Cost-effectiveness analysis of the diagnosis of temporal arteritis

Temporal arteritis (TA) is the most common form of systemic vasculitis. Its diagnosis is based on criteria proposed by the American College of Rheumatology (1990), and its treatment is high-dose corticosteroids. Our objective is to assess the cost of diagnosing TA, and secondarily, cost-effective analysis of different diagnostic strategies (clinical, biopsy, doppler ultrasound) and therapeutic strategies (corticosteroid suspension).

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Observational, retrospective study has been carried out on patients with AT (2012-2021). Demographic data, comorbidities, signs and symptoms suggestive of AT were collected. AT was diagnosed with a score ≥ 3 according to American College of Rheumatoloy criteria (ACR-SCORE). The costs of diagnosis and treatment modification were analysed.

RESULTS

Seventy-five patients have been included, median age 77 (46-87) years. Headache, temporal pain and jaw claudication were significant for the diagnosis of TA. Patients with a halo on Doppler ultrasound and a positive biopsy have significantly elevated ESR and CRP compared to patients who do not. The cost of the AT diagnosis was 414.7 euros/patient. If we use ACR-SCORE ≥ 3-echodoppler it is 167.2 є/patient (savings 59.6%) and ACR-SCORE ≥ 3-biopsy 339.75 є/patient (savings 18%). If the corticosteroid was removed and a biopsy was performed, 21.6 є/patient (94.7% savings), if the corticosteroid was removed and Doppler ultrasound was performed, 10.6 є/patient (97.4% savings).

CONCLUSIONS

Headache, temporary pain and jaw claudication are predictors of AT. Elevated ESR and CRP are predictors of positive biopsy and presence of halo on ultrasound. The uses of ACR-SCORE ≥ 3 with Doppler ultrasound or biopsy, and with corticosteroid suspension, are cost-effective.

Off-Label Use of a Flared Endograft Limb for Treatment of a Complicated Anastomotic Abdominal Aortic Pseudoaneurysm: Reverse Deployment Throught Axillary Artery

A case of complicated abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysm not suitable for open repair is described. It was treated by means of endovascular methods with a flared endograft limb. The uniqueness of this case is the absence of a suitable femoral access, requiring the deployment of the graft in a reversed configuration through axillary artery. The technique is described and the need of imaginative off label use of endovascular devices in such emergent cases is discussed.

Thirty-three vascular residency programs among 13 countries joining forces to improve surgical education in times of COVID-19: A survey-based assessment

BACKGROUND

Academic interaction with mentors has almost become minimal due to the current pandemic of COVID-19. The objective of this study is to introduce how a group of vascular surgery residencies joined forces to improve surgical education in times of COVID-19.

METHODS

On May 2020, a group of Hispanic American vascular residency programs created webinar sessions of arterial and venous clinical cases among vascular residents across Latin America and Europe. Participants were surveyed via email. Questions were about the perceived quality and utility of the webinars; answers were stratified into negative (disagree), neutral, and positive (agree).

RESULTS

There have been 60 sessions and 118 clinical cases presented. The survey was answered by 106 participants, 82 males (78.8%) and 24 women (23.0%). Fifty-four (51.9%) were board-certified vascular surgeons, 49 (47.1%) vascular surgery residents, and 2 (1.9%) general surgery residents. Mean age of the participants was 41.5 years (range: 25-74 years). Mean years of vascular surgery practice or experience were 11.2 years (range: 0-45 years). The residency programs involved in this project were from 13 different countries. Most answers received were positive for both perceived quality and utility of the webinars.

CONCLUSION

Globalization and technology provide an opportunity for international education, with the goal of building well-rounded and academic vascular surgeons. This group is just the beginning of a large collaborative group among Hispanic American countries, hoping that more residency programs will join, with the aim of breaking borders in the education of vascular surgery.

Celiac trunk segmental arterial mediolysis: a rare cause of arteriopathy

A 50-year-old male patient, without a previous medical history, presented sudden severe abdominal pain with no alterations in the blood analysis. A CT-Angiography (CTA) was performed that showed a wall thickening of the celiac trunk extended to the hepatic artery with a filiform lumen and no involvement of the splenic artery. There were no signs of intestinal or liver ischemia, therefore no further radiological tests were performed. The proteinogram and serology were normal, with no immunological and acute phase reactant markers, excluding vasculitis. It appeared as an isolated lesion with no signs of arterial dissection or pseudoaneurysms of the remaining abdominal vessels or the aorta. Therefore, it was considered as a Segmental Arterial Mediolisis (SAM).

Effectiveness of the Combined Treatment of Functional Electrical Stimulation and Deambulation in Diabetic Arteriopathy

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether functional electrical stimulation (FES) is able to improve ischemic pain and quality of life of patients with diabetic arteriopathy (DA) in grade-IIa Leriche-Le Fontaine.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a single-blinded, randomized, prospective cohort study. We included patients diagnosed with grade-IIa Leriche-Le Fontaine peripheral arterial disease in both lower extremities with and without diabetes mellitus (DM). The ankle-brachial index was 0.4-0.9. Patients were randomized into two experimental groups: nondiabetic (non-DM) (n = 71) and diabetic (DM) (n = 71). The patients received FES while walking for 1 hr on a supervised treadmill. Three months of follow-up were conducted after treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 168 patients were randomized; 142 completed the study, with 71 in each group. Both groups reported an improvement after the treatment, but the improvement was statistically significant in the DM group, in which all the parameters studied improved. Greater benefits were observed in all the parameters in the DM group after the follow-up, except for the test of the meters walked in 6 min.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of FES during daily walking is effective in patients with DA, reducing intermittent claudication and improving the quality of life of these patients.

EVAR Approach for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm with Horseshoe Kidney: A Multicenter Experience

BACKGROUND

Horseshoe kidney is a congenital abnormality, with an incidence of 0.25% of the total population. Only 0.12% of patients who undergo an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair might also have a coexisting horseshoe kidney. We present a series of 10 cases auspiciously treated with an endovascular approach along with their respective patient evolutions. A review of the literature is also presented.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of the medical records (January 2004-December 2013) of 10 patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms and horseshoe kidney treated with endovascular repair was done. Patients were treated at 6 different centers in 3 different countries. Demographics, clinical status, medical history, anatomical morphology of the aneurysms and kidneys, as well as surgical outcomes were all analyzed.

RESULTS

The median age was 67.5 years (range 47-81), and the median aortic aneurysmal diameter was 57 mm (49-81 mm). A total of 35 arteries provided renal perfusion. There were 13 right renal arteries and 13 left renal arteries, all successfully preserved, with 9 isthmus arteries covered. Median hospital stay consisted of 3.5 days (1-14 days). All aortic aneurysms were successfully excluded with no endoleaks, hematomas, wound infections, or renal failure. During a median follow-up of 7 years, 3 patients died of myocardial infarction 7 years after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR), and the other 7 patients are doing well, with a median aneurysm reduction size sac of 16.5 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular repair is a safe and efficient endovascular option for the treatment of patients presenting concomitant aortic aneurysm and horseshoe kidney, with excellent short- and medium-term outcomes. To our knowledge, our study represents the largest series of cases with horseshoe kidney successfully treated via EVAR without significant complications.

Laparoscopic Appendectomy in the Setting of Clinical Prediction Rules

PURPOSE

Acute appendicitis (AA) is the most frequent surgical entity in the emergency department, but its correct diagnosis remains challenging. To improve diagnosis, clinical prediction rules (CPRs) have been created to establish objective scores for the probability of suffering AA. In this study, we establish scores indicating whether laparoscopy would be superior to clinical observation or repeat diagnostic test.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was conducted with 433 patients submitted to surgery for suspected AA using a laparoscopic approach. The Alvarado, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Appendicitis, appendicitis inflammatory response, and adult appendicitis score scales were applied in each case to establish a high, medium, or low probability of suffering AA.

RESULTS

Of the 433 patients analyzed, 381 (88.0%) had AA. Twelve (2.8%) were converted to open surgery, and complications were observed in 54 (12.5%) cases. The CPRs studied showed statistically significant differences between AA and negative appendectomies. However, in patients with intermediate probability scores, the diagnostic accuracy of the CPRs evaluated was not adequate.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic surgery can serve as a diagnostic tool for patients with intermediate AA probability scores because of its low associated morbidity and mortality and because it affords a direct diagnosis of the problem, allowing determination of the appropriate treatment.

A Unique Case of Horner's Syndrome Following Subintimal Haematoma Within an Atherosclerotic Plaque

Background and Importance We describe a patient with Horner's syndrome caused by an extensive intraparietal hematoma in the wall of the internal carotid artery confused with an arterial dissection. Detection of such pathology instead of dissection or arteritis is important as the management is different. As far as the authors know, it is the first case in which a haematoma within an atherosclerotic plaque is clinically related Horner's syndrome. Clinical Presentation A 81-year-old man presented with acute right hemiplegia and loss of vision of the left eye due to a central retinal artery occlusion. The patient underwent a computerised angiotomography which demonstrated left internal carotid artery occlusion with recanalisation after carotid bifurcation. Clinically, the patient developed a syndrome of Claude-Bernard Horner which replaced the diagnosis on the suspicion that it was a carotid artery dissection. The patient had miosis and ptosis of left eye. In the magnetic resonance angiography, an intramural of a possible hematoma was observed. It was decided to perform surgical treatment of the carotid lesion. Conclusion As this clinical case shows, there are symptomatic courtships that must be studied in detail so as not to confuse the carotid dissection with critical stenosis of the internal carotid artery.

Prospective study of the E-liac Stent Graft System in patients with common iliac artery aneurysms: 30-Day results

OBJECTIVES

To study the safety and feasibility of the E-liac Stent Graft System® in patients with aorto/iliac aneurysms.

METHODS

A prospective multicentric European registry of patients receiving the E-liac Stent Graft System® was conducted. Endpoints of the study included the technical success as well as periprocedural events and 30-day endoleaks, reinterventions, internal and external iliac artery patency and mortality.

RESULTS

Between July 2014 and June 2016, a total of 45 patients (93% men, mean age 72 years, range 53-90 years) were enrolled at 11 sites in four European countries. Five patients received an isolated iliac treatment. Thirty-seven patients were treated with a combination of an abdominal stent graft and a unilateral E-liac and three in combination with bilateral E-liac. All E-liac Stent Grafts (48) were implanted in the intended position and the internal iliac arteries were successfully bridged. Two patients did not receive clinical success, due to endoleak type Ia of the aortic stent graft. At 30-day follow-up, clinical success rate was 96%. Three successful endovascular reinterventions were performed within the 30-day follow-up: one due to a type Ia endoleak in the common iliac artery, one due to type Ia endoleak of the aortic stent graft, and one due to bilateral lower limb claudication provoked by stent graft limb stenosis. At 30-day, a 100% survival rate and complete absence of pelvic or buttock ischemia/claudication were reported. Primary patency at 30 days was 100% for the internal iliac artery and 98% for the external iliac artery with an assisted patency of 100% in the latter.

CONCLUSIONS

The high clinical success rate, low rates of device-related reinterventions (2%), and excellent patency rate demonstrate the safety and feasibility of the E-liac Stent Graft System. Long-term results are awaited to state efficacy and durability. Clinical Trials.gov. Identifier no. NCT02209194.

Radioprotection Measures during the Learning Curve with Hybrid Operating Rooms

BACKGROUND

Endovascular procedures come with a potential risk of radiation hazards both to patients and to the vascular staff. Classically, most endovascular interventions took place in regular operating rooms (ORs) using a fluoroscopy C-arm unit controlled by a third party. Hybrid operating rooms (HORs) provide an optimal surgical suit with all the qualities of a fixed C-arm device, while allowing the device to be controlled by the surgical team. The latest studies suggest that an operator-controlled system may reduce the radiation dose. The purpose of the present study is to determine the amount of absorbed radiation using an HOR in comparison with a portable C-arm unit and to assess whether the radioprotection awareness of the surgical team influences the radiation exposure. The primary end point was the effective dose in milliSievert (mSv) for the surgical team and the average dose-area product (ADAP) in Gray-meters squared (Gym²) for patients.

METHODS

The values of absorbed radiation of the surgical team's dosimeters were collected from January 2015 to May 2016. The HOR was installed in June 2015, and a radioprotection seminar was given in October 2015. The HOR-issued radiation, measured by the maximum dose-area product, ADAP, average dose (AD) per procedure, maximum dose per procedure per month, maximum fluoroscopy time, average fluoroscopic time, peak skin dose, and average skin dose (ASD), was collected monthly from September 2015 to July 2016. The timeline was divided into 3 periods: 5 months pre-HOR (Pre-HOR), 5 months after the HOR installation (PreS-HOR), and 5 months after a radioprotection seminar (PostS-HOR).

RESULTS

The average number of procedures per month was 22.55 (±4.9), including endovascular aneurysm repair/thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair, carotid, visceral, and upper and lower limb endovascular revascularization. The average amount of absorbed radiation by the surgeons during PreS-HOR was 1.07 ± 0.4 mSv, which was higher than the other periods (Pre-HOR 0.06 ± 0.03 mSv, P = 0.002; PostS-HOR 0.14 ± 0.09 mSv, P = 0.000, respectively). The ADAP during PreS-HOR was 0.016 ± 0.01 Gym², which was lower than the PostS-HOR (0.001 ± 0.002 Gym²) (P = 0.034). The AD during PreS-HOR was 0.78 ± 0.3 Gy and 0.39 ± 0.3 Gy during PostS-HOR (P = 0.098). The ASD during PreS-HOR was 0.40 ± 0.2 Gy and 0.20 ± 0.1 Gy during PostS-HOR (P = 0.099).

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, the HOR increases the amount of absorbed radiation for both patients and surgeons. The radioprotection seminars are of utmost importance to provide a continued training and optimize the use of ionizing radiation while using an HOR. Despite the awareness of the surgical team in the radioprotection field, the amount of absorbed radiation using an HOR is higher than the one using a C-Arm unit.

[Identifying clinical risk factors in recurrent idiopathic deep venous thrombosis]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Oral anticoagulant therapy for more than 6 months in patients with an episode of idiopathic thromboembolic disease is controversial. The objective was to determine predictive clinical signs that identify patients at increased risk of thromboembolic recurrence after stopping anticoagulant therapy for 6 months after an episode of idiopathic deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective study which included 306 consecutive patients with a first episode of idiopathic DVT from June 2012 to June 2014. Predictor variables of recurrent thromboembolic disease and episodes of recurrence during follow-up of the patients (28.42 months) were collected. We performed a multivariate analysis to analyze possible predictors (P<.20) and an analysis of Kaplan-Meier to establish mean recurrence-free survival.

RESULTS

We identified 91 episodes of residual vein thrombosis on follow-up of the patients (37.5% men and 20.3% women) (OR 1.84; 95% CI 1.25-2.71). In the Cox regression analysis stratified by gender, variables showed significant presence of hyperechoic thrombus (P=.001) in males, and persistence of residual thrombus in women (P=.046). The mean recurrence-free survival was shorter in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of echogenic thrombus in men and the existence of residual DVT in women were 2 clinical signs associated with increased risk of thromboembolic recurrence after stopping anticoagulant therapy for 6 months after an episode of idiopathic DVT in our study.

[An uncommon cause of lower limb oedema - Case report]

Visceral aneurysms, although rare, are potentially life threatening, especially when presented as aneurysm rupture, in which case the mortality rate can rise up to 30-70%. The diagnose of this type of aneurysms has increased in asymptomatic patients due to overspread of radiologic tests. For a long time, the treatment of this type of aneurysm has been the open surgery, nevertheless in recent years the endovascular techniques have risen as an alternative. The two cases described here are two 48 and 71 years-old males, incidentally diagnosed of a celiac artery aneurysm of 15mm and 38mm, respectively, both treated with endovascular techniques. The endovascular treatment has shown to be a safe and effective alternative with less short-term morbi-mortality, than open surgery.

[Incidence of contrast induced nephropathy in patients who underwent an aortic endovascular repair]

INTRODUCTION

Intravascular iodinated contrasts are essencial in endovascular therapy. One of their major inconveniences is contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), which has been associated with an increase in complications and prolonged hospital stay.

AIM

To analyze the incidence of CIN in patients undergoing endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in our hospital.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective study including patients (n=129) treated with EVAR between January 2014 - September 2015. Information was gathered concerning age, history of diabetes, hypertension, pre-existing chronic kidney disease and previous treatment with diuretics or metformin. We analyzed serum levels of urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium and glomerular filtrate (GF), at baseline, at 24hours, peak levels during post-operative period and before discharge. The amount of intravascular contrast and periprocedureral hydration were correlated to creatinine and GF to determine their effect on CIN.

RESULTS

Of 129 patients, 11 (8.53%) developed CIN. A significant difference was found between preoperative and postoperative levels of urea and sodium, both p<0.001.Volume of contrast was the only variable that presented a statistically significant association with increase of creatinine levels in postoperative period (p=0.032). Worsening of glomerular filtrate showed a statistically significant association with preoperative levels of urea (p=0.036) and GF (p= 0.019). Fluid-therapy before or after exposure to contrast did not show any influence on the outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of CIN depends mainly on baseline GF and amount of contrast, and it is barely associated with hydration during the perioperative period. Since there is no specific treatment for CIN, the best practice is its prevention.

Aneurysmal degeneration of brachial artery in kidney transplant receptors after arteriovenous fistula ligation

OBJECTIVES

True brachial artery aneurysms are. Recent case reports have suggested aneurysmal degeneration of brachial artery in kidney transplant receptors after arteriovenous fistula (AVF) ligation. We present a study on the evolution of the brachial artery in this context in our center.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a descriptive study in kidney transplant receptors in whom AVF was ligated between 2008 and 2015. Patients with AVF in both upper limbs were excluded. Diameters of axillary artery, brachial artery in middle portion and its bifurcation, as well as brachial artery flow were measured using Dupplex ultrasound in AVF and contralateral limb. Both groups were compared using the Student t-test for paired samples.

RESULTS

20 patients were included in the study and had a mean age of 59.35 ± 2.49 years. The median time of use of AVF for hemodialysis was 729 days (range 120-6117) and the median time in which AVF was patent was 2261 days (range 791-7091). Mean diameters (in mm) of axillary artery, brachial in middle portion and bifurcation were respectively 9.33 ± 1.07, 7.5 ± 0.61 and 5.81 ± 0.43 in AVF arm and 5.6 ± 2.8, 4.4 ± 0.1, 4.9 ± 0.15 in control limb, finding statistically significant differences (p <0.01) in brachial and axillary arteries. 5 patients (25%) developed aneurysm, 2 of which (10%) underwent surgery and 3 are on follow up.

CONCLUSION

True incidence of brachial artery aneurysm in kidney receptors following AVF ligation is high. Careful follow up with physical examination and dupplex scanning are needed to find this complication.

[Ecodoppler evaluation on the progress of atherosclerotic disease in patients undergoing contralateral carotid endarterectomy]

PURPOSE

The clinical utility of monitoring by Doppler ultrasound patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy is not clearly established. Our goal is to evaluate by echo-Doppler the progress of contralateral stenosis in a real environment, in order to assess its usefulness.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective study with Doppler ultrasound monitoring in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy for a period of 3 years. We included cases with Doppler echography before and at least one post-surgery. We excluded patients with contralateral thrombosis, contralateral stenosis, established surgical indication or prior carotid surgery. Analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves to estimate the rate of patients free of progression and / or surgery, as well as an analysis of risk factors for progression of contralateral stenosis.

RESULTS

We included 119 patients (41.2% symptomatic) age 68.3 +/- 8.41 years. The follow-up was 40.5 +/- 23.2 months, with a mean of 2.64 +/- 1.58 scans per patient. The likelihood of progression of contralateral carotid stenosis was estimated at 91, 86, 81 and 79% at one, two, three and four years respectively. The only significant risk factor for progression was the presence of moderate or greater contralateral stenosis (30% or more) at the time of surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The evolution of the contralateral carotid atherosclerosis is relatively common. The degree of stenosis correlates with early progression, the study by echo-Doppler plays an important role in monitoring these patients.