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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of agreement between flow/velocity data obtained from 2D-phase-contrast (PC) and 4D-flow in patients scheduled for treatment of carotid artery stenosis. Image acquisition was performed using a 1.5 T scanner. We compared mean flow rates, vessel areas, and peak velocities obtained during the acquisition with both techniques in 20 consecutive patients, 15 males and 5 females aged 69 ± 5 years (mean ± standard deviation). There was a good correlation between both techniques for the CCA flow (r = 0.65, p &lt, 0.001), whereas for the ICA flow and ECA flow the correlation was only moderate (r = 0.4, p = 0.011 and r = 0.45, p = 0.003, respectively). Correlations of peak velocities between methods were good for CCA (r = 0.56, p &lt, 0.001) and moderate for ECA (r = 0.41, p = 0.008). There was no correlation for ICA (r = 0.04, p = 0.805). Cross-sectional area values between methods showed no significant correlations for CCA (r = 0.18, p = 0.269), ICA (r = 0.1, p = 0.543), and ECA (r = 0.05, p = 0.767). Conclusion: the 4D-flow imaging provided a good correlation of CCA and a moderate correlation of ICA flow rates against 2D-PC, underestimating peak velocities and overestimating cross-sectional areas in all carotid segments.

Purpose: Displacement forces ( DFs) identify hostile landing zones for stent graft deployment in thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). However, their use in TEVAR planning is hampered by the need for time-expensive computational fluid dynamics (CFD). We propose a novel fast-approximate computation of DFs merely exploiting aortic arch anatomy, as derived from the computed tomography (CT) and a measure of central aortic pressure. Materials and Methods: We tested the fast-approximate approach against CFD gold-standard in 34 subjects with the “bovine” aortic arch variant. For each dataset, a 3-dimensional (3D) model of the aortic arch lumen was reconstructed from computed tomography angiography and CFD then employed to compute DFs within the aortic proximal landing zones. To quantify fast-approximate DFs, the wall shear stress contribution to the DF was neglected and blood pressure space-distribution was averaged on the entire aortic wall to reliably approximate the patient-specific central blood pressure. Also, DF values were normalized on the corresponding proximal landing zone area to obtain the equivalent surface traction ( EST). Results: Fast-approximate approach consistently reflected (r2=0.99, pConclusion: Requiring only a few seconds and quantifying clinically relevant biomechanical parameters of proximal landing zones for arch TEVAR, our method suits the real preoperative decision-making process. It paves the way toward analyzing large population of patients and hence to define threshold values for a future patient-specific preoperative TEVAR planning.

To assess the endograft displacement forces (DF), which quantify the forces exerted by the pulsatile blood flow on the vessel wall and transmitted on the terminal fixation site of the endograft after its deployment in proximal landing zones (PLZs) of the bovine aortic arch variant.Thirty healthy aortic computed tomographic angiographies of subjects with bovine arch configuration (10 per type of arch, I-III) were selected for the purpose of the study. A 3-dimensional model of the aortic arch lumen was reconstructed. Computational fluid dynamics modeling was then used to compute DF magnitude and orientation (i.e., x, y, and z axes) in PLZs of each case. DF values were normalized to the corresponding aortic wall area to estimate equivalent surface traction (EST).DF were highest in zone 0, consistently with the greater surface area. DF in zone 3 were much greater than in zone 2 because of a 3-fold greater upward component (z axis) (P 0.001), being therefore mainly oriented orthogonally to the aortic blood flow and to the vessel longitudinal axis in that zone. EST progressively increased from zone 0 toward more distal PLZs, with EST in zone 3 being much greater than that in zone 2 (P 0.001). The same pattern was observed after stratification by type of arch.The bovine arch is associated with a consistent fluid dynamic pattern, which identifies in zone 3 an unfavorable biomechanical environment for endograft deployment.

Background Type III arch configuration is frequently reported as a stroke risk factor for carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS). We reviewed contemporary guidelines on management of carotid artery stenosis to assess the clinical relevance attributed to this anatomic feature in current clinical practice. Methods The study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. The PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify all guidelines on extracranial carotid disease published between January 2008 and March 2020. A total of 435 articles were screened. For multiple guidelines from the same writing group, only the most recent updated version was considered. Eighteen documents were identified for qualitative analysis. Results Four guidelines specifically reported type III arch as a predictive factor of periprocedural complications after CAS. Two of them also provided a low level of evidence of their recommendation. None of the documents indicated the exact criteria for aortic arch classification. Three different methods to describe type III arch configuration were identified. Conclusions Type III arch configuration is inconsistently included among stroke risk factors for CAS in contemporary guidelines, and variably defined. Further studies on the level of concordance between the 3 existing definition criteria are warranted.

Introduction We aimed to review the prevalence, the risk factors and the outcomes of venous thrombosis (VT) in patients hospitalized for COronaVirus Disease 19 (COVID-19). Methods Electronic bibliographic databases were searched using the words "COVID venous thrombosis". The review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement standards. Results The search of the Literature retrieved 877 results. After assessment of full texts, 69 papers were included in the qualitative analysis and 23 of them in the quantitative evaluation. The analyzed studies included a total of 106838 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 from 01/2020 to 12/2020. The pooled reported prevalence rate of VT was in median 16.7% (IQR 5.8%-30%), being higher in ICU patients (60.8%-85.4%). VT events were reported in about 75% of cases in the popliteal and calf veins. Signs and symptoms were present in 6.1% of cases. At quantitative evaluation, older age, D-dimer and obesity increased the odds to experience a VT (OR 3.54, 95%CI 0.65-6.43, P=0.01; OR=956.86, 95%CI 225.67-1668.05, P=0.01; OR 1.42, 95%CI 1.01-1.99, P=0.03 respectively). Female sex seemed to be protective against the odds of VT (OR 0.77, 95%CI 0.63-0.93, P=0.007). Conclusions Among patients hospitalized for COVID-19, VT is a relatively common finding, with higher prevalence rates in ICU patients. VT occurs mostly in the distal regions of the lower limb and is asymptomatic in most cases. Older age, obesity and higher D-dimer values on admission increased the odds of VT, while female sex was protective against the odds of VT.

The aim was to investigate whether the "bovine" aortic arch (i.e. arch variant with a common origin of the innominate and left carotid artery (CILCA)) is associated with a consistent geometric configuration of proximal landing zones for thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR).Anonymised thoracic computed tomography (CT) scans of healthy aortas were reviewed to retrieve 100 cases of CILCA. Suitable cases were stratified according to type 1 and 2 CILCA, and also based on type of arch (I, II, and III). Further processing allowed calculation of angulation and tortuosity of the proximal landing zones. Centre lumen line lengths of each proximal landing zone were measured in a view perpendicular to the centre line. All geometric features were compared with those measured in healthy patients with a standard arch configuration (n = 60). Two senior authors independently evaluated the CT scans, and intra- and interobserver repeatability were assessed.The 100 selected patients (63% male) were 71.4 ± 7.7 years old. Type 1 CILCA (62/100) was more prevalent than type 2 CILCA (38/100), and the two groups were comparable in age (p = .11). Zone 3 presented a severe angulation (i.e. 60°), which was greater than in Zone 2 (p .001), and a consistently greater tortuosity than Zone 2 (p = .003). This pattern did not differ between type 1 and type 2 CILCA. A greater tortuosity was also observed in Zone 0, which was related to increased elongation of the ascending aorta (i.e. Zone 0), than the standard configuration. The CILCA had an overall greater elongation, and Zone 2 also was specifically longer. When stratifying by type of arch, reversely from Type III to Type I, the CILCA presented a gradual flattening of its transverse tract, which entailed a consistent progressive elongation (p = .03) and kinking of the ascending aorta, with a significant increase of Zone 0 angulation to even a severe degree (p = .001). Also, from Type III to Type I, Zone 2 presented a progressively shorter length (p = .004), which was associated with increased tortuosity (p .05). Mean intra- and interobserver differences for angulation measurements were 1.4° ± 6.8° (p = .17) and 2.0° ± 10.1° (p = .19), respectively.CILCA presents a consistent and peculiar geometric pattern compared with standard arch configuration, which provides relevant information for TEVAR planning, and may have prognostic implications.

Contemporary guidelines on thoracic aortic repair provide inconsistent reporting standards for the definition of aortic arch classification in Types I, II and III. The different reported criteria cannot be used interchangeably, due to a very low level of concordance, and this finding has relevant implications for the comparisons between studies using different classifications, and between different datasets of multicentre trials, which are not consistently analyzed with the same criteria. Also, the reported definitions, which were originally proposed for predicting difficult carotid stenting and therefore were conceived for healthy aortic arches, can be influenced by the pathological derangements of the aortic wall, including aneurysms and dissections. In this respect, the Madhwal’s classification, which is based on the diameter of the left common carotid artery, appears to be the more suitable one for aortic arch classification in patients with thoracic aortic disease because it provides relevant clinical information along with an adequate reproducibility.

Background Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) exhibit high thrombotic risk. The evidence on a potential independent prognostic role of antiplatelet treatment in those patients is limited. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of pre-admission low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) in a wide series of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Methods This cohort study included 984 COVID-19 patients stratified according to ASA intake before hospitalization: ASA+ (n = 253) and ASA− (n = 731). Patients were included in ASA+ group if they received it daily in the 7 days before admission. 213 (83%) were on ASA 100 mg daily. Primary endpoint was a composite of in-hospital death and/or need for respiratory support upgrade, secondary endpoints were in-hospital death and need for respiratory support upgrade. Results Mean age was 72 [62; 81] with 69% of male patients. ASA+ patients were significantly older, with higher prevalence of comorbidities. No significant differences regarding the degree of respiratory dysfunction were observed. At 30-day Kaplan-Meier analysis, ASA+ patients had higher survival free from the primary endpoint and need for respiratory support upgrade, conversely in-hospital death did not significantly differ between groups. At multivariate analysis ASA intake was independently associated with a lower probability of reaching primary endpoint (HR 0.697, 95% C.I. 0.525–0.924; p = 0.012). Conclusions In COVID-19 patients undergoing hospitalization, pre-admission treatment with ASA is associated with better in-hospital outcome, mainly driven by less respiratory support upgrade.

In patients with COVID‐19, even small radial aneurysm may suddenly rupture.

OBJECTIVES Type III aortic arch configuration consistently presents anatomical and biomechanical characteristics which have been associated with an increased risk of type B aortic dissection (TBD). Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of type III arch in patients with TBD and type B intramural haematoma (IMH-B). METHODS A multicentre retrospective analysis was performed on patients with TBD and IMH-B observed between 2002 and 2017. The computed tomographic images were reviewed to identify the type of aortic arch. Exclusion criteria included previous arch surgery, presence of aortic dissection or aneurysm proximal to the left subclavian artery and bovine arches. An ad hoc systematic literature review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to assess the prevalence of type III arch in non-TBD and non-aneurysmal patients. RESULTS Two hundred and sixty-one patients with TBD/IMH-B were found to be suitable for the study and were stratified according to aortic arch classification. The ad hoc literature search provided 10 relevant articles, from which a total of 7983 control cases were retrieved. TBD/IMH-B patients were significantly younger than controls [64.3, standard error: 0.74 (62.84–65.76) vs mean pooled age 70.5, standard error: 0.40 (69.71–71.28)]. Patients with TBD/IMH-B presented with a significantly higher prevalence of type III arch [41.0% (107/261) (35.2–47.1)] than controls [16% (1241/7983) (10–22)]. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate an association between type III arch configuration and the occurrence of TBD/IMH-B. These findings warrant further studies to disclose the potential role of type III arch configuration as an anatomical risk factor for TBD/IMH-B.

Abnormal helical flow (HF) in the aortic arch has been proposed as a causative factor for aortic dilatation and aortic dissections (ADs). Patients with type B AD present a high prevalence of type III arch configuration, which comprises recognized anatomic AD risk factors. Our aim was to assess whether the type III arch configures a consistent secondary HF pattern.We employed computational fluid dynamics to compare HF features associated with type I-III arches. The intra-aortic blood flow pattern was regionally assessed through the Modified Arch Landing Areas Nomenclature (MALAN) for planning endovascular aortic repair. Aortic flow pathlines were extracted from the systolic aortic velocity field and objectively characterized through intrinsic shape indices of absolute curvature |κ| and absolute torsion |τ|. Absolute local normalized helicity was computed and mapped on aortic flow pathlines.The tendency of aortic flow pathlines to bend and rotate exacerbated in the isthmus of type III arch (MALAN 3/III), where the highest |κ| values (P0.0001) were paralleled by the lowest |τ| values (P = 0.010), demonstrating the persistence of a high rotational HF heavily insisting on 3/III. In 3/III area, local normalized helicity was higher than both 3/I and 3/II (P = 0.053).Type III arch configuration is associated with a specific, consistent and abnormal secondary HF pattern, which may account for its high prevalence in patients with type B AD.

We report the case of sudden rupture of a radial artery small pseudoaneurysm (PSA) occurring in a 63-years-old patient who had been hospitalized for COVID-19 pneumonia.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the coronavirus 2019 pandemic on elective and acute thoracic aortic surgery in the Netherlands. METHODS The Netherlands Heart Registration database was used to compare the volume of elective and acute surgery on the thoracic aorta in 2019 and 2020, starting from week 11 in both years. A sub-analysis was done to assess the impact of the pandemic on high-volume and low-volume aortic centres. RESULTS During the pandemic, the number of elective thoracic aortic operations declined by 18% [incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.82 [0.73–0.91]; P < 0.01]. The decline in volume of elective surgery was significant in both high-volume (IRR 0.82 [0.71–0.94]; P < 0.01) and low-volume aortic centres (IRR 0.81 [0.68–0.98]; P = 0.03). The overall number of acute aortic operations during the pandemic remained similar to that in 2019 (505 vs 499; P = 0.85), but an increased share of these operations occurred at high-volume centres. The number of acute operations performed in high-volume centres increased by 20% (IRR 1.20 [1.01–1.42]; P = 0.04), while the number of acute operations performed in low-volume centres decreased by 17% (IRR 0.83 [0.69–1.00]; P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS The coronavirus 2019 pandemic led to a significant decrease in elective thoracic aortic surgery but did not cause a change in the volume of acute thoracic aortic surgery in the Netherlands. Moreover, the pandemic led to a centralization of care for acute thoracic aortic surgery., The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted the delivery of health care around the world.

OBJECTIVES Abnormal helical flow (HF) in the aortic arch has been proposed as a causative factor for aortic dilatation and aortic dissections (ADs). Patients with type B AD present a high prevalence of type III arch configuration, which comprises recognized anatomic AD risk factors. Our aim was to assess whether the type III arch configures a consistent secondary HF pattern. METHODS We employed computational fluid dynamics to compare HF features associated with type I-III arches. The intra-aortic blood flow pattern was regionally assessed through the Modified Arch Landing Areas Nomenclature (MALAN) for planning endovascular aortic repair. Aortic flow pathlines were extracted from the systolic aortic velocity field and objectively characterized through intrinsic shape indices of absolute curvature |κ| and absolute torsion |τ|. Absolute local normalized helicity was computed and mapped on aortic flow pathlines. RESULTS The tendency of aortic flow pathlines to bend and rotate exacerbated in the isthmus of type III arch (MALAN 3/III), where the highest |κ| values (P < 0.0001) were paralleled by the lowest |τ| values (P = 0.010), demonstrating the persistence of a high rotational HF heavily insisting on 3/III. In 3/III area, local normalized helicity was higher than both 3/I and 3/II (P = 0.053). CONCLUSIONS Type III arch configuration is associated with a specific, consistent and abnormal secondary HF pattern, which may account for its high prevalence in patients with type B AD.

OBJECTIVE The type III arch configuration has been inconsistently reported as a stroke risk factor during carotid artery stenting. However, at least three different methods for the definition of type III arch can be identified in the literature, related to the level of the origin of the innominate artery (IA). According to Casserly's definition, a type III arch presents with an origin of the IA below the horizontal plane of the inner curvature. According to Madhwal's definition, a type III arch has a distance greater than twice the diameter of the left common carotid artery between the highest point of the arch and the origin of the IA. According to MacDonald's definition, a type III arch presents with a distance of ≥2 cm between the highest point of the arch and the origin of the IA. Our aim was to assess the level of concordance between these different methods. METHODS Anonymized thoracic computed tomography scans of 100 healthy patients were reviewed. Two of us independently stratified the selected cases as a type I to III arch, according to the three considered definitions. The interobserver level of concordance for each type III arch classification and level of concordance among the three definitions were assessed. RESULTS The 100 selected patients (64% male) were 76 ± 7 years old. For each definition, the interobserver repeatability was almost perfect for all three (Madhwal, κ = 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.71-0.99; MacDonald, κ = 0.82; 95% CI, 0.72-0.92; Casserly, κ = 0.84; 95% CI, 0.74-0.93). The level of concordance among the different definitions was very low (Madhwal vs MacDonald, 85% [P = .002]; 33% for type III arch; Madhwal vs Casserly, 60% [P < .0001]; 12% for type III arch; MacDonald vs Casserly, 75% [P < .0001]; 12% for type III arch). CONCLUSIONS The three definitions of the type III arch have a very low level of concordance, which might account for the varying clinical relevance of this configuration. Our findings have relevant implications for risk prediction for carotid artery stenting based on the presence of a type III arch, for comparisons of the results from different studies, and for comparisons of different datasets from multicenter trials.

Background Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and azithromycin (AZT) have been proposed for COVID-19 treatment. Data available in the literature reported a potential increased risk of fatal arrhythmias under these therapies. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of these drugs on QT interval and outcome in a COVID-19 population. Methods A total of 112 consecutive COVID-19 patients were included in this analysis and were divided in 3 groups according to the receiving therapeutic regimens: 19 (17%) patients in Group 1 (no treatment), 40 (36%) in Group 2 (HCQ only), 53 (47%) in Group 3 (HCQ/AZT). Results A prolonged QTc interval was found in 61% of patients treated with HCQ alone or in combination with AZT, but only 4 (4%) patients showed a QTc > 500 ms. HCQ/AZT combination determined a greater increase of QTc duration compared to the other two strategies (Group 3452 ± 26.4 vs Group 2436.3 ± 28.4 vs Group 1424.4 ± 24.3 ms, respectively; p, Highlights • Only the use of HCQ in combination with AZT causes a significant increase of QT interval. • Older patients are at higher risk of prolonged QT when treated with HCQ with/without AZT. • The use of HCQ alone or in combination with AZT might be considered as safe relating to arrhythmic risk in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the ‘bovine’ arch [i.e. arch variant with a common origin of the innominate and left carotid artery (CILCA)] is associated with an increased risk of thoracic aortic disease (TAD). The study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched to identify all case series reporting about CILCA arch and TAD between January 2008 and December 2018. A total of 485 studies were screened. The prevalence of CILCA arch was assessed, and data analysis was performed considering the difference in the risk of TAD for presence versus absence of CILCA arch. Eight studies enrolling 11 381 subjects were retrieved for quantitative analysis. The proportion of TAD among CILCA arch patients was higher [41.5% (28.1–56.4)] than the proportion among patients with standard arch configuration 34.0% (20.1–51.4). The odds ratio of developing TAD was 1.4 times higher in subjects with CILCA arch (95% confidence interval 1.068–1.839). The test for an overall effect indicated a significant association between CILCA arch and TAD (P

Background The benefits of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) have encouraged stent graft deployment more proximally in the aortic arch. This study quantifies the hemodynamic impact of TEVAR in proximal landing zone 2 on the thoracic aorta and the proximal supra-aortic branches. Methods Patients treated with TEVAR in proximal landing zone 2 having available preoperative and 30-day postoperative computer tomography angiography and phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging data were retrospectively selected. Blood flow was studied using patient-specific computational fluid dynamics simulations. Results Four patients were included. Following TEVAR in proximal landing zone 2, the mean flow in the left common carotid artery (LCCA) increased almost threefold, from 0.21 (0.12–0.41) L/min to 0.61 (0.24–1.08) L/min (+294%). The surface area of the LCCA had not yet increased commensurately and therefore maximum flow velocity in the LCCA increased from 44.9 (27.0–89.3) cm/s to 72.6 (40.8–135.0) cm/s (+62%). One of the patients presented with Type Ib endoleak at 1-year follow-up. The displacement force in this patient measured 32.1 N and was directed dorsocranial, perpendicular to the distal sealing zone. There was a linear correlation between the surface area of the stent graft and the resulting displacement force (p = 0.04). Conclusion TEVAR in proximal landing zone 2 alters blood flow in the supra-aortic branches, resulting in increased flow with high flow velocities in the LCCA. High displacement forces were calculated and related to stent graft migration and Type I endoleak during 1-year follow-up.

Multiple medical device manufacturers are developing branched endografts for thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), to provide a minimally invasive alternative for the treatment of aortic arch pathologies in patients who are deemed unfit for open or hybrid arch repair. Different branched endografts have been introduced, with varying number, size and orientation of the branches that redirect flow to the supra-aortic arteries. We present an overview of the currently investigated devices and review their outcomes. The results of branched TEVAR are promising, yet stroke remains the predominant periprocedural concern. For now, these procedures should be limited to select expert centers where the design and deployment procedure of branched endografts can be further developed to reduce the risk of stroke.

Objectives To analyse the results and review the literature about thoracic aortic endovascular repair (TEVAR) for type B acute aortic dissection (TBAAD) complicated by descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (DTA) in the hyperacute or acute phases. Methods This was a multicentre, observational descriptive study. Inclusion criteria were TBAAD with a DTA of ≥50 mm, TBAAD on an already known aneurysmal descending thoracic aorta, and TBAAD presenting with an enlarged aorta with a total diameter 50% diameter increase compared with a previous computed tomography angiography (CTA) showing a non-dissected aorta with normal sizing. Primary endpoints were early and long-term survival, freedom from TEVAR and aortic related mortality (ARM), and freedom from re-intervention. Results Twenty-two patients were included in the analysis. The mean aortic diameter was 66 ± 26 mm (range 42–130; IQR 51–64). The in hospital TEVAR related mortality was 14% ( n = 3). The mean radiological follow-up was 56 ± 45 months (range 6–149; IQR 12–82), and the follow-up index 0.97 ± 0.1. All surviving patients were available for follow-up. During follow-up the cumulative mortality was 26% ( n = 5) and TEVAR related mortality was 5% (n = 1). Overall the estimate of survival was 82% (95%CI: 61.5–93) at 1 year, and 64% at 5 years. Ongoing primary clinical success was 79% (re-intervention n = 4). Freedom from aortic related mortality was 86% (95%CI: 66–95) at 1 and 5 year, while freedom from re-intervention was 95% (95%CI: 75.5–95) at 1 year, and 77% (95%CI: 50–92) at 5 years. Conclusions In our experience, DTA is a frequent complication from the very beginning of the clinical onset of TBAAD. In this high-risk cohort, TEVAR showed satisfactory results, better than those predicted by the risk score for open repair, with favourable stability of the aortic diameter and no aortic related adverse events during follow-up.

Background The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation of clinical and ultrasound parameters with characters of vulnerable atherosclerotic carotid plaque, as evaluated at preoperative magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), in patients submitted to carotid endarterectomy (CEA), in order to develop a clinical risk score for plaque vulnerability. Methods Preoperative data of patients submitted to CEA for significant carotid stenosis from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2016 were retrospectively collected. The available case series was randomly divided into 2 groups, including a training (60%) and a validation series (40%). Data of plaque vulnerability were assessed at preoperative MRA scans. Univariate analysis was used on the training series to correlate the preoperative covariates available to the features of plaque vulnerability. Therefore, a backward selection procedure was performed again on the training series and on the validation series to assess if the same variables were associated to data of plaque vulnerability, in order to obtain a prediction model for the risk of plaque vulnerability. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals were reported. P values Results The training case series consisted of 352 patients, while the validation case series of 248 patients. After univariate analysis and logistic regression, on the training and the validation series respectively, 6 variables were significantly associated to features of vulnerable plaque at preoperative MRA. These included male sex (OR 2.05), diabetes mellitus (OR 3.06), coronary artery disease (OR 1.95), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (OR 17.99), platelet counts (OR 1.03), and gray-scale median value (OR 0.84). A nomogram was then obtained from the final logistic model, in order to predict the probability of the presence of vulnerable carotid plaque, using a weighted points system. This risk score was then applied to the validation series. The validation data were found to have a C-index of 0.934. Conclusions Sex, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet counts, and gray-scale median value were significantly associated to the features of vulnerable plaque at preoperative MRA in patients undergoing CEA. In particular, when combined together in a “risk score,” these variables provided an accurate probability of the presence of a vulnerable plaque at MRA scans.

Purpose: To investigate the association between the bird-beak configuration (BBC), a wedge-shaped gap between the undersurface of a thoracic endograft and the lesser curvature of the arch after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), and postoperative outcome after TEVAR. Methods: The study was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched to identify all case series reporting BBC after TEVAR between 2006 and April 2018. Data analysis was performed considering the difference in the risk of complications for presence vs absence of BBC. After screening 1633 articles, 21 studies were identified that matched the selection criteria; 12 of these reported detailed information to investigate the postoperative outcome using proportion meta-analysis with a random effects model. The pooled risk difference is reported with the 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity of the included studies was assessed with the I2 statistic (low 25%, medium 50%, high 75%). Results: Complications occurred within a range of 0 to 72 months in 14.7% (95% CI 7.4% to 27.3%) of patients with BBC and in 6.3% (95% CI 2.5% to 15.4%) of patients without BBC. A cumulative incidence could not be assessed. The summary risk difference was 11.1% (95% CI −0.1% to 22.3%, p=0.052). There was significant heterogeneity ( I2=85.6%). The Egger test did not show evidence of publication bias (p=0.975). When specifically considering type Ia endoleak and endograft migration, the risk difference between BBC and non-BBC patients was 8.2% (95% CI 0.3% to 16.1%, p=0.042; I2=69.0%). The specific risk difference for endograft collapse/infolding and thrombosis was 3.7% (95% CI −3.5% to 11.1%, p=0.308; I2=10.2%). Conclusion: At present the literature does not provide statistical evidence to establish an overall prognostic value of the BBC. Nevertheless, the BBC appears to be associated with a high risk of type Ia endoleak and endograft migration, which warrants specific and long-term surveillance. Clinically relevant values for BBC grading should be established to perhaps define indications for preemptive treatment based on the presence of BBC only.

Objective This retrospective study was performed to assess the clinical and radiological variables associated with proximal type IA endoleak (EL) in patients treated with elective endovascular repair for abdominal aortic aneurysms. Methods The chi-square test, t-test, and logistic regression analysis were performed as appropriate. A P value of Results The data of 79 patients were analyzed. No mortality occurred. During follow-up (median, 28.5 months; interquartile range, 12.8–43.0 months), 10 patients developed type IA EL. In the logistic regression analysis, undersizing of the endograft diameter by 20% significantly affected the occurrence of type IA EL. Conclusion When sizing endografts, a discrepancy was noted between the measurements of the diameter and area of the proximal neck. The area might represent a more accurate measurement than the axial diameter to optimize the proximal sealing and lower the risk of developing type IA EL.

The Thoracic Aortic Research Center (TARC) of the IRCCS Policlinico San Donato (PSD) aims to promote research on thoracic aortic diseases, to disclose the scientific knowledge and clinical experience and to develop new scientific paths within the Hospital and the aortic community, in collaboration with other national and international centres. Thoracic Aortic Research Center collaborates with many centres in both Europe (e.g. University of Utrecht, the Netherlands) and the USA (e.g. University of Michigan). This has led to multiple highly regarded publications in respected cardiovascular journals and has led to several PhD programmes resulting in doctorate degrees. Within Italy, in association with the Bioengineering School of the University of Pavia, TARC has founded the “BETA-lab” ( B iomechanics for E ndovascular T reatment of the A orta laboratory), where MDs, Bioengineers, and PhD fellows conduct experimental studies using in vitro/ex vivo models of the physiologic aorta and aortic diseases. Furthermore, a database (iCardiocloud) where the medical imaging of cardiovascular patients from the PSD is structured, for in silico analysis utilizing computational fluid dynamics, and in vitro studies using also 3D printed aortic models. With the role of principal investigator or co-investigator, TARC at PSD has been participating in other several projects, including the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection, the International Aortic Arch Surgery Study Group, the European Registry of Endovascular Aortic Repair Complications, the ADSORB and ASSIST trials, and the GREAT registry. International collaborations have included also studies on predictors of aortic growth after dissection with the Yale University and University of Virginia, and on aortic biomarkers with the University of Tokyo.

Introduction: Aim of the study is to assess the occurrence of early stage coagulopathy and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in patients with mild to moderate respiratory distress secondary to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Materials and methods: Data of patients hospitalized from 18 March 2020 to 20 April 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Two scores for the screening of coagulopathy (SIC and non-overt DIC scores) were calculated. The occurrence of thrombotic complication, death, and worsening respiratory function requiring non-invasive ventilation (NIV) or admission to ICU were recorded, and these outcomes were correlated with the results of each score. Chi-square test, receiver-operating characteristic curve, and logistic regression analysis were used as appropriate. p Values &lt, 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Data of 32 patients were analyzed. Overt-DIC was diagnosed in two patients (6.2%), while 26 (81.2%) met the criteria for non-overt DIC. Non-overt DIC score values &ge, 4 significantly correlated with the need of NIV/ICU (p = 0.02) and with the occurrence of thrombotic complications (p = 0.04). A score &ge, 4 was the optimal cut-off value, performing better than SIC score (p = 0.0018). Values &ge, 4 in patients with thrombotic complications were predictive of death (p = 0.03). Conclusions: Overt DIC occurred in 6.2% of non-ICU patients hospitalized for a mild to moderate COVID-19 respiratory distress, while 81.2% fulfilled the criteria for non-overt DIC. The non-overt DIC score performed better than the SIC score in predicting the need of NIV/ICU and the occurrence of thrombotic complications, as well as in predicting mortality in patients with thrombotic complications, with a score &ge, 4 being detected as the optimal cut-off.