scholarly journals Opening and closure of intraventricular neuroendoscopic procedures in infants under 1 year of age: institutional technique, case series and review of the literature

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. D. Cearns ◽  
M. Kommer ◽  
A. Amato-Watkins ◽  
E. Campbell ◽  
T. Beez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Third Ventriculostomy ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Infantile Hydrocephalus ◽  
Wound Breakdown ◽  
Csf Leakage ◽  
Clinical Records

Abstract Purpose Intraventricular neuroendoscopic techniques, particularly third ventriculostomy, are employed increasingly in the management of infantile hydrocephalus. However, surgical access to the ventricular cavities is associated with a risk of post-operative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Here, we describe a structured, multi-layered approach to wound opening and closure which aims to maximise the natural tissue barriers against CSF leakage. We present a series of patients undergoing this technique and subsequently review the literature regarding opening and closure techniques in paediatric intraventricular neuroendoscopic procedures. Methods We performed a retrospective case series analysis of patients under 1 year of age who underwent intraventricular neuroendoscopic procedures in a single institution over a 5-year period. Patients were identified from an institutional operative database, and operation notes and clinical records were subsequently reviewed. Results 28 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria for this study. The mean age at operation was 9 weeks. 27 patients underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy whilst 1 underwent endoscopic septostomy, and all patients underwent our structured, multi-layered opening and closure technique. Follow-up ranged from 4 months to 5 years. There were no cases of post-operative CSF leak, infection or wound breakdown. 12 patients remained shunt-free at the last follow-up, with the remaining 16 requiring shunt insertion for progressive hydrocephalus at a mean of 24 days post-operatively. Conclusion Various methods aiming to prevent post-operative CSF leak have been reported in the literature. We propose that our institutional technique may be of benefit in minimising this risk in infants undergoing endoscopic third ventriculostomy and similar intraventricular neuroendoscopic procedures.

scholarly journals Frequency of success and complications of primary endoscopic third ventriculostomy in infants with obstructive hydrocephalous

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Seema Sharafat ◽  
Zahid Khan ◽  
Farooq Azam ◽  
Mumtaz Ali
Keyword(s):  
Success Rate ◽  
Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Third Ventriculostomy ◽  
Creative Commons ◽  
Male Patients ◽  
One Year ◽  
Open Access Article

Objectives: To determine the success rate and complications of primary endoscopic third ventri-culostomy (ETV) in infants with obstructive hydrocephalous. Methods: This case series was conducted at the Department of Neurosurgery, Medical and Teaching Institute, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar from July 2016 to June 2018. All consecutive patients with age less than one year who underwent ETV for primary obstructive hydrocephalous, of both gender, were included in the study. The patients were followed up to six months after surgery. The data was entered in a specially designed Performa. Patients’ data was analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. Results: We had total 21 patients with age less than one year during the study period. Male patients were 11 (52.4%). Success rate of ETV at six months of follow up was 12 (57.1%). Post-op complications observed were in 9.52% (2/21) cases. One patient had cerebrospinal fluid CSF) leak and the other had significant bleed. Conclusion: ETV is successful in 57.1% of infants with obstructive type of hydrocephalous. The post op complications in case of ETV are lower than Ventriculo-peritoneal shunts. Therefore, ETV can be offered to infants having obstructive hydrocephalous. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.1.4097 How to cite this:Sharafat S, Khan Z, Azam F, Ali M. Frequency of success and complications of primary endoscopic third ventriculostomy in infants with obstructive hydrocephalous. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(1):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.1.4097 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

scholarly journals Early Outcome of Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy With or Without Choroid Plexus Cauterization and Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt as Primary Treatment of Hydrocephalus in Infants With Myelomeningocele

Neurosurgery ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 66 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bamidele O Adebayo ◽  
Okezie Kanu ◽  
Olufemi B Bankole ◽  
Omotayo Ojo
Keyword(s):  
Success Rate ◽  
Choroid Plexus ◽  
Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt ◽  
Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy ◽  
Successful Outcome ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Third Ventriculostomy ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal ◽  
Choroid Plexus Cauterization

Abstract INTRODUCTION Myelomeningocele is associated with hydrocephalus in 35% to 90% of cases. Hydrocephalus is usually treated with insertion of ventriculoperitoneal shunt. However, endoscopic third ventriculostomy with or without choroid plexus cauterization is a viable alternative. METHODS A prospective longitudinal study from January 2016 to December 2018 on patients with myelomeningocele who presented to Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria and who had hydrocephalus.Informed consent for research and surgery were obtained. ETV with or without CPC or VPS was done with general anesthesia using standard operative techniques. Patients were followed up monthly for at least 6 mo. The surgery was adjudged failed if there was progressive head enlargement as well as other signs of hydrocephalus necessitating another surgery for hydrocephalus. RESULTS A total of 48 patients completed the study. A total of Six patients were lost to follow-up. Age range of the patients was 1 to 44 wk. A total of Five patients had ETV, 21 had ETV/CPC, and 22 patients had VPS. The mean OFC at the time of surgery were 45.3 cm and 44.9 cm for the endoscopic and VPS arms respectively. There were 2 (7.6%) cases of CSF leak in the endoscopic arm and 3 (13.6%) cases of wound dehiscence, with 1 (4.5%) case of CSF leak in the VPS arm. Mean age at surgery for ETV/CPC arm was 12.3 wand 11.5 wk for the VPS arm. Mean time to failure was 9.9 and 6.3 wk for endoscopic and VPS arms respectively. Four (80%) of the patients who had ETV had a successful outcome, 11 (52.3%) of those who had ETV/CPC had a successful outcome and 13 (59%) of those who had VPS had a successful outcome. At 6 mo follow up, overall success rate for the endoscopic arm was 57.6% and 59% for the VPS. CONCLUSION Endoscopic third ventriculostomy with or without choroid plexus cauterization had similar success rate with VPS at 6 mos.

scholarly journals Endoscopic third ventriculostomy and choroid plexus cauterization with a rigid neuroendoscope in infants with hydrocephalus

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander G. Weil ◽  
Aria Fallah ◽  
Parthasarathi Chamiraju ◽  
John Ragheb ◽  
Sanjiv Bhatia
Keyword(s):  
Choroid Plexus ◽  
North American ◽  
Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy ◽  
Aqueductal Stenosis ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Third Ventriculostomy ◽  
Children's Hospital ◽  
Children’S Hospital ◽  
Choroid Plexus Cauterization

OBJECT Combining endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) with choroid plexus cauterization (CPC) has been shown to improve the success rate compared with ETV alone in infants (less than 24 months) with hydrocephalus who were treated in developing countries. The authors sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this procedure, using a rigid neuroendoscope, in a single North American center, and to assess whether the ETV success score (ETVSS), the CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda ETVSS (CCHU ETVSS), and other pre- and intraoperative variables could predict success. METHODS The authors performed a retrospective review of consecutive ETV/CPC procedures performed using a rigid neuroendoscope to treat infantile hydrocephalus. The infants underwent the procedure at Miami Children’s Hospital between January 2007 and 2014, with at least one postoperative follow-up. Duration of follow-up or time to failure of ETV/CPC, the primary outcome measure, was documented. A repeat CSF diversion procedure or death was considered as a failure of ETV/CPC. The time to event was measured using a Kaplan-Meier analysis. The authors analyzed ETVSS, CCHU ETVSS, and pre- and intraoperative variables to determine their suitability to predict success. RESULTS Eighty-five patients (45 boys) with a mean age of 4.3 months (range 1 day to 20 months) underwent ETV/CPC. Etiology included intraventricular hemorrhage of prematurity in 44 patients (51.7%), myelomeningocele (MMC) in 7 (8.2%), congenital aqueductal stenosis in 12 (14.1%), congenital communicating hydrocephalus in 6 (7.1%), Dandy-Walker complex in 6 (7.1%), postinfectious hydrocephalus in 5 (5.8%), and other cause in 5 (5.8%). Six procedure-related complications occurred in 5 (5.8%) patients, including 2 hygromas, 1 CSF leak, and 3 infections. There were 3 mortalities in this cohort. ETV/CPC was successful in 42.1%, 37.7%, and 36.8% of patients at 6, 12, and 24 months follow-up, respectively. The median (95% CI) time to ETV/CPC failure was 4.0 months (0.9–7.1 months). In univariate analyses, both the ETVSS (hazard ratio [HR] 1.03; 95% CI 1.01–1.05; p = 0.004) and CCHU ETVSS (HR 1.48; 95% CI 1.04–2.09; p = .028) were predictive of outcome following ETV/CPC. In multivariate analysis, the presence of prepontine scarring was associated with ETV/CPC failure (HR 0.34; 95% CI 0.19–0.63; p < 0.001). Other variables, such as radiological criteria (prepontine interval, prepontine space, aqueductal stenosis, Third Ventricular Morphology Index) and intraoperative findings (ventriculostomy pulsations, extent of CPC), did not predict outcome. CONCLUSIONS ETV/CPC is a feasible alternative to ETV and ventriculoperitoneal shunt in infants with hydrocephalus. Both the ETVSS and CCHU ETVSS predicted success following ETV/CPC in this single-center North American cohort of patients.

scholarly journals ENDOSCOPIC THIRD VENTRICULOSTOMY (ETV);

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (04) ◽  
pp. 794-797
Author(s):  
Riaz ur Rehman ◽  
Azmatullah Khattak ◽  
Mian Iftikhar Ul Huq ◽  
Mewat Shah ◽  
Mushtaq ,
Keyword(s):  
Gender Discrimination ◽  
Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy ◽  
Memory Loss ◽  
Good Alternative ◽  
Third Ventriculostomy ◽  
Pineal Tumor ◽  
Brain Stem Glioma ◽  
Proper Patient Selection ◽  
Csf Leakage

Objective: To know the surgical outcome of endoscopic third ventriculostomy(ETV) in non communicating hydrocephalous. Materials and methods: This study wasconducted in Abaseen Hospital, Peshawar, from 13th December 2010 to 12th October 2011.Patients with non-communicating hydrocephalous, irrespective of gender discrimination wereincluded in this study. Patients with communicated hydrocephalous, patients below two years ofage and hydrocephalus with infected CSF or hemorrhage were excluded. Hydrocephalous wasdiagnosed on CT scan brain. The procedure was done under general anesthesia. ClinicalOutcome of ETV was evaluated by the time of discharge and on subsequent follow up visits i.e.monthly for the first three months and then at six months. Any patient who subsequently neededVP shunting after the ETV procedure was described as having treatment failure. Results: Weoperated 27 patients during our study period. Age ranged from 2 years to 57 years with mean age20.8 years. There were 16(59.26%) males and 11(40.74 %) females. Etiologically,4th ventriculartumors was present in 9 patients(33.33%), tuberculous meningitis in 8(29.62%), aquiductalstenosis in 7(25.92%), brain stem glioma in 1(3.70%). cerebellar haemengioblastoma in 1(3.70%)and pineal tumor (3.70%) with infra tentorial extension in 1 (3.70%) patient. The procedure wassuccessful in 24(88.89%) patients and converted to ventriculoperitoneal shunts in 3(11.11%)cases. Post operatively CSF leakage was present in 2 (7.40%) patients, transient memory loss in1(3.70%), pneumocephalus in 1(3.70%) and pseudomeningocele in 1(3.70%) patients.Conclusions: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy is a good alternative to the VP shunt in cases ofnon-communicating hydrocephalous. Although ETV does have some complications but theseare transient and can be minimized with proper patient selection and meticulous surgicaltechnique

scholarly journals Brimonidine-associated uveitis – a descriptive case series

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Hopf ◽  
Karl Mercieca ◽  
Norbert Pfeiffer ◽  
Verena Prokosch-Willing
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Uveitis ◽  
Open Angle Glaucoma ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Glaucoma Surgery ◽  
Topical Steroids ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Root Cause ◽  
Clinical Records

Abstract Background Anterior uveitis secondary to topical brimonidine administration is rare and not well-defined. In glaucoma patients using brimonidine, one must consider this phenomenon to avoid mis-diagnosis and over-treatment with topical steroids which in turn may increase intraocular pressure (IOP). This is the largest case series including the longest patient follow-up in the current literature. Methods Sixteen patients (26 eyes) with consultant diagnosed brimonidine-associated anterior uveitis in a tertiary referral glaucoma clinic presenting between 2015 and 2019 were included in this retrospective case series. Clinical records were taken for descriptive analysis. Main outcome measures were the key clinical features, and disease course (therapy, IOP control, patient outcome). Results Key features were conjunctival ciliary injection and mutton fat keratic precipitation in all eyes. The findings were bilateral in 10 patients. Time between initiation of brimonidine treatment and presentation was 1 week to 49 months. Glaucoma sub-types were mostly pseudo-exfoliative and primary open angle glaucoma. Brimonidine treatment was stopped immediately. Additionally, topical corticosteroids were prescribed in 18 eyes and tapered down during the following 4 weeks. Thirteen eyes did not need surgical or laser treatment (median follow-up time 15 months). No patient showed recurrence of inflammation after cessation of brimonidine. Conclusions This type of anterior uveitis is an uncommon but important manifestation which should always be considered in glaucoma patients on brimonidine treatment. Although treatable at its root cause, problems may persist, especially with respect to IOP control. The latter may necessitate glaucoma surgery after the resolved episode of the uveitis.

scholarly journals Use of Zipper Ratcheting Straps as a Bailout for Postoperative Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks: Our Experience

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 443-447
Author(s):  
Arvind G. Kulkarni ◽  
Sandeep Tapashetti ◽  
Priyank M. Patel
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Good Alternative ◽  
Technical Note ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Skin Closure ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Dural Tears ◽  
Csf Leaks

Study Design: Technical note. Objectives: Management of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks is a challenge. Reexploration increases the morbidity risks. The main objective was to evaluate the outcomes of noninvasive zipper-like system (Zip surgical skin closure system, ZipLine Medical, Inc, Campbell, CA, USA) as a bailout technique for postoperative CSF leaks. Methods: Retrospective case series. Consecutive patients with postoperative CSF leaks that occurred secondary to spinal surgeries performed between January 2017 and September 2018 were part of the study. All these patients were managed conservatively by reinforcement with zipper ratcheting straps over the sutured surgical wound. Successful clinical outcomes included cessation of CSF leaks and adequate wound healing in the postoperative period and at follow-up. Results: Ten patients underwent the application of zipper ratcheting straps. The mean follow-up was 6 months (range 6 months to 1 year). In 7 cases, the dural tears were recognized postoperatively and in 3 cases, the tears were noted intraoperatively and repaired and reinforced with fibrin sealants. None of the patients developed wound soakage or subsequent CSF leak from the wound after the application of zipper ratcheting straps. Conclusions: Zipper ratcheting straps as augmentation to sewing of the wound seem to be a good alternative and bailout in treating patients with postoperative CSF leaks. The ease of its application, the ability in minimizing the complications associated with CSF leaks, and negating the need of surgical reexploration makes it a worthy option.

Mesencephalic ependymal cysts: treatment under pure endoscopic or endoscope–assisted keyhole conditions

2008 ◽  
Vol 109 (4) ◽  
pp. 723-728 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jens Conrad ◽  
Stefan Welschehold ◽  
Patra Charalampaki ◽  
Erik van Lindert ◽  
Peter Grunert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy ◽  
Third Ventriculostomy ◽  
Stereotactic Aspiration ◽  
The Past ◽  
Surgical Methods ◽  
Occlusive Hydrocephalus ◽  
Neurosurgical Technique ◽  
Clinical Records ◽  
Morbid Conditions

Object Primary intracranial ependymal cysts are extremely rare. Similar to congenital intraparenchymal cysts in the mesencephalon they usually occur with symptoms of an occlusive hydrocephalus or symptoms like Parinaud syndrome, dizziness, or gait disturbance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the surgical methods for the treatment of these cysts and the clinical outcome of the patients. Methods The authors present the clinical records of 8 patients who were treated in their department for symptomatic mesencephalic ependymal cysts in the past 10 years. The patient age ranged from 22 to 60 years with a mean age of 44 years. In 4 cases the authors performed a suboccipital infratentorial supracerebellar approach by using endoscope-assisted microsurgery. The other 4 patients underwent a pure endoscopic procedure over a frontal bur hole trepanation. Results Four patients became symptom free, and the remaining 4 improved significantly after a mean follow-up duration of 38.5 months (range 5–119 months). One patient underwent 2 operations: first a ventriculocystostomy and 4 months later endoscopic third ventriculostomy because of recurrent hydrocephalus. In 1 case a second surgery was necessary because of a wound infection. In all of the patients an adequate fenestration of the cyst was achieved. Conclusions A symptomatic mesencephalic ependymal cyst is an indication for neurosurgical intervention. These cysts can be treated successfully and most likely definitively by a pure endoscopic or endoscope-assisted keyhole neurosurgical technique. There were no morbid conditions or death due to the procedures in this group of 8 patients. Therefore, the authors regard these surgical procedures to be good alternatives to treatments such as shunt placement or stereotactic aspiration of the cysts.

Surgical outcome of tuberculous meningitis hydrocephalus treated by endoscopic third ventriculostomy: prognostic factors and postoperative neuroimaging for functional assessment of ventriculostomy

2009 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. 371-377 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashish Chugh ◽  
Mazhar Husain ◽  
Rakesh K. Gupta ◽  
Bal K. Ojha ◽  
Anil Chandra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mr Imaging ◽  
Tuberculous Meningitis ◽  
Functional Assessment ◽  
Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy ◽  
Third Ventricle ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Third Ventriculostomy ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Cine Mr

Object Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is increasingly being used as an alternative treatment for post–tuberculous meningitis (TBM) hydrocephalus. The aim of this study was to affirm the role of ETV in patients with TBM hydrocephalus and also to study the usefulness of cine phase-contrast MR imaging (cine MR imaging) for functional assessment of the ETV stoma. An additional goal was to identify factors that influence the outcome of ETV, so as to define patients with TBM hydrocephalus in whom ETV is warranted. Methods Twenty-six patients with TBM hydrocephalus treated with ETV were evaluated clinically and with cine MR imaging postoperatively. The duration of follow-up ranged from 1 to 15 months. The authors evaluated flow void changes in the floor of the third ventricle and analyzed parameters from the preoperative data, which they then used as a basis for comparison between endoscopically successful and endoscopically unsuccessful cases. Results The overall success rate of ETV in TBM hydrocephalus was 73.1% in this case series. Cine MR imaging showed a sensitivity of 94.73% and specificity of 71.42% for the functional assessment of third ventriculostomy in these patients, with the efficacy being maintained during follow-up. The outcome of ETV showed a statistically significant correlation with the stage of illness and presence of intraoperative cisternal exudates. Although duration of symptoms and duration of preoperative antituberculous therapy (ATT) appeared to influence the outcome, their correlation with outcome was not statistically significant. Conclusions Endoscopic third ventriculostomy should be considered as the first surgical option for CSF diversion (that is, before shunt surgery) in patients with TBM hydrocephalus. Cine MR imaging is a highly effective noninvasive tool for the postoperative functional assessment of stomata. Patients who presented with a history of longer duration and those who were administered preoperative ATT for a longer period had a better outcome of endoscopic treatment. Outcome was poorer in patients who presented with higher stages of illness and in those in whom cisternal exudates were observed intraoperatively.

Long-term outcomes of lumbar microdiscectomy in the pediatric population: a large single-institution case series

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 549-557
Author(s):  
Malia McAvoy ◽  
Heather J. McCrea ◽  
Vamsidhar Chavakula ◽  
Hoon Choi ◽  
Wenya Linda Bi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conservative Management ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Single Institution ◽  
The Mean

OBJECTIVEFew studies describe long-term functional outcomes of pediatric patients who have undergone lumbar microdiscectomy (LMD) because of the rarity of pediatric disc herniation and the short follow-up periods. The authors analyzed risk factors, clinical presentation, complications, and functional outcomes of a single-institution series of LMD patients over a 19-year period.METHODSA retrospective case series was conducted of pediatric LMD patients at a large pediatric academic hospital from 1998 to 2017. The authors examined premorbid risk factors, clinical presentation, physical examination findings, type and duration of conservative management, indications for surgical intervention, complications, and postoperative outcomes.RESULTSOver the 19-year study period, 199 patients underwent LMD at the authors’ institution. The mean age at presentation was 16.0 years (range 12–18 years), and 55.8% were female. Of these patients, 70.9% participated in competitive sports, and among those who did not play sports, 65.0% had a body mass index greater than 25 kg/m2. Prior to surgery, conservative management had failed in 98.0% of the patients. Only 3 patients (1.5%) presented with cauda equina syndrome requiring emergent microdiscectomy. Complications included 4 cases of postoperative CSF leak (2.0%), 1 case of a noted intraoperative CSF leak, and 3 cases of wound infection (1.5%). At the first postoperative follow-up appointment, minimal or no pain was reported by 93.3% of patients. The mean time to return to sports was 9.8 weeks. During a mean follow-up duration of 8.2 years, 72.9% of patients did not present again after routine postoperative appointments. The total risk of reoperation was a rate of 7.5% (3.5% of patients underwent reoperation for the same level; 4.5% underwent adjacent-level decompression, and one patient [0.5%] ultimately underwent a fusion).CONCLUSIONSMicrodiscectomy is a safe and effective treatment for long-term relief of pain and return to daily activities among pediatric patients with symptomatic lumbar disc disease in whom conservative management has failed.

scholarly journals THU0319 DEVELOPMENT AND OUTCOME OF AORTIC COMPLICATIONS DURING TOCILIZUMAB TREATMENT OF GCA AND HISTOPATHOLOGIC EVIDENCE OF RESIDUAL INFLAMMATION-A CASE SERIES.

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 388.2-389
Author(s):  
A. Rubbert-Roth ◽  
P. K. Bode ◽  
T. Langenegger ◽  
C. Pfofe ◽  
T. Neumann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Structural Changes ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Aortic Aneurysms ◽  
Imaging Data ◽  
Limited Data ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Pet Ct ◽  
Fdg Pet Ct ◽  
Pet Ct Scan

Background:Giant cell arteritis (GCA) may affect the aorta and the large aortic branches and lead to dissections and aortic aneurysms. Tocilizumab (TCZ) treatment has the capacity to control aortic inflammation as has been demonstrated by CRP normalization and imaging data. However, limited data are available on the histopathological findings obtained from patients who underwent surgery because of aortic complications during TCZ treatment.Objectives:We report on 5 patients with aortitis who were treated with TCZ and developed aortic complications.Methods:We describe a retrospective case series of patients with GCA treated with TCZ, who presented in our clinic between 2011 and 2019. Three patients underwent surgery. Histopathologic examination was performed in specimen from all of them.Results:Five female patients were diagnosed with GCA (4/5) or Takaysu arteritis (1/5) involving the aorta, all them diagnosed by MR angiography and/or FDG PET CT scan. Three patients (one with aortic aneurysm, one with dissection) underwent surgery after having been treated with TCZ for seven weeks, nine months and four years, respectively. Imaging before surgery showed remission on MRI and/or PET-CT in all cases. At the time of surgery, all patients showed normalized CRP and ESR values. Histopathological evaluation of the aortic wall revealed infiltrates, consisting predominantly of CD3+CD4+ T cells. Enlargement of pre-existing aneuryms was observed in the other two patients 10 weeks and 4 months after discontinuation of TCZ, respectively. Both patients were not eligible for surgical intervention and died during follow-up.Conclusion:Our case series suggests that during treatment with TCZ, regular imaging is necessary in this patient population to detect development of structural changes such as aneurysms or dissections. Despite treatment, residual inflammation might persist which could contribute to eventual aortic complications.Disclosure of Interests:Andrea Rubbert-Roth Consultant of: Abbvie, BMS, Chugai, Pfizer, Roche, Janssen, Lilly, Sanofi, Amgen, Novartis, Peter Karl Bode: None declared, Thomas Langenegger: None declared, Claudia Pfofe: None declared, Thomas Neumann: None declared, Olaf Chan-Hi Kim: None declared, Johannes von Kempis Consultant of: Roche

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