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Background The surgical management of concomitant occurrence of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and colorectal cancer (CRC) is still controversial. Conversely, benefits from a minimally invasive approach are well known concerning the treatment of both AAA and CRC. The aim of this study is to assess safety and feasibility of a sequential 2-staged minimally invasive during the same recovery by endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) technique and laparoscopic colorectal resection. Methods From January 2008 to December 2020, all patients with concomitant AAA and CRC were consecutively treated by EVAR and laparoscopic colorectal resection. Perioperative data were retrospectively collected in order to evaluate short- and long-term outcomes following the sequential 2-staged procedures. Results A total of 24 patients were included. The localization of the aneurysm was infrarenal abdominal aortic in 23 cases and in one case of common iliac artery. EVAR procedure has always been performed first. In 18 patients, a percutaneous access has been used while in 6 patients a surgical access has been adopted. Twelve patients had cancer in the left colon, 9 in the right colon, and 3 patients had rectal cancer. No conversions or intraoperative complications had occurred during laparoscopic surgery. The major complications rate after EVAR and CRC surgery was 8.3% and 12.5%, respectively. The mean interval between EVAR and CRC treatment was 7.8 ± 1 and the mean length of stay was 15.4 ± 3.6. No deaths occurred during hospitalization and between the procedures. Overall mortality was 20.8% with a mean follow-up of 39.41 ± 19.2 months. Conclusion Elective sequential 2-staged minimally invasive treatment is a safe and feasible approach with acceptable morbidity and mortality rates and it should be adopted in current clinical practice to manage concomitant AAA and CRC.

Background The endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a successful treatment for aorto-iliac aneurysms. The success of EVAR is enhanced by the use of devices that maintain the patency of targeted arteries namely the iliac branch device (IBD) With this study we aimed to evaluate the association between the use of Jotec E-ventus during EVAR with IBD and prognosis in patients with aorto-iliac aneurysms. Methods This is a retrospective, multicentric study enrolling patients referred to our Vascular Surgery Units from January 2015 to January 2020. All patients underwent EVAR with IBD using Jotec E-ventus as bridging stent. Primary endpoint was the development of types I and III endoleaks. Secondary endpoint was the onset of device occlusion with loss of vascular patency. Results We studied 32 patients (mean age 71.7±4.5y). Of these, 25 patients were treated with standard EVAR procedure whereas 7 were treated with isolated IBD due to extension of disease involving iliac bifurcation. Median follow-up lasted 15[IQR11-27] months. During follow-up, incidence rates for endoleaks and occlusion were 3.98(95%CI 0.48-14.41) and 1.99(95%CI 0.05-11.12) per 100 pts/year. Conclusions Jotec E-ventus during EVAR is associated with a low rate of severe complications in a small cohort of patients with aorto-iliac aneurysms.

Background: The aim of study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of 3 different commercial iliac branch devices (IBDs): the Zenith Branch Iliac Endovascular Graft; the Gore Excluder Iliac Branch System and the E-liac Stent Graft System for the treatment of aorto-iliac or iliac aneurysms. Methods: From January 2017 to February 2020, a retrospective reviewed was conducted on a total of 96 patients. Primary endpoint was IBD instability rate at 24 months. Secondary endpoints included onset of any endoleaks, buttock claudication, IBD-related reintervention and all-death rates, postoperative acute kidney, and changes in maximum diameter from baseline of the aortic aneurysmal sac. Results: At 24months, the branch instability rate was similar among the 3 IBDs employed [Jotec 1/24 (4.1%), Gore 1/12 (8.3%), Cook 6/47 (12.7%), P-value=0.502]. As well, no statistical difference in terms of branch occlusion and branch-related endoleaks was observed. The Jotec group showed a significant decrease in maximum diameter from the baseline of the aortic aneurysmal sac when compared to the Gore group alone. No other differences were found relevant to the onset of any endoleaks, reinterventions, and all-death rates. At 24 months, the Kaplan-Meier estimate of survival freedom from any branch instability was 95.8%, 91.6%, and 86.8% for Jotec, Gore and Cook groups, respectively. Conclusions: The use of IBDs represents a safe method for preserving patency of the IIA during treatment of aorto-iliac or iliac aneurysms providing a low rate of IBD instability.

Highlights • The venous aneurysm is one of the most common complications of autologous AVF. • The vein aneurysm should be treat by surgical resection and anastomotic ligature. • AVF shouldn’t be ligated from 1-year kidney transplantation except in some cases. • Surgical ligation to prevent complications could be considered an option., Introduction The autologous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is considered the best vascular access for haemodialysis in patients with chronic kidney disease but in time can lead to several complications. Presentation of a case Herein we describe a case of a large cephalic vein aneurysm causing heart failure in a renal transplant patient being treated with radio-cephalic AVF for haemodialysis. The patient was judged to be at very high risk for potential catastrophic rupture of the aneurysm and his cardiac function was deteriorating so a surgical resection was offered. Under general anesthesia, a longitudinal incision was performed on the volar side of the forearm and the anastomotic junction was ligated. The cephalic vein aneurysm was isolated and a total resection of the vein, up to the joint of the elbow, was carried out. A specimen was also submitted for histological and immunohistochemical analysis. Discussion At present no clear indications pertaining to the need to close an AVF after kidney transplantation exist. Some authors recommend a closing of the fistula in patients with stable renal function to prevent the onset of complications, while others advise never to close the asymptomatic fistula in order to preserve vascular access for haemodialysis in case of graft failure. Conclusion Based on our clinical experience, we suggest not ligating vascular access during the first year following transplantation with the exception of patients needing emergent closure. Otherwise, surgical closure to prevent the onset of complications could be considered a viable option in the following subset of patients: those who are 3 or more years from transplantation with good and stable renal function, those with a significant growth of venous aneurysms or have a high AVF flow rate or are young patients.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) should be considered as the preferred treatment modality for infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm for patients with suitable anatomy and reasonable life expectancy. Surgical cut-down of both femoral arteries during EVAR procedure is associated with an increased risk of local complications. Therefore, nowadays most EVAR procedures are performed with a totally percutaneous approach. METHODS: Based on the evaluation of the Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) variation, the purpose of this study was to evaluate possible hemodynamic alterations on arterial perfusion of the lower limbs in two different types of access for EVAR procedures: totally percutaneous (p-EVAR) and EVAR with surgical access (s-EVAR). RESULTS: Our study considered 38 patients (36 men, mean age of 70.6±8.3 years) subjected to EVAR procedure between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2020. The variation in pre- and postoperative ABI values (∆ ABI) and procedure-related complications rate were considered as primary outcomes. The p-EVAR group consisted of 27 patients (92.6% males, mean age of 72.3±8.6) while the s-EVAR group was composed by 11 patients (100% males, mean age of 69±8.1). The follow-up period was ranged from a minimum of 6 to a maximum of 12.3 months. In particular, the pre- and postoperative Δ ABI and the procedure-related complications rate, both considered as primary outcomes, did not show any significant difference between two groups, and in both groups, the technical success rate was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Pre- and postoperative Δ ABI and the procedure-related complications rate, did not show any significant difference between two groups. We can confirm that percutaneous access is safe, and its use should be encouraged when any contraindication on his employment does not exist.

Background Selective crossectomy and mechanochemical ablation (MOCA) of great saphenous vein (GSV) have been used, for years, individually in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency. In this paper, we focus on the advantages of a combination of the two techniques, in order to prevent complications and recurrence. Methods A preoperative clinical and instrumental screening phase was conducted for the purpose of dividing patients into three groups: “Saph+Cross” group (51/139 patients) underwent saphenectomy and crossectomy; “MOCA” group (44/139 patients) underwent MOCA of GSV with Flebogrif® device; “MOCA + Cross” group (44/139 patients) subjected to both MOCA and crossectomy procedures. Recurrence rate, defined as total recanalization of GSV and/or onset of neosaphena and/or new varicose veins, was used as a primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were procedural time and intra- and post-procedural complications. Results We conducted a 1-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up with Duplex scan. The recurrence rates were 3.9%, 21.8%, and 4.5% for “Saph+Cross,” “MOCA,” and “MOCA+Cross,” respectively, with a significant difference for the comparison between “MOCA” and “Saph+Cross” (MOCA vs Saph+Cross: OR 5.35, CI95% [0.98; 54.6], p-value .040). The sub-analysis of primary outcome highlighted a lower recanalization rate of GSV when combining the crossectomy with MOCA procedure (2.2% MOCA+Cross vs 15.9% MOCA; 0.12 OR, [0.002; 1.02] CI95%, p-value .029). Among the secondary outcomes, “MOCA” showed a shorter procedural time than the other groups (Saph+Cross: 51.3 ± 11.4; MOCA: 45.1 ± 7.5; MOCA+Cross: 50.4 ± 10; p-value .027). No significant differences were noted in terms of intra- and post-procedural complications. Conclusions The results showed that patients treated with saphenectomy and crossectomy have a lower recurrence rate compared to MOCA alone and MOCA + crossectomy procedures. The association of crossectomy with MOCA significantly reduces the recanalization rate of GSV, and it is also characterized by a higher free survival from recurrence (SSF) than with MOCA alone.

The Mediterranean Federation for the Advancing of Vascular Surgery (MeFAVS) was founded in 2018, with the aim to promote cooperation among vascular professionals within Mediterranean countries. Due to its prominent social and economic impact on national health systems, diabetic peripheral artery was selected as the very first topic to be investigated by the federation. In this second paper, different experiences from delegates of participating countries were shared to define common strategies to harmonize, standardize, and optimize education and training in the Vascular Surgery specialty.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a clinical condition characterized by high morbidity and mortality. Globally, CKD is also increasing in prevalence and incidence. The two principal kidney measures namely estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria have been found to be predictors of renal and cardiovascular (CV) endpoints including peripheral artery disease (PAD). The prevalence of PAD was increased in CKD patients and, particularly, in patients with more severe CKD stages. Despite the fact that revascularization strategies are suitable in CKD patients in similar fashion to non-CKD patients, few CKD patients underwent these procedures. In fact, if it is true that revascularization improves prognosis in PAD patients irrespective of baseline eGFR, it was also demonstrated that CKD patients, who underwent revascularization, were at higher risk for amputations, mortality, re-intervention and perioperative complications. With the present review article, we have examined the association between CKD, PAD and peripheral revascularization highlighting data about epidemiology, pathophysiologic mechanisms, and results from previous observational and intervention studies. We have also examined the future perspectives and challenges of research around the association between CKD and PAD.

Objectives The Amplatzer Vascular Plug (AVP) is a vascular occlusion device designed to provide optimal embolization in several fields of the endovascular surgery. A full literature review was conducted to analyze AVPs in comparison with coils for the prevention of endoleaks during endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Methods A systematic review was designed under PRISMA statement guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The results were updated with a subsequent electronic search using Medline and Scopus databases up to December 2019. Results Eighteen articles making this comparison were found. In 79.7% of the cases, the target vessel was the internal iliac artery; in 1.6%, the common iliac artery; and in 16.7%, the inferior mesenteric artery. Risk of complications (buttock claudication, groin hematoma, endoleaks, and erectile dysfunction) after AVP was low. A cost comparison revealed that the mean cost for coils was around US$2262, while the average cost for the AVP was US$310. Conclusions The AVP is an effective and safe device for occluding peripheral vessels, proved to have lower complications rates. Compared with coil embolization, the AVP technique is potentially associated with lower procedural costs.

BACKGROUND Venous aneurysms are long-term complications of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) for hemodialysis with an estimated incidence rate of around 5-6%. The purpose of our study is to investigate the role of immunosuppressive therapy in the development of AVF aneurysms in renal transplant patients, and to determine whether AVF closure following transplantation is necessary. METHODS Forty-six patients with symptomatic venous AVF aneurysms underwent ligation and resection of their fistulas between January 2013 and January 2020. Immunohistochemical expression of CD3, CD4, and CD8 was assessed on the surgical specimens to characterize lymphocytic infiltrate in the aneurysm wall. Patients were subdivided into "Group A"-kidney transplant patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy which was comprised of 39 patients and "Group B"-patients who had not undergone kidney transplant which was comprised of 7 patients. The 2 groups did not significantly differ in age, sex nor risk factors for aneurysms. RESULTS Group A showed a significantly higher aneurysm diameter (P < 0.0001), mean flow (P < 0.0001) and required a longer duration of surgery (P = 0.0007). A CD3+ lymphocytic infiltrate was significantly more common in Group A than in the Group B (90% vs 29%; P < 0.001). No significant differences in localization (adventitia, media or intima) and type (CD4+ vs CD8+) of lymphocytes were found between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION AVF venous aneurysms were significantly larger and with a more intense T-lymphocytic infiltrate in patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy. This finding suggests that immunosuppressive therapy plays a role in aneurysm formation, supporting the need for AVF closure in patients with an estimated low risk of rejection.

We herein report an uncommon case of a life-threatening retroperitoneal hematoma after a bone marrow biopsy. Two hours after iliac crest bone harvesting, the patient experienced syncope and severe hypotension. Urgent contrast-enhanced computed tomography demonstrated extravasation from the superior gluteal artery. Transcatheter coil embolization was performed successfully, without complications. Life-threatening complications caused by retroperitoneal bleeding after bone marrow biopsy are very rare. There are few reports on the use of endovascular treatment in the management of life-threatening hemorrhagic complications after bone marrow biopsy.

Objectives: Vascular occlusion of hemodialysis arteriovenous access (AVA) using an Amplatzer vascular plug (AVP; St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA) is an arising and alternative practice in selected patients; however, few reported cases can be found in the literature. Herein, we report on our experience with endovascular treatment of complicated AVA. Materials and Methods: From September 2015 to December 2016, 3 patients at our clinic underwent an occlusion of hemodialysis AVA with 2 different Amplatzer vascular plugs: 2 patients with type II and 1 patient with type IV. Of these, 1 patient was treated for an autologous radiocephalic fistula, the second patient was treated for an autologous brachiocephalic fistula located at the elbow, and the third was, instead, treated for a radiocephalic forearm fistula. The reason for closing the AVA in all patients was due to the presence of dialysis-associated steal syndrome with critical hand ischemia and intractable ipsilateral edema. Results: All AVAs were treated using an AVP. No plug migration, access revascularization, persistent ischemia, nor other complications were observed. Conclusion: This report suggests that the use of AVP for embolization of complicated AVA is a safe and reasonable alternative to open surgery in selected patients.

Ancient Schwannoma is a type of peripheral neurogenic tumor formed by the Schwann cells presenting mainly as a benign and asymptomatic lesion. The neurilemmoma tumor appears in different sites and, in cases of cervical location, can mimic a carotid body tumor. Herein we describe a clinical case of a 51-year-old woman with latero-cervical swelling. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan revealed a classical wineglass image mimicking a carotid body tumor. During surgery the tumor appeared connected to the cervical sympathetic trunk without carotid involvement. The histological exam confirmed the nature of the mass which consisted of an ancient schwannoma. A subsequent systematic review of the literature on ancient schwannoma incidence and treatment confirms it being a benign and rare lesion primarily treatable with open surgery. KEY WORDS: Ancient Schwannoma, Carotid body tumor, Carotid artery, Vascular surgery.L’ancient schwannoma è un tumore che origina dalle cellule di Schwann presenti nella guaina dei nervi periferici. Si presenta solitamente come lesione benigna ed asintomatica. Questo tipo di tumore può essere riscontrato in differenti sedi, e nei casi in cui si localizza a livello cervicale, tale lesione può apparire come un tumore del glomo carotideo. Descriviamo in questo articolo un caso clinico di una donna di 51 anni con una tumefazione latero-cervicale. La TC preoperatoria mostrava la classica immagine “wineglass”, a calice, tipica del tumore del glomo carotideo con divaricazione della biforcazione carotidea. Durante l’intervento chirurgico la lesione sembrava adesa alla catena cervicale del simpatico senza coinvolgimento dei vasi carotidei. L’esame istologico ha confermato che tale massa era uno schwannoma del tipo “ancient”. Infine abbiamo effettuato una revisione sistematica della letteratura sull’incidenza e il trattamento dell’ancient schwannoma, confermando quest’ultima come una lesione benigna e rara, trattabile preferibilmente con la chirurgia aperta.

The usual manifestation of brachial artery aneurysms is the incidental finding of a swelling of the arm, combined with paresthesia or pain in some cases. The etiology is often traumatic or secondary to drug abuse. Pathophysiology of brachial artery dilation in these cases is not completely clear. We herein describe a case of a 61-year-old male presenting with a giant, painful, pulsatile mass on his left arm. He was submitted to a cadaveric kidney transplant in 2005. He had a functioning arteriovenous fistula (AVF) on his right arm, and a spontaneously thrombosed radiocephalic AVF on his left arm. The aneurysm was surgically resected, sparing the median nerve that was totally entrapped and an inverted segment of the basilic vein interposed. At the follow-up, the patient did not present neurological or ischemic disturbs, and the vein graft maintained its patency.

Introduction: atherosclerosis is one of the leading causes of death and morbidity worldwide. It consists in thedevelopment of plaques in the intima media layers of arteries due to lipid accumulation and oxidation, causingmassive inflammation. We aim to better understand the role of Galectin-3 (Gal-3) and Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] aspossible peripheral markers of plaque presence. Methods: Gal-3 and Lp(a) were measured in plasma samples from 99 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomyand 78 healthy controls, by immunometric assays. Plaques were classified histologically, according to the AmericanHeart Association (AHA) guidelines as type Va (fibroatheroma), Vb (mainly calcific) and Vl (complicated lesion). Results: Gal-3 and Lp(a) plasma levels are higher in patients compared to controls [19.8 ng/mL (SD 5.8) vs 14.0ng/mL (3.6)], p

Background The aim of this study is to retrospectively analyze the early and long-term outcomes of endovascular treatment of Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus II class C and D (TASC II) aortoiliac occlusive disease with an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene–covered stent graft. Methods Between January 2006 and November 2017, 61 patients (53 males, 8 females), with symptomatic aortoiliac stenotic and/or occlusive disease, were treated with VIABAHN (W.L. Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz) at 2 University medical centers. The morphology of the lesions was evaluated and classified by contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography. Demographic data, operation details, and postoperative outcomes were collected. Follow-up data were analyzed by a life-table analysis (Kaplan-Meier test). Results Mean age of the patients was 64.89 ± 10.77 years (range 44–89). Thirty-seven patients (60.7%) presented with severe claudication (Rutherford 3), whereas 21 (34.4%) were in Rutherford class 4 and the remaining 3 patients (4.9%) suffered from necrotic lesions (Rutherford 5/6). Fifty-six patients were smokers (91.8%), 38 (62.3%) had hypertension, 23 (37.7%) had coronary artery disease, 30 (40.2%) had dyslipidemia, 18 (29.5%) had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 6 (9.5%) had renal insufficiency (serum creatinine>2.0 mg/dL) and 24 (39.3%) had diabetes. Technical success was achieved in 59/61 patients (96.7%) with 16 patients (26.2%) requiring combined percutaneous brachial access to obtain iliac recanalization. Perioperative mortality was 1.6%, whereas postoperative major complications occurred in 2 patients (3.6%). The mean number of VIABAHN placed was 1.77/patient. Mean follow-up was 31.5 months (range 1–108) and primary patency at 36 months was 94.9%. Two major amputations of the lower limbs occurred during the follow-up. Conclusions Open surgery with the aortobifemoral bypass has been the gold standard treatment for complex aortoiliac occlusive disease although complications and mortality still remain significant issues. Our results suggest that endovascular therapy of TASC C and D iliac lesions using the VIABAHN stent graft is feasible, effective, and has good, long-term patency.

We describe a case of a 44 year-old man with a subcutaneous swelling in the left popliteal fossa. The patient complained pain posteriorly to the left knee since several months and presented with a saccular aneurysm of the left popliteal vein (PVA) with reflux clearly evidenced at duplex ultrasound scan (DUS), but in absence of thrombus inside and without clinical signs of embolism. The patient was treated surgically by aneurysmectomy with lateral venorrhaphy according to Aldridge technique and a duplex ultrasound scan after six months revealed a complete patency of the left popliteal vein. According to literature evidences and our center experience, the surgical treatment of the popliteal vein aneurysm represents the gold standard in order to prevent the possible complications like development of thrombus inside the aneurysmatic vein and the consequent embolic risk and it is recommended in all case of a symptomatic saccular type of whatever diameter, and in fusiform type20 mm, with or without thrombus.Complications, Popliteal vein aneurysm, Vascular Surgery.Descriviamo un caso di un uomo di quarantaquattro anni con un gonfiore sottocutaneo nella fossa poplitea sinistra. Il paziente lamentava dolore posteriormente al ginocchio sinistro da diversi mesi. Al momento del ricovero presentava un aneurisma sacciforme della vena poplitea sinistra (PVA) con reflusso chiaramente evidenziato all’esame ecocolorDoppler, ma in assenza di trombi all’interno e senza segni clinici di embolia polmonare. Il paziente è stato trattato chirurgicamente mediante aneurismectomia con raffia laterale secondo la tecnica descritta da Aldridge; dopo sei mesi il paziente non riferiva recidiva dei disturbi ed un esame ecocolorDoppler mostrava completa pervietà della vena poplitea sinistra. Dalle evidenze della letteratura e secondo la nostra esperienza, il trattamento chirurgico dell’aneurisma della vena poplitea rappresenta ancora oggi il gold standard al fine di prevenire le possibili complicanze come lo sviluppo di trombi all’interno della vena aneurismatica e il conseguente rischio trombo-embolico ed è raccomandato in tutti i casi di tipo sacciforme sintomatico di qualsiasi diametro, e in caso di tipo fusiforme20 mm, con o senza trombo.

Background Ruptured mycotic aneurysms are an extremely rare complication of intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) immunotherapy. Several cases involving various arterial sites, mostly in the thoracic or abdominal aorta, have been described in the literature. BCG immunotherapy rarely causes false aneurysms and open surgical repair using an in situ prosthetic graft is most commonly performed. Further to this, targeted antituberculous treatment is required for at least one year following surgery. Methods A 69-year-old man presented at our clinic with fever, lower back pain and malaise. One year before admission he was treated, again, with intravesical BCG for recurrence of a carcinoma. Results A large infected pseudoaneurysm of 115mm was treated with the implantation of an aortouniiliac endoprosthesis followed by a crossover femoro-femoral bypass and surgical resection of the mass via an retroperitoneal approach. Conclusions Endovascular repair can be considered a valid option in an emergency. A hybrid approach was chosen due to the need for urgent action and the poor condition of the patient who was haemodynamically unstable. In particular, the implantation of an aortouniiliac endoprosthesis at the level of the contralateral iliac axis allowed us to avoid the release of an endoprosthesis at the infected area level. Close patient follow-up with clinical evaluation every three months and a CT-scan yearlyis mandatory following the intervention and during antibiotic therapy. A systematic review of the literature has been subsequently carried out on this specific clinical case, highlighting 47 cases described from 1988. Case report A large infected pseudoaneurysm of 115 mm presented at our clinic was treated with the implantation of an aortouniiliac endoprosthesis followed by a crossover femoro-femoral bypass and surgical resection of the mass via a retroperitoneal approach. Conclusions Endovascular repair can be considered a valid option in an emergency. A hybrid approach was chosen due to the need for urgent action and the poor condition of the patient who was hemodynamically unstable. In particular, the implantation of an aortouniiliac endoprosthesis at the level of the contralateral iliac axis allowed us to avoid the release of an endoprosthesis at the infected area level. Close patient follow-up with clinical evaluation every 3 months and a computed tomography scan yearly is mandatory following the intervention and during antibiotic therapy. A systematic review of the literature has been subsequently carried out on this specific clinical case, highlighting 47 cases described from 1988.

The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), either primary or secondary form, is considered an autoimmune disease with the presence of at least 1 clinical and 1 laboratory abnormalities as defined by the Sydney criteria. Clinical criteria include vascular thrombosis of venous, artery, small vessel in any organ, and recurrent pregnancy pathologies. Mesenteric ischemia is a rare and threatening manifestation of APS. We herein report a case of a 34-year-old pregnant woman referred to our Emergency Room with thoracic and abdominal acute pain. Her past medical history was remarkable for positivity to antiphospholipid antibodies, deep vein thrombosis of the right lower limb, chronic occlusion of celiac trunk, and superior mesenteric artery and recurrent abortions. Imaging revealed acute occlusion of inferior mesenteric artery (IMA). Both a surgical and endovascular thrombectomy were ineffective to obtain durable IMA patency and so the patient underwent antegrade aorta-inferior mesenteric bypass with saphenous vein and resection of an ischemic ileal loop. The medical treatment at discharge was lifelong oral anticoagulant associated with double antiplatelet therapy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reporting a young pregnant woman with APS and mesenteric ischemia submitted to several attempts of revascularization. Aggressive oral anticoagulant and antiplatelet long-term therapy is advised. Moreover, we recommend strict follow-up in those patients in order to early diagnose thrombotic recurrence.

Isolated abdominal aortic dissection is a rare clinical disease representing only 1.3% of all dissections. There are a few case series reported in the literature. The causes of this pathology can be spontaneous, iatrogenic, or traumatic. Most patients are asymptomatic and symptoms are usually abdominal or back pain, while claudication and lower limb ischemia are rare. Surgical and endovascular treatment are two valid options with acceptable results. We herein describe nine cases of symptomatic spontaneous isolated abdominal aortic dissection, out of which four successfully were treated with an endovascular approach between July 2003 and July 2013. All patients were men, smokers, symptomatic (either abdominal or back pain or lower limb ischemia), with a history of high blood pressure, with a medical history negative for concomitant aneurysmatic dilatation or previous endovascular intervention. Diagnosis of isolated abdominal aortic dissection were established by contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the thoracic and abdominal aorta. All nine patients initially underwent medical treatment. In four symptomatic cases, non-responsive to medical therapy, bare-metal stents or stent grafts were successfully positioned. All patients completed a CTA follow-up of at least 12 months, during which they remained symptom-free. Endovascular management of this condition is associated with a high rate of technical success and a low mortality; therefore, it can be considered the treatment of choice when it is feasible.

Compartment syndrome (CS) is a pathological increase of the interstitial pressure within the closed osseous fascial compartments. Trauma is the most common cause, followed by embolization, burns, and iatrogenic injuries; it usually involves the limbs. The major issue when dealing with CS is the possibility to do an early diagnosis in order to intervene precociously, through a fasciotomy, reducing the risk of tissue, vascular and nervous damage. Although it is an infrequent condition, it is potentially life threatening. In our case report, we present a 59-year-old patient, smoker, affected by hypertension, dyslipidemia, chronic renal failure, and morbid obesity who came at our attention for a 6-cm abdominal aorta aneurysm, treated with an aorto-aortic graft. Within 24 hours from surgery, the patient presented acute ischemia of the right lower limb due to thrombosis of the common iliac artery and underwent the positioning of a kissing stent at the aortic bifurcation. In the immediate postoperative period, a relevant increase in serum creatinine, creatine phosphokinase, and myoglobin value was recorded, associated with clinical presentation of swelling in the right buttock with intense pain. The diagnosis of gluteal CS was confirmed by the measurement of the gluteal compartment pressure, which resulted of 110 mm Hg. The treatment of the CS consisted in gluteal dermofasciotomy, surgical debridement of the buttock, and positioning of negative pressure medication, associated with infusive therapy, avoiding hemodialysis. Because of the epidural anesthesia only later on it was possible to observe a persistent plegia of the right lower limb, which was solved within 1 month of neurological and physical therapy. With our experience, we can state that the CS is an extremely severe complication that can occur in vascular surgeries and it should therefore be kept in mind in the short-term postoperative period in order to guarantee a precocious diagnosis and immediate treatment.

Pemetrexed and Carboplatin are two well-known chemioterapic agents used for the treatment of many tumors, especially for lung cancer and mesothelioma. Peripheral ischemic events related to Pemetrexed and Carboplatin are rarely reported. We herein report a case of lower limb acute ischemia related to combined treatment of Pemetrexed and Carboplatin. A 68-year-old woman was given the chemiotherapic treatment with combination of Pemetrexed and Carboplatin after pleural resection for a malignant pleural mesothelioma. Immediately after the second cycle of treatment, the patient experienced sudden acute left lower limb ischemia. Symptoms resolved after an intra-operative thrombolytic and spasmolytic therapy.Il Pemetrexed ed il carboplatino sono farmaci chemioterapici di uso corrente nel trattamento di molti tumori, in particolar modo del cancro del polmone e del mesothelioma pleurico. In letteratura sono raramente riportate complicanze ischemiche periferiche relative all’uso del pemetrexed e del carboplatino. Scopo di questo lavoro è descrivere un caso di ischemia acuta d’arto dopo trattamento con pemetrexed e carboplatino. Una donna di 68 anni fu sottoposta a ciclo chemioterapico con pemetrexed e carboplatino dopo decorticazione pleurica per un mesotelioma pleurico maligno. Alla conclusione del secondo ciclo di trattamento, la paziente sviluppò improvvisa ischemia acuta all’arto inferiore sinistro. Trasportata d’urgenza presso il nostro Istituto, fu sottoposta ad esame arteriografico e successivo trattamento trombolitico e spasmolitico trans-catetere che portarono alla completa risoluzione del quadro clinico.

We evaluated the prevalence and severity of occult coronary artery disease (CAD) and cerebrovascular disease (CeVD) in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). We studied 100 consecutive patients with no history of CAD, normal electrocardiogram, normal systolic function, and no angina or dyspnea. All patients underwent carotid Doppler study and invasive coronary angiography. Significant CAD was observed in 61% of patients. In all, 51% of patients with significant CAD showed either left main (n = 7), 3-vessel (n = 17), or proximal left anterior descending (n = 7) CAD, corresponding to 31% of the total cohort. Cerebrovascular disease was detected in 53% of patients, and in 38% of them was significant (peak systolic flow velocity ≥125

Background Ranolazine (R), as add-on therapy in symptomatic patients with chronic stable coronary artery disease (CAD), has been tested in randomized clinical studies. Aim of the study was to assess in a meta-analysis the effects of R on angina, nitroglycerin consumption, functional capacity, electrocardiographic signs of ischemia and hemodynamic parameters in patients with chronic CAD. Methods Randomized trials assessing the effects of R compared to control on exercise duration, time to onset of angina, time to 1mm ST-segment depression, weekly nitroglycerin consumption and weekly angina frequency were included in the analysis. The effects of R compared to control on heart rate and blood pressure were also analyzed. Results Six trials enrolling 9223 patients were included in the analysis. At trough and peak levels, R compared to control significantly improved exercise duration, time to onset of angina and time to 1mm ST-segment depression. Additionally, R compared to control significantly reduced weekly angina frequency and weekly nitroglycerin consumption. Finally, R compared to control did not significantly reduce supine systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as heart rate, standing heart rate and diastolic blood pressure, whereas it modestly reduced standing systolic blood pressure. At sensitivity analysis, results were not influenced by concomitant background therapy. Conclusions In symptomatic patients with chronic CAD, R, added to conventional therapy, effectively reduces angina frequency and sublingual nitroglycerin consumption while prolonging exercise duration as well as time to onset of ischemia and to onset of angina with no substantial effects on blood pressure and heart rate.

Objective— Many gene products involved in oxidation and inflammation are implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. We investigated paraoxonase 2 (PON2), 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), and 5-LO activating protein (FLAP) expression and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in carotid lesions to assess their involvement in plaque formation. Methods and Results— We measured gene expression and MDA levels in atherosclerotic plaques from 59 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy, and in plaque-adjacent tissue from 41/59 patients. Twenty-three fetal carotids and 6 mammary arteries were also investigated. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry revealed decreased PON2 expression in plaques versus adjacent regions ( P P P P P P P Conclusions— We demonstrate that PON2 mRNA and protein are decreased in plaques versus plaque-adjacent tissue, mammary arteries, and fetal carotids. Our data indicate that the protective effect of PON2 could fail during atherosclerosis exacerbation; this was confirmed by the increase of MDA levels. The increase of 5-LO and FLAP mRNA expression confirms their role as inflammatory markers associated to atherosclerosis.

We describe the case of a 72-year-old man with massive hemorrhage and shock resulting from rupture of the left common femoral artery as a complication of radiotherapy in the groin for cancer of the scrotum. This complication is extremely rare, presents dramatically, and is usually fatal. The patient was successfully treated with a stent graft deployment in order to achieve immediate hemostasis maintaining blood flow to the leg. Open surgery is not ideal in those cases especially when there is extensive tumor involvement of the groin causing altered anatomy and increasing the risk of re-bleeding.