Effect of Portal Vein Types on Estimated Remnant Volume in Living Donor: Preoperative CT Assessment.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to examine the effect of portal vein types on the ratio of the right-left lobe liver volumes, as well as the insufficient estimated remnant liver volume (ERLV) during the preoperative assessment of donor candidates for right-lobe liver transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The preoperative abdominal CT examinations of the donor candidates in a single institution between December 2018 and May 2022 were retrospectively evaluated. Portal vein types are divided into 3; classical anatomy was considered type 1, PV trifuction was considered type 2, and if the first branch arising from the main portal vein is the right posterior branch, it was accepted as type 3. Other configurations were defined as type 4. The total, right-left lobe liver volumes, the ERLV, and the portal vein variations were noted. The chi-square test was performed to assess the correlation between portal vein types, the ratio of the right-left lobe volumes, and the ERLV ratio below 30%. Tamhane's T2 post hoc tests were performed for pairwise comparison to assess the right-left lobe volume ratio among groups. RESULTS: 287 donor candidates (mean age, 35 years ± 8.2; 174 men) were evaluated. The volume ratio of median volume of the right and left lobe was significantly higher in candidates with type 3 portal veins compared to those with type 1 portal veins (2 (1.3-3.5) and 2.1 (1.6-3.2), respectively, p = 0.017). The ERLV ratio below 30% was significantly higher in donor candidates with type 3 portal veins (42.9%) compared to those with type 1 and 2 portal veins (24.6%, 20%)) respectively, p = 0.030). CONCLUSION: Due to its propensity to result in insufficient ERLV in the donor, the presence of a type 3 portal vein should be evaluated during the preoperative evaluation. Secondary abstract: This study suggests that donor candidates with type 3 portal vein exhibit a notable rise in the frequency of insufficient remnant liver volume during the preoperative assessment.

The Effect of Smoking Cessation on the Technical Success of Endovascular Treatment for Thromboangiitis Obliterans.

PURPOSE: To show that smoking cessation improves the technical success of lower extremity endovascular treatment in patients with thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO), or Buerger disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred two patients with TAO who underwent endovascular treatment for chronic limb-threatening ischemia or severe claudication of lower extremities in a tertiary hospital between 2015 and 2022 were included in this retrospective study. Data on serum cotinine levels were available for the last 45 patients, and 38 patients constituted the study population. Per the institution's protocol, patients were instructed to quit smoking 15 days before the intervention. However, cotinine levels showed that some of the patients continued smoking. Technical and recanalization successes were assessed as the primary end points. The secondary end point was the improvement in Rutherford scores at the 1-month follow-up. The McNemar test was used to compare the proportion of recanalized arteries after the intervention. RESULTS: Thirty-seven men and 1 woman (mean age, 42.9 years ± 10.1) were evaluated. The overall technical success rate was 86.8% in the study group. The technical success rate was significantly higher in the nonsmoker group (n = 24 [96%]) than in the smoker group (n = 8 [61.5%]; P = .006). One-month clinical data were available for 100% of the patients. The Rutherford category of the nonsmoker group was significantly lower at the 1-month follow-up. In addition, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed lower Rutherford scores after the intervention in the nonsmoker group. The adverse event rate was 8%. One (2.7%) patient in the smoker group underwent a minor amputation. CONCLUSIONS: Cessation of smoking before endovascular therapy improved technical success and recanalization rates in patients with TAO.

Ultrasound-guided retrograde tibial access through chronically occluded tibial arteries: a last resort recanalization technique.

PURPOSE We aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of ultrasound (US)-guided retrograde tibial access through chronically occluded tibial arteries as a bailout endovascular recanalization procedure in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI). METHODS Fifty-one CLI patients with failed conventional antegrade tibiopedal recanalization required retrograde tibiopedal access in the same session. In all of these patients, the target tibial artery was chronically occluded in at least the distal half of the cruris. Access attempts were made under real-time US by a single operator experienced in image-guided vascular access procedures. Fluoroscopy was used only as an adjunct during advancement of a 0.018 inch guidewire. If access to the artery was successful by the retrograde route, the occluded artery was usually predilated with a 2 mm balloon, and the standard endovascular treatment was mostly performed through the antegrade route. RESULTS Patients had athereosclerosis (n=35) or Buerger's disease (n=32) and presented with Rutherford category IV and category V. Successful placement of a guidewire in the occluded artery lumen was achieved in 81% of all patients, whereas, treatment success, i.e. angiographic demonstration of in-line flow at the end of procedure, was achieved in 49%. No significant procedure-related complications were observed. Of 33 limbs with initially successful endovascular treatment, 6 required minor and 1 required major amputation during follow-up. CONCLUSION US-guided retrograde access through completely occluded tibial arteries is difficult but feasible. Half of the tibial arteries that could not be recanalized otherwise were converted to successful recanalization by this method.

Examining the Hepatic Immune System in Children With Liver Disease With Fine Needle Aspiration.

OBJECTIVES: Liver biopsy is the standard in diagnosing liver diseases. Yet, it provides little space to perform comprehensive immune profiling of the liver. Hence, we explored whether fine needle aspirates (FNAs) could be used to elucidate the hepatic immunity in children. METHODS: We enrolled 74 children undergoing diagnostic (n = 17) or protocol biopsy (n = 57) following liver transplantation (LT). Matched blood and FNAs were obtained. Additionally, explant liver tissue was collected from children (n = 14) undergoing LT. Immune cells were isolated from peripheral blood, FNAs and explanted livers. Immune-phenotypical profiling was done by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Biopsied patients (58% female) were at a median age of 46 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 12-118) and LT patients (71% female) were 48 months (IQR: 21-134, P = 0.78) old. CD69+, a hallmark of tissue-resident immune cells was expressed in 1.3% of CD3+ T cells from blood being higher in FNA (20%) and tissue (49%, P < 0.001). CD4+ T-cell frequencies in tissue (13%) and FNAs (20%) were lower compared to blood (35%, P < 0.001) whereas CD8+ T cells in tissue (33.5%) and FNA (32%) were higher than in blood (25%, P < 0.01). Mucosal associated invariant T cells were enriched in liver tissue (8.8%) and in the FNA (4.4%) compared to blood (1.7%, P < 0.001). Whereas the percentage of total Tregs (CD4+CD25+FOXP3+CD127low/-) decreased, the proportion of activated Tregs (CD4+CD45RA-FOXP3high) increased in FNA and explant. Breg (CD19+CD20+CD24highCD38high) frequencies were similar in all groups. CONCLUSION: FNA is a practical method to sample the liver immune system collecting even small cell subsets such as regulatory T/B cells.

Classification of reflux patterns in patients with great saphenous vein insufficiency and correlation with clinical severity.

PURPOSE: This study aims to establish a clinically applicable classification of reflux patterns in patients with great saphenous vein insufficiency and to evaluate the relationship between this classification, the demographics, and severity of clinical findings. METHODS: This is a retrospective study from prospectively collected data of 503 patients who had the complaint of varicose vein. All patients had complete physical examination and their medical history was recorded. Lower limbs of all patients were examined with Doppler ultrasonography. A total of 787 limbs with great saphenous vein insufficiency were included in the analysis. The reflux patterns of great saphenous vein insufficiency were classified into 4 types as: type 1, great saphenous vein reflux without involvement of malleolar region and saphenofemoral junction (SFJ); type 2, reflux involving malleolar region with competent SFJ; type 3, reflux involving SFJ with competent malleolar region; and type 4, reflux involving both the SFJ and the malleolar region. We evaluated the association between the classification of great saphenous vein insufficiency and age, sex, body mass index (BMI), disease duration, clinical, etiological, anatomical and pathophysiological elements (CEAP) classification and venous clinical severity score (VCSS). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 45.3±11.7 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 2:3. The most common reflux pattern in patients with great saphenous vein insufficiency was type 3 (48.9%), while 14.8% of patients had type 1, 10.4% had type 2, and 25.7% had type 4. Patients with type I reflux pattern were younger in age (p = 0.002), had lower BMI (p = 0.002), fewer number of children (p = 0.008), as well as milder clinical severity score (p = 0.002) compared to other reflux types. Duration of disease symptoms was not significantly correlated with the reflux patterns, but VCSS increased with the involvement of malleolar region as in type 2 compared to type 1 (2.82±1.67 vs. 2.74±2.31), and further increased with the involvement of SFJ as in type 3 (4.13±2.92 vs. 2.82±1.67). Patients with diffuse reflux pattern (type 4) had the most severe clinical presentation (4.59±2.9). CONCLUSION: We developed a clinically applicable classification of reflux patterns in patients with great saphenous vein insufficiency based on the involvement of malleolar region and/or SFJ. We showed an association between weight, BMI, VCSS, CEAP classification and the extent of insufficiency.

Non-occlusive hepatic artery hypoperfusion syndrome and imaging findings: a systematic review.

Non-occlusive hepatic artery hypoperfusion syndrome (NHAHS), in other words, splenic steal, is a rare disorder that can arise following liver transplantation. After liver transplantation, its frequency has been defined as between 0.6 and 10.1%. The diversion of flow from hepatic to splenic arteries results in low perfused hepatic artery which causes elevated liver enzymes, hyperbilirubinemia, and graft dysfunction. This may result from a high resistance in the hepatic arteries, enlarged splenic arteries, a limited hepatic arterial flow due to high portal flow, or a discordance of the graft size and hepatic arterial flow. There may be a need for some prophylactic and/or posttransplant treatment procedures. We aimed to describe pre and post-treatment imaging findings of NHAHS.

Ultrasound-Guided Popliteal Sciatic Block Provides Adequate Analgesia During Urgent Endovascular Treatment of Critical Limb Ischemia with Resting Pain.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate feasibility and safety of ultrasound-guided popliteal sciatic nerve block for providing analgesia during urgent endovascular treatment of critical limb ischemia with resting pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ultrasound-guided popliteal sciatic blocks were performed by an interventional radiologist in angiography suite immediately prior to commencement of urgent endovascular treatment of 30 critical limb ischemia patients. Subjective pain levels prior to and following sciatic block were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS). Need for any supplemental anxiolytics or analgesics during treatment was recorded. Post-procedural evaluation of patient and operator satisfaction levels regarding the intervention was also documented. RESULTS: Ultrasound-guided sciatic block provided adequate analgesia in all patients; VAS scores were 0 (no pain) in 87% and 1-3 (mild to annoying pain) in 13%. Two patients required anxiolytic premedication. Additional analgesia was not required during course of endovascular treatment of any patients. Time necessary to perform sciatic block ranged 3-9 (mean 5.9 ± 1.3) min. Median number of needle attempts was 1 (range 1-3). Onset of satisfactory block ranged from 5 to 20 min (mean 9.4 ± 2.6 min). Mean treatment time was 102.2 ± 36.7 min, and balloon time was 22.4 ± 6.1 min. Patient and operator satisfaction with pain control were very good in all cases. There were no procedure-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided popliteal sciatic block is a feasible and safe alternative for providing adequate analgesia during urgent endovascular treatment of critical limb ischemia with resting pain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4, case series.

A potential therapeutic pitfall in the treatment of venous reflux due to variant planar anatomy of varicose segments.

Purpose To elaborate on a planar anatomic variant of great saphenous vein as a potential therapeutic pitfall in the treatment of venous reflux. Materials and methods Lower extremity veins in 568 limbs with great saphenous vein insufficiency were sonographically mapped. A rather overlooked variation, the saphenous bow, was studied with emphasis on anatomic clarification and its involvement in venous insufficiency. Results This variation, observed in 5.1% (n = 29) of limbs, comprised two segments; one uninterrupted great saphenous vein proper coursing throughout saphenous compartment and one extra-compartmental segment originating distally from and proximally fusing with it. Venous arch remains within compartment only briefly during take-off and re-entry. Extra-compartmental venous arch had reflux either alone (10.3%) or together with intra-compartmental segment (75.9%). Conclusion This variation, part of saphenous segmental aplasia/hypoplasia complex, is associated with venous insufficiency. Meticulous mapping of great saphenous vein territory and identification of such variants during planning stage is indispensable for optimal clinical outcomes of treatment.

Management of isolated infraorbital neuralgia by ultrasound-guided infraorbital nerve block with combination of steroid and local anesthetic.

Patients with isolated peripheral branch neuralgia of trigeminal nerve usually receive traditional treatment such as medical therapy and interventional procedures targeting the entire trigeminal nerve or related ganglions. However, if the intractable pain is limited to a certain branch, the patient may also benefit from a peripheral and nerve-targeted interventional approach. Here, we report the management of a patient with isolated infraorbital neuralgia by ultrasound-guided infraorbital nerve block with steroid and local anesthetic combination. 48years-old male patient diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia was resistant to medical therapy for 3years. The pain site was isolated to the area of the right nasal wing, right lateral incisor, the upper right canine and the first premolar teeth. His pain was an electric shock-like, throbbing and stabbing with a pain score of 8-9 according to numeric rating scale (NRS) and 18 according to the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs Pain Scale (LANSS). Following a diagnostic ultrasound-guided infraorbital nerve block with 1% lidocaine, the block was repeated twice with 15mg lidocaine and 1.5mg dexamethasone in a total volume of 1.5mL in a month. The patient's NRS and LANSS scores decreased to 2 and 8, for approximately 21months until this report was written. We suggest that ultrasound-guided infraorbital nerve block with dexamethasone and lidocaine combination may present as an initial interventional treatment option in patients with isolated infraorbital neuralgia.

Endovascular treatment of iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis in pregnancy using US-guided percutaneous aspiration thrombectomy.

PURPOSE: We aimed to describe ultrasonography (US)-guided percutaneous aspiration thrombectomy in pregnant women with iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis. METHODS: This study included nine pregnant women with acute and subacute iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis, who were severe symptomatic cases with massive swelling and pain of the leg. Patients were excluded from the study if they had only femoropopliteal deep vein thrombosis or mild symptoms of deep vein thrombosis. US-guided percutaneous aspiration thrombectomy was applied to achieve thrombus removal and uninterrupted venous flow. The treatment was considered successful if there was adequate venous patency and symptomatic relief. RESULTS: Complete or significant thrombus removal and uninterrupted venous flow from the puncture site up to the iliac veins were achieved in all patients at first intervention. Complete relief of leg pain was achieved immediately in seven patients (77.8%). Two patients (22.2%) had a recurrence of thrombosis in the first week postintervention. One of them underwent a second intervention, where percutaneous aspiration thrombectomy was performed again with successful removal of thrombus and establishment of in line flow. Two patients were lost to follow-up after birth. None of the remaining seven patients had rethrombosis throughout the postpartum period. Symptomatic relief was detected clinically in these patients. CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment with US-guided percutaneous aspiration thrombectomy can be considered as a safe and effective way to remove thrombus from the deep veins in pregnant women with acute and subacute iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis.

The endovenous ASVAL method: principles and preliminary results.

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the feasibility and safety of the endovenous ambulatory selective varicose vein ablation under local anesthesia (eASVAL) method in a selected group of pa-tients with varicose disease and present the short-term results of one-year ultrasonographic follow-up. METHODS: Three hundred and ninety-five consecutive patients with varicose veins who had been treated with endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) were retrospectively reviewed over a period of two years. From this group, 41 patients who were treated using the eASVAL technique and had the great saphenous vein (GSV) preserved were included in the study. These patients had only limited segmental GSV reflux accompanied by a competent terminal valve. The eASVAL technique can be defined as EVLA of the proximal straight segments of the major tributaries connecting the symptomatic varicose veins with the GSV, followed by ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy of the superficial varicose veins themselves. The patients were assessed before and after the treatment by duplex scan findings and clinical assessment scores. RESULTS: The GSVs were successfully preserved in all 41 cases, and all patients showed significant clinical improvement using the eASVAL approach (P < 0.001). Segmental reflux was no longer present in 75.3% of patients. The mean diameters of the GSVs were significantly reduced at one-year follow-up (8.5 mm vs. 7.5 mm, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: eASVAL is a feasible and safe procedure in selected patients, with promising results at one-year ultrasonographic follow-up. However, prospective studies are required, comparing this approach with the standard techniques.

Assessment of posterior accessory great saphenous vein of the leg using ultrasonography: a preliminary study.

PURPOSE: To assess the frequency and anatomic distributions of the posterior accessory great saphenous vein of the leg (PAGSVL) and its insufficiency rate using ultrasonography (US) in patients who presented with clinical, etiologic, anatomic, and pathophysiologic (CEAP) scores of 1 and above. METHODS: A prospective US study on 200 limbs of 100 consecutive patients with CEAP scores of 1 and above. RESULTS: Right PAGSVL was seen in 45 % (45 cases), whereas left PAGSVL was seen in 54 % (54 cases) of the patients [49.5 % (99 limbs) in total] (p < 0.05). PAGSVL insufficiency was present in 6 % (6 cases) of the patients [6 limbs in total (6.06 %)]. The type of PAGSVL joining to the great saphenous vein (GSV) was above the knee level in 4 % (4 limbs), at the knee level in 14 % (14 limbs), and below the knee level in 74 % of patients (74 limbs). The relationship between posterior tibial perforators and PAGSVL was seen in 3.03 % of cases (3 limbs). There was no statistically significant relationship between PAGSVL insufficiency and the presence of posterior tibial perforators (p = 0.55) or between the presence of PAGSVL and the GSV insufficiency. CONCLUSION: PAGSVL was seen in half of the limbs with CEAP scores of 1 and above. The frequency of PAGSVL was more common in the left limbs than the right limbs. There was no statistically significant relationship between the presence of PAGSVL, GSV insufficiency, and different CEAP scores. The PAGSVL often joined to the GVS below the knee, but could also join above the knee.

Comparing 1470- and 980-nm diode lasers for endovenous ablation treatments.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of 1470- and 980-nm lasers with regard to power output, complications, recanalization rates, and treatment response. We prospectively evaluated the effectiveness of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) in a total of 152 great and small saphenous veins from 96 patients. Lasers were randomly used based on the availability of the units. Patients were clinically evaluated for Clinical Etiologic Anatomic Pathophysiologic (CEAP) stage and examined with Doppler ultrasound. Treatment response was determined anatomically by occlusion of the vein and clinically by the change in the venous clinical severity score (VCSS). Seventy-eight of the saphenous veins underwent EVLA with a 980-nm laser and 74 underwent EVLA with a 1470-nm laser. Treatment response was (68) 87.2 % in the 980-nm group and (74) 100 % in the 1470-nm group (p = 0.004). The median VCSS decreased from 4 to 2 in the 980-nm group (p < 0.001) and from 8 to 2 (p < 0.001) in the 1470-nm group. At 1-year follow-up, seven veins treated with 980 nm and two veins treated with 1470 nm were recanalized (p = 0.16); the average linear endovenous energy density (LEED) was 83.9 (r, 55-100) J/cm and 58.5 (r, 45-115) J/cm, respectively (p < 0.001). Postoperative minor complications occurred in 23 (29.4 %) limbs in the 980-nm group and in 19 (25.6 %) limbs of the 1470-nm group (p = 0.73). EVLA with the 1470-nm laser have less energy deposition for occlusion and better treatment response.

Mechanical Thrombectomy with Rotarex System in Buerger's Disease.

We report the case of a patient with 2-month history of chronic thromboembolism of the distal superficial femoral and popliteal arteries with diagnostic features of thromboangiitis obliterans disease. The occlusion could not be crossed by antegrade approach and was achieved retrogradely via dorsalis pedis artery puncture followed by mechanical removal of the thrombus with Rotarex system (Straub Medical AG, Wangs, Switzerland). Subsequent ballooon angioplasties achieved exclusion of the thrombus, and straight-line flow established to the foot through the anterior tibial Artery. The present case report demonstrates the success of mechanical thrombectomy in a patient with Buerger's vasculitis.

Tunnelled central venous catheter-related problems in the early phase of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and effects on transplant outcome.

OBJECTIVE: Haematopoietic stem cell recipients need central venous catheters (CVCs) for easy administration of intravenous fluid, medications, apheresis, or dialysis procedures. However, CVCs may lead to infectious or non-infectious complications such as thrombosis. The effect of these complications on transplantation outcome is not clear. This manuscript presents the complication rates of double-lumen tunnelled CVCs and their effect on transplantation outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 111 consecutive patients, of whom 75 received autologous and 36 received allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantations, were collected retrospectively. The data were validated by the Record Inspection Group of the related JACIE-accredited transplantation centre. RESULTS: Thrombosis developed in 2.7% of recipients (0.9 per 1000 catheter days). Catheter-related infection was identified in 14 (12.6%) patients (3.6 per 1000 catheter days). Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was the most common causative agent. Engraftment time, rate of 100-day mortality, and development of grade II-IV graft-versus-host disease were not found to be associated with catheter-related complications. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that adverse events related with tunnelled CVCs are manageable and have no negative effects on transplant outcome.

Targeted endovenous treatment of Giacomini vein insufficiency-associated varicose disease: considering the reflux patterns.

PURPOSE: We aimed to assess the technical feasibility of targeted endovenous treatment of Giacomini vein insufficiency (GVI)-associated varicose disease and report our early results. METHODS: We retrospectively screened 335 patients with varicose disease who underwent endovenous laser ablation from September 2011 to January 2013, and determined 17 patients who underwent Giacomini vein ablation. Using a targeted endovenous treatment approach considering the reflux pattern, all healthy great saphenous veins (GSV) or vein segments were preserved while all insufficient veins (Giacomini vein, perforator veins, small saphenous vein, anterior accessory GSV, major tributary veins, or incompetent segments of the GSV) were ablated. Treatment success was analysed using Doppler findings and clinical assessment scores before and after treatment. RESULTS: Targeted endovenous treatment was technically successful in all cases. Seven GSVs were preserved totally and three GSVs were preserved partially (10/17, 58%), with no major complications. Clinical assessment scores and Doppler findings were improved in all cases. CONCLUSION: Targeted endovenous treatment of GVI-associated varicose disease is safe and effective. In majority of GVI cases saphenous vein can be preserved using this approach.

Ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block for analgesia during endovascular treatment of dysfunctional hemodialysis fistulas.

PURPOSE: To evaluate prospectively the efficacy and safety of ultrasound (US)-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block (BPB) for analgesia during endovascular treatment of dysfunctional hemodialysis fistulas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: US-guided supraclavicular BPB was performed before endovascular treatment of dysfunctional hemodialysis fistulas in 40 consecutive patients. After BPB, standard interventional procedures were performed for treatment of dysfunctional hemodialysis fistulas. A visual analog scale (0-10) was used to assess pain related to performance of BPB immediately after the endovascular procedure. Patient satisfaction and operator satisfaction during the procedure were also assessed after the procedure. RESULTS: Satisfactory regional anesthesia and analgesia were achieved in all patients without a need for supplemental intravenous analgesia. The mean onset time for complete block was 5.4 minutes ± 2.6. Pain scores were 0 (no pain) in 26 patients and 1-3 (mild, annoying pain) in 14 patients. The patient's satisfaction with pain control was recorded as satisfied (very well) in all cases. The operator's satisfaction with this anesthetic technique was also recorded as satisfied (very well) in all cases. Complications related to the block procedure did not occur in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: US-guided supraclavicular BPB can be used safely to provide analgesia during endovascular treatment of dysfunctional hemodialysis fistulas in adult patients.

Ultrasonography study on the segmental aplasia of the great saphenous vein.

PURPOSE: To assess the frequency and anatomic distribution of the segmental aplasia of the great saphenous vein (GSV) using ultrasonography in patients who presented with a clinical etiologic anatomic and pathophysiologic (CEAP) score 1 and above. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study on 670 limbs of 335 consecutive patients evaluated for segmental aplasia of the GSV with ultrasonography. The difference of segmental aplasia of the GSV between patients with and without GSV insufficiency was searched. RESULTS: Segmental aplasia of the GSV was found in 223 of 670 limbs (33%). Segmental aplasia of the GSV was seen in 65 of 189 limbs (34.4%) with GSV insufficiency and 45 of 146 limbs (30.8%) with normal GSV on the right side (P = 0.52), and 65 of 194 limbs (33.5%) with GSV insufficiency and 44 of 141 limbs (31.2%) with normal GSV on the left side (P = 0.72). CONCLUSION: Segmental aplasia of the GSV was seen in one-third of patients who had a CEAP score 1 and above. The frequency of the segmental aplasia was almost the same in the right and the left limbs and was similar in patients with or without GSV insufficiency.

Short-term central venous catheter complications in patients with sickle cell disease who undergo apheresis.

Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) are prone to develop thrombosis and infection due to their inflammatory and immune deficiency state. These patients require red cell exchange therapy for treatment or prevention of hemoglobin S associated complications. Owing to vascular access problems, adult patients need central venous catheterization (CVC) for exchange procedures. Procedure related complications have been reported for long-term CVCs in pediatric patients. However, short-term CVC complications in adult patients are not clear. This report represents the results of documented complications of short-term CVCs in patients with SCD who undergo apheresis. A total of 142 non-tunneled catheters with average median diameter of 9 F (range 8-16 F) were implanted for apheresis. The catheters were mainly inserted through the right internal jugular vein (66.2 %). Total days of catheter were 412. Results were reported as a complication rate and event according to 1,000 catheter days and compared to a control group including 37 healthy stem cell donors. In the patient group, 1 (1 %) hematoma and 1 (1 %) infection were observed for internal jugular vein catheterization (3.7 hemorrhages and 3.7 infections according to 1,000 catheter days), whereas four (8.9 %) cases of thrombosis and 1 (2.2 %) infection (27 and 6.9 according to 1,000 catheter days) developed in femoral vein. There was a significant difference in terms of thrombosis (P = 0.009). In the control group, only individual developed thrombosis in internal jugular vein. Short-term CVC inserted through to the internal jugular vein seems to be safer than femoral vein in patients with SCD.