Annals of vascular diseases最新文献

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.).

Herein, we describe the case of a 72-year-old man who presented with a residual inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm following the rupture and treatment of a superior pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm. Open surgery for pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms requires carefully planned vascular reconstruction to prevent organ ischemia and minimize pressure changes caused by fluctuations in mechanical stress. Additionally, in cases of rupture, factors such as the patient's condition, presence of hematoma and adhesions, and pressure changes resulting from prior transarterial embolization must be considered. This case report outlines the surgical strategy employed for managing the residual inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm.

Objectives: Dementia and chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) are independent risk factors for a poor life prognosis. We investigated the long-term results of surgical revascularization for CLTI complicated by dementia. Methods: The clinical records of 174 consecutive patients with CLTI and 205 revascularized limbs were prospectively collected from a database. According to the criteria for dementia, the patients were divided into a low-grade dementia group (L group, n = 152) and a high-grade dementia group (H group, n = 22), and the long-term results after surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The 2-year amputation-free survival (AFS) after surgery was significantly lower in the H group than in the L group (L group, 82.3%; H group, 39.3%; p <0.001). However, no marked differences were observed between the dementia groups regarding the freedom from major adverse limb event (MALE) (L group, 86.6%; H group, 83.1%; p = 0.103), freedom from major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) (L group, 75.6%; H group, 71.3%; p = 0.685), and limb salvage (L group, 75.6%; H, group 71.3%; p = 0.685) after surgery. Conclusions: Dementia may be a predictor of a poor prognosis after surgery for CLTI. However, surgical revascularization may lead to limb salvage without serious postoperative complications. Therefore, surgical revascularization may be a useful treatment option if the patient or family requires such treatment.

Objectives: Hypertension is a metabolic disorder affecting a significant proportion of the global population. Growing evidence suggests the contribution of gut microbiota to blood pressure homeostasis and the effectiveness of antihypertensive interventions. This systematic review evaluates the role of gut microbiota in hypertension and identifies microbial taxa contributing to or alleviating the condition.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Cochrane databases for non-randomized studies, randomized controlled trials, and registry studies published in English. Studies were classified according to microbial taxa involved in the improvement or worsening of hypertension.

Results: According to the inclusion criteria, 19 studies were included. Some bacterial genera, such as Lactobacillus paracasei, Akkermansia, and Veillonella, had potential protective effects against hypertension by regulating blood pressure through dietary interactions and microbial metabolites. On the other hand, Klebsiella sp., Streptococcus sp., and Parabacteroides merdae were more abundant in hypertensive patients and were involved in dysbiosis and inflammation. The fungal taxa Malassezia and Mortierella were also involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension.

Conclusions: Gut microbiota composition may play crucial roles in hypertension, with certain taxa potentially contributing to or alleviating the condition. Modulating gut microbes through probiotics and diet may offer new therapeutic approaches.

An 84-year-old woman with an acute type B aortic dissection (ATBAD), an entry tear in a distal arch aneurysm, and lower-body malperfusion underwent a hybrid approach combining total arch replacement with an elephant trunk (TAR+ET), thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), and left renal artery stenting. This strategy avoided direct resection of the aneurysm or primary entry, yet stabilized hemodynamics and restored organ perfusion. Postoperative CT was favorable, and the patient was discharged without complications. In this elderly case of complicated ATBAD involving a distal aortic arch aneurysm, we performed TAR+ET, TEVAR, and renal artery stenting, and achieved a favorable outcome.