The aim of this study is to appraise the current literature on the endovascular management options and their outcomes of cephalic arch stenosis in the setting of a failing brachiocephalic fistula for hemodialysis. Methods: A systematic search of the literature was performed using PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar from January 2000 to December 2017 in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines to investigate the outcomes of endovascular management of cephalic arch stenosis. Data from randomized controlled trials and observational studies, published in the English language, were extracted to determine pooled proportion of primary and secondary patency, using a randomeffects meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses of stent grafts, bare metal stents, and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty outcomes were performed. Results: Of the 125 total studies, 11 were included for analysis by consensus. Overall, 457 patients were reviewed and analyzed for primary and secondary patency rates at 6 and 12 months post-treatment. There was significantly higher primary patency at both 6 and 12 months in the stent graft group compared to those who received bare metal stents or percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (relative risk = 0.30-0.31, relative risk = 0.34-0.59, respectively; p < 0.01). Higher secondary patency rates were noted in the bare metal stents cohort compared to the percutaneous transluminal angioplasty cohort at 12 months (relative risk = 0.17, 95% confidence interval = 0.07-0.26; p < 0.01). Conclusion: This study demonstrated a significant benefit in using stent grafts in cephalic arch stenosis compared to bare metal stents or percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with higher primary and secondary patency rates.

Isolated extracranial internal carotid artery aneurysms (EICAAs) are rare, accounting for only about .4–4% of all peripheral artery aneurysms. We present a case of an EICAA in a young pregnant patient. To our knowledge, this is the first case being reported of a true EICAA during pregnancy in a multiparous woman. A 25-year-old pregnant patient presented with a pulsatile left neck swelling. Radiological investigations and subsequent surgery during the first trimester confirmed a true saccular left ICA with a maximum diameter of 3.5 cm. She was treated with aneurysm excision and primary anastomosis. She did not have any underlying diseases predisposing to an EICAA. She has been well for 3 years post procedure. It has been postulated that pregnancy could lead to aneurysm development through multiple mechanisms, including hemodynamic, hormonal, and other physiologic changes of pregnancy. Aggressive treatment with surgical intervention is advocated because of the risk of cerebral ischemic complications associated with non-operative treatment, and because satisfactory long-term outcomes can be achieved from surgery.

The importance of prompt diagnosis and early stenting of an aortic rupture cannot be overemphasized. We present a case of thoracic aortic rupture in a middle-aged gentleman who had recently suffered coronavirus disease 2019. The case was further complicated by the development of an unexpected spinal epidural hematoma.

Introduction and importance Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is commonly a disease of the elderly population with an atherosclerotic aorta. We present a rare case scenario of a large ruptured AAA in a young patient. Case presentation A 32-year-old man presented to the Emergency Department with abdominal pain. On examination he had hypotension with a severely tender abdomen. Imaging revealed a ruptured 10 cm abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). He underwent an emergency open aneurysm repair and was discharged well on post-operative day 12. Apart from smoking, he had no known significant risk factors contributing to an AAA of such size. Clinical features and family history suggested a possible underlying connective tissue disorder. Clinical discussion A painful abdomen and hypotension in a young patient should prompt investigations to rule out a rare but life-threatening diagnosis of a ruptured AAA. Conclusion A possible underlying connective tissue disorder should be investigated for in any young patient presenting with an AAA.