Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Graft Research Articles

Early Clinical Results From the Japanese Prospective Multicenter Study to Evaluate Zenith Alpha Abdominal Stent Graft for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (JUSTICE) Registry Demonstrate Acceptable Limb Patency at 12 Months.

Recent reports of the Zenith Alpha abdominal endovascular graft (Zenith Alpha AAA, Cook, Inc., Bloomington, Indiana) have demonstrated an unexpectedly high incidence of limb graft occlusion (LGO). The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the performance of the Zenith AAA in Japan, with a specific focus on LGO. All endovascular aneurysm repairs (EVARs) for abdominal aortic aneurysms performed using the Zenith Alpha AAA from July 2020 to October 2021 in 23 Japanese hospitals were prospectively evaluated. All computed tomographic images were analyzed in the core laboratory. Late complications were defined as any aneurysm-related events occurring >30 days after EVAR, including aneurysm sac enlargement of >5 mm and any reinterventions performed. Endoleaks without sac enlargement or reintervention were excluded as late complications. During the study period, 147 EVARs were performed using the Zenith Alpha AAA. The mean patient age was 76.5±7.7 years, 84.4% of patients were male, and the mean aneurysm diameter was 52.4±9.2 mm. Instruction-for-use violations were observed in 76 patients (51.7%), primarily associated with a severely angulated proximal neck (>60°). There were six intraoperative complications and 62 additional intraoperative treatments reported, most of which involved preemptive coil embolization of the inferior mesenteric artery (37 cases). Technical success, defined as the absence of type 1 or 3 endoleaks on final angiography, was achieved in 99.3% of patients. At 12 months, there was only one case of type 1/3 endoleak (0.8%) and one aneurysm sac enlargement exceeding 5 mm (0.8%); however, a high incidence of type 2 endoleaks was observed in 35.2% of patients, and aneurysm sac regression exceeding 5 mm was achieved in 30.1% of patients. Nine late complications were observed, and the rate of freedom from late complications at 12 months was 93.5%, encompassing four LGOs and one limb graft stenosis (3.4%). In contrast to recent reports, our Japanese multicenter prospective study demonstrated satisfactory early clinical results, including an acceptable LGO rate, for the low-profile Zenith Alpha AAA. Long-term follow-ups will be performed to confirm the persistence of these outcomes. This study prospectively evaluated the performance of 147 Zenith Alpha AAAs used for endovascular aneurysm repair with core-lab adjudication focusing especially on limb graft occlusion (LGO). At 12 months, aneurysm sac regression exceeding 5 mm was achieved in 30.1% of patients, and there was only one type 1/3 endoleak, one aneurysm sac enlargement (>5 mm), and nine late complications including five LGOs (3.4%), resulting in rate of freedom from late complications at 93.5%. Satisfactory early clinical results, including an acceptable rate of LGO can be achieved, particularly with cautious usage of the Zenith Alpha Spiral-Z Endovascular Leg." 5mm), and nine late complications including five LGOs (3.4%), resulting in rate of freedom from late complications at 93.5%. Satisfactory early clinical results, including an acceptable rate of LGO can be achieved, particularly with cautious usage of the Zenith Alpha Spiral-Z Endovascular Leg.

Clinical Outcomes of Surgical Repair with a Composite Graft for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Accompanied by Iliac Artery Aneurysm.

BackgroundIliac artery aneurysm is frequently found in patients undergoing surgical repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The use of commercial bifurcated grafts is insufficient for aorto-biiliac replacement with complete iliac artery aneurysm resection. We evaluated the effectiveness of handmade composite grafts for this purpose.MethodsA total of 233 patients underwent open surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm between 2003 and 2019, including 155 patients (67%) treated with commercial grafts and 78 patients (33%) treated with handmade composite grafts. Their operative characteristics, postoperative outcomes, and late outcomes were retrospectively reviewed.ResultsThe early mortality rate did not differ significantly between the groups. On average, the handmade composite graft technique took approximately 15 minutes longer than the commercial graft technique (p=0.037). Among patients who underwent elective surgery, no significant differences between the conventional and composite groups were observed in the major outcomes, including red blood cell transfusion volume (2.8±4.7 units vs. 3.1±4.7 units, respectively; p=0.680), reoperation for bleeding (2.7% vs. 3.1%, respectively; p>0.999), bowel ischemia (0% vs. 1.6%, respectively; p=0.364), and intensive care unit stay duration (1.9±6.6 days vs. 1.6±2.4 days, respectively; p=0.680). The incidence of target vessel occlusion also did not differ significantly between groups.ConclusionThe increased technical demand involved with handmade composite grafting did not negatively impact the outcomes. This technique may be a viable option because it overcomes problems associated with commercial grafts.

Type II Endoleak After Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair Using the Endurant Stent Graft System for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm with Occluded Inferior Mesenteric Artery.

To evaluate the incidence of type II endoleak (EL-II) and aneurysm enlargement after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) using the Endurant stent graft in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with occluded inferior mesenteric artery (IMA). Between 2012 and 2017, 103 patients who underwent EVAR using the Endurant stent graft for AAA with occluded IMA (50 patients with prophylactic embolized IMA and 53 with spontaneous occluded IMA) were retrospectively reviewed. The incidence of EL-II and aneurysm enlargement was evaluated. Predictive factors for persistent EL-II were evaluated based on patient characteristics, preprocedural anatomical characteristics, intraprocedural details, and postprocedural complications. Incidence rates of early EL-II and persistent EL-II were 6.8% (7/103 patients) and 4.9% (5/103 patients), respectively. Aneurysm enlargement was found in 10 patients (9.7%), including all 5 patients with persistent EL-II, 3 with de novo EL-II, and 2 with no EL-II. The rates of freedom from aneurysm enlargement at 1, 2, and 3years were 98.7%, 97.0%, and 93.1% for the group without persistent EL-II, and 80.0%, 60.0%, and 20.0% for the group with persistent EL-II (p < 0.001), respectively. The maximum aneurysm diameter (odds ratio (OR), 1.16; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01-1.34; p = 0.0362) and the number of patent lumbar arteries (OR, 2.72; 95% CI, 1.07-6.90; p = 0.0357) were predictive of persistent EL-II. The incidence of EL-II after EVAR using the Endurant stent graft for AAA with occluded IMA was low, but most early EL-II persisted and resulted in aneurysm enlargement. Level of Evidence Level 4, Case Series.

Pull-down maneuver of stent graft for abdominal aortic aneurysm with accessory renal arteries

Pull-down maneuver of stent graft for abdominal aortic aneurysm with accessory renal arteries

Determining the Diagnostic Value of 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission/Computed Tomography in Detecting Prosthetic Aortic Graft Infection

To determine the diagnostic value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) in detecting prosthetic aortic graft infection (AGI). Twenty-one patients with prosthetic grafts for abdominal aortic aneurysms underwent FDG PET/CT scans for suspected graft infection over a 15-month period. Images were evaluated for tracer pattern and grade of FDG uptake in addition to measuring the maximal standardized uptake value (SUVmax). Two independent nuclear medicine physicians retrospectively evaluated all imaging. The images from a control group of patients with aortic grafts who underwent FDG PET/CT scans for onco-hematological indications were evaluated to establish radiological characteristics of asymptomatic grafts. Secondary parameters that are associated with graft infection such as components of the peripheral blood count were collected. Graft infection status was determined using microbiological outcomes following graft explantation or radiological drainage of perigraft collections and correlated with results of the FDG PET/CT scans to determine infective status. In the control group, the pattern of FDG uptake was homogenous and diffuse. The mean SUVmax was 3.5 (±1.3). Thirteen out of 21 grafts were confirmed as infected. Tracer uptake in infected grafts displayed an intense and focal pattern, with a median grade of uptake of 4 vs. 2 on a validated 4 point grading scale. The area under the receiver operating curve for FDG PET/CT in detecting infection was 0.85 (±0.15) P=0.01. Sensitivity was 92%, specificity 63%, and positive and negative predictive values of 80% and 83%, respectively. The SUVmax was significantly higher in infected than noninfected grafts, (10.3±4.2 vs. 5.4±3.4) P=0.02. According to the receiver operating characteristic analysis, SUVmax greater than 6.3 represented the optimal cutoff between infective and noninfective outcome. Of the secondary parameters collected, grade of uptake and SUVmax were the only significant predictors of infection (odds ratio 2.5, 1.5 respectively) P=0.05. White cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein demonstrated nonsignificant odds ratios of 1.4, 0.9, and 1.0, respectively. FDG PET/CT is a valuable diagnostic test for identifying AGI. Infected grafts display significantly greater FDG uptake in a distinctive intense focal perigraft pattern and distribution. SUVmax greater than 6.3 is a good cutoff to determine infective status.

One-stage replacement of the aorta from arch to thoracoabdominal region

ObjectivesWe present our experience with one-stage replacement of thoracic aneurysm from the ascending aorta to the thoracoabdominal aorta. Patients and MethodsFourteen patients (10 male and 4 female; mean age 53.6 ± 12.4 years) with extended thoracic aortic aneurysms underwent graft replacement. The pathology of the diseased aorta was chronic aortic dissection in 13 patients and intraoperative retrograde aortic dissection in 1 patient. Five patients had Marfan syndrome. In a previous operation, 1 patient had undergone the Bentall procedure, 4 had hemiarch replacement for acute type A dissection, and 1 had a Y-graft for abdominal aortic aneurysm. The approach to the aneurysm was posterolateral thoracotomy with rib-cross incision extended to the retroperitoneal abdominal aorta. Arterial inflow for cardiopulmonary bypass consisted of the femoral artery in 13 patients and abdominal aortic aneurysm graft in 2. Venous drainage site was the femoral vein in 7, femoral vein and pulmonary artery in 3, and pulmonary artery in 1. All patients had antegrade cerebral perfusion and visceral perfusion. ResultsHospital mortality occurred in 1 patient due to acute myocardial infarction. Actuarial survival at 5 years after the operations was 96.5 ± 9.8%. Freedom from the subsequent aortic events was 91.0 ± 2.9% at 5 years. ConclusionsOur treatment method for extensive thoracic aneurysm, from the ascending aorta to the thoracoabdominal aorta, achieved satisfactory results via the use of specific strategies and appropriate organ protection according to the aneurysm extension in the selected patients.

Outcomes of Endovascular Repair for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: A Nationwide Survey in Japan.

Objective:To analyze data on patients treated with a bifurcated stent graft for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).Background:The Japan Committee for Stentgraft Management (JACSM) was established in 2007 to manage the safety of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) in Japan. The JACSM registry includes detailed anatomical and clinical data of all patients who undergo stent graft insertion in Japan.Methods:Among 51,380 patients treated with bifurcated stent graft for AAA, we identified 38,008 eligible patients (excluding those with rupture or insufficient data). The analyzed factors included age, sex, comorbidities, AAA pathology and etiology, aneurysm and neck diameters, 7 anti-instructions for use (IFU) factors, and endoleaks at hospital discharge. The endpoints were death, adverse events, sac dilatation (≥5 mm), and reintervention.Results:The rates of intraoperative and in-hospital mortality were 0.08% and 1.07%, respectively. Infectious aneurysm and pseudo-aneurysm were associated with overall survival and reintervention. Older age, large aneurysm diameter, and all types of persistent endoleaks were strong predictors of adverse events, sac dilatation, and reintervention. Comorbid cerebrovascular disease, renal dysfunction, and respiratory disorders were also risk factors. In total, 47.6% of patients violated the IFU; among the anti-IFU factors assessed, poor access and severe neck calcification were strong risk factors for mortality, reintervention, and adverse events. The sac dilatation rate at 5 years was 23.3%.Conclusions:Although the analysis included EVAR with poor anatomy, the perioperative mortality rate was acceptable compared with that in previous large population studies.

Comparison of Multifurcated and Composite Vascular Grafts for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms with Iliac Arterial Lesions

Introduction: Reconstructing the internal iliac artery (IIA) may help to prevent pelvic ischemia during open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) with iliac arterial lesions. Composite grafts combined with Y-shaped and straight vascular grafts have previously been used to reconstruct the IIA. However, multifurcated vascular grafts have recently been used to treat AAAs with iliac arterial lesions. We, therefore, assessed the viability of multifurcated vascular grafts for AAAs with iliac arterial lesions. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 87 patients who underwent elective open repair with reconstruction of IIAs under infrarenal clamp for AAAs with iliac arterial lesions between April 2002 and August 2015. Forty-three patients received multifurcated vascular grafts including 23 patients who underwent reconstructed unilateral IIA, and 44 patients received composite grafts including forty patients with reconstructed unilateral IIA. We compared the multifurcated and composite graft groups among all patients and also compared among patients who underwent unilateral IIA reconstruction. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups among all patients in terms of intra- and post-operative data. There were no cases of hospital death or buttock claudication. In propensity score matching analysis among patients with unilateral IIA reconstruction, 22 patients were extracted each group. There were no significant differences in any preoperative or perioperative parameters between the groups. Conclusions: We could not show the availability of open repair using multifurcated vascular grafts for AAA with iliac arterial lesions with comparable results compared to composite grafts.

Fenestrated and Branched Stent Grafting in Complex Aneurysmatic Aortic Disease: A Single-Center Early Experience

The aim of this study is to present our early experience and highlight the technical difficulties associated with the use of fenestrated and branched stent grafts to treat patients with juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), pararenal AAA, and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs). A prospectively held database maintained at our department was queried for patients who have undergone branched and fenestrated stent grafting for AAA or TAAA treatment. Indication for repair, comorbidity precluding open repair, technical challenges associated with the repair, as well as operative mortality, morbidity, and reintervention rate were evaluated. A total of 8 patients underwent repair with a fenestrated or branched stent graft. All patients had aneurysmal degeneration of the juxtarenal aorta, pararenal aorta, and thoracoabdominal aorta not suitable to standard endovascular techniques. Two patients had a prior aortic repair, a failed migrated stent graft, and an old surgical tube graft after an open repair. One patient had a type III TAAA and 1 patient had a postdissection TAAA type I. For all patients, target vessel success rate was 96.4% (27/28) and mean hospital stay was 6.0days (range 3-21). Thirty-day and 1-year mortality were 0%. Mean follow-up was 23months (range 7-45). Two endoleaks occurred, 1 type III and 1 type II, which were treated endovascularly. No death or major complication occurred during follow-up. Fenestrated and branched endovascular stent grafts can be used to repair juxtarenal AAA, pararenal AAA, and TAAA in patients with significant comorbidities. However, several technical challenges have to be overcome due to the unique complex aortic pathology of each patient.

Vascular Graft Infections, Mycotic Aneurysms, and Endovascular Infections: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

### Background The use of synthetic material for reconstructive vascular surgery was first reported during the early 1950s. Infection involving vascular graft prostheses is an infrequent but devastating complication of reconstructive vascular graft surgery and is associated with a high morbidity and, in some situations, mortality. Improvements in surgical techniques and graft design, including the use of native venous or arterial tissue, have reduced the frequency of infection and severity of complications from vascular graft infection (VGI). However, these advances have also led to more frequent vascular graft procedures occurring in a patient population with multiple underlying comorbidities that would have previously disqualified them as candidates for vascular reconstructive surgery. Underlying comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus or immune compromise, increase the risk of infection and serious infection-related complications. The major complications of VGI include sepsis, amputation, disruption of infected anastomotic suture line with rupture or pseudoaneurysm formation, embolization of infected thrombi, reinfection of reconstructed vascular grafts, enteric fistulae to the small or large bowel, bacteremic spread of infection to other sites, and death. VGIs can be categorized broadly into those that occur in an extracavitary location, primarily in the groin or lower extremities, or in an intracavitary location, primarily within the abdomen or less commonly within the thorax. ### Frequency The frequency of VGI depends on the anatomic location of the graft. The infection rate is 1.5% to 2% for most extracavitary grafts and as high as 6% with vascular grafts in the groin.1–9 For intracavitary grafts, the infection rate is ≈1% to 5%.1–6 Graft infection is most common after emergency procedures and after reoperation.1–4,10 Aortic graft erosion or fistulous communication into the duodenum or other areas of the bowel reportedly occurs in 1% to 2% of patients after aortic reconstruction.11, …

Results of complex aortic stent grafting of abdominal aortic aneurysms stratified according to the proximal landing zone using the Society for Vascular Surgery classification

Advances in endovascular technology have led to the successful treatment of complex abdominal aortic aneurysms. However, there is currently no consensus on what constitutes a juxtarenal, pararenal, or suprarenal aneurysm. There is emerging evidence that the extent of the aneurysm repair is associated with outcome. We compare the outcomes of 150 consecutive patients treated with a fenestrated or branched stent graft and present the data stratified according to the Society for Vascular Surgery classification based on proximal anatomic landing zones. A prospectively collected database of consecutive patients undergoing fenestrated or branched stent graft insertion in a tertiary center between 2008 and 2013 was retrospectively analyzed. Aneurysms were subdivided into zones according to where the area of proximal seal could be achieved in relation to the visceral arteries. Zone 8 covers the renal arteries, zone 7 covers the superior mesenteric artery, and zone 6 covers the celiac axis. Patient demographics, operative variables, mortality, and major morbidity were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis to assess for differences between zones. During the study period, 150 patients were treated. There were 49 in zone 8, 76 in zone 7, and 25 in zone 6. Prior aortic surgery had been performed in 19 patients, which included 11 patients with previous endovascular aneurysm repairs. There was significantly increased blood loss (P < .001), operative time (P < .0001), total hospital stay (P = .018), and intensive care unit stay (P < .0001) as the zones ascended the aorta. There were 14 inpatient deaths recorded across all zones with a 30-day mortality rate of 8%. Logistic regression analysis for 30 day mortality showed a significant increase as the zones ascended (P = .007). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that 5-year survival significantly deteriorated as the zones ascended (P = .039), with no significant difference in the freedom from reintervention curves between zones (P = .37). We have shown that the extent of the aneurysm repair as determined by the proximal sealing zone is associated with outcome. Mortality, operative duration, blood loss, and hospital stay all significantly increased as the zones ascended. These data also validate the use of the proposed new classification based on aortic anatomy.

多発性限局型大動脈解離を伴う腹部大動脈瘤に対しC3 Excluder ステントグラフトによるEVAR が奏功した1 例

多発性限局型大動脈解離を伴う腹部大動脈瘤に対しC3 Excluder ステントグラフトによるEVAR が奏功した1 例

Torakoabdominal Aort Anevrizmasının Endovasküler Tamiri Sonrası Gelişen Tip 1b Endoleak'in Hibrid Yaklaşımla Tedavisi

Treatment options for thoracoabdominal aortic aneursyms include open repair, endovascular repair or hybrid repair. Although open repair still remains the standart approach. Hybrid approach and endovascular treatments are becoming widespread as they have lower mortality and morbidity rates and they have shorter hospital stay. Hybrid repair refers to a combination of both open surgical and endovascular techniques. Endoleak as a complication of endoluminal grafting of abdominal aortic aneurysms can occur between 11-44% in various reports. There are five types of endoleak. We report a patient with type 1b endoleak that was treated with hybrid approach consisting concomitant visceral artery revascularization and endovascular aneursymal repair.

Risk Factors for Serious Underlying Pathology in Adult Emergency Department Nontraumatic Low Back Pain Patients

BackgroundNontraumatic low back pain (LBP) is a common emergency department (ED) complaint and can be caused by serious pathologies that require immediate intervention or that lead to death. ObjectiveThe primary goal of this study is to identify risk factors associated with serious pathology in adult nontraumatic ED LBP patients. MethodsWe conducted a health records review and included patients aged ≥ 16 years with nontraumatic LBP presenting to an academic ED from November 2009 to January 2010. We excluded those with previously confirmed nephrolithiasis and typical renal colic presentation. We collected 56 predictor variables and outcomes within 30 days. Outcomes were determined by tracking computerized patient records and performance of univariate analysis and recursive partitioning. ResultsThere were 329 patients included, with a mean age of 49.3 years; 50.8% were women. A total of 22 (6.7%) patients suffered outcomes, including one death, five compression fractures, four malignancies, four disc prolapses requiring surgery, two retroperitoneal bleeds, two osteomyelitis, and one each of epidural abscess, cauda equina, and leaking abdominal aortic aneurysm graft. Risk factors identified for outcomes were: anticoagulant use (odds ratio [OR] 15.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.2–58.5), decreased sensation on physical examination (OR 6.9; CI 2.2–21.2), pain that is worse at night (OR 4.3; CI 0.9–20.1), and pain that persists despite appropriate treatment (OR 2.2; CI 0.8–5.6). These four predictors identified serious pathology with 91% sensitivity (95% CI 70–98%) and 55% specificity (95% CI 54–56%). ConclusionWe successfully identified risk factors associated with serious pathology among ED LBP patients. Future prospective studies are required to derive a robust clinical decision rule.

TCTAP C-223 Successful Endovascular Therapy for Acute Limb Ischemia Due to Kinking of Bifurcated Graft for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

TCTAP C-223 Successful Endovascular Therapy for Acute Limb Ischemia Due to Kinking of Bifurcated Graft for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

腹部大動脈瘤に対する4 分枝人工血管（InterGard Quadrifurcated）手術成績の検討

腹部大動脈瘤に対する4 分枝人工血管（InterGard Quadrifurcated）手術成績の検討

Infradiaphragmatic malperfusion of acute aortic dissection associated with previous abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

To evaluate the association of previous abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) graft replacement with infradiaphragmatic malperfusion in patients with acute aortic dissection. Between November 2006 and June 2011, 133 patients were referred to our hospital for management of acute aortic dissection. Eight (6.0 %) of these patients had undergone AAA graft replacement prior to the acute aortic dissection. We compared the computed tomography (CT) images of these 8 patients with those of the remaining 125 patients without previous AAA graft replacement, in terms of organ ischemia as a complication induced by acute aortic dissection. Infradiaphragmatic malperfusion from acute aortic dissection was confirmed in four of the eight patients who had undergone AAA graft replacement. Contrasted CT scan images indicated that the main cause of infradiaphragmatic malperfusion was collapse of the true lumen from compression by the false lumen into the suprarenal aorta. Although there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of cerebral ischemia and myocardial ischemia, bilateral leg ischemia and visceral ischemia occurred more frequently in the patients who had undergone AAA graft replacement. Previous AAA graft replacement is a risk factor for infradiaphragmatic malperfusion in patients with acute aortic dissection.

A Case of Angiographic Embolization of Aortoenteric Fistula Caused by Endovascular Stent Grafting for an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Aortoenteric fistula (AEF) developed after treatment for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a rare but usually fatal complication. We report a rare case of AEF bleeding after endovascular stent grafting for AAA which was managed angiographically. An 81-year-old man presented with hematochezia and acute abdominal pain for 1 day ago. Four years ago, an aortic stent was implanted in the infrarenal aorta for AAA. Endoscopies were performed to evaluate the hematochezia. Evidence of gastrointestinal bleeding was observed, but a clear bleeding point was not detected on upper endoscopy and colonoscopy. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography performed subsequently showed that the bleeding point was located in the fourth portion of the duodenum as an AEF caused by an inflammatory process in the stent-graft. Intra-arterial angiography showed a massive contrast leakage into the bowel via a small fistula from around the aortic stent graft site. Embolization was successfully performed by injecting a mixture of glue and lipiodol into the AEF tract. The patient was discharged with no evidence of gastrointestinal bleeding after the embolization.

Pancreatic Lymphoepithelial Cyst: A Rare and Benign Entity Still Frequently Treated with Unnecessary Surgery

Purpose: This is the case of a 75 year-old male patient who presented after the incidental finding of a 90 mm cyst adjacent to the tail of the pancreas, which was found during a computed tomography (CT) angiogram ordered for evaluation of abdominal aortic aneurysm grafting. The patient had no history of acute or chronic pancreatitis, nor any history of alcohol abuse, or significant abdominal trauma. The initial differential diagnosis included cystic neoplasm and pseudocyst. A magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) was performed and revealed a 90 mm cyst with a solid component adjacent to the tail of the pancreas. The patient was referred for endoscopic ultrasound and fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) which revealed a hypoechoic, heterogeneous, pancreatic cystic mass in the region of the tail of the pancreas, measuring 95.3 mm x 53.7 mm. The border was poorly demarcated and was abutting the spleen. The microscopic examination of the FNA sample revealed necrotic debris with rare clusters of columnar epithelial cells, with no evidence of malignancy. However, no definitive diagnosis could be made. The Patient was referred to surgery and distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy was performed. Pathology revealed a cystic lesion, which was lined by keratinizing squamous epithelium overlaying lymphoid tissue made up of small to medium sized lymphocytes with germinal center formation, consistent with a lymphoepithelial cyst. The postoperative period was complicated by the development of a paripancreatic abscess, which was treated by percutaneous drainage and antibiotics. The recovery was then uneventful. This case demonstrates that while it may be true that the majority of cystic lesions in and around the pancreas are pseudocysts or cystic neoplasms, there are a number of rare and benign conditions that present in similar fashion, including pancreatic lymphoepithelial cysts. Despite the increasing availability of high quality CT scans and MRIs, as well as the evolution of endoscopic ultrasound, which make the diagnosis of pancreatic cystic masses more readily prior to surgeries, the diagnosis of lymphoepithelial cysts still represents a true challenge due to a spectrum of nonspecific imaging and serological findings, making its differentiation from cystic neoplasms difficult. Hence surgery is still considered, in certain circumstances, for definitive diagnosis.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair Complicated by Infection With Clostridium septicum

Aortic stent-graft infection after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair is an uncommon, but very serious complication with potentially devastating consequences.(1) Traditional open techniques of repair of AAA demonstrate an infection rate of 0.5-3%. The exact rate of infection with endovascular repair is unknown, but literature review demonstrates an overall incidence of 0.43-1.17% retrospectively.(2,3) Etiology of endovascular graft infections typically results from flora derived from the skin or gastrointestinal tract.(4)Clostridium septicum is a naturally occurring anaerobic bacterium native to the gastrointestinal tract. It is typically associated with spontaneous nontraumatic gas gangrene owing to bacteremia from the gastrointestinal tract with an incidence rate of 0.07%.(5) To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of endovascular AAA graft infection owing to Clostridium septicum species.