Aorta, Abdominal ; abnormalities ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Contrast Media ; Humans ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; methods ; Ultrasonography ; methods

OBJECTIVETo attempt to produce highly accurate three-dimensional (3D) printed models of aortic aneurysm models aid complicated preoperative planning in endovascular repair procedures.

METHODSFrom October 2012 to May 2014, six patients with complicated aortic aneurysms (one aortic arch aneurysms, one thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms and four juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms) accepted preoperative contrast-enhanced CT angiography (CTA) scans for procedural planning, 4 male and 2 female, average age 64 years (range 52 to 73 years). All the CTA data were processed with FitMe 3D image processing software to get the modified 3D reconstruction pictures and computer language that can be identified by the 3D printer. With the fused deposition modeling technology, the highly accurate models were got to make preoperative endovascular planning.

RESULTSAll the patients' models were printed before operations. By the guidance of models, the endovascular procedure plans were drawn up. Three patients were performed extracorporeal simulating operations with the models and four patients' endovascular operations were guided by the models during the intraoperative time. The procedure technique success rate was 100%. No serious complications and patients dead during the perioperative period.

CONCLUSIONThe technology of 3D printed highly accurate models of aortic aneurysm models is feasible and can help to make preoperative endovascular planning for improving the safety of complicated procedures.

Aged ; Aortic Aneurysm ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Aortography ; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation ; methods ; Endovascular Procedures ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Preoperative Period ; Software ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Primary aortoenteric fistula (PAEF) is a rare disease with a high mortality rate due to massive hemorrhaging and diagnostic difficulties. Although hemorrhagic regions can be identified by endoscopy, it is difficult to diagnose PAEF by this method. If PAEF is suspected, endoscopic procedure should be terminated and abdominal CT should be performed. Overlooking the herald bleeding of PAEF can lead to massive bleeding and death. An 85-year-old previously healthy male presented with a complaint of melena. Gastrointestinal endoscopy identified a hemorrhagic site in the third portion of the duodenum and endoscopic hemostasis was performed. However, during the procedure, it became apparent that the hemorrhage was probably not the result of a simple duodenal ulceration and abdominal CT was performed immediately. An aortic aneurysm connected to the duodenum was identified, confirming the diagnosis of PAEF. However, the patient died of massive hemorrhaging before an operation could be performed.
Aged, 80 and over ; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/*diagnosis/pathology ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal ; Fibrin Tissue Adhesive/therapeutic use ; Fistula/*diagnosis/pathology ; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage/diagnosis/therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Gastrointestinal complications (GI) after thoracoabdominal aortic repair can be classified as biliary disease, heptic dysfunction, pancreatitis, GI bleeding, peptic ulcer disease, bowel ischemia, paralytic ileus, and aortoenteric fistula. Theses complications are associated with high post operative morbidity and mortality. Most of the aortoenteric fistulae after thoracoabdominal aortic surgery are found at the duodenum, near the surgical site. These rare complications are caused by an indirect communication with abdominal aorta that originated from an aneursymal formation ruptured into the duodenum. Such aorto-duodenal fistula formation is considered as a result of inflammatory change from secondary infection near the surgical instruments. Herein, we report two cases of massive upper GI bleeding from aorto-duodenal fistulae and spontaneous lower GI perforation related to cytomegalovirus infection after abdominal aortic aneurysmal repair operations.
Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Aorta, Abdominal/*surgery ; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/complications/*surgery ; Aortic Diseases/*diagnosis/surgery/virology ; Cytomegalovirus Infections/*complications/diagnosis/pathology ; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal ; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage/etiology ; Humans ; Intestinal Fistula/*diagnosis/surgery/virology ; Intestinal Perforation/*diagnosis/virology ; Male ; Vascular Fistula/*diagnosis/surgery/virology

Gastrointestinal complications (GI) after thoracoabdominal aortic repair can be classified as biliary disease, heptic dysfunction, pancreatitis, GI bleeding, peptic ulcer disease, bowel ischemia, paralytic ileus, and aortoenteric fistula. Theses complications are associated with high post operative morbidity and mortality. Most of the aortoenteric fistulae after thoracoabdominal aortic surgery are found at the duodenum, near the surgical site. These rare complications are caused by an indirect communication with abdominal aorta that originated from an aneursymal formation ruptured into the duodenum. Such aorto-duodenal fistula formation is considered as a result of inflammatory change from secondary infection near the surgical instruments. Herein, we report two cases of massive upper GI bleeding from aorto-duodenal fistulae and spontaneous lower GI perforation related to cytomegalovirus infection after abdominal aortic aneurysmal repair operations.
Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Aorta, Abdominal/*surgery ; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/complications/*surgery ; Aortic Diseases/*diagnosis/surgery/virology ; Cytomegalovirus Infections/*complications/diagnosis/pathology ; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal ; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage/etiology ; Humans ; Intestinal Fistula/*diagnosis/surgery/virology ; Intestinal Perforation/*diagnosis/virology ; Male ; Vascular Fistula/*diagnosis/surgery/virology

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Recurrence of ischemic colitis (IC) has not been studied extensively. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of recurrent IC in the community setting and to identify any risk factors. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study in two community hospitals. Medical records of patients with IC from January 2007 to January 2013 were reviewed. Demographic details, clinical features, co-morbidities, concomitant use of medications, laboratory studies, imaging findings, endoscopic and histological features, surgery, hospital stay, and death within 30 days were collected. Patients were divided into two groups (recurrent IC group, non-recurrent IC group). RESULTS: A total of 118 patients with IC were identified. IC recurred in 10 patients (8.5%) during the study period. Half of the patients in the recurrent IC group were current smokers as compared to only 18.7% of patients in the non-recurrent group. In the recurrent IC group, 20.0% of patients never smoked as compared to 61.7% in the non-recurrent group (p=0.027). Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) was more frequent in the recurrent IC group (40.0% vs. 4.7%; p=0.003). No differences in other clinical symptoms, CT scan findings, comorbidities, endoscopic features, or use of concomitant medications were observed between the two groups. The need for surgical intervention, blood transfusion, intensive care unit stay, mechanical ventilation, length of hospital stay, and anatomic location of affected segments did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: IC recurred in 8.5% of patients during the six-year study period. Current smoking status and presence of AAA were identifying risk factors for recurrence of IC.
Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/diagnosis ; Body Mass Index ; Colitis, Ischemic/*diagnosis/pathology/radiography ; Colonoscopy ; Female ; Hospitals, University ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Severity of Illness Index ; Smoking ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Renal transplant recipients requiring aortic reconstruction due to abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) pose a unique clinical problem. The concern during surgery is causing ischemic injury to the renal allograft. A variety of strategies for protection of the renal allograft during AAA intervention have been described including a temporary shunt, cold renal perfusion, extracorporeal bypass, general hypothermia, and endovascular stent-grafting. In addition, some investigators have reported no remarkable complications of the renal allograft without any specific measures. We treated a case of AAA in a patient with a renal allograft using a temporary aortofemoral shunt with good result. Since this technique is safe and effective, it should be considered in similar patients with AAA and previously placed renal allografts.
Adult ; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/diagnosis/pathology/*surgery ; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation/methods ; Graft Survival ; Humans ; Kidney/blood supply ; *Kidney Transplantation ; Male ; Reperfusion Injury/prevention & control ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Transplantation, Homologous