Editor's Choice - Nationwide Analysis of Patients Undergoing Iliac Artery Aneurysm Repair in the Netherlands.

OBJECTIVE: The new 2019 guideline of the European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) recommends consideration for elective iliac artery aneurysm (eIAA) repair when the iliac diameter exceeds 3.5 cm, as opposed to 3.0 cm previously. The current study assessed diameters at time of eIAA repair and ruptured IAA (rIAA) repair and compared clinical outcomes after open surgical repair (OSR) and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). METHODS: This retrospective observational study used the nationwide Dutch Surgical Aneurysm Audit (DSAA) registry that includes all patients who undergo aorto-iliac aneurysm repair in the Netherlands. All patients who underwent primary IAA repair between 1 January 2014 and 1 January 2018 were included. Diameters at time of eIAA and rIAA repair were compared in a descriptive fashion. The anatomical location of the IAA was not registered in the registry. Patient characteristics and outcomes of OSR and EVAR were compared with appropriate statistical tests. RESULTS: The DSAA registry comprised 974 patients who underwent IAA repair. A total of 851 patients were included after exclusion of patients undergoing revision surgery and patients with missing essential variables. eIAA repair was carried out in 713 patients, rIAA repair in 102, and symptomatic IAA repair in 36. OSR was performed in 205, EVAR in 618, and hybrid repairs and conversions in 28. The median maximum IAA diameter at the time of eIAA and rIAA repair was 43 (IQR 38-50) mm and 68 (IQR 58-85) mm, respectively. Mortality was 1.3% (95% CI 0.7-2.4) after eIAA repair and 25.5% (95% CI 18.0-34.7) after rIAA repair. Mortality was not significantly different between the OSR and EVAR subgroups. Elective OSR was associated with significantly more complications than EVAR (intra-operative: 9.8% vs. 3.6%, post-operative: 34.0% vs. 13.8%, respectively). CONCLUSION: In the Netherlands, most eIAA repairs are performed at diameters larger than recommended by the ESVS guideline. These findings appear to support the recent increase in the threshold diameter for eIAA repair.

Assessment of microcirculation in the diabetic foot with laser speckle contrast imaging.

OBJECTIVE: A major challenge for treating diabetic foot ulcers is estimating the severity of ischemia, as the currently used non-invasive diagnostic techniques provide relatively poor prognostic values. Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) is a promising non-invasive technique to assess microcirculation. Our aim was to investigate the stability and reproducibility of LSCI for the assessment of microcirculation in the diabetic foot, the relation of LSCI results to currently used non-invasive blood pressure measurements, and the ability of LSCI to discriminate between the degrees of ischemia. APPROACH: Thirty-three participants with diabetic foot ulcers were included in this prospective, single centre, observational cohort study that was conducted in the Netherlands. They were classified as non-ischemic, ischemic or critical-ischemic based on criteria formulated in the international guidelines. Two clinicians performed LSCI scans of the foot, consisting of baseline measurements, followed by two stress tests (post-occlusion peak and elevation test). With three measurement conditions and five regions of interest of the foot per patient, a total of 15 measurements were available for analyses. MAIN RESULTS: The intra-observer agreement of LSCI was high (interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.711-0.950; p  < 0.001) for all 15 measurements. The inter-observer agreement was high (ICC = 0.728-0.861; p  ⩽ 0.001) for 10 measurements and moderate (ICC = 0.476-0.570; p  ⩽ 0.005) for the remaining five measurements. The inter-assessor agreement was high and significant (ICC = 0.857-0.996; p  ⩽ 0.001) for all measurements. Correlation between LSCI and non-invasive blood pressure measurements was low (ICC = -0.272-0.582). During both stress tests, microcirculation was significantly lower in critical-ischemic feet compared to non-ischemic feet (67.5 perfusion units (PU) versus 96.3 PU and 41.0 PU versus 63.9 PU; p  < 0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: LSCI is a stable and reproducible technique for assessment of microcirculation in people with diabetic foot ulcers and shows significant differences between non-ischemic, ischemic and critical-ischemic patient populations.

Validation of low-cost smartphone-based thermal camera for diabetic foot assessment.

AIMS: Infrared thermal imaging (IR) is not yet routinely implemented for early detection of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), despite proven clinical effectiveness. Low-cost, smartphone-based IR-cameras are now available and may lower the threshold for implementation, but the quality of these cameras is unknown. We aim to validate a smartphone-based IR-camera against a high-end IR-camera for diabetic foot assessment. METHODS: We acquired plantar IR images of feet of 32 participants with a current or recently healed DFU with the smartphone-based FLIR-One and the high-end FLIR-SC305. Contralateral temperature differences of the entire plantar foot and nine pre-specified regions were compared for validation. Intra-class correlations coefficient (ICC(3,1)) and Bland-Altman plots were used to test agreement. Clinical validity was assessed by calculating statistical measures of diagnostic performance. RESULTS: Almost perfect agreement was found for temperature measurements in both the entire plantar foot and the combined pre-specified regions, respectively, with ICC values of 0.987 and 0.981, Bland-Altman plots' mean Δ = -0.14 and Δ = -0.06. Diagnostic accuracy showed 94% and 93% sensitivity, and 86% and 91% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: The smartphone-based IR-camera shows excellent validity for diabetic foot assessment.

[A multidisciplinary approach in diabetic foot disease is mandatory]. / De diabetische voet vereist multidisciplinaire aanpak.

The history of two patients (66- and 53-year-old males) with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy illustrates the variety of clinical presentations and pitfalls in treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Peripheral arterial disease and mechanical stress as a consequence of peripheral neuropathy are important risk factors for developing an ulcer and eventually loss of a limb. Revascularisation of the limb should be considered in the presence of critical limb ischaemia or in the presence of mild to severe ischaemia in combination with a deep infection. Infection is a major threat to the affected limb and requires treatment directly after taking samples for culture. After healing, education, adequate offloading and frequent foot examinations are important for secondary prevention. Presentation of these patients to a special multidisciplinary team, including a vascular surgeon, endocrinologist, rehabilitation specialist, cast technician, shoe technician and a podiatrist is mandatory, according to the Dutch guidelines on the diabetic foot.

The validity and reliability of diagnosing foot ulcers and pre-ulcerative lesions in diabetes using advanced digital photography.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of assessing the presence of plantar foot ulceration and pre-ulcerative lesions in diabetes patients from digital photographs that were produced using a new photographic foot imaging device. METHODS: In 32 diabetes patients who had a foot ulcer or were at high risk of ulceration (a total of 60 feet), high-quality photographic images of the plantar foot surface were collected. Each foot was assessed live, from photographs 2 weeks later, and again 4 weeks later for the presence of an ulcer, abundant callus, or the absence of signs. Each foot was assessed by four independently operating foot care specialists. Agreement scores were calculated using κ values (range, 0-1). Sensitivity and specificity scores were also calculated. RESULTS: Foot ulceration was cumulatively scored 59 times, callus 78 times, and absence of signs 149 times during live assessment. Agreement with photographic assessment was very good for ulcer (κ = 0.87) and absence of signs (κ = 0.83) and good for callus (κ = 0.61). Sensitivity and specificity were high for ulcer (88% and 98%, respectively), callus (69% and 89%, respectively), and absence of signs (both 90%). Intra-observer agreement between repeated photographic assessments was good to excellent for all outcomes and observers (κ between 0.70 and 1.00). Inter-observer agreement for photographic assessments was good for ulcer (κ = 0.72-0.88) and absence of signs (κ = 0.59-0.75) and moderate to good for callus (κ = 0.48-0.73). For live assessment, inter-observer agreement scores were only slightly higher. CONCLUSIONS: The data illustrate that diabetic foot ulcers and pre-ulcerative lesions can be diagnosed in a valid and reliable manner by trained professionals from digital photographs produced with the foot imaging device. This supports the intended use of the device as a telemedical monitoring tool in the home environment for early detection of diabetic foot disease and prevention of severe complications in high-risk diabetes patients.

[Photographic foot scanner for the early diagnosis of diabetic foot]. / Fotografische voetscanner voor vroege diagnostiek diabetische voet.

Early recognition of foot ulcers and pre-ulcerative lesions in diabetic patients is important for the prevention of severe complications such as infection and amputation. The photographic foot-imaging device is a new technique intended as a home-monitoring system for the early diagnosis of signs of diabetic foot disease. The patient regularly takes pictures of the plantar foot surface which a trained healthcare professional remotely assesses. In the case of diagnosed foot problems, the patient is referred for treatment. This telemedical approach is primarily intended for patients who have previously had a foot ulcer or amputation. In particular, patients who are limited in inspecting their own feet may profit from this approach. The diagnosis of foot problems from photographs produced by the system has been proven to be both valid and reliable. If future studies demonstrate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of this approach in preventing severe foot complications, it may become an integral part of foot care for high-risk diabetic patients.

Assessment of foot disease in the home environment of diabetic patients using a new photographic foot imaging device.

The objective of this study was to compare live and photographic assessments of clinical signs of diabetic foot disease using a new photographic foot imaging device. High quality colour photographs of the plantar foot surface were collected in 20 diabetic feet using a prototype device and in 19 diabetic feet using a definitive version of the device with optimized illumination settings. All photographs were assessed independently by four observers for presence of ulceration, abundant callus, or absence of signs and compared with live and repeated photographic assessments of the feet by the same observers. Agreement between assessments was moderate to good for all outcomes using the prototype device (56-92%) and improved using the definitive version of the device (74-100%). The data seem to suggest that important signs of diabetic foot disease can be diagnosed from high quality photographs using the photographic foot imaging device. Intended for use as telemedical monitoring device in the patients' home, frequent remote assessments may potentially contribute to the early recognition and treatment of foot disease, which may prevent further complications.

The MABAL shoe, an alternative method in contact casting for the treatment of neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers.

INTRODUCTION: Total Contact Casting (TCC) is considered the gold standard in the treatment of neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers. To overcome some disadvantages of TCC we developed a removable fiberglass combicast shoe--the MABAL shoe. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The MABAL shoe was used to treat 23 plantar ulcers. RESULTS: Before treatment the mean surface area was 2.0 cm2 (0.5-7.1 cm2). Twenty-one of 23 ulcers healed, with a mean healing time of 34 days (7-75 days). CONCLUSION: The MABAL shoe provides healing of neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers comparable to existing methods of treatment, while offering some potential advantages. The main advantages are mobilization of the ankle, removability of the cast and a less time consuming form of treatment.

The evolution of renal angiomyolipomas in patients with tuberous sclerosis.

In 1986, 23 patients with renal angiomyolipomas as part of tuberous sclerosis were assessed by ultrasonography. In 1991, 20 patients in this group were reexamined with special attention paid to the renal pathological condition. Ultrasonography was performed by the same radiologist who performed the examination in 1986. Of 20 patients 7 had severe hemorrhage necessitating hospital admission (5 had a renal lesion larger than 3.5 cm. in diameter). In 2 patients the exact diameter of the renal angiomyolipomas could not be determined and they underwent nephrectomy. Three patients underwent successful selective embolization of the bleeding angiomyolipoma. One patient died. The hemorrhage resolved spontaneously in 1 patient and treatment was not feasible. In 4 patients the lesions increased in size between 1986 and 1991. Based on these results there is a relationship between the size of the angiomyolipomas and the risk of bleeding. Renal angiomyolipomas larger than 3.5 cm. in diameter have a substantial risk for severe hemorrhage. Some angiomyolipomas show progression. Periodic followup is mandatory every 6 months. For angiomyolipomas larger than 3.5 cm. in diameter an aggressive approach is advised. Selective embolization is the initial method of choice.

[The clinical aspects and treatment of renal angiolipomas in patients with tuberous sclerosis]. / Het klinische beeld en de behandeling van renal angiomyolipomen bij patiënten met tubereuze sclerose.

The incidence of multiple and bilateral renal angiomyolipomas in tuberous sclerosis patients is 40-80%. These benign abundantly vascularised tumours are almost always asymptomatic. Most of the symptomatic renal angiomyolipomas measure more than 4 cm. These lesions are attended by a high risk of spontaneous rupture and massive haemorrhage. In our series of 23 tuberous sclerosis patients with renal angiomyolipomas 4 became symptomatic. Three of them were successfully treated wtih transcatheter selective embolization. Preventive embolization of renal angiomyolipomas appears indicated if these measure more than 4 cm. A fifth patient became symptomatic before the diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis was made. She had a forme fruste. She was also successfully treated by the same method.

Renal angiomyolipomas: could the histology serve as a marker for tuberous sclerosis?

The histological features of 43 renal angiomyolipomas were studied in an attempt to evaluate whether the isolated forms and those that present as part of the tuberous sclerosis complex can be distinguished. In two patients the mass was classified as an angioleiomyoma, because no adipose tissue was present. All renal angiomyolipomas showed the same basic histological picture. The combined forms, however, showed additional features such as extension into pre-existent renal parenchyma, scattered foci of hamartomatous lesions, calcified spicules and tubular inclusions. The findings suggest that these features, in an otherwise classical angiomyolipoma, should alert the pathologist to the possibility of tuberous sclerosis.

Percutaneous transcatheter embolization of symptomatic renal angiomyolipomas: a report of four cases.

Successful percutaneous transcatheter embolization of renal angiomyolipoma is reported in four female patients. The angiomyolipomas measured more than 4 cm in diameter. Three patients had severe haemorrhage and one patient had a growing angiomyolipoma in a solitary kidney. This patient had percutaneous transcatheter embolization to prevent further deterioration of kidney function. Three patients had multiple renal angiomyolipomas as part of tuberous sclerosis. Two of them had selective transcatheter embolization of more than one angiomyolipoma. After embolization, one patient had partial loss of kidney function and one patient developed an abscess that could successfully be drained percutaneously under ultrasound guidance. The following conclusions can be drawn. All patients with tuberous sclerosis should be screened for renal angiomyolipomas. All symptomatic renal angiomyolipomas and all angiomyolipomas that measure more than 4 cm in diameter require treatment. Embolization should be considered as a primary therapeutic modality for multiple angiomyolipomas.

Tuberous sclerosis and the relation with renal angiomyolipoma. A genetic study on the clinical aspects.

Renal angiomyolipomas were present in 23 out of a series of 38 patients with proven tuberous sclerosis (60.5%). Multiplicity and bilateral localization of combined renal angiomyolipomas were important differences between this category and the isolated, usually solitary, angiomyolipomas. One of the parents of a patient with tuberous sclerosis had small renal angiomyolipomas without signs of tuberous sclerosis. This indicates that renal angiomyolipomas might be a forme fruste of tuberous sclerosis. Two patients with suspected isolated renal angiomyolipomas proved to have tuberous sclerosis. From this study we can conclude that multiple angiomyolipomas, or a combination of a single renal hamartoma with one of the signs suggestive of tuberous sclerosis, warrant a thorough examination to exclude tuberous sclerosis.

Volvulus of the stomach after traumatic hernia diaphragmatica.

A patient with gastric volvulus after traumatic diaphragmatic rupture is reported. The trias of Borchardt (pain in epigastrio with gastric distension, hiccups with the inability to vomit, inability to secure the passage of a nasogastric tube) must raise the suspicion on acute gastric volvulus, especially if these abdominal complaints are associated with blunt abdominal trauma in the past. In these cases, lateral X-ray examinations of the chest and swallowing studies establish the diagnosis.

Segmental auxiliary liver transplantation in dogs: a search for an ideal graft--illusion or reality?

Segmental auxiliary liver transplantation (SALT) has been carried out in 13 mongrel dogs to assess the possibility of a certain size of liver segment to accept without sequelae the total splanchnic and arterial blood normally diverted to the liver of the host. Prednisone (1 mg/daily) and azathioprine (2 mg/kg daily) were used as immunosuppression. Five dogs died during the first hours after the operation. Three because of technical failure and two of acute portal hypertension secondary to total portal and arterial blood diversion in dogs with liver segments of 195 +/- 49 g as a result of overloading of the graft. The remaining 8 dogs were divided into: 4 dogs into which a liver segment (195 +/- 49 g) was transplanted (group A) and 4 dogs in which a liver segment (385 +/- 85 g) was used (group B). Partial portal and total arterial blood diversion in group A dogs was not associated with portal hypertension but resulted in poor function of the graft and in poor survival. In contrast, the graft in group B dogs was able to cope with both total or partial portal blood and with a normal arterial blood diversion. Infection and graft rejection prohibited long-term survival (8-28 days). Data from this study support the view that the present technique of SALT with a graft corresponding to 300-400 g in mongrel dogs of about 30 kg is a potential alternative as temporary liver support in the diseased animal.

Gracilis muscle transposition in the treatment of fecal incontinence. Long-term follow-up and evaluation of anal pressure recordings.

The results after gracilis muscle transposition were studied in ten patients with a follow-up of six months to 17 years. Nine patients were continent for formed feces and the condition of one patient worsened after operation. Anorectal manometry was performed in eight of the ten patients. Evaluation of pressure recordings showed a normal image, both at rest and at maximal squeeze, in five patients. Low-pressure recordings at rest and at maximal squeeze were seen in two continent patients, in whom the tissue scarring resulted in narrowing of the anal canal. One patient with low-pressure recordings was completely incontinent. An attempt was made to explain the continence and low-pressure recordings. The results suggest gracilis muscle transposition to be a method of choice in patients with total incontinence who have no functional and sphincter.

Relaxation biofeedback conditioning as treatment of a disturbed defecation reflex. Report of a case.

The case history is presented of a patient with a disturbed defecation reflex by viral encephalopolyradiculoneuritis. The inability to defecate was thought to be due to hyper-reflexibility and, hence to increased spasm of the external anal sphincter. Normal defecation was eventually brought about by an operant learning technique, as described originally by Haskell and Rovner. The patient was conditioned to relax his external anal sphincter once he felt rectal fullness and the urge to defecate. Defecation was initiated by a Dulcolax suppository.

Peri-anal abscess--the relationship between peri-anal abscess, hepatitis B and sexual behavior.

Twenty-two patients with a peri-anal abscess or peri-anal fistula were studied selectively for the presence of HBsAg and anti-HBs. In 14 male and 8 female patients studied, the incidence of anti-HBs was 6 and of HBsAg 1. Positive findings occurred only in European male patients who invariably showed frequent homosexual contacts. It is concluded that, in homosexual patients with peri-anal abscess, the presence of HBsAg and anti-HBs should be determined as a matter of routine and all preventive measures should be taken for possible contamination with hepatitis B virus until proven negative.