Outcomes of operative intervention for ulcers over hemodialysis arteriovenous access.

INTRODUCTION: The native arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the gold standard for long-term hemodialysis access. When native vein options are exhausted, arteriovenous graft (AVG) becomes the next choice. An ulcer over an AVF or AVG is a serious condition with the potential for life-threatening hemorrhage. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to present our experience with surgical management of ulcers over AVFs or AVGs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Electronic records of 26 patients who underwent 27 consecutive surgical procedures for ulcers over AVFs or AVGs from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2021 at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The majority were males (14/26, 53.8%) and the median age was 64.5 years. Operative repair was required for 25 ulcers over 24 AVFs and 2 ulcers over 2 AVGs. Ten patients (37%) presented with bleeding. Seventeen (63%) had impending bleeding suggested by a thin soft tissue covering or a false aneurysm at the site of the ulcer. Previous endovascular intervention for fistula outflow stenosis was a significant predictor for presenting with bleeding (p = 0.031). All ulcers (27/27, 100%) underwent excision and primary skin closure. Fistula wall defects were directly repaired in 18/27 (66.7%). Four/26 (14.8%) fistulas had to be ligated and 2 (7.4%) had end-to-end re-anastomosis after excision of damaged segments. Three/26 (11.53%) fistulas thrombosed immediately after the intervention. The overall fistula salvage rate was 73.08% (19/26). There was 1 (3.7%) patient mortality due to bleeding from wound breakdown after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: An acceptable fistula salvage rate can be expected following surgical repair of ulcers over AVFs and AVGs. A history of previous endovascular interventions for fistula outflow stenosis was a predictor of bleeding from these ulcers.

Outcomes of Nonstandard Donor Kidney Transplants in Recipients Aged 70 Years or More: A Single-Center Experience.

OBJECTIVES: There is a global increase in the prevalence of end-stage kidney disease among the elderly. As a result, more elderly recipients are being considered for kidney transplants. Because of the scarcity of donor organs, such patients are more likely to receive transplants from nonstandard donor kidneys.Here, we examined the outcomes of kidney transplants with a nonstandard donor allograftin recipients ≥70 years of age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of patients who received transplants at a single UK centerfrom April 1, 2015, through March 31, 2021, were retrospectively analyzed to identify those who were ≥70 years old at the time of surgery. Outcomes ofthose who received a kidney transplantfrom a nonstandard donor (group 1) were compared to those who received a kidney transplant from a standard criteria donor or living donor (group 2). RESULTS: During the study period, of 670 kidney transplant procedures, 67 recipients (10%) were ≥70 years of age at the time of surgery, with 54 (80.6%) identified in group 1 and 13 (19.4%) identified in group 2. Cold ischemia time (P = .001) and incidence of delayed graft function (P = .044) were significantly higherin group 1. Duration of graft survival atthe end of follow-up was not different between the groups (log rank = 0.218), butthe mean serum creatinine values at 2 years (P = .016) and 3 years (P = .048) years were significantly higherin group 1. Patients in group 1 had shorter survival time (log rank = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: Nonstandard donor kidneys should be used cautiously in elderly recipients as patient survival was shown to be comparatively poor compared with elderly recipients who received a kidney transplant from a standard criteria donor or a living donor.

A Case of Common Carotid Artery Occlusion: A Unique Pattern of Occlusion and Lessons Learned.

Common carotid artery occlusion (CCAO) is a rare cause of cerebrovascular events. For patients with neurological deficits due to emboli from an occluded common carotid artery, ligation of the ipsilateral internal carotid may appear as a simple therapeutic option, provided there is adequate collateral circulation. Here, we describe a patient with an unusual pattern of CCAO, who underwent ligation of the internal carotid artery after a successful test occlusion with a hypotensive challenge. He suffered a delayed stroke. This case report aims to highlight the unique pattern of CCAO in this patient and our experience with his management.

Swing segment stenosis: An unresolved challenge.

The native arteriovenous fistula is considered the gold standard among all dialysis access options. Compared with alternatives such as grafts and central venous catheters, their use is associated with a lower risk of infective and thrombotic complications. This leads to better patient outcomes and reduced healthcare-associated costs. Recognizing these advantages, there is a global drive to increase the creation and use of such fistulas in hemodialysis patients. Swing segment stenosis is a common problem encountered with the creation and use of these fistulas that can hurt their maturation and longevity. A "swing segment" in an arteriovenous fistula is defined as a segment of vein that pursues a sharp, curved course. Due to poorly understood reasons, these swing segments tend to develop stenotic lesions that are extremely challenging to treat. This review aims to provide an overview of the pathophysiology, incidence, management, and prevention of these swing segment lesions. We believe that such knowledge will be useful for clinicians who deal with dialysis access creation and maintenance.

Endovascular Treatment for Transplant Renal Artery Stenosis Improves the Short- and Long-Term Graft and Patient Outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: Transplant renal artery stenosis is the commonest vascular complication after kidney transplant. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of endovascular treatment for patients with clinically significant transplant renal artery stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Electronic patient records of kidney transplant recipients who received transplants from October 1, 2010, to July 31, 2021, at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital were retrospectively reviewedtoidentify thosewhounderwent endovascular treatment for transplant renal artery stenosis. Analysis of variance and paired sample t tests were respectively used to compare serum creatinine and the mean number of antihypertensive medications before and aftertreatment. RESULTS: During the period of analysis, there were 1211 kidney transplant recipients, with 33 (2.72%) who received endovascular treatment for transplant renal artery stenosis. Mostofthesepatientsweremen(25/33), and the median age was 59 years (range, 27-83 y). The mean follow-up duration was 69.82 months. As primary treatment, 19/33 patients (57.6%) were treated with percutaneous balloon angioplasty and 14/33 (42.4%) received stents. Procedure-related complications occurred in 3 patients (9.1%; 2 had false aneurysms, 1 had renal artery dissection). Significant improvements in mean serum creatinine levels were shown up to 4 years after the procedure (P = .019). A significant difference in the mean number of antihypertensive drugs before and after treatment was noted in those who had resistant hypertension as a presentation for transplantrenal artery stenosis (P = .016). At the end of follow-up, 7 patients (21.1%) had graft failure, with 1 patient (3.0%) having graft failure as a direct consequence of transplant renal artery stenosis. There was no reported incidence of patient mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular treatment for transplant renal artery stenosis provides a sustained improvement in graft function and a significant reduction in antihypertensive drug requirement.

Transplant Nephrectomy: Current Concepts.

Kidney transplantation is the gold standard treatment option for patients with endstage kidney disease. As the number of waitlisted patients increases, the gap between supply and demand for suitable donor kidneys keeps widening. The adoption of novel strategies that expand the donor pool has attenuated this issue to a certain degree, and this has led to a progressive increase in the number of annual transplants performed. As transplanted kidneys have a finite lifespan, there is a reciprocal rise in the number of patients who return to dialysis once their allograft fails. The clinicians involved in the management of such patients are left with the problem of managing the nonfunctioning allograft. The decision to undertake transplant nephrectomy (TN) in these patients is not straightforward. Allograft nephrectomy is a procedure that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It will have implications for the outcomes of the subsequent transplant. In this review, we aimed to compressively discuss the indications, techniques, and outcomes of TN, which is an integral component of the management of a failing allograft.

Update on Vascular Complications After Renal Transplantation.

Renal transplant is the treatment of choice for endstage renal failure. Since the first successful kidney transplant in 1954, advances in immunosuppression, surgical techniques, and posttransplant medical care have drastically improved the outcomes of this procedure. Despite these advances, surgical complications after renal transplant remain a challenge that can result in serious morbidity, graft loss, and recipient mortality. A significant proportion of surgical complications will have a vascular origin. Some of these vascular complications can cause irreversible damage to the transplanted kidney unless they are identified and treated urgently. In this review, common vascular complications of renal transplant are discussed, with emphasis on their mode of presentation, diagnosis, current management, and outcomes. Such knowledge can be useful for transplant clinicians, for prompt diagnosis and appropriate management of these complications.

Transplant Renal Artery Stenosis: Current Concepts.

Transplant renal artery stenosis is an increasingly recognized vascular complication after renal transplant. It can result in posttransplant hypertension and graft dysfunction and eventually in graft loss. Timely diagnosis and appropriate intervention for clinically significant transplant renal artery stenosis can potentially halt or reverse these adverse effects, leading to better outcomes. Duplex ultrasonography is the imaging modality of choice to screen suspected cases. Some patients with transplant renal artery stenosis will require invasive treatment with endovascular intervention or surgery, whereas others can be safely treated with blood pressure control and follow-up. In this review, we aimed to discuss the epidemiology, clinical presentation, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of this common posttransplant complication.

Infected Aortic Aneurysm with Infective Spondylitis in a Patient with Pre-Aortic Confluence of the Iliac Veins: An Unusual Triple Combination.

It is uncommon for infective spondylitis to coexist with an infected aneurysm of the adjacent abdominal aorta. Also, pre-aortic confluence of the iliac veins or marsupial vena cava is a rare anatomical variant, which increases the potential for venous injury and hemorrhage during an emergency operation. Herein, we report the case of a 57-year-old male with these three pathologies, who was successfully treated with emergency open surgery. During surgery, we noted this anomaly and extensive destruction of the lumbar vertebral bodies. We discuss options to treat these rare pathologies with literature review.

Mycotic aortic aneurysm in a debilitated patient with compromised immunity; beware of Candida!

Candida is a rare cause of infected aortic aneurysms. We report the case of a diabetic patient with end stage kidney disease who underwent repair of a leaking abdominal aortic aneurysm. He was on long-term antibiotic treatment for malignant otitis externa. Candida albicans was isolated from the culture of the excised aneurysm wall. An infected aortic aneurysm due to Candida has not been previously reported in a patient with malignant otitis externa. This case report aims to highlight that Candida should be suspected as a cause of infected aortic aneurysms in patients with debilitation and chronic immunosuppression. Management of such cases can be extremely challenging, especially in resource-poor settings, and we will be touching upon the advantages and disadvantages of various treatment options.

A cândida é uma causa rara de aneurismas da aorta infecciosos. Relatamos o caso de um paciente diabético com doença renal terminal, que foi submetido a reparo de aneurisma da aorta abdominal com vazamento. Ele estava em tratamento de longo prazo com antibióticos para otite externa maligna. A Candida albicans foi isolada da cultura da parede do aneurisma que sofreu a excisão. Não há relatos prévios de aneurisma da aorta infeccioso causado por cândida em pacientes com otite externa maligna. Este relato de caso visa reforçar que a cândida deve ser uma das suspeitas de causa de aneurisma da aorta infeccioso em pacientes debilitados e com imunossupressão crônica. O manejo desses casos pode ser extremamente desafiador, principalmente em contextos em que os recursos são escassos, e mencionaremos as vantagens e desvantagens das diversas opções de tratamento.

Atherosclerotic Renal Artery Stenosis: A Review.

Renal artery stenosis (RAS) is associated with hypertension and renal impairment. Atherosclerosis is the leading etiologic factor which accounts for >90% of the cases. Those with atherosclerotic RAS (ARAS) tend to have concomitant atherosclerosis in other vascular beds, so they are at a high risk of adverse coronary and cerebrovascular events. Management of ARAS is controversial, with limited indications for revascularization. In this review, the author aims to discuss the pathophysiology, natural history, diagnosis, and management of ARAS.

Pulsatile varicose veins: an uncommon presentation of a common condition.

Varicose veins of the lower limbs are common. However, pulsatile varicose veins are unusual. They could be an indicator of a sinister underlying pathology, such as severe cardiac dysfunction. It is easy to miss these rare cases during clinical workup, which can result in futile treatment with potentially dangerous consequences. In this report, we describe 2 cases of pulsatile varicose veins that highlight different etiologies and management strategies for this condition.

Varizes dos membros inferiores são comuns. Entretanto, varizes pulsáteis são raras, podendo ser indicadoras de uma patologia subjacente sombria como disfunção cardíaca grave. É fácil deixar passar esses casos raros durante exames clínicos, o que pode resultar em tratamento fútil com consequências potencialmente perigosas. Neste relato, descrevemos dois casos de varizes pulsáteis que evidenciam as diferentes etiologias e estratégias de manejo para essa condição.

An epithelioid haemangioma of the ulnar artery masquerading as an aneurysm.

Epithelioid haemangiomas are rare benign vascular tumors that usually present as subcutaneous nodules in the head and neck area. Occasionally these tumors can arise in a peripheral artery. When it does so, it is often confused with an aneurysmal dilatation of the respective vessel. In these circumstances, surgical resection with vascular reconstruction is the preferred treatment option.

Spontaneous Transection of the Superficial Femoral Artery with Devastating Outcomes: A Case Report.

Non-traumatic, simultaneous pseudoaneurysms of the bilateral superficial femoral arteries (SFAs) are extremely rare. Spontaneous transection of the SFA is another unique pathology. Here, we present a patient with end stage kidney disease who was diagnosed with bilateral, simultaneous SFA pseudoaneurysms. He had a recent history of methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus septicemia; therefore, infection was suspected to be the main cause. Complete transection of the SFA was noted during the operative exploration of the symptomatic left side. Wide debridement and autologous vein bypass were performed via a clean route. Unfortunately, two months later, recurrent surgical site infection caused distal anastomotic rupture and fatal sepsis.

Severe leg swelling following removal of a temporary femoral venous hemodialysis catheter.

Temporary central venous catheters are commonly used for patients who require emergency hemodialysis (HD). An arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is a rare complication of this procedure. In this case report, we present a patient who was diagnosed with an iatrogenic femoral AVF after cannulation of the right femoral vein with a temporary HD catheter.

Aortoenteric Fistula after Endovascular Aneurysm Repair.

Aortoenteric fistula is a rare complication following endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. However, there is a significant morbidity and mortality associated with this complication. Patients can present with gastrointestinal hemorrhage, fever, or nonspecific features of chronic infection. Extra anatomic bypass with complete graft explanation is the standard management.

Direct oral anticoagulants: A review for the non-specialist.

Thrombin inhibitors and direct factor Xa inhibitors represent a major breakthrough in the field of anticoagulation pharmacotherapy. These novel agents have replaced warfarin as the oral anticoagulant of choice in certain indications, as they possess equal or superior efficacy and better safety profiles. They have a quick onset of action, predictable pharmacokinetic properties and minimal drug and food interactions. So they do not require frequent blood monitoring and dose adjustments as with warfarin. Considering all the advantages, there seems to be a rapid increase in the number of patients who are started on these novel anticoagulants. In this review, we highlight the pharmacology of these direct oral anticoagulants and the evidence-based indications for their use. We aim to provide a clinical overview for the non-specialist who may be called upon to manage a patient who is currently on one of these novel anticoagulants.

Mycotic aortic aneurysm in a debilitated patient with compromised immunity; beware of Candida! / Aneurisma micótico da aorta em paciente debilitado com imunidade comprometida - um alerta para Cândida

Abstract Candida is a rare cause of infected aortic aneurysms. We report the case of a diabetic patient with end stage kidney disease who underwent repair of a leaking abdominal aortic aneurysm. He was on long-term antibiotic treatment for malignant otitis externa. Candida albicans was isolated from the culture of the excised aneurysm wall. An infected aortic aneurysm due to Candida has not been previously reported in a patient with malignant otitis externa. This case report aims to highlight that Candida should be suspected as a cause of infected aortic aneurysms in patients with debilitation and chronic immunosuppression. Management of such cases can be extremely challenging, especially in resource-poor settings, and we will be touching upon the advantages and disadvantages of various treatment options.

Resumo A cândida é uma causa rara de aneurismas da aorta infecciosos. Relatamos o caso de um paciente diabético com doença renal terminal, que foi submetido a reparo de aneurisma da aorta abdominal com vazamento. Ele estava em tratamento de longo prazo com antibióticos para otite externa maligna. A Candida albicans foi isolada da cultura da parede do aneurisma que sofreu a excisão. Não há relatos prévios de aneurisma da aorta infeccioso causado por cândida em pacientes com otite externa maligna. Este relato de caso visa reforçar que a cândida deve ser uma das suspeitas de causa de aneurisma da aorta infeccioso em pacientes debilitados e com imunossupressão crônica. O manejo desses casos pode ser extremamente desafiador, principalmente em contextos em que os recursos são escassos, e mencionaremos as vantagens e desvantagens das diversas opções de tratamento.

Pulsatile varicose veins: an uncommon presentation of a common condition / Varizes pulsáteis: uma apresentação incomum de uma condição comum

Abstract Varicose veins of the lower limbs are common. However, pulsatile varicose veins are unusual. They could be an indicator of a sinister underlying pathology, such as severe cardiac dysfunction. It is easy to miss these rare cases during clinical workup, which can result in futile treatment with potentially dangerous consequences. In this report, we describe 2 cases of pulsatile varicose veins that highlight different etiologies and management strategies for this condition.

Resumo Varizes dos membros inferiores são comuns. Entretanto, varizes pulsáteis são raras, podendo ser indicadoras de uma patologia subjacente sombria como disfunção cardíaca grave. É fácil deixar passar esses casos raros durante exames clínicos, o que pode resultar em tratamento fútil com consequências potencialmente perigosas. Neste relato, descrevemos dois casos de varizes pulsáteis que evidenciam as diferentes etiologias e estratégias de manejo para essa condição.