Reconstruction of Chest Wall Defects Using a Technique Involving Mesh, Titanium Plates, and a Pedunculated Muscle Flap.

We herein present a new surgical reconstruction technique for large chest wall defects after resection of advanced chest wall tumors.

CXCL8 hyper-signaling in the aortic abdominal aneurysm.

There are indications for elevated CXCL8 levels in abdominal aortic aneurysm disease (AAA). CXCL8 is concurrently involved in neutrophil-mediated inflammation and angiogenesis, two prominent and distinctive characteristics of AAA. As such we considered an evaluation of a role for CXCL8 in AAA progression relevant.

A potential role for glycated cross-links in abdominal aortic aneurysm disease.

Background: Diabetes is a risk factor for atherosclerotic disease but negatively associated with the development and progression of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are increased in diabetes and renders the vascular matrix more resistant to proteolysis. We assessed the concentration of AGEs in AAA biopsies obtained from diabetic and nondiabetic patients and hypothesized that (nonenzymatic) glycation of AAA tissue protects against proteolytic breakdown of collagen.

IL-6: A Janus-like factor in abdominal aortic aneurysm disease.

Background And Aims: An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is part of the atherosclerotic spectrum of diseases. The disease is hallmarked by a comprehensive localized inflammatory response with striking IL-6 hyperexpression. IL-6 is a multifaceted cytokine that, depending on the context, acts as a pro- or anti-inflammatory factor.

Histological analysis of extracranial carotid artery aneurysms.

Introduction: Extracranial carotid artery aneurysms (ECAA) are rare but may be accompanied with significant morbidity. Previous studies mostly focused on diagnostic imaging and treatment. In contrast, the pathophysiological mechanisms and natural course of ECAA are largely unknown.

Leukotriene B4 levels in human atherosclerotic plaques and abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Background: Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) has been associated with the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) formation. However, associations of LTB4 levels with tissue characteristics and adverse clinical outcome of advanced atherosclerosis and AAA are scarcely studied. We hypothesized that LTB4 levels are associated with a vulnerable plaque phenotype and adverse clinical outcome.

Intraluminal abdominal aortic aneurysm thrombus is associated with disruption of wall integrity.

Objective: An association of intraluminal thrombus (ILT) with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) growth has been suggested. Previous in vitro experiments have demonstrated that aneurysm-associated thrombus may secrete proteolytic enzymes and may develop local hypoxia that might lead to the formation of tissue-damaging reactive oxygen species. In this study, we assessed the hypothesis that ventral ILT thickness is associated with markers of proteolysis and with lipid oxidation in the underlying AAA vessel wall.

Intraplaque neovascularization and hemorrhage: markers for cardiovascular risk stratification and therapeutic monitoring.

Atherosclerotic disease results in major clinical events and remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the western World. Atherosclerotic plaques have a heterogeneous presentation. Atherosclerotic plaques with a vulnerable phenotype have been associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular complications.

Osteoprotegerin is associated with aneurysm diameter and proteolysis in abdominal aortic aneurysm disease.

Objective: Serum osteoprotegerin (OPG) concentrations have previously been associated with growth of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). In vitro experiments showed that OPG promotes matrix metalloprotease (MMP) release from monocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells. We hypothesized that OPG expression is increased in human AAAs and is associated with proteolysis.

The influence of smoking on endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Objective: The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of smoking on perioperative outcomes of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), aneurysm sac behavior, abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) neck growth after EVAR, and its effect on stent graft migration during follow-up.

Methods: Baseline characteristics and follow-up data were collected prospectively by patient record forms. Follow-up visits were scheduled at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, and annually thereafter and included a clinical examination and imaging studies.

Annual rupture risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm enlargement without detectable endoleak after endovascular abdominal aortic repair.

Objectives: Whether abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) enlargement after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), without an identifiable endoleak, is a risk factor for AAA rupture remains controversial. To our knowledge, studies including large patient numbers investigating this topic have not been done. Therefore, a considerable number of conversions to open AAA repair have been performed in this patient group.