The Combination of Vacuum-Assisted Thromboaspiration and Covered Stent Graft for Acute Limb Ischemia due to Thromboembolic Complications of Popliteal Aneurysm

BACKGROUND

We present a standardized protocol of endovascular revascularization for patients with acute limb ischemia due to popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) thromboembolic complication, based on the combination of vacuum-assisted thromboaspiration to improve tibiopedal outflow and covered stent graft to exclude the PAA.

METHODS

All patients with a diagnosis of PAA complicated by thromboembolic events undergoing total endovascular rescue were prospectively enrolled in a dedicated database from November 2018 to November 2021. To assess vessel patency, the TIPI (Thromboaspiration In Peripheral Ischemia) classification was used. The primary end point was the primary technical success (at least one tibial vessel with a TIPI flow of 2 or 3). The 30-day overall mortality and amputation rates were considered as secondary end points. Patients' overall survival, limb salvage, freedom from reocclusion and reinterventions were reported as secondary late outcomes using Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Seventeen male patients were enrolled with a mean age of 75.7 ± 9 years. Rutherford grading score was IIa in 52.9% (9/17) and IIb in 47.1% (8/17). PAA mean diameter was 37.4 ± 11.2 mm. All patients had tibial arteries involvement, and in 9 cases (52.9%) there was also the occlusion of the PAA. Mechanical thrombectomy with Indigo/Penumbra thromboaspiration system was used in all patients. PAAs were excluded using one or more VIABAHN covered endografts (range 1-3 pieces). Technical success was achieved in 94.1%. Fasciotomy was performed in 1 case (5.9%). Mortality and amputation rates at 30-day follow-up were respectively 0% and 5.9%. Survival rates at 6, 12, and 24 months were respectively 94.1%, 86.3%, and 67.9%. Secondary patency was achieved in all cases (100%). Freedom from reintervention was 80.4%, 65.8%, and 54.8% at 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up. Limb salvage was 88.2% at 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Although preliminary, our experience of total endovascular rescue for complicated PAA with thromboembolic events highlighted promising rates of limb salvage at 30 days after intervention. The total endovascular approach seems able to maximize tibiopedal outflow offering an interesting strategy in limb salvage.

Resectability of bilobar liver tumours after simultaneous portal and hepatic vein embolization versus portal vein embolization alone: meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Many patients with bi-lobar liver tumours are not eligible for liver resection due to an insufficient future liver remnant (FLR). To reduce the risk of posthepatectomy liver failure and the primary cause of death, regenerative procedures intent to increase the FLR before surgery. The aim of this systematic review is to provide an overview of the available literature and outcomes on the effectiveness of simultaneous portal and hepatic vein embolization (PVE/HVE) versus portal vein embolization (PVE) alone.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase up to September 2022. The primary outcome was resectability and the secondary outcome was the FLR volume increase.

RESULTS

Eight studies comparing PVE/HVE with PVE and six retrospective PVE/HVE case series were included. Pooled resectability within the comparative studies was 75 per cent in the PVE group (n = 252) versus 87 per cent in the PVE/HVE group (n = 166, OR 1.92 (95% c.i., 1.13-3.25)) favouring PVE/HVE (P = 0.015). After PVE, FLR hypertrophy between 12 per cent and 48 per cent (after a median of 21-30 days) was observed, whereas growth between 36 per cent and 67 per cent was reported after PVE/HVE (after a median of 17-31 days). In the comparative studies, 90-day primary cause of death was similar between groups (2.5 per cent after PVE versus 2.2 per cent after PVE/HVE), but a higher 90-day primary cause of death was reported in single-arm PVE/HVE cohort studies (6.9 per cent, 12 of 175 patients).

CONCLUSION

Based on moderate/weak evidence, PVE/HVE seems to increase resectability of bi-lobar liver tumours with a comparable safety profile. Additionally, PVE/HVE resulted in faster and more pronounced hypertrophy compared with PVE alone.

The Predictive Role of Inflammatory Biochemical Markers in Post-Operative Delirium After Vascular Surgery Procedures

Background

Post-operative delirium (POD) is a common complication, especially in elderly patients who underwent vascular surgery procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation of inflammatory biochemical markers as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and systemic inflammation index (SII) with POD occurrence.

Methods

This was a single-center, retrospective, observational study. We analyzed the perioperative data of patients who had undergone elective vascular surgery procedures. The occurrence of delirium after procedure was used to divide the population in two groups: POD-pos and POD-neg group. ROC curves were performed to find the appropriate cut-off values of NLR, PLR and SII. Multivariate analysis was used to identify the independent predictors for POD.

Results

A total of 646 patients were enrolled. Mean age was 76.2±9.8 years, 68.4% were male. Seventy-three patients (11.3%) developed POD. Mean hospital stay was significantly increased in the POD-pos group (6.1±5.4 vs 3.2±2.8 days, p=0.0001). In-hospital reinterventions were more frequent in the POD-pos group (8.2% vs 3.8%). Blood values analysis reported significant differences: Hb, NLR, PLR, SII, creatinine and RCP were strongly increased (p<0.05) in the POD-pos group. ROC curves identified cut-off values for NLR>3.57, PLR>139.2 and SII>676.4. Multivariate analysis revealed that age, Renal Failure, peripheral revascularization procedures, major amputation, general anesthesia, hospitalization in the previous month, NLR>3.57 and SII>676.4 were independent risk factors for POD.

Conclusion

POD represents a common complication of vascular surgery patients. Our study demonstrated that NLR, PLR and SII are reliable and readily available laboratory predictors of POD in vascular surgery that could help in POD risk-stratification.

Dragon 1 Protocol Manuscript: Training, Accreditation, Implementation and Safety Evaluation of Portal and Hepatic Vein Embolization (PVE/HVE) to Accelerate Future Liver Remnant (FLR) Hypertrophy

STUDY PURPOSE

The DRAGON 1 trial aims to assess training, implementation, safety and feasibility of combined portal- and hepatic-vein embolization (PVE/HVE) to accelerate future liver remnant (FLR) hypertrophy in patients with borderline resectable colorectal cancer liver metastases.

METHODS

The DRAGON 1 trial is a worldwide multicenter prospective single arm trial. The primary endpoint is a composite of the safety of PVE/HVE, 90-day mortality, and one year accrual monitoring of each participating center. Secondary endpoints include: feasibility of resection, the used PVE and HVE techniques, FLR-hypertrophy, liver function (subset of centers), overall survival, and disease-free survival. All complications after the PVE/HVE procedure are documented. Liver volumes will be measured at week 1 and if applicable at week 3 and 6 after PVE/HVE and follow-up visits will be held at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the resection.

RESULTS

Not applicable.

CONCLUSION

DRAGON 1 is a prospective trial to assess the safety and feasibility of PVE/HVE. Participating study centers will be trained, and procedures standardized using Work Instructions (WI) to prepare for the DRAGON 2 randomized controlled trial. Outcomes should reveal the accrual potential of centers, safety profile of combined PVE/HVE and the effect of FLR-hypertrophy induction by PVE/HVE in patients with CRLM and a small FLR.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04272931 (February 17, 2020). Toestingonline.nl: NL71535.068.19 (September 20, 2019).

Guideline on carotid surgery for stroke prevention: updates from the Italian Society of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery. A trend towards personalized medicine

BACKGROUND

This guideline (GL) on carotid surgery as updating of "Stroke: Italian guidelines for Prevention and Treatment" of the ISO-SPREAD Italian Stroke Organization-Group, has recently been published in the National Guideline System and shared with the Italian Society of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (SICVE) and other Scientific Societies and Patient's Association.

METHODS

GRADE-SIGN version, AGREE quality of reporting checklist. Clinical questions formulated according to the PICO model. Recommendations developed based on clinical questions by a multidisciplinary experts' panel and patients' representatives. Systematic reviews performed for each PICO question. Considered judgements filled by assessing the evidence level, direction, and strength of the recommendations.

RESULTS

The panel provided indications and recommendations for appropriate, comprehensive, and individualized management of patients with carotid stenosis. Diagnostic and therapeutic processes of the best medical therapy, carotid endarterectomy (CEA), carotid stenting (CAS) according to the evidences and the judged opinions were included. Symptomatic carotid stenosis in elective and emergency, asymptomatic carotid stenosis, association with ischemic heart disease, preoperative diagnostics, types of anesthesia, monitoring in case of CEA, CEA techniques, comparison between CEA and CAS, post-surgical carotid restenosis, and medical therapy are the main topics, even with analysis of uncertainty areas for risk-benefit assessments in the individual patient (personalized medicine [PM]).

CONCLUSIONS

This GL updates on the main recommendations for the most appropriate diagnostic and medical-surgical management of patients with atherosclerotic carotid artery stenosis to prevent ischemic stroke. This GL also provides useful elements for the application of PM in good clinical practice.

Anesthetic management of carotid endarterectomy: an update from Italian guidelines

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

In order to systematically review the latest evidence on anesthesia, intraoperative neurologic monitoring, postoperative heparin reversal, and postoperative blood pressure management for carotid endarterectomy. The present review is based on a single chapter of the Italian Health Institute Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of extracranial carotid stenosis and stroke prevention.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A systematic article review focused on the previously cited topics published between January 2016 and October 2020 has been performed; we looked for both primary and secondary studies in the extensive archive of Medline/PubMed and Cochrane library databases. We selected 14 systematic reviews and meta-analyses, 13 randomized controlled trials, 8 observational studies, and 1 narrative review. Based on this analysis, syntheses of the available evidence were shared and recommendations were indicated complying with the GRADE-SIGN version methodology.

CONCLUSIONS

From this up-to-date analysis, it has emerged that any type of anesthesia and neurological monitoring method is related to a better outcome after carotid endarterectomy. In addition, insufficient evidence was found to justify reversal or no-reversal of heparin at the end of surgery. Furthermore, despite a low evidence level, a suggestion for blood pressure monitoring in the postoperative period was formulated.

Prevalence of Erectile Dysfunction in Patients With Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: An Exploratory Study

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the recurrent inability to achieve and maintain a satisfactory erection for sexual intercourse. Many studies have highlighted that ED shares common cardiovascular risk factors with cardiovascular disease. No data are reported about the prevalence of ED in patients with the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The aim of our study was to investigate the preoperative information given about sexual functions of patients undergoing endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and to compare it with the presence and severity of steno-occlusive atherosclerotic lesions of the pelvic arterial tree at pre-operative Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA).

Methods

We prospectively enrolled all men patients who underwent elective EVAR from September to November 2021. Preoperative ED was evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire. Preoperative imaging was routinely performed with CTA scan of the abdominal aorta and iliac-pelvic district. An innovative score of pelvic arterial disease associated to AAA was defined, dividing the iliac district in 4 zones attributing a grading of severity for each zone bilaterally (score ranges 0–24). Linear regression analysis was used to correlate IIEF-5 score to anatomical score of pelvic arterial steno-occlusive disease.

Results

A total of 25 patients were enrolled. Median age was 74 ± 5.3 years. IIEF-5 average score was 14.8 ± 7.1. Eight cases (32%) had severe ED; one case (4%) had moderate, five patients (20%) had mild to moderate ED; five patients (20%) had mild ED, and 6 (24%) patients had no ED. CTA evaluation revealed an average anatomical score of 7.9 ± 4.5. Pelvic disease was considered moderate-severe in 20 cases (80%) and not significant in 20% (five cases). Linear regression analysis confirmed the hypothesis that a more diseased pelvic arterial tree was correlated to a more severe ED (Y = −1.531^* × + 26.35 [slope CI: −1.946 to −1.117, p < 0.0001]).

Conclusion

Although typically unreported, the prevalence of ED associated to AAA was found to be high. A vasculogenic origin of ED in patients with AAA is plausible and may be easily confirmed by the evaluation of pelvic arterial distribution at angio-CT performed for EVAR planning. Our proposed “MAPPING AND SCORING SHEET” may help to identify the vasculogenic origin of ED in AAA patients.

Early Experience with the New Ovation Alto Stent Graft in Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

INTRODUCTION

Since 2010, the Ovation Abdominal Stent Graft System has offered a new sealing concept, achieved by a sealing ring filled with polymer 13 mm from the renal arteries. In the latest version, called Ovation Alto, the sealing ring is relocated 6 mm closer to the top of the fabric. This study describes the early clinical outcomes, after CE Mark approval in August 2020, of endovascular aneurysm repair with the Alto endograft.

REPORT

Eleven patients underwent endovascular aneurysm repair with implantation of Ovation Alto endografts. All patients were male, and the median age was 75 (IQR 5.5) years. Hostile proximal aortic neck (<10 mm) was identified in six cases (54.5%). All procedures were performed using bilateral percutaneous approaches with no groin complications. The median procedure time was 58 (IQR 7.2) minutes, the median contrast volume used was 65 (IQR 4.2) mL, and the median blood loss 40 (IQR 12.4) mL. Technical success was achieved in all cases. The median stent graft landing distance between the top of the fabric and the lowest renal artery was 1.4 (IQR 0.8) mm. No intra-operative high flow endoleaks were registered. At one and six month follow up, there was 100% clinical success (no type I/III endoleak, sac enlargement, stent graft migration, polymer leakage, abdominal aortic aneurysm related mortality, or secondary intervention).

DISCUSSION

Initial experience confirms the early technical and clinical success of the new Ovation Alto stent graft. Technical modifications to the endograft could allow for accommodation of a more comprehensive range of anatomies on label. Further studies are needed to evaluate long term durability outcomes.

Blue Cone Monochromatism with Foveal Hypoplasia Caused by the Concomitant Effect of Variants in OPN1LW/OPN1MW and GPR143 Genes

Blue cone monochromatism (BCM) is an X-linked recessive cone dysfunction disorder caused by mutations in the OPN1LW/OPN1MW gene cluster, encoding long (L)- and middle (M)-wavelength-sensitive cone opsins. Here, we report on the unusual clinical presentation of BCM caused by a novel mutation in the OPN1LW gene in a young man. We describe in detail the phenotype of the proband, and the subclinical morpho-functional anomalies shown by his carrier mother. At a clinical level, the extensive functional evaluation demonstrated in the proband the M/L cone affection and the sparing of S-cone function, distinctive findings of BCM. Interestingly, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography showed the presence of foveal hypoplasia with focal irregularities of the ellipsoid layer in the foveal area, reported to be associated with some cases of cone-rod dystrophy and achromatopsia. At a molecular level, we identified the novel mutation c.427T > C p.(Ser143Pro) in the OPN1LW gene and the common missense mutation c.607T > C (p.Cys203Arg) in the OPN1MW gene. In addition, we discovered the c.768-2_769delAGTT splicing variant in the GPR143 gene. To our knowledge, this is the first case of foveal hypoplasia in a BCM patient and of mild clinical affection in a female carrier caused by the concomitant effect of variants in OPN1LW/OPN1MW and GPR143 genes, thus as the result of the simultaneous action of two independent genetic defects.

Multiple cavernous malformation syndrome: a casual diagnosis during carotid revascularization procedure

INTODUCTION

Familial cerebral cavernous malformations (FCCM) are a rare condition characterized by the multiple presences of cavernous malformations located in the central nervous system.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We present a case of FCCM incidental diagnosis in a 71-year-old male patient who underwent carotid artery stenting for high-grade carotid artery disease and subsequent reintervention for severe stent restenosis, determining neurological deficit. FCCM diagnosis was made due to the presence of hundreds of cavernous malformations located both in supra- and sub-tentorial regions highlighted by magnetic resonance and confirmed by genetic test for the mutation of the gene KRIT1, inherited also by his son.

OP0310 GENDER AND FIBROMYALGIA SEVERITY: REAL LIFE DATA FROM THE ITALIAN REGISTRY

Background:

Fibromyalgia (FM) patients report chronic widespread pain, fatigue, cognitive difficulties and sleep disturbances, often associated with anxiety and/or depression (1). FM syndrome more frequently affects women and many papers describe gender-related differences in the perception, description and expression of pain (2), but up to now, the impact of gender on the clinical severity of FM is still a controversial topic.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to analyse the data from a web-based registry of FM patients in order to detect a relationship between gender and disease severity.

Methods:

Adult patients with FM, diagnosed on the basis of the 2010/2011 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) diagnostic criteria (3), were recruited at 19 Italian rheumatology centres between November 2018 and April 2019. Those affected by other conditions that could interfere with the assessment of FM, e.g. psychiatric disorders, were excluded from the study. The severity of the disease was evaluated by validated FM-specific questionnaires: the revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR) (4), the modified Fibromyalgia Assessment Status (ModFAS) questionnaire (5), and the Polysymptomatic Distress Scale (PDS) (6). The data obtained were collected in the Italian Fibromyalgia Registry, an online registry created with the support of the Italian Society of Rheumatology (SIR).

Results:

We analyse data from 2.381 patients affected by FM, 2.184 females (91.7%) and 197 males. No significant differences in mean age, disease duration, or BMI between the two genders were reported. The women expressed greater disease burden as indicated by higher scores for each completed test: higher mean ModFAS score (25.23 ± 8.83 Vs 23.37 ± 9.22; p = 0.005), mean FIQR score (58.62 ± 23.22 Vs 51.68 ± 23.06; p <0.001), and mean PDS score (18.77 ± 7.34 Vs 17.19 ± 7.25; p = 0.004). Figure 1 shows the mean scores of each item of the FIQR divided by gender. Women reported significantly higher values on all the items of FIQR except three (feeling overwhelmed, FIQR-11; depression, FIQR-16; and anxiety, FIQR-18). It is interesting to note that men self-reported higher levels of depression (FIQR-16).

Figure 1.

Mean scores for each FIQR item by gender.

Conclusion:

Our findings demonstrate that women with FM are globally more impaired than men (even if some psychological aspects of the disease are comparable), thus reinforcing the idea that gender plays a role in symptoms and functional impairments associated with the disease.

References:

[1]Clauw DJ. Fibromyalgia: a clinical review. JAMA. 2014;311:1547-55.

[2]Nascimento, et al. Gender role in pain perception and expression: an integrative review. BrJP. 2020; 3: 58-62

[3]Wolfe F, et al. Fibromyalgia criteria and severity scales for clinical and epidemiological studies: A modification of the ACR preliminary diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia. J Rheumatol 2011;38:1113–22.

[4]Burckhardt CS, et al. The fibromyalgia impact questionnaire: development and validation. J Rheumatol 1991;18:728–33.

[5]Salaffi F, et al. Diagnosis of fibromyalgia: comparison of 2011/2016 ACR and AAPT criteria and validation of the modified Fibromyalgia Assessment Status. Rheumatol 2020; 0:1-8.

[6]Wolfe F, et al. Fibromyalgia prevalence, somatic symptom reporting, and the dimensionality of polysymptomatic distress: results from a survey of the general population. Arthritis Care Res. 2013; 65:777–85

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared.

AB0565 JAK INHIBITORS AND PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Background:

Despite the therapeutic armamentarium for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) has considerably expanded over the last thirty years, there is a huge necessity of finding effective drugs for this disease. JAK inhibitors (JAKi) are small molecules able to interfere with the JAK/STAT pathway, involved in the pathogenesis of PsA (1). Up to now Tofacitinib is the only JAKi approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment of PsA but in the next few years the number of approved JAKi is expected to rise significantly.

Objectives:

To assess the efficacy and safety of different JAKi for the treatment of PsA.

Methods:

A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs), by electronic search of MEDLINE and EMBASE database until October 2020. Studies were considered eligible if they met the following criteria: I) study was a RCT; II) only patients with PsA were included; III) JAKi was compared to placebo in addition to the standard of care. Two reviewers (FC and AZ) performed study selection, with disagreements solved by the opinion of an expert reviewer (AS). The outcomes were expressed as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Statistical heterogeneity was assessed with the I2 statistic.

Results:

We identified 557 potentially relevant studies. A total of 554 studies were excluded based on title and/or abstract screening. Three RCTs for a total of 947 PsA patients treated with JAKi were included (2,3,4). Two were phase III studies on the efficacy and safety of Tofacitinib (OPAL Beyond and OPAL Broaden) and one was a phase II study on Filgotinib (Equator). All three studies were judged at low risk of bias according to Cochrane criteria (5). The primary efficacy outcome in all the studies was the number of patients who achieved the response rate of the American College of Rheumatology 20 score (ACR20). The outcomes evaluation was performed at 12 week for the Filgotinib trial and at 16 week for the Tofacitinib trials. We used for the main analyses the group of patients randomized to Tofacitinib 5 mg because this is the only dosage approved by the EMA for the treatment of PsA. JAKi showed a significantly higher ACR20 response rate compared to placebo (OR 3.54, 95% CI 1.76 - 7.09, I^2 = 74%). JAKi also showed a significantly higher ACR50 response rate (OR 3.36, 95% CI 2.22 - 5.09, I^2 = 0%), ACR70 response rate (OR 2.82, 95% CI 1.67 - 4.76, I^2 = 20%), PsARC response rate (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.26 - 5.65, I^2 = 79%), PASI75 response rate (OR 3.15, 95% CI 1.61 - 6.15, I^2 = 45%) compared to placebo. JAKi were also associated with significantly better HAQ-DI (mean difference -0.23 95% CI -0.31 - -0.14) and fatigue, measured with FACIT-F (mean difference 3.54 95% CI 2.13 - 4.94). JAKi compared to placebo were associated with a non-statistically significant different risk of serious adverse events (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.11 - 2.91, I^2 = 38%).

Conclusion:

This is the first published systematic review that performed a comprehensive and simultaneous evaluation of the efficacy and safety of JAKi for PsA in RCTs. Our analysis suggests a statistically significant benefit of JAKi, that appears to be effective and safe over placebo. The impact of these data on international clinical guidelines needs further investigation.

References:

[1]George E Fragoulis, et al. JAK-inhibitors. New players in the field of immune-mediated diseases, beyond rheumatoid arthritis, Rheumatology, Volume 58, Issue Supplement_1, February 2019, Pages i43–i54

[2]Mease P, et al. Tofacitinib or adalimumab versus placebo for psoriatic arthritis. N Engl J Med 2017; 377: 1537-50.

[3]Gladman D, et al. Tofacitinib for psoriatic arthritis in patients with an inadequate response to TNF inhibitors. N Engl J Med 2017; 377: 1525-36.

[4]Mease P, et al. Efficacy and safety of filgotinib, a selective Janus kinase 1 inhibitor, in patients with active psoriatic arthritis (EQUATOR): results from a randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial. Lancet 2018;392:2367–77.

[5]Higgins JP, et Al. Measuring inconsistency in meta-analyses. BMJ 2003;327:557-560

Figure 1.

ACR20 response rate of Jaki over Placebo

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared.

AB0716 FIBROMYALGIA SYNDROME SEVERITY ACCORDING TO AGE CATEGORIES: RESULTS FROM A NATIONAL REGISTER

Background:

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) is characterised by a complex symptom spectrum, dominated by the presence of chronic widespread pain, fatigue and unrefreshing sleep. FM affects between 2 and 3% of the general population. It is a condition that mainly involves middle-aged women, although it is increasingly being diagnosed in younger people. The severity of symptoms can vary greatly between individual patients, and is influenced by many factors (e.g. sex, body mass index) [1]. To date, there is little information about changes in severity in accordance with patient age.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to investigate variations in symptom severity in FM patients according to age categories.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study of adult FM patients diagnosed according to the American College of Rheumatology 2010/2011 criteria was performed. The case series was included from an Italian national registry [2]. Patients were grouped according to five age categories: 18-40 years, 41-50 years, 51-60 years, 61-70 years, over 71 years. Symptom severity was assessed through the revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR) and domains, including FIQR physical function (items 1-9), FIQR health status (items 10-11), and FIQR symptoms (items 12-21). Between-group characteristics were analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results:

This study included a total of 2889 patients, 403 aged 18-40 years, 756 aged 40-50 years, 1035 aged 50-60 years, 528 aged 60-70 years, and 167 over 70 years, respectively. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) score of the total FIQR was 52.68 (11.82). Total FIQR and individual domains all showed a normal distribution. Analysing the data by age category, there were statistically significant differences between the categories for the total FIQR (p = 0.030). The age categories with the highest disease severity were those above 71 years (FIQR 62.14, SD 22.45), and between 51-60 years (FIQR 60.31, SD 22.89) (Table 1). Significant differences between age categories were also found for the domains physical function (p = 0.006) and health status (p = 0.012), but not for the domain symptoms (p = 0.164).

Table 1.

Mean values of FIQR total score and domains according to age categories.

FIQR and domains18-40 years41-50 years51-60 years61-70 years≥71 yearsp*FIQR total, mean (SD)57.90 (21.76)59.25 (23.30)60.31 (22.89)57.13 (23.59)62.14 (22.45)0.030FIQR physical function, mean (SD)15.51 (7.56)16.44 (7.77)16.77 (7.51)15.96 (7.82)17.68 (7.26)0.006FIQR health status, mean (SD)11.19 (5.85)11.24 (5.99)11.49 (5.93)10.57 (6.11)12.21 (5.97)0.012FIQR symptoms, mean (SD)31.32 (10.48)31.56 (11.32)32.10 (11.01)30.68 (11.47)32.24 (11.34)0.164

Abbreviations and legend. FIQR = revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire; SD = standard deviation; * = one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Conclusion:

Distinguishing the disease severity in FM patients according to age categories, a bimodal distribution emerges, with the disease severity being greatest in patients over 71 years and in the 51-60 years decade. The main differences in severity, according to what can be detected through the FIQR, are attributable to the domains physical function and health status, which show higher scores in the two classes with higher severity.

References:

[1]Sarzi-Puttini P et al., Fibromyalgia: an update on clinical characteristics, aetiopathogenesis and treatment. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2020; 16: 645–660.

[2]Salaffi F et al., The Italian Fibromyalgia Registry: a new way of using routine real-world data concerning patient-reported disease status in healthcare research and clinical practice. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2020; Suppl 123: 65-71.

Acknowledgements:

Società Italiana di Reumatologia (SIR) and Italian Ministry of Health

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

The relation between neutrophil/lymphocyte and platelet/lymphocyte ratios with mortality and limb amputation after acute limb ischaemia

OBJECTIVE

Acute limb ischaemia is still considered a significant event, with considerable early- and long-term amputation and mortality risk. Our study aims to investigate the predictive role of pre-operative neutrophil/lymphocyte and platelet/lymphocyte ratios in terms of mortality and amputation risk in patients with acute limb ischaemia.

METHODS

Pre-operative blood samples of all patients admitted with acute limb ischaemia were used to calculate neutrophil/lymphocyte and platelet/lymphocyte ratios. Population was subdivided into quartiles by platelet/lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio values, and Kaplan-Meier life tables were obtained for overall survival and limb salvage. The optimal neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and platelet/lymphocyte ratio cut-offs were obtained from receiver operating characteristic curves with all-cause mortality and all kinds of amputation. Stepwise multivariate analysis was performed in order to identify independent risk and protective factors for mortality and amputations.

RESULTS

A total of 168 patients were included in the analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curves identified cut-off values for neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and platelet/lymphocyte ratio: neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio ≥5.57 for mortality; neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio ≥6.66 and platelet/lymphocyte ratio ≥269.9 for all amputations. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that survival rate in group neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio <5.57 was 83.4%, 78.9%, 73.7%, and 59.8%, respectively, at 12, 24, 36, and 48 months; in neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio ≥5.57 group was 62.4%, 51.3%, 47.8, and 43.7%, respectively (p < 0.0001). Freedom from all amputations was significantly higher in case of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and platelet/lymphocyte ratio below the identified cut-off values (p < 0.0001). Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and platelet/lymphocyte ratio were found as independent risk factors.

CONCLUSION

Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and platelet/lymphocyte ratio are reliable markers for stratification of mortality and limb amputations in patients with acute limb ischaemia. The inexpensive nature and ready availability of these biomarkers' values reinforced their usefulness in everyday clinical practice.

Early and Long-Term Outcomes of Carotid Stenting and Carotid Endarterectomy in Women

Background: The role of carotid revascularization in women remains intensely debated because of the lower benefit and higher perioperative risks concerning the male counterpart. Carotid artery endarterectomy (CEA) and stenting (CAS) represent the two most valuable stroke prevention techniques due to large vessel disease. This study investigates the early and late outcomes in female sex in a real-world everyday clinical practice.

Methods: Data were retrospectively analyzed from a single-center database prospectively compiled. A total of 234 procedures, both symptomatic and asymptomatic, were identified (98 CEAs and 136 CASs). Perioperative risks of death, cerebral ischemic events, and local complications were analyzed and compared between the two groups. Long-term outcomes were evaluated in overall survival, freedom from ipsilateral stroke/transient ischemic attack, and freedom from restenosis (>50%) and reintervention.

Results: Women who underwent CAS and CEA did not differ in perioperative ischemic cerebral events (2.2 vs. 0%, p = 0.26) and death (0.8 vs. 0%, p = 1). Other perioperative and 30-day outcomes were similarly distributed within the two groups. Kaplan–Meier curves between CAS and CEA groups highlighted no statistical differences at 6 years in overall survival (77.4 vs. 77.1%, p = 0.47) of ipsilateral stroke/transient ischemic attack (94.1 vs. 92.9%, p = 0.9). Conversely, significant differences were showed in 6 years freedom from restenosis (93.1 vs. 83.3%, p = 0.03) and reinterventions (97.7 vs. 87.8%, p = 0.015).

Conclusion: Our results revealed that both CEA and CAS have acceptable perioperative risk in women. Long-term outcomes highlighted favorable indications for both procedures, especially for CAS, which seemed to be an excellent alternative to CEA in female patients when performed by well-trained operators.

Mini-Skin Incision for Carotid Endarterectomy: Neurological Morbidity and Health-related Quality of Life

BACKGROUND

Cranial and cervical nerve (CCN) injury is recognized as a possible complication after carotid endarterectomy (CEA), which may result in minor local neurologic deficiencies and significant discomfort for the patient. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of a mini-skin incision (<5 cm) on the CCN injury after CEA in comparison to standard longitudinal incision of 12-15 cm in a high volume center, and to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes in those patients who had undergone both types of the skin incision.

METHODS

From January 2013 to December 2019, 446 CEAs (47.3%) were performed through a standard neck incision of 12-15 cm (group A), while 496 (52.7%) were performed through a mini-skin incision (<5 cm) (group B). Sixty-two patients underwent standard neck incision on one side and mini-skin incision on the other side (subgroup B). The main outcome measures were stroke, death, CCN injuries, cervical hematoma rates, and reinterventions. The HRQOL was assessed at baseline and after 30 days using Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 and 6 disease-specific modified Likert scales.

RESULTS

The stroke and death rate at 30 days was 1.12% in group A and 1% in group B (P = 1). The incidence of CCN deficits was significantly lower in group B (5.1%) in comparison to group A (13.4%) (P < 0.001). The cervical hematoma was more common after standard incision (4.9% vs. 1.2%, P = 0.02). HRQOL at 1 month showed that the outcomes after mini-skin incision were significantly better for less difficulty with eating/swallowing and neck pain (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

CEA through a small incision (<5 cm) may reduce CCN complications without additional perioperative neurologic risks. As validated by patients with bilateral disease who experienced both surgical techniques, mini-skin incision is also associated with better HRQOL at 1 month, particularly with regard to eating/swallowing and neck pain.

AB0667 ACHILLES PAIN PERSISTENCE IN PATIENTS AFFECTED BY SPONDYLOARTHRITIS: ULTRASONOGRAPHIC AND BIOMECHANICAL STUDY

Background:

Enthesis anatomy and biomechanics have a key role in Spondyloarthritis (SpA) pathogenesis (1) but few data are available about the influence of structural and biomechanical changes of Achilles tendon (AT) on persisting pain in longstanding SpA patients.

Objectives:

To correlate AT pain in longstanding SpA patients with ultrasonographic detectable disorders and biomechanical abnormalities.

Methods:

We performed a monocentric cross-sectional analysis including 35 consecutive patients affected by SpA (13 with Psoriatic Arthritis, 9 with Enteropathic SpA, 6 with Ankylosing Spondylitis and 7 with Undifferentiated SpA) under treatment with anti- TNF agents. A rheumatologic clinical and clinimetric evaluation (AT VAS pain, BASDAI, BASFI, HAQ), an ultrasound study of AT according to the Madrid Sonographic Enthesis Index (MASEI) score and a podiatrist biomechanical evaluation [Foot posture index (FPI), degree of ankle dorsiflexion with the knee extended and flexed] were performed.

Results:

Study population (13 F; 22 M; mean age 54.9 ±13.9 years; mean disease duration 9.5 ± 5.0 years; mean BMI 25.8 ±4.4) showed a mean AT VAS pain of 3.4 ± 2.2, a mean HAQ of 0.6 ± 0.6, a mean BASDAI of 3.3 ±2.1 and a mean BASFI of 2.2 ±1.9. At the ultrasonographic evaluation 47% (33/70) of the AT entheses analysed presented a dishomogeneous echostructure, 31% (22/70) structural thickness, 53% (37/70) calcifications, 10% (7/70) erosions, 44% (31/70) a retrocalcanear bursitis. A power Doppler positivity was found only in 0.07% (5/70) of the AT.

At the biomechanical evaluation 50% (35/70) of the feet showed a FPI score between 0 and + 5 (neutral foot), 46% (32/70) a FPI score between +6 and +9 (slight foot pronation) and 6% (4/70) a FPI score between -1 and -4 (slight foot supination).

The mean degree of ankle dorsiflexion with extended knee was 8.4 ± 3.9 with the 61% (43/70) of the patients with a maximum dorsiflexion < 10° of whom 46% (20/43) do not recover after the knee flexion.

We found a between the mean degree of left ankle dorsiflexion with extended/flexed knee both with ultrasound-revealed left AT enthesis calcifications (p=0.014/0.037) and with left AT enthesis thickness (p=0.049/0.035), and a significant association between the mean degree of right ankle dorsiflexion and extended/flexed knee and ultrasound-revealed right AT calcifications (p=0.008/0.012). Moreover, we noticed an inverse correlation between the mean overall degree of ankle dorsiflexion with extended/flexed knee and the BASFI values (p=0.007/0.004). AT VAS pain was statistically related with Achilles PDUS signal persistence (p=0.048) but not with US signs of chronic entesopathy or biomechanical alterations [calcification (p=0.39), erosions (p=0.74)]. The limits of the study were the low number of patients recruited and the lack of a control group.

Conclusion:

In this monocentric study on a cohort of SpA patients, we demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between ankle–subtalar joint complex biomechanics alterations, ultrasonographic signs of chronic enthesopathy and clinimetric index of functional disability. Residual Achilles pain seems to be related to US signs of active enthesitis.

References:

[1]The enthesis organ concept and its relevance to the spondyloarthropathies. Benjamin, M and McGonagle, D. s.l.: Adv Exp Med Biol, 2009, Vol. 649.

[2]The Synovio-entheseal Complex and Its Role in Tendon and Capsular Associated Inflammation. McGonagle, E D, Aydin, SZ and Tan, AL. 0, s.l.: J Rheumatol Suppl, 2012, Vol. 89

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Clinical considerations and recommendations for OCT-guided carotid artery stenting

Introduction: Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is an intravascular imaging providing high-resolution images of morphological features of arterial wall. Nowadays, OCT is an accepted intravascular modality to study coronary arteries, stent implantation, and vessel injury. In the last decade, an increasing interest have been focused on the application of OCT in carotid arteries.Areas covered: Literature evidence in the application of OCT in carotid arteries still remains debated. So far, OCT has been used as a research tool, aiming to evaluate atherosclerotic plaques' features and stents' behavior after implantation. This paper is intended to summarize clinical evidences and practices in the use of OCT in carotid arteries district and during CAS procedures. Literature review was completed via Pubmed search using Keywords.Expert opinion: CAS is a safe and effective procedure when performed by trained physicians with a tailored approach. In this scenario, ambiguous pictures at ultrasound, angiography, and IVUS might be clarified using OCT.By providing unprecedented microstructural information on atherosclerotic plaques, OCT may identify the features of vulnerable carotid plaque and, by identifying possible defects after stent implantation as malapposition and plaque prolapse, it may help the tailoring approach to CAS.

Estimating bacteria diversity in different organs of nine species of mosquito by next generation sequencing

BACKGROUND

Symbiosis in insects is accumulating significant amount of studies: the description of a wide array of mutualistic associations across the evolutionary history of insects suggests that resident microbiota acts as a driving force by affecting several aspects of hosts biology. Among arthropods, mosquito midgut microbiota has been largely investigated, providing crucial insights on the role and implications of host-symbiont relationships. However, limited amount of studies addressed their efforts on the investigation of microbiota colonizing salivary glands and reproductive tracts, crucial organs for pathogen invasion and vertical transmission of symbiotic microorganisms. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing-based approach, we analysed the microbiota of gut, salivary glands and reproductive tracts of several mosquito species, representing some of the main vectors of diseases, aiming at describing the dynamics of bacterial communities within the individual.

RESULTS

We identified a shared core microbiota between different mosquito species, although interesting inter- and intra-species differences were detected. Additionally, our results showed deep divergences between genera, underlining microbiota specificity and adaptation to their host.

CONCLUSIONS

The comprehensive landscape of the bacterial microbiota components may ultimately provide crucial insights and novel targets for possible application of symbionts in innovative strategies for the control of vector borne diseases, globally named Symbiotic Control (SC), and suggesting that the holobiont of different mosquito species may significantly vary. Moreover, mosquito species are characterized by distinctive microbiota in different organs, likely reflecting different functions and/or adaptation processes.

Effect of GLP-1 and GIP on C-peptide secretion after glucagon or mixed meal tests: Significance in assessing B-cell function in diabetes

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to investigate the different B-cell responses after a glucagon stimulation test (GST) versus mixed meal tolerance test (MMTT).

METHODS

We conducted GST and MMTT in 10 healthy people (aged 25-40 years) and measured C-peptide, gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) at different time points after the administration of 1 mg i.v. glucagon for GST or a liquid mixed meal for MMTT.

RESULTS

The GST stimulated C-peptide showed a mean increase of 147.1%, whereas the mean increase of MMTT stimulated C-peptide was 99.82% (Δincrease = 47.2%). Maximum C-peptide level reached with the MMTT was greater than that obtained with the GST (C-pept max MMTT = 2.35 nmol/L vs C-pep max GST = 1.9 nmol/L). A positive and linear correlation was found between the GST incremental area under the curve C-peptide and the MMTT incremental area under the curve C-peptide (r = 0.618, P = .05). After GST, there was no increment of GIP and glucagon like peptide-1 levels compared to baseline levels. A positive and linear correlation between GIP and C-peptide levels was observed only for the MMTT (r = 0.922, P = .008) indicating that in the GST, the C-peptide response is independent of the incretin axis response.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the 2 stimulation tests may elicit a similar response in C-peptide secretion, B-cell response to MMTT depends on a functionally normal incretin axis. These results may have implications when investigating the B-cell response in people with diabetes and for studies in which stimulated C-peptide secretion is used as primary or secondary outcome for response to therapy.

Average treatment effect of hepatic resection versus locoregional therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

When comparing the efficacy of surgical and non-surgical therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a major limitation is the causal inference problem. This concerns the impossibility of seeing both outcomes of two different treatments for the same individual at the same time because one is inevitably missing. This aspect can be addressed methodologically by estimating the so-called average treatment effect (ATE).

Methods

To estimate the ATE of hepatic resection over locoregional therapies for HCC, data from patients treated in two tertiary care settings between August 2000 and December 2014 were used to obtain counterfactual outcomes using an inverse probability weight survival adjustment.

Results

A total of 1585 patients were enrolled: 815 underwent hepatic resection, 337 radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and 433 transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). The option of operating on all patients who had tumour ablation returned an ATE of +9·8 months for resection (effect size 0·111; adjusted P = 0·064). The option of operating on all patients who had TACE returned an ATE of +27·9 months (effect size 0·383; adjusted P &lt; 0·001). The ATE of surgery was negligible in patients undergoing ablation for very early HCCs (effect size 0·027; adjusted P = 0·627), independently of albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) grade; or in patients with ALBI liver function grade 2 (effect size 0·083; adjusted P = 0·213), independently of tumour stage. In all other instances, the ATE of surgery was notably greater. Operating on patients who had TACE with multinodular HCC beyond the Milan criteria resulted in a mild ATE (effect size 0·140; adjusted P = 0·037).

Conclusion

ATE estimation suggests that hepatic resection is a better treatment option than ablation and TACE in patients with HCC.

Determinants of In-Stent Restenosis after Carotid Angioplasty: A Case-Control Study

Purpose:

To report a retrospective study that sought to identify clinical factors contributing to the development of in-stent restenosis in the carotid arteries, to profile the patients at greatest risk, and to review the treatment modalities evolved from our experience.

Methods:

Between December 2000 and April 2003, 195 carotid angioplasty/stenting (CAS) procedures (12 bilateral) were performed in 183 patients (131 men; median age 65.9 years, interquartile range 55.2–72.7). Stenting for de novo stenoses was performed in 119 (61%) carotid arteries; 76 (39%) vessels were treated for postsurgical restenosis. Nearly two thirds of the patients (117, 64%) were symptomatic. Patients were evaluated at 3 and 6 months and at 6-month intervals thereafter with duplex ultrasonography. Angiography was used to confirm any recurrent lesion detected on the ultrasound scan.

Results:

Overall perioperative neurological complications included 4 (2.2%) minor strokes, 1 (0.5%) intracranial hemorrhage, and 1 (0.5%) major stroke; both patients with major neurological complications died at 5 and 12 days, respectively, after the procedure. During the 12.5-month follow-up (range 0–27.2), 3 non-procedure-related late deaths and another 9 (4.9%) neurological events occurred (2 strokes and 7 transient ischemic attacks). In-stent restenosis after CAS was present in 10 (5.2%) of 193 carotid arteries (9/181 patients) in follow-up; all but 1 artery had been treated for postsurgical restenosis. All lesions were treated secondarily with endovascular procedures. Statistical analysis demonstrated that postsurgical restenosis was the only predictive factor for the development of in-stent restenosis (OR 15.5, 95% CI 2.05 to 125.6, p = 0.001) in this cohort.

Conclusions:

The present study, far from being exhaustive on the subject, indicates that patients who develop restenosis after carotid endarterectomy are also prone to develop restenosis after CAS; moreover, although strongly recommended for postsurgical restenosis, CAS carries a greater risk of in-stent restenosis in this subgroup, thus reducing the benefits of this procedure.

Detection and isolation of the α-proteobacterium Asaia in Culex mosquitoes

Investigations of microbiota within mosquitoes continue to widen the spectrum of possible symbiont-based applications against vector-borne diseases. In this context, α-proteobacteria of the genus Asaia (Rhodospirillales: Acetobacteraceae) are emerging as possible endosymbiotic candidates, particularly in paratransgenic approaches aimed at interrupting pathogen transmission. Previous studies have shown that Asaia spp. distribution among Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes displayed positive rates of infection in isolated midguts, salivary glands and reproductive tissues. Similarly, Asaia has been detected in Aedes albopictus (Stegomyia albopicta) and Aedes aegypti (Stegomyia aegypti) (Diptera: Culicidae) populations. Within the Culex pipiens complex (Diptera: Culicidae), Asaia infection is still largely unexplored. Here, we summarize a preliminary survey of laboratory-reared Cx. pipiens complex and field-collected Culex quinquefasciatus for the presence of Asaia spp., and present the first identification of Asaia in some of the members of the Cx. pipiens complex and the first description in West African populations of Cx. quinquefasciatus.

Fistula first, graft on arterialized vein second

OBJECTIVES

Arterovenous grafts (AVGs) present a feasible solution for creating a vascular access in patients who are unsuitable for autogenous fistula (AVF). The aim of this study is to assess the prevention rate of vein stenosis, placing a graft on an arterialized vein (GAV) instead of an anastomized AVG in a native vein (GNV).

METHODS

This was a cohort study conducted from January 2009 to November 2012. All consecutive patients who underwent AVG in our institution were included. All patients requiring a secondary intervention were also referred to our centre. Patients underwent ultrasound follow up at first and the every month. A Kaplan-Meier method was used; a Log-rank test was used to identify whether significant difference existed between GAV and GNV (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

Forty-six grafts were placed. Twenty patients had arterialized receiving veins (group A), while 26 patients received an AVG immediately because they lacked autogenous veins suitable for fistula (group B).The average follow-up period was 16.1 months (range 0-41). The group A 41 months-patency rate was 84.3%, while group B was 43.7% (p = 0.06). Secondary patency was similar in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Vein arterialization seems to prevent venous stenosis improving AVG-patency rate. More data are needed; however, the borderline p value encourages new studies.

Imaging in resectable colorectal liver metastasis patients with or without preoperative chemotherapy: results of the PROMETEO-01 study

Background:

The aim of the PROMETEO-01 Study was to define the diagnostic accuracy of imaging techniques in colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRCLM) patients.

Methods:

Patients referred to Bologna S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital performed a computed-tomography scan (CT), magnetic resonance (MR), 18F-FDG-PET/CTscan (PET/CT) and liver contrast-enhanced-ultrasound (CEUS); CEUS was also performed intraoperatively (i-CEUS). Every pathological lesion was compared with imaging data.

Results:

From December 2007 to August 2010, 84 patients were enrolled. A total of 51 (60.71%) resected patients were eligible for analysis. In the lesion-by-lesion analysis 175 resected lesions were evaluated: 67(38.3%) belonged to upfront resected patients (group-A) and 108 (61.7%) to chemotherapy-pretreated patients (group-B). In all patients the sensitivity of MR proved better than CT (91% vs 82% P=0.002), CEUS (91 vs 81% P=0.008) and PET/CT (91% vs 60% P=0.000), whereas PET/CT showed the lowest sensitivity. In group-A the sensitivity of i-CEUS, MR, CT, CEUS and PET/CT was 98%, 94%, 91%, 84% and 78%, respectively. In group-B the i-CEUS proved equivalent in sensitivity to MR (95% and 90%, respectively, P=0.227) and both were significantly more sensitive than other procedures. The CT sensitivity in group-B was lower than in group-A (77% vs 91%, P=0.024).

Conclusions:

A thoraco-abdominal CT provides an adequate baseline evaluation and guides judgment as to the resectability of CRCLM patients. In the subset of candidates for induction chemotherapy to increase the chance of liver resection, the most rational approach is to add MR for the staging and restaging of CRCLM.

Hyaluronan derivatives bearing variable densities of ferulic acid residues

A synthetic procedure has been developed to conjugate ferulic acid (FA) to an important natural polysaccharide derivative such as hyaluronic acid (HA). The activation of FA with 1,1'-carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) has been investigated. Two reactive intermediates, namely monoimidazolide 2 [i.e. (E)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)prop-2-en-1-one] and bisimidazolide 3 [i.e. (E)-4-(3-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-3-oxoprop-1-enyl)-2-methoxyphenyl 1H-imidazole-1-carboxylate] were characterized from the point of view of their structure and reactivity. The ready isolation of bisimidazolide 3 and its reactivity support its potential usefulness in the feruloylation of molecular or macromolecular materials bearing hydroxyl moieties. Bisimidazolide derivative 3 has been found to be an effective reagent in the feruloylation of HA to give HAFA graft copolymers showing different grafting degrees (GD), which could be modulated by varying the reaction conditions. A series of HAFA derivatives showing different GD values has been prepared and submitted to an extensive macromolecular and rheological characterization in order to ascertain that the grafting of HA with FA does not degrade the polysaccharide backbone and to evaluate the role of GD in affecting solubility and rheological properties. The results suggested that relatively low GD values were sufficient to confer physical cross-linking capabilities resulting in the features of a strong gel of HAFA dispersions.

The role of hybrid procedures in the treatment of critical limb ischemia

Patients affected by critical limb ischemia (CLI) represent a complex and high risk clinical problem, and a multidisciplinary approach is often demanded. The amputation rate in patients affected by CLI is still high. Introduction of endovascular procedure shook up the CLI concept of treatment. The increasing experience of Vascular Surgeons in endovascular technique forced these specialist to match classic surgical skills and endovascular tools in order to achieve the best treatment for each patients. The combination of the two techniques identifies the hybrid procedure. Aim of this paper is to define indication, necessity and results of the hybrid procedure in patients suffering from CLI.

Endovascular first as "preliminary approach" for critical limb ischemia and diabetic foot

The treatment of the critical limb ischemia (CLI) and diabetic foot (DB) is still object of discussion and the gold standard for revascularization has not yet been identified. In these two decades the introduction of endovascular procedures had a large impact on the surgical revascularization and were added to the practice of vascular surgeons in patients who cannot be candidates for a bypass. This may be due to significant comorbidities, a reduced life expectancy, infection or gangrene in the possible sites of distal anastomoses, the unavailability of suitable veins, or the absence of an adequate "landing zone" for the distal part of the bypass. Various studies have evaluated the role of PTA in DF and CLI that resulted favourable in terms of feasibility, technical efficacy, the reduced number of complications, and limb salvage rates. Anyway, long-term patency is better after bypass surgery than after angioplasty, which is burdened by a high restenosis rate. In our experience we tried to practice endovascular approach as a first choice. If the procedure cannot be concluded safely, we continue the intervention surgically or use a hybrid approach. The endovascular-first strategy seems to be the future regardless of comorbidity of the patient and the degree of pathology. The vascular surgeon remains the only specialist that can decide the correct intervention without pressure or been forced and, last but not least, the only one who can independently perform hybrid interventions.

Acute limb ischemia in nonagenarians

AIM

Acute limb ischemia (ALI) is not infrequently associated with limb loss (10-30%) or death of the affected patient (15-30%). These results can be even worse in elderly population. The aim of this study is to quantify safety and efficacy of early revascularization in over 90 years old patients with acute limb ischemia.

METHODS

This is a prospective registry lasting from January 2012 to January 2013. We include all consecutive over 90 years patients treated for ALI (N.=15). A careful preoperative Duplex scan (DS) were performed in each patient. All patients underwent surgery by Fogarty's embolectomy, and endovascular completion procedure if needed (N.=3).

RESULTS

We performed 18 revascularizations (15 lower limbs, 3 upper limbs) in 15 patients (2 staged bilateral femoral, 1 simultaneous bilateral femoral). The mean follow-up was 124 days (4-365). Technical success was obtained in 16 cases (88.9%). At disharge mortality was 5.9% (1 case), and amputation rate was 6.2% (1 pt). The Kaplan-Meier curves at 1 year revealed an estimated freedom from death, amputation and re-occlusion of 76.5%, 88.2%, and 71.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The over 90 years old patient represent a challenging case for vascular surgeon. Vascular procedures involve high mortality rate but emergent revascularization by Fogarty Embolectomy in ALI is safe and effective even in older patient.

Tips and tricks to avoid periprocedural neurological complications in carotid artery stenting

Execution of carotid artery stenting (CAS) requires not only excellent manual dexterity, and a high level of competence, but also in-depth knowledge of the carotid pathology, of the materials available on the market and of the different techniques to apply in given situations. Actually each individual moment of the procedure can be determining for the final result. This review describes each individual step of CAS, including arterial access, carotid engagement, pre-dilatation, the characteristics and use of cerebral protection devices, stent selection and deployment, and post-dilatation. Technical notes and some suggestions are provided on how to minimize the event of periprocedural neurological complications.

Carotid artery stenting in recently symptomatic patients

Treatment of acute stroke is time-dependent, with the best outcomes resulting from the earliest interventions. However, for patients with acute ischemic stroke due to a high-grade stenosis of the internal carotid artery, despite maximal medical treatment, an effective intervention to improve their neurologic symptoms and clinical outcome has not yet been established. There are two major concerns: first, cerebral revascularization in the acute stage remains challenging because of the possibility that hemorrhagic infarction or hyperperfusion syndrome will occur after revascularization; second, alarms about carotid artery stenting in patients with acute symptoms are related to the fact that, while with carotid endarterectomy the plaque is completely removed, after stenting it is only remodelled and its stabilization is essential to avoid embolic events during the procedure and in the post-operative period. Although level 1 evidence seems clearly in favor of carotid endarterectomy in symptomatic patients, carotid stenting has been proposed as a possible alternative in selected cases if the procedure is performed in high-volume center with documented low perioperative stroke and death rates. This review summarizes indications and results for carotid artery stenting in recently symptomatic patients.

Safety and feasibility of intravascular optical coherence tomography using a nonocclusive technique to evaluate carotid plaques before and after stent deployment

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and feasibility of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with carotid stenosis undergoing carotid artery stenting (CAS).

METHODS

In a prospective study, 25 consecutive patients (15 men; mean age 74±4 years) undergoing protected CAS were enrolled and underwent high-definition (homoaxial resolution 10 µm) OCT image acquisition before stent deployment, immediately after stent placement, and following postdilation of the stent (3 scans/patient). Pullbacks were started during a nonocclusive flush, mechanically injecting 24 mL of 50% diluted contrast at 6 mL/s to displace blood from the artery. Two independent physicians judged the quality of images on a predefined 1-10 scale. The proportions of specific agreement and kappa values (κ) were calculated.

RESULTS

No procedural or in-hospital neurological complications occurred (any stroke/death 0%). The technical success of OCT pullbacks was 97.3% (73/75). The total amount of contrast was 86±18 mL/patient. No significant alteration in glomerular filtration rate or any other significant adverse event occurred. The images obtained were of high quality (mean value 8.1 out of 10), with good inter- and intraobserver agreement (κ = 0.81-0.87 and κ = 0.95, respectively). OCT images revealed innovative features such as rupture of the fibrous cap, plaque prolapse, and stent malapposition in a high percentage of the patients (range 24%-100%).

CONCLUSION

Intravascular OCT during a nonocclusive flush appears to be feasible and safe in carotid arteries. Since some original and unexpected information after CAS has been made available for the first time at such a high definition, future studies with OCT should focus on the interaction between carotid plaque and stent design, which might revolutionize our understanding of the mechanisms of carotid stenting, as well as influence our clinical policies.