Impact of body characteristics on ultrasound-measured inferior vena cava parameters in Chinese children

Ultrasound-measured inferior vena cava (IVC) and abdominal aorta (Ao)-associated parameters have been used to predict volume status for decades, yet research focusing on the impact of individual physical characteristics, including gender, height/weight, body surface area (BSA), and age, assessed simultaneously on those parameters in Chinese children is lacking. The aim of the present study was to explore the impact of individual characteristics on maximum IVC diameter (IVCmax), Ao, and IVCmax/Ao in healthy Chinese children. From September to December 2015, 200 healthy children from 1 to 13 years of age were enrolled. IVCmax and Ao diameters were measured by 2D ultrasound. We found that age (years), height (cm), weight (kg), waist circumference (cm), and BSA (m2) were positively correlated with IVCmax and Ao. Multivariate linear regression showed that age was the only independent variable for IVCmax (mm) in female children, height was the only independent variable for IVCmax in male children, and age was the only independent variable for Ao in both females and males. IVCmax/Ao was not significantly influenced by the subjects' characteristics. In conclusion, IVCmax and Ao were more susceptible to subjects' characteristics than IVCmax/Ao. IVCmax/Ao could be a reliable and practical parameter in Chinese children as it was independent of age, height, and weight.

A cadaveric study of the testicular artery and its clinical significance / Um estudo da artéria testicular em cadáveres e sua relevância clínica

Abstract Background Knowledge of testicular artery variations is vital to ensure that they are not neglected during a variety of different operative techniques, since damage can cause testicular atrophy. Objectives The present study was therefore intended to identify variants in the origin and course of the testicular arteries. An attempt was made to classify the arteries based on their various origins. Methods This study examined 42 formalin-fixed cadavers of 40 to 70-year-old adult males. Variant origins of the testicular artery were identified and classified. Variations in the origin and course of the artery were colored, photographed, and documented. The distances between the origins of the testicular arteries and the mid-points of the origins of the renal arteries were measured. Results Testicular arteries were classified into four categories on the basis of origin. This variability was defined in relation to the renal and inferior mesenteric arteries. The mean distance between the origin of the testicular artery and the mid-point of the origin of the renal artery were 3.08 and 3.47 cm, on the right and left sides respectively. Variations were almost exclusively found on the left side. The variations observed included multiple arterial twigs forming the testicular artery, suprarenal arteries arising from the testicular artery, and testicular artery duplication. Conclusion This study provides an insight into variations in the testicular artery and proposes a classification which could help surgeons during a variety of procedures on the male abdomen and pelvis.

Resumo Contexto O conhecimento de variações da artéria testicular é vital para assegurar que essas artérias não serão negligenciadas durante a realização de diferentes técnicas operatórias, já que qualquer dano poderia causar atrofia testicular. Objetivos Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar variações na origem e no trajeto das artérias testiculares. Foi feita uma tentativa de classificar as artérias com base em suas diferentes origens. Métodos Este estudo examinou 42 cadáveres de adultos do sexo masculino com idade entre 40 e 70 anos preservados em formol. As diferentes origens da artéria testicular foram identificadas e classificadas. Variações na origem e no trajeto da artérias foram coloridas, fotografadas e documentadas. Foram medidas as distâncias entre a origem das artérias testiculares e o ponto médio da origem das artérias renais. Resultados As artérias testiculares foram classificadas em quatro categorias com base em sua origem. Essa variabilidade foi definida com relação às artérias renal e mesentérica inferior. A distância média entre a origem da artéria testicular e o ponto médio da origem da artéria renal foi de 3,08 e 3,47 cm nos lados direito e esquerdo, respectivamente. As variações foram encontradas quase exclusivamente no lado esquerdo. As variações observadas incluíram múltiplos ramúsculos formando a artéria testicular, artérias suprarrenais surgindo a partir da artéria testicular, e duplicação da artéria testicular. Conclusão Este estudo traz informações sobre variações da artéria testicular e propõe uma classificação que poderia ajudar os cirurgiões durante diferentes procedimentos realizados no abdome e na pelve de pacientes do sexo masculino.

Long-lasting endothelium-dependent relaxation of isolated arteries caused by an extract from the bark of Combretum leprosum / Extrato das cascas de Combretum leprosum causa relaxamento dependente de endotélio de longa duração em artérias isoladas

Objective To describe and to characterize the relaxing effect of an extract of the bark of Combretum leprosum on isolated arterial rings from different animals.Methods Rings (3 to 4mm) from rabbit, rat, or porcine arteries rings were suspended in an organ bath (Krebs, 37°C, 95%O2/5%CO2) to record isometric contractions. After the stabilization period (2 to 3 hours) contractions were induced by the addition of phenylephrine (0.1 to 0.3µM) or U46619 (10 to 100nM), and Combretum leprosum extract was added on the plateau of the contractions. Experiments were performed to determine the potency, duration, reversibility, and to get insights on the potential mechanism involved in extract-induced relaxations.Results In all rings tested, Combretumleprosum extract (1.5μg/mL) was able to cause relaxations, which were strictly endothelium-dependent. In rabbit or rat thoracic aorta rings, the relaxations were reversed by vitamin B12a or L-NG-nitroarginine. In porcine right coronary arteries and rabbit abdominal aorta, extract caused both L-NG-nitroarginine-sensitive and L-NG-nitroarginine-resistant relaxations. In rabbit thoracic aorta, the extract was relatively potent (EC50=0.20µg/mL) and caused relaxations; intriguingly the endothelium continued to produce relaxing factors for a long period after removing the extract. The magnitude of extract-induced relaxations was significantly reduced in the absence of extracellular Ca2+; in addition, the TRPs channels blocker ruthenium red (10µM) was able to revert extract-induced relaxations. Phytochemical analyses indicated that the extract was rich in polyphenol-like reacting substances.ConclusionsCombretum leprosum extract contains bioactive compounds capable of promoting Ca2+-dependent stimulation of endothelial cells which results in a prolonged production of relaxing factors.

Objetivo Descrever e caracterizar os relaxamentos induzidos por um extrato das cascas de Combretum leprosum em anéis de artérias de diferentes espécies de animais.Métodos Anéis (3 a 4mm) de artérias de coelho, rato e porco foram montados em cubas para órgão isolado (Krebs, 37°C, 95%O2/5%CO2) para registro das contrações isométricas. Após um período de estabilização (2 a 3 horas), as contrações foram induzidas com fenilefrina (0,1 a 0,3µM) ou U46619 (10 a 100nM); no platô dessas contrações, adicionamos o extrato Combretum leprosum. Diferentes protocolos foram realizados para determinar potência, duração, reversibilidade e mecanismo dos relaxamentos induzidos pelo extrato.Resultados Em todas as preparações testadas, o extrato de Combretum leprosum (1,5µg/mL) provocou relaxamentos dependentes de endotélio. Em aorta torácica de coelho ou rato, os relaxamentos foram revertidos pela vitamina B12a ou L-NG-nitro-arginina. Em anéis de aorta abdominal de coelho e de artérias coronárias de porco, o extrato causou relaxamentos sensíveis e resistentes à L-NG-nitro-arginina. Em aorta torácica de coelho, o extrato foi relativamente muito potente (EC50=0,20μg/mL) e quando causou relaxamentos; intrigantemente o endotélio continuou a produzir fatores relaxantes por um longo período após remoção do extrato. A magnitude dos relaxamentos induzidos pelo extrato foi significativamente reduzida em ausência Ca2+ extracelular; ademais, o vermelho de rutênio (10μM), um bloqueador de canais TRPs, foi capaz de reverter os relaxamentos induzidos pelo extrato. Análises preliminares indicaram que o extrato continha compostos com reatividade química semelhante à polifenóis.Conclusão O extrato de Combretum leprosum contem compostos bioativos capazes de promover estimulação dependente de Ca2+ das células endoteliais a qual resulta numa produção prolongada de fatores relaxantes.

Estudo comparativo de eco-Doppler com arteriografia na avaliação da doença oclusiva aorto-ilíaca / Comparative study of Doppler ultrasonography with arteriography in the evaluation of aortoiliac occlusive disease

Contexto: A arteriografia com contraste (AC) tem sido o exame tradicional de avaliação de pacientes com suspeita de doença oclusiva aorto-ilíaca (DOAI). Recentemente, métodos menos invasivos, como a eco-Doppler, têm sido usados com a mesma finalidade. Objetivo: Comparar prospectivamente a eco-Doppler com a AC e eventual manometria arterial direta (MAD) na avaliação pré-operatória de pacientes com suspeita de DOAI. Métodos: Foram submetidos a eco-Doppler e a AC 125 pacientes internados para tratamento de doença arterial oclusiva dos membros inferiores, avaliando comparativamente 552 segmentos da aorta infrarrenal e das artérias ilíacas comum e externa. As lesões encontradas foram classificadas em cinco categorias: 1) normal e estenose leve (0 a 19 por cento); 2) estenose moderada (20 a 49 por cento); 3) estenose significativa (50 a 79 por cento); 4) estenose crítica (80 a 99 por cento); e 5) oclusão total. A MAD foi usada em 19 segmentos de 15 pacientes para classificar lesões limítrofes entre duas categorias. Foram calculados índices de validade (sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo, valor preditivo negativo e acurácia) para distinguir lesões hemodinamicamente significativas de não-significativas e para distinguir estenoses críticas de oclusões. O padrão-ouro foi AC, complementado pela MAD. Foram também calculados coeficientes de correlação kappa entre arteriografias e eco-Doppler para o conjunto dos segmentos aorto-ilíacos. Resultados: Lesões clinicamente relevantes (estenoses de 50 a 99 por cento e oclusões totais) foram observadas na eco-Doppler em 163 segmentos (29,5 por cento) e na AC em 158 segmentos (28,6 por cento). A eco-Doppler mostrou altos índices de validade para distinguir lesões hemodinamicamente significativas de lesões não-significativas em todos os segmentos (acurácia = 92 por cento; kappa = 0,81) e para diferenciar estenoses críticas de oclusões (acurácia = 86 por cento; kappa = 0,73). Os índices ...

Background: Contrast arteriography (CA) has been the traditional method of evaluation of patients with suspected aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD). Recently, less invasive methods, such as Doppler ultrasonography, have been used for the same purpose. Objective: The present study prospectively compares Doppler ultrasonography with CA and direct arterial manometry (DAM) in the preoperative evaluation of patients with suspected AIOD. Methods: A total of 125 patients admitted for treatment of arterial occlusive disease of the lower extremities underwent Doppler ultrasonography and CA, comparatively evaluating 552 aortic, common iliac e external iliac segments. The lesions found were classified into five categories: 1) normal and mild stenosis (0-19 percent); 2) moderate stenosis (20-49 percent); 3) significant stenosis (50-79 percent); 4) critical stenosis (80-99 percent); and 5) total occlusion. DAM was used in 19 segments of 15 patients to classify borderline lesions. Validity indexes (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and overall accuracy) were calculated to distinguish hemodynamically significant from non-significant stenosis and to discriminate critical stenosis from total occlusions. The gold standard was CA, supplemented by DAM. Correlation coefficients (kappa statistics) between arteriography and Doppler ultrasonography were also calculated for the whole sample of aortoiliac segments. Results: Clinically relevant lesions (stenoses between 50-99 percent and total occlusions) were observed on Doppler ultrasonography in 163 segments (29.5 percent) and on CA in 158 segments (28.6 percent). Doppler ultrasonography showed high validity indexes to distinguish hemodynamically significant from non-significant lesions (overall accuracy = 92 percent; kappa = 0.81) and an overall accuracy of 86 percent (kappa = 0.73) to distinguish critical stenosis from total occlusion. Optimal correlation coefficients ...

Prevalência de dilatação da aorta abdominal em coronariopatas idosos / Prevalence of abdominal aortic dilatation in patients aged 60 years or older with coronary disease

CONTEXTO: A realização de programas de triagem para o aneurisma da aorta abdominal de forma indiscriminada auxiliará uma pequena porcentagem de indivíduos, mas ao considerarmos grupos com fatores de risco relacionados à dilatação da aorta, aumentando a probabilidade da doença, este permitirá um direcionamento adequado dos recursos e um benefício maior à população. Programas direcionados pelas sociedades médicas, permitindo um diagnóstico precoce das doenças vasculares e conseqüentemente um melhor preparo do doente, promoveriam melhores taxas de sobrevida com menor morbidade. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência da dilatação da aorta abdominal em uma amostra de pacientes idosos com mais de 60 anos de idade, portadores de coronariopatia aterosclerótica diagnosticada por cineangiocoronariografia. MÉTODOS: Para a seleção dessa amostra, levou-se em consideração o fato de que a avaliação pré-operatória de cirurgia vascular não tenhasido a indicação do cateterismo. Procedeu-se então a avaliação, baseada na anamnese, exame físico e Doppler ultra-som da aorta abdominal. A análise estatística iniciou-se com o teste qui-quadrado, com a posterior análise de regressão logística multivariada e regressão logística univariada, considerando significativo um p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Dos 180 pacientes, 57 (31,7 por cento) dos casos pertencem ao sexo feminino, e 123 (68,3 por cento) ao masculino. A faixa etária variou entre 60 e 80 anos, com idade média de 66,7 anos. Dos 16 indivíduos portadores de dilatação da aorta abdominal (10 aneurismas e 6 ectasias), apenas um era do sexo feminino. O risco para um indivíduo com 1 lesão aterosclerótica coronariana de apresentar dilatação da aorta abdominal foi de 0,4 por cento no grupo avaliado. Da mesma forma, nos portadores de 2 ou 3 lesões, o risco foi de 1,7 por cento, e naqueles com mais de 3 lesões, de 4,5 por cento. Quando associados ao tabagismo, estes valores alteraram-se respectivamente para 6,9, 11,8 e 27,1 por...

BACKGROUND: Indiscriminate screening programs for abdominal aortic aneurysm will help a small percentage of individuals. However, when considering groups with risk factors associated with aortic dilatation, which increases the probability of the disease, such programs will provide an adequate allocation of resources and a greater benefit to the population. Programs guided by medical societies, providing an early diagnosis of vascular diseases and consequently a better preparation of patients, would result in better survival rates with lower morbidity. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of abdominal aortic dilatation in patients aged 60 years or older with atherosclerotic coronary disease diagnosed by coronary angiography. METHODS: The sample selected for this study considered the fact that preoperative assessment of vascular surgery had not been indication for catheterization. Evaluation was then performed, based on anamnesis, physical examination and ultrasound Doppler of the abdominal aorta. Statistical analysis started with chi-square test, with further multivariate logistic regression analysis and univariate logistic regression, with p < 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: Of 180 patients, 57 (31.7 percent) were female and 123 (68.3 percent) were male. Age varied from 60 to 80 years, with mean of 66.7 years. Among the 16 individuals with abdominal aortic dilatation (10 aneurysms and six dilatations), only one was female. The risk of an individual with one atherosclerotic coronary lesion presenting abdominal aortic dilatation was 0.4 percent. Similarly, in those with two or three lesions the risk was 1.7, and 4.5 percent in those with more than three lesions. When associated with smoking, these values were 6.9, 11.8 and 27.1 percent, respectively. CONCLUSION: The present study leads to the conclusion that prevalence of abdominal aortic dilatation was 8.9 percent (16 out of 180 patients) in this specific sample. It was more prevalent...

Functional expression of kinin B1 and B2 receptors in mouse abdominal aorta

Previous studies have shown that the vascular reactivity of the mouse aorta differs substantially from that of the rat aorta in response to several agonists such as angiotensin II, endothelin-1 and isoproterenol. However, no information is available about the agonists bradykinin (BK) and DesArg9BK (DBK). Our aim was to determine the potential expression of kinin B1 and B2 receptors in the abdominal mouse aorta isolated from C57BL/6 mice. Contraction and relaxation responses to BK and DBK were investigated using isometric recordings. The kinins were unable to induce relaxation but concentration-contraction response curves were obtained by applying increasing concentrations of the agonists BK and DBK. These effects were blocked by the antagonists Icatibant and R-715, respectively. The potency (pD2) calculated from the curves was 7.0 ± 0.1 for BK and 7.3 ± 0.2 for DBK. The efficacy was 51 ± 2 percent for BK and 30 ± 1 percent for DBK when compared to 1 æM norepinephrine. The concentration-dependent responses of BK and DBK were markedly inhibited by the arachidonic acid inhibitor indomethacin (1 æM), suggesting a mediation by the cyclooxygenase pathway. These contractile responses were not potentiated in the presence of the NOS inhibitor L-NAME (1 mM) or endothelium-denuded aorta, indicating that the NO pathway is not involved. We conclude that the mouse aorta constitutively contains B1 and B2 subtypes of kinin receptors and that stimulation with BK and DBK induces contractile effect mediated by endothelium-independent vasoconstrictor prostanoids.

Effects of Magnesium Sulfate on Supraceliac Aortic Unclamping in Experimental Dogs

Intravascular administration of magnesium (Mg) causes vasodilation and increases renal blood flow. The aim of this study was to investigate the renal effect of Mg following unclamping of the supraceliac aorta. Mongrels were divided into two groups, control (group C, n=7) and Mg group (group Mg, n=7). In group Mg, 30 mg/kg MgSO4 was injected as a bolus immediately prior to unclamping the supraceliac aorta and thereafter as an infusion (10 mg/kg/hr). The group C received an equivalent volume of saline solution. Systemic hemodynamics, renal artery blood flow, renal cortical blood flow (RCBF), renal vascular resistance, and renal function were compared. Following the aortic unclamping, cardiac output and RCBF were less attenuated, and the systemic and renal vascular resistance was elevated to a lesser degree in the group Mg compared to the group C. There was no significant difference in the plasma renin activity, serum creatinine and Cystatin-C between the two groups. The present study shows that Mg infusion improves systemic hemodynamics and RCBF after aortic unclamping. However, we did not observe any improvement in renal function when Mg was administered after supraceliac aortic unclamping.

Rastreamento do aneurisma da aorta abdominal na população da cidade de Vitóroa (ES) / Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm in the population of the city of Vitória, ES, Brasil

Objetivos: Deteminar a prevalência de aneurisma da aorta abdominal na população da cidade de Vitória(ES) e associar com possíveis fatores de risco. Métodos: Estudo de prevalência realizado por amostragem aleatória estratificada por faixa etária e classe socioeconômica. Os exames foram realizados nos postos de saúde dos setores censitários do IBGE sorteados. A amostra foi recrutada pela equipe do Programa de Saúde da Família, após uma campanha de conscientização da importância do diagnóstico da doença. O exame foi ralizado por ecocardiografistas vasculares, utilizando os aparelhos de ultra-som HDI 5000-ATL e o portátil sonosite. Resultados: Foram examinados 834 pessoas no período de dezembro de 2002 a junho de 2003. Dessas, 21 eram portadoras de aneurisma da aorta abdominal (prevalência de 2,5 por cento). Dos casos, 15 (71,4 por cento) eam do sexo masculino, 14 (66,7 por cento) tinham idade entre 65 a 75 anos, 13 (61,9 por cento) eram brancas, 14 (66,7) eram fumantes ou ex-fumantes, 12 (57,1 por cento) tinham hipertensão arterial. Dos aneurismas encontrados, 20 (95,2 por cento) eram infra-renais, do tipo fusiforme e com diâmetro médio de 3,43 mais ou menos 0,57 cm. Quando comparamos os casos com os demais pacientes da amostra, encontramos associação estatisticamente significante com sexo...

Hemodynamic Effects on Atherosclerosis-Prone Coronary Artery: Wall Shear Stress / Rate Distribution and Impedance Phase Angle in Coronary and Aortic Circulation

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the hemodynamic characteristics of an atherosclerosis-prone coronary artery compared to the aorta. We describe three- dimensional spatial patterns of wall shear stress (WSS) according to the impedance phase angle in pulsatile coronary and aorta models using in vivo hemodynamic parameters and computed numerical simulations both qualitatively and quantitatively. Angiography of coronary arteries and aortas were done to obtain a standard model of vascular geometry. Simultaneously to the physiologic studies, flow-velocity and pressure profiles from in vivo data of the intravascular Doppler and pressure wire studies allowed us to include in vitro numerical simulations. Hemodynamic variables, such as flow-velocity, pressure and WSS in the coronary and aorta models were calculated taking into account the effects of vessel compliance and phase angle between pressure and flow waveforms. We found that there were spatial fluctuations of WSS and in the recirculation areas at the curved outer wall surface of the coronary artery. The mean WSS of the calculated negative phase angle increased in the coronary artery model over that in the aorta model and the phase angle effect was most prominent on the calculated amplitude of WSS of the coronary artery. This study suggests that the rheologic property of coronary circulation, such as the fluctuation of WSS/WSR induces several hemodynamic characteristics. A separation of flow-velocity, a difference in phase between pressure conductance and blood flow and prominent temporal and/or spatial oscillatory fluctuations of the shear forces as a function of pulsatile flow might be important factors in atherogenesis and progression of atherosclerosis.

Effect of high-salt intake on blood pressure and vascular reactivity of diabetic rats

The etiopathogenesis of diabetes mellitus (DM)-associated hypertension is not known. Sodium and an increased vascular reactivity to vasopressor agents have been implicated in the pathogenesis of this disease in humans. The aim of the present study was to experimentally evaluate the possible role of salt intake and changes in vascular reactivity in the pathogenesis of DM-associated hypertension. Male Wistar rats, weighing 180 to 200 g, rendered diabetic by streptozotocin (65mg/kg) and maintained moderately hyperglycemic with insulim were submited to high-salt intake (tap water replaced with 1.0 per cent NaCl) for 8 weeks (D+salt rats, N=8). Mean arterial pressure and reactivity of the isolated aorta to norepinephrine and angiotensin II were then determined, Diabetic rats on normal-salt intake (group D+nl,N=6) and non-diabetic rats on high- (group non-D+salt,N=6) or norma-salt intake (group non-D+nl,N=8) were used as controls. Mean blood pressure was significantly higher in D+salt rats (123 ñ 3mmHg) compared with the D+nl(113 ñ 3mmHg), non -D+salt (111 ñ 2mmHg) and non-D+nl (105 ñ 2mmHg) groups. Mean blood pressure was also significantly higher in diabetic rats on normal-salt intake compared with control rats on normal-salt intake. Vascular reactivity of the aorta to norepinephrine was increased only in diabetic rats on high-salt intake. No modification in reactivity was detected with regard to the reactivity to angiotensin II. We conclude that right-salt intake increases blood pressure in diabetic rats and that increased aorta vascular reactivity to norepinephrine might be involved in the blood pressure alternation.

La aorta abdominal según angiografía en individuos sanos y con patología arterioesclerótica / The abdominal aorta according to angiography in healthy and in arterioesclerotic pathology

Con el objeto de crear una tabla de referencia de los diámetros aórticos e ilíacos normales en individuos de diversas edades y evaluar la influencia del calibre arterial preexistente sobre el tipo de patología degenerativa susceptibles de presentarse en esta área, se estudian 334 angiografías convencionales correlativas que cubren ambos sexos desde los 2 hasta los 96 años de edad, incluyendo individuos sanos y con patología local. Las mediciones se realizaron en forma seriada, cubriendo los diversos segmentos de la aorta abdominal y ambas ilíacas primitivas, permitiendo obtener una tabla de referencia con los valores obtenidos para ambos sexos. Es posible comprobar que el diámetro aórtico e ilíaco es significativamente mayor en los hombres en los diversos niveles estudiados a partir de los 20 años de edad, sin demostrarse correlación con la edad de los sujetos. Cuando se analizan estos diámetros en función de la normalidad o tipo de patología existente se constata una significativa diferencia en el diámetro aórtico entre los pacientes portadores de aneurismas y los individuos normales, mientras los pacientes ocluidos, en lugar de poseer aortas menores presentan paradojalmente diámetros levemente superiores a los normales