MDCT findings of aortic branch artery pseudoaneurysms associated with type B intramural haematoma

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate prevalence, morphological characteristics and evolution of aortic branch artery pseudoaneurysms associated with type B aortic intramural haematoma (IMH) using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT).

Materials and methods

We enrolled 14 patients (nine men; mean age 64.6±9.6; range 42?C75 years) with a diagnosis in the acute phase of type B IMH without evidence of intimal tear. All patients underwent clinical and MDCT follow-up.

Results

Twenty-two pseudoaneurysms in six patients (6/14, 43%) were observed at MDCT. In the majority of patients (5/6, 83%) the pseudoaneurysms were multiple and involved the branches of the descending thoracic aorta (14/22, 64%), mainly the intercostal arteries (11/22, 50%). At a mean follow-up of 10.6±8.7 months, 21 pseudoaneurysms showed resolution, reduction or dimensional stability (95%), whereas only one increased in size (5%).

Conclusions

Aortic branch artery pseudoaneurysms associated with IMH may be considered a benign disease, as the majority of cases resolved or did not change in size, with haematoma resorption. However, because a dynamic change in pseudoaneurysms in the acute and subacute phases was frequently observed, close clinical and imaging follow-up is mandatory.     

Endovascular Management of Iatrogenic Native Renal Arterial Pseudoaneurysms

Purpose

Our purpose was to evaluate iatrogenic renal pseudoaneurysms, endovascular treatment, and outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective study (2003–2011) reported the technical and clinical outcomes of endovascular therapy for renal pseudoaneurysms in eight patients (mean age, 46 (range 24–68) years). Renal parenchymal loss evaluation was based on digital subtraction angiography and computed tomography.

Results

We identified eight iatrogenic renal pseudoaneurysm patients with symptoms of hematuria, pain, and hematoma after renal biopsy (n?=?3), surgery (n?=?3), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (n?=?1), and endoscopic shock-wave lithotripsy (n?=?1). In six patients, the pseudoaneurysms were small-sized (<20?mm) and peripherally located and were treated solely with coil embolization (n?=?5). In one patient, coil embolization was preceded by embolization with 500–700 micron embospheres to control active bleeding. The remaining two patients had large-sized (≥50?mm), centrally located renal pseudoaneurysms treated with thrombin?±?coils. Technical success with immediate bleeding cessation was achieved in all patients. There were no procedure-related deaths or complications (mean follow-up, 23.5 (range, 1–67) months).

Conclusions

Treatment of renal pseudoaneurysms using endovascular approach is a relatively safe and viable option regardless of location (central or peripheral) and size of the lesions with minimal renal parenchymal sacrifice.     

Endovaskuläre Therapie des thorakalen Aortenaneurysmas

Clinical issue of thoracic aneurysms

Aneurysms are among the most common diseases affecting the thoracic aorta, with a continuous increase in incidence over the recent decades. The main cause of thoracic aneurysms is atherosclerosis, which, due to the frequent lack of major symptoms and the potentially lethal complications such as ruptured aortic aneurysm, remains a challenge in clinical practice.

Standard radiological methods

CT angiography remains the imaging method of choice for acute aortic aneurysms, with MR angiography being increasingly used for follow-up imaging.

Threshold for treatment

In the ascending aorta a diameter larger than 5–5.5 cm (descending aorta 6.5 cm) is regarded as the threshold for treatment.

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair

The continuous evolution of aortic stent grafting (i.e., thoracic endovascular aortic repair [TEVAR]) since Parodi, Palmaz and Dake has led to a steep rise in stent grafting procedures in recent years.

Practical recommendations

Particularly in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities, TEVAR is a valuable, less invasive option compared to open surgical repair.     

Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for Type B Aortic Dissection Associated with Retrograde Type A Intramural Hematoma

PurposeTo evaluate feasibility and efficacy of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for type B aortic dissection (TBAD) associated with retrograde type A intramural hematoma (IMH).Materials and MethodsFrom April 2013 to January 2017, 15 consecutive patients with TBAD associated with retrograde type A IMH who underwent TEVAR were reviewed retrospectively. There was no cardiac tamponade, aortic regurgitation, involvement of coronary artery, or sign of cerebral ischemia in these patients. Enhanced CT was used in 4 patients to diagnose malperfusion of abdominal visceral arteries or lower extremity artery and underwent emergent TEVAR. For the remaining 11 patients, repeated enhanced CT after initial medical treatment within 24 hours from onset of pain showed expansion of IMH in 8 patients or presence of periaortic hematoma in 3 patients. Delayed TEVAR was scheduled for these cases.ResultsSuccessful deployment of the stent graft was achieved in all patients. There were no severe postoperative complications, such as retrograde type A aortic dissection or aortic rupture. Sudden death occurred in 1 patient 3 months after the procedure. Thrombosis of the false lumen, shrinkage of the diameter of the aorta, and complete absorption of the IMH were observed in the remaining patients at a mean follow-up of 19.8 months ± 6.57.ConclusionsTEVAR for treatment of TBAD with retrograde type A IMH is feasible and effective. It represents a treatment option for patients with TBAD associated with type A IMH with a proximal entry tear located in the descending aorta.     

Extrahepatic Pseudoaneurysms and Ruptures of the Hepatic Artery in Liver Transplant Recipients: Endovascular Management and a New Iatrogenic Etiology

Purpose

To characterize extrahepatic pseudoaneurysm regarding incidence and etiology and determine the effectiveness of endovascular management.

Methods

A retrospective audit of 1,857 liver transplants in two institutions was performed (1996–2009). Recipients’ demographics, clinical presentation, transplant type, biliary anastomosis, and presence of biliary endoprostheses were noted. Pseudoaneurysms were classified into iatrogenic (associated with biliary endoprosthesis or angioplasty) or spontaneous extrahepatic pseudoaneurysms. Spontaneous and iatrogenic pseudoaneurysms were compared for time from transplant, presenting symptoms, location in the arterial anatomy, and 3-month graft survival. Arterial patency and 6-month graft survival were calculated.

Results

Twenty pseudoaneurysms were found (1.1 %, 20/1,857): 9 (0.5 % of transplants, 9/1,857) were spontaneous and 11 (0.6 % of transplants, 11/1,857) were “iatrogenic” (due to minimally invasive procedures: 4 angioplasty and 7 biliary endoprostheses). Sixty percent (12/20) underwent endovascular management (4 coil embolization and 8 stent-grafts). Technical success was 83 % (10/12) with a mean arterial patency of 70 % (follow-up mean, 4.9; range, 0–18 months). The 1-, 3-, and 6-month graft survival was 70, 40, and 35 %, respectively.

Conclusions

Due to minimally invasive procedures, posttransplant extrahepatic pseudoaneurysms are no longer an exclusive complication of the transplant surgery itself. Endovascular management is effective to stabilize patients but has not improved historic postsurgical graft survival.     

Transarterial Embolization of Type II Endoleaks after EVAR: The Role of Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer (Onyx)

Purpose

To determine the feasibility and efficacy of transarterial endoleak embolization using the liquid embolic agent ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (Onyx).

Methods

Over a 7-year period eleven patients (6 women, 5 men; mean age 68 years, range 37–83 years) underwent transarterial embolization of a type II endoleak after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair using the liquid embolic agent Onyx. Two patients (18 %) had a simple type II endoleak with only one artery in communication with the aneurysm sac, whereas 9 patients (82 %) had a complex type II endoleak with multiple communicating vessels. We retrospectively analyzed the technical and clinical success of transarterial type II endoleak embolization with Onyx. Complete embolization of the nidus was defined as technical success. Embolization was considered clinically successful when volume of the aneurysm sac was stable or decreased on follow-up CT scans.

Result

Mean follow-up time was 26.0 (range 6–50) months. Clinical success was achieved in 8 of 11 patients (73 %). Transarterial nidus embolization with Onyx was technically successful in 6 of 11 patients (55 %). In three cases the nidus was embolized without direct catheterization from a more distal access through the network of collateral vessels.

Conclusion

Onyx is a favorable embolic agent for transarterial endoleak embolization. To achieve the best clinical results, complete occlusion of the nidus is mandatory.     

Endovascular treatment for superior cerebellar artery aneurysms: morphological features,technique, and outcome

Introduction

Superior cerebellar artery (SCA) aneurysms have distinctive morphologic configurations and vascular origins. Herein, we have analyzed the angioarchitectural characteristics of SCA aneurysms and outcomes achieved through endovascular treatment.

Methods

Data accruing prospectively from January, 2002 to September, 2013 yielded 53 SCA aneurysms in 53 patients. Each lesion was classified as either basilar artery (BA), BA–SCA, or SCA type, according to the nature of incorporated vasculature. Clinical and morphologic outcomes were assessed, with emphasis on technical aspects of treatment.

Results

Angles formed by SCA and posterior cerebral artery were obtuse (124.8?±?29.1°) on sides ipsilateral to aneurysms, differing significantly from contralateral counterparts (44.8?±?22.0°) (p?n?=?19, 67.9 %) facilitated aneurysm selection for approach via contralateral vertebral artery (n?=?28), whereas pre-shaped 45/90/J microcatheters (n?=?21, 84.0 %) primarily were used for ipsilateral vertebral artery approach (n?=?25). Single-microcatheter technique (52.8 %) was most often applied, followed by double-microcatheter (34.0 %), stent-assisted (9.4 %), and microcatheter-protection techniques (3.8 %). Aneurysmal occlusion was satisfactorily achieved in 45 lesions (82.1 %), with no procedure-related morbidity and mortality. In follow-up monitoring of 46 patients for a mean period of 25.8?±?24.4 months, only a single instance of major recanalization (2.2 %) occurred.

Conclusion

Coil embolization of SCA aneurysms is a safe and effective treatment modality, enabling individualized procedural strategies to accommodate distinctive angio-anatomic configurations.     

Prognostic implications of descending thoracic aorta dilation after surgery for aortic dissection

Background

The present study assessed whether descending thoracic aorta growth can be measured reliably by volumetric analysis using multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT) and whether growth influences the need for future aortic interventions in survivors of acute type A aortic dissection.

Inferior Mesenteric Artery Embolization Before Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair Using Amplatzer Vascular Plug Type 4

Purpose

This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Amplatzer Vascular Plug type 4 (AVP-4) for embolization of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) before endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of the abdominal aorta to prevent endoleaks.

Methods

A single-center retrospective review of 31 patients who underwent IMA embolizations before EVAR using the AVP-4 was performed. We analyzed the insertion and detachment procedure, the technical success, and the final position of the plug. Technical success was defined as complete occlusion of the IMA. To compare the incidence of IMA-related type II endoleaks in patients with and without preoperative IMA embolization, we additionally reviewed the course of 43 patients with a preoperatively patent IMA who underwent no IMA embolization.

Results

Plugs with a diameter of 5, 6, and 8 mm were used in 5 (16.1 %), 21 (67.7 %), and 5 (16.1 %) patients, respectively (50–100 % oversizing). In 29 of 31 patients (93.5 %), we observed complete occlusion of the IMA within 10 min (mean 5.1 min). Precise placement of the plug in the proximal segment of the IMA without occlusion of the first IMA branches was achievable in all patients. The distance between the AVP-4 and the first branches was on average 12 (range 2–57) mm. Preoperative IMA embolization with AVP-4 significantly reduced the incidence of complex IMA-lumbar type II endoleaks after EVAR (0/31 vs. 11/43; p = 0.002).

Conclusions

The AVP-4 is a safe, feasible, and technically effective embolization device for IMA embolization before EVAR.     

Balloon-assisted coil embolization of the celiac trunk before endovascular aortic repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm

Purpose

Celiac trunk coil embolization before thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) of a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm involving the celiac trunk can prevent type II endoleaks. One disadvantage of conventional coil embolization is the risk of coil displacement. We performed coil embolization under balloon occlusion of the celiac trunk to address this issue.

Materials and methods

Between December 2008 and January 2011, 5 patients (3 men and 2 women, mean age 76 years) were included in this study. For all patients, after confirming the collateral blood flow from the superior mesenteric artery via the pancreaticoduodenal arcades by using the balloon occlusion test, celiac trunk coil embolization proceeded under balloon occlusion of the proximal part of the celiac trunk.

Results

Balloon-assisted coil embolization of the celiac trunk was completed for all patients without any complications. All coils were deployed as planned in the short segment of the celiac trunk without displacement. Coil migration, ischemic complications, and endoleaks via the celiac trunk did not arise in any of the patients over a follow-up period of 77–637 (mean 258) days.

Conclusions

Balloon-assisted coil embolization of the celiac trunk before TEVAR could be a feasible treatment option for suitable patients.     

Selective transarterial embolization with n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate for the treatment of arterial hemorrhage after third molar extraction

Introduction

Comprehensive reports concerning selective embolization for arterial bleeding from third molar removal have not been published. We analyzed cases of arterial bleeding from third molar extraction that required transarterial embolization, and we demonstrate representative cases.

Methods

Five consecutive patients (three men and two women, aged 24 to 37 years) who underwent transarterial embolization at our institution were included in this study. Four of them showed postoperative bleeding after lower third molar removal, and one suffered bleeding after upper third molar extraction. The period of time from extraction to embolization varied from 5 h to 5 weeks.

Results

Angiography revealed pseudoaneurysms at the inferior alveolar artery in four cases and at the superior alveolar artery in one case. The pseudoaneurysms were selectively embolized using 25–33 % n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA)–lipiodol. All of the cases showed good results angiographically and clinically. Transit hypoesthesia at the region of the mental nerve was observed in one patient.

Conclusion

Selective transarterial embolization is an effective technique for arterial bleeding from third molar removal when it is difficult to obtain hemostasis by dental procedures. Injection of NBCA can be useful when the alveolar artery is too small to embolize with coils.     

Postpartum Hemorrhage Resulting from Pelvic Pseudoaneurysm: A Retrospective Analysis of 588 Consecutive Cases Treated by Arterial Embolization

Objective

This study was designed to determine the incidence of arterial pseudoaneurysm in patients presenting with postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), to analyze the angiographic characteristics of pseudoaneurysms that cause PPH, and to evaluate the effectiveness of pelvic arterial embolization for the treatment of this condition.

Study design

Eighteen women with pelvic arterial pseudoaneurysm were retrieved from a series of 588 consecutive patients with PPH treated by arterial embolization. Clinical files, angiographic examinations, and procedure details were reviewed.

Results

The incidence of pseudoaneurysm was 3.06 % (18/588; 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.82–4.8 %). A total of 20 pseudoaneurysms were found; 15/20 (75 %) were located on the uterine arteries. Angiography revealed extravasation of contrast material from pseudoaneurysm indicating rupture in 9 of 18 (50 %) patients. Arterial embolization was performed using gelatin sponge alone in 12 of 18 (67 %) patients or in association with metallic coils in 5 of 18 (28 %) patients or n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate in 1 of 18 (6 %) patients. Arterial embolization allowed controlling the bleeding in all patients after one or two embolization sessions in 17 of 18 (94 %) and 1 of 18 patients (6 %) respectively, without complications, obviating the need for further surgery.

Conclusions

Pseudoaneurysm is rarely associated with PPH. Arterial embolization is an effective and safe procedure for the treatment of PPH due to uterine or vaginal artery pseudoaneurysm. Our results suggest that gelatin sponge is effective for the treatment of ruptured pseudoaneurysms, although we agree that our series does not contain sufficient material to allow drawing definitive conclusions with respect to the most effective embolic material.     

CT Imaging Findings and Their Relevance to the Clinical Outcomes After Stent Graft Repair of Penetrating Aortic Ulcers: Six-year, Single-center Experience

Purpose

To present the computed tomographic (CT) imaging findings and their relevance to clinical outcomes related to stent graft placement in patients with penetrating aortic ulcers (PAUs).

Methods

Medical and imaging records and imaging studies were reviewed for consecutive patients who underwent stent graft repair of a PAU. The distribution and characteristics of the PAU, technical success of stent graft repair, procedure-related complications, associated aortic wall abnormalities, and outcomes of the PAUs at follow-up CT scans were evaluated.

Results

Fifteen patients underwent endovascular treatment for PAU. A total of 87% of the PAUs were in the proximal (n?=?8) or distal (n?=?5) descending thoracic aorta. There was a broad spectrum of PAU depth (mean, 7.9?±?5.6?mm; range 1.5–25.0?mm) and diameter (mean, 13.5?±?9.7?mm; range 2.2–41.0?mm). Atherosclerosis of the thoracic aorta and intramural hematoma were associated in 53 and 93% of the patients, respectively. Technical success was achieved in 100%. Two or more stent grafts were used in five patients. Endoleaks were observed in two patients within 2?weeks of the procedure, both of which resolved spontaneously. At follow-up CT scanning, regression and thrombosis of the PAUs were observed in all patients. The average patient survival was 61.8?months, with an overall mortality of 13% (2 of 15) at follow-up. Neither death was related to the endograft device or the PAU.

Conclusion

Endovascular stent graft placement was safe and effective in causing regression and thrombosis of PAUs in this small series of patients. Two or more stent grafts were used in five patients (33%) with associated long-segmental atherosclerotic changes of the thoracic aorta or intramural hematoma.     

Coil embolization in precommunicating (A1) segment aneurysms of anterior cerebral artery

Introduction

Precommunicating (A1) segment aneurysms of the anterior cerebral artery are rare and often pose technical challenges for coil embolization due to their distinctive configurations. Clinical and radiologic outcomes of treating such aneurysms through endovascular coil embolization are presented herein.

Methods

Data accruing prospectively from May 2002 to August 2013 yielded 48 patients harboring 50 A1 segment aneurysms, each classified as proximal, middle, or distal by location. Clinical outcome of the patients and morphological outcome of the aneurysms were assessed, with emphasis on technical aspects of treatment.

Results

The aneurysms studied occupied either proximal (n?=?39), middle (n?=?6), or distal (n?=?5). Proximal aneurysms were largely directed posteriorly (80 %), and most (97 %) were devoid of branches. Middle and distal aneurysms were associated with the medial lenticulostriate artery, cortical branches, or fenestrations. The preshaped “S” and steam-shaped “S” microcatheters facilitated aneurysm selection in 60 % of lesions. Single-microcatheter technique was most commonly applied for coil embolization (62 %), followed by balloon protection (16 %). Successful aneurysmal occlusion could be achieved in 76 % of the patients, with no procedure-related morbidity and mortality. At final follow-up (mean interval, 29.9 months), stable aneurysmal occlusion was sustained in 93 % of the patients (40/43).

Conclusion

A1 segment aneurysms are amenable to safe and efficacious endovascular coil embolization by adjusting procedural strategy to accommodate distinctive anatomic configurations.     

Endovascular Repair of Localized Pathological Lesions of the Descending Thoracic Aorta: Midterm Results

The endoluminal stent-graft represents an attractive and a less invasive technique for treatment of various diseases of the descending thoracic aorta. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Talent endovascular stent-graft for the treatment of various localized diseases of the descending thoracic aorta. Over a 3-year period, Talent thoracic endografts were placed in 40 patients with a high surgical risk, presenting a localized lesion of the descending thoracic aorta: degenerative aneurysm (n = 13), acute traumatic rupture (n = 11), acute Stanford type B aortic dissection (n = 6), false aneurysm (n = 7), and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer (n = 3). Fifteen patients (37.5%) were treated as emergencies. The feasibility of endovascular treatment and sizing of the aorta and stent-grafts were determined preoperatively by magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and intraoperative angiography. Immediate and mid-term technical and clinical success was assessed by clinical and MRA follow-up. Endovascular treatment was completed successfully in all 40 patients, with no conversion to open repair or intraoperative mortality. The mean operative time was 37.5 ± 7 min. The overall 30-day mortality rate was 10% (n = 4), all in emergency cases, for causes not related to the endograft. The primary technical success was 92.5%. The mean follow-up period was 15 ± 5 months. The survival rate was 95% (n = 35). Diminution of the aneurismal size was observed in 47.5% (n = 19). We conclude that endovascular treatment of the various localized diseases of the descending thoracic aorta is a promising, feasible, alternative technique to open surgery in well-selected patients.     

Transjugular Endovascular Recanalization of Splenic Vein in Patients with Regional Portal Hypertension Complicated by Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Purpose

Regional portal hypertension (RPH) is an uncommon clinical syndrome resulting from splenic vein stenosis/occlusion, which may cause gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding from the esophagogastric varices. The present study evaluated the safety and efficacy of transjugular endovascular recanalization of splenic vein in patients with GI bleeding secondary to RPH.

Methods

From December 2008 to May 2011, 11 patients who were diagnosed with RPH complicated by GI bleeding and had undergone transjugular endovascular recanalization of splenic vein were reviewed retrospectively. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed splenic vein stenosis in six cases and splenic vein occlusion in five. Etiology of RPH was chronic pancreatitis (n = 7), acute pancreatitis with pancreatic pseudocyst (n = 2), pancreatic injury (n = 1), and isolated pancreatic tuberculosis (n = 1).

Results

Technical success was achieved in 8 of 11 patients via the transjugular approach, including six patients with splenic vein stenosis and two patients with splenic vein occlusion. Two patients underwent splenic vein venoplasty only, whereas four patients underwent bare stents deployment and two covered stents. Splenic vein pressure gradient (SPG) was reduced from 21.5 ± 7.3 to 2.9 ± 1.4 mmHg after the procedure (P < 0.01). For the remaining three patients who had technical failures, splenic artery embolization and subsequent splenectomy was performed. During a median follow-up time of 17.5 (range, 3–34) months, no recurrence of GI bleeding was observed.

Conclusions

Transjugular endovascular recanalization of splenic vein is a safe and effective therapeutic option in patients with RPH complicated by GI bleeding and is not associated with an increased risk of procedure-related complications.     

Long-term clinical and radiological results of endovascular internal trapping in vertebral artery dissection

Introduction

Previous reports have suggested that endovascular parent artery occlusion is an effective and safe procedure for the treatment of vertebral artery dissection (VAD). However, the results of long-term outcomes are still unclear. This study reviewed the clinical and imaging outcomes of patients with VAD treated by endovascular internal trapping.

Methods

A total of 73 patients were treated for VAD by endovascular internal trapping between March 1998 and March 2011. Patients were regularly followed up by magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance angiography, and clinical examinations. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the modified Rankin Scale.

Results

Forty-five patients had ruptured VADs, and 28 had unruptured VADs. Clinical follow-up of at least 6 months data was obtained for 61 patients (83.6 %). The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 145 months (mean?±?SD, 55.6?±?8.9 months). Two patients with ruptured VADs had recurrence (2.74 %). Cranial nerve paresis (CNP) was observed in six patients (8.21 %), spinal cord infarction in two patients (2.74 %), and a perforating artery ischemia was diagnosed in seven patients (9.59 %); all patients with CNP and five of the patients with partial Wallenberg syndrome experienced only temporary symptoms; two of the patients with partial Wallenberg syndrome had permanent neurological deficits. Despite their symptoms, most patients were in good general condition, as shown by their clinical scores.

Conclusions

The results of this study have proven that endovascular internal trapping is a stable and durable treatment for closure of VADs. Recanalization is rather rare and occurred only in ruptured cases, both within 3 months after initial treatment without rupture. CNPs were observed in 8.21 %, perforating ischemia in 9.59 %, and spinal cord infarction in 2.74 %. The former two are temporary, while the last can be a factor that affects the modified Rankin Scale. Patients rated their quality of life as good, as corroborated by their posttreatment clinical score. Endovascular internal trapping for VAD is a therapy with a satisfactory long-term outcome.     

Endovascular management of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas in 78 patients

Introduction

The purpose of this study was the evaluation of the safety and efficiency of the endovascular treatment of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVFs).

Methods

Between May 1992 and August 2012, 78 patients (59 men) with an angiographically proven SDAVF with pial venous drainage were treated by endovascular embolization (n?=?61) and/or surgery (n?=?31) at three German hospitals by a single team of physicians and according to a uniform therapeutic concept.

Results

Endovascular treatment resulted in a complete occlusion of the fistula in 47 cases (77 %). After failed embolization with residual shunt, 14 DAVFs were surgically cured (23 % failure rate). We had one permanent and two minor complications after endovascular therapy. Within a postoperative period of 2 weeks, 73.6 % of patients improved in gait disability, 51.1 % in micturition function, and 70.5 % in paresthesia of the lower extremities. Long-term follow-up data showed further improvement of clinical symptoms confirmed by normalization or resolution of spinal changes on MRI.

Conclusions

An interdisciplinary approach to the management of SDAVFs is mandatory. Patients without a common origin of arteries supplying the spinal cord and the dural fistula, and without a stenosis or occlusion of the concerning segmental artery are potential candidates for endovascular treatment (diluted n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate). Only occlusion of the “nidus” and the proximal segment of the draining vein can lead to clinical improvement.     

Multiple Renal Artery Pseudoaneurysms in Patients Undergoing Renal Artery Embolization Following Partial Nephrectomy: Correlation with RENAL Nephrometry Scores

Purpose

To describe the incidence of multiple renal artery pseudoaneurysms (PSA) in patients referred for renal artery embolization following partial nephrectomy and to study its relationship to RENAL nephrometry scores.

Materials and Methods

The medical records of 25 patients referred for renal artery embolization after partial nephrectomy were retrospectively reviewed for the following parameters: size and number of tumors, RENAL nephrometry scores, angiographic abnormalities, technical and clinical outcomes, and estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) after embolization.

Results

Twenty-four patients had primary renal tumors, while 1 patient had a pancreatic tumor invading the kidney. Multiple tumors were resected in 4 patients. Most patients (92 %) were symptomatic, presenting with gross hematuria, flank pain, or both. Angiography revealed PSA with (n = 5) or without (n = 20) AV fistulae. Sixteen patients (64 %) had multiple PSA involving multiple renal vessels. Higher RENAL nephrometry scores were associated with an increasing likelihood of multiple PSA. Multiple vessels were embolized in 14 patients (56 %). Clinical success was achieved after one (n = 22) or two (n = 3) embolization sessions in all patients. Post-embolization eGFR values at different time points after embolization were not significantly different from the post-operative eGFR.

Conclusion

A majority of patients requiring renal artery embolization following partial nephrectomy have multiple pseudoaneurysms, often requiring selective embolization of multiple vessels. Higher RENAL nephrometry score is associated with an increasing likelihood of multiple pseudoaneurysms. We found transarterial embolization to be a safe and effective treatment option with no long-term adverse effect on renal function in all but one patient with a solitary kidney.

     

Midterm Outcomes of Endovascular Repair for Stanford Type B Aortic Dissection with Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery

PurposeTo evaluate the early and midterm outcomes of endovascular repair of Stanford type B aortic dissection (TBAD) with an aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA).Materials and MethodsFrom November 2012 to July 2018, 15 patients (13 male, 2 female) who had TBAD with ARSA underwent total endovascular repair, including thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), left subclavian artery (LSA) chimney technique, LSA fenestration technique, and double chimney technique (LSA chimney and ARSA periscope). The mean age was 55 years. Kommerell diverticulum (KD) occurred in 2 patients, which were covered by means of oversized aortic stents. All patients had preoperative imaging examinations for assessing cerebral blood flow and the dominant vertebral arteries.ResultsAll procedures were completed successfully. There was no in-hospital mortality. The mean procedural time was 98 ± 40 minutes (range 50–190). The mean preoperative diameters of the maximum descending aorta, false lumen, and true lumen in the descending aorta versus postoperative were 37 ± 10 mm (range 28–67), 18 ± 9 mm (range 9–41), and 19 ± 6 mm (range 10–35) versus 34 ± 9 mm (range 25–64), 5 ± 8 mm (range 0–28), and 28 ± 5 mm (range 19–37), respectively. Right upper extremity weakness was observed in 2 patients, which recovered gradually during follow-up. Immediate type Ia endoleak was detected in 1 patient. The mean follow-up time was 33 ± 20 months. During follow-up, no ARSA steal syndrome, spinal cord ischemia, or strokes were not observed.ConclusionsEndovascular treatment for TBAD with ARSA was feasible and safe with a satisfactory midterm follow-up outcome.