Title: From the Editor's desk
Authors: Brink, Paul A.
From: Cardiovascular Journal of Africa, Vol 25,
Issue 3, May / June
Published: 2014
Pages: 95
Full text: Click here to order
»
Full text:
Click here to read online »
Full text: Click here to
read via Sabinet » (Login Required)
Abstract: Alas, this is my last time writing 'From
the Editor's Desk'. The CVJA has a new editor-in-chief,
Prof Patrick Commerford. He succeeds Prof AJ Brink,
a founder of this journal and editor-in-chief until
his death in October 2012. From the July/August
issue, Prof Commerford will be responsible for overseeing
the processing of articles through the editorial
system, sourcing original articles where necessary,
writing editorials, and maintaining the high standard
of the journal.
Title: The protective effect of topical
rifamycin treatment against sternal wound infection
in diabetic patients undergoing on-pump coronary
artery bypass graft surgery : cardiovascular topic
Authors: Aygun, Fatih; Kuzgun, Ahmet; Ulucan, Seref;
Keser, Ahmet; Akpek, Mahmut; Kaya, Mehmet G.
From: Cardiovascular Journal of Africa, Vol 25,
Issue 3, May / June
Published: 2014
Pages: 96-99
Full text: Click here to order
»
Full text:
Click here to read online »
Full text: Click here to
read via Sabinet » (Login Required)
DOI Number: 10.5830/CVJA-2014-008
DOI Citation Reference Link:
dx.doi.org/10.5830/CVJA-2014-008
Abstract: Objectives: The aim of this study was
to investigate the protective effect of topical
rifamycin SV treatment against sternal wound infection
(SWI) in diabetic patients undergoing on-pump coronary
artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
Methods: One hundred and fifty-nine diabetic patients
who were scheduled to undergo isolated on-pump CABG
surgery were included. Eight were excluded for various
reasons. Of the 151 patients, 51 were on insulin
therapy and 100 were on oral anti-diabetics. The
risk of mediastinitis was assessed using the American
College of Cardiology/American Heart Association
2004 guideline update for CABG surgery. According
to the risk scores, patients were divided into two
comparable groups: the rifamycin group (n = 78)
received topical rifamycin treatment after on-pump
CABG surgery, and the control group (n = 73) received
no topical treatment.
Results: Deep sternal wound infection (mediastinitis)
was not observed in either group (0/78 vs 0/73,
p = 1.0). No superficial sternal wound infection
was observed in the rifamycin group, however, it
did occur in one patient in the control group (0/78
vs 1/73, p = 0.303). Wound culture was performed
and coagulase-negative staphylococci were observed.
The infection regressed on initiation of antibiotic
therapy against isolated bacteria and the patient
was discharged after a full recovery.
Conclusion: Although the difference in rate of superficial
sternal wound infection (SSWI) in the rifamycin
and control groups was not statistically significant,
locally applied rifamycin SV during closure of the
sternum in the CABG operation may have had a protective
affect against SWI.
Title: Assessment of the efficacy of
Ankaferd blood stopper on the prevention of postoperative
pericardial adhesions : cardiovascular topic
Authors: Nazli, Yunus; Colak, Necmettin; Alpay,
Mehmet Fatih; Haltas, Hacer; Aksoy, Omer Nuri; Akkaya,
Ismail Olgun; Cakir, Omer
From: Cardiovascular Journal of Africa, Vol 25,
Issue 3, May / June
Published: 2014
Pages: 100-105
Full text: Click here to order
»
Full text:
Click here to read online »
Full text: Click here to
read via Sabinet » (Login Required)
DOI Number: 10.5830/CVJA-2014-011
DOI Citation Reference Link:
dx.doi.org/10.5830/CVJA-2014-011
Abstract: Objectives: Ankaferd has been used as
a blood-stopping agent and it may also have an anti-inflammatory
effect. We investigated the efficacy of Ankaferd
in preventing postoperative pericardial adhesions
in an experimental rabbit model.
Methods: Sixteen New Zealand white rabbits were
used and categorised into two groups: an Ankaferd
and a control group. The Ankaferd group of rabbits
was treated with a sponge impregnated with Ankaferd
solution, which was applied over the abraded epicardium.
A sponge impregnated with 0.9% isotonic NaCl solution
was applied to the control group using the same
protocol. Scores for adhesion and visibility of
coronary vessels were graded by macroscopic examination,
and pericardial tissues were analysed microscopically
in terms of inflammation and fibrosis.
Results: In the Ankaferd group, the adhesion scores
were significantly higher than in the control group
(p = 0.007).When the groups were compared according
to the prevalence of fibrosis and degree of inflammation,
the Ankaferd group was found to be statistically
significantly different from the control group in
terms of prevalence of fibrosis (p = 0.028).
Conclusion: Topical application of Ankaferd to prevent
postoperative pericardial adhesions increased adhesion
and fibrosis scores.
Title: Carbon monoxide poisoning increases
Tpeak-Tend dispersion and
QTc dispersion : cardiovascular topic
Authors: Eroglu, Murat; Uz, Omer; Isilak, Zafer;
Yalcin, Murat; Yildirim, Ali Osman; Kardesoglu,
Ejder
From: Cardiovascular Journal of Africa, Vol 25,
Issue 3, May / June
Published: 2014
Pages: 106-109
Full text: Click here to order
»
Full text:
Click here to read online »
Full text: Click here to
read via Sabinet » (Login Required)
DOI Number: 10.5830/CVJA-2014-012
DOI Citation Reference Link:
dx.doi.org/10.5830/CVJA-2014-012
Abstract: Objective: Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning
leads to cardiac dysrhythmia. Increased heterogeneity
in ventricular repolarisation on electrocardiogram
(ECG) shows an increased risk of arrhythmia. A number
of parameters are used to evaluate ventricular repolarisation
heterogeneity on ECG. The aim of our study is to
investigate the effect of acute CO poisoning on
indirect parameters of ventricular repolarisation
on ECG.
Methods: Sixty-seven patients were included in this
case-control study. Thirty patients with acute CO
poisoning were assigned to group 1 (19 females,
mean age: 30.8 ± 11.3 years). A control group was
formed with patients without known cardiac disease
(group 2, n = 37; 25 females, mean age: 26.0 ± 5.2
years). Twelve-lead ECG and serum electrolyte levels
were recorded in all patients. Also, carboxyhaemoglobin
(COHb) levels were recorded in group 1. Tpeak-Tend
(TpTe) interval, TpTe dispersion, TpTe/QT ratio,
QT interval and QTd durations were measured as parameters
of ventricular repolarisation. Corrected QT (QTc)
and QTc dispersion (QTcd) intervals were determined
with the Bazett's formula.
Results: The mean COHb level in group 1 was 27.6
± 7.4% and mean duration of CO exposure was 163.5
± 110.9 min. No statistically significant difference
was found in age, gender, serum electrolytes or
blood pressure levels between the groups. QRS, QT,
QTc, TpTe interval and TpTe/QT ratio were similar
between the groups (p > 0.05). QTcd (65.7 ± 64.4
vs 42.1 ± 14.2 ms, p = 0.003) and TpTe dispersion
(40.5 ± 14.8 vs 33.2 ± 4.9 ms, p = 0.006) were significantly
longer in group 1 than group 2. COHb level was moderately
correlated with TpTe dispersion (r = 0.29; p = 0.01).
Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first
study to investigate TpTe interval and dispersion
in CO poisoning. Our results showed that TpTe dispersion
and QTc dispersion increased after CO poisoning.
Title: Mean platelet volume is associated
with myocardial perfusion defect in diabetic patients
: cardiovascular topic
Authors: Sarikaya, Savas; Sahin, Safak; Akyol, Lutfi;
Borekci, Elif; Yilmaz, Yunus Keser; Altunkas, Fatih;
Karaman, Kayihan; Karacavus, Seyhan; Erbay, Ali
Riza
From: Cardiovascular Journal of Africa, Vol 25,
Issue 3, May / June
Published: 2014
Pages: 110-113
Full text: Click here to order
»
Full text:
Click here to read online »
Full text: Click here to
read via Sabinet » (Login Required)
DOI Number: 10.5830/CVJA-2014-013
DOI Citation Reference Link:
dx.doi.org/10.5830/CVJA-2014-013
Abstract: Aim: Our aim was to evaluate whether there
was a relationship between mean platelet volume
and myocardial perfusion defect in diabetic patients
using myocardial perfusion imaging.
Method: Forty-four diabetic patients with myocardial
perfusion defect (group 1) and 44 diabetic patients
without myocardial perfusion defect (group 2), matched
for age and gender, were retrospectively examined.
Levels of mean platelet volume (MPV) in the two
groups were assessed.
Results: MPV was higher in group 1 than group 2
patients (8.76 ± 0.76 and 8.25 ± 0.78 fl), respectively,
p = 0.003). Levels of glucose, triglycerides (TG),
total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein
(LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)
cholesterol, haemoglobin (Hb) and glycosylated haemoglobin
(HbA1c), and body mass index (BMI) in the two groups
were not statistically significantly different.
Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed
that MPV was the only variable independently associated
with myocardial perfusion defects (OR: 2.401, 95%
CI: 1.298-4.440, p = 0.013).
Conclusion: This study showed that higher MPV was
associated with myocardial perfusion defects. Higher
MPV in diabetic patients was independently related
to myocardial perfusion defects and may be an indicator
of myocardial ischaemia.
Title: Is there a role for surgery in
the management of isolated secundum atrial septal
defect in adults? : cardiovascular topic
Authors: Bolcal, Cengiz; Arslan, Gokhan; Kadan,
Murat; Doganci, Suat; Barcin, Cem; Iyisoy, Atilla;
Yildirim, Vedat; Arslan, Mehmet
From: Cardiovascular Journal of Africa, Vol 25,
Issue 3, May / June
Published: 2014
Pages: 114-117
Full text: Click here to order
»
Full text:
Click here to read online »
Full text: Click here to
read via Sabinet » (Login Required)
DOI Number: 10.5830/CVJA-2014-015
DOI Citation Reference Link:
dx.doi.org/10.5830/CVJA-2014-015
Abstract: Objectives: The aim of this retrospective
study was to compare the short-term outcomes of
surgical versus transcatheter closure of secundum
atrial septal defect (ASD) in adults.
Methods: From January 2008 to October 2012, 229
patients aged 18 years and older with significant
isolated secundum ASDs were admitted to our hospital.
We focused only on objective data obtained from
their medical records. We collected and compared
a total of 163 patients with isolated secundum ASD,
who were treated with device occlusion or surgical
closure, and had no missing data. Postoperative
outcomes, rhythm disturbances, residual ASD, infection
rates and length of hospital stay were compared.
Results: Complete follow-up data were available
for 42 (46%) patients in the device group and for
121 (87%) in the surgery group. Complete closure
was observed in 41 of the 42 patients (97.6%) in
the device group (p = 0.258) and in all 121
in the surgery group (100 %) (p > 0.05).
There were no mortalities. The mean length of hospital
stay in the device group was 1.92 ± 0.43 days and
in the surgery group 7.14 ± 0.14 days (p <
0.01).
Conclusions: The transcatheter approach for closure
of ASDs is an effective and safe treatment option
when performed for certain indications. Broadening
the spectrum of indications may cause some adverse
events. Surgical treatment remains a good alternative
for all patients with ASDs and can be performed
safely in order not to increase procedure-related
complications.
Title: Cardiac preconditioning with
sphingosine-1-phosphate requires activation of signal
transducer and activator of transcription-3 : cardiovascular
topic
Authors: Kelly-Laubscher, Roisin F.; King, Jonathan
C.; Hacking, Damian; Somers, Sarin; Hastie, Samantha;
Stewart, Tessa; Imamdin, Aqeela; Maarman, Gerald;
Pedretti, Sarah; Lecour, Sandrine
From: Cardiovascular Journal of Africa, Vol 25,
Issue 3, May / June
Published: 2014
Pages: 118-123
Full text: Click here to order
»
Full text:
Click here to read online »
Full text: Click here to
read via Sabinet » (Login Required)
DOI Number: 10.5830/CVJA-2014-016
DOI Citation Reference Link:
dx.doi.org/10.5830/CVJA-2014-016
Abstract: Aims: Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is
a cardioprotective agent. Signal transducer and
activator of transcription 3 (STAT-3) is a key mediator
of many cardioprotective agents. We aimed to explore
whether STAT-3 is a key mediator in S1P-induced
preconditioning.
Methods: Langendorff-perfused hearts from Wistar
rats and wild-type or cardiomyocyte-specific STAT-3
knockout mice were pre-treated with S1P (10 nmol/l),
with or without the STAT-3 pathway inhibitor AG490,
before an ischaemia-reperfusion insult. Triphenyltetrazolium
chloride and Evans blue staining were used for the
determination of infarct size. Western blot analysis
was carried out on the S1P pre-treated hearts for
detection of cytosolic, nuclear and mitochondrial
phosphorylated and total STAT-3 proteins.
Results: Pre-treatment with S1P decreased the infarct
size in isolated rat (5 ± 3% vs control 26 ± 8%,
p < 0.01) and wild-type mouse hearts (13 ± 1%
vs control 33 ± 3%, p < 0.05). This protective
effect was abolished in the rat hearts pre-treated
with AG490 (30 ± 10%, p = ns vs control) and in
the hearts from STAT-3 knockout mice (35 ± 4% vs
control 30 ± 3%, p = ns). Levels of phosphorylated
STAT-3 were significantly increased in both the
nuclear (p < 0.05 vs control) and mitochondrial
(p < 0.05 vs control) fractions in the S1P pre-treated
hearts, but remained unchanged in the cytosolic
fraction (p = ns vs control).
Conclusion: These novel results demonstrate that
pharmacological preconditioning with S1P in the
isolated heart is mediated by activation of mitochondrial
and nuclear STAT-3, therefore suggesting that S1P
may be a novel therapeutic target to modulate mitochondrial
and nuclear function in cardiovascular disease in
order to protect the heart against ischaemia-reperfusion.
Title: Comparison of quality of life
in patients with peripheral arterial disease caused
by atherosclerosis obliterans or Buerger's disease
: cardiovascular topic
Authors: Karakoyun, Rojbin; Koksoy, Cuneyt; Sener,
Zeynep; Gunduz, Umut; Karakas, Baris; Karakoyun,
Mustafa
From: Cardiovascular Journal of Africa, Vol 25,
Issue 3, May / June
Published: 2014
Pages: 124-129
Full text: Click here to order
»
Full text:
Click here to read online »
Full text: Click here to
read via Sabinet » (Login Required)
DOI Number: 10.5830/CVJA-2014-017
DOI Citation Reference Link:
dx.doi.org/10.5830/CVJA-2014-017
Abstract: Objective: Buerger's disease and atherosclerosis
obliterans (ASO) are two peripheral arterial diseases
(PAD) that are frequently encountered. The aim of
this study was to compare quality of life (QOL)
in patients with Buerger's disease and ASO.
Methods: We prospectively followed 86 patients who
were admitted to our hospital due to ASO or Buerger's
disease. Their ischaemia was evaluated according
to the clinical category chronic limb ischaemia
at the time of hospital admission and at six and
12 months. The QOL was measured at the time of hospital
admission and at six and 12 months with the Short
Form Health Status Survey (SF-36) and Vascular Quality
of Life Questionnaire (VASCUQOL).
Results: A total of 86 patients with ASO or Buerger's
disease (47 and 39, respectively) were included
in the study. Pain parameters from both SF-36 and
VASCUQOL scores were lower in patients with Buerger's
disease at the time of hospital admission and at
six months. The impairment in QOL was found to be
proportional to the extent of chronic limb ischaemia.
Conversely, when patients with critical limb ischaemia
were evaluated, no difference was observed between
those with ASO or Buerger's disease in terms of
QOL. Amputations were found to have a negative effect
on quality of life.
Conclusion: Buerger's disease had a more pronounced
negative effect on QOL than ASO, particularly in
terms of pain score. When critical limb ischaemia
was considered, ASO and Buerger's disease impaired
quality of life at the same rate.
Title: Simultaneous coronary artery
bypass grafting and carotid endarterectomy can be
performed with low mortality rates : cardiovascular
topic
Authors: Aydin, Ebuzer; Ozen, Yucel; Sarikaya, Sabit;
Yukseltan, Ismail
From: Cardiovascular Journal of Africa, Vol 25,
Issue 3, May / June
Published: 2014
Pages: 130-133
Full text: Click here to order
»
Full text:
Click here to read online »
Full text: Click here to
read via Sabinet » (Login Required)
DOI Number: 10.5830/CVJA-2014-018
DOI Citation Reference Link:
dx.doi.org/10.5830/CVJA-2014-018
Abstract: Introduction: There is controversy over
the best approach for patients with concomitant
carotid and coronary artery disease. In this study,
we report on our experience with simultaneous carotid
endarterectomy (CEA) and coronary artery bypass
graft (CABG) surgery in our clinic in the light
of data in the literature.
Methods: Between January 1996 and January 2009,
a total of 110 patients (86 males, 24 females; mean
age 65.11 ± 7.81 years; range 44-85 years), who
were admitted to the cardiovascular surgery clinic
at our hospital, were retrospectively analysed.
All patients underwent simultaneous CEA and CABG.
Demographic characteristics of the patients and
a history of previous myocardial infarction (MI),
hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia,
peripheral arterial disease and smoking were recorded.
Results: One patient (0.9%) with major stroke died
due to ventricular fibrillation. Peri-operative
neurological complications were observed in seven
patients (6%). Complications were persistent in
two patients. Four patients (3%) had postoperative
major stroke, whereas three patients (2%) had transient
hemiparesis. No peri-operative myocardial infarction
was observed.
Conclusion: Simultaneous CEA and CABG can be performed
with low rates of mortality and morbidity.
Title: Understanding the rise in cardiovascular
diseases in Africa : harmonising H3Africa genomic
epidemiological teams and tools : cardiovascular
topic
Authors: Owolabi, Mayowa O.; Mensah, George A.;
Kimmel, Paul L.; Adu, Dwomoa; Ramsay, Michele; Waddy,
Salina P.; Ovbiagele, Bruce; Rabadan-Diehl, Cristina;
Rasooly, Rebekah; Akarolo-Anthony, Sally N.; Rotimi,
Charles
From: Cardiovascular Journal of Africa, Vol 25,
Issue 3, May / June
Published: 2014
Pages: 134-136
Full text: Click here to order
»
Full text:
Click here to read online »
Full text: Click here to
read via Sabinet » (Login Required)
DOI Number: 10.5830/CVJA-2014-030
DOI Citation Reference Link:
dx.doi.org/10.5830/CVJA-2014-030
Abstract: Cardiovascular diseases, principally ischaemic
heart disease and stroke, are the leading causes
of global mortality and morbidity. Together with
other non-communicable diseases, they account for
more than 60% of global deaths and pose major social,
economic and developmental challenges worldwide.
In Africa, there is now compelling evidence that
the major cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors
are on the rise, and so are the related fatal and
non-fatal sequelae, which occur at significantly
younger ages than seen in high-income countries.
In order to tackle this rising burden of CVD, the
H3Africa Cardiovascular Working Group will hold
an inaugural workshop on 30 May 2014 in Cape Town,
South Africa. The primary workshop objectives are
to enhance our understanding of the genetic underpinnings
of the common major CVDs in Africa and strengthen
collaborations among the H3Africa teams and other
researchers using novel genomic and epidemiological
tools to contribute to reducing the burden of CVD
on the continent.
Title: Novel cardiovascular risk markers
in women with ischaemic heart disease : review article
Authors: Pop, Dana; Dadarlat, Alexandra; Zdrenghea,
D.
From: Cardiovascular Journal of Africa, Vol 25,
Issue 3, May / June
Published: 2014
Pages: 137-141
Full text: Click here to order
»
Full text:
Click here to read online »
Full text: Click here to
read via Sabinet » (Login Required)
DOI Number: 10.5830/CVJA-2014-014
DOI Citation Reference Link:
dx.doi.org/10.5830/CVJA-2014-014
Abstract: The incidence of coronary heart disease
in premenopausal women is lower than in men because
of their hormonal protection. Angina pectoris occurs
in women about 10 years later than in men. However,
mortality from ischaemic heart disease remains higher
in women than in men. Current studies are focusing
on novel cardiovascular risk biomarkers because
it seems that traditional cardiovascular risk factors
and their assessment scores underestimate the risk
in females. Increased plasma levels of these newly
established biomarkers of risk have been found to
worsen endothelial dysfunction and inflammation,
both of which play a key role in the pathogenesis
of microvascular angina, which is very common in
women. These novel cardiovascular risk markers can
be classified into three categories: inflammatory
markers, markers of haemostasis, and other biomarkers.
Title: AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals launches
in Zambia : industry news
Authors:
From: Cardiovascular Journal of Africa, Vol 25,
Issue 3, May / June
Published: 2014
Pages: 142
Full text: Click here to order
»
Full text:
Click here to read online »
Full text: Click here to
read via Sabinet » (Login Required)
Abstract: After months of planning, we are pleased
to announce that AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals is
now officially operational in Zambia. As a global
biopharmaceutical company, AstraZeneca touches many
people's lives by providing innovative medicines
for some of the world's most serious diseases. We
are inspired and optimistic that we now find ourselves
in a position where we can bring our healthcare
solutions to the people of Zambia; meaningful solutions
that will help us deliver on our promise of 'better
health for all'
Title: Bridging the divide at the 2014
annual SA Heart Congress : cardio news
From: Cardiovascular Journal of Africa, Vol 25,
Issue 3, May / June
Published: 2014
Pages: 144
Full text: Click here to order
»
Full text:
Click here to read online »
Full text: Click here to
read via Sabinet » (Login Required)
Abstract: The 15th annual SA Heart Congress will
focus on bridging the divide between best practice
and the challenges faced in implementing these ideals.
To be held at the International Convention Centre
in Durban, from 16-19 October 2014, the congress
will be hosting leading international faculty as
well as local experts, and for the first time a
dedicated team from the European Society of Cardiology
(ESC). The ESC faculty will share some of the key
clinical issues (hot topics) and late-breaking clinical
trials from their recent 2014 congress.
Title: Delayed embolisation of Amplatzer
ASD closure device caused partial obstruction of
left ventricular outflow tract : case report
Authors: Kim, Sang-Hoon; Kim, Kyung Ho; Lim, Yeong
Min; Moon, Jae-Youn; Yang, Woo-In; Kim, In Jai;
Lim, Sang-Wook
From: Cardiovascular Journal of Africa, Vol 25,
Issue 3, May / June
Published: 2014
Pages: e1-e3
Full text: Click here to order
»
Full text:
Click here to read online »
Full text: Click here to
read via Sabinet » (Login Required)
DOI Number: 10.5830/CVJA-2014-019
DOI Citation Reference Link:
dx.doi.org/10.5830/CVJA-2014-019
Abstract: A 54-year-old male presented with symptoms
of dyspnoea, and oedema of the lower extremities.
Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed secondum-type
atrial septal defect (ASD). He successfully received
a 30-mm Amplatzer ASD closure device percutaneously.
Echocardiography immediately after the procedure
and the next day showed a well-positioned device.
He was discharged the next day on 100 mg aspirin
daily and warfarinisation due to atrial fibrillation.
A month later, he revisited the hospital due to
recurrence of dyspnoea and a grade 2 systolic murmur
was heard on the left parasternal border. A chest
X-ray showed abnormal location of the closure device
and TTE revealed re-appearance of the ASD and an
embolised Amplatzer device in the left ventricular
outflow tract (LVOT) with partial obstruction. He
requested surgery to remove the Amplatzer device
and received an ASD patch repair, tricuspid valve
repair and modified Maze operation concurrently.
He is now in routine follow up without any other
complications.
Title: Emergency endovascular aortic
repair of a ruptured mycotic aorto-iliac aneurysm
presenting with lumbar radiculopathy : case report
Authors: Lee, Ting-Ying; Tsai, Chien-Sung; Tsai,
Yi-Ting; Lin, Chih-Yuan; Lin, Yi-Chang; Hsu, Po-Shun
From: Cardiovascular Journal of Africa, Vol 25,
Issue 3, May / June
Published: 2014
Pages: e4-e7
Full text: Click here to order
»
Full text:
Click here to read online »
Full text: Click here to
read via Sabinet » (Login Required)
DOI Number: 10.5830/CVJA-2014-022
DOI Citation Reference Link:
dx.doi.org/10.5830/CVJA-2014-022
Abstract: Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm is
life-threatening without immediate management. The
initial clinical presentation is non-specific and
impending rupture is easily missed, especially without
a CT scan. We present a case of a 56-year-old man
with low-back pain and left lower-extremity numbness,
which was diagnosed as a herniated intervertebral
disc (HIVD) with left acute sciatica syndrome. He
also complained of persistent fever and abdominal
discomfort. Routine blood work-up revealed leukocytosis
and decreasing haemoglobin levels. CT angiography
(CTA) showed impending rupture of the left aorto-iliac
aneurysm. We therefore performed endovascular aneurysm
repair (EVAR). Blood culture revealed Salmonella
enterica, for which he received antibiotics. No
acute sciatica syndrome was present immediately
after the EVAR. No EVAR-related complications were
noted in the one-year CTA follow up.