Inflammatory Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Research Articles

Circulating inflammatory proteins and abdominal aortic aneurysm: A two-sample Mendelian randomization and colocalization analyses

ObjectivesInflammatory proteins are implicated in the progression of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA); however, it remains debated whether they are causal or consequential. This study aimed to assess the influence of circulating inflammatory proteins on AAA via two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) and colocalization analysis. MethodsSummary data on 91 circulating inflammatory protein levels were extracted from a comprehensive protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL) study involving 14,824 individuals. Genetic associations with AAA were derived from the FinnGen study (3,869 cases and 381,977 controls). MR analysis was conducted to assess the relationships between proteins and AAA risk. Colocalization analysis was employed to explore potential shared causal variants between identified proteins and AAA. ResultsUsing a two-sample bidirectional MR study, our findings suggested that genetically predicted elevated levels of TGFB1 (OR = 1.21, P = 0.003), SIRT2 (OR = 1.196, P = 0.031) and TNFSF14 (OR = 1.129, P = 0.034) were linked to an increased risk of AAA. Conversely, genetically predicted higher levels of CD40 (OR = 0.912, P = 0.049), IL2RB (OR = 0.839, P = 0.028) and KITLG (OR = 0.827, P = 0.008) were associated with a decreased risk of AAA. Colocalization analyses supported the association of TGFB1 and SIRT2 levels with AAA risk. ConclusionsThe proteome-wide MR and colocalization study identified TGFB1 and SIRT2 as being associated with the risk of AAA, warranting further investigation as potential therapeutic targets.

A case report of endovascular treatment of a fast-growing inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm in a patient with Staphylococcus aureus sepsis

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) and its subsequent rupture is one of the life-threatening conditions. The most common type of arterial aneurysm, AAA, becomes significant at a diameter greater than 3 cm. The mean growth rate of an AAA is 2-3 mm per year, and surgical repair is usually recommended if the diameter exceeds 5.5 cm, in men and 5.0 to 5.2 cm, in women. Faster-growing aneurysms are more aggressive and have a greater risk of rupture. We report a case of a 64-year-old, comorbid male patient who was found to have a previously unknown, but a rapidly growing AAA, which grew from 6cm to 8 cm within just 3 weeks. He was admitted in the emergency department with complaints of worsening dyspnea even without exertion. Upon thorough diagnostic tests, the severity of the overall medical condition was determined by S. aureus sepsis, decompensation of cardiovascular disease, and secondary kidney injury due to septic shock. While receiving treatment for sepsis, a diagnostic CT imaging was done, which confirmed bilateral pneumonia and retroperitoneal abscess in m. psoas major mass, and an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm, which was 6cm in diameter at the time of diagnosis. Another control CT of the lungs and abdomen was performed three weeks later, indicating the pneumonia was slowly resolving, while the aortic aneurysm increased in dynamic; the diameter was 8 cm with a penetrating exudation on the left side, m. psoas abscess was still observed, but decreasing. Because the AAA was very fast-growing, it greatly increased the risk of its rupture, therefore a decision was made to perform endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, despite the risk of stent infection, given the patients septic background. The goal of this case report is to highlight the rare case of a rapidly growing inflammatory aneurysm and its successful endovascular management. While it’s known that 5-10% of all AAA are inflammatory, cases of surgical treatment in the setting of sepsis are basically non-existent in the literature [1].

Periaortitis Following Endovascular Aneurysm Repair – A Case Report and Review of Literature

Abstract Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a minimally invasive well-described procedure used in the management of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Periaortitis following EVAR is a rare but possible complication that must be considered during surveillance. We recount a case of a 77-year-old man who underwent an EVAR with coiling of the right internal iliac artery for an incidentally detected inflammatory AAA. Due to intractable lower back ache, fatigue, and low-grade fever that surfaced a month postoperatively, he was evaluated with inflammatory markers, Positron emission tomography-computed tomography angiograms which revealed features of periaortic inflammation and involvement of the right ureter and duodenum. He was managed with broad-spectrum antibiotics to which he responded albeit transiently. Persistent symptoms prompted us to start systemic corticosteroids as per body weight that was tapered over 2 months and ureteric stenting was offered. Management with corticosteroids, tamoxifen, and early stenting has been described in the reported literature. His symptoms improved dramatically and the evidently high inflammatory markers also reduced. Keen monitoring and early management with steroids of periaortitis following EVAR is a prudent paradigm to be implemented.

Heterogeneous Characteristics of Patients with Inflammatory Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Systematic Review of Therapeutic Solutions

Endovascular repair of inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms (IAAAs) has emerged as an alternative to open surgery, but direct comparisons are limited. The aim of the study was to compare clinical outcomes of endovascular and open repair for IAAA according with specific clinical characteristics. We performed a literature review of reports describing patients who had open or endovascular repair for IAAA. A literature search was performed in June 2022 by 2 investigators who conducted a review of papers reported in PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Database. The strings "Inflammatory aneurysm" and "Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms" were used. There was no language restriction and screened reports were published from March 1972 to December 2021. We identified 2,062 patients who had open (1,586) or endovascular repair (476) for IAAA. Primary outcomes were operative mortality and morbidity. Secondary outcomes were complications during follow-up (mean follow-up: 48months). Propensity score matching was performed between patients who had open or endovascular surgery. In Western countries, propensity-weighted postoperative mortality (in-hospital) (1.5% endovascular vs. 6% open) and morbidity rates (6% vs. 18%) were significantly lower in patients who had endovascular repair (P<0.0001); patients with larger aneurysm (more than 7cm diameter), signs of active inflammation, and retroperitoneal rupture of the aneurysm had better outcomes after endovascular repair than after open surgery. Hydronephrosis was present in 20% of the patients. Hydronephrosis regressed in most patients when signs of active inflammation were present suggesting an acute onset of the hydronephrosis itself (fever, elevated serum C Reactive Protein) either after endovascular or open surgery. Long-standing hydronephrosis as suggested by the absence of signs of active inflammation rarely regressed after endovascular surgery despite associated steroid therapy. During a mean follow-up of 48months, propensity-weighted graft-related complications were more common in patients who had endovascular repair (20% vs. 8%). For patients from Asia, short-term and medium-term results were similar after open and endovascular repair. IAAAs related with aortitis were more common in Asia. In Western countries, IAAAs were commonly associated with atherosclerosis. Patients with IAAA represent a heterogeneous population, suggesting biological differences from continent to continent; conservative therapy and endovascular or open surgery should be chosen according to the patient clinical condition. Endovascular repair presents advantages in patients with signs of active inflammation and contained rupture of the IAAA and larger aneurysms. Hydronephrosis, without signs of active inflammation, rarely regresses after endovascular repair associated with steroid therapy. Further studies are needed to establish the long-term results of endovascular repair.

The Incidence of IgG4-Related and Inflammatory Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Is Rare in a 101 Patient Cohort.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are the most frequent aortic dilation, with considerable morbidity and mortality. Inflammatory (infl) and IgG4-positive AAAs represent specific subtypes of unclear incidence and clinical significance. Here, histologic and serologic analyses with retrospective clinical data acquisition are investigated via detailed histology, including morphologic (HE, EvG: inflammatory subtype, angiogenesis, and fibrosis) and immunhistochemic analyses (IgG and IgG4). In addition, complement factors C3/C4 and immunoglobulins IgG, IgG2, IgG4 and IgE were measured in serum samples and clinical data uses patients' metrics, as well as through semi-automated morphometric analysis (diameter, volume, angulation and vessel tortuosity). A total of 101 eligible patients showed five (5%) IgG4 positive (all scored 1) and seven (7%) inflammatory AAAs. An increased degree of inflammation was seen in IgG4 positive and inflAAA, respectively. However, serologic analysis revealed no increased levels of IgG or IgG4. The operative procedure time was not different for those cases and the short-term clinical outcomes were equal for the entire AAA cohort. Overall, the incidence of inflammatory and IgG4-positive AAA samples seems very low based on histologic and serum analyses. Both entities must be considered distinct disease phenotypes. Short-term operative outcomes were not different for both sub-cohorts.

Management of Inflammatory Aortic Aneurysms – A Scoping Review

Inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms (InflAAAs) account for 5 – 10% of aortic aneurysms and are characterised by retroperitoneal fibrosis. Diagnosis is often delayed, and doubts remain about the optimal management strategy. This scoping review describes the current state of knowledge on InflAAAs. Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus were searched for relevant studies that evaluated the diagnosis and treatment of InflAAAs. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol was followed. Fifty-seven papers were selected (low level of evidence), which included 1 554 patients, who were mostly male and heavy smokers. A triad of chronic abdominal or back pain, weight loss, and elevated inflammatory markers was highly suggestive of the diagnosis but rarely present, and fever was noted only randomly. A mantle sign was seen on computed tomography angiography (CTA) in 73 – 100% of patients. Open surgical repair (OSR) and endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) was reported in 1 376 and 178 patients, respectively. OSR was associated with significant iatrogenic bowel (n = 22), urinary tract system (n = 7), venous (n = 30), pancreatic (n = 6), and splenic (n = 5) injuries, while EVAR was associated with lower 30 day mortality (0 – 5% vs. 0 – 32%). One and two year mortality rates were similar between the two treatment modalities (0 – 20% and 0 – 36%, respectively). EVAR was more often associated with post-operative progression of inflammation (17% vs. 0.4%), and a higher frequency of persistent hydronephrosis (> 50%) and limb occlusion (20%). Used in < 10% of patients, corticosteroids led to complete pain relief and a reduction in peri-aortic inflammation within 6 – 18 months. InflAAAs are characterised by non-specific symptoms, with the mantle sign on CTA being pathognomonic. Corticosteroids may be considered a basic treatment that all patients should receive initially. Low quality data indicate that EVAR (vs. OSR) is associated with fewer intra-operative complications and lower peri-operative mortality but more late fibrosis related adverse events. International multicentre registries are required to gather more insights into this challenging pathology.

Ultrasound for the Detection of Inflammatory Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: A Case and Validation Series.

Inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms (iAAA) are a form of noninfectious aortitis in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Ultrasound could help to detect iAAA early. This retrospective observational study assessed the potential of using ultrasound to detect iAAA in a case series of iAAA patients, and the diagnostic value of ultrasound to detect iAAA in consecutive patients in a follow-up for AAA, referred to as a feasibility study. In both studies, diagnosis of iAAA was based on a cuff surrounding the aneurysm using CT (golden standard). The case series included 13 patients (age 64 (61; 72) years; 100% male). The feasibility study included 157 patients (age 75 (67; 80) years; 84% male). In the case series, all iAAA patients showed a cuff surrounding the aortic wall on ultrasound. In the feasibility study with AAA patients, ultrasound yielded no cuff in 147 (93.6%; CT negative in all cases), a typic cuff in 8 (5.1%; CT positive in all cases), and an inconclusive cuff in 2 (1.3%; CT negative in both cases) patients. Sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 98.7%, respectively. This study indicates that iAAA can be identified with ultrasound, and safely ruled out. In positive ultrasound cases, additional CT imaging might still be warranted.

A Case of Contained Rupture of the Common Iliac Artery with Idiopathic Retroperitoneal Fibrosis: Efficacy of Surgical Treatment and Immunosuppressive Therapy at 2-Year Follow-Up

Rupture of inflammatory aortic aneurysm associated with retroperitoneal fibrosis (RF) is rare. We report a 62-year-old man with an inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm (IAAA) complicated with idiopathic RF, resulting in a contained rupture of the common iliac artery. The patient also presented with mild renal insufficiency due to urethral obstruction and left hydronephrosis. Surgical procedures including graft replacement and ureterolysis relieved the symptoms. Postoperative immunosuppressive treatment using corticosteroid and methotrexate successfully maintained clinical remission without signs of recurrence of RF and IAAA at the 2-year follow-up.

Epicardial adipose tissue volume is associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm expansion.

The epicardial adipose tissue volume (EATV) is associated with cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease. However, no information is available regarding the relationship between the EATV and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) expansion. In the present study, we evaluated the association between the EATV and AAA growth and sought to identify the predictors of AAA expansion. Between June 2009 and December 2019, 906 patients had undergone endovascular or open repair of AAAs at our institution. Patients with previous cardiac surgery, previous ascending thoracic aortic surgery, a ruptured AAA, an infected AAA, an inflammatory AAA, a saccular aneurysm, a solitary iliac aneurysm, or reintervention after treatment of the AAA were excluded. A total of 237 patients with at least two preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans performed >180days apart were included in the present study. The EATV within the pericardium was retrospectively quantified from the preoperative non-contrast-enhanced CT images using a three-dimensional workstation. The EATV index was defined as the EATV divided by the body surface area. The AAA expansion rate was defined as an increase in the AAA diameter annually, and the patients were divided into the slow-expansion group (expansion rate,<5mm/y) and the fast-expansion group (expansion rate, ≥5mm/y). The correlation between the expansion rate and the EATV index was analyzed, and the cutoff value for the EATV index was determined using a receiver operating characteristics curve. Multivariate analysis was used to assess the predictors of the AAA expansion rate. The expansion rate of AAA correlated positively with the EATV index (R= 0.237; P< .001). The initial aneurysm diameter (P< .001) and EATV index (P= .009) differed significantly between the two groups. The cutoff for the EATV index was 60.3cm3/m2 (area under the curve, 0.658; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.568-0.749; sensitivity, 1.000; specificity, 0.309). Multivariate analysis revealed that the initial aneurysm diameter and an EATV index of >60.3cm3/m2 were significantly associated with the AAA expansion rate. The results of the present study have demonstrated that the EATV index is associated with AAA expansion.

Imaging characteristics and diagnostic accuracy of FDG-PET/CT, contrast enhanced CT and combined imaging in patients with suspected mycotic or inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms.

PurposeTo evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and specific imaging characteristics of positron emission tomography/computed tomography with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (PET/CT), contrast enhanced CT (CE-CT), and a combined imaging approach (CE-PET/CT) in patients with infectious/mycotic (MAA), inflammatory (IAA), and non-infected, non-inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).Materials and methodsIn this single-center retrospective cohort study, all imaging data sets of 29 consecutive patients with clinically suspected MAA or IAA were anonymised with different, reshuffled identification numbers and retrospectively and independently analysed by two experienced readers, blinded to all clinical patient data. Readers determined the presence or absence and MAA, IAA and AAA and of predefined imaging characteristics (e.g. fluid collection), and measured metabolic activity and wall thickness of all aneurysms. A multidisciplinary team of specialists served as standard of reference and re-evaluated every clinical case, considering all clinical, laboratory, microbiological, histopathological and imaging results, including all follow-up examinations.ResultsDiagnostic accuracy was higher in PET/CT as compared to CE-CT in differentiating AAA from MAA and IAA: area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) 0.81 (95% confidence intervals 0.69–0.92) and 0.63 (0.52–0.74) (P = 0.027). Specific imaging characteristics were significantly associated with different types of aneurysms (P<0.05), i.e. very high metabolic activity and dorsal sparing of metabolic activity in PET/CT and wall thickening in CE-CT were indicative for IAA; fat stranding and fluid collections in CE-CT were associated with MAA; while low metabolic acitivity and absence of wall thickening in PET/CT, and less fat stranding and absence of wall thickening in CE-CT were indicative for non-infected, non-inflammatory AAA.ConclusionSpecific imaging characteristics of PET/CT and CE-CT may be helpful in differentiating between MAA, IAA, and non-infected, non-inflammatory AAA.

Endovascular Repair of an Inflammatory Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Combined with a Congenital Pelvic Kidney: Case Report and Literature Review.

The coexistence of an abdominal aortic aneurysm and a congenital pelvic kidney is extremely rare. We present a 66-year-old male with an inflammatory aneurysm and an aberrant origin of the superior mesenteric artery. The inflammatory infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm with a congenital left pelvic kidney was successfully treated with endovascular repair. Coverage of one out of the two renal ectopic arteries was performed, without clinical evidence of renal function impairment.

Surgical Repair Outcomes of Inflammatory and Degenerative Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

Inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm (IAAA) is characterised by thick aortic wall, with perianeurysmal fibrosis extending to adjacent organs. This study aimed to determine the early surgical outcomes of 10 IAAAs and compare the risk factors, perioperative complications, and 30-day mortality of these patients to 50 degenerative AAAs (dAAA), who underwent open repair in Sina Hospital, Tehran, Iran. The study was conducted from 2011 to 2019. IAAA patients were followed for 22.7 ± 3.8 months. The frequency of IAAA was 4.9%. All IAAA patients were males and smokers. There was no statistical difference in preoperative risk factors (age, smoking, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), operation time, blood loss, postoperative complications between dAAA and IAAA patients. The thirty-day mortality rate of open surgeries in degenerative and inflammatory cases was 8% (N=4) and 10% (N=1), respectively. Open repair with proximal/and/or distal clamping, avoids severe adhesiolysis, procedure-related morbidity, and 30-day perioperative mortality. Key Words: Inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm, Open surgery, Mortality, Outcome, Degenerative aortic aneurysm.

Mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysm caused by Borrelia afzelii: a case report

BackgroundInflammatory aneurysms and mycotic aneurysms make up a minority of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Mainly autoimmune mechanisms are proposed in the pathogenesis of inflammatory aneurysms, and it is not routine to check for infectious agents as disease culprits.Case presentationA 58-year-old European male with complaints of abdominal and back pain for 8 weeks was admitted after a semi-urgent computed tomography scan revealed an 85 mm inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm. The patient had normal vital signs, slightly elevated inflammatory markers, and mild anemia on admission. Clinical examination revealed a tender pulsating mass in his abdomen. His clinical condition was interpreted as impending rupture and urgent repair of the aneurysm was deemed necessary. Due to the patient’s relatively young age and aneurysm neck morphology, open aortic repair was preferred. Preoperatively, the aneurysm appeared inflamed, with fibrous wall thickening and perianeurysmal adhesions. Aneurysm wall biopsies were sent to histopathological and microbiological diagnostics. Routine cultures were negative, but 16S rRNA gene real-time polymerase chain reaction was positive and Borrelia afzelii was identified by DNA sequencing of the polymerase chain reaction product. B. afzelii was also identified by sequencing the polymerase chain reaction product of a Borrelia-specific groEL target. Immunoglobulin G and M anti-Borrelia antibodies were present on serological analysis. Histopathological analysis displayed loss of normal aortic wall structure and diffuse infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma cells. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged after 1 week to a regional rehabilitation facility. Though the patient fares clinically well and inflammatory markers had normalized, antimicrobial treatment with doxycycline continues at 3 months follow-up due to remaining radiologic signs of inflammation.ConclusionsBorrelia infection in the setting of acute aortic pathology is a rare entity. To our knowledge, this is the first case report to demonstrate a mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysm as a rare manifestation of Lyme disease. Aortic wall biopsies and real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis of the specimen were essential for accurate diagnosis. This finding may contribute to the understanding of the etiology of inflammatory aneurysmal disease and abdominal aneurysms in general.

Otvorena reparacija aneurizme aorte u endovaskularnoj eri

Open repair (OR) of aortic aneurysms is still relatively mutilating and risky in older and high-risk patients. Since the introduction of EVAR, a significantly lower perioperative mortality has been noted. Apart from advantages, endovascular treatment has some disadvantages as well, due to which OR still has a very important role in the endovascular era. In a vast majority of the patients younger than 65, with good overall condition, long life expectancy and favorable anatomy, as well as in patients with hostile aneurysm neck anatomy, heritable connective tissue disorders, complete thrombosis of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and potent accessory renal arteries, OR is the first treatment option in comparison with the endovascular treatment. EVAR is recommended as the first treatment option in patients with inflammatory aneurysms and OR should be considered only in better shaped patients with inflammatory AAA and significant hydronephrosis. Late open surgical conversion (LOSC) is a noted event after endovascular treatment and is associated with a significantly higher perioperative mortality and other serious perioperative complications compared to primary OR. Multicenter randomized controlled trials (RCT) did not find a significant difference regarding 30-day mortality between open and endovascular repair of ruptured AAA. However, not all ruptured AAA are suitable for endovascular repair. In a hemodynamically unstable patients, when there is no time for MDCT angiography, EVAR is not possible, and OR is the only option. The incidence of abdominal compartment syndrome after OR is significantly lower in comparison with EVAR thanks to surgical evacuation and drainage of retroperitoneal hematoma. The improvement of the results of aortic aneurysm treatment largely depends on the volume of yearly aortic operations. Having in mind all the mentioned advantages and disadvantages of OR and endovascular repair, we can conclude that in high volume centers, younger generations of vascular surgeons should be educated in standard and complex open aortic surgery.

Otvoreno hirurško lečenje aneurizmi abdominalne aorte u endovaskularnoj eri

In addition to the well-known benefits, endovascular treatment (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysms has its drawbacks and limitations. That is why open surgery (OS) still has a very important place. OS should be considered as the first treatment option for degenerative AAAs with either favorable or unfavorable anatomy in low-risk patients with long life expectancy. When it comes to inflammatory AAA, OS is indicated only in patients at low risk and hydronephrosis. OS is the "gold standard" for the definitive treatment of mycotic AAAs. In cases of complete thrombosis AAA is the only viable OS. OS is the method of choice in AAA with associated significant accessory renal arteries. OS is the method of choice for the treatment of AAA in patients with connective tissue disorders. Different types of endolic, infection, collapse and stent graft migration, or aneurysmal sac rupture, require late open surgical conversion after EVAR. OS is indicated if patients with RAAA are severely hemodynamically unstable, if they do not have a favorable anatomy, or if they have a large retroperitoneal hematoma. OS AAA can be performed only in centers with a large volume of work by experienced surgeons. The younger generation of vascular surgeons must be educated for both EVAR and OH AAA.

Inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms treated with leflunomide: an eight-year follow-up case report and literature review.

Inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms treated with leflunomide: an eight-year follow-up case report and literature review.

Comprehensive assessment and outcomes of patients with chronic periaortitis.

Chronic periaortitis (CP) is a less known but more frequently diagnosed fibro-inflammatory disorder, but we know little about it and data regarding follow-up and outcome are still very limited. This study aims to identify the clinicopathologic, laboratory, and radiologic features, as well as outcomes of CP patients. Patients with CP from HUVAC database were included in the study. CP was diagnosed based on compatible imaging findings and histopathological evaluation (if available), in addition to clinical findings. Demographics, laboratory, clinical, and imaging data were retrospectively reviewed from medical records. A total of 51 (male/female:37/14) patients were included in the study. Median (IQR) age was 63 (53-69) years and follow-up duration was 40 (4-60) months. 32 of the patients were IgG4-related CP. The most common form of CP in our cohort was idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis (82%), followed by inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms (12%) and peri-aneurysmal retroperitoneal fibrosis (8%). 8 (15.6%) patients had thoracic periaortitis and 16 (31.6%) venous involvement. Cyclophosphamide (CYC) combined with steroids was the most preferred treatment modality (43%), followed by rituximab (RTX) (31.3%). Follow-up imaging was done after a median (IQR) of 7(3-11) months, 30% of the patients were stable and 64.1% showed regression. A total of 18 (35.2%) had been taken off therapy at the last visit. Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis was the most frequent presentation, whereas 15.6% of patients had thoracic involvement. Venous involvement was also not uncommon. Optimal time for follow-up imaging was determined as 6-9 months. Steroids along with CYC/RTX had a favourable outcome in the treatment of these patients.

Long-Term Comparison Between Open and Endovascular Repair as Treatment Options for Inflammatory Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms (iAAAs) represent 4% to 7% of all AAAs and have been traditionally managed by open repair. Over the past two decades, endovascular repair (EVAR) gained progressively popularity as an alternative repair option for this disease. Herein, we report a monocentric experience including the results of both techniques.

Inflammatory Gene Expression of Human Perivascular Adipose Tissue in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) contributes to vascular homeostasis and is increasingly linked to vascular pathology. PVAT density and volume were associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) presence and dimensions on imaging. However, mechanisms underlying the role of PVAT in AAA have not been clarified. This study aimed to explore differences in PVAT from AAA using gene expression and functional tests. Human aortic PVAT and control subcutaneous adipose tissue were collected during open AAA surgery. Gene analyses and functional tests were performed. The control group consisted of healthy aorta from non-living renal transplant donors. Gene expression tests were performed to study genes potentially involved in various inflammatory processes and AAA related genes. Live PVAT and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) from AAA were used for exvivo co-culture with smooth muscle cells (SMCs) retrieved from non-pathological aortas. Adipose tissue was harvested from 27 AAA patients (n [gene expression]= 22, n [functional tests]= 5) and five control patients. An increased inflammatory gene expression of PTPRC (p= .008), CXCL8 (p= .033), LCK (p= .003), CCL5 (p= .004) and an increase in extracellular matrix breakdown marker MMP9 (p= .016) were found in AAA compared with controls. Also, there was a decreased anti-inflammatory gene expression of PPARG in AAA compared with controls (p= .040). SMC co-cultures from non-pathological aortas with PVAT from AAA showed increased MMP9 (p= .033) and SMTN (p= .008) expression and SAT increased SMTN expression in these SMC. The data revealed that PVAT from AAA shows an increased pro-inflammatory and matrix metallopeptidase gene expression and decreased anti-inflammatory gene expression. Furthermore, increased expression of genes involved in aneurysm formation was found in healthy SMC co-culture with PVAT of AAA patients. Therefore, PVAT from AAA might contribute to inflammation of the adjacent aortic wall and thereby plays a possible role in AAA pathophysiology. These proposed pathways of inflammatory induction could reveal new therapeutic targets in AAA treatment.

Regression of a large inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm with high‐dose steroids

ANZ Journal of SurgeryVolume 91, Issue 9 p. E591-E593 IMAGES FOR SURGEONS Regression of a large inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm with high-dose steroids James A. Kellie MBBS, James A. Kellie MBBS orcid.org/0000-0001-8216-8955 Department of Vascular Surgery, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia Department of Vascular Surgery, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia Contribution: Conceptualization, Data curation, Visualization, Writing - original draftSearch for more papers by this authorDenise Roach MD, FRACS, Denise Roach MD, FRACS Department of Radiology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia Contribution: Conceptualization, Data curation, Supervision, Validation, Writing - review & editingSearch for more papers by this authorJoseph Dawson MBBS, ChM, MD, MRCS, FRCS, FRACS, Joseph Dawson MBBS, ChM, MD, MRCS, FRCS, FRACS Department of Vascular Surgery, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia Contribution: Conceptualization, Data curation, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing - review & editingSearch for more papers by this author James A. Kellie MBBS, James A. Kellie MBBS orcid.org/0000-0001-8216-8955 Department of Vascular Surgery, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia Department of Vascular Surgery, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia Contribution: Conceptualization, Data curation, Visualization, Writing - original draftSearch for more papers by this authorDenise Roach MD, FRACS, Denise Roach MD, FRACS Department of Radiology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia Contribution: Conceptualization, Data curation, Supervision, Validation, Writing - review & editingSearch for more papers by this authorJoseph Dawson MBBS, ChM, MD, MRCS, FRCS, FRACS, Joseph Dawson MBBS, ChM, MD, MRCS, FRCS, FRACS Department of Vascular Surgery, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia Contribution: Conceptualization, Data curation, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing - review & editingSearch for more papers by this author First published: 23 January 2021 https://doi.org/10.1111/ans.16609Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume91, Issue9September 2021Pages E591-E593 RelatedInformation