Evaluation of MR imaging-targeted biopsies of the prostate in biopsy-naïve patients. A single centre study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the differences in prostate cancer detection rate and biopsy effectiveness between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) target biopsy (TB) and transperineal standard biopsy (SB) in biopsy-naïve patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between October 2014 and April 2016, 60 men with a mean age of 64.1±6.7 (SD) years (range: 53-82 years) were prospectively enrolled. All patients underwent a prostate MRI study, evaluated by two radiologists, before undergoing the biopsy. A transperineal 12-core SB was carried out before TB, without the information from the MRI. The detection rate for all tumors and for clinically significant tumors (CS) was recorded. Sampling variables such as the proportion of cores positive for CS cancer (PCP-CS) and the maximum cancer core length (MCCL) were also calculated. The ability of MRI to predict the presence of a CS tumor at biopsy was studied using a sector analysis. Patients with negative biopsies were followed during a minimum of 12 months. RESULTS: The detection rate for SB and TB was 53.3% (32/60) and 46.7% (28/60) respectively for all tumors (P=0.289) and 45% (27/60) in both techniques for CS tumors. TB obtained a larger PCP-CS (P<0.001) and MCCL (P=0.018). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and cancer prevalence was 83.3%, 92.9%, 83.3%, 92.9% and 30% for peripheral zone sectors and 43.8%, 97.1%, 70.0%, 91.8% and 13,3% for transitional zone sectors. The proportion of patients that showed an increase of PSA faster than 0.75ng/mL/year after a negative biopsy was 26.1%. CONCLUSION: Detection rate of prostate cancer did not show significant differences between a TB and a SB technique in biopsy-naïve patients. However, targeted prostate biopsies demonstrated a better sampling effectiveness thus reducing the cores needed to diagnose clinically significant tumors.

Efectos del bosentán sobre la función vascular e inflamación de pacientes diabéticos con enfermedad vascular periférica / Bosentan effects on vascular function and inflammation in diabetic patients with peripheral vascular disease

INTRODUCCIÓN: La endotelina-1 (ET-1) interviene en la regulación del tono vasomotor y remodelado vascular y en la disfunción endotelial. El bloqueante de ET-1, bosentán, podría tener un efecto beneficioso en la enfermedad arterial. OBJETIVO: Analizar la expresión de ET-1, óxido nítrico (NO) e interleucinas 6 y 10 (IL-6, IL-10), en diabéticos con arteriopatía periférica y en controles no diabéticos. Analizar el efecto de bosentán en la expresión de mediadores inflamatorios y en la liberación de NO. PACIENTES: Un total de 3 grupos de sujetos; G1: controles no diabéticos (n = 15), G2: diabéticos con claudicación (n = 15), G3: diabéticos con lesiones tróficas (n = 15). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Análisis de expresión plasmática de ET-1 mediante dot-blot, de concentraciones plasmáticas de IL-6 e IL-10 (kits de ELISA). Capacidad de liberar NO mediante kit de nitratos+nitritos. RESULTADOS: Se observa un aumento de los niveles de ET-1 (G1: 172,9; G2: 277,1; G3: 367,3; p < 0,05, unidades arbitrarias) y un descenso de IL-6 en las formas más avanzadas de la enfermedad (G1: 45,8; G2: 16,4; G3: 9,8; p < 0,05 pg/ml). Bosentán elevó los niveles de IL-6 en el grupo de lesiones tróficas hasta igualarla con el grupo control. Se observó una reducción significativa de la capacidad de liberar NO por los leucocitos en G3 (G1: 16,7; G3: 12; p < 0,05 μmol/L). Este efecto se revirtió significativamente en presencia de bosentán. CONCLUSIONES: Los niveles elevados de ET-1 podrían influir en la progresión de la EAP. En la arteriopatía avanzada parece existir un descenso de la actividad inflamatoria (disminución de IL-6), lo que podría disminuir la vasodilatación (reducción de NO). Bosentán tiene un efecto antagonista sobre estos efectos, fundamentalmente en los estadios más avanzados de la enfermedad

INTRODUCTION: Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is involved in the regulation of vasomotor tone, vascular remodeling, and endothelial dysfunction. The ET-1 blocker, osentan, could have a beneficial effect on vascular disease. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the expression of ET-1, nitric oxide (NO), and interleukins 6 and 10 (IL-6, IL-10), in diabetics with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and non-diabetic controls. To analyze the effects of bosentan on the expression of inflammatory mediators and the release of NO. PATIENTS: G1: non-diabetic controls (n = 15), G2: diabetic patients with claudication (n = 15), G3: diabetics patients with trophic lesions (n = 15). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of plasma ET-1 expression by dot-blot, plasma concentrations of IL-6 and IL-10 (ELISA kits). Ability to release NO by nitrate + nitrite kit. RESULTS: Increased levels of ET-1 (G1: 172.9; G2: 277.1; G3: 367.3, P<.05, arbitrary units) and a decrease in IL-6 (G1: 45.8; G2: 16.4; G3: 9.8; P<.05 pg/ml) are observed in the most advanced forms of disease. Bosentan increased levels of IL-6 in the group of trophic lesions when compared with the control group. A significant reduction in the ability of NO release by leukocytes in G3 (G1: 16.7; G3: 12; P<.05 μmol/L) was observed. This effect was significantly reversed in the presence of bosentan. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated levels of ET-1 may influence the progression of PAD. In advanced artery disease, there appears to be a reduction in inflammatory activity (decrease IL-6), which could reduce the vasodilation (NO reduction). Bosentan has an antagonistic effect on these effects, mainly in the more advanced stages of the disease

¿Es la carga de trombo y su localización en el saco un factor protector de endofugas tipo II ? / Is thrombus load and location a protection factor of type II endoleaks?

OBJETIVO: Las endofugas tipo II (EFII) pueden incrementar la tasa de complicaciones. Se evaluó la relación entre la cantidad de trombo en el saco con el desarrollo de EFII y el crecimiento del aneurisma. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Se estudió a 103 pacientes tratados mediante EVAR. El grosor máximo del trombo (GMT), los porcentajes del área (PAOT) y perímetro aórticos con trombo (PPCT, PTHP) y el grosor (GMHP) en la cara posterior se determinaron en la TC preoperatoria en: zona A (diámetro máximo), zona B (entre zona A y bifurcación) y zona C (entre inicio del aneurisma y zona A). Se cuantificó el número de ramas permeables y el diámetro del saco durante el seguimiento. RESULTADOS: Hubo 51 endofugas (49,5%). Los pacientes con EFII presentaron unos GMT (18,6 vs. 24 mm; p = 0,01) y GMHP (13,9 vs. 18,9 mm; p = 0,003) menores en la zona A y tenían un PAOT (49,7 vs. 65,4%; p < 0,001), PPCT (72,4 vs. 82,3%; p < 0,001) y PTHP (63,7 vs. 74,7%; p = 0,03). El número medio de ramas fue de 5 en los pacientes sin EFII frente a 6 en los que la tenían (p = 0,004). Se observó un riesgo de EFII menor con: PAOT (OR = 0,65 por cada aumento del 10%; IC 95%: 0,44-0,98; p = 0,03), PPCT en la zona B (OR = 0,69 por cada aumento del 10%; IC 95%: 0,50-0,95; p = 0,01) y C (OR = 0,68; IC 95%: 0,52-0,88; p = 0,002), GMHP en la zona A (OR = 0,71 por cada aumento de 5 mm; IC 95%: 0,49-0,99; p = 0,04) y PTHP en la B (OR = 0,81 por cada aumento del 10%; IC 95%: 0,67-0,9; p = 0,02). La arteria mesentérica inferior (AMI) permeable (OR = 3,1; IC 95%: 1,1-8,9; p = 0,033), el mayor número de ramas (OR = 4,6 con más de 4 vasos; IC 95%: 1,8-12,2; p = 0,024) y lumbares (OR = 1,9 por cada incremento en una lumbar; IC 95%: 1,1-3,5; p = 0,017) se asociaron a un mayor riesgo. Cuanto mayor era el PAOT, PPCT, GMHP y PTHP mayor era la tendencia a la regresión/estabilidad del saco. CONCLUSIONES: La cuantificación de la carga de trombo y número de ramas permeables permite determinar pacientes con mayor riesgo de EFII y crecimiento del saco durante el seguimiento

BACKGROUND: Type II endoleaks (ELII) may increase the complication rate. An evaluation was made of the association between thrombus load and development of ELII, and aneurysm sac growth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 103 endovascular aortic repair patients were analyzed. The maximum thrombus thickness (GMT), percentages of area (PAOT) and perimeter lined by thrombus (PPCT), and posterior thickness (GMHP) were determined from pre-operative CT at 3 levels: zone A (maximum diameter), zone B (from zone A to bifurcation), and zone C (from neck to zone A). The number of aortic side branches was recorded, and sac diameter was measured during follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 51 endoleaks (49.5%) were noted. Patients with ELII had significantly less GMT (24.0 vs. 18.6 mm, P=0.01) and GMHP (13.9 vs. 18.9 mm, P=0.003) in zone A, and PAOT (49.7 vs.65.4%, P<0.001), PPCT (72.4 vs. 82.3%, P<0.001), and PTHP (63.7 vs. 74.7%, P=0.03). The average number of side branches was 5 in patients without ELII versus 6 with (P=0.004). Lower risk of ELII was observed with: PAOT (OR = 0.65 for a 10% increase, 0.44-0.98, P=0.03), PPCT in zone B (OR = 0.69 for each 10% increase, 0.50-0.95, P=0.01), and C (OR = 0.68, 0.52-0.88, P=0.002), GMHP in zone A (OR = 0.71 for each 5 mm increase, 0.49-0.99, P=0.04), and PTHP in zone B (OR = 0.81for 10% increase, 0.67-0.99, P=0.02). The patent IMA (OR = 3.1, 1.1-8.9, P=0.033), the number of patent branches (OR = 4.6 with more than 4 branches, 1.8-12.2, P = 0.024), and lumbar branches (OR = 1.9 for each patent lumbar, 1.1-3.5, P=.017) were associated with an increased risk of ELII. The greater PAOT, PPCT, GMHP, and PTHP were, the higher regression/stability of the sac was. CONCLUSIONS: Quantification of the thrombus load and the number of patent side branches can be used to determine patients at increased risk of ELII and sac growth during follow-up

Experiencia en reconstrucción de tercio distal de pierna con colgajo libre de músculo gracilis / Experience in reconstruction of distal third third of the leg with the gracilis muscle free flap

En los defectos de cobertura distales de la pierna con exposición ósea o articular, la transferencia de tejidos libres es frecuentemente la única opción viable. Se utilizan en el rescate de extremidades inferiores en riesgo por trauma, infección, ulceración, quemaduras y tumores. El colgajo libre de músculo gracilis está descrito en la literatura como una excelente alternativa. El objetivo de este estudio es describir las características de los pacientes y resultados de la utilización del colgajo libre de músculo gracilis en la reconstrucción del tercio distal de la pierna. Se trata de un estudio retrospectivo, observacional, de revisión de archivo clínico y fotográfico de 7 pacientes operados por los autores entre los años 2007-2010, 4 hombres y 3 mujeres con un promedio de edad de 38,5 años. El defecto de cobertura que motivó la cirugía (de hasta de 20 x 6 cm) fue secundario a fractura expuesta (tipo III de Gustilo) y a osteomielitis crónica. La cobertura del colgajo se hizo en todos los casos con injerto dermo-epidérmico. No hubo complicaciones menores ni mayores del sitio donante ni del receptor, con resultados funcionales y estéticos satisfactorios. El colgajo libre de músculo gracilis es una muy buena alternativa para la reconstrucción distal de pierna con defectos de cobertura en fracturas expuestas y osteomielitis o en úlceras crónicas. Tras el seguimiento, todos nuestros pacientes lograron una cobertura completa y estable en el tiempo (AU)

Reconstruction of distal lower extremity defects with exposed bone or joint usually require free tissue transfer as the only viable option. These are used in the rescue of lower extremities at risk due to trauma, infection, ulceration, burns and tumors. The gracilis muscle free flap is described in the literature as an excellent alternative. The aim of this study is to describe patient characteristics and results using the gracilis muscle free flap in reconstruction of distal third of the leg defects. This is a retrospective and observational study. A review of clinical and photographic archives of 7 patients operated by the authors between 2007 and 2010 was performed. We operated on 4 men and 3 women with a mean age of 38.5 years. The defect coverage that led to surgery (up to 20 x 6 cm) was due to an open fracture (Gustilo type III) and chronic osteomyelitis. Flap coverage was performed in all cases with partial-thickness skin grafts. There were no minor or major complications on donor or recipient sites, with satisfactory functional and aesthetic results. The gracilis muscle free flap is a good alternative for reconstruction of distal leg defects in open fractures and osteomyelitis or chronic ulcers. After follow-up all of our patients achieved a full and stable coverage (AU)

Paraplejía súbita por oclusión aguda de aorta abdominal / Sudden onset of paraplegia from acute abdominal aorta occlusion

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Tumor thrombosis detected on PET/CT scanning in a patient with metastasic melanoma / Trombosis tumoral detectada en el estudio PET/TC en un paciente con melanoma metastático

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Stent-graft repair for blunt traumatic aortic injury: functional and survival outcomes.

AIM: Traumatic aortic injury is usually lethal, most often because of serious associated wounds. The short- and midterm outcome of endovascular exclusion was assessed as the current treatment of choice due to a lower mortality and morbidity than open surgical treatment. METHODS: We reviewed the cases of 8 patients (5 male, mean age 33 years) undergoing endovascular repair of a traumatic thoracic aortic lesion, confirmed by computed tomographic angiography, at our centre. Most patients showed a contained lesion limited to the aortic isthmus and severe associated injuries. RESULTS: Intrahospital mortality was 37.5% (N.=3) and mostly due to posttraumatic brain injury (N.=2). Most patients were hemodynamically stable at the time of endovascular repair (N.=6). The median time to surgery was 12 hours (3-48 hours). The endografts used were TAG® (W.L. Gore and Associates, Flagstaff) in three patients, and Valiant® (Medtronic, Santa Rosa, CA) in four. The technical success rate was 100%. In one case, the left subclavian artery was occluded without signs of arm ischemia. There were no cases of paraplegia or stroke related to treatment. No revision procedures were needed during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Endovascular repair shortly after injury seems to be effective and safe with a low associated morbidity and mortality.

Prevalencia de enfermedad carotídea asintomática en pacientes con claudicación intermitente / Prevalence of asymptomatic carotid artery disease in patients with intermittent claudication

Introducción y objetivosDeterminar la prevalencia de estenosis-oclusión carotídea en pacientes remitidos a nuestro Servicio por claudicación intermitente de miembros inferiores desde mayo de 2007 hasta febrero de 2008, así como los factores asociados a mayor riesgo de enfermedad carotídea.Pacientes y métodosDiseño transversal. Criterios de exclusión: pacientes con clínica neurológica previa y pacientes con eco-doppler carotídeo (eco-TSA) previo. Se determinaron factores de riesgo cardiovascular, antecedentes personales de cardiopatía isquémica y presencia de soplo carotídeo. Se realizaron asimismo un índice tobillo-brazo (ITB) y eco-doppler carotídeo.ResultadosSe analizaron 173 pacientes, la mayoría varones (89,6%), con una edad media de 68,1 años. El 19,7% tenía soplo carotídeo. La prevalencia de estenosis > 30% y > 50% fue del 15 y del 9,8% respectivamente, y el ITB medio fue de 0,68. Se ha observado una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre el soplo y la presencia de cualquier grado de estenosis (OR=6; p=0,0001) y de estenosis > 50% (OR=5,9; p=0,0001). También ha habido diferencias significativas en el ITB de los pacientes con estenosis>50% y los que no la presentaban (0,59 vs 0,68; p=0,05). Los pacientes con un ITB menor de 0,7 tienen mayor prevalencia de estenosis severa-oclusión que los pacientes con un ITB mayor (10,6% vs 1,4%; p=0,029).ConclusionesLa presencia de estenosis carotídea asintomática no es infrecuente en pacientes con arteriopatía periférica. En nuestro estudio la presencia de soplo carotídeo y un ITB menor de 0,7 se comportan como marcadores de riesgo de enfermedad carotídea(AU)

Introduction and objectivesTo establish both the prevalence of carotid stenosis-occlusion in patients with lower limb intermittent claudication referred to our Department between May 2007 and February 2008, and the risk factors of carotid disease.Patients and methodsCross-sectional design. Exclusion criteria: patients with previous neurological symptoms and patients with previous carotid echographic Doppler (Echo-SAT). We recorded cardiovascular risk factors, personal history of ischaemic heart disease and the presence of carotid bruit. We also performed an ankle-brachial index (ABI) and a carotid echo-Doppler.ResultsWe analysed 173 patients, 89.6% of whom were male, with a mean age of 68.1 years and 19.7% of carotid bruit. The prevalence of >30 and >50% carotid stenosis was 15% and 9.8%, respectively, and the mean ABI was 0.68. We observed a statistically significant association between the presence of a carotid bruit and that of any degree of carotid stenosis (OR=6; P=.0001), or the diagnosis of >50% stenosis (OR=5.9; P=.0001). There were also significant differences in the ABI values of patients with carotid stenosis compared to patients without it (0.58 vs 0.69, P=.05). The patients with an ABI less than 0.7 had a higher prevalence of severe stenosis-occlusion than the patients with a higher ABI (10.6% vs 1.4%, P=.029).ConclusionsThe presence of asymptomatic carotid stenosis is not uncommon in patients with peripheral artery disease. In our study, the presence of a carotid bruit and an ABI <0.7 have shown to be markers of carotid disease(AU)

Eficacia del dispositivo Viabahn ® en el tratamiento de la enfermedad oclusiva del sector femoropoplíteo / Efficacy of Viabahn ® in the treatment of superficial femoral arterial occlusive disease

IntroducciónLos avances en la cirugía endovascular han aportado nuevas opciones terapéuticas en la enfermedad oclusiva del sector femoropoplíteo.ObjetivoEvaluar la eficacia del dispositivo Viabahn® para tratar la enfermedad oclusiva del sector femoropoplíteo.Material y métodosDesde 2005 hasta 2010 se han tratado 30 pacientes con oclusiones/estenosis de la femoral superficial y poplítea supragenicular mediante dispositivo Viabahn®. El seguimiento se ha realizado con datos clínicos, hemodinámicos y ecográficos al mes, a los 3, 6 y 12 meses y, posteriormente, al año.ResultadosSe han tratado 30 pacientes, con una edad media de 69 años (rango: 45-82), que incluyen un 87% de varones (26), 57% de diabéticos(17), 73% de hipertensos (22) y 87% de fumadores (26). Presentaban isquemia crónica en estadio de Fontaine IIb 13,3%, III 46,7% y IV 40%. Las lesiones tratadas fueron TASC II A 16,7% (5), B 60% (18) y C 23,3% (7). Veinticinco (83,3%) eran oclusiones crónicas. La longitud media de la lesión fue de 69mm (rango: 20-150mm). En dos casos se produjeron complicaciones derivadas del procedimiento (una trombosis precoz y una embolización). El seguimiento mediano fue de 16 meses. La permeabilidad primaria fue del 74,7, 65,4 y 56% a los 6, 12 y 24 meses. La permeabilidad primaria asistida fue del 80,7, 75,3, y 64,6% a los 6, 12 y 24 meses. Hubo 7 trombosis tardías (23,3%). La permeabilidad secundaria fue del 84,2, 78,9 y 69% a los 6, 12 y 24 meses.ConclusionesEl tratamiento de las lesiones crónicas del sector femoropoplíteo con endoprótesis tiene aceptables resultados clínicos en pacientes seleccionados. Sin embargo, es necesario un seguimiento estricto para mantener una correcta permeabilidad(AU)

IntroductionAdvances in endovascular therapy have provided new options for treatment of femoropopliteal disease.ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of Viabahn® for the treatment of femoral-popliteal artery disease.Materials and methodsFrom 2005 until 2010, a Viabahn® endoprosthesis was implanted in 30 limbs of 30 patients to treat superficial femoral artery and above-knee occlusive lesions. Follow-up evaluation with ankle-brachial indices and colour flow duplex imaging were performed at 1, 3, 6, 12 months, and then, each year.ResultsA total of 30 patients were treated, with a mean age of 69 years (range 45-82), including 87% (26) male, 57% (17) diabetic, 73% (22) hypertensive, and 87% (26) current or former smokers. Patients had chronic limb ischemia in Fontaine stages IIb 13.3%, III (46.7%), and IV (40%). The treated lesions were TASC II A 16.7% (5), B 60% (18) and C 23.3% (7). There were 25 chronic occlusions (83.3%) and 5 stenoses (16.7%). The average length of treated lesions was 69mm (range 20-150mm). In 2 cases, major complications (1 early thrombosis and 1 thromboembolism) required additional surgery. The mean follow-up was 16 months. The primary patency rates were 74.7%, 65.4%, and 56% at 6, 12 and 24 months. Four restenoses were successfully treated. The assisted primary patency rates were 80.7%, 75.3%, and 64.6% at 6, 12 and 24 months. Late thrombosis was observed in 7 cases (23.3%). The secondary patency rates were 84.2%, 78.9%, and 69% at 6, 12, and 24 months.ConclusionsManagement of femoro-popliteal arterial occlusive lesions with stent-grafts has acceptable clinical results in selected patients. However, strict monitoring is needed, and a high number of reoperations are expected to ensure proper patency(AU)

Efecto del bosentan en pacientes con úlceras digitales de etiología isquémica / Effect of bosentan in patients with ischaemic digital ulcers

Introducción. La isquemia tisular es el resultado fi nal de un proceso en el que interviene un grannúmero de moléculas que median la interacción endotelio-músculo liso vascular, entre las quese encuentra la endotelina-1 (ET-1), que es una molécula sintetizada por el endotelio vascular yque induce vasoconstricción, es proinfl amatoria y tiene acción mitógena.Objetivo. Evaluar el resultado del bosentan, un antagonista dual de receptores de endotelina,en el tratamiento de las úlceras digitales de etiología isquémica.Pacientes y método. Han sido tratados con bosentan 18 pacientes con úlceras digitales secundariasa esclerodermia o por otra causa (indicación fuera de guía), con afectación importante devasos distales e irrevascularizables.Resultados. La etiología ha sido arteriosclerosis en 11 pacientes, enfermedad de Buerguer en 5,ateroembolismo en 1 y esclerodermia en 1 paciente. El tiempo mediano de tratamiento ha sido90 días. Tres (16,7 %) pacientes precisaron de amputación menor, y un caso, de amputación infracondílea(5,5 %). No se produjo elevación de transaminasas en ninguno de los casos. En 16 pacientes(88,9 %) mejoró el dolor y en 11 (61,1 %) se redujo el tamaño de las lesiones.Conclusiones. En este estudio se presenta por primera vez que el tratamiento con bosentanpuede ser útil en pacientes irrevascularizables, mejorando el dolor y el tamaño de las lesiones,con una baja incidencia de amputaciones mayores a corto plazo(AU)

Introduction. Tissue ischaemia is the end result of a process involving a large number ofmolecules that mediate the endothelium-vascular smooth muscle interaction, among which isfound endothelin-1 (ET-1), a molecule synthesized by the vascular endothelium and inducesvasoconstriction, is proinfl ammatory, and has mitogenic action.Objective. To evaluate the use of bosentan, a dual endothelin receptor antagonist in thetreatment of ischaemic digital ulcers.Patients and method. A total of 18 patients were treated with bosentan for digital ulcerssecondary to scleroderma or other cause (outside indication guidelines), with severe involvementof distal vessels and non-revascularisable.Results. The aetiology was atherosclerosis in 11 patients, Buerguer disease in 5, embolism in 1,and scleroderma in 1 patient. The median length of treatment was 90 days. Three (16.7 %)patients required minor amputation and 1 case (5.5 %) below-knee amputation. There was noincrease in transaminases in any case. There was an improvement of pain in 16 patients (88.9 %)and 11 (61.1 %) had decreased the size of the lesions.Conclusions. This is the first study to show that treatment with bosentan may be useful innon-revascularisable patients, improving pain and lesion size, with a low incidence of majoramputations in the short term(AU)

Tratamiento de las oclusiones crónicas en el sector femoropoplíteo mediante técnicas endovasculares / Treatment of chronic femoropopliteal occlusions using endovascular techniques

Introducción. El avance de las técnicas endovasculares ha proporcionado nuevas opciones en eltratamiento de lesiones complejas en el sector femopoplíteo.Objetivo. Evaluar los resultados del tratamiento endovascular en la patología oclusiva crónicadel sector femoropoplíteo.Material y métodos. Desde febrero de 1997 hasta febrero de 2009 se han incluido todas las oclusionescrónicas limitadas a la arteria femoral superfi cial y primera porción de poplítea intervenidasmediante tratamiento endovascular. Se han analizado la comorbilidad y las variables quepudieron relacionarse con reestenosis y salvación de extremidad. Las modalidades de tratamientohan sido la angioplastia simple y la angioplastia asociada a stent recubierto o norecubierto.Resultados. Durante el periodo de estudio han sido tratados 52 pacientes, con una edad mediade 71,7 años (40-94), 69,2 % varones, 53,8 % diabéticos, 69,2 % fumadores y 67,3 % hipertensos.Las lesiones tratadas (TASC II) fueron: 25 % tipo A, 46,2 % tipo B y 28,8 % tipo C. La longitud mediade la lesión fue de 73,6 mm (20-150). Hubo tres embolizaciones distales peroperatorias y cuatrooclusiones precoces. El seguimiento mediano fue de 18 meses (1-115), basado en datos clínicos,hemodinámicos y ecográfi cos. Permeabilidad primaria (3, 6, 12 y 24 meses, respectivamente):85 %, 76,8 %, 60 % y 52,5 %; primaria asistida: 85 %, 82,3 %, 74 % y 74 %; secundaria: 91,4 %, 86 %,76,4 % y 76,4 %. Ocho oclusiones tardías no pudieron ser recanalizadas, por lo que se realizóbypass (6 casos) y amputación (2 casos).Conclusiones. El tratamiento de lesiones complejas del sector femoropoplíteo, como son lasoclusiones crónicas, mediante técnicas endovasculares es una opción segura y efi caz en pacientesseleccionados(AU)

Introduction. Advances in endovascular techniques have provided new options in the treatmentof complex infrainguinal occlusive lesions.Aims. To evaluate the effectiveness and patency of endovascular treatment in patients withfemoropopliteal occlusive disease.Methods. All patients undergoing endovascular interventions for superfi cial femoral artery andabove knee popliteal artery obstructions between February 1997 and February 2009 wereretrospectively reviewed and assessed for comorbidities, operative and follow-up variablespotentially associated with restenoses and limb salvage.Results. During the study period, 52 patients were treated. Patients were 71.7 years (range40 to 94), 69.2 % male, 53.8 % diabetic, 69.2 % current or former smokers, and 67.3 % hypertensive.Lesions were 28.8 % TASC II C, 46.2 % TASC II B, and 25 % TASC II A. Mean recanalization length was73.6 mm (range 20 to 150 mm). There were three embolizations, and four early thrombosis.Mean follow-up time was 18 months (range 1 to 115), based on clinical, hemodynamic,and ultrasound data. Primary patency rates were 85 %, 76.8 %, 60 % and 52.5 % at 3, 6,12 and 24 months. Ten restenoses were successfully treated. The assisted primary patency rateswere 85 %, 82.3 %, 74 % and 74 % at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. Eight complete occlusions could notbe reverted by a second recanalization procedure, and were treated by surgical bypass (6 cases)and amputation (2 cases). The secondary patency rates were 91.4 %, 86 %, 76.4 % and 76.4 % at 3,6, 12, and 24 months.Conclusions. Endovascular recanalization is a viable and effective strategy for lower limbrevascularization in selected patients(AU)

Aneurisma poplíteo roto resuelto mediante tratamiento endovascular / Resolution of a ruptured popliteal aneurysm by endovascular treatment

Introducción. Los aneurismas poplíteos son los aneurismas periféricos más frecuentes, siendo habitualmenteasintomáticos. Las complicaciones más frecuentes son la trombosis y la embolización, mientras que la rotura no resultahabitual. El diagnóstico precoz es importante porque la rotura de un aneurisma poplíteo suele acompañarse de pérdidade la extremidad. Caso clínico. Varón de 75 años de edad con clínica inicial sugerente de trombosis venosa profunda, alcual se le diagnosticó un aneurisma poplíteo roto mediante eco-Doppler. El tratamiento del aneurisma pudo realizarsemediante la implantación de un stent recubierto de PTFE, con buen resultado técnico. La correcta exclusión del aneurisma,así como la ausencia de sintomatología, se mantienen un mes después del alta. Conclusión. Si bien el tratamientoclásico ha consistido en ligadura y exclusión del aneurisma y la realización de un bypass venoso o protésico, el tratamientoendoluminal con stent recubierto supone una alternativa poco invasiva y que puede resultar segura y eficaz paratratar a estos pacientes. El seguimiento permitirá comprobar si el tratamiento es también válido a largo plazo(AU)

Introduction. Popliteal aneurysms are the most common peripheral aneurysms, and are usually asymptomatic.The most frequent complications are thrombosis and embolisation, while rupture is not very usual. Early diagnosis isimportant because the rupture of a popliteal aneurysm is usually leads to loss of the limb. Case report. A 75-year-oldmale patient with clinical features that initially suggested deep vein thrombosis, in whom a ruptured popliteal aneurysmwas diagnosed by means of Doppler ultrasound. Treatment of the aneurysm was carried out by placement of a PTFEcoveredstent, with good technical results. Both correct exclusion of the aneurysm and absence of symptoms continueone month after discharge from hospital. Conclusions. Although the classic treatment has consisted in ligation andexclusion of the aneurysm and performing a venous or prosthetic bypass, endoluminal treatment with a covered stentrepresents an alternative that is barely invasive and may well constitute a safe and efficient method for treating thesepatients. The follow-up will make it possible to determine whether the treatment is also valid in the long term(AU)

Tratamiento de la patología oclusiva de la arteria femoral superficial con el dispositivo Viabahn / Treatment of occlusive pathologies of the superficial femoral artery with a Viabahn device

Objetivos. Presentamos los resultados del tratamiento de la patología oclusiva de la arteria femoral superficial (AFS) con el stent recubierto autoexpandible Viabahn –grupo endovascular (EV)-. Comparamos dichos resultados con los obtenidos con el bypass (BP) protésico a primera porción de poplítea –grupo BP-. Pacientes y métodos. Diseño retrospectivo. 46 pacientes (46 extremidades) se han intervenido en 5 años. Indicación de tratamiento: claudicación intermitente o isquemia crítica. Lesiones tratadas: B o C de la clasificación TASC (TransAtlantic Inter. Society Consensus) II. Seguimiento clínico y mediante estudio hemodinámico. En el grupo EV también mediante eco-Doppler. Se ha realizado un estudio descriptivo de permeabilidad de la serie y un análisis de factores pronósticos. Resultados. Grupo EV, 20 pacientes (43,5%), y grupo BP, 26 pacientes (56,5%). La indicación clínica fue mayoritariamente (85%) isquemia crítica en ambos grupos. Hubo diferencias en el tipo de lesión intervenida, TASC-B (60%) en el grupo EV y TASC-C (85%) en el grupo BP (p=0,002). En el grupo EV, 3 pacientes presentaron fracaso hemodinámico y 4 oclusiones (1 amputación mayor). En el grupo-BP se ocluyeron 4 injerto (1 amputación mayor). La permeabilidad primaria y secundaria al año para ambos procedimientos ha sido: grupo EV, 50 y 75%; grupo BP, 87 y 91%. Conclusiones. El tratamiento EV con el dispositivo Viabahn en lesiones tipo B en el sector femoropoplíteo ofrece buenos resultados inmediatos durante el seguimiento. Si bien los resultados no son tan favorables en lesiones tipo C, el tratamiento EV podría ser una alternativa al BP supragenicular en estenosis largas o en tándem, especialmente si se precisa recanalización de la AFS

Aim. We present the outcomes of treatment of occlusive pathologies in the superficial femoral artery (SFA) using the Viabahn self-expanding covered stent – the endovscular (EV) group. We compared these results with those obtained using a prosthetic bypass (BP) in the first portion of the popliteal –the BP group. Patients and methods. The study followed a retrospective design. Over a period of 5 years, surgery was performed on 46 patients (46 limbs). Indication for treatment: intermittent claudication or critical ischaemia. Lesions that were treated: B or C on the TASC (TransAtlantic Inter Society Consensus) II classification. Clinical monitoring by means of haemodynamic studies. Doppler ultrasound was also used in the EV group. Both a descriptive study of the patency of the series and an analysis of prognostic factors were carried out. Results. EV group, 20 patients (43,5%), and BP group, 26 patients (56,5%). The clinical indication was mostly critical inchaemia (85%) in the two groups. There were differences in the type of lesion that was treated by surgery: TASC-B (60%) in the EV group and TASC-C (85%) in the BP group (p=0.002). In the EV group, 3 patients presented haemodynamic failure and there were 4 occlusions (1 major amputation). In the BP group 4 grafts became occluded (1 major amputation). Primary and secondary patency at one year for the two procedures was: EV group, 50 and 75%; BP group, 87 and 91%. Conclusions. EV treatment with a Viabahn device in type B lesions in the femoropopliteal segment offers food outcomes, both immediately and during the follow-up. Although the results are not as favourable in type C lesions, EV treatment could be and alternative to above-the-knee BP in long or tandem stenoses, especially if recanalisation of the SFA is required

Development and validation of a new Spanish instrument to measure health-related quality of life in patients with allergic rhinitis: the ESPRINT questionnaire.

OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate an instrument to measure health-related quality of life (HRQOL) specific to patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) and primarily for use in Spanish and Spanish-speaking populations. METHODS: An initial item pool was generated from literature review, focus groups with AR patients, and consultations with clinical experts. Item reduction was performed using clinimetric and psychometric approaches after administration of the item pool to 400 AR patients. The resulting instrument's internal consistency, test-retest (2-4 weeks) reliability, known groups and convergent validity, and sensitivity to change were tested in a longitudinal, observational, multicenter study in 210 AR patients who also completed the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ). RESULTS: The new questionnaire took a mean (SD) of 7.1 (5.4) minutes to answer. Floor and ceiling effects were less than 15% on all dimensions. Cronbach's alpha values and intraclass correlation coefficient values for six of the sevendimensions and the overall score exceeded 0.70. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.01) were observed on all ESPRINT-28 dimensions and the overall score between patients with mild (mean overall score 1.97, SD 0.99), moderate (mean overall score 2.78, SD 0.88), and severe AR (mean overall score 3.89, SD 0.87). Patients with persistent AR had worse scores (P < 0.05) on all dimensions than patients with intermittent AR. Correlations between the ESPRINT-28 and the RQLQ were generally as expected. Effect sizes for score changes between the two study visits ranged from 0.96 to 1.76 for individual dimensions and the overall score. CONCLUSIONS: This new, Spanish-developed instrument to measure HRQOL in AR patients has shown good reliability, validity, and sensitivity to change. It has also proved easy to use and administer.

[Contralateral occlusion: does it affect the therapeutic management of carotid stenosis?]. / Oclusion contralateral: afecta al tratamiento de la estenosis carotidea?

INTRODUCTION: Because the contralateral carotid artery occlusion has been considered a high risk factor for ipsilateral carotid endarterectomy, some authors indicate a stenting procedure in these cases. AIM: To evaluate whether there are different preoperative factors in patients with contralateral carotid occlusion and if the latter is associated to worse perioperative outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analysed 476 carotid endarterectomies performed in 1994-2004. 57 cases (12.0%) had contralateral carotid occlusion. We analysed the results in patients with contralateral carotid occlusion and we compared them with the patients with contralateral patency. Prospective cohort study. RESULTS: There were no differences in preoperative risk factors or comorbidity. Contralateral occlusion was associated to preoperative symptoms: 75.4-58.9%; OR: 1.2 (1.1-1.5); p = 0.02. The patients operated on under local anaesthesia who had contralateral occlusion and previous stroke, had a higher rate of cerebral ischaemia during carotid cross-clamping: 66.7-11.3%; RR: 5.8 (3.1-10.9); p = 0.002. Morbimortality was 2.3% in the global series and 0.0% in patients with contralateral carotid occlusion. Over 80-year-old patients with contralateral carotid occlusion had a higher global rate of cardiac complications: 28.6-0.0% (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In our series, patients with contralateral carotid occlusion do not have a higher risk preoperative profile o higher perioperative morbimortality. Contralateral carotid occlusion does not justify, by itself, the endovascular treatment of an ipsilateral carotid stenosis.

Oclusión contralateral: ¿afecta al tratamiento de la estenosis carotídea? / Contralateral occlusion: Does it affect the therapeutic management of carotid stenosis?

La oclusión de la carótida contralateral (OC) a la intervenida se ha considerado factor de alto riesgopara endarterectomía carotídea, siendo criterio de realización de angioplastia-stent para algunos autores. Objetivos. Determinar si existen factores que caractericen a los pacientes con OC y si ésta se asocia a peor evolución perioperatoria. Pacientesy métodos. Se analizan 476 endarterectomías carotídeas realizadas entre 1994 y 2004. Presentaban OC 57 casos(12,0%). Se analizaron los resultados en los pacientes con OC y se compararon con los que la tenían permeable. Estudio de cohortes prospectivo. Resultados. No hubo diferencias en los factores de riesgo preoperatorio ni en la comorbilidad. La oclusión contralateral se asoció a presencia de síntomas preoperatorios: 75,4-58,9%; OR: 1,2 (1,1-1,5); p = 0,02. Entre los intervenidoscon anestesia regional, los pacientes con OC e ictus previo presentaron mayor incidencia de isquemia cerebral durante el clampaje carotídeo: 66,7-11,3%; RR: 5,8 (3,1-10,9); p = 0,002. La morbimortalidad global fue de 2,3%, y en el grupo con OC, 0,0%. Los mayores de 80 años con oclusión contralateral tuvieron más incidencia de complicación cardiológica: 28,6-0,0%, (p = 0,01). Conclusiones. En esta serie, los pacientes con OC no tienen perfil preoperatorio de alto riesgo ni mayormorbimortalidad perioperatoria. La OC no justifica, por sí sola, el tratamiento endovascular de la estenosis carotídea

Because the contralateral carotid artery occlusion has been considered a high risk factor for ipsilateralcarotid endarterectomy, some authors indicate a stenting procedure in these cases. Aim. To evaluate whether there are different preoperative factors in patients with contralateral carotid occlusion and if the latter is associated to worse perioperative outcome. Patients and methods. We analysed 476 carotid endarterectomies performed in 1994-2004. 57 cases (12.0%) had contralateral carotid occlusion. We analysed the results in patients with contralateral carotid occlusion and wecompared them with the patients with contralateral patency. Prospective cohort study. Results. There were no differences in preoperative risk factors or comorbidity. Contralateral occlusion was associated to preoperative symptoms: 75.4-58.9%; OR:1.2 (1.1-1.5); p = 0.02. The patients operated on under local anaesthesia who had contralateral occlusion and previous stroke, had a higher rate of cerebral ischaemia during carotid cross-clamping: 66.7-11.3%; RR: 5.8 (3.1-10.9); p = 0.002. Morbimortality was 2.3% in the global series and 0.0% in patients with contralateral carotid occlusion. Over 80-year-old patients with contralateral carotid occlusion had a higher global rate of cardiac complications: 28.6-0.0% (p = 0.01). Conclusions. In our series, patients with contralateral carotid occlusion do not have a higher risk preoperative profile ohigher perioperative morbimortality. Contralateral carotid occlusion does not justify, by itself, the endovascular treatment of an ipsilateral carotid stenosis

[Immediate and long-term outcomes of carotid endarterectomies in eighty-year-olds]. / Resultados inmediatos y a largo plazo de la endarterectomía carotídea en octogenarios.

AIMS: To compare the immediate results obtained after performing a carotid endarterectomy (cEDA) in patients in their eighties with those of younger patients, and to determine survival and stroke-free times following carotid surgery in the two groups. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective data was collected regarding a series of 319 cases of cEDA (302 patients) performed between January 1998 and December 2004. Group 1: patients aged 80 or above. Group 2: the rest of the series. Sample follow-up: clinical and by means of carotid duplex. RESULTS: Mean age of the sample: 70.7 years (41-86). Group 1 was made up of 30 patients (9.4% of the series). Mortality rate: group 1, 3.3%; group 2, 1%; p=0.32. Major stroke-death incidence: group 1, 6.7%; group 2, 1.4%; p= 0.1. Median follow-up time: 36 months (1-87). Total mortality of the series throughout follow-up: 36 patients (12.6%). Mortality rate: group 1, 25%; group 2, 11.3%; p=0.04; relative risk: 2.6 (1.02-6.7). Stroke: group 1, 14.3%; group 2, 2.3%; p=0.01; relative risk: 7 (1.8-26.4). At five years, 96.7% were free of strokes (group 1: 84%; group 2, 97.7%; p=0.0001). At five years, 82.4% survived free of strokes (group 1: 61%; group 2, 84.4%; p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of perioperative complications is higher in patients in their eighties than in younger patients, although the increase is not statistically significant. Even though the risk of a stroke during follow-up was higher in the eighty-year-olds, 84% of the subjects in this group remained stroke-free at five years. The high stroke-free survival rate in the medium to long term means that cEDA can be especially beneficial for patients in their eighties.

Resultados inmediatos y a largo plazo de la endarterectomía carotídea en octogenarios / Immediate and long-term outcomes of carotid endarterectomies in eighty-year-olds

Objetivos. Comparar los resultados inmediatos de la endarterectomía carotídea (EDAc) en pacientes octogenarios con los de pacientes de menor edad. Determinar la supervivencia y el tiempo libre de ictus tras la cirugía carotídea en ambos grupos. Pacientes y métodos. Se ha realizado una recogida prospectiva de una serie de 319 EDAc (302 pacientes) desde enero de 1998 a diciembre de 2004. Grupo 1: pacientes iguales o mayores de 80 años. Grupo 2: resto de la serie. Seguimiento de la muestra: clínico y mediante dúplex carotídeo. Resultados. Edad media de la muestra: 70,7 años (41-86). El grupo 1 está compuesto por 30 pacientes (9,4% de la serie). Mortalidad: grupo 1: 3,3%, grupo 2: 1%, p = 0,32. Incidencia de ictus mayor-muerte: grupo 1: 6,7%, grupo 2: 1,4%, p = 0,1. Tiempo mediano de seguimiento: 36 meses (1-87). Mortalidad total de la serie durante el seguimiento: 36 pacientes (12,6%). Mortalidad: grupo 1: 25%, grupo 2: 11,3%, p = 0,04, riesgo relativo: 2,6 (1,02-6,7). Ictus: grupo 1: 14,3%, grupo 2: 2,3%, p = 0,01, riesgo relativo: 7 (1,8-26,4). El 96,7% ha permanecido libre de ictus a los cinco años (grupo 1: 84%, grupo 2: 97,7%, p = 0,0001). El 82,4% de la serie ha sobrevivido libre de ictus a los cinco años (grupo 1: 61%, grupo 2: 84,4%, p = 0,004). Conclusiones. Los pacientes octogenarios presentan un mayor riesgo de complicaciones perioperatorias, aunque no estadísticamente significativas, con respecto a los pacientes más jóvenes. Si bien el riesgo de ictus durante el seguimiento ha sido mayor en los octogenarios, el 84% de los sujetos de este grupo permanecía libre de ictus a los cinco años. Los octogenarios se podrían beneficiar especialmente de la EDAc, con supervivencia libre de ictus elevada a medio-largo plazo

AIMS. To compare the immediate results obtained after performing a carotid endarterectomy (cEDA) in patients in their eighties with those of younger patients, and to determine survival and stroke-free times following carotid surgery in the two groups. PATIENTS AND METHODS. Retrospective data was collected regarding a series of 319 cases of cEDA (302 patients) performed between January 1998 and December 2004. Group 1: patients aged 80 or above. Group 2: the rest of the series. Sample follow-up: clinical and by means of carotid duplex. RESULTS. Mean age of the sample: 70.7 years (41-86). Group 1 was made up of 30 patients (9.4% of the series). Mortality rate: group 1, 3.3%; group 2, 1%; p = 0.32. Major stroke-death incidence: group 1, 6.7%; group 2, 1.4%; p = 0.1. Median follow-up time: 36 months (1-87). Total mortality of the series throughout follow-up: 36 patients (12.6%). Mortality rate: group 1, 25%; group 2, 11.3%; p = 0.04; relative risk: 2.6 (1.02-6.7). Stroke: group 1, 14.3%; group 2, 2.3%; p = 0.01; relative risk: 7 (1.8-26.4). At five years, 96.7% were free of strokes (group 1: 84%; group 2, 97.7%; p = 0.0001). At five years, 82.4% survived free of strokes (group 1: 61%; group 2, 84.4%; p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS. The risk of perioperative complications is higher in patients in their eighties than in younger patients, although the increase is not statistically significant. Even though the risk of a stroke during follow-up was higher in the eighty-year-olds, 84% of the subjects in this group remained stroke-free at five years. The high stroke-free survival rate in the medium to long term means that cEDA can be especially beneficial for patients in their eighties