Chronic occlusion mimicking agenesis of the inferior vena cava in patients with iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis.

Agenesis of the inferior vena cava (IVC) has been described as a risk factor for proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT). We have described the cases of two patients with iliofemoral DVT who had developed post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). Both cases were misdiagnosed as IVC agenesis on routine imaging; however, an IVC lumen was successfully identified and recanalized during venography with significant improvement in the patients' PTS symptoms. Patients with iliocaval segment DVT with a misdiagnosis of IVC agenesis might have chronic occlusion imitating agenesis. It is worthwhile to attempt percutaneous recanalization of the IVC lumen in these patients and restoring normal venous flow to prevent the development of PTS.

Retrograde Catheterization of the Superior Mesenteric Artery and Celiac Axis as a Bailout Technique in a Complex FEVAR.

INTRODUCTION: A retrograde approach of the celiac trunk (CT) and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) to catheterize the visceral vessels during a fenestrated endovascular aortic reparation (FEVAR) is a feasible option when standard access techniques have failed. REPORT: In this report we describe a patient with a previous endoluminal repair of an infrarenal aortic aneurysm, complicated by a persistent type 1a endoleak despite treatment with endoanchor fixation. A decision was made to proceed with a proximal 4 vessel FEVAR to treat the type 1a endoleak. Due to angulation of the mesenteric vessels, and a rotation of the fenestrated stent graft during deployment, the CT and SMA were unable to be catheterized. A decision was made to perform a median laparotomy for retrograde access of the aforementioned vessels, allowing successful catheterization and stenting. The patient was discharged 30 days following the procedure, without any major post-operative complications. Follow up at 6 weeks with a contrasted enhanced computerized tomography scan showed a stable repair with no residual type 1a endoleak. DISCUSSION: Catheterization of the target vessels during a FEVAR can be difficult, especially in patients with challenging anatomy. Prolonged surgical time in an attempt to catheterize the vessels can result in increased morbidity for the patient, and ultimately may result in the procedure being abandoned or conversion to an open repair of the aneurysm. Retrograde access of the target vessels as a bailout measure during fenestrated stent graft repair due to failure of an antegrade approach has rarely been reported in the literature. Only a few cases are described in the available literature, however, none of them describe retrograde approach of both the CT and SMA as described in this case. A median laparotomy for retrograde access is a feasible alternative in these situations, and should be considered if the patient is suitable.

Snuffbox fistula - a first-line approach to haemodialysis: A review.

PURPOSE: To examine the feasibility of snuffbox arteriovenous fistula as a first option for haemodialysis. BACKGROUND: Snuffbox arteriovenous fistula is the most distal native anastomosis possible for haemodialysis access. It was described by Rassat et al. This systematic review evaluates all literature investigating the feasibility and efficiency of performing snuffbox arteriovenous fistula. METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar were systematically searched for all English articles related to snuffbox arteriovenous fistula. Included studies were appraised using relevant appraisal tools. RESULTS: Eleven papers were included, one prospective trial and the remaining being retrospective. Two trials compared snuffbox arteriovenous fistula to the standard Cimino-Brescia wrist fistula. Factors predicting success included vessel diameter, diabetes, age <70 years, male gender, palpable radial artery, central venous system patency and surgical technique. Patency rates ranged from 61% to 87% at 1-year follow-up and decreased to 36.3%-87% on longer duration follow-up. Ipsilateral radiocephalic fistula was successfully formed in 45%-100% of snuffbox arteriovenous fistula that failed (average of 73.5%). CONCLUSION: This is a systematic review investigating snuffbox arteriovenous fistula's efficacy. The current literature is scarce and of poor quality; however, it does reflect that, in the well-selected patient, snuffbox arteriovenous fistula is a good and valid option for first-line haemodialysis. It provides a long segment of vessel for needling and also spares the proximal vessels for future use. Ability to effectively convert to wrist fistula in the event of snuffbox arteriovenous fistula failure provides longevity to native haemodialysis access before prosthetic adjuncts are required. This review provides recommendation for well-constructed randomised controlled trials to help delineate snuffbox arteriovenous fistula efficacy and investigate factors that affect success of these fistulas.

Serial lipase for pancreatitis: not enough evidence.

BACKGROUND: Lipase is both a sensitive and specific marker for diagnosing pancreatitis. However, the benefit of serial lipase in both monitoring and defining prognosis remains undetermined. This systematic review was conducted to further evaluate this potential application. In addition, this review also looked into the benefits of serial lipase in the subgroup of traumatic pancreatitis. METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar were systematically searched for related articles, between January 1995 and December 2015, according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses standards. Data was extracted and analysed by two authors. RESULTS: Seven studies were included in the final analysis: six retrospective and one prospective studies were identified. Five studies (all retrospective) concluded no benefits in serial lipase for prognostication, while two studies identified serial lipase as a beneficial prognostic factor for acute pancreatitis. Of the included studies, only two involved traumatic pancreatitis (both dedicated to the paediatric population). CONCLUSION: The evidence supporting or opposing serial lipase as a prognostic factor for pancreatitis is weak and consists mainly of retrospective analyses. The only prospective data identified suggested benefits to serial lipase in prognosis. Further prospective studies evaluating the prognostic value of serial lipase in the adult population with both traumatic and non-traumatic pancreatitis are required given the paucity of available evidence.