Axial computed tomography and duplex scanning for the determination of maximal abdominal aortic diameter in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms

Introduction: Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) manifest histologic features consistent with other chronic inflammatory diseases. Infiltrating mural myeloid cells (e.g. macrophages) are already recognized as important contributors to aneurysm pathogenesis, however, the role of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC), major type 1 interferon-producing myeloid cells involving in autoimmune diseases and atherosclerosis, has not been previously investigated in this context. Methods and Results: AAAs were created in 12 week old male C57BL/6J mice by transient intra-aortic infusion of porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE). AAA development and progression were assessed via serial ultrasound determination of aortic diameter in vivo , and histology at sacrifice. The fraction of circulating leukocytes identified as pDCs was significantly increased immediately following PPE infusion (aneurysm initiation). Treatment with mPDCA-1 mAb (400 μg i.p. q.o.d.), beginning one day prior to PPE infusion, depleted more than 90% of bone marrow, spleen and peripheral blood pDCs (data not shown) and suppressed subsequent aneurysm development and progression compared to that noted in PPE-infused mice treated with control mAb. mPDCA-1 treatment promoted aortic medial elastin and smooth muscle preservation, while limiting mural macrophage accumulation and neocapillary formation. Conclusion: These findings suggest a role for plasmacytoid dendritic cells in promoting the initiation and progression of experimental abdominal aortic aneurysms.

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Comparison of ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging with intraoperative measurements in the evaluation of abdominal aortic aneurysms

Clinics ◽

10.1590/s1807-59322005000100006 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 60 (1) ◽

pp. 21-28 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Francisco das Chagas de Azevedo ◽

Antonio Eduardo Zerati ◽

Roberto Blasbalg ◽

Nelson Wolosker ◽

Pedro Puech-Leão

Keyword(s):

Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽

Computed Tomography ◽

Magnetic Resonance ◽

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms ◽

Aortic Aneurysms ◽

Resonance Imaging ◽

Abdominal Aortic

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A Case Report on the Successful Treatment ofStreptococcus pneumoniae-Induced Infectious Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Initially Presenting with Meningitis

Case Reports in Surgery ◽

10.1155/2015/825069 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2015 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Yohei Kawatani ◽

Yoshitsugu Nakamura ◽

Yujiro Hayashi ◽

Tetsuyoshi Taneichi ◽

Yujiro Ito ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm ◽

Back Pain ◽

Streptococcus Pneumoniae ◽

Aortic Aneurysm ◽

Successful Treatment ◽

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms ◽

Aortic Aneurysms ◽

Limb Weakness ◽

Abdominal Aortic

Infectious abdominal aortic aneurysms often present with abdominal and lower back pain, but prolonged fever may be the only symptom. Infectious abdominal aortic aneurysms initially presenting with meningitis are extremely rare; there are no reports of their successful treatment. Cases withStreptococcus pneumoniaeas the causative bacteria are even rarer with a higher mortality rate than those caused by other bacteria. We present the case of a 65-year-old man with lower limb weakness and back pain. Examination revealed fever and neck stiffness. Cerebrospinal fluid showed leukocytosis and low glucose levels. The patient was diagnosed with meningitis and bacteremia caused byStreptococcus pneumoniaeand treated with antibiotics. Fever, inflammatory response, and neurologic findings showed improvement. However, abdominal computed tomography revealed an aneurysm not present on admission. Antibiotics were continued, and a rifampicin soaked artificial vascular graft was implanted. Tissue cultures showed no bacteria, and histological findings indicated inflammation with high leukocyte levels. There were no postoperative complications or neurologic abnormalities. Physical examination, blood tests, and computed tomography confirmed there was no relapse over the following 13 months. This is the first reported case of survival of a patient with an infectious abdominal aortic aneurysm initially presenting with meningitis caused byStreptococcus pneumoniae.

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Abstract 919: Suppression of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in the Angiotensin II-infused ApoE Deficient Mice by Treatment with Chymase Inhibitor

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.116.suppl_16.ii_180-d ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 116 (suppl_16) ◽

Author(s):

Nao Inoue ◽

Michiko Muramatsu ◽

Denan Jin ◽

Shinji Takai ◽

Tetsuya Hayashi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Angiotensin Ii ◽

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms ◽

Treated Group ◽

Aortic Aneurysms ◽

Aortic Diameter ◽

Vehicle Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Abdominal Aortic ◽

Chymase Inhibitor ◽

Deficient Mice

Chymase promotes not only angiotensin II production but also matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 activation, which have a critical role on development of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of chymase inhibitor, NK3201, on the MMP-9 activity and development of AAA in the angiotensin II-induced apolipoprotein E (apoE)-deficient mice. Method: Angiotensin II (1000ng/kg/min) (vehicle group) or saline (control group) were infused into 16-week-old male apoE-deficient mice for 4 weeks. To examine the effect of chymase inhibition for AAA, we administered NK3201 (30mg/kg/day) to angiotensin II-infused group (NK3201-treated group) for the same period. At the end of angiotensin II infusion, we measured the diameters of suprarenal and infrarenal aorta. AAA severities were scored using the suprarenal aortic diameter/infrarenal aortic diameter ratio and presence of thrombus formation, i.e. under 2.0 was 0, from 2.0 to 2.5 was 1, from 2.5 to 3.0 was 2, over 3.0 was 3, and presence of thrombus was 4. We also determined the chymase and MMP-9 activities using total aorta. Results: The scores that reflected the progression and severity of AAA were increased in vehicle group compared with control group ( 2.35±0.30 vs. 0.27±0.12, p<0.01). This progression was inhibited in NK3201-treated group compared with vehicle group (1.13±0.35, p<0.05 vs. vehicle group). Chymase activity was significantly increased in vehicle group compared with control group. MMP-9 activity was also increased in vehicle group, however it was decreased significantly in NK3201-treated group.Discussion: We demonstrated that chymase inhibition could reduce AAA progression through inhibition of MMP-9 in angiotensin II-induced apoE-deficient mice. Chymase inhibitor might be a novel strategy for preventing AAAs.

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Improvements in Rupture Prediction of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Using Local Mechanical Property Estimation Obtained From ECG-Gated Computed Tomography

ASME 2010 Summer Bioengineering Conference, Parts A and B ◽

10.1115/sbc2010-19431 ◽

2010 ◽

Author(s):

Áine Tierney ◽

Anthony Callanan ◽

Tim M. McGloughlin

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms ◽

Common Type ◽

Aortic Aneurysms ◽

Diagnostic Tools ◽

The Past ◽

Property Estimation ◽

Abdominal Aortic ◽

The Us ◽

Local Mechanical Property

Cardiovascular disease concerns any disease which affects the heart or blood vessels. Aneurysms account for a significant portion of these cardiovascular diseases. The most common type of aneurysm is abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) which affects up to 5% of the population over the age of 55. AAA is a focal balloon like dilation of the terminal aorta that occurs gradually over a span of years [1]. There are approximately 200,000 patients in the US and 500,000 patients worldwide diagnosed with AAA each year [2]. The incidences of AAA’s has increased largely during the past two decades due in part to the aging demographic, the rise in the number of smokers, the introduction of screening programmes and improved diagnostic tools [3].

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