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  1. Last 7 days
    1. Venoactive drugs (diosmin, hesperidin, horse chestnut seed extract) may be considered as adjuncts to compression for symptomatic relief in countries where available

    2. Endovenous Thermal Ablation (RFA/EVLA)

      Relative contraindications include inappropriate vein size, with veins <2 mm and >15 mm representing potential contraindications for RFA specifically. [1] A history of superficial thrombophlebitis resulting in a partially obstructed saphenous vein may preclude thermal ablation. [1] Significant tortuosity of the GSV on duplex examination can make catheter delivery difficult.

    1. Selection

      Initial Assessment: Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is recommended at diagnosis to assess aortic valve anatomy, valve function, and thoracic aortic diameters. CT or MRI is reasonable for comprehensive anatomic assessment. [1]

      Surveillance Imaging: The choice depends on aneurysm location: [2]

      Aortic root/proximal ascending aorta: TTE can be used if measurements correlate well with CT/MRI

      Mid-ascending, arch, or descending thoracic aorta: CT or MRI is recommended

      MRI is preferred for long-term surveillance to avoid cumulative radiation exposure from serial CT scans [1][3]

      Surveillance Intervals

      Size-Based Recommendations: [2-4]

      <4.0 cm: Every 2-3 years if stable

      4.0-4.4 cm: Every 2 years

      4.5-4.9 cm: Annually

      5.0-5.4 cm: Every 6-12 months (consider optimization for repair)

      ≥5.5 cm: Surgical evaluation indicated

      Initial surveillance: Obtain follow-up imaging at 6-12 months after diagnosis to establish the growth rate. If stable, adjust interval based on size. [1]

      Growth rate considerations: Descending thoracic aneurysms grow faster than ascending aneurysms (mean 2.76 mm/year vs 1 mm/year overall). Growth accelerates exponentially above 4.5 cm diameter. [3-4]

    2. Any patient with chest or back pain with a known or suspected thoracic aorta aneurysm must be brought to the hospital and undergo urgent imaging studies to rule out the aneurysm as a cause of the pain

      elective surgical repair is suggested at 5.5 cm in patients without underlying connective tissue disorders, with earlier intervention at 4.5-5.0 cm in patients with connective tissue disorders or bicuspid aortic valve

  2. Jul 2024
  3. May 2023
    1. Washington | Australia is in pole position to benefit from a sixfold increase in demand for so-called “critical minerals” worth $US12.9 trillion ($17.6 trillion) over the next two decades, driven by the race to hit net zero emissions, according to analysis from the International Monetary Fund.
  4. Feb 2023