[Subarachnoid pleural fistula and subsequent pneumocephalus as complication of vertebral body replacement of the thoracic spine]. / Pleurospinale Fistel und konsekutiver Pneumatozephalus als Komplikation eines Wirbelkörperersatzes an der Brustwirbelsäule.

A pneumocephalus caused by a subarachnoid pleural fistula following spinal surgery using an anterior approach is a rare complication, especially in vertebral body replacement. We report the case of a 66-year-old male suffering from metastatic prostatic cancer of the thoracic spine who underwent replacement of a vertebral body using a transthoracic approach. A pneumocephalus occurred 4 weeks postoperatively resulting in delirium.

[Pleural metastases of a typical bronchial carcinoid 7 years after lobectomy]. / Pleurales Rezidiv eines typischen pulmonalen Karzinoids 7 Jahre nach Operation.

BACKGROUND: Bronchial carcinoids are a rare differential diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodes. Because of their typical manifestation in the major bronchi, carcinoid tumours are visible regularly via bronchoscopy where they show a typical picture. In lymph node-negative disease a favourable outcome can be expected. Typically metastases develop in the lung, liver, brain, bone and adrenal glands. CASE REPORT: Seven years after lobectomy of a bronchial carcinoid, a slow-growing thickening of the pleura parietalis was noted in a 54-year-old male patient. No clinical signs of neuroendocrine activity were seen. The histological diagnosis of pleural metastases was established via trans-thoracic punctation. Pleural metastases of bronchial carcinoids are extremely rare. Only two other cases have been reported so far. Palliative cytotoxic chemotherapy was started. CONCLUSIONS: The postoperative prognosis of bronchial carcinoids in lymph node-negative disease is excellent. Metastatic disease--as in the rare case of pleural metastases shown here--remains a therapeutic dilemma. Extensively evaluated concepts for adjuvant or palliative settings do not exist. Further research is needed.

[Progressive ischaemia of the hand caused by aneurysm]. / Progrediente Handischämie bei Hohlhandaneurysma.

Arterial aneurysmata of the hand represent a rarity. Post-traumatic aneurysms of the ulnaric artery are subsumed under the so-called hypothenaric or hammer syndrome. This report describes a 36-year-old patient with a symptomatic aneurysm of the superficial palmaric arc distal to the ulnaric artery outside of the Loge de Guyon. The branches of the communicating digital arteries were part of the aneurysm. Unable to recall any trauma to the left hand, the patient had an impaired blood supply to the left second, fourth, and fifth fingers. He complained of unpleasant paleness, cold sensation, and pain there. Particularly remarkable was the absence of an anastomosis of the superficial and profound arterial arcs. The therapy was microsurgical resection of the aneurysm with end-to-end anastomosis of the superficial palmaric arc and reinsertion of the communicating digital arteries 4 and 5. After release of a haematoma, the wound healed without any complications and the complaints ceased. The suggested therapy concerning a cardiac infarction 5 years prior to the treatment was: 300 mg of aspirin for 12 months followed by 100 mg as a permanent medication.

[The value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the follow-up of patients with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS)]. / Der Stellenwert der Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT) für die Verlaufskontrolle bei Patienten mit transjugulärem intrahepatischem portosystemischem Stent-Shunt (TIPSS).

PURPOSE: To prospectively determine the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with flow quantification in the portal vein for the follow-up of patients with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). METHODS: Thirty-six patients with TIPS (23 m, 13 f) were evaluated with MR of the liver parenchyma and quantification of flow in the portal vein. MR examinations were correlated with Doppler sonography and conventional angiography including measurement of the portal pressure gradient (PPG). In cases of re-interventions (dilatation/stent application) additional examinations with MRI and Doppler sonography were performed. RESULTS: MR flow measurements in the portal vein correlated with Doppler sonography (r = 0.69) whereas no correlation of both methods with the PPG was found. No threshold velocity in the portal vein could be determined to predict shunt stenosis. All shunt occlusions (n = 5) were diagnosed correctly by MRA. Thirty measurements before and after successful angiographic interventions revealed a significant increase in portal flow velocity and a significant decrease of the PPG. Magnetic resonance images enabled a reliable detection of procedural complications (parenchymal bleedings, n = 31; extra and subcaspular hematomas, n = 2 each) and newly occurring hepatocellular carcinomas (n = 2) in the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Magnetic resonance imaging in the follow-up of TIPS enables a morphological assessment of the liver and an accurate velocity mapping, but is not suited to predict shunt dysfunction as a single method.

[Cystic lymphangioma with endosalpingiosis as a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding]. / Zystisches Dünndarmlymphangiom mit Endosalpingiose als seltene Ursache einer gastrointestinalen Blutung.

We report on a 31-year-old woman with an iron-deficiency anemia and positive Guaiac test, existing for more than 2 years. Despite an extensive gastrointestinal examination a bleeding source could not be found. Also angiography of the abdominal arteries with injection of heparin as provocative protocol was normal. Enteroclysis showed a remarkable finding which led to laparotomy. A cystic lymphangioma with endolymphatic endosalpingiosis as the bleeding source was identified and removed. Lymphangioma is a rare benign soft tissue tumor which usually appears during the first 2 years of life. Only in some cases the lymphangioma is intraabdominal and there can be different, no specific symptoms. Endosalpingiosis is also a rare benign disease, it consists of scattered epithelium of the Fallopian tube. It is the first case to our knowledge, in which the appearance of the endosalpingiosis in a lymphangioma is described.

Diagnosis and treatment of nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia after open heart surgery.

BACKGROUND: Acute nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) is a rare but often fatal event after cardiac surgery. METHODS: Twenty patients with ongoing ileus after cardiac surgery despite maximal laxative treatment underwent selective mesenteric angiography. In cases of pathological radiographic findings, papaverine was continuously administered via an intraarterial perfusion catheter. RESULTS: Severe NOMI was confirmed in seven patients (mean lactate: 6.9 +/- 8.3 mg/dL), mild to moderate findings in another seven (mean lactate: 1.4 +/- 1.1 mg/dL). One patient had thromboembolic occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery; five patients demonstrated normal imaging findings. In nine of fourteen patients (64%) treated with papaverine, symptoms improved within hours (defecation occurred after 4-29 hours, mean 13 +/- 8.1 hours). No side effects or complications occurred in connection with the papaverine treatment. The clinical condition of five patients deteriorated. Four patients underwent laparotomy with creation of an ileostomy or colostomy, two of whom presented with severe intestinal ischemia and later died. One patient died prior to laparotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Selective mesenteric angiography with continuous papaverine administration is a simple, fast, and effective diagnostic and therapeutic tool to reduce the need for laparotomy for symptoms of ileus after open-heart surgery.

Osteoid osteoma: CT-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation and follow-up in 47 patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate computed tomography (CT)-guided radiofrequency (RF) ablation as a minimally invasive therapy for osteoid osteoma with regard to technical and clinical success and immediate and delayed complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-seven patients (age range, 8-41 y; mean age, 19.6 y) with osteoid osteomas (femur, n = 25; tibia, n = 15; pelvis, n = 2; humerus, n = 1; ulna, n = 1; talus, n = 1; calcaneus, n = 1; vertebral body, n = 1) were treated with CT-guided RF ablation in 15 cases after one (n = 10) or two (n = 5) unsuccessful attempts at open surgical resection. Percutaneous therapy was performed with use of general or spinal anesthesia. After localization of the nidus with 1-3-mm CT sections, osseous access was established with either a 2-mm coaxial drill system or an 11-gauge Jamshidi needle. RF ablation was performed at 90 degrees C for a period of 4-5 minutes with use of a rigid RF electrode with a diameter of 1 mm. The procedures were regarded as technically successful if the tip of the RF electrode could be placed within the center of the nidus and could be heated to the desired temperature. Clinical success of treatment was defined as permanent relief of pain and return to normal function without additional treatment. In case of persistence or recurrence of symptoms after RF ablation, treatment was regarded as secondarily successful if permanent relief of symptoms could be achieved in a second procedure. RESULTS: All procedures were technically successful. Clinical success was achieved in 94% of patients (44 of 47). Three patients had recurrence of pain 3, 5, and 7 months after treatment, respectively (mean observation interval, 22 mo). All recurrences were treated successfully in a second procedure (secondary success rate, 100%). No immediate or delayed complications were observed. CONCLUSION: CT-guided percutaneous RF ablation is a simple, minimally invasive, safe and highly effective technique for treatment of osteoid osteoma.

Three-dimensional contrast-enhanced MR angiography of endovascular covered stents in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease.

OBJECTIVE: Three-dimensional contrast-enhanced MR angiography was performed to study MR characteristics of Hemobahn devices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Changes in endoluminal signal intensities and the precision of the endoluminal diameter measurement were investigated in phantom studies for different concentrations of gadopentetate dimeglumine. Before and after the Hemobahn devices had been implanted, 10 patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease were examined on MR imaging and three-dimensional contrast-enhanced MR angiography. RESULTS: Phantom experiments using three-dimensional MR angiography showed stent-related signal void as a dark ring in the axial image orientation, providing a precise delineation of the stent--vessel border (mean endoluminal diameter, 8.2 mm; SD, 0.6 mm). Changes in endoluminal signal intensity were evaluated quantitatively. Stent-related artifacts did not compromise diagnostic imaging quality. All Hemobahn devices were found to be patent without migration of an implanted graft. In one patient, an extensive perigraft reaction (edema and contrast-enhanced perivascular tissue) was postinterventionally detected on MR imaging and corresponded to clinically evident postimplantation symptoms. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional contrast-enhanced MR angiography is a suitable tool to follow up the implantation of Hemobahn devices and to detect intra- and extraluminal abnormalities.

Computed direct magnification radiography of bone tumors.

The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of computed direct magnification radiography in diagnosing bone tumors as compared with conventional radiography. Ninety-one patients with primary bone tumors and tumor-like lesions were radiographed with conventional and magnification techniques. All radiographs were analyzed by one orthopedic surgeon and two radiologists and the findings were correlated with histopathology. Two microfocal X-ray units were used for computed direct magnification radiography with a focal spot size of 20-130 microm. Using magnification versus conventional radiography, the diagnosis of benign and malignant lesions as well as the individual tumor diagnosis was obtained with higher accuracy (85% versus 71% and 69% versus 51%, respectively, P<0.01). Margins of destruction, periosteal reactions, and matrix patterns were evaluated with higher accuracy by all observers (P<0.01). We conclude that computed direct magnification radiography may improve evaluation and diagnosis of bone tumors.

Tissue pH in human kidney transplants during hypothermic ischemia.

Ex vivo NMR spectroscopy was used to investigate pH in 67 human kidney transplants. (1)H and (31)P spectra were recorded at 1.5 T during regular hypothermic storage in histidine-tryptophane-alpha-ketoglutarate (HTK) solution. Estimations of cytosolic pH from chemical shift differences between inorganic phosphate and phosphodiesters and of extracellular pH from the varepsilon1 and delta2 protons of histidine were based upon systematic titration studies. The possibility to predict acute tubular necrosis (ATN) by measuring pH was compared to results obtained with peak area ratios of phosphomonoesters (PME) and Pi and of the gamma-phosphorus of nucleoside 5'-triphosphate (gamma-NTP) and Pi. Cytosolic pH was 6.86+/-0.10 in kidneys showing immediate post-transplant function and 6.84+/-0.10 in those with ATN. Time-dependent studies demonstrated a monoexponential pH decay (velocity constant: 0.14+/-0.07 h(-1)). Extracellular pH varied between 7.40 and 7.15. Grafts with immediate function showed higher PME/Pi (2.24+/-0.57 vs. 1.77+/-0.50, p<0.05) and gamma-NTP/Pi (0.33+/-0.16 vs. 0.16+/-0.08, p<0.001). Intra- and extracellular pH can be monitored non-invasively during hypothermic transplant storage. The pH gradient between both compartments provides quantitative information about the buffer capacity of the preservation medium. Acidification is not a primary cause of ATN during regular HTK storage. The total nucleotide pool is a determinant of the reversibility of ischemic injury.

True-lumen collapse in aortic dissection: part I. Evaluation of causative factors in phantoms with pulsatile flow.

PURPOSE: To investigate the causative factors in true-lumen collapse in a model of aortic dissection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Phantoms with an aortic arch, true and false lumina with abdominal branch vessels, and a distal bifurcation were used to model a Stanford type B aortic dissection. The effects of anatomic factors (entry-tear size, branch-vessel flow distribution, fenestrations, distal reentry communication) and physiologic factors (peripheral resistance in the branch vessels, pump output and rate, vascular compliance) on true-lumen collapse were investigated. The morphology of the true lumen was observed. Branch pressures and flow rates were measured. RESULTS: True-lumen collapse was induced and was exacerbated by an increase in the size of the entry tear, a decrease in the false-lumen outflow caused by occluding the false-lumen branch vessels, and an increase in the true-lumen outflow caused by lowering the peripheral resistance in true-lumen branch vessels. Two kinds of true-lumen collapse depended on pump output. With low pump output and low outflow resistance from the true lumen, the true lumen collapsed. With high pump output and low inflow resistance in the false lumen, the true lumen was compressed. Distal reentry communication between the true and false limbs was more effective than aortic fenestrations in preventing true-lumen collapse. CONCLUSION: True-lumen collapse in this dissection model strongly depends on the difference in the ratios of inflow capacity to outflow capacity in the true and false lumina. Both anatomic and physiologic factors can affect true-lumen collapse.

True-lumen collapse in aortic dissection: part II. Evaluation of treatment methods in phantoms with pulsatile flow.

PURPOSE: To discover and evaluate the effective treatment methods to prevent or relieve true-lumen collapse in models of aortic dissection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two phantoms were built to simulate type B aortic dissection. After true-lumen collapse was induced, experiments were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of clinically relevant variables in relieving the collapse. Variables included entry-tear size, branch-vessel flow distribution, distal reentry communication between the true and false limbs, aortic fenestrations, and pump output. To test the effect of closing the entry tear, a stent-graft was deployed over the entry tear under physiologic conditions in a mock-flow loop. The difference in the effect of each variable on the prevention and relief of true-lumen collapse was also investigated. RESULTS: It was more difficult to relieve true-lumen collapse than it was to prevent it. Placement of a stent-graft over the entry tear was the most effective method of relieving true-lumen collapse. Less-effective procedures included opening a false-lumen outflow branch and opening the distal reentry branch. Opening the fenestration-branch loops, meant to simulate the creation of artificial fenestrations in the intimal flap, did not relieve true-lumen collapse. CONCLUSION: The definitive treatment for true-lumen collapse in aortic dissection is direct repair of the entry tear to decrease false-lumen inflow. Otherwise, increasing the false-lumen outflow and/or creating distal fenestrations between the true and false lumina distal to the level of the compromised aortic branch are less-effective alternatives.

[Can the function of the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt be evaluated noninvasively by Doppler sonography?]. / Kann die Funktion des transjugulären intrahepatischen portosystemischen Shunts nichtinvasiv durch Doppler-Sonographie beurteilt werden?

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is an effective treatment of complications due to portal hypertension. Possible shunt stenosis or shunt occlusion make periodical assessment of stent function necessary. Direct portal venography is the gold standard in morphologic and functional surveillance of TIPS. Controversially discussed is whether Doppler ultrasonography is effective in hemodynamical evaluation of TIPS and sufficient in prediction of shunt dysfunction. In 39 patients, 147 Doppler ultrasonographical examinations were performed and correlated with the results obtained by direct portal venography in TIPS follow-up, 43 of 47 hemodynamically relevant stenoses, including six shunt occlusions, were being diagnosed correctly by Doppler ultrasonography, by assessing maximal flow velocity in portal vein proximal to the TIPS (sensitivity 91.5%; specificity 97%). If Doppler ultrasonographical measurement of maximal flow velocity was performed within the proximal stent itself, sensitivity was only 70.4% and specificity 27%. In conclusion, assessment of portal maximal flow velocity more accurately represents hemodynamical TIPS function than Doppler ultrasonographical measurement within the proximal stent tract itself. Since, according to data presented. Doppler ultrasonography appears to be able to detect hemodynamically significant TIPS stenoses, it might reduce the number of invasive angiographies and thus contribute to more cost-effective follow-up of TIPS patients.

Recurrent TIPS failure associated with biliary fistulae: treatment with PTFE-covered stents.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of covered stents for the treatment of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) obstruction in human subjects with identified or suspected biliary fistulae. METHODS: Five patients were treated for early failure of TIPS revisions. All had mid-shunt thrombus, and four of these had demonstrable biliary fistulae. Three patients also propagated thrombus into the native portal venous system and required thrombolysis. TIPS were revised in four patients using a custom-made polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-covered Wallstent, and in one patient using a custom-made PTFE-covered Gianturco Z-stent. RESULTS: All identified biliary fistulae were successfully sealed. All five patients maintained patency and function of the TIPS during follow-up ranging from 2 days to 21 months (mean 8.4 months). No patient has required additional revision. Thrombosis of the native portal venous system was treated with partial success by mechanical thrombolysis. CONCLUSION: Early and recurrent failure of TIPS with mid-shunt thrombosis, which may be associated with biliary fistulae, can be successfully treated using covered stents. Stent-graft revision appears to be safe, effective, and potentially durable.

[Magnetic resonance tomography without and with gadolinium-DTPA for evaluating kidney transplants]. / Magnetresonanztomographie ohne und mit Gadolinium-DTPA zur Beurteilung von Nierentransplantaten.

PURPOSE: To determine the value of MR imaging in differentiating the various causes of human renal allograft dysfunction. METHODS: A total of 123 human renal allografts (normal n = 20, acute rejection n = 57, acute tubular necrosis n = 14, interstitial fibrosis n = 11, chromic allograft glomerulopathy n = 11, cyclosporine nephrotoxicity n = 3, cortical necrosis n = 7) were investigated by means of MR imaging. Axial T1-weighted spin-echo images and coronal T1-weighted gradient-echo images were obtained before and after Gd-DTPA injection. Diagnostic parameters included corticomedullary contrast and allograft size and shape on the pre-contrast sequences. RESULTS: None of the diagnostic parameters used could differentiate among the various diagnostic groups. Diagnostic of cortical necrosis could be made only on post-contrast scans. Contrast-enhanced scans were superior to pre-contrast images in detection of focal allograft lesions. Otherwise, contrast-enhanced scans did not provide any more information than pre-contrast studies. Spin-echo and gradient-echo sequences displayed the same diagnostic value. CONCLUSIONS: MR imaging has a limited value in differentiating the various causes of renal allograft dysfunction.

[The color Doppler-guided compression therapy of pseudoaneurysms. The authors' own experiences and a review of the literature]. / Farb-Doppler-gesteuerte Kompressionstherapie von Pseudoaneurysmen. Eigene Erfahrungen und Literaturübersicht.

PURPOSE: The common use of interventional angiographic techniques and the sensitive detection of this vascular complication by ultrasound are major factors contributing to the increasing incidence of femoral artery pseudoaneurysms. ultrasound-guided compression repair of femoral artery pseudoaneurysms was prospectively evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 11 femoral artery pseudoaneurysms were detected in 10 patients who ranged from 45 to 79 years of age. In one patient two ipsilateral pseudoaneurysms occurred. All patients were considered to be candidates for ultrasound-guided compression repair. RESULTS: Successful compression repair was achieved in 9 of 11 pseudoaneurysms (82%) with a mean diameter of 2.2 +/- 1.0 cm. In two recurrent lesions (22%) definitive thrombosis required a second treatment. Compression was maintained between 10 and 40 minutes (mean 22 +/- 11 minutes). No complications have been observed. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided compression repair provides an efficient, noninvasive and safe treatment of femoral artery pseudoaneurysms. More than 80% of pseudoaneurysms can be occluded successfully. In recurrent lesions a second attempt is valuable.