Two Decades of Endovascular Repair of Popliteal Artery Aneurysm--A Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Over the last two decades endovascular repair (EVR) of popliteal artery aneurysms has emerged as a treatment alternative to conventional open surgical repair (OSR). The aim of this review was to evaluate the safety and efficiency of each repair method, comparing the following outcomes after EVR and OSR: (i) primary patency; (ii) operating time; (iii) length of hospital stay; (iv) peri-operative complications; (v) limb salvage; and (vi) patient survival. METHODS: The PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for publications that compared outcomes after EVR and OSR (last search November 2014). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective and retrospective observational cohort studies were included. The quality of studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Random effect models were employed to estimate odds ratios (ORs), mean differences, and hazard ratios (HRs). RESULTS: One RCT combined with a prospective cohort study and four retrospective cohort studies with an overall total of 652 cases (236 EVR, 416 OSR) were identified. GRADE quality of evidence was low or very low for all outcomes. After a median follow up of 33 months, patients who received EVR showed equal primary patency rates to patients who received OSR (HR 1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.92-2.33). Lengths of operation and hospitalization were significantly shorter following EVR; rates of 30 day graft thrombosis (OR 3.16, 95% CI 1.31-7.62) and 30 day re-intervention (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.02-4.55) were significant higher for patients who received EVR compared with those who received OSR. There was no effect on mortality (OR 2.31, 95% CI 0.37-14.49) or limb loss (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.16-2.15). CONCLUSION: EVR of popliteal artery aneurysm showed mid-term results comparable to open surgery and appears to be a safe alternative to OSR. However, the existing empirical evidence base is too fragmentary to draw firm conclusions. Further research and the introduction of population based registries will be needed to allow reliable evaluation of EVR.

Stent graft surface movement after infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: comparison of patients with and without a type 2 endoleak.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to compare multidirectional stent graft movement in patients with and without a type 2 endoleak. METHODS: This was a retrospective case control study of patients being followed up after elective endovascular aneurysm repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms. The post-procedural and final follow up multislice computed tomography (MSCT) of 69 patients with and 74 without a type 2 endoleak were analyzed. Three dimensional (3D) surface models of the stent graft, delimited by landmarks using custom built software, were derived from these MSCT data. The stent graft was segmented in different zones, and the proportion of the total stent graft surface moving >9 mm between the post-procedural and the final follow up MSCT was calculated, given in percentages, and compared between groups. Changes of infrarenal neck, renal artery to stent graft distance, and freedom from stent graft related endoleaks were evaluated. RESULTS: Overall surface movement was higher in the no endoleak (18.8%, IQR 0.1-45.1%) than in the type 2 endoleak group (5.3%, IQR 0-29.7%; p = .06). Furthermore, significantly higher surface movement in the no endoleak group was found in the proximal anchoring zone (p = .04) and the distal left limb (p = .01), which was the modular limb in 81.1% (p < .01). Neck diameter increase (1.0 mm, IQR 0-3.0 mm; p < .01) and renal artery to stent graft distance difference (0 mm, IQR 0-3.3 mm; p < .01) were significantly higher in the no endoleak group. Five patients in the no endoleak and one patient in the type 2 endoleak group suffered from a stent graft related endoleak (p = .27). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of a type 2 endoleak is associated with decreased surface movement of the proximal anchoring zone and the distal modular limb of bifurcated stent grafts.

Endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms with a novel multibranch stent-graft design: preliminary experience.

AIM: The aim of this paper was to report our preliminary experience in outcome, safety and mid-term results in the treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA) with a novel multibranchstentgraft (E-xtra DESIGN ENGINEERING, JOTEC, Germany). METHODS: Eight patients (mean age 66 years, 2 female) with TAAA (Crawford type I: 2 cases, type III: 3 cases, type IV: 3 cases), mean aneurysm diameter 61 mm, growth over 5 mm per year were treated. Implantation was performed under general anesthesia and surgical exposition of the common femoral artery. Brachial access was percutaneous in 5/8 patients. Balloon-expandable (Advanta V12) bridging stent-grafts were employed and lined with self-expanding nitinol stents. All patients except type IV TAAA received a spinal drainage catheter. RESULTS: The device was successfully deployed in 8/8 patients. 29/32 visceral branches were engaged. One stenosed celiac trunk was left untreated without further consequences, two renal arteries which could not be cannulated were revascularized with iliorenal bypass. One patient needed surgical revision of groin hematoma, one patient suffered from permanent protopathic sensory deficit. No renal complications occurred. Since the primary implantation was deliberately kept short and amount of contrast agent was minimised, four patients needed a secondary percutaneous procedure (Palmaz stent implantation for type I endoleak, re-PTA or additional bridging stent-graft implantation for type III endoleak). The assisted primary success rate was 8/8. Mean follow-up was 18 months. Success was stable in 7/8 patients, one patient shows type V endoleak with 5mm sac expansion. No mortality or complication occurred during follow-up. CONCLUSION: The JOTEC E-xtra DESIGN ENGINEERING multibranch stent-graft is a promising new candidate for endovascular TAAA treatment with sufficient safety and efficacy. Its short delivery time suggests its use in patients with rapid aneurysm growth or high anxiety.

Aortomonoiliac endografting after failed endovascular aneurysm repair: indications and long-term results.

OBJECTIVES: To present long-term results of endoleak/endograft migration treatment by aortomonoiliac (AMI) endografting after failed endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms. DESIGN: Post hoc analysis of a prospectively gathered database at a tertiary care university hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 1995 to November 2010, 23 patients were identified who underwent modification into AMI configuration after failed elective EVAR. Major causes for modification were type I (with/without endograft migration) or type III endoleaks with aneurysm expansion. An average increase in aneurysm size of 1.6 cm (range: -1.5 to 10.5 cm) since initial aneurysm treatment was observed. Interventional outcomes and long-term results were recorded for analysis. RESULTS: Technical success rate of AMI endografting was 95.65% (n = 22). All except two endoleaks could be successfully sealed with this manoeuvre (94.44%). Median time to modification was 5.3 years (interquartile range Q1-Q3: 1.3-9.3 years). No intra-operative conversion to open surgery was necessary and mortality was 0%. Median follow-up was 44 months (interquartile range Q1-Q3: 17-69 months). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of graft-related endoleaks/endograft migration by AMI endografting after failed EVAR represents a safe and feasible procedure. This approach broadens the minimal invasive opportunities of aneurysm treatment, and open surgical conversion may be avoided except in selected patients.

The avascular plane of the Achilles tendon: a quantitative anatomic and angiographic approach and a base for a possible new treatment option after rupture.

INTRODUCTION: Achilles tendon ruptures, especially ruptures caused by pathologic conditions and also by achillotendinitis are often attributed to the alleged hypovascularisation of the Achilles tendon. Anatomic studies often mention an avascular plane. The purpose of this study was to re-investigate the arterial supply of the Achilles tendon. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Lower legs of 28 anatomic specimen were injected with a radiologic contrast agent and subsequently an arterial angiography was performed. Afterwards the legs were embalmed and later anatomically dissected. The origin of arteries entering the paratenon of the tendo calcanei branching off from either the anterior (TA) or the posterior tibial artery (TP) was determined. The distance between the points of commencement of these nutrient arteries and a specific reference point, i.e. the insertion of the Achilles tendon into the tuber calcanei, was measured digitally on the radiographs and again with a slide-gauge on the dissected specimens. RESULTS: As revealed by angiographic analysis, the TA gave off 5 vessels (v) at a frequency and median distance to the tuber calcanei (in cm) of v1: 50%, 6.01 cm; v2: 39.3%, 7.88 cm; v3: 35.7%, 9.71 cm; v4: 17.9%, 12.7 cm; v5: 10.7%, 14.6 cm. The TP contributed to the arterial supply of the Achilles tendon by means of 7 inserting arteries branching off at a frequency and mean distances of v1: 67.9%, 4.53 cm; v2: 60.7%, 6.97 cm, v3: 50%, 9.58 cm; v4: 35.7%, 10.89 cm; v5: 25%, 12.65 cm; v6: 10.7%, 16.94 cm; v7: 3.6%, 18.7 cm proximal to the tuber calcanei. However, due to the small diameter of these branches, by anatomic dissection no nutrient arteries commencing from the TA could be detected. On the other hand, a maximum of 7 vessels originating from the TP, larger than the former vessels, had been also revealed by anatomic dissection (frequency and mean distances, v1: 100%, 6.8 cm; v2: 82.1%, 7.7 cm; v3: 71.4%, 9.5cm; v4: 35.7%, 11.3 cm; v5: 17.9%, 9.9 cm; v6: 7.1, 10.5 cm; v7: 3.6%, 12.0 cm). CONCLUSION: A dense net of small arteries inserts into the paratenon of the Achilles tendon in its lower 20 cm. The angiographic method was more specific and showed vessels that could not be identified as arteries originating from the TA by macroscopic anatomic dissection.

Endovascular therapy of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm: mid- and long-term results.

As an alternative to open aneurysm repair, emergency endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) has emerged as a promising technique for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) within the last decade. The aim of this retrospective study is to present early and late outcomes of patients treated with EVAR for rAAA. Twenty-two patients (5 women, 17 men; mean age, 74 years) underwent EVAR for rAAA between November 2000 and April 2006. Diagnostic multislice computed tomography angiography was performed prior to stent-graft repair to evaluate anatomical characteristics and for follow-up examinations. Periprocedural patient characteristics and technical settings were evaluated. Mortality rates, hospital stay, and early and late complications, within a mean follow-up time of 744 +/- 480 days, were also assessed. Eight of 22 patients were hemodynamically unstable at admission. Stent-graft insertion was successful in all patients. The total early complication rate was 54%, resulting in a 30-day mortality rate of 23%. The median intensive care unit stay was 2 days (range, 2-48 days), and the median hospital stay was 16 days (range, 9-210 days). During the follow-up period, three patients suffered from stent-graft-related complications. The overall mortality rate in our study group was 36%. EVAR is an acceptable, minimally invasive treatment option in patients with acute rAAA, independent of the patient's general condition. Short- and long-term outcomes are definitely comparable to those with open surgical repair procedures.

Elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: does the aneurysm diameter influence long-term survival?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate whether initial abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) diameter influences long-term survival after elective repair. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of database. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between March 1995 and December 2006, a consecutive series of 895 patients underwent elective treatment of an AAA either by open surgical or endovascular repair. An AAA diameter of 5.5cm was chosen as threshold to distinguish between small and large aneurysms, according to the definition given by the UK small aneurysm trial. Patient characteristics and distribution of basic risk factors were assessed. Survival estimates (Kaplan-Meier) and Cox proportional hazards regression results are reported. RESULTS: Patients with small aneurysms were more likely to survive the first 6 years after AAA repair, even after adjustment for treatment modality and baseline risk factors. After adjustment for age and sex aneurysms with smaller diameter were related to a lower risk of death (p<0.0016). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with small aneurysms (< or =5.5cm) have an improved long-term survival than patients with larger aneurysms.

Hybrid open-endovascular repair for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms: current status and level of evidence.

PURPOSE: To report the results of a systematic review of the literature and to provide evidence for the hybrid open-endovascular repair (HOER) in patients with thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs). METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was performed and all studies identified that reported the results of HOER in patients with TAAA and information about primary technical and clinical success in evaluating the immediate and long-term complications such as neurological, renal and respiratory morbidity. All studies were reviewed by two independent observers for the above mentioned parameters. RESULTS: After careful selection according to the given criteria, 13 studies were included in our statistical analysis. The number of reported patients totalled 58. Of those, 37 were men (64.4%) and the mean age of the patients was 68.1 years (range 35-80, 95%CI [72.8, 64.9]). All patients were unfit for open repair with severe comorbidities. The mean follow-up period was 14.5+/-8.7 months (range 4-36, 95%CI [18.7, 9.9]) and the mean aneurysm diameter was 7.15cm (range 5 to 12, 95%CI [7.87, 6.69]). 229 (97.8%) of the 234 visceral vessel grafts remained patent during the follow-up period. Reintervention was necessary in one (1.6%) of the five patients with an occluded graft. The overall long-term endoleak rate was 20.6% (12/58 patients) and the reintervention rate was 13.7% (8/58 patients). No patients developed procedure-related neurological deficits. The overall early and long-term mortality rate for completed procedures was 15.5% (9/58). CONCLUSIONS: HOER shows promising mid-term results for high-risk patients who have TAAA, however, present evidence does not allow robust conclusions.

Endovascular versus open surgical AAA exclusion techniques the importance of individual patient selection criteria.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are managed by two different treatment options, i.e. open graft replacement (OGR) as open surgical technique or endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) as minimally invasive procedure, to avoid fatal rupture. The intention of this review was to show how by offering electively either OGR or EVAR - adjusted to the patient's individual risk profile--a benefit for the individual patient could be obtained and overall mortality rates of elective AAA repair could be significantly reduced. A comparative evaluation of both treatment regimes is offered, latest literature as well as own research is presented. Our own risk adjusted patient selection regime is described as well as its statistically significant impact on overall mortality rates in elective AAA exclusion. As conclusion, the benefit of offering both EVAR and OGR is the capability to select and recommend the optimal AAA management for the individual patient with respect to the individual risk profile. The result is a decrease in the overall mortality rate while simultaneously the number of treated patients increases. Furthermore EVAR offers a treatment option for otherwise incurable high risk patients.

The impact of endovascular stent grafting on reducing mortality rates after surgical treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVES: to investigate whether appropriate selection in patients with infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) for transfemoral endovascular aneurysm management (TEAM) or open graft replacement (OGR) may decrease in-hospital mortality rates (MR). DESIGN: analysis of a clinical series over three periods in an university vascular center. Conclusions of the second period were drawn and prospectively applied in a third period and compared. METHODS: during the period 1989-1994 only OGR was available (n=170). In the interval 1995-2000 either OGR or TEAM were carried out (n=454). During the period 01/2001-07/2002 the conclusions concerning selection of treatment modality were drawn and prospectively applied in 132 consecutive patients. MR were recorded and possible significant differences were checked. RESULTS: during the first period MR was 6.5%. Overall MR decreased to 3.7% in the second interval. Overall MR of the last period was improved to 1.5% (p<0.05). No patient died after OGR (0% vs 6.5%, p<0.04). As all patients with significant individual risk profiles were treated by TEAM, MR slightly increased (2.9%), but the difference remained insignificant (2.4% in period 2). CONCLUSIONS: risk adjusted selection of treatment modality influences the results after OGR significantly, thereby reducing overall MR of elective AAA treatment.

[Endovascular (transfemoral endoluminal aneurysm management; TEAM) versus conventional open therapy in abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA): analysis of a clinical series]. / Endovaskuläre (Transfemorales Endoluminales Aneurysma Management; TEAM) versus konventionelle offene Therapie des Abdominellen Aortenaneurysmas (AAA): Analyse einer klinischen Serie.

All patients (n = 826) treated electively at the Department of Vascular Surgery University of Vienna, Austria, for their AAA during the years 1965-2000 were analysed with particular emphasis on endoluminal repair. Data collection was carried out in retrospect. The operative mortality or within 30 days was considered the primary endpoint of the study. Since 1995 the TEAM approach was available. From that point in time 45.5% of the AAA were treated electively in the endoluminal way. An exploratory analysis of the clinical series revealed a statistically significant difference in the incidence of various risk factors between groups in favor of open repair. Consequently a conditional regression analysis demonstrated the operative method, median patient's age (above versus below 72 years of age), reduced renal and/or pulmonary function to be of significant influence.

[Preoperative risk factors as deciding criteria in surgical treatment strategy of infrarenal aortic aneurysm]. / Präoperative Risikofaktoren als Entscheidungskriterien in der chirurgischen Behandlungsstrategie des infrarenalen Aortenaneurysmas.

Significant risk factors of operative therapy in patients with infrarenal aortic aneurysms (AAA) were determined. Best treatment strategy (open surgical repair, transluminal endovascular aneurysm management (TEAM) or conservative treatment) was selected on the base of evaluated risk factors, tendency of rupture and life expectancy. Of the typical risk factors impaired renal and/or lung function showed a significant influence on hospital mortality. In patients without these significant risk factors open surgical repair leads to good clinical results. Acceptable postoperative mortality rates after elective exclusion of an AAA with average size in patients presenting significant comorbidities can only be achieved using TEAM. If TEAM can not be performed, open surgery is only justified in the case of very large AAA diameter.

[Abdominal vascular surgery emergencies: abdominal aortic aneurysm, acute mesenteric ischemia--indications, technique, results]. / Der abdominelle gefässchirurgische Notfall: das abdominelle Aortenaneurysma, die akute mesenterielle Ischämie--Indikation, Technik, Ergebnisse.

Ruptured infrarenal aortic aneurysms and mesenteric ischemia are abdominal emergency situations, which should be treated by vascular surgeons. Modern means of patient transport and specialized emergency centers make it possible to bring patients suspect of having a ruptured aneurysm or a mesenteric ischemia to experienced clinics. Indication for surgery in case of symptomatic or ruptured aortic aneurysms is doubtless absolute. If there is suspicion for a ruptured aneurysm, emergency operation is indicated. In patients having undergone emergency surgery for a ruptured aneurysm of the infrarenal aorta, hospital mortality was 41%. The initial indication for surgery for patients with mesenteric ischemia usually is the "acute abdomen". Mostly only the patient's history reveals the suspicion for this disease. There are no valid radiologic examinations for proving or ruling out mesenteric ischemia. Most of our patients had arterial embolism (64%) as a source of mesenteric ischemia, followed by arterial thrombosis (28%), venous thrombosis (3%) and non-occlusive ischemia (5%). Monitoring of levels of serum lactate can be an additional tool for decision making, if a second look operation is discussed. The key for surgical success with these critically ill patients is shortening of the interval between the first symptoms of the patient and the start of surgical therapy.

[Abdominal aortic aneurysm: surgery, indications, technique, outcome]. / Das abdominelle Aortenaneurysma: Operation, Indikation, Technik, Ergebnisse.

The fate of a patient with an abdominal aortic aneurysm] (AAA) is influenced by the risk of rupture and embolism. When the indication for operation is considered, individual associated risk factors have to be taken into account. With regard to the literature, the following recommendations concerning indication for surgery can be given: emergency surgery for symptomatic or ruptured aneurysm; elective surgery: aneurysms 5 cm diameter or growing AAA 5 mm/year, patient with acceptable individual risk for operation; asymptomatic aneurysms less than 5 cm in diameter, without growth in patients aged over 75 years and/or considerable perioperative risk should not be operated on: sonography should be done 3-monthly as a continuing control. Finally the results in our institution are presented for elective surgery: 30-day mortality 3.5%, AAA with rupture, no shock: 20%, ruptured AAA with shock 47%, respectively.

Hemostasis activation in patients with liver cirrhosis.

In patients with liver cirrhosis a decrease of the coagulant potential is well-documented and has been linked to the high bleeding tendency among these patients. Whether the decrease of the coagulant potential is only due to a reduced hepatic synthesis of coagulation factors or also to its consumption by disseminated intravascular coagulation is debatable. We investigated hemostasis activation markers thrombin-antithrombin III complexes (TAT), fibrin degradation products (D-Dimer) and plasmin-alpha 2-antiplasmin complexes (PAP) in 41 outpatients with liver cirrhosis (Child-Pugh index 1 n = 18, 2 n = 15, 3 n = 8). Compared to controls similar in terms of age and sex, TAT, D-Dimer and PAP was elevated in the whole group of patients. A progressive increase of D-Dimer and PAP from Child 1 to 3 indicates a relationship between the severity of cirrhosis and the amount of hemostasis activation. Investigation of the natural anticoagulant potential showed significant decreases of antithrombin III (AT III), protein C, and protein S, most pronounced in Child 3 patients. Statistical analysis revealed significant negative correlations between levels of D-Dimer and both AT III and protein C, indicating that hemostasis activation is linked to the loss of anticoagulant potential.

Comparison of serum fluoride levels after administration of monofluorophosphate-calcium carbonate or sodium fluoride: differences in peak serum concentrations.

Fluoride salts are widely used in Europe in the treatment of established osteoporosis with crush fractures for their ability to increase trabecular bone mass. However, in the United States fluorides are still regarded as an experimental drug. In a prospective, randomized study we compared the fluoride pharmacokinetics of enteric-coated sodium fluoride and disodium monofluorophosphate calcium carbonate (MFP-Ca) over the period of 76 h. Twenty subjects (12 females, 8 males), aged 35-80 years, free of gastrointestinal disorders, renal impairment, and liver disease and without prior fluoride intake entered the study. Ten subjects received NaF (11.3 mg fluoride) twice a day and the other ten MFP-Ca (13.2 mg fluoride) twice a day. During the study period of 76 h the patient's usual food intake was not changed. Serum fluoride levels were determined using an ion sensitive electrode. After intake of a single drug preparation of MFP-Ca or NaF, MFP-Ca showed a significantly shorter lag time of absorption and a significantly higher maximal serum fluoride concentration than NaF (P < 0.01). A comparison of fluoride cumulative characteristics of both drugs showed virtually identical serum fluoride levels before intake of the morning dose on all 4 study days, whereas serum fluoride concentrations measured 4 h afterwards were significantly higher for MFP-Ca than for NaF. These data provide evidence of high "peak" serum fluoride levels for MFP-Ca, whereas only small peak-to-trough fluctuations are seen for NaF.

Aprotinin does not decrease early graft patency after coronary artery bypass grafting despite reducing postoperative bleeding and use of donated blood.

Forty-five male patients with planned coronary artery bypass operation were randomized in a double blind fashion to receive either 6 million kallikrein inactivator units of aprotinin (high-dose group), 2 million kallikrein inactivator units of aprotinin (low-dose group), or placebo (control group). Postoperative bleeding was significantly decreased in both aprotinin groups in comparison to that in the control group (590 ml [290 to 1800 ml] high-dose group and 650 ml [280 to 1900 ml] low-dose group versus 920 ml (350 to 2700 ml) control group, p < 0.001). There was no difference between the two aprotinin groups. The need for postoperative blood transfusion was significantly lower in the aprotinin groups (1.46 [0 to 4] blood units high-dose group and 1.65 [0 to 5] blood units low-dose group versus 2.43 [0 to 7] blood units control group, p < 0.05). All patients underwent coronary angiography between the seventh and twelfth postoperative day. No difference was found among the three groups in patency of vein grafts-93.8% in the high-dose group, 94.5% in the low-dose groups, and 93.3% in the control group. Therefore, aprotinin significantly reduced postoperative bleeding and transfusion requirement after coronary artery bypass grafting without influencing early graft patency.

Plasma big endothelin-1 concentrations in congestive heart failure patients with or without systemic hypertension.

Plasma endothelin concentrations were evaluated in 53 chronic, congestive heart failure (CHF) patients with or without history of systemic hypertension, as well as in 9 with hypertension only and in 22 healthy control subjects. Plasma renin, aldosterone and atrial natriuretic peptide, as well as clinical and hemodynamic data were determined. In patients with CHF, big endothelin-1 was, independent of hypertension history, significantly greater than in hypertensive patients with normal cardiac function and in control subjects (both p < 0.0001). Patients with severe CHF had significantly greater big endothelin-1 values than did those with moderate CHF. During 12-month follow-up, 11 patients with CHF underwent heart transplantation, and 9 died; these patients had significantly greater big endothelin-1 concentrations than did the 33 clinically stable patients (p < 0.001). Big endothelin-1 and atrial natriuretic peptide correlated with right atrial pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, left ventricular ejection fraction, effort capacity and severity of CHF (New York Heart Association functional class).

Relief of diastolic cardiac dysfunction after cyclosporine withdrawal in a cardiac transplant recipient.

Severe heart failure developed in a 49-year-old patient 18 months after orthotopic cardiac transplantation. Acute rejection as well as other overt causes of graft failure were excluded. Haemodynamic measurements suggested severe diastolic myocardial dysfunction. Since no other causes of diastolic heart failure were identified, a potential side effect from cyclosporine was considered. Cyclosporine was therefore withdrawn and immunosuppressive treatment was switched to conventional therapy consisting of azathioprine and prednisolone. Withdrawal of cyclosporine was followed by an impressive clinical improvement and by complete haemodynamic normalization. Therefore, in cases of otherwise unexplained graft failure, a potentially reversible side effect from cyclosporine should be taken into consideration.

Clinical and neurohumoral response of patients with severe congestive heart failure treated with two different captopril dosages.

Although angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor therapy is an established approach in the treatment of chronic heart failure, the required dosage remains unclear. This open 6 month study investigated the influence of different captopril dosages on the clinical course and neurohumoral activity of patients with severe heart failure (left ventricular ejection fraction < or = 20%). Eighty-five patients in New York Heart Association class II-IV despite treatment with digitalis, diuretics, and captopril (mean dose +/- SEM 28 +/- 2 mg.day-1 at baseline) for > or = 3 months received either 'low dose' captopril (< 75 mg.day-1, mean 32 +/- 2 mg.day-1; n = 46) or 'high dose' captopril (> or = 75 mg.day-1, mean 99 +/- 4 mg.day-1; n = 39) during the follow-up period. Both groups were comparable in clinical, haemodynamic and neurohumoral parameters at baseline. Functional state improved significantly only in the high dose group (P < 0.0001). Of 31 low dose and 20 high dose patients considered as heart transplantation candidates at baseline, 21 low dose and only six high dose patients remained on the waiting list (P < 0.0001). In patients in the low dose group, eight deaths were observed (P < 0.001). Seven patients remained on low dose captopril due to adverse effects. The initially elevated plasma levels of aldosterone and atrial natriuretic peptide decreased significantly only in high dose patients (P < 0.01). Renin increased significantly in both groups. These observations underline the necessity of suppressing neurohumoral overactivation with adequate doses of captopril reflected by sequential humoral plasma determination.