Treatment of an aneurysm of the celiac artery arising from a celiomesenteric trunk. Report of a case.

INTRODUCTION: Visceral artery aneurysms (VAA) are rare, frequently present as a life-threatening emergency and are often fatal. The celiacomesenteric trunk (CMT), a common origin of the celiac trunk (CT) and the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) from abdominal aorta, is quite rare. Aneurysms that involve this celiomesenteric anomaly are even rarer and in the last 32 years have been reported in only 20 cases in the literature. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We describe a case with 30mm aneurysm arising from a CMT. In general, an aneurysm that is 20mm or greater in size is considered to be significant enough to warrant treatment. Abdominal VAA sometimes can be treated with low-invasive procedures: our patient required open surgical repair with the celiac artery replanted on to the aorta. DISCUSSION: The clinical course was complicated only by an increase of hepatic cytolysis enzymes, and by a low output pancreatic fistula, treated conservatively. The patient was discharged on the fifteenth postoperative day. One month after discharge, imaging revealed a good patency of all reconstructed arteries. In the subsequent 36-month follow-up period, the patient reported no clinical episodes. CONCLUSION: Our finding of a very rare case of a celiomesenteric anomaly with a concurrent aneurysm is extremely rare (20 cases in word literature in the last 32 years). The feasibility of the endovascular approach for aneurysms originating from the common celiomesenteric trunk depends mainly on aneurysmal location, diameter and neck size. In case of specific unfit anatomy, a careful surgical treatment can ensure the best results.

[Comparison of 3T dacryo-MRI by instillation with dacryo-CT scan for evaluation of epiphora]. / Comparaison de la dacryoIRM 3T par instillation au dacryoscanner dans le cadre du larmoiement chronique.

OBJECTIVES: Epiphora is frequently related to stenosis of the lacrimal drainage pathways. In the evaluation of stenosis, dacryo-CT scan remains the gold standard, despite the need for radiation and catheterization of the lacrimal passages. Evaluation by high field 3T MRI compared to the gold standard in the morphological study of the lacrimal passages and quantification of the stenosis is attractive considering the lack of radiation and non-invasive nature of the technique. METHODS: Twenty-four patients were included, including 9 with bilateral epiphora, representing 33 pathological drainage systems out of 48. Twenty-three drainage systems underwent subsequent surgery (18 patients, 5 patients bilaterally). RESULTS: The average diameter on CT scan images of the superior canaliculus was 0.70 mm (± 0.46), of the inferior canaliculus 0.69 (±0.42), the common canaliculus 0.68 (± 0.58), the lacrimal sac 4.32 (± 2.10), and the nasolacrimal duct 1.15 mm (±1.42). 3T dacryo-MRI overestimated the diameters by 0.35 to 1mm (up to 20 % of the lacrimal sac size), and the concordance between dacryo-CT scan and 3T dacryo-MRI was of average value (kappa 0.5, P<0.05) concerning the diagnosis of stenosis. Furthermore, dacryo-CT scan demonstrated higher sensitivity (72.7 %) than 3T dacryo-MRI (42.4 %). CONCLUSIONS: The two techniques are not equivalent in the diagnosis of stenosis. An optimization of protocols and an evaluation on a larger cohort remain necessary before dacryo-CT scan can be replaced by dacryo-MRI in routine practice.

[Cosmetic eyelid surgery]. / Chirurgie esthétique des paupières.

Cosmetic eyelid surgery is becoming increasingly popular. It can rejuvenate the patient's appearance with relatively minor side effects. Its risk/benefit ratio is one of the best in facial cosmetic surgery. However, the patient does not always accurately assess the aesthetic appearance of his or her eyelids. This underscores the importance of clinical examination in order to determine the patient's wishes, and then make an accurate diagnosis and potential surgical plan. We currently oppose, in general, surgical techniques involving tissue removal (skin-muscle and/or fat) in favor of those involving tissue repositioning and grafting (autologous fat pearl transposition, obtained by liposuction, and lipostructure). Furthermore, the place of adjuvant therapies to blepharoplasty is steadily increasing. They mainly include surface treatments (peels and lasers), dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle botulinum toxin injections. They are also increasingly used in isolation in novel ways. In all cases, a perfect knowledge of anatomy and relevant skills and experience remain necessary.

[Cosmetic blepharoplasty complicated by necrotizing periorbital fasciitis: a case report]. / Fasciite nécrosante périorbitaire compliquant une blépharoplastie esthétique : à propos d'un cas.

Necrotizing periorbital or palpebro-orbital fasciitis represents a unique anatomical site for necrotizing fasciitis, which is an extremely rare and very severe, potentially devastating bacterial infection, rapidly leading to facial necrosis with loss of vision and even death of the patient from toxic shock. In this paper, we report a case of necrotizing periorbital fasciitis as a complication of cosmetic lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Necrotizing fasciitis most often affects the upper and lower limbs, the trunk and the perineal area. It is rarely observed in the facial region due to the rich blood supply in this area. The most commonly implicated pathogen is group A, ß-hemolytic "pyogenic"Streptococcus, either alone or in combination with other bacteria, such as staphylococcus or pseudomonas. Mortality varies according to the series and anatomical site. The mortality rate for necrotizing fasciitis is approximately 28 %. It is slightly lower in the periorbital area (15 %). Risk factors for death include alcoholism, diabetes mellitus, immunocompromise, hematologic or pulmonary diseases, and the identity of the causative agent (group A Streptococcus), although approximately 50 % of patients have no predisposing conditions. Management of periorbital necrotizing fasciitis is based on early detection of initial symptoms and on aggressive multidisciplinary treatment including surgical debridement of necrotic areas and antibiotic coverage. The timeliness of treatment and the multidisciplinary approach are considered to be the two essential factors in influencing the mortality and morbidity of this condition.

The role of splenectomy in myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia.

AIM: In this paper we retrospectively analyzed prospectively-collected data on our myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia (MMM) patients who underwent splenectomy. The aim was to ascertain the hematological response and any resolution of symptoms existing prior to splenectomy; redefining timing and role of splenectomy in the treatment of MMM. METHODS: This prospective study considered 31 patients with MMM who underwent splenectomy for transfusion-dependent anemia, thrombocytopenia, abdominal swelling and pain. Postoperative work-up consisting in laboratory tests and clinical evaluation performing a quality of life (QoL) test based on EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. Follow-up data were collected for one year after surgery. Statistical analysis used Student's t-test, the Mann-Whitney rank sum, Fisher's exact test, the Friedman test and the Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: Mortality was 3.2%. Respiratory symptomatic complications occurred in 35.4%. In all patients the need for blood transfusions was significantly reduced (P=0.005). An improvement in the painful symptoms was reported and a significant improve of postoperative quality of life was observed at one year after surgery. CONCLUSION: In our experience splenectomy is associated with limited perioperative mortality and morbidity. Acute complications are almost exclusively limited to respiratory tract. The removal of spleen seems can be recommended to increase the QoL and to palliate hematological disorders in patients no more responder to chemotherapy.

[Tumoral exophthalmitis]. / Exophtalmies tumorales.

Proptosis due to intraorbital tumors is frequent and secondary to several etiologies. Generally, young people (0-20 years of age) will be affected mainly by benign diseases, such as angiomas or cysts (often dermoid cysts). Yet the ophthalmologist must never forget the possibility of rhabdomyosarcoma occurrence in a child. Adults (20-60 years of age) will for the most part develop benign tumors (cavernous hemangiomas, meningiomas) and inflammatory diseases. Last, malignant tumors, such as lymphomas and metastasized tumors, will mainly be observed in elderly people over 60 years of age.

[Internal carotid artery aneurisms: two cases]. / Anévrismes de l'artère carotide interne extra-crânienne: à propos de 2 cas.

INTRODUCTION: Aneurysms of the extracranial portion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) are rare (accounting for only 0.1-2% of all surgical procedures affecting the ICA, 0.4-1% of all arterial aneurysms, and 4% of all aneurysms involving peripheral arteries), but they are nonetheless clinically significant because of the high related risk of cerebral thromboembolism. Given the rarity of these lesions, it seems worthwhile to report on two extracranial ICA aneurysms, one of atherosclerotic, the other of fibrodysplastic etiology that came under our observation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our experience concerns just two cases, treated at the Department of Surgical and Gastroenterological Sciences of the Policlinico G.B. Rossi in Verona, presenting with very different clinical and instrumental findings, and requiring a different surgical treatment. The former underwent resection of the aneurysm and end-to-end reconstruction; in the latter, we performed a carotid transposition with internalization of the external carotid artery. RESULTS: Neither patient suffered from any major or minor neurological complications during or after surgery, and the follow-up confirmed a normal extracranial carotid patency. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our, albeit limited experience and an analysis of the literature, we make a few points concerning the diagnostic approach (which differs from the case of stenosing carotid lesions), the indications and type of treatment for extracranial ICA aneurysms.

[Treatment of celiac trunk aneurysms: personal experience and review of the literature]. / Traitement des anévrismes du tronc coeliaque: expérience personnelle et revue de la littérature.

INTRODUCTION: Celiac trunk aneurysms represent 4% of all splanchnic artery aneurysms. These lesions are thus extremely rare but yet have a significant clinical importance. Mortality, mainly related to site characteristics, is a significant risk (14%) in the event of rupture. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We put forward our experience in both diagnosis and treatment in three patients, two women and one man (average age 55.3 years, range 35-74), presenting aneurysms involving the celiac trunk. The preoperative diagnosis was established successively with ultrasonography, CT scan and angiography. Two patients were treated via an open surgical approach while endovascular percutaneous treatment was performed for the third patient. RESULTS: Mortality was null at 13 days on average from admission for the surgical patients and 4 days for the patient treated endovascularly. Postoperative complications were modest: pulmonary thickening with pleural effusion for the two surgical patients (spontaneous resolution), while for the third patient treated with an endovascular method, the stent migrated to a splanchnic arterial branch, with no consequence for the spleen. The average follow-up was 19 months (range 14-24). Full exclusion of the aneurysm was maintained at four months for the aneurysm treated percutaneously. A patent celiac was also maintained for the patients treated surgically. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the largely unforeseeable outcome and the high risk of rupture, we suggest that all the patients presenting this type of aneurysmal lesion should be treated. This attitude is widely advocated in the literature. Moreover, we noted null mortality in our small series, with only one percutaneous "re-do" case; resolutive at last control. With the present improvement in stent technology, endovascular treatment should be preferred. Patients should be treated surgically only if a percutaneous procedure would be risky or technically unfeasible due to the size of the aneurysm or its anatomic features.

[Cutaneous abnormalities of the eyelid and systemic diseases]. / Dermatoses palpébrales et maladies systémiques.

Systemic diseases are unknown diffuse inflammatory disorders. They include systemic and metabolic diseases and connective tissue diseases. Among them, lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, polymyositis and dermatomyositis, Sjögren syndrome, Wegener's granulomatosis, sarcoidosis, Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada's syndrome, and amyloidosis are the diseases encountered most frequently that can manifest cutaneous abnormalities of the eyelids. The main eyelid disorders involved in these diseases are described in this paper.

[Endoscopic diagnosis of the lacrimal drainage system]. / L'endoscopie lacrymale à visée diagnostique.

Endoscopic study of the lacrimal drainage system is the only way to directly observe the lacrimal sector of the lacrimal drainage system. The first experiments on this subject date from 1979. Recent technological progress has allowed us to test the latest instruments. These experiments have demonstrated the unquestionable progress of endoscopes and their potential contribution to diagnosing lacrimal pathology. However, certain factors still limit their everyday use. Image improvements and low cost will no doubt facilitate its integration in the diagnosis and therapy of the lacrimal drainage system.

Managing anomalous splenic artery aneurysm: a review of the literature and report of two cases.

The splenic artery originates from the superior mesenteric artery in approximately 1% of cases, which may explain the extreme rarity of aneurysms involving this anomalous branch, with only five cases reported in the international literature to date. We report our experience of managing two patients with aneurysms involving splenic arteries arising from the superior mesenteric artery, one treated surgically and the other percutaneously. From a diagnostic point of view, the first approach is ultrasound, while computed tomographic (CT) scan and angiography enable a better definition of the lesion and of the anatomical anomaly; CT angiography is currently the method of choice for the preoperative workup. Finding these two anomalies in association is so rare that it is impossible to draw any final conclusions as to the best type of treatment. In the authors' experience, both surgery and percutaneous treatment can prove useful.

[Examination and surgical indications for blepharoplasty]. / Examen et indications opératoires des blépharoplasties.

Cosmetic blepharoplasty has become very popular these last years and can easily be performed with local anesthesia. Its benefits are numerous and side effects minimal. Nevertheless, the different types of eyelid impairment are numerous and the patient is often not aware of them. This paper discusses the importance of the clinical examination targeting proper diagnosis of the type of eyelid impairment so as to recommend the most adapted surgical technique. The different types of cosmetic eyelid impairment are presented.

[Surgical treatment of congenital eyelid malpositions in children]. / Chirurgie des malpositions palpébrales congénitales de l'enfant.

Congenital eyelid malpositions can be isolated or associated with other structures such as the eyeball, ocular muscles, and lacrimal pathways. It is important to separate eyelid malpositions, which are topographical disorders, from eyelid malformations, which are constitutional morphological disorders. Only eyelid malpositions will be described in this paper, with a distinction made between static and dynamic disorders. Static disorders include epiblepharon, congenital ectropion and entropion, epicanthus, telecanthus, and centurion syndrome. Dynamic disorders group ptosis and congenital eyelid retractions. Epiblepharon is characterized by the absence of adhesion between the lower eyelid retractors and the orbicularis-skin layer, which allows the anterior lamella to roll over. Congenital entropion and ectropion are very rare. They most often require surgical treatment. Epicanthus involves a semi-lunar fold of skin extending from the upper eyelid across the medial canthal area to the margin of the lower eyelid. Four types (supra-ciliaris, palpebralis, tarsalis and inversus) of epicanthus are described. Treatment requires surgery. Telecanthus is defined as an increased distance between canthi. Primary telecanthus results from attenuation of the medial canthal tendons and is usually associated with other soft tIssue abnormalities such as epicanthus or blepharophimosis, or is seen after trauma. Secondary telecanthus is caused by underlying bony malpositions with an abnormal separation between the orbits because of an increased thickness of the interorbital bones such as that seen in hypertelorism or in other complex craniofacial syndromes. Euryblepharon is distinguished by an enlargement of the horizontal palpebral fissure associated with enlarged eyelids. The etiology is unknown and patients may benefit from surgery. Congenital ptosis is characterized by a deficiency of the levator muscle. They are most often unilateral and isolated. When associated with other abnormalities such as squint, synkinesis, blepharophimosis, or craniofacial syndromes, surgical treatment may require several-stage procedures. On the other hand, isolated congenital ptosis is usually treated in childhood (3-6 years) in a single stage. Congenital eyelid retractions may affect either the lower or the upper eyelid. They make up a rare condition and most cases are associated with craniofacial syndromes such as Crouzon or Apert syndromes. Upper eyelid retractions may spontaneously improve in some cases, but lower eyelid retractions do not. Treatment requires surgery, depending on the corneal consequences.

Treatment of six hepatic artery aneurysms.

Hepatic artery aneurysms are rare lesions but of significant clinical importance because rupture is associated with elevated mortality. Although diagnosis using CT scanning and, more importantly, angiography has been well defined, the therapeutic choices are less clear. We retrospectively selected patients from 1985 to 2000 who were treated with either traditional surgical or percutaneous techniques. In total we treated six patients, four males and two females. This represents 17.6% of 34 patients treated by us for splanchnic artery aneurysms. The treatment was surgical in two cases (33.3%) and percutaneous in four cases (66.6%). All lesions were successfully treated with exclusion/ablation of the aneurysm. Mortality was nil; in one of the surgical cases we reported a transient hepatic failure and in the endovascular group, one right pleural effusion, one small splenic infarction, and one pseudoaneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery. The first therapeutic strategy to be taken into consideration is always the percutaneous approach. However, surgery still has a role in those cases where the lesion cannot be repaired percutaneously. Based on our own experience (good results, no mortality, and few complications) and in accordance with the literature, it is clear that an aggressive approach is warranted in those patients.

[Surgical treatment of upper lid trichiasis with partial tarsal rotation: a new procedure]. / Traitement du trichiasis localisé par rotation tarsale segmentaire: une nouvelle technique chirurgicale.

The authors' report a new surgical technique for partial isolated upper lid trichiasis. This ten minutes' time consuming procedure is easy to perform. It allows a fair cosmetic appearance of the operated eyelid and permits a reliable uneventful outcome. The technique consists to severe the lid margin and the tarsal plate on a distance of 3 to 4mm, at each part of it's trichiased area, in order to allow the pathological part of the eyelid to rotate like a shutter. The rotation of the ill eyelid segment is strengthen by a partial resection of the anterior lamella localizated here and there of the lid crease above the trichiased part of the eyelid, which allows to place everting sutures between the superior part of the tarsus and the two edges of the anterior lamella incision.

[Etiologic causes of ptosis about a serie of 484 cases. To a new classification?]. / Etiopathogénie des ptôsis à propos d'une série de 484 cas. Vers une nouvelle classification?

We have analyzed the etiological causes of ptosis in a retrospective study of 484 cases undergoing operation. This study has confirmed how difficult it is to classify ptosis despite the different existing classifications. Some authors divide ptosis into two groups: congenital and acquired. These classifications seem to have been abandoned now for classifications based on the mechanism that instigates ptosis rather than the moment when the deficit developed. We chose to classify ptosis into five subgroups: myogenic (42% of the cases studied), aponeurotic (35.3%), neurogenic (6.8%), mixed (15.9%), and pseudoptosis (enophthalmos, eyelid tumor, hypotropia, etc.), the latter of which were removed from this series. This classification is based on clinical and surgical criteria. It has the advantages of unity, simplicity, and practicality in terms of establishing a treatment plan for a given ptosis patient. Indeed, each subgroup requires a particular clinical examination and a more stereotyped surgical treatment.

[A new instrument in eyelid surgery: ptosis forceps with a protected lock]. / Un nouvel instrument en chirurgie palpébrale: la pince à ptosis à cliquet protégé

We report on a new instrument in eyelid surgery: the ptosis forceps with a protected lock. This new device helps the surgeon to dissect the levator muscle to facilitate any type of levator surgery. It is particularly useful in the adjustment of the superior lid margin level towards the corneoscleral area in ptosis surgery with levator resection.

[Analysis of the efficacy of early probing in the treatment of symptomatic congenital lacrimal duct obstruction in infants. Apropos of 92 cases]. / Analyse de l'efficacité du sondage précoce dans le traitement de l'obstruction congénitale des voies lacrymales symptomatique du nourrisson. A propos de 92 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) is a common clinical problem (5 to 6% of newborns). Dacryostenosis is a partial or complete block in the nasolacrimal duct. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The records of 68 patients (92 cases) of NLDO with/without mucocele were reviewed. The probing was performed early and according to the same technique. RESULTS: The age at the time of probing ranged from 0 to 7 months (mean 4.6 months). The cure rate was 91.3% and the failure rate was 8.70%. DISCUSSION: Our results are consistent with other reports in the literature. The cure rate was higher with a earlier probing and was good after a second tentative of probing. A multiple obstruction of nasolacrimal system was cause of a failure. This was not the case with mucocele. The optimal timing of the probing is discussed in this report and we preferred to perform the probing to 4 at 6 months. CONCLUSION: We showed a high cure rate with early probing in our series. These results should be confirmed by a prospective randomised study (in process in our institution).

[Fetal anophthalmos. Problem of the prenatal diagnosis: a case report]. / L'anophtalmie foetale. Problème du diagnostic anténatal: à propos d'un cas.

We report a case of anophthalmia discovered after birth and discuss the need to resolve diagnostic difficulties and determine prognosis. This is an exceptional malformation which is particularly difficult to manage. It often occurs in the context of a complex malformation syndrome. Recent imaging techniques including magnetic resonance imaging help determine the degree of malformation and provide useful information for giving genetic advice to parents.

[Carotid lesions and vascular risk factors]. / Lesioni carotidee e fattori di rischio vascolare.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Recent studies have underlined a significant incidence of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) of the lower limbs in the general population which is often wrongly diagnosed. The "classic" risk factors--like dyslipidemia--are not always present in significant percentages in patients suffering from PAOD of the lower limbs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of the most common vascular risk factors (smoking, hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia) in patients suffering from stenosing lesions of the extracranial carotid axes, comparing the data with similar findings in lower limbs. Moreover, the authors evaluated the association between these risk factors, carotid atheromatous lesions and ischemic cardiomyopathy (CI). METHODS: A retrospective study was performed to evaluate the data from 1643 patients examined consecutively. A total of 636 (age > 40, carotid stenosis > 40%, presence of risk factors) were considered eligible. RESULTS: The results showed that, contrary to the findings in patients suffering from PAOD, diabetes was not among the most frequently associated risk factors, whereas a relatively large number of patients had a history of smoking, including both smokers and ex-smokers. CONCLUSIONS: The difference in the most frequent risk factors identified for PAOD and carotid lesions suggests different etiopathogenetic mechanisms for the two districts.