[Quality standards for ultrasonographic assessment of peripheral vascular malformations and vascular tumors. Report of the French Society for Vascular Medicine]. / Standards de qualité pour la pratique de l'examen écho-doppler dans l'étude des malformations et tumeurs vasculaires. Rapport de la Société française de médecine vasculaire (SFMV).

THE QUALITY STANDARDS OF THE FRENCH SOCIETY OF VASCULAR MEDICINE FOR THE ULTRASONOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF VASCULAR MALFORMATIONS ARE BASED ON THE TWO FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS: Technical know-how: mastering the use of ultrasound devices and the method of examination. Medical know-how: ability to adapt the methods and scope of the examination to its clinical indication and purpose, and to rationally analyze and interpret its results. AIMS OF THE QUALITY STANDARDS: To describe an optimal method of examination in relation to the clinical question and hypothesis. To achieve consistent practice, methods, glossary, and reporting. To provide good practice reference points, and promote a high-quality process. ITEMS OF THE QUALITY STANDARDS: The three levels of examination; their clinical indications and goals. The reference standard examination (level 2), its variants according to clinical needs. The minimal content of the examination report; the letter to the referring physician (synthesis, conclusion and proposal for further investigation and/or therapeutic management). Commented glossary (anatomy, hemodynamics, semiology). Technical bases. Settings and use of ultrasound devices. Here, we discuss the methods of using ultrasonography for the assessment of peripheral vascular malformations and tumors.

[Epidemiology and management of isolated distal deep venous thrombosis]. / Thromboses veineuses profondes distales isolées des membres inférieurs : épidémiologie et prise en charge.

Isolated distal deep-vein thromboses (DVT) are infra-popliteal DVT without involvement of proximal veins or pulmonary embolism (PE). They can affect deep calf (tibial anterior, tibial posterior, or peroneal) or muscular (gastrocnemius or soleal) veins. They represent half of all lower limbs DVT. Proximal and distal DVTs differ in terms of risk factor profile, proximal DVT being more frequently associated with chronic risk factors and distal DVT with transient ones. Their natural history (rate of spontaneous proximal extension) is debated leading to uncertainties on the need to diagnose and treat them with anticoagulant drugs. In the long term, the risk of venous thromboembolic recurrence is lower than that of proximal DVT and their absolute risk of post-thrombotic syndrome is unknown. French national guidelines suggest treating with anticoagulants for 6 weeks a first episode of isolated distal DVT provoked by a transient risk factor and treating for at least 3 months unprovoked or recurrent or active cancer-related distal DVT. The use of compression stockings use is suggested in case of deep calf vein thrombosis. Ongoing therapeutic trials should provide important data necessary to establish an evidence-based mode of care, especially about the need to treat distal DVT at low risk of extension with anticoagulants.

[Atypical skin lesions of the lower limbs in patients with chronic venous insufficiency: a case of granulomatous fungoid mycosis]. / Lésions cutanées atypiques des membres inférieurs sur insuffisance veineuse chronique: à propos d'un cas de mycosis fongoïde granulomateux.

In vascular medicine, venous insufficiency, ocre dermatitis, stasis dermatitis, or lipodermatosclerosis (level C4 in CEAP) may lead to skin lesions involving the lower limbs. Generally, symptoms resolve with etiologic treatment using medical compression, varicosis treatment, or dermocorticoids. However, some skin lesions progress, suggesting another diagnosis, including a specific dermatosis. The diagnosis is based on clinical, biological, radiological and histological criteria. Referral to a dermatologist may be necessary to determine the appropriate etiological treatment.

[Calf vein thrombosis: to treat or not to treat? Epidemiology, management and problematics]. / Thromboses veineuses profondes distales des membres inférieurs: to treat or not to treat? Epidémiologie, prise en charge et problématique.

Calf vein thrombosis corresponds to infrapopliteal deep vein thrombosis which accounts for roughly 50% of all cases of deep vein thrombosis and shares the same risk factors as proximal deep vein thrombosis. The complication rate and proper management remain debated. Recent studies suggest that the risk of proximal extension of calf vein thrombosis is 1 to 5% and that the risk of postthrombotic syndrome is 3%. In France, calf vein thrombosis is usually treated with compression stockings associated with a six week to three month regimen of anticoagulation therapy in patients presenting a transient triggering factor or longer otherwise. However, the benefit of such treatment, in terms of the hemorragic risk incurred, remains uncertain. The randomized double blind trial CACTUS (compression stocking + placebo versus compression stocking + heparin, for six weeks) that will start in September 2007, should provide answers the following question: should calf vein thrombosis be treated with anticoagulants?

[Primary angiosarcoma of the aorta]. / Primäres Angiosarkom der Aorta.

Primary angiosarcoma of the aorta is a rare disease. The prognosis is poor, resulting of embolic complications and early metastatic disease, with a median survival of nine months. Diagnosis is difficult and often made post-mortem. We report the case of a 68-year-old woman referred for a thrombosis of the superior mesenteric artery, occurring a few weeks after resection of an angiosarcoma of the small intestine, disclosing a primary angiosarcoma of the aortic wall with metastatic disease.