Abstract Introduction: Blunt thoracic aortic injuries (BTAI) are defined as a tear in the thoracic aorta caused by a high energy blunt trauma. The most common reported mechanism of injury is motor vehicle accidents, and it can be potentially lethal. The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) and the European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) guidelines recommend thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) as the first line treatment for BTAI. Other controversies regarding BTAI management were reported in the literature, such as the best treatment for minimal aortic injuries with intimal tear, ideal stent graft oversizing, best timing for treatment and necessity to cover the left subclavian artery (LSA). The purpose of this review is to identify and analyze appropriate studies published so far about the management of BTAI. Methods: We performed a thorough electronic search of the literature using PubMed and Embase databases. We used the following combination of key words in our search strategy ((aortic injury) AND (blunt thoracic trauma)) AND (vascular surgery* OR treatment* OR TEVAR*). Articles not in English were excluded. The primary subject was results of endovascular treatment. Secondary subjects were indications and results of OSR, best timing for intervention, ideal graft oversizing, need for left subclavian artery (LSA) coverage, and management of BTAI grade I (intimal tear). Results: Data related to our primary and secondary subjects were extracted from the selected articles. TEVAR is considered the primary treatment for BTAI, if the patient has suitable anatomy, with good short and mid-term outcomes, with lower mortality and paraplegia rates at short and mid-term follow-up, compared to OSR. Despite good term results at short-term follow-up after TEVAR, long-term outcomes are still a concern. OSR is still a valid option in selected cases, and it should be considered for patients whose injury location is unsuitable for the endovascular approach. In most patients with BTAI, it is recommended around 10% of graft oversizing. However, a more aggressive approach with oversizing between 10-20% should be considered for patients with considerable hypotension and even >20% for patients presenting with severe hypotensive hemorrhagic shock. A necessity of LSA coverage has been reported in 30% of TEVAR for urgent treatment of BTAI, and it seems to be well tolerated. We should considered expectant approach with serial follow-up CT scans in patients with BTAI grade I injuries with asymptomatic intimal aortic tear. Conclusions: This literature review reports and synthetizes published data about the management strategies for BTAI. TEVAR seems to be effective in the treatment of BTAI, with few complications and good outcomes at short and mid-term follow-up, and it should be the first-line treatment for these patients. OSR should be an option when a patient’s injury is not suitable for endovascular approach.

Abstract Introduction: Blunt thoracic aortic injuries (BTAI) are defined as a tear in the thoracic aorta caused by a high energy blunt trauma. The most common reported mechanism of injury is motor vehicle accidents, and it can be potentially lethal. The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) and the European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) guidelines recommend thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) as the first line treatment for BTAI. Other controversies regarding BTAI management were reported in the literature, such as the best treatment for minimal aortic injuries with intimal tear, ideal stent graft oversizing, best timing for treatment and necessity to cover the left subclavian artery (LSA). The purpose of this review is to identify and analyze appropriate studies published so far about the management of BTAI. Methods: We performed a thorough electronic search of the literature using PubMed and Embase databases. We used the following combination of key words in our search strategy ((aortic injury) AND (blunt thoracic trauma)) AND (vascular surgery* OR treatment* OR TEVAR*). Articles not in English were excluded. The primary subject was results of endovascular treatment. Secondary subjects were indications and results of OSR, best timing for intervention, ideal graft oversizing, need for left subclavian artery (LSA) coverage, and management of BTAI grade I (intimal tear). Results: Data related to our primary and secondary subjects were extracted from the selected articles. TEVAR is considered the primary treatment for BTAI, if the patient has suitable anatomy, with good short and mid-term outcomes, with lower mortality and paraplegia rates at short and mid-term follow-up, compared to OSR. Despite good term results at short-term follow-up after TEVAR, long-term outcomes are still a concern. OSR is still a valid option in selected cases, and it should be considered for patients whose injury location is unsuitable for the endovascular approach. In most patients with BTAI, it is recommended around 10% of graft oversizing. However, a more aggressive approach with oversizing between 10-20% should be considered for patients with considerable hypotension and even >20% for patients presenting with severe hypotensive hemorrhagic shock. A necessity of LSA coverage has been reported in 30% of TEVAR for urgent treatment of BTAI, and it seems to be well tolerated. We should considered expectant approach with serial follow-up CT scans in patients with BTAI grade I injuries with asymptomatic intimal aortic tear. Conclusions: This literature review reports and synthetizes published data about the management strategies for BTAI. TEVAR seems to be effective in the treatment of BTAI, with few complications and good outcomes at short and mid-term follow-up, and it should be the first-line treatment for these patients. OSR should be an option when a patient’s injury is not suitable for endovascular approach.

Abstract Introduction: Recently published studies on peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) have revealed marked sex disparities in patient selection and treatment outcomes. In a recent retrospective study with data from 11 different countries, Portugal was highlighted as one of the countries with greater sex discrepancies related to PAOD treatment. We aimed to analyze sex specific differences in the treatment of symptomatic PAOD, concerning different variables, in a single hospital center, in Portugal. Methods: Data on treatment of symptomatic PAOD patients from October 1st, 2020, to December 31st, 2021, were retrospectively collected from clinical registries from a single hospital center in Portugal. Different variables and post-operative outcomes were analyzed dichotomized by sex, with descriptive statistics. Statistical analyses were conducted using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software v28. Results: A total of 220 patients, 15,9% female and 84,1% male, were treated for PAOD, in the selected period, in a hospital center from Portugal. Female patients were older (mean age of 73.8 years versus 69.5 years in male); were less likely to be treated for intermittent claudication (3% versus 6% of men); more often treated at a more advanced stage of the disease with trophic lesions (91% versus 74% of men); more likely to be offered primary major amputation (14% versus 3% of male patients); less likely to be taking statins as part of PAOD medical management (65.7% versus 77.8% of male); and had a higher 90-day mortality rate (17.1% versus 6.5% in men). They were also more frequently treated with endovascular procedures (40%) than with OSR (26%). Conclusion: Remarkable sex discrepancies in the treatment of PAOD were found in our hospital center. This study brings awareness to the scientific medical community for sex disparities in the management of patients with PAOD.

Abstract Objective To compare the incidence rates of gastric cancer among cancer survivors with those in the general population, and estimate the probability of a gastric second primary cancer being diagnosed 10 years after any other first primary cancer. Method A cohort of first primary cancers (other than gastric) diagnosed in Northern Portugal between 2000 and 2006 (n=64,648) was followed until 31/12/2012 for gastric second primary cancers. Incidence rates, standardized incidence ratios and the cumulative incidence of gastric second primary cancers were calculated. Results Overall, 330 patients developed gastric second primary cancers (21.2% within two months). The incidence rate of gastric second primary cancers was higher within two months of the first primary cancer (standardized incidence ratios: 5.20 in males and 7.89 in females), particularly among survivors of cancers of the oesophagus, colon and rectum, than in the remaining period (standardized incidence ratios: 0.64 in males and 0.74 in females). The 10-year risk of a gastric second primary cancer was 0.6% (males: 0.7%; females: 0.4%). Conclusion The incidence rate of gastric second primary cancers among cancer survivors was higher than in the general population only soon after the first primary cancer, and lower thereafter. Despite the high mortality, the probability of a gastric second primary cancer within 10-years of the first primary cancer was 0.6%.

Resumen Objetivo Comparar las tasas de incidencia de cáncer gástrico entre los sobrevivientes de cáncer con las de la población general y estimar la probabilidad de que se diagnostique un segundo cáncer primario gástrico 10 años después de cualquier otro primer cáncer primario. Método Se siguió una cohorte de pacientes con un primer cáncer primario (excluyendo los gástricos) en el norte de Portugal entre 2000 y 2006 (n=64.648) hasta el 31/12/2012 para identificar un segundo cáncer primario gástrico. Se calcularon las tasas de incidencia, las razones de incidencia estandarizadas (RIE) y la incidencia acumulada de segundos cánceres primarios gástricos. Resultados En total, 330 pacientes desarrollaron un segundo cáncer primario gástrico (21,2% en 2 meses). La tasa de incidencia de los segundos cánceres primarios gástricos fue mayor dentro de los 2 meses posteriores al primero (RIE: 5,20 en hombres y 7,89 en mujeres), en particular entre los sobrevivientes de cáncer de esófago, colon y recto, que en el período restante (RIE: 0,64 en hombres y 0,74 en mujeres). El riesgo a 10 años de un segundo cáncer primario gástrico fue del 0,6% (hombres: 0,7%; mujeres: 0,4%). Conclusiones La tasa de incidencia de segundos cánceres primarios gástricos entre los sobrevivientes de cáncer fue más alta que en la población general solo poco después del primer cáncer, y más baja a partir de entonces. A pesar de la alta mortalidad, la probabilidad de un segundo cáncer primario gástrico a 10 años del primero fue del 0,6%.

Abstract Objective To compare the incidence rates of gastric cancer among cancer survivors with those in the general population, and estimate the probability of a gastric second primary cancer being diagnosed 10 years after any other first primary cancer. Method A cohort of first primary cancers (other than gastric) diagnosed in Northern Portugal between 2000 and 2006 (n=64,648) was followed until 31/12/2012 for gastric second primary cancers. Incidence rates, standardized incidence ratios and the cumulative incidence of gastric second primary cancers were calculated. Results Overall, 330 patients developed gastric second primary cancers (21.2% within two months). The incidence rate of gastric second primary cancers was higher within two months of the first primary cancer (standardized incidence ratios: 5.20 in males and 7.89 in females), particularly among survivors of cancers of the oesophagus, colon and rectum, than in the remaining period (standardized incidence ratios: 0.64 in males and 0.74 in females). The 10-year risk of a gastric second primary cancer was 0.6% (males: 0.7%; females: 0.4%). Conclusion The incidence rate of gastric second primary cancers among cancer survivors was higher than in the general population only soon after the first primary cancer, and lower thereafter. Despite the high mortality, the probability of a gastric second primary cancer within 10-years of the first primary cancer was 0.6%.

Resumen Objetivo Comparar las tasas de incidencia de cáncer gástrico entre los sobrevivientes de cáncer con las de la población general y estimar la probabilidad de que se diagnostique un segundo cáncer primario gástrico 10 años después de cualquier otro primer cáncer primario. Método Se siguió una cohorte de pacientes con un primer cáncer primario (excluyendo los gástricos) en el norte de Portugal entre 2000 y 2006 (n=64.648) hasta el 31/12/2012 para identificar un segundo cáncer primario gástrico. Se calcularon las tasas de incidencia, las razones de incidencia estandarizadas (RIE) y la incidencia acumulada de segundos cánceres primarios gástricos. Resultados En total, 330 pacientes desarrollaron un segundo cáncer primario gástrico (21,2% en 2 meses). La tasa de incidencia de los segundos cánceres primarios gástricos fue mayor dentro de los 2 meses posteriores al primero (RIE: 5,20 en hombres y 7,89 en mujeres), en particular entre los sobrevivientes de cáncer de esófago, colon y recto, que en el período restante (RIE: 0,64 en hombres y 0,74 en mujeres). El riesgo a 10 años de un segundo cáncer primario gástrico fue del 0,6% (hombres: 0,7%; mujeres: 0,4%). Conclusiones La tasa de incidencia de segundos cánceres primarios gástricos entre los sobrevivientes de cáncer fue más alta que en la población general solo poco después del primer cáncer, y más baja a partir de entonces. A pesar de la alta mortalidad, la probabilidad de un segundo cáncer primario gástrico a 10 años del primero fue del 0,6%.

Introdução: A evolução na técnica de assepsia e antibioterapia profilática tem mantido a incidência de infeção de próteses vasculares (IPV) baixa. No entanto, uma proporção de doentes ainda se encontra suscetível a uma patologia que coloca em risco a função do enxerto e do órgão-alvo perfundido, enquanto ameaça com complicações sépticas a vida de cada um dos afetados. A abordagem das IPV depende da manifestação da infeção e do microrganismo em questão, da topografia da prótese infetada e do estado geral do doente. Desde explantação total da prótese até antibioterapia prolongada são várias as estratégias terapêuticas, cabendo ao cirurgião avaliar qual contribuirá para uma evolução natural mais favorável para o doente. Com este trabalho, os autores propõem-se a caracterizar clinicamente a população de doentes com IPV, no seu centro hospitalar. Métodos: Usando o sistema informático hospitalar, foram colhidas as cartas de alta relativas ao Serviço de Cirurgia Vascular, entre os anos 2000-2018, com as palavras-chave “infeção” e “prótese”. Foram excluídos todas as infeções não relacionadas, infeções de próteses para acessos de diálise e os doentes cujos processos não tinham informação relativamente ao procedimento de implantação do enxerto. Resultados: Foram incluídos 47 processos de doentes entre os 46 e 84 anos (média 69 anos), 89% do sexo masculino. Apenas 15% eram diabéticos e apenas 2 doentes se encontravam sob imunossupressão. Cerca de 51% das próteses infetadas foram de enxertos aorto-bifemorais e os restantes relativos a procedimentos periféricos. Na casuística verificada, 13 das próteses infetadas foram colocadas em regime de urgência. As infeções tardias (>4 meses) assumem a maioria dos casos (70%). Os agentes gram-positivos foram os agentes mais frequentemente observados (50% dos quais o MRSA). A apresentação mais comum foi o aparecimento de falsos aneurismas anastomóticos e apenas 25% das próteses infetadas se encontravam ocluídas. A antibioterapia mais usada foram combinações incluindo Vancomicina, com duração entre as 1 e as 12 semanas. Em 85% dos doentes foi removido o enxerto. Destes, 57% foram revascularizados. O follow up foi heterogéneo com uma média de 26,5 meses. Como outcome, de referir 20% dos doentes submetidos a amputação major, 18% com mortalidade atribuída a IPV e 29% com mortalidade global não relacionada. Discussão: As IPV continuam a ser uma patologia desafiante, não só pelas consequências sépticas ou da isquemia de órgão-alvo, mas também pelo enquadramento dos doentes que são afetados. A crescente prevalência de agentes multirresistentes numa população cada vez mais envelhecida gera a necessidade de abordar esta patologia de uma forma multidisciplinar. A incidência IPV envolvendo a Aorta, e a exigência técnica de uma cirurgia major com impacto hemodinâmico, particularmente em infeções por agentes de reduzida virulência, pode obrigar a adequar as estratégias terapêuticas em doentes que não sejam aptos para cirurgia. No entanto, um tratamento conservador geralmente está associado a recorrência da infeção ou a possíveis complicações de uma infeção latente. Conclusão: É necessária uma abordagem multidisciplinar, com diagnóstico sensível e precoce, e um equilíbrio entre o local e agressividade da infeção ao contexto clínico de cada doente de forma a otimizar os resultados.

Introduction: The evolution on aseptic technique and prophylactic antibiotherapy has been keeping a low incidence of prosthetic vascular graft infections (PVGI). However some patients are still at risk of a disease that compromises the graft function and the viability of the perfused organ, while threatening each individual with septic complications. The management of PVGI depends on the severity of infection, the culprit microorganism, the location of the infected prosthesis and the patient's overall status. Several treatment strategies are available, from radical explantation to graft preservation techniques and chronic antibiotherapy. The surgeon should then decide which leads to a better quality of life-adjusted outcome. The authors intend to present a clinical profile on the population with PVGI of their institution. Methods: Using the institution own system, all the discharge papers from in-hospital episodes concerning the department of Vascular Surgery, between 2000 and 2018, which mentioned the words “infection” and “graft”, were collected. All documents referring to non-related infections and vascular access graft infections were excluded. Also, documents failing to report essential data were excluded. Results: A total of 47 patients were included, aged between 46 and 84 years old (median 69 years), 89% male. Only 15% had diabetes and 2 patients were under immunosuppression. About half of all cases were aortobifemoral infected grafts. 13 cases had had urgent surgeries when the prosthesis were implanted. Late infections were more common than early ones, and more frequently infected by Gram positive bacteria. The anastomotic pseudoaneurysms were the most frequently seen presentations. Only 25% of the infected grafts were occluded. Antibiotic combinations using vancomycin were the most used, for 1 to 12 weeks in duration. Removal of the graft was performed in 85% of patients, of which 57% were submitted to revascularization procedures. Follow up was heterogeneously reported with a median duration of 26,5 months. During follow up, 20% of patients were submitted to major amputation, 18% died from complications related to the infected graft and in 29% a non-related mortality was reported. Discussion: There remains a challenge to approach PVGI, not only because the frailty of the individuals affected but also because the multisystemic implications of a vascular infection. The growing prevalence of multidrug resistant bacteria in an older population mandates the need to consider multidisciplinarity. PVGI affecting the Aorta by low-virulence bacteria and the demanding surgery for graft explantation with hemodynamic impact is a scenario that may force to change the therapeutic strategies in patients who are not fit for surgery. However, graft-preserving strategies are associated to infection recurrence and poorer outcomes. Conclusion: A multidisciplinary approach, sensitive and early diagnosis, and a sensible balance between the infection aggressiveness and the overall status of each patient, are needed for optimal outcomes.

Introdução: Apresenta-se um caso de rotura de aneurisma da artéria femoral superficial tratado com uma endoprótese fora das “Instructions for Use”. Caso clínico: Doente de 83 anos com rotura sequencial de aneurismas de ambas as artérias femorais superficiais. À direita, o paciente foi submetido a cirurgia de bypass que resultou num período de recuperação prolongado, pelo que à esquerda se optou por uma abordagem endovascular. Procedeu-se à exclusão do aneurisma com duas endopróteses Endurant"II Medtronic®. Aos dois anos de follow-up o paciente encontra-se assintomático e sem endoleaks. Conclusão: Apesar de fora das “Instructions for Use”, o uso de endopróteses na exclusão de um aneurisma da artéria femoral superficial revelou-se como um procedimento limb-salvage com um sucesso técnico e resultados a médio prazo excelentes.

Introduction: We present the case of a superficial femoral artery ruptured aneurysm treated with an endoprothesis outside the “Instructions for Use”. Case report: 83 years old patient with sequential rupture of both superficial femoral arteries aneurysms. In the right limb the patient was submitted to conventional bypass surgery that resulted in an extended recovery period. An endovascular approach was the choice to treat the left ruptured superficial femoral artery aneurysm. The patient was submitted to aneurysm exclusion with two Endurant"II Medtronic® endoprothesis. At two-year follow-up the patient is asymptomatic and the aneurysm remains excluded with no endoleaks. Conclusions: Despite outside “Instructions for Use”, the use of an endoprothesis to treat SFA ruptured aneurysm presented as limb salvage procedure with excellent technical success and medium-term results.

A disseção espontânea e isolada da artéria ilíaca externa é rara. A evolução clínica desta patologia é variável. Os autores apresentam o caso de um militar, 54 anos, com espondilite anquilosante que apresenta claudicação do membro inferior secundária a disseção isolada da artéria ilíaca externa. A disseção foi tratada através de angioplastia com colocação de stent.

Spontaneous and isolated dissection of external iliac artery is very rare. The natural course of this condition is not well established. The authors report a case of a 54 year old male, military, with ankylosing spondylitis presenting with limb claudication secondary to isolated dissection of external iliac artery. Dissection was successfully managed by percutaneous stent placement.

Introdução e métodos: A abordagem das fístulas com origem na artéria aorta permanece um desafio em Cirurgia Vascular. O objetivo deste trabalho é rever os outcomes da intervenção cirúrgica em doentes com fístulas com origem na aorta torácica descendente e abdominal através da consulta dos processos clínicos durante um período de 16 anos num Departamento de Cirurgia Vascular. Resultados: Obtiveram-se um total de vinte e dois casos que correspondem a vinte doentes (dois doentes com fístulas primária e secundária consecutivas), com uma média de idades de 66,6 anos. Dezoito doentes eram do sexo masculino e 50% dos casos correspondem a fístulas primárias. A localização da fístula foi aorto-cava em cinco, aorto-duodenal em catorze, aorto-esofágica em três e aorto-jejunal em dois casos. As fístulas primárias abdominais estavam na sua maioria associadas a aneurisma da aorta abdominal. Relativamente às fístulas secundárias, a intervenção cirúrgica prévia foi bypass aorto-bi-femoral em quatro casos e enxertos aórticos em sete. O tempo entre a intervenção até ao diagnóstico de fístula variou entre 2 meses a 19 anos. A apresentação clínica mais comum foi hematemeses em 59% e melenas ou hematoquézias em 32%, com choque hipovolémico em 41% dos casos. Todos os casos foram submetidos a cirurgia convencional, com exceção dos três casos de fístula aorta-esofágica que foram corrigidos por cirurgia endovascular. A 3ª porção do duodeno foi o local mais comum da fístula aorto-entérica e foi necessária cirurgia intestinal em 72,7% dos casos. Nos doentes com fístulas secundárias, foi realizada exérese de prótese em oito casos e, posteriormente, cirurgia de revascularização dos membros inferiores em cinco. A complicação mais frequente no pós-operatório foi isquemia irreversível do membro inferior, com uma taxa de amputação major de 25%. Oito doentes necessitaram de intervenção cirúrgica posterior, nomeadamente trombectomia ou amputação major, exclusão com endoprótese de fístula persistente e cirurgia de Hartmann. A mortalidade foi de 50%, correspondente a quatro casos de fístulas primárias e a sete de secundárias. O tempo médio de internamento foi de 22,4 dias. A sobrevida dos doentes variou entre dois meses a dezasseis anos e entre as causas de mortalidade conhecidas estão fístula secundária após fístula primária da aorta, isquemia intestinal, persistência da fístula apesar de intervenção, pneumonia ou infeção protésica. Conclusão: As fístulas com origem na aorta são uma entidade com uma mortalidade cirúrgica elevada. Os resultados apresentados vão de encontro ao previamente publicado na literatura.

Introduction and methods: The approach of patients with fistulas of the aorta remains a challenge in Vascular Surgery. The objective of this paper is to review the surgical outcomes of patients with fistulas arising from the descending thoracic and abdominal aorta through consultation of the patient’s clinical file during 16 years in a Vascular Surgery Department. Results: From a total of twenty-two cases, twenty patients were identified (two patients with consecutive primary and secondary fistulas) with a mean age of 66,6 years. Eighteen patients were male and 50% of the cases correspond to primary fistulas. The location of the fistula was aortocaval in five, aortoduodenal in fourteen, aortoesophageal in three and aortojejunal in two cases. Abdominal primary fistulas were mostly associated with an aortic abdominal aneurysm. Regarding secondary fistulas, the previous surgical intervention was aortobifemoral bypass in four and aortic grafts in seven cases. The time between intervention and fistula diagnosis ranged from 2 months to 19 years. The most common clinical presentation was hematemesis in 59% and lower gastrointestinal bleeding in 32%, with hypovolemic shock in 41% of the cases. All patients were submitted to conventional surgery except for the three aortoesophageal cases that were treated by endovascular surgery. In aortoenteric fistula the third portion of duodenum was the most affected and intestinal surgery was performed in 72,7% of the cases. In patients with secondary fistulas, removal of the conduit was performed in eight cases, however a lower limb revascularization procedure was only attempted in five. The most common complication in the post-operative period was lower limb gangrene, corresponding to an amputation rate of 25%. Eight patients required a second surgical procedure as thrombectomy or lower limb major amputation, endovascular exclusion of a persistent fistula and Hartmann’s procedure. Mortality was 50%, corresponding to four cases of primary fistulas and seven cases of secondary. The median time of hospital stay was 22,4 days. The patient’s survival ranged from two months to sixteen years and among the known mortality cases are secondary fistula after primary fistula, bowel ischemia, fistula persistency despite correction, pneumonia or prothesis infection. Conclusion: Fistulas arising from the aorta are a medical entity with a high surgical mortality rate. The presented results meet those previously published in the literature.

Introdução: O acidente vascular cerebral constitui um problema de saúde significativo. Globalmente, 10-15% de todos os acidentes vasculares cerebrais estão relacionados com uma estenose carotídea >50% previamente assintomática. A endarterectomia carotídea é eficaz na prevenção do acidente vascular cerebral; o risco/benefício é menos evidente em doentes idosos. Os autores avaliaram os resultados de endarterectomia carotídea do Serviço em doentes de idade igual ou superior a 75 anos, focando nos resultados peri-operatórios e na sobrevida a longo-prazo. Material e métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, unicêntrico, englobando 156 cirurgias em 149 doentes de idade e75 anos, entre Janeiro de 2010 e Dezembro de 2017 Resultados: O acidente vascular cerebral/mortalidade peri-operatória foi de 2.6% (4.0% em sintomáticos, 0% em assintomáticos); a morbilidade peri-operatória foi de 6.4%; a sobrevida estimada a 5 anos foi de 71.9%. Conclusão: A endarterectomia carotídea é uma abordagem de baixo risco no tratamento da aterosclerose da bifurcação carotídea, mesmo em doentes de idade avançada, com morbilidade e mortalidade perioperatória comparável com os padrões internacionais para a população em geral. A sobrevida a longo prazo é bastante boa e a idade per se não deve ser impeditivo da realização de endarterectomia carotídea nestes doentes.

Introduction: Stroke is a major health problem. Overall, 10-15% of all strokes are related to a previous asymptomatic carotid stenosis >50%. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is effective in stroke prevention; risk/benefit assessment is less apparent for elderly. The authors evaluate department CEA outcomes in elderly population aged 75 years and older, focusing in perioperative outcomes and long term survival. Material and methods: Retrospective unicentric analysis was performed, encompassing 156 surgeries in 149 patients aged 75 years and older, between January 2010 and December 2017. Results: Perioperative stroke/mortality was 2.6% (4.0% for symptomatic, 0% for asymptomatic); perioperative morbidity was 6.4%; estimated five-year survival was 71.9%. Conclusion: CEA continues to be a low-risk approach to treat carotid bifurcation atherosclerosis, even in elderly population, with perioperative morbidity and mortality resembling international standards for general population. Long term survival is quite good and age alone should not be a reason to refrain from offering carotid endarterectomy to this patients.

Os aneurismas das artérias viscerais são raros, com uma incidência inferior a 2% na população geral. O aneurisma da artéria gástrica esquerda é particularmente incomum, representando menos de 4% dos aneurismas viscerais. Apesar de geralmente serem descobertos incidentalmente, podem apresentar-se em rotura e com risco vital associado. Os autores apresentam o caso de um indivíduo do sexo masculino, 83 anos, em choque hemorrágico secundário a aneurisma em rotura da artéria gástrica esquerda. Foi realizada embolização das artérias eferente e aferente. O tratamento de aneurismas viscerais em rotura tem como objectivo o controlo emergente da hemorragia, geralmente através de embolização.

Visceral artery aneurysms are rare, with an estimated incidence of less than 2% in the general population. Left gastric artery aneurysm are particularly uncommon, accounting for 4% of all visceral aneurysms. Usually an incidental finding, they can manifest with rupture and be life threatening. The authors present a case of an 83 year-old male with haemorrhagic shock caused by a ruptured left gastric artery aneurysm. Coil embolization of afferent and efferent arteries was performed with good morphologic results. Management of a ruptured visceral aneurysm is aimed at controlling life-threatening bleeding usually by embolisation in the emergency setting.

Resumo A artroplastia da anca é uma intervenção frequente e segura na cirurgia ortopédica. No entanto, a proximidade dessa articulação com vasos de grande calibre faz com que a ocorrência de lesão vascular maior seja uma complicação rara, mas grave e possivelmente letal, dessa técnica cirúrgica. As lesões vasculares agudas no contexto de uma artroplastia da anca têm etiologia e apresentação clínica variáveis e são mais frequentes em cirurgias de revisão e situações de migração medial intrapélvica e de infecção crônica de próteses da anca. No presente artigo, os autores apresentam um caso com complicação vascular maior aguda e tardia em contexto de revisão de prótese da anca. Trata-se de um paciente que desenvolveu uma laceração aguda da artéria ilíaca externa em contexto de migração acetabular intrapélvica crônica progressiva da prótese da anca associada a infecção crônica.

Abstract Hip arthroplasty is a common and safe intervention in orthopedic surgery. However, the proximity of this joint to large vessels makes the occurrence of vascular injury a rare but serious and possibly lethal complication of this surgical technique. Acute vascular injuries in the context of a hip arthroplasty have variable etiologies and clinical presentations, and are more common in revision surgeries and in situations of medial intrapelvic migration and of chronic infection of the hip prosthesis. In the present article, the authors present a case of acute and late major vascular complication in the context of hip arthroplasty revision. The patient developed an acute laceration of the external iliac artery caused by chronic and progressive medial intrapelvic acetabular migration of the hip prosthesis associated with chronic infection.

Introdução: O olfato pode estar afetado na rinite alérgica (RA). Existem poucos estudos sobre a disfunção olfactiva nesta patologia. Realizou-se um estudo piloto com o objetivo de avaliar a função olfativa em doentes com RA antes e depois do tratamento com duas opções farmacológicas diferentes. Métodos: Selecionaram-se aleatoriamente 20 doentes, com RA sem terapêutica em curso, que foram distribuídos por dois grupos: o grupo 1 fez tratamento com anti-histamínico oral (A-H1) e o grupo 2 com corticoide tópico nasal durante 2 semanas. Os sintomas nasais dos doentes e a sua função olfativa foram avaliados antes e depois da terapêutica através da aplicação do teste de controlo da asma e rinite alérgica (CARAT) e do Barcelona Smell Test (BAST-24). Resultados: Na avaliação pré-terapêutica os dois grupos de doentes apresentaram um score no CARAT inferior a 8 na pontuação das vias aéreas superiores, e na avaliação pós-terapêutica 80% dos doentes obtiveram um score superior a 8. Na avaliação do BAST-24, verificou-se globalmente uma melhoria dos resultados após o curso de duas semanas de terapêutica. Na discriminação dos odores, verificou-se no grupo 1 uma média inicial de 59,5±14,42, que passou a 69±12,2 (p<0,05); o grupo 2 apresentou uma média inicial de 54,5±12,34 e posterior de 71,5±13,75 (p<0,05) após tratamento. Conclusões: No presente estudo, os pacientes com RA não tratada apresentaram uma melhoria na função olfativa após duas semanas de terapêutica. Nos dois grupos verificou-se uma melhoria estatisticamente significativa no olfato. Não podemos tirar conclusões definitivas, dado o número pequeno da amostra; contudo o corticoide nasal tópico destacou-se a nível da melhoria dos sintomas de rinite e da função olfativa.

Introduction:Smell can be impaired in allergic rhinitis (AR). There are few studies on olfactory dysfunction in this disease. A pilot study was conducted to evaluate olfactory function in patients with allergic rhinitis before and after treatment with two different pharmacological options. Methods: Twenty patients with untreated AR were randomly selected and assigned to 2 groups: group 1 was treated with oral antihistamine (A-H1) and group 2 with intranasal corticosteroid for 2 weeks. The nasal symptoms of the patients and their olfactory function were evaluated before and after the treatment using the Test of Control of Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis (CARAT) and the Barcelona Smell Test (BAST-24). Results: In the pre-treatment evaluation, the two groups of patients presented a CARAT score of less than 8 in the upper airway score, and in the post-therapy evaluation, 80% of the patients scored above 8. In the BAST-24 evaluation an overall improvement was observed after the course of 2 weeks of therapy. In the forced choice of odors, an initial mean of 59.5 ± 14.42 was found in group 1, which improve to 69 ± 12.2 (p <0.05); group 2 presented an initial mean of 54.5 ± 12.34 and after treatment 71.5 ± 13.75 (p <0.05). Conclusions: In our study, patients with untreated AR had an improvement in olfactory function after 2 weeks of therapy. In both groups there was a statistically significant improvement in the sense of smell. We cannot draw definitive conclusions given the small number of the sample, however the topical nasal corticosteroid showed a greater improvement in the symptoms of rhinitis and in the olfactory function.

Introdução: A patologia da aorta torácica contribui significativamente para a alta mortalidade da doença cardiovascular. Estudos radiológicos de alta resolução têm fornecido perspetivas interessantes relativas à sua etiopatogenia e permitiram a identificação de diferentes entidades subjacentes à síndrome aórtica aguda (SAA). Caso clínico: Doente de 51 anos admitido por quadro de dor torácica de início recente e instalação súbita com irradiação dorsal e HTA associada. Realizou angioTC que revelou UPA (úlcera penetrante aórtica) a nível da aorta torácica descendente, com espessamento parietal associado (compatível com HIM - hematoma intramural). Após internamento em unidade de cuidados intermédios, para terapêutica médica e vigilância, realizou nova angioTC às 72 horas que se mostrou sobreponível. Portanto, teve alta ao 5º dia de internamento assintomático. Aos 6M realizou nova angioTC que mostra regressão do HIM, contudo progressão da UPA com aparecimento de pseudoaneurisma. Deste modo, foi decidido avançar para TEVAR. O doente teve alta ao 2º dia pós-operatório assintomático, com exclusão da lesão sem fugas de acordo com angioTC. Discussão e Conclusão: A UPA, resulta, habitualmente, de erosão da placa ateromatosa podendo ser complicada por HIM, formação de pseudoaneurisma, progressão para dissecção aórtica ou rutura. É de realçar que a evolução e consequente história natural destas patologias permanece por esclarecer. O caso clínico aqui descrito reforça o entendimento do HIM, UPA e dissecção aórtica como fases diferentes da mesma doença. Espera-se que, no futuro, surjam novos dados relativos à fisiopatologia da doença e respetivo tratamento.

Introduction: The thoracic aortic diseases are a major cause contributing to the high mortality rate of the cardiovascular disease. Recent high resolution radiologic studies have allowed us to get new perspectives related to their etiopathogenesis and the different stages of the acute aortic syndrome (AAS). Clinical case: This case report is about a 51 years old male patient that was referred to the ER with a sudden, acute and abrupt thoracic pain with dorsal irradiation. Also associated were high blood pressure values. An angioCT was immediately performed which showed a penetrating aortic ulcer (PAU) at the descending thoracic aorta with a parietal thickening (suggestive of intramural hematoma - IMH). After 72h of best medical treatment a new angioCT was done which was overlapping. So, it was decided to discharge the patient at the fifth day of hospital stay. At 6 months a new CT was done, this time showing regression of the intramural hematoma but a progression of the PAU to a false aneurysm. Given the new findings it was decided to perform a thoracic endovascular repair. The patient was, then, discharged at the second post-operative day without symptoms with an angioTC showing successful exclusion of the lesion without further complications. Discussion and Conclusion: The PAU usually results from the erosion of an atherosclerotic plaque which can then be complicated by an IMH, pseudoaneurysm formation or progression to an aortic dissection or rupture. It should be noted that the evolution and subsequent natural history of these pathologies remains, still, not totally clear. The clinical report hereby described reinforces the understanding of the IMH, the PAU and the aortic dissection as different stages of the same disease. We hope to see, in the future, new data related to this disease pathophysiology and respective treatment.