Risk factors and surgical prognosis in patients with aortic valve involvement caused by Takayasu arteritis.

Objective: Aortic valve involvement is not uncommon in patients with Takayasu arteritis (TAK) and leading to poor prognosis. The aim of our study was to explore the risk factors of aortic valve involvement and to evaluate the prognosis in TAK patients with aortic valve involvement.

Method: In this retrospective study, 172 TAK patients were divided into groups with or without aortic valve involvement to identify the risk factors.

Imaging features of mycotic aortic aneurysms.

Infectious aortitis (IA) is a rare and life-threatening cardiovascular disease. Early diagnosis and timely intervention are crucial for reducing mortality associated with mycotic aortic aneurysms (MAAs); however, early diagnosis is challenging due to the nonspecific symptoms. Some cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage or after developing complications, such as rupture or aortic fistula.

Management of aortobronchial fistula: Experience of 14 cases.

Objectives: Aortobronchial fistula (ABF) is rare but lethal condition if left untreated, and the treatment still remains challenging. We retrospectively reviewed data at our Institution and report our experience in the management of ABF.

Methods: From September 2010 to May 2019, 14 patients (13 men, average age 52 ± 11 years) with ABF were treated in our hospital.

Acute type A aortic intramural hematoma and type A aortic dissection: correlation between the intimal tear features and pathogenesis.

Background: To determine the prevalence, clinical and imaging features of intimal tear detected by ECG-gated multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and confirmed by surgery in patients with acute type A intramural hematoma (ATAIMH) and acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD).

Methods: This retrospective study involved analysis of the intimal tear characteristics in 72 consecutive patients with ATAIMH and 209 with AAAD who were diagnosed by MDCT. The size and location of the intimal tear were measured and compared between these two groups of patients.

Thoracic aortic surgery: status and upcoming novelties.

Several novel technological developments and surgical approaches have characterized the field of aortic surgery in the recent decade. The progressive introduction of endovascular procedures, minimally invasive surgical techniques and hybrid approaches have changed the practice in aortic surgery and generated new trends and questions. Also, the advancements in the manufacturing of tissue engineered vascular grafts as substitutes for aortic replacements are enlightening new avenues in the treatment of aortic disease.

Clinical Parameters and Gut Microbiome Changes Before and After Surgery in Thoracic Aortic Dissection in Patients with Gastrointestinal Complications.

Thoracic aortic dissection (TAAD) is one of the most common types of aortic diseases. Although surgery remains the main method of treatment, the high rate of postoperative gastrointestinal complications significantly influences the effects of surgery and the recovery process. Moreover, the mechanisms underlying this disease remain unclear.

Thoracoabdominal aortic replacement for Crawford extent II aneurysm after thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

Background: The surgical treatment of Crawford extent II aneurysms after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) remains challenging, because of the need to remove the failed endograft and the complexity of the aortic reconstruction. We retrospectively reviewed our experience with surgical management of Crawford extent II aneurysms after TEVAR using thoracoabdominal aortic replacement (TAAR).

Methods: Eleven patients (10 males, 1 female) with Crawford extent II aneurysm after TEVAR were treated with TAAR between August 2012 and May 2015.