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Cardiovascular disease (CVD) diagnosis and treatment are challenging since symptoms appear late in the disease’s progression. Despite clinical risk scores, cardiac event prediction is inadequate, and many at-risk patients are not adequately categorised by conventional risk factors alone. Integrating genomic-based biomarkers (GBBM), specifically those found in plasma and/or serum samples, along with novel non-invasive radiomic-based biomarkers (RBBM) such as plaque area and plaque burden can improve the overall specificity of CVD risk. This review proposes two hypotheses: (i) RBBM and GBBM biomarkers have a strong correlation and can be used to detect the severity of CVD and stroke precisely, and (ii) introduces a proposed artificial intelligence (AI)—based preventive, precision, and personalized (aiP3) CVD/Stroke risk model. The PRISMA search selected 246 studies for the CVD/Stroke risk. It showed that using the RBBM and GBBM biomarkers, deep learning (DL) modelscould be used for CVD/Stroke risk stratification in the aiP3 framework. Furthermore, we present a concise overview of platelet function, complete blood count (CBC), and diagnostic methods. As part of the AI paradigm, we discuss explainability, pruning, bias, and benchmarking against previous studies and their potential impacts. The review proposes the integration of RBBM and GBBM, an innovative solution streamlined in the DL paradigm for predicting CVD/Stroke risk in the aiP3 framework. The combination of RBBM and GBBM introduces a powerful CVD/Stroke risk assessment paradigm. aiP3 model signifies a promising advancement in CVD/Stroke risk assessment.

The optimal management of patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis (ACS) is the subject of extensive debate. According to the 2017 European Society for Vascular Surgery guidelines, carotid endarterectomy should (Class IIa; Level of Evidence: B) or carotid artery stenting may be considered (Class IIb; Level of Evidence: B) in the presence of one or more clinical/imaging characteristics that may be associated with an increased risk of late ipsilateral stroke (e.g., silent embolic infarcts on brain computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging, progression in the severity of ACS, a history of contralateral transient ischemic attack/stroke, microemboli detection on transcranial Doppler, etc.), provided documented perioperative stroke/death rates are 5 years. Besides these clinical/imaging characteristics, there are additional individual, ethnic/racial or social factors that should probably be evaluated in the decision process regarding the optimal management of these patients, such as individual patient needs/patient choice, patient compliance with best medical treatment, patient sex, culture, race/ethnicity, age and comorbidities, as well as improvements in imaging/operative techniques/outcomes. The present multispecialty position paper will present the rationale why the management of patients with ACS may need to be individualized.

An 85-year-old man was admitted with a ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm involving the mid/distal arch (bovine aortic arch) and proximal descending thoracic aorta. An emergent endovascular repair was performed with zone 0 TEVAR using a COOK® Zenith Thoracic Alpha endograft and endo-debranching of the innominate artery (IA) and left carotid artery (LCA) using parallel (chimney) grafts through right axillary and LCA cutdown access. An iliac limb (COOK® ZSLE) for the IA and a Viabahn (GORE®) for the LCA were used and both chimneys were relined using a self-expandable bare-metal stents. The left subclavian artery was covered and coiled. Although the rupture was sealed, the patient developed post-operative respiratory insufficiency, pneumonia and atelectasis related to the hemothorax. He died due to multiorgan failure at the 26th post-operative day. An autopsy was performed, where the aortic aneurysm with the ruptured hematoma is evident (A, arrow) and the position of the endograft, innominate artery chimney (B, arrow) and left carotid artery chimney (B, dotted arrow) can be seen in a ballerina position.

Introduction: One of the treatments for renal artery stenosis is endovascular intervention, but its effectiveness is controversial. The present study aims to analyze the experience of a working group in the endovascular treatment of selected patients with severe obstructive atherosclerotic lesions of the renal arteries, and to characterize early and late results. Methods: This is a retrospective study of symptomatic patients with atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis who underwent endoluminal therapy between May 12, 1999 and March 12, 2015 at two institutions. Statistical analysis was performed using the PASW Statistics program. Results: A total of 99 patients were treated, mean age 66 years and 76.8% male. The mean degree of stenosis measured by renal Doppler echocardiography was 83% and 64.6% were ostial lesions. Mean preoperative creatinine level was higher than the postoperative mean: 1.3 vs. 1.2 mg/dl (p=0.014). The number of antihypertensive drugs in the preoperative period was higher than in the postoperative period: 2.0 vs. 1.3 (p=0.001). The mean follow-up was 40 months (0-164). The mean peak systolic velocity over time in the postoperative period was 77 cm/s (40-250). The restenosis rate was 8%, and 30-day mortality was 0%. Conclusions: The results demonstrated that the endovascular technique has a beneficial effect on blood pressure and renal function in selected patients, and is a safe technique associated with a high rate of technical success and few complications. Resumo: Introdução: Um dos tratamentos da estenose das artérias renais é a intervenção endovascular sendo a sua eficácia controversa. O presente estudo tem como objetivo analisar a experiência de um grupo de trabalho no tratamento endovascular de doentes selecionados com lesões obstrutivas ateroscleróticas graves das artérias renais, procurando caracterizar os resultados precoces e tardios. Material e métodos: Trata-se de um estudo retrospetivo de doentes com lesões ateroscleróticas das artérias renais, sintomáticos, submetidos a terapêutica endoluminal, de 12 de maio de 1999 a 12 de março de 2015 em duas instituições. A análise estatística foi realizada com o programa PASW Statistics. Resultados: Foram tratados 99 doentes com média de 66 anos e 76,8% homens. O grau de estenose médio foi de 83% medido através do ecodoppler renal sendo 64,6% das lesões ostiais. A média de creatinina no pré-operatório foi superior à média do pós-operatório: 1,3 versus 1,2 (p=0,014). O número de fármacos anti-hipertensores no pré-operatório foi superior ao do pós-operatório: 2,0 versus 1,3, (p=0,001). A média de follow-up foi de 40 meses [0-164]. A velocidade sistólica média ao longo do tempo no pós-operatório foi de 77 [40-250]. A taxa de re-estenose foi de 8% e a mortalidade aos 30 dias foi de 0%. Conclusões: Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que a técnica endovascular exibe um efeito benéfico ao nível da tensão arterial e função renal num determinado grupo de doentes sendo uma técnica segura associada a uma taxa elevada de sucesso técnico e baixa de complicações. Keywords: Renal artery stenosis, Revascularization, Chronic renal failure, Hypertension, Palavras-chave: Estenose artérias renais, Revascularização, Insuficiência renal crónica agudizada, Hipertensão arterial

Introduction: Peripheral arterial disease has an important impact on morbidity/mortality. The objective of this study was to quantify the impact of this disease in Portugal during the last eight years, expressed by the volume of admissions, treatment strategies and associated morbidity and mortality. Material and Methods: We collected data from the Diagnosis Related Group national database on primary diagnosis, procedures codes, demographic variables, a number of risk factors, and mortality of all cases admitted from 2009 to 2016 with a primary diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease coded according to the 9th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-9). Results: In this study, peripheral arterial disease led to 27 684 hospitalisations, which corresponded to 26.7% of all admissions for vascular disease in this period. Approximately 49.9% of patients were admitted to the emergency department. The volume of procedures in patients with claudication decreased over the eight years, unlike patients with critical ischaemia, in which the number of procedures increased. Discussion: Age and the presence of cardiovascular risk factors have been associated with the severity of disease, as observed in our series. Overall hospital mortality varied, being significantly higher in patients with more advanced severity of the disease. Conclusion: Peripheral arterial disease represents an important burden in the overall volume of admissions in Portuguese public hospitals. A large number of patients was admitted in the context of emergency.

Introduction/Objectives: Repair of post-dissection thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms (PD-TAAA) is a complex challenge. Choosing the correct approach to manage these aneurysms is not straightforward as both open and endovascular strategies are valid. Our aim was to analyze and compare the results of PD-TAAA treated by endovascular or open surgery. Methods: A seven-year (January-2013 and May-2020) single-center retrospective cohort study of patients with PD-TAAA treated by endovascular (group-1) or open (group-2) surgery was conducted. Primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were organ lesion, in-hospital infections, length of stay (LOS), endoleaks, branch occlusions, re-interventions and mortality during follow-up. Results: Twenty-one patients (15-men) were treated: 8 in group-1 and 13 in group-2. The mean age was lower in group-2 [68 (SD:11) versus 48 (SD:12), p=0.004]. Three patients had connective tissue disease (CTD). Group-1 patients had a higher ASA score (p

Introdução A fístula aorto-entérica secundária é uma temível complicação da cirurgia aórtica que comporta uma elevada morbi-mortalidade. O seu tratamento é complexo e em grande parte determinado pela possibilidade de infecção protésica. Caso clínico Os autores apresentam o caso de um doente do sexo masculino de 55 anos, com antecedentes de ressecção parcial de aneurisma da aorta abdominal justa-renal e interposição de prótese aorto-aórtica. Aos 3 meses de pós-operatório foi diagnosticado enfarte renal esquerdo durante investigação de quadro de lombalgia persistente. É internado 14 meses após a cirurgia por febre, sudorese nocturna e perda ponderal. Para esclarecimeno do quadro realizou angioTC que revelou densificação dos tecidos peri-aórticos e colecção na vertente anterior do psoas-ilíaco esquerdo. O estudo por PET-scan mostrou foco de hipercaptação ao nível da prótese aórtica, admitindo-se o diagnóstico de infecção protésica. No mesmo tempo cirúrgico foi submetido a revascularização dos membros inferiores através de bypass axilo-bifemoral, revascularização do rim direito por intermédio de bypass hepato-renal com veia grande safena invertida e remoção da prótese aórtica com laqueação da aorta para-renal. Intra-operatoriamente constatou-se orifício fistuloso na 3ª porção do duodeno, pelo que se procedeu a duodenectomia com gastro-jejunostomia em Y de Roux. Cumpriu três semanas de terapêutica tripla antibiótica e anti-fúngica e uma semana de antibioterapia dupla com melhoria clínica e laboratorial, tendo alta ao 30º dia de internamento. A angioTC de controlo às seis semanas documentou a permeabilidade das revascularizações e a ausência de complicações intra-abdominais. Conclusão A cirurgia aberta permanece como a abordagem mais eficaz em doentes de bom risco. A adopção de soluções cirúrgicas alternativas é uma necessidade para fazer face às particularidades anatómicas em casos mais complexos.

As fistulas aorto-esofágicas (FAE) primárias são raras mas com elevada mortalidade devido à hemorragia digestiva substancial, necessitando intervenção rápida para garantir a sobrevivência do doente. Os autores apresentam um caso dum homem de 69 anos com carcinoma esofágico que teve episódio de hematemeses e choque hemorrágico. A endoscopia digestiva alta mostrou lesão ulcerada com hemorragia pulsátil, a angioTC confirmou o diagnóstico de FAE. Foi colocada endoprótese na aorta descendente para controlo da hemorragia; dois dias depois foi colocado stent esofágico para reduzir risco de infecção da endoprótese. O doente teve alta ao décimo terceiro dia, e não foi reportada hemorragia digestiva nos seis meses de seguimento. Este caso mostra como o TEVAR pode ser usado como tratamento paliativo ou temporário duma FAE.

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Introdução: Nos casos de doença oclusiva do sector aorto-ilíaco em que a revascularização a partir da aorta infrarrenal se encontra contraindicada, o bypass axilofemoral constitui a opção cirúrgica mais frequente, mas apresenta taxas de permeabilidade francamente inferiores. Material e métodos: É apresentada uma análise retrospetiva dos casos clínicos de 6 doentes operados, entre 2003-2014, pela mesma equipa cirúrgica. Resultados: Os 6 doentes eram do sexo masculino, a sua idade média era de 60,7 anos (57-64 anos) e apresentavam múltiplos fatores de risco para doença cardiovascular, nomeadamente HTA, tabagismo e dislipidemia. Na altura do tratamento, 4 dos doentes manifestavam claudicação gemelar intermitente incapacitante e 2 deles apresentavam isquemia crítica. Todos os doentes apresentavam contraindicac¸ão para realização de um procedimento de revascularização a partir da aorta infrarrenal, nomeadamente abdómen hostil, infeção protésica e calcificação extensa. O tratamento cirúrgico realizado consistiu em bypass aorta-supracelíaca-bifemoral em 2 doentes e interposição aorta supracelíaca-bifemoral num doente; nos outros 3 casos, o influxo foi obtido a partir da aorta torácica descendente. O follow-up médio é de 6 anos (9-1 anos) e os enxertos encontram-se a funcionar em excelente condic¸ão em 4 dos doentes. Um dos doentes perdeu-se para o follow-up e o outro faleceu um ano após a cirurgia. Conclusão: Os procedimentos de revascularizac¸ão a partir da aorta supracelíaca ou da aorta torácica descendente são uma alternativa nos casos em que a revascularização por via anatómica está contraindicada, apresentando taxas de comorbilidade e de permeabilidade a longo prazo favoráveis.

Summary: Background: The field of precision medicine endeavors to transform the healthcare industry by advancing individualised strategies for diagnosis, treatment modalities, and predictive assessments. This is achieved by utilizing extensive multidimensional biological datasets encompassing diverse components, such as an individual's genetic makeup, functional attributes, and environmental influences. Artificial intelligence (AI) systems, namely machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL), have exhibited remarkable efficacy in predicting the potential occurrence of specific cancers and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Methods: We conducted a comprehensive scoping review guided by the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework. Our search strategy involved combining key terms related to CVD and AI using the Boolean operator AND. In August 2023, we conducted an extensive search across reputable scholarly databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and arXiv to gather relevant academic literature on personalised medicine for CVD. Subsequently, in January 2024, we extended our search to include internet search engines such as Google and various CVD websites. These searches were further updated in March 2024. Additionally, we reviewed the reference lists of the final selected research articles to identify any additional relevant literature. Findings: A total of 2307 records were identified during the process of conducting the study, consisting of 564 entries from external sites like arXiv and 1743 records found through database searching. After 430 duplicate articles were eliminated, 1877 items that remained were screened for relevancy. In this stage, 1241 articles remained for additional review after 158 irrelevant articles and 478 articles with insufficient data were removed. 355 articles were eliminated for being inaccessible, 726 for being written in a language other than English, and 281 for not having undergone peer review. Consequently, 121 studies were deemed suitable for inclusion in the qualitative synthesis. At the intersection of CVD, AI, and precision medicine, we found important scientific findings in our scoping review. Intricate pattern extraction from large, complicated genetic datasets is a skill that AI algorithms excel at, allowing for accurate disease diagnosis and CVD risk prediction. Furthermore, these investigations have uncovered unique genetic biomarkers linked to CVD, providing insight into the workings of the disease and possible treatment avenues. The construction of more precise predictive models and personalised treatment plans based on the genetic profiles of individual patients has been made possible by the revolutionary advancement of CVD risk assessment through the integration of AI and genomics. Interpretation: The systematic methodology employed ensured the thorough examination of available literature and the inclusion of relevant studies, contributing to the robustness and reliability of the study's findings. Our analysis stresses a crucial point in terms of the adaptability and versatility of AI solutions. AI algorithms designed in non-CVD domains such as in oncology, often include ideas and tactics that might be modified to address cardiovascular problems. Funding: No funding received.

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is challenging to diagnose and treat since symptoms appear late during the progression of atherosclerosis. Conventional risk factors alone are not always sufficient to properly categorize at-risk patients, and clinical risk scores are inadequate in predicting cardiac events. Integrating genomic-based biomarkers (GBBM) found in plasma/serum samples with novel non-invasive radiomics-based biomarkers (RBBM) such as plaque area, plaque burden, and maximum plaque height can improve composite CVD risk prediction in the pharmaceutical paradigm. These biomarkers consider several pathways involved in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis disease leading to CVD. Objective: This review proposes two hypotheses: (i) The composite biomarkers are strongly correlated and can be used to detect the severity of CVD/Stroke precisely, and (ii) an explainable artificial intelligence (XAI)-based composite risk CVD/Stroke model with survival analysis using deep learning (DL) can predict in preventive, precision, and personalized (aiP3) framework benefiting the pharmaceutical paradigm. Method: The PRISMA search technique resulted in 214 studies assessing composite biomarkers using radiogenomics for CVD/Stroke. The study presents a XAI model using AtheroEdgeTM 4.0 to determine the risk of CVD/Stroke in the pharmaceutical framework using the radiogenomics biomarkers. Conclusions: Our observations suggest that the composite CVD risk biomarkers using radiogenomics provide a new dimension to CVD/Stroke risk assessment. The proposed review suggests a unique, unbiased, and XAI model based on AtheroEdgeTM 4.0 that can predict the composite risk of CVD/Stroke using radiogenomics in the pharmaceutical paradigm.