Annals of vascular diseases最新文献

Objectives: We investigated the association between brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (PWV) and arterial stiffness and distensibility in the aneurysmal sac of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Methods: Data from 49 patients with AAA from June 2020 to November 2022 at Tokyo Medical University Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Brachial-ankle PWV (cm/s) was obtained via an automated oscillometric method. Regional arterial stiffness and distensibility parameters, such as stiffness parameter (β), pressure-strain elasticity modulus (Ep, kPa), one-point PWV (PWV β, m/s), and arterial compliance (AC, mm²/kPa^-1), were assessed using 2-dimensional automated tissue tracking (2DTT) ultrasonography. Patients were divided into two groups: high PWV (≥1800) and low PWV (<1800). Results: Patients with high PWV showed significantly higher β and PWV β (30.6 ± 10.1 vs. 25.2 ± 6.3, p = 0.047; 11.6 ± 2.3 vs. 10.5 ± 1.5, p = 0.048) and significantly lower AC in the aneurysmal sac (10.6 ± 5.3 vs. 14.7 ± 8.1, p = 0.045) than those with low PWV. AC was negatively correlated with PWV (r = -0.361, p = 0.011). Conclusions: Brachial-ankle PWV can reflect arterial stiffness and distensibility, as measured by 2DTT ultrasonography, in the aneurysmal sac of AAA, suggesting its potential as an elasticity index for assessing regional arterial stiffness and distensibility in AAA.

Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) occurs in the advanced stage of peripheral artery disease and is associated with high risks of mortality and amputation. Universal management strategies are not always applicable, owing to population diversity, and the Western trials may not be applicable to Japanese patients, owing to differences in demographics and clinical profiles. This paper examines the outcomes of revascularization in Japanese CLTI patients and emphasizes the benefits of tailored management. Post-hoc analysis of the bypass versus angioplasty in severe ischemia of the leg (BASIL)-1 trial validated the use of the Global Limb Anatomic Staging System for predicting the outcomes of endovascular therapy (EVT) but not bypass surgery (BS). The SPINACH (surgical reconstruction versus peripheral intervention in patients with critical limb ischemia) registry revealed comparable 3-year amputation-free survival rates between patients who underwent EVT and those who underwent BS, with patient-specific factors such as limb status and general health influencing its success. Revascularization improved the quality of life, but benefits declined over time, especially in non-ambulatory and older patients on dialysis. Surgical reconstruction is better for preserving ambulation. Retrospective studies revealed pedal branch artery bypass as a viable option, functional independence as a predictor of survival, and zinc supplementation as promising for wound healing. Future research should focus on refining these strategies and exploring innovative approaches to overcome persistent challenges in CLTI care.

Objectives: The pathophysiological mechanism of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) remains unclear. We previously reported that Bifidobacterium adolescentis levels were reduced in the feces of patients with AAA by 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (RNA) gene sequencing. In this study, we increased the number of cases and conducted metagenomic analyses to examine bacterial genes associated with the pathophysiology of AAA. Methods: For gut microbiota data, feces from 55 patients with AAA and 52 patients with no history of AAA, lower extremity artery disease, or coronary artery disease (control group) were collected. Metagenomic analysis was performed by collecting raw stool samples from patients. For intestinal microbiota analysis, metagenomic analysis of the fecal samples was performed. Results: Oral bacteria, including Actinomyces oris (p <0.0001), Streptococcus salivarius (p <0.001), Lactobacillus salivarius (p <0.001), and Streptococcus sp. (p <0.001), were increased in the feces of patients with AAA. In addition, bacterial genes related to alpha lipoic acid (ALA) biosynthesis (M00882, M00883, and M00884, p <0.0001) were decreased in patients with AAA. Conclusions: In the feces of patients with AAA, there was an increase in oral bacteria, and the expression of bacterial genes related to ALA biosynthesis was reduced. The results suggest the possibility of developing gut microbial drug treatments for AAA.

Objectives: The venous cuff technique has been used primarily for arterial bypass using artificial grafts to the lower extremities. The boat-form vein cuff was designed to allow adjustment of the size and angle of the anastomosis at any anatomic site. We report our experience and outcomes of the original vein cuff technique in various peripheral artery bypass grafting procedures. Methods: A total of 10 patients underwent arterial bypass grafting using a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft with a boat-form venous cuff. The indications for the surgery consisted of peripheral artery disease (n = 4), acute limb ischemia (n = 4), chronic mesenteric ischemia (n = 1), and traumatic upper limb ischemia (n = 1). Five patients required emergency surgery. Surgical outcomes, such as mortality and morbidity, limb salvage rate, and graft patency, were examined using perioperative and postoperative follow-up data. Results: There were no operative deaths or serious complications, including amputation of the lower extremity. During the follow-up period (44 ± 36.9 months), the PTFE graft remained patent in 9 patients (90%). In 1 patient, occlusion of the femoropopliteal bypass graft was observed 3 months after surgery. Conclusions: The simple design and creation of the boat-form vein cuff are useful at any anatomical site in peripheral artery bypass grafting with a PTFE graft.

A 78-year-old male presented with progressive enlargement of a pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysm following chimney endovascular aneurysm repair. The aneurysmal expansion was attributed to an endoleak secondary to migration of the left renal artery chimney stent graft, resulting in a 5-mm increase in aneurysm diameter over 6 months. Endovascular reintervention successfully induced aneurysm regression, with no recurrence of endoleak on annual imaging follow-up. While chimney endovascular aneurysm repair presents a minimally invasive alternative for managing complex aortic pathologies, including pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms, vigilance regarding potential stent graft migration is essential.

Objectives: The introduction of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) has significantly changed the management of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in Japan. This study aimed to elucidate recent trend0s in the diagnosis and management of DVT following this shift. Methods: This retrospective observational study involved 154 patients with acute and subacute DVT, and 96 patients with chronic or unknown-onset DVT, diagnosed between October 1 and 31, 2020, across 29 institutions affiliated with the Japanese Society of Phlebology. Data included patient demographics, diagnostic modalities, thrombus location, treatments, and clinical outcomes. Results: The mean age was 70.0 years, and 57.8% of patients were female. Duplex ultrasonography was the predominant diagnostic modality (96.1%). DOACs were prescribed in 64.9% of patients, replacing warfarin and heparin. Compression therapy was used in 41.6% of patients. Soleal vein thrombosis was significantly more common in isolated distal DVT (right: 50.6% vs. 30.0%, p = 0.0082; left: 66.3% vs. 35.2%, p = 0.0001). Major bleeding occurred in 3.2% of patients. Post-thrombotic syndrome was observed in 0.6% of patients with acute/subacute DVT and 12.0% of those with chronic DVT patients. Conclusions: Since the introduction of DOACs, DVT management in Japan has evolved considerably. Periodic multicenter surveys would be beneficial for evaluating long-term outcomes, treatment safety, and evolving clinical practices.

A 76-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy, who underwent bilateral femoro-inframalleolar bypasses, suffered from interval skin necrosis in both lower legs after vein harvest in the contralateral leg and hematoma formation in the ipsilateral leg. Bilateral interval skin necrosis was improved eventually after revascularization for femoropopliteal lesions. In patients receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy who undergo distal bypass surgery, it is essential to address not only foot ischemia but also ischemia in the infrapopliteal region along the graft route and at the vein harvest site when formulating the surgical strategy.

The Thoraflex Hybrid prosthesis (Terumo Aortic, Inchinnan, UK) is widely used for total arch replacement, but postoperative stenosis or pseudo-coarctation is rare and potentially fatal. We report an 83-year-old man who underwent a Bentall procedure and total arch replacement with a 36-mm Thoraflex Hybrid graft (Terumo Aortic). Postoperative imaging showed mild stenosis, but distal perfusion was maintained. Eighteen hours later, his cardiac index dropped to 1.4 L/min/m² and lactate rose to 11.2 mmol/L. Computed tomography (CT) revealed severe graft stenosis. Although rescue thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) transiently improved hemodynamics, the patient succumbed to multiorgan failure despite veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO). This case underscores the need for early recognition and prompt intervention.

Subclavian artery aneurysms are rare and challenging to treat owing to their anatomical location and proximity to critical branches, including the vertebral artery. We report the case of a 78-year-old man with a left subclavian artery aneurysm. The aneurysm was located in the mediastinum and measured 31 mm in diameter. The proximal side of the aneurysm was sealed with a stent graft, while the distal side was accessed through a supraclavicular incision and directly ligated. Postoperative imaging confirmed complete exclusion. This hybrid approach avoided invasive open surgery and provided a favorable outcome.

In the treatment of saphenous varicose veins with endovenous laser ablation, simultaneous treatment of varicose tributaries using stab avulsion or sclerotherapy is commonly performed. To address the limitations of these conventional treatments, laser ablation for varicose tributaries has recently gained widespread acceptance. This guideline, developed by the Japanese Society of Phlebology, outlines appropriate treatment protocols for laser ablation of varicose tributaries. Indications include primary varicose veins requiring concurrent treatment of the saphenous trunk and varicose tributaries. The procedure utilizes slim radial fibers, with puncture and ablation performed using either short- or long-axis approaches. Although rare, adverse events such as skin burns, nerve injury, and fiber breakage have been reported. A learning curve is necessary to ensure the safe execution of the procedure. Further clinical studies are essential to enhance the safety and efficacy of laser ablation for varicose tributaries. (This is a secondary publication from Jpn J Phlebol 2025; 36: 51-58.).