Endovascular Treatment of Congenital Portosystemic Shunt: A Single-Center Prospective Study.

Purpose: To design a prospective study on endovascular closure of congenital portosystemic shunts. The primary endpoint was to assess the safety of endovascular closure. The secondary endpoint was to evaluate the clinical, analytical and imaging outcomes of treatment. Methods: Fifteen patients (age range: 2 days to 21 years; 10 male) were referred to our center due to congenital portosystemic shunts. The following data were collected prior to treatment: age, sex, medical history, clinical and analytical data, urine trimethylaminuria, abdominal-US, and body-CT. The following data were collected at the time of intervention: anatomical and hemodynamic characteristics of the shunts, device used, and closure success. The following data were collected at various post-intervention time points: during hospital stay (to confirm shunt closure and detect complications) and at one year after (for clinical, analytical, and imaging purposes). Results: The treatment was successful in 12 participants, migration of the device was observed in two, while acute splanchnic thrombosis was observed in one. Off-label devices were used in attempting to close the side-to-side shunts, and success was achieved using Amplatzer™ Ductus-Occluder and Amplatzer™ Muscular-Vascular-Septal-Defect-Occluder. The main changes were: increased prothrombin activity (p=0.043); decreased AST, ALT, GGT, and bilirubin (p=0.007, p=0.056, p=0.036, p=0.013); thrombocytopenia resolution (p=0.131); expansion of portal veins (p=0.005); normalization of Doppler portal flow (100%); regression of liver nodules (p=0.001); ammonia normalization (p=0.003); and disappearance of trimethylaminuria (p=0.285). Conclusion: Endovascular closure is effective. Our results support the indication of endovascular closure for side-to-side shunts and for cases of congenital absence of portal vein.

Endovascular Closure Resolves Trimethylaminuria Caused by Congenital Portosystemic Shunts.

This study aimed to report three new cases of an association between two rare conditions, congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) and trimethylaminuria (TMAU), and the efficacy of endovascular closure of the CPSS for resolving TMAU. Between November 2014 and April 2017, 15 patients with CPSS were enrolled in this prospective study to assess the efficacy of percutaneous endovascular shunt closure. Three patients presented with clinical symptoms of TMAU that were confirmed by urine analysis of trimethylamine (TMA) and TMA n-oxide. One year after endovascular closure of the congenital portosystemic shunt, the same parameters were evaluated were obtained and the values were compared to the pretreatment values. The results indicated the disappearance of clinical symptoms of TMAU and normalization of the urine test parameters in two patients and no changes in one patient, who developed new portosystemic communications.

Utilidad de la tomografía computarizada multidetector para identificar la localización de las perforaciones gastrointestinales / Use of multidetector computed tomography for locating the site of gastrointestinal tract perforations

Introducción Valorar la capacidad de la tomografía computarizada multidetector (TCMD) para identificar la localización de la perforación gastrointestinal (GI).Material y métodos Análisis retrospectivo de 98 pacientes con neumoperitoneo en la TCMD. Dos radiólogos expertos evaluaron la presencia o ausencia de signos radiológicos directos (extravasación del contraste oral; defecto focal de la pared; defecto focal en reconstrucciones multiplanares) e indirectos (aire libre supramesocólico; inframesocólico; supra- e inframesocólico; burbujas de gas adyacentes a la pared; líquido libre; engrosamiento parietal segmentario; trabeculación de la grasa; abscesos) de perforación para identificar su ubicación. Se determinó la concordancia kappa entre los radiólogos para identificar el lugar de la perforación y la presencia o ausencia de cada uno de los signos radiológicos; así como la correlación kappa de la localización detectada mediante TCMD y su confirmación o no en la intervención quirúrgica. Se calculó para cada signo radiológico su frecuencia, sensibilidad, especificidad, valor predictivo positivo (VPP) y negativo (VPN).Resultados Se diagnóstico correctamente el sitio de la perforación en un 80% de los casos. El índice kappa entre radiólogos para la localización fue excelente (0,919), variando para cada signo radiológico entre 0,5 y 1. La localización más frecuente de la perforación en la intervención quirúrgica (33,7%) y en la TCMD (40,8%) fue colon sigmoideo/recto. «Burbujas de gas adyacentes a la pared” fue el signo con mayor S (91%) y el «engrosamiento parietal segmentario» el que tuvo un mayor VPP (90%).Conclusión La TCMD permite localizar las perforaciones gastrointestinales con una alta sensibilidad (80%) y excelente correlación interobservador (AU)

Introduction The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) for locating the site of gastrointestinal tract perforations and to determine the most predictive signs in this diagnosis. Material and methods A total of 98 patients with pneumoperitoneum on MDCT were retrospectively analysed. Two experienced radiologists reviewed the presence or absence of direct signs (extravasation of oral contrast, focal defect in the bowel wall, focal defect with multiplanar reformations images) and indirect signs (free air in supramesocolic, inframesocolic, supramesocolic and inframesocolic compartments, concentration of extraluminal air bubbles adjacent to the bowel wall, extraluminal fluid, segmental bowel-wall thickening, perivisceral fat stranding, abscess) to identify the site of the perforation. The Kappa index was evaluated between radiologists to determine the site of perforation and for each predictive sign, as well as Kappa index between the site of perforation detected with MDCT and the site proven at surgery. The frequency, sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive value (PPV and NPV, respectively) were calculated. Results The perforation site was identified correctly in 80.4% of cases. Kappa index between radiologists to identify the site was excellent (0.919), varying between 0.5-1.0 for each radiological sign. The most frequent site of perforation at surgery (33.7%) and in MDCT (40.82%) was the sigmoid colon/rectum. Concentration of extraluminal air bubbles adjacent to the bowel wall was the most sensitive (91%) sign and “segmental bowel-wall thickening” had the highest PPV (90%).Conclusion MDCT is useful for locating the site of GI perforation, with a high sensitivity (80%) and an excellent agreement between radiologists (AU)

[Use of multidetector computed tomography for locating the site of gastrointestinal tract perforations]. / Utilidad de la tomografía computarizada multidetector para identificar la localización de las perforaciones gastrointestinales.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) for locating the site of gastrointestinal tract perforations and to determine the most predictive signs in this diagnosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 98 patients with pneumoperitoneum on MDCT were retrospectively analysed. Two experienced radiologists reviewed the presence or absence of direct signs (extravasation of oral contrast, focal defect in the bowel wall, focal defect with multiplanar reformations images) and indirect signs (free air in supramesocolic, inframesocolic, supramesocolic and inframesocolic compartments, concentration of extraluminal air bubbles adjacent to the bowel wall, extraluminal fluid, segmental bowel-wall thickening, perivisceral fat stranding, abscess) to identify the site of the perforation. The Kappa index was evaluated between radiologists to determine the site of perforation and for each predictive sign, as well as Kappa index between the site of perforation detected with MDCT and the site proven at surgery. The frequency, sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive value (PPV and NPV, respectively) were calculated. RESULTS: The perforation site was identified correctly in 80.4% of cases. Kappa index between radiologists to identify the site was excellent (0.919), varying between 0.5-1.0 for each radiological sign. The most frequent site of perforation at surgery (33.7%) and in MDCT (40.82%) was the sigmoid colon/rectum. Concentration of extraluminal air bubbles adjacent to the bowel wall was the most sensitive (91%) sign and "segmental bowel-wall thickening" had the highest PPV (90%). CONCLUSION: MDCT is useful for locating the site of GI perforation, with a high sensitivity (80%) and an excellent agreement between radiologists.

Trapped on the "whirl": diagnostic sign on emergency CT.

The "whirl sign" is an uncommon finding on emergency CT. However, it is easy to overlook if not kept in mind. Its recognition is of capital importance, being most of its causes potentially lethal. Surgical treatment is also mandatory when signs of complication are found. The whirl sign is usually found associated to midgut, cecal and sigmoid volvulus, small-bowel volvulus and closed-loop obstructions, and post-surgical mesenteric windows (including retroanastomotic hernias). CT is an optimal imaging technique to depict the so-called sign and associated CT features suggesting complication (circumferential wall thickening, pneumatosis intestinalis, pneumoperitoneum, mesenteric fat stranding, free intraperitoneal fluid, mesenteric haziness). Radiologists must be able to recognize the whirl sign and seek associated findings that strongly support the diagnosis of a spectrum of entities, some of them lethal if no treatment is established.

Dosis de radiación recibida por el paciente durante el tratamiento endovascular de los aneurismas de aorta abdominal / The radiation dose received by patients during endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms

Introducción. Las técnicas endovasculares se utilizan cada vez con mayor frecuencia en el tratamiento de los aneurismas de aorta abdominal (AAA), para lo que es necesario emplear mayores dosis de radiación en los pacientes, tanto en el diagnóstico como en el procedimiento y su seguimiento posterior, que en el tratamiento quirúrgico convencional. Es imprescindible delimitar los niveles de referencia de dosis de radiación necesarios para la ejecución del procedimiento. Objetivo. Cuantificar la dosis total que reciben los pacientes sometidos a esta modalidad de tratamiento. Pacientes y métodos. Se analiza de forma observacional-prospectiva a 46 pacientes con AAA tratados mediante abordaje endovascular en el año 2004, de los cuales 27 reciben un montaje aortomonoilíaco y 19 bifurcado. Resultados. Se obtiene una dosis de radiación total de 48,62 mSv el primer año; esta dosis no difiere entre los pacientes a los que se les coloca una endoprótesis aortomonoilíaca o una bifurcada. Conclusiones. La dosis obtenida no produce un efecto nocivo apreciable el primer año en lo que respecta a efectos deterministas de la dosis empleada. La mayor parte de la dosis recibida se debe a los estudios con tomografía axial computarizada. La resonancia magnética puede jugar un papel muy importante para la reducción de la dosis necesaria en el futuro

Introduction. It is becoming increasingly more frequent to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) using endovascular techniques and as a result the doses of radiation patients receive, both in the diagnosis and intervention as well as in the ensuing follow-up, are higher than in conventional surgical treatment. It is essential to define the reference radiation dosage levels that are needed to perform the operation. Aim. To quantify the total dose received by patients submitted to this kind of treatment. Patients and methods. An observational-prospective study was conducted to analyse 46 patients with AAA who were treated using an endovascular approach in the year 2004; aortomonoiliac devices were utilised in 27 cases and 19 received bifurcated stents. Results. A total radiation dose of 48.62 mSv was obtained in the first year; patients received the same dose regardless of whether an aortomonoiliac or a bifurcated stent had been placed. Conclusions. The dose obtained does not give rise to any appreciable adverse effects in the first year as far as dosage-determined effects are concerned. The greater part of the dose received by patients is due to the computerised axial tomography scans that are carried out. Magnetic resonance imaging can play an important role in reducing the doses that are required in the future

Tratamiento endovascular de fístula arteriovenosa y falso aneurisma poplíteos postraumáticos. Presentación de un caso / Endovascular treatment of post-traumatic popliteal arteriovenous fistula and false aneurysm. A case report

Introducción. La fístula arteriovenosa (FAV) postraumática que afecta a los vasos poplíteos es una patología de incidencia escasa cuyo tratamiento hasta ahora ha sido quirúrgico; no obstante, también se puede lograr la oclusión de la fístula mediante la implantación de un stent recubierto intraarterial, con reducción extraordinaria tanto del tiempo quirúrgico como de la estancia hospitalaria del paciente. Caso clínico. Varón de 29 años con una FAV en la segunda porción de poplítea derecha, así como falso aneurisma de dos años de evolución provocados por traumatismo por arma blanca. Tras el estudio preoperatorio correspondiente que incluía eco-Doppler y arteriografía, se decidió tratamiento mediante técnica endovascular, que consistió en la implantación de un stent recubierto en la arteria poplítea, con lo que se consiguió al mismo tiempo la oclusión de la fístula y de la comunicación con el falso aneurisma. El tiempo quirúrgico fue de 60 minutos, no se requirió transfusión sanguínea y se dio de alta al paciente en el quinto día de postoperatorio. El eco-Doppler realizado a los 90 días de la intervención muestra la arteria y la vena poplíteas permeables con ausencia de comunicación entre ellas, así como trombosis del falso aneurisma. Conclusión. Las técnicas endovasculares constituyen una alternativa a la cirugía en casos de FAV postraumáticas que afectan a vasos de calibre grande y mediano

Introduction. Post-traumatic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) involving the popliteal vessels is a pathology with a poor incidence being open surgery its treatment of choice. Nowadays however the total occlusion of the fistula can also be achieved by means of the implantation of a covered stent-graft, which implies an important reduction of both surgical time and hospital stay. Case report. A 29-year old man who had a stab wound in the right popliteal fossa two years earlier was admitted with a popliteal AVF involving the middle popliteal segment along with a false aneurysm. After echo-Doppler examination and arteriography the patient was assessed for endovascular treatment that consisted in the implantation of a covered stent-graft thus achieving the occlusion of both the fistula and the false aneurysm. The procedure lasted 60 minutes, blood transfusion was not required and the patient was discharged on the 5th postoperative day. 90 days after operation an echo-Doppler examination was performed that showed patency of both artery and vein, absence of fistula and thrombosis of the false aneurysm. Conclusion. Endovascular techniques are an alternative to open surgery in the treatment of post-traumatic AVF involving large or middle size vessels

Reparación endovascular de fístula arteriovenosa femoral bilateral tras cateterismo / Endovascular repair of bilateral arteriovenous femoral fistula following catheterization

Introducción. El aumento del número de cateterismos cardíacos para el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la patología cardíaca se ha acompañado de un incremento en la incidencia de complicaciones vasculares. Las fístulas arteriovenosas tras cateterismo tienen una incidencia escasa (1%). Caso clínico. Varón de 64 años con antecedentes de tabaquismo, dislipemia, hipertensión arterial, broncopatía crónica y cardiopatía isquémica crónica que precisó revascularización quirúrgica hace 18 años y angioplastia con implantación de dos stents hace un año. Fue remitido a nuestro servicio por claudicación intermitente a cortas distancias en el miembro inferior izquierdo de aparición brusca tras realización de cateterismo de control. El estudio arteriográfico demostró la presencia de una oclusión segmentaria de la arteria ilíaca externa izquierda y sendas fístulas arteriovenosas en ambos sectores femorales. El paciente fue intervenido de dichos hallazgos mediante técnica endovascular sin complicaciones perioperatorias. Conclusiones. Se distinguen tres tipos de factores de riesgo en el desarrollo de las fístulas arteriovenosas tras cateterismo: relacionados con el paciente, con el procedimiento y la anticoagulación en relación con éste. La reparación endovascular supone un procedimiento menos agresivo que la cirugía convencional en pacientes seleccionados, que ofrece excelentes resultados a corto y medio plazo

INTRODUCTION. The increasing number of cardiac catheterizations for diagnosis and/or treatment of coronary disease has raised the incidence of vascular complications. This incidence is not high in case of postcatheterization arteriovenous fistulae (1%). CASE REPORT. A 64 year-old man with the following clinical backgrounds: cigarette-smoker, dyslipemia, arterial hypertension, chronic bronchopathy and chronic ischemic cardiopathy, underwent coronary revascularisation 18 years ago; two coronary stent grafts were placed one year ago. He was referred to our department because of sudden onset of short distance intermittent claudication immediately after a diagnostic cardiac catheterization. Arteriography showed a left external iliac artery short occlusion and a bilateral femoral arteriovenous fistula. The patient underwent repair of these lesions by using endovascular techniques without complications. CONCLUSIONS. There are three risk factors for the development of postcatheterization arteriovenous fistulae: those related to the patient, the procedure and the anticoagulation. In selected patients, endovascular repair is less aggressive than open surgery and offers excellent short- and medium-term results

Correlation between the measurement of transverse diameter in the proximal neck on computed tomography and on aortography before endovascular treatment of infrarenal aortic aneurysm.

The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between the measurement of transverse diameter of the proximal neck on computed tomographic angiography (CTA) and graduated catheter aortography in patients who are candidates for endovascular graft placement in order to replace, if both measurements are equivalent, aortography for CTA alone. Preoperative dual-slice CTA and graduated catheter aortography were performed in 35 consecutive patients with infrarenal aortic aneurysm within 10 days. Transverse proximal neck diameters were measured on a true axial section on CTA reconstructions and on aortographic images, always 6 mm distal from the most inferior main renal artery. Mean, median, and standard deviation were obtained and the measurements correlated for each patient using Pearson's correlation and linear regression analysis. A significant difference in proximal neck transverse diameter measurements was found between graduated catheter aortography and CTA in all cases. CTA values were a mean of 1.74 mm higher than aortography values. Pearson's correlation indicates a strong correlation between both techniques, and a regression equation determines the predictive value of aortography on the basis of CTA values. Estimation of the transverse diameter of the proximal neck on aortography on the basis of that obtained on CTA allows us to affirm that CTA could be used as the sole method for the preoperative selection of appropriate endograft size in patients with infrarenal aortic aneurysm.

Experiencia en nuestro centro en el tratamiento de aneurismas de la aorta infrarrenal rotos mediante prótesis endovasculares / Experience in the treatment of ruptured infrarenal aortic aneurysms by means of endovascular grafts in our centre

Introducción. La morbimortalidad perioperatoria asociada a la cirugía por la rotura de un aneurisma de la aorta abdominal (AAA) se ha venido manteniendo constante en las últimas décadas, alrededor del 50-70%. Con el desarrollo de las técnicas endovasculares disponemos de una alternativa terapéutica a la cirugía abierta que podría tener éxito para disminuir el número de complicaciones a corto plazo. Pacientes y métodos. Presentamos una serie de 16 pacientes intervenidos entre enero del 2001 y agosto del 2005 por rotura de un AAA. Se emplearon endoprótesis aortomonoilíacas y bifurcadas asociadas a diversos procedimientos como embolización del saco aneurismático o implantación de stents entre la hipogástrica y la ilíaca externa. Resultados. La mortalidad perioperatoria fue del 12,5%. Durante los primeros 30 días hubo cinco reintervenciones (31%), dos Friedrich, dos revisiones por sangrado inguinal y un bypass axilobifemoral. En el 37% de los casos se asoció la implantación de stents recubiertos entre la arteria ilíaca externa e hipogástrica. En el 31% de los casos se embolizó el saco aneurismático con Ethiblock®. En un caso hubo que realizar una interposición de un segmento de dacron en la arteria femoral común por desgarro durante la introducción de la endoprótesis. En los primeros 30 días postoperatorios se produjeron diez complicaciones sistémicas graves en cinco pacientes, incluidos un infarto agudo de miocardio, dos íleos prolongados, dos casos de insuficiencia respiratoria aguda, tres casos de insuficiencia renal aguda, y un caso de colitis isquémica que requirió una hemicolectomía. Conclusiones. El uso de técnicas endovasculares en el tratamiento de AAA rotos nos permite reducir la mortalidad a corto plazo a causa de éstos en pacientes seleccionados (AU)

INTRODUCTION. The rate of perioperative morbidity and mortality associated to surgery for rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) has remained more or less constant over recent decades, with a value of around 50-70%. The development of endovascular techniques has provided us with an alternative to open surgery that could be successful in lowering the number of short-term complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS. We report on a series of 16 patients submitted to surgery between January 2001 and August 2005 to treat an AAA. Aortomonoiliac and bifurcated stents were employed in association with different procedures such aneurysmal sac embolisation or the placement of stents between the hypogastric and external iliac arteries. RESULTS. Perioperative mortality rate was 12.5%. During the first 30 days there were five reinterventions (31%), two Friedrich, two revisions due to inguinal bleeding and one axillobifemoral bypass. In 37% of cases placement of covered stent-grafts between the external iliac and hypogastric arteries was associated to the treatment. In 31% of cases the aneurysmal sac was embolised with Ethiblock®. In one case a segment of dacron had to be inserted in the common femoral artery due to a laceration that occurred during placement of the stent. In the first 30 days of the post-operative period ten severe systemic complications occurred in five patients. These included one acute myocardial infarction, two prolonged ileus, two cases of acute respiratory failure, three cases of acute renal failure, and one case of ischaemic colitis that required a hemicolectomy. CONCLUSIONS. The use of endovascular techniques in the treatment of ruptured AAA makes it possible to reduce the short-term mortality rates from this condition in selected patients (AU)

[Transhepatic access for radiofrequency ablation in a child]. / Ablación con radiofrcuencia en niños mediante acceso transhepático.

Radiofrequency catheter ablation is safe and effective in children with refractory supraventricular tachycardia and poor response to pharmacological treatment. This procedure may be difficult or impossible to perform in patients with bilateral obstruction of the femoral venous access. In recent years, the transhepatic approach has been found to be safe in children. We report the case of a 19-month-old boy with permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia who underwent transhepatic catheterization for radiofrequency ablation.

Ablación con radiofrecuencia en niños mediante acceso transhepático / Transhepatic access for radiofrequency ablation in a child

La ablación con catéter mediante radiofrecuencia en niños con taquicardia supraventricular y mala respuesta al tratamiento farmacológico es una técnica terapéutica segura y eficaz. En pacientes con obstrucción venosa femoral bilateral este procedimiento puede ser difícil o imposible. En los últimos años se ha demostrado que el cateterismo cardíaco transhepático es una vía alternativa con pocas complicaciones. Presentamos el caso de un niño de 19 meses con taquicardia incesante recíproca de la unión auriculoventricular, en el cual tuvo que utilizarse este método para realizar una ablación eficaz de su vía accesoria. (AU)