Endovascular treatment as first choice in chronic intestinal ischemia

Inferior mesenteric artery revascularization can supplement salvage of mesenteric ischemia

The inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) has often been overlooked in favor of the celiac or superior mesenteric artery in arterial mesenteric ischemia, owing to the typically robust visceral collateral networks. In the present report, we have described a case series of patients in whom "salvage" revascularization of the IMA was performed after attempted celiac or superior mesenteric artery revascularization had been unsuccessful. The restored IMA inflow had resolved the symptoms for three patients. However, sole IMA revascularization was insufficient to reverse the course for two other patients with severe acute-on-chronic mesenteric ischemia. The IMA should be considered for salvage revascularization in the appropriate clinical scenario.

Superior Mesenteric Artery Angioplasty and Stenting via a Retrograde Approach in a Patient with Bowel Ischemia

Acute mesenteric ischemia continues to be a highly morbid diagnosis with a high mortality rate. Percutaneous management of mesenteric ischemia is being more widely applied. Its utility is limited, though, for patients who present with an acute abdomen from ischemic bowel. The authors report a novel combination of open and endovascular techniques via a retrograde superior mesenteric artery (SMA) approach to treat acute mesenteric ischemia in the setting of an acute abdomen.

Management of Acute Mesenteric Ischemia

Background:

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) due to a sudden loss or decrease in blood perfusion to the mesentery represents a highly lethal condition. However, the optimal surgical management remains debatable and merits a more clear recommendation based on a higher level of evidence.

Methods:

A systematic review of articles published between 2000 and 2013 was performed. Patients were divided into endovascular treatment (ET), open surgery (OS), and hybrid technique (HT) groups. Data of patients’ demographics, procedural information, clinical outcomes including mortality, morbidity, primary patency rate, technique success, primary intestinal resection rate, and second-look laparotomy rate, and follow-up were all retrieved. Comparison between the ET and the OS groups was made using 2-sided Student t test and 2-sided χ2 test or Fisher exact test where appropriate.

Results:

Twenty-eight articles with a total of 1110 patients were included for the review. The ET group had lower in-hospital mortality and morbidity but similar survival rate during follow-up compared to the OS group. The primary patency rate was higher in the ET group. The overall bowel resection rate was lower in the ET group, and nearly every patient in the cohort who required second-look laparotomy required bowel resection. The HT group seemed to have the lowest mortality and acceptable second-look laparotomy rate and morbidity. Comparison between the HT group and other groups was not possible due to the limited number of cases available for review.

Conclusion:

Endovascular treatment may serve as a first-line therapy for select patients when there is a low suspicion for intestinal necrosis. Open surgery should be reserved for emergency conditions requiring exploratory laparotomy. Hybrid technique may be an especially effective approach for treating AMI, with low morbidity and mortality, although further studies are required comparing it to OS and ET.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria ® imaging of mesenteric ischemia

Mesenteric ischemia is a rare disease associated with high morbidity and mortality. Acute mesenteric ischemia is most commonly secondary to embolism followed by arterial thrombosis, nonocclusive ischemia, and less commonly venous thrombosis. Chronic mesenteric ischemia is almost always caused by atherosclerotic disease, with rare causes including fibromuscular dysplasia and vasculitis. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed every 2 years by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and review include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of a well-established consensus methodology (modified Delphi) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures by the panel. In those instances where evidence is lacking or not definitive, expert opinion may be used to recommend imaging or treatment. Patients with mesenteric ischemia usually present with nonspecific abdominal symptoms and laboratory findings. This document evaluates and rates the appropriateness of imaging to evaluate patients with clinically suspected mesenteric ischemia. While catheter-based angiography has been considered the reference standard and enables diagnosis and treatment, advances in computed tomography have made it a first-line test in many patients because it is a fast, widely available, and noninvasive study. Abdominal radiographs and ultrasound have a limited role in diagnosing mesenteric ischemia but are commonly the first ordered tests in patients with abdominal pain and may diagnose more common pathologies.

Endovascular treatment of chronic mesenteric ischemia in an adolescent male: case report

Chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) is a condition characterized by inadequate blood flow to the bowel resulting from stenosis of one or more of the three mesenteric arteries. Fibromuscular dysplasia is the most common cause in children and young adults; whereas atherosclerosis is the most common cause in the elderly. Treatment is mandatory in symptomatic patients, because it may lead to malnutrition, bowel infarction or even death.Herein, we present the case of a 14-year old male, diagnosed with CMI who underwent percutaneous balloon angioplasty (PTA) followed by stent placement with immediate positive results.

Chronic mesenteric ischaemia: 28-year experience of endovascular treatment

OBJECTIVE

To report the outcomes associated with endovascular therapy for patients with chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI).

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients who underwent endovascular therapy for CMI between April 1981 and September 2009 at a single institution was performed. Procedural details, mesenteric arteries treated, technical and clinical success rates, outcomes per patient and per vessel were assessed.

RESULTS

In 166 patients treatment was attempted using a variety of balloon and stent platforms during the 28-year period. The technical success rate was 97% per patient and 94% per vessel. The technical success rate of stenting (99.4%) was higher than for percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA; 86%; P = 0.0001). Immediate clinical improvement was seen in 146 out of 166 (88.2%). The type of guidewire or device platform, brachial vs. femoral artery access, balloon and/or stent diameters used, and stenosis vs. occlusion had no statistical impact on mortality or the primary patency of any mesenteric artery outcomes. The outcome of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) with PTA appears to be superior to that of stenting (P = 0.014).

CONCLUSION

Technical success rates are improved with the use of stents; however, PTA use in the SMA seems to offer better primary patency rates.

KEY POINTS

• Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) stenosis is often responsible for ischaemic symptoms. • Treatment with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) seems superior to stenting • Although technical success rates are improved with the use of stents. • Higher mortality in the elderly and those presenting with nausea/vomiting/bloody stools.

An unusual case of stent migration after celiac trunk endovascular revascularization

A 61-year-old woman underwent celiac trunk stenting to treat abdominal angina. Three months later, she was readmitted for recurrent symptoms. Computed tomography control revealed the migration of the stent into the splenic artery. No sign of vessel injury or end-organ ischemia was detected. Repeat stenting of the celiac trunk was performed; the postoperative course was uneventful. 12 months later, the patient was asymptomatic with the second stent in its correct position, and she was asymptomatic for mesenteric ischemia.

Idiopathic infantile arterial calcification in a 12-year-old girl presenting as chronic mesenteric ischemia: imaging findings and angioplasty results

We report an unusual case of chronic mesenteric ischemia presenting in a 12-year-old girl with idiopathic infantile arterial calcinosis (IIAC). This is the first reported case in the literature of chronic mesenteric ischemia in the setting of IIAC. The girl presented with a classical history of postprandial abdominal pain. Imaging demonstrated significant stenoses of the celiac axis, superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and inferior mesenteric artery (IMA). Angioplasty of the celiac axis and SMA was attempted, with successful dilation of the SMA only. At 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-ups, the child's symptoms had almost resolved. This case report has three important ramifications: chronic mesenteric ischemia is a possible clinical presentation in children with IACC, pre-angioplasty imaging is important in guiding treatment approach, and angioplasty was effective in this case of chronic mesenteric ischemia and offers hope for other similarly affected children.

Chronic mesenteric ischemia: endovascular versus open revascularization

To review 20 years of literature on chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI), examining its complex clinical presentation and comparing open and endovascular treatment options.

METHODS

The PubMed and EBSCOHost electronic databases were queried to identify English-language articles published over the last 20 years. Scrutiny of the retrieved articles identified 1939 patients (mean age 65 years). Of these, 1163 patients underwent open surgery: 714 between 2000 and 2009 and 449 between 1990 and 1999. Of the 776 patients undergoing endovascular repairs, the majority (684) were performed between 2000 and 2009; 92 patients were treated between 1990 and 1999. Data were entered in an electronic database and were pooled for categorical analysis.

RESULTS

No major differences were seen among open surgeries or among endovascular surgeries performed when comparing the 2 time periods. On comparing open and endovascular surgeries performed between 2000 and 2009, symptom improvement was 2.4 times more likely after open compared to endovascular surgery (95% CI 1.5 to 3.6, p<0.001). Five-year primary patency and 5-year assisted primary patency were 3.8 (95% CI 2.4 to 5.8, p<0.001) and 6.4 (95% CI 1.3 to 30.1, p = 0.02) times greater in the open group. Freedom from symptoms at 5 years was 4.4 times greater for open versus endovascular (95% CI 2.8 to 7.0, p<0.001). The complication rate for open versus endovascular surgery was 3.2 times greater (95% CI 2.5 to 4.2, p<0.001). The difference in mortality was not statistically significant (p = 0.75).

CONCLUSION

Our data demonstrate that open revascularization surpasses endovascular procedures in long-term vessel patency and control of symptoms. Patients undergoing open procedures do, however, develop increased complications perioperatively. The preferred revascularization approach used in treating this condition should be tailored to the anatomy and physiology of each patient.

Endovascular treatment of chronic arterial mesenteric ischemia: a changing perspective?

Endovascular treatment for chronic mesenteric ischemia is growing in popularity because of its lower periprocedural morbidity and mortality than open surgery. It is especially suitable for the high-risk surgical candidate and for those who have a poor nutritional state, although endovascular surgery may not be possible in patients with ostial occlusions or heavily calcified vessels. A positive response to angioplasty is helpful to secure a diagnosis in patients with slightly atypical symptoms. There are little data at present to suggest that primary stenting is better than angioplasty alone, but insertion of a stent may be valuable as a rescue procedure following dissection, vascular recoil, or thrombosis during angioplasty. The superior mesenteric artery is probably the most important vessel to treat but, where this is impossible, celiac or inferior mesenteric artery dilatation may have therapeutic benefit. However, there is some evidence at present favoring multiple, as opposed to single-vessel, angioplasty or stenting. Long-term patency is better after mesenteric bypass, which may be preferred in the younger and fitter patient. Treatment of the celiac artery compression syndrome is primarily surgical, but stent insertion may have a role as a secondary procedure where there is a residual stenosis after median arcuate ligament division.

Open or percutaneous revascularization for chronic splanchnic syndrome

BACKGROUND

Treatment of chronic splanchnic syndrome remains controversial. In the past 10 years, endovascular repair (ER) has replaced open repair (OR) to some extent. This evidence summary reviews the available evidence for ER or OR of chronic splanchnic syndrome.

METHODS

A systematic literature search of MEDLINE database was performed to identify all studies that evaluated treatment of chronic splanchnic syndrome between 1988 and 2009.

RESULTS

The best available evidence consists of prospectively accumulated but retrospectively analyzed data with a high risk for confounding. Only a few of these studies incorporated functional tests to assess splanchnic ischemia before or after treatment. ER has the advantage of low short-term morbidity but the disadvantage of decreased long-term primary patency compared with OR. ER and OR have similar rates of secondary patency, although the reintervention rate after ER is higher.

CONCLUSION

ER appears to be preferential in the treatment of elderly patients and in patients with comorbidity, severe cachexia, or hostile abdomen. Long-term results after OR are excellent. OR can still be proposed as the preferred option for relatively young and fit patients.

Isolated ileocolic artery occlusion presented with segmental bowel infarction: a case report

Acute mesenteric ischemia is a serious acute abdominal condition requiring early diagnosis and intervention to improve the outcome. Although transmural acute bowel infarction represents about 1% of all cases of acute abdomen, it has a higher annual mortality rate than colon cancer. It tends to affect the colon in segmental fashion, mostly the splenic flexure and rectosigmoid portions of the colon. Isolated ischemia of the right side of the colon is rarely reported, especially in association with shock. Diagnosis of acute colonics ischemia is challenging as it may easily be confused with other non ischemic conditions both clinically and radiologically. Surgical resection is still the main curative approach. We present a case of segmental terminal ileum, cecum and part of ascending colon infarction due to isolated IleoColic artery thrombosis.

Outcomes of endovascular and open treatment for chronic mesenteric ischemia

PURPOSE

To measure contemporary practice patterns and compare outcomes of open and endovascular repair for chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI).

METHODS

The New York State Health Department Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database was queried for the ICD-9-CM codes for CMI for the years 2000 to 2006. In this time period, 6549 patients were evaluated for CMI in New York State. Of these patients, 666 received an intervention and underwent either open (n = 280) or endovascular (n = 347) repair; 39 patients underwent both treatments and were excluded. Trends in operative management and short-term outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Over the 7-year study period, there was a steady increase in the number of endovascular procedures from 28% in 2000 to 75% in 2006. The overall mortality rate for the 7-year period was significantly lower for endovascular versus open repair (11.0% versus 20.4%, respectively; p = 0.0011). Endovascular repair was associated with a significantly lower rate of mesenteric ischemic complications compared to open repair (6.92% versus 17.1%, respectively; p<0.0001). Moreover, compared with open surgery, endovascular repair resulted in significantly lower rates of cardiac, pulmonary, and infectious complications (p<0.05). Only 37% of patients having open repair were discharged home compared to 55% of patients treated with endovascular procedures (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The number of patients treated for CMI continues to increase and correlates with the increasing utilization of endovascular procedures. The patients undergoing endovascular treatment had fewer complications, lower in-hospital mortality, and a greater likelihood of being discharged home.

Role for endovascular therapy in chronic mesenteric ischemia

Chronic mesenteric ischemia is a rare condition that is caused by stenosis or occlusion of the mesenteric arteries and usually manifests as abdominal pain. While surgical revascularization has been the standard treatment for symptomatic patients, recent advances in interventional devices and techniques have made endovascular treatment feasible and effective. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with stent placement is now recognized as a minimally invasive means of obtaining good long-term results with an acceptable recurrence rate; consequently, the technique is suggested for the primary treatment of chronic mesenteric ischemia. The present article discusses the indications and principles of endovascular treatment, and reviews the literature, with emphasis on short- and long-term outcomes, particularly morbidity and mortality rates.

Open and endovascular revascularization for chronic mesenteric ischemia: tabular review of the literature

Chronic mesenteric ischemia is an uncommon disease in vascular surgery practice worldwide. Open revascularization remains the best treatment for low-risk patients due to durability and efficacy. Endovascular revascularization for chronic mesenteric ischemia was primarily indicated for elderly and higher-risk patients, but this has changed over the past 10 years due to development of more precise devices and lower morbidity and mortality rates despite the higher recurrence and restenosis rates. Our purpose was to summarize the data on endovascular and open revascularization for chronic mesenteric ischemia in a schematic tabular presentation.

Chronic mesenteric ischemia: efficacy and outcome of endovascular therapy

Chronic mesenteric ischemia is a rare condition caused by occlusive disease of the mesenteric vessels and manifested most commonly as abdominal pain. While the traditional therapy in symptomatic patients has been surgery, recent improvements in interventional devices and refinement in techniques have increased the popularity of endovascular treatment. The high procedural success and the low complication rate make the catheter-based approach an interesting alternative to surgery. Percutaneous angioplasty and stenting is now recognized as a minimally invasive means of obtaining good long-term results and is consequently suggested for the primary treatment of chronic mesenteric ischemia. This article presents a review of the literature on indications and technical aspects of endovascular treatment, with emphasis on short- and long-term outcomes.

Surgical Versus Endovascular Reconstruction for Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia: A Contemporary UK Series

Objective: To assess the outcome of surgical (SR) and endovascular (ER) reconstruction for chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI). Methods: Retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent SR or ER for CMI in 3 UK vascular surgery units between 1996 and 2006. Early (<30 days; technical success, morbidity, mortality, length of hospital stay) and late (>30 days) outcomes (symptom recurrence, vessel/graft patency, reintervention, mortality) were assessed. Results: A total of 27 patients underwent 32 reconstructions (SR = 17, ER = 15). A total of 44 of 56 (79%) diseased arteries underwent SR (n = 26; bypass = 24, reimplantation = 2; occlusion = 16, stenosis = 10) or ER (n = 18; stenosis = 16, occlusion = 2). Perioperative mortality for SR and ER was 6% and 0%, respectively (P ≥ .99). Hospital stay was shorter following ER (mean, 4.3 vs. 14.2 days, P = .0003). Mean (range) follow-up for SR and ER was 34 (1-94) and 34 (0-135) months, respectively. At 2 years, SR demonstrated superior secondary patency (100% vs. 65%) and clinical patency (100% vs. 73%). Conclusions: Surgical mesenteric reconstruction is associated with significantly longer hospital stay, but superior long-term outcome compared to endovascular reconstruction.

Single vessel abdominal arterial disease

The long-standing discussion concerning the mere existence of single vessel abdominal artery disease can be closed: chronic gastrointestinal ischaemia (CGI) due to single vessel abdominal artery stenosis exists, can be treated successfully and in a safe manner. The most common causes of single vessel CGI are the coeliac artery compression syndrome (CACS) in younger patients, and atherosclerotic disease in elderly patients. The clinical symptoms of single vessel CGI patients are postprandial and exercise-related pain, weight loss, and an abdominal bruit. The current diagnostic approach in patients suspected of single vessel CGI is gastrointestinal tonometry combined with radiological visualisation of the abdominal arteries to define possible arterial stenosis. Especially in single vessel abdominal artery stenosis, gastrointestinal tonometry plays a pivotal role in establishing the diagnosis CGI. First-choice treatment of single vessel CGI remains surgical revascularisation, especially in CACS. In elderly or selected patients endovascular stent placement therapy is an acceptable option.

Surgical and interventional visceral revascularization for the treatment of chronic mesenteric ischemia--when to prefer which?

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the present study was to compare surgical and endovascular revascularization for chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI).

METHODS

Forty-nine patients underwent surgical (SG) or endovascular (EG) treatment. Relief of symptoms was considered the primary endpoint; patency, morbidity, and mortality were secondary endpoints. For statistical analysis, significance was assumed if P values < or = 0.05.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients (53%) underwent surgical revascularization; 23 patients (47%), endovascular repair. Mean follow-up was 25 +/- 21 months (SG) versus 10 +/- 10 (EG) months (P = 0.07). Except for body mass indices (SG 18.9 +/- 2.7 versus EG 23.6 +/- 4.8; P = 0.001), preoperative data were comparable. Freedom from symptoms was 100% (SG) versus 90% (EG) after intervention (P = 0.194), and 89% (SG) versus 75% (EG) at the end of follow-up. Reocclusion or re-stenosis occurred in 8% (SG) versus 25% (EG) (log-rank test: P = 0.003), and mesenteric ischemia developed in 0% (SG) versus 9% (EG) (P = 0.04). Reintervention for CMI was required in 0% (SG) versus 13% (EG) (P = 0.01). Surgical patients experienced more early complications (42% versus EG 4%; P = 0.02) and longer hospital stays (11.6 +/- 10.9 days versus EG 1.3 +/- 0.5 days; P < 0.001). Overall mortality at the end of follow-up was 31% (SG) versus 4% (EG) (log-rank test: P = 0.08), including all patients with combined open mesenteric and aortic reconstruction (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical treatment has superior long-term patency and requires fewer reinterventions, but it is also more invasive with greater morbidity and mortality compared to endovascular treatment. Endovascular techniques may be preferable in patients with significant co-morbidities, concomitant aortic disease, or indeterminate symptoms.

Surgical revascularization versus endovascular therapy for chronic mesenteric ischemia: a comparative experience

INTRODUCTION

Endovascular therapy (percutaneous transluminal angioplasty [PTA] with stenting) has been increasingly applied in patients with chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) to avoid morbidities associated with open repair (OR). The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of PTA/Stent vs OR in patients with symptomatic CMI.

METHODS

During the interval of January 1991 to December 2005, 80 consecutive patients presenting with symptomatic CMI underwent elective revascularization. Patients with acute mesenteric ischemia or those with mesenteric revascularization performed as part of complex aneurysm repair were excluded. PTA/Stent (with stenting in 87%) was the initial procedure in 31 patients (42 vessels). OR was performed in 49 patients (88 vessels) and consisted of bypass grafting in 31 (63%), transaortic endarterectomy in 7 (14%), patch angioplasty in 4 (8%), or combined in 7 (15%). Mean follow-up was 15 months in the PTA/Stent group and 42 months in the OR cohort. Study end points included perioperative morbidity, mortality, late survival (Kaplan-Meier), and symptomatic and radiographic recurrence.

RESULTS

Baseline comorbidities, with the exception of heart disease (P=.025) and serum albumin<3.5 g/dL (P=.025), were similar between PTA/Stent and OR patients. The PTA/Stent group had fewer vessels revascularized (1.5 vs 1.8 vessels, P=.001). Hospital length of stay was less for the PTA/Stent group (5.6 vs 16.7 days, P=.001). No difference was noted in in-hospital major morbidity (4/31 vs 2/49, P=.23) or mortality (1/31 vs 1/49, P=.74). Actuarial survival at 2 years was similar between the groups (88% PTA/Stent vs 74% OR, P=.28). There was no difference in the incidence of symptomatic (7/31 [23%] vs 11/49 [22%], P=.98) or radiographic recurrence (10/31 [32%] vs 18/49 [37%], P=.40) between the two groups. Radiographic primary patency (58% vs 90%, P=.001) and primary assisted patency (65% vs 96%, P<.001) at 1 year were lower in the PTA/Stent group compared with OR. Five (16%) of 31 PTA/Stent patients compared with 11 (22%) of 49 OR patients required a second intervention on at least one index vessel at any time (P=.49).

CONCLUSIONS

Symptomatic recurrence requiring reintervention is common (overall 16/80 [20%]) after open and endovascular treatment for CMI. PTA/Stent was associated with decreased primary patency, primary assisted patency, and the need for earlier reintervention. In-hospital mortality or major morbidity were similar in patients undergoing PTA/Stent and OR. These findings suggest that OR and PTA/Stent should be applied selectively in CMI patients in accordance with individual patient anatomic and comorbidity considerations.

Retrograde mesenteric stenting during laparotomy for acute occlusive mesenteric ischemia

INTRODUCTION

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) caused by arterial occlusive disease requires prompt diagnosis and revascularization to avoid the high mortality associated with this disease. In an attempt to minimize the magnitude of operation for arterial occlusive AMI, we have developed a new technique of endovascular recanalization and open retrograde stenting of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) during laparotomy so that the bowel can also be assessed and resected if necessary.

METHODS

All emergent mesenteric revascularizations for arterial occlusive AMI performed at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center from 2001 to 2005 (n = 13) were retrospectively reviewed. Outcomes were analyzed with respect to the method of revascularization and other perioperative variables. Restenosis was evaluated with duplex ultrasound imaging.

RESULTS

Three different revascularization methods were used: surgical bypass (n = 5), antegrade percutaneous stenting (n = 2), and retrograde open mesenteric (SMA) stenting (ROMS, n = 6). Satisfactory revascularization was achieved in all cases and all methods. ROMS was successfully accomplished in three of six patients after antegrade attempts to cross the SMA from the arm were unsuccessful. At 17%, the ROMS group had the lowest hospital mortality compared with bypass at 80% (P = .08) and percutaneous stent at 100% (P = .11). All five of the surviving patients treated with ROMS were discharged to home after a mean hospital stay of 20 days (range, 6 to 38 days). During a mean follow-up of 13 +/- 7 months, three patients died of unrelated causes, of which two were being followed with asymptomatic recurrent SMA stenosis detected by duplex scan. The two surviving patients are alive and well, but one has required percutaneous SMA stenting of a progressive asymptomatic restenosis.

CONCLUSION

Retrograde open SMA stenting during laparotomy for AMI has a high technical success rate and provides an attractive alternative to surgical bypass in these often critically ill patients. Because it is combined with open laparotomy, it honors the essential surgical principles of evaluating and resecting nonviable bowel. Restenosis rates appear to be high, so that patients must be followed closely. Further study and development of this new hybrid technique is warranted.

Successful Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty and Stenting in Acute Mesenteric Ischemia

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a life-threatening emergency. The complications are high by the time of diagnosis in most cases and therefore only few data on primary percutaneous intervention with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and stenting in AMI are available. We present the case of an 84-year-old woman who presented to our emergency department complaining of an acute worsening of pre-existing abdominal periumbilical pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. She had previously undergone percutaneous transluminal embolectomy for an acute occlusion of the left common femoral artery. Due to suspicion of intestinal infarction, conventional angiography of the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) was performed and confirmed a proximal occlusion of the SMA. Percutaneous SMA recanalization with balloon dilation and subsequent stent implantation was carried out successfully. The abdominal symptoms subsided after this procedure. In AMI that is diagnosed early, endovascular stenting should be considered as an alternative treatment to the surgical approach that avoids the need for surgical bowel resection.

Endovascular fenestration for relief of chronic mesenteric ischemia from chronic type B aortic dissection

We report a case of successful percutaneous fenestration of a chronic aortic dissection for relief of chronic mesenteric ischemia utilizing a transseptal needle to puncture the thickened septum.

Endovascular versus open mesenteric revascularization: immediate benefits do not equate with short-term functional outcomes

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous therapy for symptomatic visceral occlusive disease is rapidly gaining popularity in many centers. This study evaluates the anatomic and functional outcomes of open and endovascular therapy for chronic mesenteric ischemia at an academic medical center.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent endovascular or open mesenteric arterial revascularization for chronic mesenteric ischemia between January 1989 and September 2003. Indications for revascularization included postprandial abdominal pain (92%) or weight loss (54%). All had atherosclerotic visceral occlusive disease with a median of 2 vessels with more than 50% stenosis or occlusion on angiography. Sixty patients (44 women, mean age 66 years) underwent 67 interventions (43 vessels bypassed, 23 vessel endarterectomies, 22 vessel angioplasty and stents). The median numbers of vessels revascularized were two in the open group and one in the endovascular group.

RESULTS

Thirty-day mortality and cumulative survival at 3 years were similar (open, 15% and 62% +/- 9%; endovascular, 21% and 63%+/-14%, respectively; p=NS). Cumulative patencies at 6 months were 83%+/-7% and 68%+/-14% in the open and endovascular groups, respectively (p=NS). Major morbidity, median postoperative length of stay, and cumulative freedom from recurrent symptoms at 6 months were significantly greater in the open group (open, 46%, 23 days, and 71%+/-7%, respectively; endovascular, 19%, 1 day, and 34%+/-10%, respectively; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular revascularization is attractive because it carries equivalent patency to open revascularization. Symptomatic benefit of endovascular revascularization is not achieved, probably as a result of incomplete revascularization. Despite incomplete revascularization, endovascular therapy has equivalent survival and lower morbidity compared with open revascularization. Complete endovascular revascularization needs further evaluation to determine if it is superior to open revascularization. In the interim, endovascular therapy should be reserved for the patient unable to undergo open revascularization.

Percutaneous management of chronic mesenteric ischemia: outcomes after intervention

PURPOSE

To assess the efficacy and durability of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA)/stent placement for treatment of chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of patients treated from January 1986 to August 2003 was conducted. Twenty-nine patients (mean age, 62 years) were treated for clinical symptoms consistent with CMI. Clinical diagnosis was verified with angiographic assessment and PTA with or without stent placement was performed based on angiographic and/or pressure gradient findings. Outcomes were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

A total of 63 interventions were performed in 29 patients during the study period. Of these 63 interventions, 46 PTA and 17 stent implantation procedures were performed. Thirty-four interventions were performed for SMA stenosis/occlusion, 17 interventions for celiac artery stenosis/occlusion, and four interventions were performed on aorto-mesenteric graft stenoses. Technical success was 97%, and clinical success (defined as clinical resolution of symptoms) was 90% (26 of 29 patients). Mean duration of follow-up was 28.3 months. Primary patency for all interventions at 3, 6, and 12 months was 82.7% (95% CI: 68.7-96.7), 78.9% (66.7-91.1), and 70.1% (55.1-85.6), respectively. Primary assisted patency for all interventions at 3, 6, and 12 months was 87.9% (79.0-95.3), 87.9% (79.2-95.1), and 87.9% (77.3-98.3), respectively. An average of 1.9 interventions per patient was required. One major complication occurred (3.4%). There were three minor complications (10.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous intervention for CMI is safe with durable early and midterm clinical success. However, repeated intervention is often required for improved primary assisted patency.

Spontaneous Recanalization of Superior Mesenteric Artery Occlusion Following Angioplasty and Stenting of Inferior Mesenteric Artery

An 84-year-old woman with a history of hypertension and coronary artery disease was admitted with a progressively worsening diffuse abdominal pain. Computed tomography scan of the abdomen and angiography revealed occlusion of the origin and proximal portion of superior mesenteric artery. Aortography also showed severe origin stenosis of inferior mesenteric artery and that the distal part of the superior mesenteric artery was supplied by a prominent marginal artery of Drummond. Patient was effectively treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting of the inferior mesenteric artery. Follow-up imaging studies demonstrated patency of the stent and spontaneous recanalization of superior mesenteric artery occlusion.

Endovascular Recanalisation in Occlusive Mesenteric Ischemia—Feasibility and Early Results

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate a single centre experience of endovascular treatment of mesenteric ischemia caused by vascular occlusion.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between 1995 and 2002 17 patients (12 females; mean age 61 years) with symptoms of bowel ischemia were treated endovascularly for arterial occlusion. Vessels were evaluated with angiography and pressure gradient measured. A mean gradient of > 20 mmHg or a stenosis of > 50% was considered significant. Patient data were recorded prospectively and follow-up was supplemented with retrospective chart review. Fifteen patients had follow up imaging, median 10 months (3-29 months) postoperatively. Median clinical follow up was 14 months (5-42 months).

RESULTS

Recanalisation was successful in 16 patients (94%). The average number of stents used was 1.6 per patient. For one patient recanalisation failed with subsequent SMA dissection. A celiac artery stenosis was stented but symptoms remained postoperatively. Perioperative mortality was 5.8% (n = 1). 14/17 patients (82%) displayed symptom relief/improvement. Six patients required secondary endovascular intervention; PTA (n = 3); stent/stentgraft (n = 3). Two of these patients required a third procedure. 4/6 patients that underwent secondary intervention were asymptomatic and of recurrent stenosis > 75% and a gradient > 15 mmHg mean pressure gradient on imaging. Two patients were treated because of a combination of angiographic findings and/or significant pressure gradient combined with clinical symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular treatment of mesenteric ischemia due to vessel occlusion is feasible with acceptable short-term results and limited complications. Most patients experience relief/improvement of symptoms. A significant number of patients might need endovascular re-intervention because of restenosis.

Endovascular Treatment as a Bridge to Successful Surgical Revascularization for Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia

Chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) can be treated with surgical revascularization or with angioplasty and stenting. As experience has been gained, endovascular treatment appears safe and effective in selected patients. Currently, surgical revascularization has better success and patency rates but also a higher short- and midterm mortality and morbidity, especially in patients at high surgical risk. A 72-year-old female with severe respiratory dysfunction presented with CMI resulting in profound malnutrition. Serial percutaneous interventions averted urgent surgery and reversed the mesenteric ischemia. Nine months later, after repeated angioplasty and stenting had failed, elective uncomplicated iliomesenteric bypass, in a medically optimized patient, resolved the ischemia. At an 18-month follow-up, the graft remained widely patent and the patient asymptomatic with a body weight corresponding to her ideal body weight. Compared to surgical revascularization, reocclusion or restenosis occurs more frequently after endovascular treatment of CMI, and reintervention may be necessary. Nevertheless, percutaneous intervention effectively provides relief from mesenteric ischemia and has lower perioperative complication rates compared to surgery in patients at high surgical risk. After initial relief of the CMI, the patient's condition may improve, allowing for more definitive secondary surgical revascularization, if needed.

Endovascular Treatment of Chronic Splanchnic Syndrome

OBJECTIVE

The technical and clinical outcome of endovascular revascularization was analyzed in patients with suspicion of chronic splanchnic syndrome (CSS).

METHODS

Medical history, duplex, angiography and exercise gastric tonometry suggested CSS in 97 patients. Twenty-seven of them were treated endovascular (one patient had 3-vessel, 12 patients had 2-vessels, 14 patients had 1-vessel CSS). Five patients received previous splanchnic revascularization. Twenty-three patients (85%) had severe co-morbidity: cardiac, pulmonary or cachexia. Endovascular treatment consisted of percutaneous transluminal angiography (PTA) of the coeliac artery (CA) or superior mesenteric artery (SMA) in three and primary balloon expandable stenting in 24 patients (13 CA and 10 SMA solitary, two CA and SMA both, 31 splanchnic arteries in total).

RESULTS

Three patients showed procedure related complications (11%). Mean follow-up was 19, range 2-76 months. Two patients died during follow up, both not procedure or CSS related. Five patients had no improvement of symptoms, without evidence of re- or residual stenosis. The primary clinical success was 67%, secondary clinical success was 81%. The primary patency was 81% and secondary patency was 100%.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular treatment of CSS has a reasonable outcome. It is an alternative to operative treatment, especially in patients with high co-morbidity or limited life expectancy.

Endovascular treatment of celiac and mesenteric arteries stenoses: Applications and results

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and assess the role of endovascular therapy in a variety of conditions related to celiac and mesenteric vascular occlusive disease. Patients and methods Our retrospective study population included 25 consecutive patients (mean age, 66 years), in whom 28 procedures were performed on 26 stenosed or occluded mesenteric vessels (superior mesenteric artery [SMA] or celiac artery [CA]). Indications included chronic mesenteric ischemia (21 patients), including 2 patients who underwent stenting prior to a planned operative repair of a juxtamesenteric AAA. Three liver transplantation patients underwent stenting of an associated CA stenosis. One patient with a splenorenal bypass underwent stenting on an associated CA stenosis. The technical and clinical success rates and the incidence of complications were determined. Follow-up parameters included maintained patency on duplex sonography and sustained clinical benefit. The need for additional interventions was noted.

RESULTS

All procedures but one were technically successful (96%). Major complications occurred in three patients (one transient contrast-induced nephrotoxicity and two pseudoaneurysms). Immediate clinical success was achieved in 22 patients (88%). The three clinical failures included two patients with an excellent angiographic outcome, but with single-vessel moderate severity disease. Survival table analysis of delayed clinical outcome showed primary and primary-assisted clinical benefits at 11 months of 85% and 91%, respectively. Primary and primary-assisted stent patencies, as assessed by duplex sonography and/or angiography, at 6 months were both 92%. Angiographically documented restenosis occurred in three patients. Restenosis in two patients with CA stents was due to extrinsic compression, and it was without symptoms in one patient and was treated satisfactorily by restenting in the other patient. Restenosis in one patient with an SMA stent was successfully treated by restenting.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience suggests a potential role for endovascular therapy of celiac and mesenteric arterial occlusive disease in a variety of clinical scenarios, with a low incidence of complications and a high technical success rate.