Anti chlamydia antibodies in patients with thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms

BACKGROUND: Chlamydia species are suspected of being involved in the pathogenesis and progression of aortic aneurysms. We investigated serum levels of Chlamydia antibodies in patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) compared to levels in healthy individuals. METHODS: We included 35 consecutive patients with TAA, 42 patients with AAA and 42 age- and sex-matched healthy controls in a case control study. Serum antibodies (IgM and IgG) against Chlamydia lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Chlamydia pneumoniae and Chlamydia trachomatis were measured by recombinant ELISA and quantified by measurement of optical density. RESULTS: Patients with TAA exhibited median immunoglobulin levels against Chlamydia LPS (IgM 0.090, IgG 0.266), C. pneumoniae (IgM 0.023, IgG 0.264) and C. trachomatis (IgG 0.247) comparable to those of healthy subjects [Chlamydia LPS IgM 0.209 (p = 0.1), IgG 0.301 (p = 0.2); C. pneumoniae IgM 0.051 (p = 0.07), IgG 0.516 (p = 0.1); C. trachomatis IgG 0.153 (p = 0.2)]. Patients with AAA had higher serum levels of IgG against Chlamydia LPS (0.560) compared to healthy individuals [0.301 (p = 0.04)], but no significant elevation of antibodies against C. pneumoniae [IgM 0.029 (p = 0.1), IgG 0.545 (p = 0.9)] and C. trachomatis [IgG 0.219 (p = 0.3)]. CONCLUSION: Thoracic aortic aneurysms were not associated with signs of Chlamydia infection or immunopathogenicity. In contrast, patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms exhibited elevated levels of immunoglobulin against Chlamydia LPS, reflecting an unspecific Chlamydia immunopathogenicity. However, elevated levels of antibodies against distinct Chlamydia species were also not found in AAA patients.     

Involvement of the renin-angiotensin system in abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms

Aortic aneurysms are relatively common maladies that may lead to the devastating consequence of aortic rupture. AAAs (abdominal aortic aneurysms) and TAAs (thoracic aortic aneurysms) are two common forms of aneurysmal diseases in humans that appear to have distinct pathologies and mechanisms. Despite this divergence, there are numerous and consistent demonstrations that overactivation of the RAS (renin-angiotensin system) promotes both AAAs and TAAs in animal models. For example, in mice, both AAAs and TAAs are formed during infusion of AngII (angiotensin II), the major bioactive peptide in the RAS. There are many proposed mechanisms by which the RAS initiates and perpetuates aortic aneurysms, including effects of AngII on a diverse array of cell types and mediators. These experimental findings are complemented in humans by genetic association studies and retrospective analyses of clinical data that generally support a role of the RAS in both AAAs and TAAs. Given the lack of a validated pharmacological therapy for any form of aortic aneurysm, there is a pressing need to determine whether the consistent findings on the role of the RAS in animal models are translatable to humans afflicted with these diseases. The present review compiles the recent literature that has shown the RAS as a critical component in the pathogenesis of aortic aneurysms.     

Infected abdominal aortic aneurysms

We report five cases of infected abdominal aortic aneurysm managed at the St. Thomas Hospital between 1975 and 1985. Two patients died, one before operation, and another during surgical repair of aneurysmal rupture. Three patients survived, all of whom had primary repair of the aorta or in situ Dacron graft reconstruction. One patient is still living nine years after operation. The availability of organism-specific antibiotic agents has enabled us to use the in situ reconstruction method to successfully manage these patients without increased morbidity or mortality from recurrent infection. A high index of suspicion, prompt surgical resection, and aggressive specific antibiotic therapy are necessary for patient survival.     

肾下腹主动脉瘤23例的治疗

目的总结肾下腹主动脉瘤的治疗经验。方法回顾性分析2002年8月至2008年6月收治的肾下腹主动脉瘤患者23例,其中21例行腹主动脉瘤切除人工血管移植重建术,2例行腹主动脉瘤腔内修复术。结果2例死亡,余21例均获临床治愈。结论手术技术的进步和血管腔内修复术的开展,将提高腹主动脉瘤手术的安全性。     

Fenestrated endografts for complex abdominal aortic aneurysms

The treatment of aortic aneurysm disease using endovascular stent grafts has evolved over the past 20 years. Extending this approach to aneurysms involving the visceral aorta has required development of fenestrated endografts. By creating branches to accommodate visceral vessels, the proximal landing zone can be chosen based on the adequacy of the aortic wall, rather than the constraints of visceral vessels. This allows for a more stable repair, and permits a minimally invasive approach in even very complex aneurysms. As the technology becomes more widespread, the use of these grafts has emerged from an experimental form to standard of care in some jurisdictions. Thus, many patients who might have previously been considered high risk for aneurysm repair are now candidates for surgery. This article outlines the basic concepts behind the development of fenestrated endografts, their current use, and the future of the technology.     

Management of abdominal aortic aneurysms

Rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) remains a common vascular catastrophe in all emergency departments. Currently, the natural history of AAAs indicates that risk of rupture increases considerably when the aneurysm is greater than 5 cm in diameter. Appropriate management of aneurysms is elective repair for patients with a good operative risk whose aneurysm is between 5 and 6 cm. For patients with a serious medical comorbidity, the threshold for AAA repair is usually 6 cm. Surgical management is generally safe with extraordinarily durable results. Another current option is an investigational endovascular stent graft, but the long-term outcome for these new devices remains unknown. In addition, optimal medical management should include careful control of hypertension and smoking cessation. The current prognosis for healthy patients who undergo elective aneurysm repair is excellent.     

Imaging of abdominal aortic aneurysms

Given the high rate of morbidity and mortality associated with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), accurate diagnosis and preoperative evaluation are essential for improved patient outcomes. Ultrasonography is the standard method of screening and monitoring AAAs that have not ruptured. In the past, aortography was commonly used for preoperative planning in the repair of AAAs. More recently, computed tomography (CT) has largely replaced older, more invasive methods. Recent advances in CT imaging technology, such as helical CT and CT angiography, offer significant advantages over traditional CT. These methods allow for more rapid scans and can produce three-dimensional images of the AAA and important adjacent vascular structures. Use of endovascular stent grafts has increased recently and is less invasive for the repair of AAAs in selected cases. Aortography and CT angiography can precisely determine the size and surrounding anatomy of the AAA to identify appropriate candidates for the use of endovascular stent grafts. Helical CT and CT angiography represent an exciting future in the preoperative evaluation of AAAs. However, this technology is not the standard of care because of the lack of widespread availability, the cost associated with obtaining new equipment, and the lack of universal protocols necessary for acquisition and reconstruction of these images.     

Abdominal aortic aneurysms and thoracic aortic atheromas.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is associated with atherosclerosis elsewhere. Thoracic aortic atheromas (ATHs) seen on transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) are an important cause of stroke and peripheral embolization. The purposes of this study were to determine whether an association exists between AAA and ATHs and to assess the importance of screening patients with ATHs for AAA. METHODS: For the retrospective analysis, 109 patients with AAA and 109 matched controls were compared for the prevalence of ATHs on TEE and for historical variables. For the prospective analysis, screening for AAA on ultrasonography was performed in 364 patients at the time of TEE. RESULTS: Results of the retrospective analysis showed that ATHs were present in 52% of patients with AAA and in 25% of controls (odds ratio [OR] = 3.3; P =.00003). There was a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension, myocardial infarction, heart failure, smoking, and carotid or peripheral arterial disease in patients with AAA. However, only ATHs were independently associated with AAA on multivariate analysis (P =.001). Results of the prospective analysis showed that screening at the time of TEE in 364 patients revealed AAA in 13.9% of those with ATHs and in 1.4% of those without ATHs (P <.0001; OR = 11.4). CONCLUSIONS: (1) There is a strong, highly significant association between abdominal aneurysm and thoracic atheromas. (2) Patients with AAA may be at high risk for stroke because of the concomitance of thoracic aortic atheromas. (3) The high prevalence of abdominal aneurysm in patients with thoracic atheromas suggests that screening for abdominal aneurysm should be carried out in all patients with thoracic atheromas identified by TEE.     

Outcome of conservative medical treatment of patients with infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms

OBJECTIVE: Since non-invasive diagnostic methods have become available and screening programs have become popular, abdominal aortic aneurysms are more frequently being detected at an early stage of the disease. We analyzed the course of conservatively treated patients with infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), and determined independent risk factors for aneurysm expansion. METHODS: The study was designed as a retrospective-cohort study including 110 consecutive patients with AAA. Cardiovascular risk factors, comorbidities, current medication, and the findings of color coded duplex sonography and computed tomography were recorded. Ninety-two conservatively treated patients were re-investigated every 6 or 12 months (depending on an initial aneurysm size of > 45 mm or < 45 mm respectively) after initial detection by color coded duplex sonography. We performed a multivariate Cox regression analysis to determine independent predictors of diameter progression (diameter increase > or = 5 mm). RESULTS: We found AAA expansion in 46 conservatively treated patients (50%) during the median follow up period of 23 months (IQR 13 to 33), but no rupture occurred. Baseline diameter > 45 mm (HR 2.3, 95% CI 1.0 to 5.3, P = .04) and signs of aortic dissection in duplex ultrasound (HR 2.2, 1.0 to 4.6, P = .04) were independently associated with aneurysm expansion. The presence of an intraluminal thrombus showed a trend towards higher rates of disease progression (HR 2.6, 95% CI 0.9 to 7.6, P = .08). CONCLUSION: Patients with an aneurysm diameter > 45 mm or ultrasound signs of aortic dissection have an increased risk for AAA progression and need careful evaluation, optimization of risk factors and close (six-month) follow-up intervals. For patients with an aneurysm diameter below 45 mm and without additional risk factors, follow-up intervals of 12 months seem to be safe.     

ED screening to identify abdominal aortic aneurysms in asymptomatic geriatric patients

Although more than 5% of the geriatric male population is thought to have an abdominal aortic aneurysm, no study has evaluated the ability of ED physician sonographers to screen for this condition. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a screening program to sonographically identify abdominal aortic aneurysms would result in increased identification of this potentially lethal disease. This prospective clinical study used a convenience sample and was performed in a community teaching hospital ED. Hemodynamically stable male patients > or = 65 years of age presenting for reasons other than back, flank, or abdominal pain were eligible. After obtaining informed consent, patients underwent bedside ultrasound of the abdominal aorta by EPs. All participating physician sonographers met SAEM credentialing recommendations for performing sonography. The maximal transverse diameter of the aorta was measured at each of three locations: proximal, mid, and distal aorta. All patients with aortic diameters > or = 3.0 cm were confirmed by formal ultrasound in the radiology department. Over a 12-month period, 103 subjects were enrolled in the study. ED physician sonographers identified eight patients with abdominal aortic diameters > or = 3.0 cm. Abdominal aortic aneurysm was confirmed in 6 of 8 subjects, yielding a positive predictive value of 75%. An EP sonographic screening program can identify abdominal aortic aneurysms in asymptomatic men older than 65 years of age.     

Endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms

Abdominal aortic aneurysms increasingly are being repaired with an endovascular procedure, which is less invasive compared to traditional approaches. Decreased hospitalization is one of several advantages of the endovascular approach; however, there also are significant disadvantages that the patient should consider carefully. Complications of the endovascular approach are the same as with open procedures, and there is added potential for endoleaks (ie, leakage of the graft). The patient must be involved in an imaging surveillance program for life to continually assess the graft's durability. Endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms is a rapidly developing technology. Research is ongoing and emphasizes smaller deployment devices and stronger graft materials. AORN J 77 (March 2003) 631-642.     

腹主动脉瘤合并高血压患者介入室内行腔内隔绝术的围手术期护理

目的探讨腹主动脉瘤腔内修复术的围手术期护理要点。方法对8例腹主动脉瘤合并高血压的患者于术前做好入院指导及心理护理,调整其心理状态以适应手术,防止腹主动脉瘤破裂;术中注意麻醉前及气管插管时血流动力学的剧烈波动,调控及密切观察血压的变化,防治心律失常;术后做好各种管道的护理观察,密切各种并发症的观察及护理。结果8例腹主动脉瘤合并高血压患者移植物全部成功置入,术后黑便1例,发热1例,经及时治疗与护理病情恢复良好,未出现肾功能衰竭及下肢血栓形成。患者均在术后2周内康复出院。结论腹主动脉瘤腔内修复治疗系微创手术,但患者多合并一定的并发症,且手术本身亦有一定的并发症,加强围手术期护理,预防并及时处理并发症是提高手术成功率,保障患者痊愈的重要环节。     

Endoluminal treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms

BACKGROUND: We report our preliminary results with endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). METHODS: Between October 1998 and June 2000, 64 patients (62 male, two female; mean age = 70 years) underwent endovascular repair of AAA. Different types of prostheses were used, both bifurcated (n = 58) and straight (n = 6). We performed duplex sonography and spiral computed tomographic angiography (CTA) at discharge and at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 20 months. RESULTS: All procedures were successful, except for three immediate and one late surgical conversions (6.2%). One patient died 14 days after immediate surgical conversion. At discharge, CTA showed 13 endoleaks: three resolved spontaneously, six persisted during follow-up, and four (one angioplasty and three embolizations) were treated successfully. Stenosis of an iliac branch occurred in one patient after 3 months and was successfully treated by angioplasty. Late endoleaks were detected by imaging follow-up in four cases, three at 1 year and one at 6 months, requiring deployment of distal extender cuffs (n = 2), a proximal cuff (n = 1), and lumbar embolization (n = 2). CONCLUSION: Our preliminary experience supports the efficacy of endovascular repair in selected patients, but strict and accurate follow-up is required.     

腹主动脉瘤合并高血压患者介入室内行腔内隔绝术的围手术期护理

目的 探讨腹主动脉瘤腔内修复术的围手术期护理要点。方法 对8例腹主动脉瘤合并高血压的患者于术前做好人院指导及心理护理，调整其心理状态以适应手术，防止腹主动脉瘤破裂；术中注意麻醉前及气管插管时血流动力学的剧烈波动，调控及密切观察血压的变化，防治心律失常；术后做好各种管道的护理观察，密切各种并发症的观察及护理。结果 8例腹主动脉瘤合并高血压患者移植物全部成功置入，术后黑便1例，发热1例，经及时治疗与护理病情恢复良好，未出现肾功能衰竭及下肢血栓形成。患者均在术后2周内康复出院。结论 腹主动脉瘤腔内修复治疗系微创手术，但患者多合并一定的并发症，且手术本身亦有一定的并发症，加强围手术期护理，预防并及时处理并发症是提高手术成功率，保障患者痊愈的重要环节。     

HLA-DR expression on monocytes and systemic inflammation in patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms

Introduction  

Mortality from ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (RAAA) remains high. Severe systemic inflammation, leading to multi-organ failure, often occurs in these patients. In this study we describe the level of HLA-DR expression in a consecutive group of patients following surgery for RAAA and compare results between survivors and non-survivors. A similar comparison is made for IL-6 and IL-10 levels and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores.     

Anesthesia, changes in hemodynamics and metabolism in surgical treatment of thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms

45 patients aged 32-63 years operated on for dissecting aneurysm of the thoracoabdominal part of the aorta were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 patients (n = 36) were operated on with application of the bypass using centrifuge pump. Group 2 patients (n = 9) were operated on without the bypass. The results evidence that the employed anesthesia and infusion therapy in combination with the bypass maintained by the pump provide stable intraoperative hemodynamics and prevent renal failure. Usage of the bypass in combination with liquor drainage reliably protects spinal cord from ischemia, especially in patients with long-term aortic ligature.     

Endovascular repair in management of thoracic aortic aneurysms

Objective Aneurysms of the thoracic aorta are still potentially life-threatening situations. The conventional operation is still associated with morbidity. Endovascular stent graft repair offers an alternative to conventional operation for management of aortic diseases. Our aim was to report our experience with endovascular stent graft repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms. Patients and Methods Between November 2002 and October 2005, endovascular stent graft repair was performed in 26 patients: post-traumatic aortic aneurysm (n = 4), Type B dissection (n = 3) and descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (n = 19). The deployed stent graft systems were Talent-Medtronic (n = 14) and Excluder-Gore (n=12). Results Successful deployment of the stent grafts in the appropriate position was achieved in all patients. There was neither hospital mortality nor paraplegia. Late and non-procedure related death occurred in only one patient (3.8%). An average of 40% shrinkage of the aneurysmal space was observed. There was no early mortality and endoleaks. The median intensive care unit and hospital stay times were 1 and 7 days (range 4–13 days), respectively. Post-operative computed tomography scans were obtained in all patients and complete thrombosis was observed in the false lumen of dissecan aneurysms (n = 3) and sac of saccular aneurysms in 25 patients. Mean follow up time was 17.1 ± 5.4 months. Conclusions Endovascular stent graft treatment for treatment of thoracic aorta aneurysm, Type B dissection and traumatic disease of the thoracic aorta is technically feasible. Although the short and mid-term results are encouraging the long term results will determine the future of this treatment. This study was presented as an oral presentation in the 17th Annual Meeting of the Mediterranean Association of Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, in Portorož, Slovenia, September 22–24, 2005.