Ayman Saeyeldin

Height alone, rather than body surface area, suffices for risk estimation in ascending aortic aneurysm

Background: In international guidelines, risk estimation for thoracic ascending aortic aneurysm (TAAA) is based on aortic diameter. We previously introduced the aortic size index (ASI), defined as aortic size/body surface area (BSA), as a predictor of aortic dissection, rupture, and death. However, weight might not contribute substantially to aortic size and growth. We seek to evaluate the height‐based aortic height index (AHI) versus ASI for risk estimation and revisit our natural history calculations. Methods: Aortic diameters and long‐term complications of 780 patients with TAAA were analyzed. Growth rate estimates, yearly complication rates, and survival were assessed. Risk stratification was performed using regression models. The predictive value of AHI and ASI was compared. Results: Patients were stratified into 4 categories of yearly risk of complications based on their ASI and AHI. ASIs (cm/m2) of ≤2.05, 2.08 to 2.95, 3.00 to 3.95 and ≥4, and AHIs (cm/m) of ≤2.43, 2.44 to 3.17, 3.21 to 4.06, and ≥4.1 were associated with a 4%, 7%, 12%, and 18% average yearly risk of complications, respectively. Five‐year complication‐free survival was progressively worse with increasing ASI and AHI. Both ASI and AHI were shown to be significant predictors of complications (P < .05). AHI categories 3.05 to 3.69, 3.70 to 4.34, and ≥4.35 cm/m were associated with a significantly increased risk of complications (P < .05). The overall fit of the model using AHI was modestly superior according to the concordance statistic. Conclusions: Compared with indices including weight, the simpler height‐based ratio (excluding weight and BSA calculations) yields satisfactory results for evaluating the risk of natural complications in patients with TAAA.

A systematic review on management of nutcracker syndrome

OBJECTIVEnAlthough nutcracker syndrome (NS) is rare, patients presenting with symptoms or signs and anatomic compression of the left renal vein (LRV) can be considered for intervention. Open, laparoscopic, and endovascular techniques have been developed to decrease the venous outflow obstruction of the LRV. The paucity of data regarding the management of this uncommon disease process poses a challenge for adequate recommendations of the best treatment modality. Herein, we aim to present a systematic review for the management of NS.nnnMETHODSnWe used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement standards to systematically search the electronic databases of MEDLINE from October 1982 to July 2017 for articles about the management of NS. Included were studies in English, Spanish, and German in all age groups.nnnRESULTSnThe literature search provided 249 references. After abstract and full review screening for inclusion, 17 references were analyzed. Eight (47%) described the open surgical approach. The LRV transposition was the most commonly reported technique, followed by renal autotransplantation. Seven (41.11%) described the endovascular technique of stent implantation, and two (11.7%) described the minimally invasive laparoscopic extravascular stent implantation.nnnCONCLUSIONSnNS is a rare entity. Multiple techniques have been developed for the treatment of this condition. However, the rarity of this syndrome, the paucity of data, and the short-term follow-up of the existing evidence are the disadvantages that prevent recommendations for the best treatment strategy. Up to now, open surgical intervention, specifically LRV transposition, has been considered by some experts the mainstay for treatment of NS. The endovascular approach is gaining strength as more evidence has become available. However, the long-term patency and durability of this approach remain to be elucidated. Therefore, careful selection of patients is necessary in recommending this technique.

Antithrombotic Therapy after Bioprosthetic Aortic Valve Replacement: A Therapeutic Morass

Valvular heart disease is a common pathologic condition that affects 6 million people in the United States and more than 100 million worldwide. The most common valvular disorder is aortic stenosis. Current American and European guidelines recommend surgical management for symptomatic aortic stenosis with low risk of perioperative complications and endovascular intervention for high-risk patients with multiple comorbidities. Considering the increasing volume of aortic valve replacement (AVR) with biological valves, it is very important to select the appropriate anticoagulant after surgical AVR. In this article, we review the impact of anticoagulation on immediate and remote complications after AVR.

Intraoperative descending aortic dissection during aortic root replacement: successful management

Intraoperative aortic dissection is a very rare complication during surgical cardiac intervention with occurrence frequencies of 0.06–0.23% (1-3). However, when it does occur it is uniformly a life-threatening complication with high rates of morbidity and mortality (3-5). Despite the potentially catastrophic outcomes of intraoperative aortic dissection, no clear guidelines exist regarding optimal management.

Thoracic aortic aneurysm: unlocking the “silent killer” secrets

Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is an increasingly recognized condition that is often diagnosed incidentally. This review discusses ten of the most relevant epidemiological and clinical secrets of this disease; (1) the difference in pathogenesis between ascending and descending TAAs. TAAs at these two sites act as different diseases, which is related to the different embryologic origins of the ascending and descending aorta. (2) The familial pattern and genetics of thoracic aneurysms. Syndromic TAAs only explain 5% of the pattern of inheritance. (3) The effect of female sex on TAA growth and outcome. Females have been found to have worse outcomes compared to males. (4) Guilt by Association. TAAs are associated with abdominal aortic aneurysms, intracranial aneurysms, bicuspid aortic valve, and inflammatory disorders. (5) Natural history of TAAs. Important findings have been made regarding the expansion rate (in relation to familial pattern, location and size), and also regarding the risk of rupture or dissection. (6) The aortic size paradox. Size only is not a sufficient predictor of risk of dissection. (7) Biomarker void. Although many serum biomarkers have been studied, imaging remains the only reliable method for diagnosis and follow-up. (8) Indications for repair. Decisions are made depending on symptoms, location, size, and familial patterns. (9) Types of repair. Both open and endovascular repair options are available for certain TAAs. (10) Medical treatment. The efficacy of prescribing beta blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers remains dubious.

The Effect of Blood Transfusion on Outcomes in Aortic Surgery

Abstract The use of blood transfusion in cardiac surgery varies widely. The beneficial effects of blood products are offset by an increase in morbidity and mortality. Despite multiple studies showing an association between blood product exposure and adverse short‐ and long‐term events, it is difficult to determine causality. Nevertheless, the implication is sufficient to warrant the search for alternative strategies to reduce the use of blood products while providing a standard of care that optimizes postoperative outcomes. Aortic surgery, in particular, is associated with an increased risk of bleeding requiring a blood transfusion. There is a paucity of evidence within aortic surgery regarding the deleterious effects of blood products. Here, we review the current evidence regarding patient outcomes after blood transfusion in cardiac surgery, with special emphasis on aortic surgery.

Precipitous Resolution of Type-A Intramural Hematoma with Medical Management in a Patient with Metastatic Stage 4 Renal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract Intramural hematoma (IMH) is a variant form of aortic dissection characterized by involvement of the aortic media without the presence of an overt intimal flap. Surgical extirpation is the standard of care for type‐A IMH in the Western world. However, a conservative approach with anti‐impulse therapy has been advocated especially in Japan as a viable alternative. Here, we report a case of an elderly male patient with a history of metastatic stage 4 renal cell carcinoma who was treated with anti‐impulse therapy for an acute type‐A IMH. Blood pressure stabilization and continuous monitoring resulted in complete resolution of the IMH within 6 days. This report illustrates how immediate medical management in patients with acute type‐A IMH who are not surgical candidates can alleviate the progression or even lead to regression as early as 1 week after initiating anti‐impulse therapy.