Häufigkeit, Klassifikation und Therapie der isolierten Beckenarterienaneurysmen

Hospital Incidence and Treatment Outcomes of Patients with Aneurysms and Dissections of the Iliac Artery in Switzerland-A Secondary Analysis of Swiss DRG Statistics Data

Background/Objectives: Aneurysms and dissections of the iliac artery (ADIAs) are significant vascular conditions often associated with aortic pathologies. Despite their importance, reports on isolated iliac artery pathologies are rare. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of ADIA in Switzerland including treatment incidence and hospital outcomes. Methods: A retrospective analysis of diagnosis-related group (DRG) statistics from 2011 to 2018 in Switzerland was conducted, identifying all cases of ADIA while excluding those with concomitant treatment of aortic pathologies. Age-standardized incidence rates and treatment outcomes were assessed, with multivariable logistic regression performed to identify factors associated with hospital mortality. Results: From 2011 to 2018, 1037 ADIA cases were hospitalized in Switzerland. Incidence rates for elective treatment were significantly higher in men than women, increasing in men from 1.5 to 2.4 cases per 100,000 men (p = 0.007), while remaining stable in women at around 0.2 cases per 100,000 women. Acute treatment incidence rates were lower but still higher in men, at 0.9 cases per 100,000 men and 0.2 cases per 100,000 women. Crude hospital mortality rates were lower for endovascular repair than open surgical repair in both elective (0.8% vs. 3.1%, p = 0.023) and emergency treatment (6.7% vs. 18.4%, p = 0.045). Multivariable analysis showed that endovascular repair was associated with significantly reduced hospital mortality compared to open repair (OR 0.27, 95%-CI: 0.10 to 0.66, p = 0.006). Conclusions: This nationwide study of iliac artery pathologies shows that the treatment incidence was about 10 times higher in men than in women for elective procedures, but only about five times higher for emergency treatment. Endovascular procedures were associated with significantly lower hospital mortality than open procedures, while hospital mortality rates were comparable for men and women.

Editor's Choice -- European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) 2024 Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Abdominal Aorto-Iliac Artery Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

The European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) has developed clinical practice guidelines for the care of patients with aneurysms of the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries in succession to the 2011 and 2019 versions, with the aim of assisting physicians and patients in selecting the best management strategy.

METHODS

The guideline is based on scientific evidence completed with expert opinion on the matter. By summarising and evaluating the best available evidence, recommendations for the evaluation and treatment of patients have been formulated. The recommendations are graded according to a modified European Society of Cardiology grading system, where the strength (class) of each recommendation is graded from I to III and the letters A to C mark the level of evidence.

RESULTS

A total of 160 recommendations have been issued on the following topics: Service standards, including surgical volume and training; Epidemiology, diagnosis, and screening; Management of patients with small abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), including surveillance, cardiovascular risk reduction, and indication for repair; Elective AAA repair, including operative risk assessment, open and endovascular repair, and early complications; Ruptured and symptomatic AAA, including peri-operative management, such as permissive hypotension and use of aortic occlusion balloon, open and endovascular repair, and early complications, such as abdominal compartment syndrome and colonic ischaemia; Long term outcome and follow up after AAA repair, including graft infection, endoleaks and follow up routines; Management of complex AAA, including open and endovascular repair; Management of iliac artery aneurysm, including indication for repair and open and endovascular repair; and Miscellaneous aortic problems, including mycotic, inflammatory, and saccular aortic aneurysm. In addition, Shared decision making is being addressed, with supporting information for patients, and Unresolved issues are discussed.

CONCLUSION

The ESVS Clinical Practice Guidelines provide the most comprehensive, up to date, and unbiased advice to clinicians and patients on the management of abdominal aorto-iliac artery aneurysms.

[Isolated iliac artery aneurysm : Clinical background and interventional treatment strategies]

BACKGROUND

Isolated iliac artery aneurysms are less frequent than abdominal aortic aneurysms, with the same, predominantly atherosclerotic-degenerative etiology, but patients present more frequently with symptoms or at the stage of rupture. The majority of those affected are men over the age of 65. The ideal imaging technique for diagnosis, treatment planning and follow-up is computed tomography (CT) angiography. Below a diameter of 4 cm, the risk of rupture is 6.3%, and then increases significantly with increasing diameter. Today, treatment is recommended from a size of 3.5 cm at the earliest.

THERAPY

Because of the lower mortality, endovascular therapy is the leading treatment for the elective and emergency situation. The quality of the landing zones, which are important for sealing, is decisive for elimination of the aneurysm. The elimination is carried out by means of stent grafts, often in combination with embolization. Due to the risk of buttock claudication and erectile dysfunction, the preservation of ipsilateral pelvic perfusion is recommended in cases of insufficient collateralization. Special iliac branch devices or various parallel endograft techniques are available for this purpose.

FOLLOW-UP

The main problem of endovascular treatment are endoleaks and the associated need for reintervention. Imaging control by means of CT angiography is crucial for timely endoleak detection, especially in the early phase.

[Endovascular treatment of common iliac artery aneurisms]

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate endovascular management of common iliac artery aneurysms with iliac branch devices and to discuss some technical aspects of these interventions including bilateral procedures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair with concomitant implantation of iliac branch devices was performed in 9 patients at the Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery for the period from January 2019 to December 2020. Mean age of patients was 64.8± years (min 52; max 72 years). Preoperative planning and morphometric analysis were based on CT data with a slice thickness of 1 mm. Angiographic reconstruction was made using Osirix 3D software (OsiriX Foundation, Geneva, Switzerland). Abdominal aortic aneurysm was combined with common iliac artery aneurysm in 7 patients (77.7%). Three (33.3%) patients had isolated common iliac artery aneurysm without significant abdominal aorta enlargement (Reber type I). Bilateral common iliac artery aneurysms were detected in 1 (11.1%) patient. All patients had iliac artery aneurysms over 4 cm. Iliac branch device implantation was accompanied by endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair in all patients.

RESULTS

Technical success rate was 100%. Six-month results were followed-up in 5 patients (55.5%), annual outcomes - in 2 patients (22.2%). Control examination consisted of a telephone interview, ultrasound of abdominal aorta, pelvic and lower limb arteries and computed tomography. All patients had no endoleaks, stent-graft thrombosis, as well as signs of ischemia of pelvic organs and lower extremities. Incidence of iliac artery aneurysm combined with abdominal aortic aneurysms is about 20%. Until recently, treatment of these patients was performed exclusively with covering of internal iliac artery. Improvement of technologies and development of iliac branch devices made it possible to preserve blood flow in internal iliac artery after endovascular management. This approach allowed avoiding of ischemic complications associated with embolization of internal iliac arteries.

Surgical and Endovascular Management of Isolated Internal Iliac Artery Aneurysms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this paper is to report the different modalities for the treatment of isolated internal iliac artery aneurysms (IIIAA), as well as their outcomes.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review of the literature (database searched: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library; last search: April 2020). We included articles reporting on the outcomes for IIIAA interventions comprising at least 5 patients. Studies were included when presenting extractable outcome data regarding intraoperative and/or early results. We performed meta-analyses of proportions for different outcomes, using random effects model.

RESULTS

Thirteen non-randomized studies were included (192 patients with 202 IIIAA). IIIAA were symptomatic in the 18.1% (95%CI 9.3-26.9; I² 54.46%, P = .019). Estimated mean IIIAA diameter was 46.28 mm (95%CI 39.72-52.85; I² 88.85%, P < .001). Open repair was performed in 21/202 cases. Endovascular treatments were: embolization (81/181), embolization and hypogastric artery coverage (79/181), hypogastric artery coverage by stent-grafting (15/181), stent-grafting in the hypogastric artery (6/181). Overall estimated technical success (TS) rate was 91.6% (95% CI 86.8-95.5; I² 45.82%, P = .031). TS rate was 94.5% for open surgery (95%CI 85.3-100; I² 0%, P = .907), and 89.7% for endovascular repair (95%CI 83.8-95.6; I² 55.43%, P = .006). Estimated overall 30-day mortality was 3.1% (95%CI 0.8-5.4; I² 0%, P = .969). Mortality rates after open surgery and endovascular repair were 8.2% (95%CI 3.4-19.8; I² 0%, P = .545) and 2.8% (95%CI 0.5-5.1; I² 0%, P = .994), respectively. Estimated mean follow-up was 32.63 months (95%CI 21.74-43.53; I² 94.45%, P < .001). During this timeframe, IIIAA exclusion was preserved in 92.8% of the patients (95%CI 89.3-96.2; I² 0%, P = .797). Buttock claudication occurred in 13.9% of the patients (95%CI 8.7-19.2; I² 0%, P = .622).

CONCLUSIONS

IIIAA are frequently large, and symptomatic at presentation. Several treatments are proposed in literature, open and endovascular, both with good results. The endovascular treatment is the preferred method of treatment in literature, since it offers good short- to mid-term results and low early mortality. Buttock claudication after hypogastric artery exclusion is a common complication.

Bell-bottom technique in iliac branch era: mid-term single stent graft performance

BACKGROUND

Endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) is considered the primary option for abdominal aortic aneurysm but the management of concomitant wide or aneurysmal iliac arteries (CIAs) is still controversial.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated mid-term results of patients receiving standard EVAR combined with bell-bottom technique (BBT) using Medtronic Endurant endograft between January 2009 and December 2018. Patients were followed up by CT scan performed 1 month after the procedure and by duplex ultrasound annually (with or without contrast medium) followed by CT scan in case of evolution.

RESULTS

Seventy-one patients (67 males; mean age of 77,1 years) with abdominal aortic aneurysm and wide or aneurysmal common iliac artery (distal landing zone diameter up to 25 mm and length more than 20 mm) were treated with standard EVAR and BBT (107 limbs) using Endurant stent graft. The median aortic diameter was 56,1 mm (31.0-85.0). Technical success was obtained in 100%. Mean procedural time was of 100.1 min. No 30 days' mortality, renal failure or limb ischaemia occurred. The median follow-up was of 36.56 months (1-136). 5-year aneurysm related mortality was not found. At 5 years, the number of all-cause deaths was seven. The freedom from secondary intervention was 91.6% at 5 years. Three patients (4.4%) were treated for iliac related complications at 5 years: internal iliac artery aneurysm, iliac obstruction, type 1b endoleak, all successfully treated by endovascular technique.

CONCLUSIONS

According with this study BBT using Endurant stent graft is effective and safe with good mid-term results, with low rate of iliac related complications and no aneurysm related mortality.

Progressing left-side sciatica revealing a common iliac artery mycotic aneurysm in an elderly patient: A CARE-compliant case report

RATIONALE

Sciatica is usually caused by lumbar spine disease; the incidence of sciatica from extra-spinal causes is noted to be only about 0.09%.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We report a case of a 92-year-old man who came to the neurologist outpatient department due to left buttock pain and numbness that radiated to the left lower leg in the recent 6 months and progressed rapidly over 10 days.

DIAGNOSIS

We arranged magnetic resonance imaging for lumbar nerve lesion. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a common iliac artery mycotic aneurysm, at about 6.3 cm in diameter, which compressed the psoas muscle, nerve plexus, and vein.

INTERVENTIONS

We used a left-side iliac bifurcation stent graft of 12 mm in diameter for aneurysm repair. An internal iliac artery with a stent graft of 10 mm x 5 cm. An abdomen aortic aneurysm stent was inserted, 1 cm beneath the right renal artery from the right side femoral artery.

OUTCOMES

After endovascular repair and 4 weeks of antibiotic treatment, he could walk again, and no sciatica was noted. We repeated computed tomography 5 months after the operation and noted that the size of the iliac artery aneurysm decreased without stent graft migration or extravasation. Our patient recovered from sciatic and left leg weakness; above all, he could walk again.

LESSONS

We suggest practitioners check for common iliac artery aneurysms in the diagnosis of symptoms mimicking spinal cord origin sciatica, especially in elder patients.

Morphology and Computational Fluid Dynamics Support a Novel Classification of Common Iliac Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

Isolated common iliac artery aneurysms (CIAAs) are uncommon, and evidence concerning their development, progression, and management is weak. The objective was to describe the morphology and haemodynamics of isolated CIAAs in a retrospective study.

METHODS

Initially, a series of 25 isolated CIAAs (15 intact, 10 ruptured) in 23 patients were gathered from multiple centres, reconstructed from computed tomography, and then morphologically classified and analysed with computational fluid dynamics. The morphological classification was applied in a separate, consecutive cohort of 162 patients assessed for elective aorto-iliac intervention, in which 55 patients had intact CIAAs.

RESULTS

In the isolated CIAA cohort, three distinct morphologies were identified: complex (involving a bifurcation); fusiform; and kinked (distal to a sharp bend in the CIA), with mean diameters of 90.3, 48.3, and 31.7 mm, and mean time averaged wall shear stresses of 0.16, 0.31, and 0.71 Pa, respectively (both analysis of variance p values < .001). Kinked cases vs. fusiform cases had less thrombus and favourable haemodynamics similar to the non-aneurysmal contralateral common iliac artery (CIA). Ruptured isolated CIAAs were large (mean diameter 87.5 mm, range 55.5-138.0 mm) and predominantly complex. The mean CIA length for aneurysmal arteries was greatest in kinked cases followed by complex and fusiform (100.8 mm, 91.1 mm, and 80.6 mm, respectively). The morphological classification was readily applicable to a separate elective patient cohort.

CONCLUSION

A new morphological categorisation of CIAAs is proposed. Potentially this is associated with both haemodynamics and clinical course. Further research is required to determine whether the kinked CIAA is protected haemodynamically from aneurysm progression and to establish the wider applicability of the categorisation presented.

[The Treatment of Aneurysms of the Extremities Arteries - a Systematic Overview - New Therapies for Isolated Iliac Artery Aneurysm Employing a New Classification]

Aneurysms of arteries in the extremities have a low incidence and are often manifest through complications. The most serious complications are rupture and extremity-threatening ischemia. Both usually lead to the diagnosis. Absolute indications for therapy are symptomatic aneurysms and asymptomatic aneurysms of 2 cm diameter or more. The extrailiacal gold standard is interponat or bypass with venous graft material. Endovascular methods are reserved for inoperable patients and clinical decisions on special cases. In contrast, complex endovascular techniques have been established in isolated iliac aneurysms and have significantly improved treatment options. Their implementation is bound to the existence of a suitable landing zone. This is the basis for a new classification of isolated iliac artery aneurysm. With the help of morphological subtypes, this classification permits standardised procedure planning for perfusion preservation of the internal iliac artery. The present article gives an overview of the current treatment strategy for aneurysms of extremities arteries. Similarities and regional differences in therapy are discussed.

Ultrasound Assisted On-Table Management of Type III Endoleak at Endovascular Repair of Isolated Giant Common Iliac Aneurysm

Objectives

This report presents the endovascular treatment of a large isolated common iliac artery aneurysm, focusing on the use of on table ultrasonography to characterise and treat an early endoleak that could not be defined by angiography alone.

Report

A 58 year old man presented with an asymptomatic, large (13cm) left common iliac artery aneurysm (LCIAA) whilst being investigated for change in bowel habit. This was treated successfully via a percutaneous approach using left internal iliac embolisation followed by endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) with deployment of an aorto-uni-iliac converter system from the LCIA origin to the external iliac artery. A non-characterised endoleak at the end of the procedure was shown to be a type IIIb endoleak by application of immediate on table ultrasonography, allowing immediate supplementary targeted stent graft deployment to cover the leaking segment.

Discussion

The patient was discharged uneventfully and will remain on follow up. On table ultrasonography allowed both localisation and characterisation of an immediate intra-procedural endoleak and confirmed cessation of the endoleak with supplementary stent grafting and thrombosis within the sac.

Conclusions

Isolated CIAA is rare, and endovascular therapy is appropriate for them, given that open surgery, whilst feasible, carries a high morbidity and mortality risk. Application of on-table ultrasound allows definition and targeted treatment of endoleaks, reducing the need for further intervention at a later stage, and thus also reducing the risk of continued pressurisation of the large sac post-EVAR till the next surveillance episode.

•

Isolated common iliac artery aneurysms (CIAAs) are very rare.

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They can be asymptomatic but have a high risk of rupture.

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Open repair is high risk and associated with high morbidity/mortality.

•

This paper highlights successful endovascular repair of a giant isolated CIAA.

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On table ultrasound helps immediately to characterise and treat endoleaks at EVAR.

[Aneurysms of the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries: paradigm shift - operative therapy, if possible endovascular?]

BACKGROUND

Therapy of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) is currently based on a high level of evidence. This is not true in the same manner for iliac artery aneurysms (IAA) which are frequently associated with AAAs and occur only rarely as isolated lesions. The therapeutic principles apply in the same way to both aneurysm locations.

OBJECTIVES

New findings, improved perioperative care and the rapid development of minimally invasive techniques require a constant update which is the aim of this article concerning the therapy of AAAs and IAAs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A systematic literature review was performed in PubMed and Medline and priority was given to recent publications with a high level of evidence.

RESULTS

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and open aneurysm repair (OAR) result in a similar long-term survival. The perioperative survival advantage with EVAR persists only during medium-term postoperative courses. The reintervention rate after EVAR is substantially higher compared to OAR. For older patients and those who are considered unfit for OAR the expected benefits from EVAR has not been proven to date. Aneurysmal ruptures after EVAR demonstrate that a life-long surveillance of these patients is necessary.

CONCLUSION

Therapy of AAAs and IAAs is increasingly being performed by EVAR. Even the majority of complex aneurysms are amenable to minimally invasive treatment. Nevertheless, indications for OAR continue to exist. Screening for AAAs results in a decrease of aneurysmal ruptures for which EVAR is also gaining importance.

Endovascular repair of isolated iliac artery aneurysms

PURPOSE

To retrospectively evaluate a 12-year experience with endovascular repair of isolated iliac artery aneurysm (IAA).

METHODS

From August 1997 through July 2009, 91 patients (81 men; mean age 71 years, range 31-90) underwent endovascular treatment for isolated IAA at our department. Of these, 77 patients received stent-grafts either alone or in combination with coils or an Amplatzer vascular plug (n = 2); 1 patient received a Smart stent combined with coils, and 13 patients were treated with coil embolization only. The aneurysms were classified according to location: type I = common iliac artery (CIA), type II = internal iliac artery (IIA), type III = CIA and IIA, and type IV = external iliac artery with/without CIA and/or IIA involvement.

RESULTS

Primary technical success was 90.1% for all aneurysm types and 93.6%, 80%, 88.8%, and 93.3% for types I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Secondary technical success was 96.7% for all types and 97.8%, 95%, 100%, and 93.3%, respectively, for each type. Clinical success was 93.4% for all types and 97.8%, 85%, 100%, and 86.7%, respectively, by type. Complications in 18 (19.8%) patients included 7 type I endoleaks, 3 type II endoleaks, 2 enlarged aneurysm sacs (incomplete embolization), 5 cases of buttock claudication, and 2 stent-graft thromboses. Two patients were converted to open surgery; 10 underwent secondary interventions. Mortality rates were 1.1% (n = 1) at 30 death days and 23.1% (n = 21) over a mean follow-up of 45.9 months (no aneurysm-related death). Cumulative overall survival was 97.7% at 1 year and 47.6% at 10 years. Freedom from aneurysm-related complications was 88.6% at 1 year and 83.5% at 5 years.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular repair of isolated IAA is a safe and minimally invasive alternative to surgery. However, it may be associated with several complications and must, therefore, be carefully planned.

Endovascular management performed percutaneously of isolated iliac artery aneurysms

PURPOSE

To report about the endovascular treatment of isolated iliac artery aneurysms (IIAA) with stentgraft placement and transluminal or CT-guided embolization of the internal iliac artery or the combination of these methods.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Over a period of 5.6 years, 36 interventions were performed in 20 patients with 23 IIAAs. In a retrospective analysis patient records were reviewed. The CT-angiography follow-up was evaluated for the presence of re-perfusion of the IIAA and for change of aneurysm diameter.

RESULTS

Primary success was achieved in 15/23 aneurysms (65%), and secondary success in 21/23 aneurysms (91%). In 5/23 cases two interventions and in 1/23 cases three interventions were necessary to achieve secondary success. Embolization alone, as a therapy for aneurysms involving only the internal iliac artery, had a success rate of 27%. No procedure-related minor or major complications occurred. Mean decrease of aneurysm size during a mean observation period of 14.1 months was 6.9% which was not significant (p=0.3; 95% confidence interval +7-21%).

CONCLUSION

Endovascular therapy of isolated iliac artery aneurysms performed percutaneously has become a treatment alternative to open surgical repair. This method is feasible and safe with low procedure-related morbidity and mortality. However, on average more than one intervention has to be performed to achieve successful permanent exclusion of the aneurysm and embolization alone in isolated internal iliac artery aneurysms is not sufficient.