involvement of major arteries.Angiography confirmed partial blood flow in the superior mesenteric artery.Interventions:The patient underwent endovascular aortic stent-graft implantation through the left femoral artery,covering the descending aortic arch and sealing the entry tear.Postoperatively,the patient received intensive care,including ventilatory support,CRRT,anti-infection therapy,vasoactive drugs and lumbar cistern drainage.Outcomes:Two weeks postoperatively,the patient developed massive black stools,indicative of intestinal obstruction and necrosis.Exploratory laparotomy revealed ischemic necrosis and rupture of the stomach,small intestine,and colon.Despite surgical efforts,the patient’s condition deteriorated,leading to death from severe infection,acid-base imbalance and multiple organ failure.

Association of alcohol consumption with aortic aneurysm and dissection risk:results from the UK Biobank cohort study

BACKGROUND:Previous studies have reported inconsistent results with positive,negative,and J-shaped associations between alcohol consumption and the hazard of aortic aneurysm and dissection(AAD).This study aimed to examine the connections between weekly alcohol consumption and the subsequent risk of AAD.METHODS:The UK Biobank study is a population-based cohort study.Weekly alcohol consumption was assessed using self-reported questionnaires and the congenital risk of alcohol consumption was also evaluated using genetic risk score(GRS).Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios(HRs)with 95% confidence intervals(CIs)for the associations between alcohol consumption and AAD.Several sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the results.RESULTS:Among the 388,955 participants(mean age:57.1 years,47.4% male),2,895 incident AAD cases were documented during a median follow-up of 12.5 years.Compared with never-drinkers,moderate drinkers(adjusted HR:0.797,95%CI:0.646-0.984,P<0.05)and moderate-heavy drinkers(adjusted HR:0.794,95%CI:0.635-0.992,P<0.05)were significantly associated with a decreased risk of incident AAD.Interaction-based subgroup analysis revealed that the protective effect of moderate drinking was reflected mainly in participants younger than 65 years and women.CONCLUSION:Our findings support a protective effect of moderate alcohol consumption on AAD,but are limited to participants younger than 65 years and women.

Current knowledge and contemporary management of non-A non-B aortic dissections

Non-A non-B aortic dissection(AAD)is an infrequently documented condition,comprising of only a small proportion of all AADs.The unique anatomy of the aortic arch and the failure of the existing classifications to adequately define individuals with non-A non-B AAD,have led to an ongoing controversy around the topic.It seems that the clinical progression of acute non-A non-B AAD diverges from the typical type A and B dissections,frequently leading to serious complications and thus mandating early intervention.Currently,the available treatment methods in the surgical armamentarium are conventional open,endovascular techniques and combined hybrid methods.The optimum approach is tailored in every individual case and may be determined by the dissection’s location,extent,the aortic diameter,the associated complications and the patient’s status.The management of non-A non-B dissections still remains challenging and a unanimous consensus defining the gold standard treatment has yet to be reached.In an attempt to provide further insight into this perplexing entity,we performed a minireview of the literature,aiming to elucidate the epidemiology,clinical course and the optimal treatment modality.

Silicate ions as soluble form of bioactive ceramics alleviate aortic aneurysm and dissection

Aortic aneurysm and dissection(AAD)are leading causes of death in the elderly.Recent studies have demonstrated that silicate ions can manipulate multiple cells,especially vascular-related cells.We demonstrated in this study that silicate ions as soluble form of bioactive ceramics effectively alleviated aortic aneurysm and dissection in both Ang II andβ-BAPN induced AAD models.Different from the single targeting therapeutic drug approaches,the bioactive ceramic derived approach attributes to the effect of bioactive silicate ions on the inhibition of the AAD progression through regulating the local vascular microenvironment of aorta systematically in a multi-functional way.The in vitro experiments revealed that silicate ions did not only alleviate senescence and inflammation of the mouse aortic endothelial cells,enhance M2 polarization of mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages,and reduce apoptosis of mouse aortic smooth muscle cells,but also regulate their interactions.The in vivo studies further confirm that silicate ions could effectively alleviate senescence,inflammation,and cell apoptosis of aortas,accomplished with reduced aortic dilation,collagen deposition,and elastin laminae degradation.This bioactive ceramic derived therapy provides a potential new treatment strategy in attenuating AAD progression.

Marfan Syndrome Complicated by Aortic Arch Aneurysm and Aortic Dissection: A Case Report from Congo

Context and Aim: Marfan syndrome is a transmissible genetic disease of the connective tissue that is rarely encountered in Congo and in sub-Saharan African countries. Its cardiovascular complications can be life frightening. The management of that disease is still limited in our country because of a lack of technical capacity in cardiovascular surgery. The aim of this clinical report is to show the interest of echocardiography and especially angioscanner as the main technique in the diagnosis of the severity of this disease, elaborate a literature review, but also to highlight the difficulties encountered in the management of that affection in our countries. Observation: The authors report the medical observation of a 48-year-old adult with a history of cataract of the left eye and a subluxation of the lens for which he underwent surgery in 2016, without any etiology being found. He is a smoker at a rate of 6 packs yearly. He consulted for progressively worsening dyspnea and constrictive mediosternal pain. The clinical examination revealed a moderate alteration of the general state, apyrexia, a blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg, a SPO2 of 97% in ambient air, a respiratory frequency of 32 cycles/min, signs of left ventricular insufficiency, a diastolic murmur of aortic insufficiency of intensity 4/6th, a long-limbed morphotype with a wingspan superior to the height and a kyphoscoliosis. Chest X-ray showed cardiomegaly with a cardiothoracic ratio of 58%, a highly dilated and uncoiled aorta, convexity of the left inferior arch, and venocapillary hypertension and a quiet alveolar-interstitial pulmonary oedema. The ECG was in sinus rhythm and showed a poor R-wave progression in anteroseptal leads. Echocardiography showed significant aortic root dilatation up to 72.6 mm and aortic regurgitation grade IV. Angioscanner showed a dissected aortic aneurysm and areas of emphysema located in the lungs. The medical treatment was palliative with beta blocker and angiotensin II receptor antagonists, diuretics and analgesics. The patient is awaiting surgery. Conclusion: Marfan syndrome is a genetic disease of the connective tissue that can manifest itself by cardiovascular, pulmonary, orthopedic, ophthalmological and cutaneous signs. Echocardiography and especially angioscanner are the tools of choice for the diagnosis and follow-up of this condition. Surgery is reserved for serious complications of this condition.

Mid-term outcomes of left subclavian artery revascularization with Castor stent graft in treatment of type B aortic dissection in left subclavian artery

Background:Here we analyzed mid-term data of thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair(TEVAR)surgery with Castor single-branched stent graft placement for the management of Stanford type B aortic dissection(STBAD)involving the left subclavian artery(LSA).Methods:Between April 2014 and February 2019,32 patients with STBAD involving a Castor single-branched stent graft were included.We analyzed their outcomes,including technical success rate(TSR),surgical duration(SD),presence of ischemia,perioperative complications,LSA patency,and survival rate(SR),using computed tomography angiography and clinical evaluation during mid-term follow-up.Results:The mean patient age was 54.63±12.37 years(range,36–83 years).The TSR was 96.88%(n=31/32).The mean SD was 87.44±10.89 with a mean contrast volume of 125.31±19.30 mL.No neurological complications or deaths occurred during the study period.The patients had a mean hospital stay of 7.84±3.20 days.At a mean follow-up of 68.78±11.26 months,four non-aortic deaths(12.5%)were observed.The LSA patency rate was 100%(n=28/28).There was only one case of type I endoleak immediately after surgery(3.12%)(type I from LSA).However,none of the patients experienced type II endoleaks,and there were no cases of retrograde type A aortic dissection or stent graft-driven new distal entry.Finally,all patients exhibited good LSA patency.Conclusion:TEVAR using a Castor single-branched stent graft may be a highly feasible and efficient procedure for the management of STBAD involving the LSA.