Morphohistological analysis of the prevalence and distribution of atheroma in the abdominal aorta and its branches: a cadaveric study / Análise morfo-histológico sobre prevalência e distribuição de ateroma na aorta abdominal e em seus ramos: estudo em cadáveres

Abstract Background Aneurysms and atheromatous processes are prominent pathological features that are commonly associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Objectives This cadaveric study was conducted to evaluate the morphometric and histological aspects of atheromatous plaque formation in abdominal aortas and their branches and their associated morphological variations, if present, characterized by loops, kinking, or tortuosity. Methods The study was performed using 30 human cadavers (approx. 65-75 years). Frequency of occurrence of calcified plaques in the abdominal aorta and its branches and their morphometric measurements were noted and histological features were observed with the aid of Hematoxylin & Eosin staining. Results Variations in the abdominal aorta and the common iliac artery were observed in 16.6% of specimens. Atheromatous plaque formation was seen in 2 specimens (1 specimen was associated with kinking) while in 3 other specimens only variation in normal structure (kinking/ tortuous artery) was observed. Histological analysis showed foamy macrophages and dense calcification, giving an atheromatous appearance. Conclusions Cadaveric reports of the location, nature, and degree of plaque formation in the abdominal aorta and its branches are extremely important in clinical settings and for choosing treatment options.

Resumo Contexto Aneurismas e processos ateromatosos são características patológicas perceptíveis que costumam estar associadas a morbidade e mortalidade significativas. Objetivos Este estudo em cadáveres teve como objetivo avaliar os aspectos morfométricos e histológicos da formação de placa ateromatosa na aorta abdominal e em seus ramos com suas subsequentes variações morfológicas caracterizadas por enrolamentos, acotovelamentos ou tortuosidades, se presentes. Métodos O estudo foi realizado com 30 cadáveres humanos (aproximadamente 65-75 anos). Foi descrita a frequência de ocorrência de placas calcificadas na aorta abdominal e em seus ramos com as respectivas medidas morfométricas e características histológicas com auxílio da coloração por hematoxilina e eosina. Resultados Variações na aorta abdominal e na artéria ilíaca comum foram observadas em 16,6% dos espécimes. A formação de placa ateromatosa foi observada em dois espécimes (um espécime foi associado a acotovelamento), enquanto em outros três espécimes houve apenas variação na estrutura normal (acotovelamento/artéria tortuosa). A análise histológica mostrou macrófagos espumosos e calcificação densa, o que gerou uma impressão ateromatosa. Conclusões Os estudos em cadáveres sobre localização, natureza e grau de formação de placa na aorta abdominal e em seus ramos são extremamente importantes para os cenários clínicos e as opções de tratamento.

Acetaminophen mitigates myocardial injury induced by lower extremity ischemia-reperfusion in rat model

Abstract Objective: The injury-reducing effect of acetaminophen, an effective analgesic and antipyretic on ischemia-reperfusion continues to attract great attention. This study analyzed the protective effect of acetaminophen on myocardial injury induced by ischemia-reperfusion in an experimental animal model from lower extremity ischemia-reperfusion. Methods: Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley female rats were randomized into three groups (n=8) as (i) control group (only laparotomy), (ii) aortic ischemia-reperfusion group (60 min of ischemia and 120 min of reperfusion) and (iii) ischemia-reperfusion + acetaminophen group (15 mg/kg/h intravenous acetaminophen infusion starting 15 minutes before the end of the ischemic period and lasting till the end of the reperfusion period). Sternotomy was performed in all groups at the end of the reperfusion period and the heart was removed for histopathological examination. The removed hearts were histopathologically investigated for myocytolysis, polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) infiltration, myofibrillar edema and focal hemorrhage. Results: The results of histopathological examination showed that acetaminophen was detected to particularly diminish focal hemorrhage and myofibrillar edema in the ischemia-reperfusion + acetaminophen group (P<0.001, P=0.011), while there were no effects on myocytolysis and PMNL infiltration between the groups (P=1.000, P=0.124). Conclusion: Acetaminophen is considered to have cardioprotective effect in rats, by reducing myocardial injury induced by abdominal aortic ischemia-reperfusion.

Mycotic aneurysm with aortoduodenal fistula

Firstly described in the 19th century by Sir William Osler, the mycotic aneurysm (MA) is a rare entity characterized by an abnormal arterial dilation, which is potentially fatal, and is associated with the infection of the vascular wall. Elderly patients are mostly involved, especially when risk factors like chronic diseases, immunosuppression, neoplasia, and arterial manipulation are associated. The authors report the case of a young male patient diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm of infectious origin in the presence of repeated negative blood cultures. The diagnostic hypothesis was raised when the patient was hospitalized for an inguinal hernia surgery. The diagnosis was confirmed based on imaging findings consistent with mycotic aneurism. The patient was treated with an endovascular prosthesis associated with a long-lasting antibiotic therapy. Five months later, the patient attended the emergency unit presenting an upper digestive hemorrhage and shock, from which he died. The autopsy revealed a huge aneurysm of the abdominal aorta with an aortoduodenal fistula. The histological examination of the arterial wall revealed a marked inflammatory process, extensive destruction of the arterial wall, and the presence of Gram-positive bacteria. This case highlights the atypical presentation of a MA associated with an aortoduodenal fistula. Besides the early age of the patient, no primary arterial disease could be found,and no source of infection was detected.

Aneurysm, tortuosity and kinking of abdominal aorta and iliac arteries in Thai cadavers / Aneurisma, tortousidad y torsión de la parte abdominal de la aorta y de las arterias ilíacas en cadáveres tailandeses

The prevalence of the aneurysm, tortuosity, and kinking of abdominal aorta and iliac arteries is important for primary consideration in operative planning. The present study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of abnormality of abdominal aorta and iliac arteries and demonstrate the patterns of kinking external iliac arteries in Thai cadavers. Eighty-five Thai embalmed cadavers (58 males and 27 females) were observed and measured the diameter of abdominal aorta and iliac arteries using a vernier caliper for assessment of aortic aneurysm (AAA). To investigate the tortuosity and kinking of iliac arteries, a standard goniometer was applied to measure the individual angle of iliac artery. In addition, the kinking patterns of external iliac artery were classified. The prevalence of AAA was 4.71% and the aneurysms of common and internal iliac arteries were 4.12 and 0.59%. The tortuosity of common and external iliac arteries were 1.76 and 20%. No tortuosity of internal iliac artery was observed. In addition, the kinking of common, external, and internal iliac arteries were 4.71, 16.47, and 1.18%, respectively. Moreover, the patterns of external iliac aortic kinking were classified into 4 major types (S-shape; reversed ­C shape; low grade shape; and V-shape). We have observed the prevalence of the aneurysm, tortuosity, and kinking of abdominal aorta and iliac arteries in Thai cadavers. Currently, the 4 kinking variations of external iliac arteries were also first demonstrated.

La prevalencia de aneurisma, tortuosidad y torsión de la parte abdominal de la aorta y arterias ilíacas es relevante para la consideración primaria en la planificación quirúrgica. Se realizó un estudio para investigar la prevalencia de alteraciones en las parte abdominal de la aorta y arterias ilíacas y demostrar los patrones de torsión en las arterias ilíacas externas de cadáveres tailandeses. Se observaron 85 cadáveres tailandeses embalsamados (58 hombres y 27 mujeres); se midió el diámetro de la parte abdominal de la aorta y arterias ilíacas utilizando un pie de metro para la evaluación de aneurisma aórtico. Para investigar la tortuosidad y torsión de las arterias ilíacas, se utilizó un goniómetro estándar para medir el ángulo individual de la arteria ilíaca. Además, se clasificaron los patrones de torsión de las arterias ilíacas externas. La prevalencia de aneurisma aórtico fue 4,71% y los aneurismas de las arterias ilíacas comunes e internas fueron 4,12% y 0,59%. La tortuosidad de las arterias ilíacas comunes y externas fueron 1,76% y 20%. No se observó tortuosidad de la arteria ilíaca interna. Además, la torsión de las arterias ilíacas comunes, externas e internas fueron 4,71%, 16,47% y 1,18%, respectivamente. Por otra parte, los patrones de torsión fueron clasificados en 4 tipos principales (formas de S, de C invertida; de bajo grado y en V). Observamos la presencia de aneurisma, tortuosidad y torsión de la parte abdominal de la aorta y arterias ilíacas en cadáveres tailandeses. Demostramos también por primera vez, las 4 variaciones de torsión de las arterias ilíacas externas.

A case study involving a blunt abdominal trauma leading to disruption of the aortic bifurcation in an infant / Estudo de caso de trauma abdominal contuso levando à ruptura da bifurcação aórtica em criança

The incidence of aortic disruption secondary to blunt abdominal trauma is rarely reported in the pediatric population. In general, most of the cases described are the result of motor vehicle accidents. We report on the treatment and outcomes of a 5-year-old child with aortic bifurcation disruption secondary to an unusual case of blunt abdominal trauma who was admitted to the emergency room in hypovolemic shock and subjected to immediate exploratory laparotomy and vascular repair. The mechanical forces involved in aortic disruption and the management options for repair and treatment of this injury will be discussed...

A incidência de ruptura aórtica secundária a um trauma abdominal contuso é uma condição extremamente rara e pouco relatada na população pediátrica. Em geral, a maioria dos casos descritos é devida a acidentes automobilísticos. Descrevemos o caso de uma criança de cinco anos de idade, vítima de trauma abdominal contuso de etiologia incomum, a qual foi admitida em sala de emergência em choque hipovolêmico e submetida a laparotomia exploradora, com o reparo de uma laceração da bifurcação aórtica. Serão discutidas as forças mecânicas envolvidas e as opções de tratamento para esse tipo de lesão...

Immunoglobulin G4 Non-Related Sclerosing Disease with Intracardiac Mass Mimicking Mitral Stenosis: Case Report

The cardiovascular system may be one of the target organs of both immunoglobulin G4 related and non-related systemic multifocal fibrosclerosis. We present a case of IgG4 non-related systemic multifocal fibrosclerosis mimicking mitral stenosis on echocardiography. For a more detailed differential diagnosis, we used multimodal imaging techniques. After surgical biopsy around the abdominal aortic area in the retroperitoneum, histological examination revealed IgG4 non-related systemic multifocal fibrosclerosis. We describe the multimodal imaging used to diagnose IgG4 non-related systemic multifocal fibrosclerosis and a positive response to steroid treatment. There have been no previous case reports of IgG4 non-related systemic multifocal fibrosclerosis with intracardiac involvement. Here, we report a case of IgG4 non-related systemic multifocal fibrosclerosis mimicking mitral stenosis.

El signo de la aorta flotante / The floating aorta sign

El signo de la aorta flotante es causado por voluminosos conglomerados ganglionares que rodean y desplazan hacia anteriora la aorta abdominal, separándola de la columna lumbar, sin evidencias de compresión o estenosis aórtica. De esta manera la aorta parece flotar en el espesor de una masa de partes blandas. Se observa característicamente en linfomas. El diagnóstico diferencial incluye metástasis de carcinoma testicular, sarcomas retroperitoneales primarios, adenitis tuberculosa y fibrosis retroperitoneal. Aunque este signo puede observarse en estudios ultrasonográficos, es mejor demostrado y evaluado con tomografía computada y resonancia magnética.

The floating aorta sign is caused by an enlarged retroperitoneal lymph node mass which surrounds and displaces the abdominal aorta anteriorly, separating it from the lumbar spine without evidence of compression or aortic stenosis. Thus, the aorta seems to be floating inside a soft tissue mass. This radiologic sign is typically observed in lymphomas. The differential diagnosis includes testicular cancer metastases, primary retroperitoneal sarcomas, tuberculosis adenitis, and retroperitoneal fibrosis. Although this sign can be seen on ultrasound studies, it is best demonstrated and assessed through computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging sequences.

O stent descoberto não promove reações em artérias renais e parênquima renal em suínos / Uncovered stent does not provoke reactions in renal arteries and renal parenchyma in swines

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as alterações histológicas da aorta, artéria renal e parênquima renal, em suínos, induzidos pelo stent metálico descoberto implantado em localização transrenal na aorta abdominal. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 10 suínos com peso médio de 86,6 quilos e idade média de 6 meses, submetidos a implante de stent metálico posicionado na aorta, no nível das artérias renais, após 100 dias do implante. Os stents foram liberados por auto-expansão com laparotomia. Foram realizadas análises anatômicas e histológicas da aorta abdominal, artérias renais e parênquima renal. Os cortes histológicos foram realizados nos seguintes locais: 1) transição entre a aorta normal e aorta contendo stent; 2) porção contendo os óstios das artérias renais, 3) parênquima renal. As lâminas foram coradas pela técnica da hematoxilina e eosina e analisadas conforme protocolo de análise histológica aplicada na prática clínica dos laboratórios de patologia. RESULTADOS: Os achados macroscópicos revelaram espessamento da parede aórtica; artérias renais pérvias; estrutura anatômica renal normal. Análises microscópicas, próximas aos stents, evidenciaram espessamento da parede vascular, artérias renais sem alterações e parênquima renal preservado. CONCLUSÃO: O stent de aço inoxidável descoberto produziu importante reação inflamatória com espessamento da parede da aorta. No entanto, as artérias renais permaneceram pérvias e o parênquima renal sem alterações isquêmicas ou embólicas.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the histological changes of the aorta, the renal arteries and the renal parenchyma in swine, induced by a metalic uncovered stent implanted in transrenal position in the abdominal aorta. METHODS: Ten pigs with a mean weight of 86.6 kg and mean age of 6 months underwent implantation of metal stent graft placed in the aorta at the level of the renal arteries after 100 days of implantation. The self-expanding stents were released by laparotomy. Anatomic and histological analyses of the abdominal aorta, the renal arteries and the renal parenchyma were performed. Histological slices were performed in the following sites: 1) transitional zone between the aorta with and without stent graft; 2) portion of the renal arteries ostia; 3) renal parenchyma. The slices were stained through the hematoxylin and eosin stain technique and analyzed according the protocol of histological analyses applied in the clinical practice of pathology labs. RESULTS: The macroscopic findings showed thickening of the aortic wall; patent renal arteries; and normal anatomic renal structures. Microscopic analyses, close to the stents, showed thickening of the vascular wall, renal arteries without changes, and preserved renal parenchyma. CONCLUSION: The uncovered stainless steel stent caused a significant inflammatory reaction with thickening of the aortic wall. However, the renal arteries remained patent and the renal parenchyma did not present embolic or ischemic changes.

Uninfected Para-Anastomotic Aneurysms after Infrarenal Aortic Grafting

PURPOSE: This single-institution retrospective review examines the management of uninfected para-anastomotic aneurysms of the abdominal aorta (PAAA), developed after infrarenal grafting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October 1979 to November 2005, 31 PAAA were observed in our Department. Twenty-six uninfected PAAA of degenerative etiology, including 24 false and 2 true aneurysms, were candidates for intervention and retrospectively included in our database for management and outcome evaluation. Six (23%) patients were treated as emergencies. Surgery included tube graft interposition (n = 12), new reconstruction (n = 8), and graft removal with extra-anatomic bypass (n = 3). Endovascular management (n = 3) consisted of free-flow tube endografts. RESULTS: The mortality rate among the elective and emergency cases was 5% and 66.6%, respectively (p = 0.005). The morbidity rate in elective cases was 57.8%, whereas 75% in emergency cases (p = 0.99). The survival rate during the follow-up was significantly higher for elective cases than for emergency cases. CONCLUSION: Uninfected PAAA is a late complication of aortic grafting, tends to evolve silently and is difficult to diagnose. The prevalence is underestimated and increases with time since surgery. The mortality rate is higher among patients treated as an emergency than among patients who undergo elective surgery, therefore, elective treatment and aggressive management in the case of pseudoaneurysm are the keys to obtain a good outcome. Endovascular treatment could reduce mortality. Patients who undergo infrarenal aortic grafting require life-long surveillance after surgery.

Multiple vascular anomalies in the abdomen: a gross anatomical study / Múltiples anomalías vasculares en el abdomen: un estudio anatómico macroscópico

Knowledge of the branching pattern of the abdominal aorta is clinically important for any abdominal surgeon operating on parts of the gut or neighboring structures like the suprarenals, spleen, pancreas, liver, kidneys and ureter. The presence of abnormal inferior phrenic artery associated with aberrant branch from the celiac trunk supplying the pancreas and duodenum is a rare anomaly. In the present case, we observed four branches of the celiac artery i.e. (a) left gastric artery (b) common hepatic artery (c) splenic artery and (d) an aberrant branch, which took a course inferiorly towards the pancreas. The aberrant artery supplied the body of the pancreas and gave a branch which supplied the horizontal part of the duodenum and then entered the transverse mesocolon to supply the hepatic flexure and some portions of the ascending and the transverse colon. The inferior phrenic artery was absent on the left side. Concomitant anomalies of such type are to be kept in mind by the surgeon, while operating cases of carcinoma head of pancreas and performing kidney transplantations.

El conocimiento del patrón de ramificación de la aorta abdominal es clínicamente importante para cualquier cirujano abdominal que opere en partes del intestino o estructuras vecinas, como glándulas suprarenales, bazo, páncreas, hígado, riñones y uréteres. La presencia anormal de la arteria frénica inferior asociada con una rama aberrante originada del tronco celiaco, supliendo el páncreas y duodeno, es una variación anatómica rara. En el presente caso, se observaron cuatro ramas de la arteria celiaca: (a) arteria gástrica izquierda (b) arteria hepática común (c) arteria esplénica y (d) una rama aberrante, que tuvo un curso inferior hacia el páncreas. La arteria aberrante suministraba irrigación al cuerpo del páncreas y daba una rama para la parte horizontal del duodeno para luego entrar en el mesocolon transverso para irrigar la flexura hepática y algunas partes del colon ascendente y transverso. La arteria frénica inferior estaba ausente en el lado izquierdo. Anomalías concomitantes de este tipo deben ser consideradas por el cirujano, en casos de operación de carcinoma de cabeza de páncreas y la realización de trasplante renal.

Variaciones en la distribución de las ramas de la arteria celíaca / Variations in the distribution of the branches of the celiac artery

La arteria celíaca es un vaso corto que se origina en la cara anterior de la aorta abdominal. El objetivo de este estudio es describir las variaciones en las ramas de este importante elemento vascular, ampliando así la información existente al respecto. Se disecaron 50 especímenes de fetos venezolanos entre 25 y 39 semanas de edad gestacional, previamente fijados en formol al 10 por ciento y perfundidos con vinil rojo, observándose los siguientes hallazgos: A) En el 64 por ciento (32 casos) se observó la descripción clásica de ramificación, con las arterias gástrica izquierda, hepática común y lienal como únicas ramas; B) En el 28 por ciento (14 fetos) se encontró la emergencia de ramas adicionales como las arterias frénicas inferiores, pancreática dorsal, gástrica derecha, gastroduodenal y suprarrenal inferior izquierda; C) En el 4 por ciento la arteria hepática común no formó parte de las ramas de la arteria celíaca, dividiéndose ésta en las arterias gástrica izquierda y lienal con elementos adicionales como las arterias mesentérica superior y gástrica derecha; D) En el 2 por ciento las arterias gástrica izquierda y hepática común se originaron de la arteria celíaca, mientras que la arteria lienal se encontró formando un tronco con la mesentérica superior y; E) En el 2 por ciento no se localizó a la arteria celíaca y las tres ramas clásicas: gástrica izquierda, hepática común y lienal, emergían directamente de la aorta

The celiac artery is a short vessel that takes origin at the front surface of the abdominal aorta. The aim of this study is to describe the variability in the branching pattern of this important vascular element, thus expanding the information available. 50 Venezuelans fetuses ranging from 25 to 39 weeks gestacional age were dissected, previously 10 percent formalin fixed and perfused with red vinyl, with the following findings: A) In 64 percent (32 cases) classical description of branching was observed, with the left gastric artery, hepatic and lienal as unique branches; B) In 28 percent (14 fetuses) the emergence of additional branches as: inferior phrenic arteries, dorsal pancreatic, right gastric, gastroduodenal and left inferior adrenal arteries were seen; C) In 4 percent common hepatic artery was not part of the branches of the celiac artery, and it divided into the left gastric artery and lienal with additional features such as superior mesenteric artery and right gastric; D) In 2 percent the left gastric artery and common hepatic artery originated from celiac artery, while lienal artery was forming a trunk with superior mesenteric, and; E) In 2 percent was not found the celiac artery and the three traditional branches: left gastric, common hepatic and lienal, emerged directly from the aorta

Self-expandable nitinol stent placement in homocysteinemic porcine aorta

PURPOSE: To compare aortic intimal thickening of normal and hyperhomocysteinemic pigs (induced with a methionine-rich diet) following placement of a self-expanding nitinol stent. METHODS: Eighteen Macau pigs were used. They were older than eight weeks in age and had an average weight of 30 kg. Pigs were randomly divided into two groups. The first, Group C (control), was fed a regular diet, and the second group, Group M, was fed a methionine-rich diet for 30 days to induce hyperhomocysteinemia. The self-expandable nitinol stents were 25mm in length and 8 mm in diameter after expansion. Blood samples were collected to measure total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and homocysteine concentrations. All animals were subjected to angiography. Thirty days after the procedure, the animals were sacrificed, and the abdominal aorta was removed for histological and digital morphometry analysis. RESULTS: Under microscopic evaluation, the intima was significantly thicker in Group C than in Group M. When groups were compared by digital morphometric analysis, intimal thickening of the vessel wall was higher in Group C than in Group M. There was no significant change in total cholesterol, triglycerides or HDL concentrations in either group. In group C the levels of plasma homocysteine ranged from 14,40 to 16,73µmol/l; in Group M, plasma homocysteine levels ranged from 17.47 to 59.80 µmol/l after 30 days of a methionine-rich diet. CONCLUSION: Compared to normal pigs, less intimal hyperplasia was observed in the abdominal aortas of hyperhomocysteinemic pigs thirty days after the insertion of a self-expandable nitinol stent.

Early morbidity and mortality after retroperitoneal repair of the abdominal aorta with modification of the patient's position

Repair of the abdominal aorta is a major procedure that has a considerable morbidity and mortality. Efforts are exerted to reduce this operative risk, one of which is the surgical approach of the Aorta. This study was carried out to evaluate the retroperitoneal approach regarding morbidity and mortality during the operation and for 30 days afterward and to evaluate the accessibility of this approach while the patient in supine. Nineteen patients with a mean age of 65.5 years were admitted for the repair of Abdominal Aorta between March 2004 and March 2006. To repair the Aorta of these patients it was approached retroperitonealy, using the standard technique with modification of the patient's position. Operative and post-operative data were measured and compared to the literature. Mean operative time, intra-operative fluid replacement and ICU stays were less compared to the transperitoneal approach. Normal intestinal sounds were regained after 2 days in most of the patients. Mean hospital stay was 6.7 days with no mortality. This study supports that retroperitoneal approach has early morbidity and mortality that is comparable to the accepted rate of complications in literatures. This approach provides a convenient exposure to treat different anatomical lesion of the distal Aorta and iliac arteries, when we operate with the patient in the neutrally supine position

Successful Surgical Treatment of Aortoenteric Fistula

In order to establish optimal management for aortoenteric fistula (AEF) the records of five patients treated for AEF (four aortoduodenal and one aortogastric fistula) were retrospectively reviewed. The arterial reconstruction procedures were selected according to the surgical findings, underlying cause, and patient status. In situ aortic reconstructions with prosthetic grafts were performed on three patients who had no gross findings of periaortic infection, whereas axillo-bifemoral bypass was carried out in the other two patients with periaortic purulence. In all patients, after retroperitoneal irrigation a pedicled omentum was used to cover the aortic graft or aortic stump. In the preoperative abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan there was a periaortic air shadow in four out of five patients. There was no surgical mortality or graft infection observed during a mean follow-up period of 40 months (range, 24-68 months). Therefore, the treatment results of an AEF can be improved using intravenous contrast-enhanced abdominal CT for rapid diagnosis and selection of an appropriate surgical procedure based on the surgical findings and underlying cause.

Fístulas aortoentéricas primarias: presentación de dos casos y revisión de la literatura / Aortoenteric primary fistulas: report of two cases and review of literature

Las fístulas aortoentéricas son una entidad clínica infrecuente. Se clasifican en dos tipos: primarias y secundarias. Las primarias, más raras, consisten en una comunicación espontánea de la luz del aneurisma y el tubo digestivo, frecuentemente el duodeno. Las secundarias, más frecuentes, se presentan en pacientes con aneurismas que han sido tratados. El signo clínico de presentación más habitual de las fístulas aortoentéricas es la hemorragia digestiva alta. La sospecha clínica de esta entidad es fundamental para su diagnóstico. La endoscopía y la tomografía computarizada son las técnicas complementarias más usadas para el diagnóstico, aunque en la mayoría de las ocasiones son negativas y el diagnóstico se realiza en la cirugía. El tratamiento de elección es la cirugía, si bien existen casos descritos tratados mediante técnicas endovasculares. Presentamos dos casos de fístulas aortoentéricas primarias y revisamos la literatura publicada al respecto.

Cotejo electro-anatómico en un caso de síndrome de Williams / An ECG-anatomical comparison in a case of Williams' syndrome

A case of Williams' syndrome in a 22 years old man, is described. Clinical data, as well as those of laboratory and of imageneology study, are reported. An electro-anatomical comparison permitted to verify the value of electrocardiographic signs of enlargement of the four heart chambers, due to a mixed overload. It permitted also to establish the value of the signs of the interatrial block, probably due to myocardial atrial fibrosis, and those suggesting hyperkalemia. The electrocardiogram always is very useful because it furnishes certain functional aspects permitting to allow structural inferences, in following subjects with congenital or acquired heart diseases.

Radiolesão vascular como efeito deletério da braquiterapia intra-arterial com dose elevada de Samário-153 em coelhos hipercolesterolêmicos / Vascular radiolesion as a deleterious effect of high-dose-rate intraarterial brachytherapy with Samarium-153 in hypercholesterolemic rabbits / Vascular radiolesion as a deleterious effect of high-dose-rate intraarterial brachytherapy with Samarium-153 in hypercholesterolemic rabbits

OBJETIVO: Este estudo tem por objetivo avaliar as alterações vasculares morfológicas e morfométricas induzidas pela braquiterapia com Samário-153 (153 Sm) em coelhos hipercolesterolêmicos, com doses elevadas. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados 43 coelhos hipercolesterolêmicos, brancos, da raça New Zealand, e o total de 86 artérias ilíacas submetidas a lesão por balão de angioplastia. Divididos em três grupos: dois (GI) irradiados com as doses de 15Gy (n=14) e 60Gy (n=36) e um grupo controle (n=36). Foram realizadas avaliação histológica morfométrica e análise histológica qualitativa para análise tecidual. RESULTADOS: Foram observadas uma redução significativa da neoproliferação intimal (NPI) no GI 15 Gy (p<0,0001), uma redução da área de camada média (ACM) (p<0,0001) e por cento estenose (p<0,0001) comparada com os demais grupos. O GI 60 Gy teve o maior índice de PNI, aumento da ACM, AV e porcentagem de estenose. No GI 60 Gy, observou-se maior número de células xantomatosas (GI 60Gy:86,11 por cento e GI 15Gy:14,29 por cento, p<0,0001), tecido amorfo hialino (GI 60Gy:58,33 por cento e GI 15 Gy:0 por cento, p=0,0001) e proliferação vascular (GI60 Gy:30,56 por cento e GI15 Gy:0 por cento, p=0,0221). Outras análises teciduais não apresentaram diferença estatística entre os grupos. CONCLUSÃO: A dose elevada de 60Gy ocasionou intensa proliferação celular considerada radiolesão vascular, ao contrário da dose de 15Gy que apresentou excelente inibição da neo-proliferação intimal.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate vascular morphological and morphometric changes induced by brachytherapy with samarium-153 (Sm-153) at high doses in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. METHODS: Forty-three New Zealand White hypercholesterolemic rabbits were analyzed, and the total of 86 iliac arteries underwent balloon angioplasty injury. The rabbits were divided into three different groups: two irradiation groups (IG) assigned to 15 Gy (n=14) and 60 Gy (n=36) irradiation doses, respectively, and a control group (n = 36). Histomorphometric and qualitative histological analyses were performed for tissue evaluation. RESULTS: Significant reductions were found in neointimal proliferation (NIP) (p< 0.0001), media area (MA) (p<0.0001) and percent stenosis (p<0.0001) in the 15-Gy IG, compared to the other groups. The 60-Gy IG had the higher rate of NIP, increase in media and vessel areas (VA) and percent stenosis. The 60-Gy IG also showed the greatest number of xanthomatous cells (60-Gy IG: 86.11 percent and 15-Gy IG: 14.29 percent, p<0.0001) and the highest amount of hyaline amorphous tissue (60-Gy IG:58.33 percent and 15-Gy IG:0 percent, p=0.0001) and vascular proliferation (60-Gy IG:30.56 percent and 15-Gy IG:0 percent, p=0.0221). No statistically significant differences were found among groups concerning other tissue analyses. CONCLUSION: The high-dose irradiation of 60 Gy resulted in intense cell proliferation considered vascular radiolesion, unlike the 15-Gy dose, which was associated with an excellent inhibition of neointimal proliferation.

Prevalencia de aneurisma de aorta abdominal evaluada con ecografía aórtica y factores de riesgo cardiovascular / Prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm and aortic ultrasound assessed cardiovascular risk factors

Propósito: Detectar la prevalencia de AAA con ecografía aórtica (EA), asociación HTA y DBT y con sospecha previa de enfermedad. Material y métodos: se evaluaron 184 pacientes (95 M y 89 F), con edades comprendidas entre 45 y 87 años, que fueron estudiados con ecografía aórtica y no aórtica entre agosto 2005 y junio 2006. Se investigaron antecedentes de HTA, DBT y diagnóstico presuntivo de AAA. Se consideró aneurismática una aorta abdominal infrarrenal mayor de 3 cm de diámetro axial. Análisis estadístico: prueba t de student para comparar promedios de edad; prueba chi- cuadrado para comparar proporciones. La concordancia entre sospecha y diagnóstico se midió con el coeficiente Kappa y la significación, con la prueba de McNemar. Se aplicó un modelo de regresión logística. Resustados: Edad Promedio: 64±9 años. Prevalencia de AAA: 5.4%, 6.3% en varones y 4.5% en mujeres (p=0.586). Edad promedio en AAA: significativamente mayor que la de aquellos sin AAA. Prevalencia significativamente mayor (p=0.008) que en edades ‗65 años (10%). Se diagnosticaron 2 AAA en pacientes con HTA y DBT (14.3%), 4 en pacientes con HTA (10%) y en 4 pacientes sin HTA ni DBT (3.4%); p=0.119. El coeficiente Kappa fue 0.31 (p=0.096). En 5 pacientes con sospecha, la misma se confirmó. En otros 13 con sospecha no se diagnosticó AAA. Conclusión: la prevalencia de AAA fue del 5.4%. Las variables predictoras de AAA son: edad y diagnóstico presuntivo. No hubo asociación significativa entre AAA e HTA y DBT.