Endovascular retrieval of Greenfield IVC filters 13 and 19 years post placement without major complication.

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters were first introduced in 1967 by Kazi Mobin-Uddin and later improved by Lazar Greenfield in the 1980s becoming a major component of catastrophic pulmonary embolism prevention. Nevertheless, filters are not entirely harmless. The long term risks include caval thrombosis, visceral penetration, and filters can serve as a nidus for infection. Filter retrieval is often complicated by intimal hyperplasia especially with increased indwelling time. Historically, Greenfield filters in place for longer than 3 weeks were considered permanent due to the risks of retrieval. Herein we present 2 cases of successful retrieval of Greenfield filters 13 and 19 years post implantation.

Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease on Clinical Outcomes of Endovascular Treatment for Femoropopliteal Arterial Disease.

PURPOSE: To evaluate effect of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on all-cause mortality, major adverse limb event (MALE), MALE and postoperative death (MALE + POD), and amputation after endovascular treatment of femoropopliteal disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review from January 2002 to October 2011 was performed of 440 patients who underwent endovascular treatment of symptomatic femoropopliteal disease for claudication (n = 251) or critical limb ischemia (CLI) (n = 267). CKD stage was divided based on Kidney Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative classification. Outcomes and factors associated with amputation, MALE, and MALE + POD were determined. RESULTS: Patients with diabetes (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-3.6; P = .002) and runoff score of 0 or 1 (HR = 2.0; 95% CI, 1.2-3.4; P = .01) relative to runoff score of 3 were at increased risk of amputation. Patients with baseline glomerular filtration rate < 45 mL/min/1.73 m(2) had a 17% increase in amputation for every 5-point decrease < 45 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (95% CI, 1.09-1.26; P < .001). Increase of 10 years in age (HR = 1.9; 95% CI, 1.5-2.3; P < .001), TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus class of C/D relative to A/B (HR = 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1-2.2; P = .01), and CLI (HR = 2.4; 95% CI, 0.5-0.9; P < .001) were associated with increased mortality. Female sex was associated with decreased risk of mortality (HR = 0.7; 95% CI, 0.5-0.9; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Worsening CKD is associated with higher amputation rates, all-cause mortality, and MALE + POD in patients undergoing endovascular treatment of femoropopliteal disease.

Optimizing Common Femoral Artery Access.

Common femoral artery (CFA) access is an important step of many vascular interventional procedures such as peripheral arterial, aortic, and endovascular oncologic interventions. The anatomical location of the CFA as it crosses over the femoral head provides a unique location to establish a relatively large arterial access to a vessel that is conveniently located near the aorta and its major branches. A proper access helps the interventionist with the remainder of the procedure and diminishes the risk of severe complications leading to surgery, thrombolysis, patient morbidity, or occasionally mortality. On the contrary, a suboptimal access can jeopardize the entire procedure and may lead to limb and life-threatening complications. With the introduction of ultrasonography-assisted CFA access, the process has become more predictable and possibly less adventurous; however, there remain tips and tricks that can guarantee a safe and proper start for any arterial procedure. We review the preprocedural evaluation, procedural techniques, and postprocedural care to optimize CFA access.

Reliability and accuracy of simple visual estimation in assessment of peripheral arterial stenosis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate reliability, accuracy, and agreement of simple visual estimation (SVE) in determining the degree of peripheral arterial stenosis compared with calibrated measurements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 2 sessions, 23 interventionists with a wide range of experience and subspecialty training reviewed 42 angiographic images of lower extremity and carotid arteries (21 iliofemoral arteries and 21 carotid arteries). An independent physician measured all lesions using manual calipers. Intrarater and interrater reliability were assessed by intraclass correlation. A ± 5% error was considered the threshold for accuracy, and weighted κ statistics were computed to assess agreement with respect to the degree of stenosis (< 50%, nonsignificant; 50%-80%, significant; > 80%, severe). RESULTS: Intrarater reliability of SVE was 0.99, and interrater reliability was 0.83. Accuracy varied from 52.8% for images of severe stenosis to 26.5% and 18.1% for significant and nonsignificant stenosis, respectively (P < .001). Agreement between SVE and caliper with regard to degree of stenosis was good (weighted κ 0.56) overall with correct classification ranging from 92.6% for severe stenosis to 53.4% and 68.2% for significant and nonsignificant stenosis, respectively (P < .001). Misclassification of nonsignificant and significant stenosis was more frequent for carotid arteries than for lower extremities. CONCLUSIONS: Despite high reliability, SVE of peripheral arterial stenosis has limited accuracy in determining the exact degree of stenosis. Although severe stenosis is readily identified by SVE, arterial stenosis of < 80% is frequently overestimated, especially for carotid arteries, and should be confirmed by caliper assessment.

Meta-analysis of drug-eluting balloon angioplasty and drug-eluting stent placement for infrainguinal peripheral arterial disease.

PURPOSE: To perform a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of drug-eluting balloon (DEB) angioplasty and drug-eluting stents (DESs) for infrainguinal peripheral arterial disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Systematic searches were performed for all relevant RCTs. RESULTS: Eight RCTs for DEB angioplasty and 12 RCTs for a DES in peripheral arterial disease were identified. Meta-analysis demonstrated statistically significant superiority of DEB over plain balloon angioplasty of femoral-popliteal disease for late lumen loss, restenosis, and target lesion revascularization, with no benefit in major amputation or mortality. Statistically significant superiority of DEB over percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) was demonstrated for infrapopliteal disease for restenosis and target lesion revascularization. Drug-eluting stents showed statistically significant superiority over bare metal stents (BMSs) of femoral-popliteal disease for late lumen loss and restenosis, with no benefit in mortality or amputation. Drug-eluting stents showed statistically significant superiority over BMSs of infrapopliteal disease restenosis and target lesion revascularization, with no benefit in amputation or mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Drug-eluting balloon angioplasty and DESs demonstrated superior outcomes compared to PTA and BMS, with no difference in amputation or mortality.

Critical limb ischemia and the diseased popliteal artery.

The unique anatomical location and particular biomechanical factors affecting the popliteal artery provide a challenge to determine the proper endovascular, surgical, or combined intervention for patients with critical limb ischemia who often require prompt management in the presence of severe lifestyle-limiting symptoms or of the risk of limb loss or both. Herein, we provide an overview and practical guide for endovascular management of popliteal artery disease in the setting of critical limb ischemia.

Post-pancreaticoduodenectomy hemorrhage of unusual origin: treatment with endovascular embolization and the value of preoperative CT angiography.

Post-pancreaticoduodenectomy hemorrhage is a life threatening complication reported to occur in 2-7% of patients. Historically, treatment required an exploratory laparotomy. Introduction of endovascular embolization has broadened the available treatment options. The most common location for a post-pancreaticoduodenectomy hemorrhage is the gastroduodenal artery stump. Nonetheless, unusual sources of hemorrhage exist and are hard to localize, thus they are often treated with open surgery. Here we report two cases of CTA proven hemorrhage from the dorsal pancreatic arcade and transverse pancreatic artery, which were successfully located with conventional angiography and treated with endovascular arterial coil embolization. Both patients were status post-pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure) and presented with a sentinel bleed and a drop in hematocrit levels.

Intranodal lymphangiography: feasibility and preliminary experience in children.

PURPOSE: To review an initial experience studying the lymphatic system using direct injection of ethiodized oil contrast medium into lymph nodes (ie, intranodal lymphangiography) in children with chylous disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children with chylous disorders who underwent intranodal lymphangiography were included in this retrospective study. Under general anesthesia, ultrasonography was used to guide the placement of a small-bore (22-25-gauge) needle into an inguinal lymph node. Ethiodized oil contrast medium was very slowly injected into the node. Opacification of the lymphatic system was documented with fluoroscopic and digital substraction imaging and videofluoroscopic clips. RESULTS: Five children (age range, 6 wk to 17 y) with chylous vaginorrhea (n = 1), postoperative chylothorax (n = 2), or spontaneous chylothorax (n = 2) underwent intranodal lymphangiography. The amount of ethiodized oil injected was 0.5-4.5 mL. Intranodal lymphangiography was successfully completed in four patients. One procedure was terminated because of patient motion and extravasation of contrast medium. Lymphangiographic findings included a spectrum of lymphatic channel disorders including incompetence, obstruction, collateralization, chylous reflux, and chylous leak. There were no complications. CONCLUSIONS: The simplified technique of injecting contrast medium into a lymph node to opacify the lymphatic system in children can be an alternative to the more elaborate conventional lymphangiography.

Toxicity and efficacy of 5-fluorouracil and capecitabine in a patient with TYMS gene polymorphism: A challenge or a dilemma?

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is an antimetabolite that acts during the S phase of the cell cycle. The active metabolite, 5-fluorodeoxyuridine monophosphate inhibits thymidylate synthase (TS), thus preventing DNA synthesis, which leads to imbalanced cell growth and ultimately cell death. 5-FU and its oral prodrug capecitabine are used in the treatment of a number of solid tumors, including colorectal, breast, gastric, pancreatic, prostate, and bladder cancers. Common side effects include leukopenia, diarrhea, stomatitis, nausea, vomiting, and alopecia. Hand-foot syndrome (HFS) is a relatively common side effect of cytotoxic chemotherapy. It is more frequently associated with 5-FU, capecitabine, and cytarabine. This article reports on the case of a 55-year-old black man with metastatic colorectal carcinoma that was refractory to recommended treatment measures who developed grade 3 HFS after treatment with modified FOLFOX6 (leucovorin [LV]/5-FU/oxaliplatin) and bFOL (bolus 5-FU/LV/oxaliplatin) regimens. Treatment was discontinued despite excellent response to chemotherapy. The patient had progression of disease on IROX (irinotecan/oxaliplatin) and irinotecan/cetuximab regimens. He was started on gemcitabine/capecitabine and developed HFS again, which was controlled with aggressive skin care and vitamin B6 treatment. Full sequencing of the dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPYD) gene and analysis of the human TS gene (TYMS) promoter region was performed. Pharmacogenetic testing revealed 2R/2R genotype of TYMS gene, which is associated with up to a 2.5-fold risk of toxicity to 5-FU therapy. Hand-foot syndrome has proven to be a dose-limiting toxicity of 5-FU, especially of capecitabine, leading to significant morbidity. Hand-foot syndrome seems to be dose dependent, and both peak drug concentration and total cumulative dose determine its occurrence. Genetic variations such as polymorphic abnormality of TYMS are potential causative factors for a significant portion of serious adverse reactions to 5-FU-based therapy.

Cardiotoxicity of 5-fluorouracil and capecitabine in a pancreatic cancer patient with a novel mutation in the dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase gene.

CONTEXT: 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is an antimetabolite that acts during the S phase of the cell cycle. Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) is the initial and rate-limiting enzyme in the pathway that catabolises the pyrimidines. 5-fluorouracil and its oral prodrug capecitabine are used in the treatment of a number of solid tumors, including colorectal, breast, gastric, pancreatic, prostate, and bladder cancers. Common side effects include leukopenia, diarrhea, stomatitis, nausea, vomiting, and alopecia. Cardiotoxicity is a relatively uncommon side effect of 5-fluorouracil and capecitabine. CASE REPORT: This article reports the case of a 63-year-old male with locally invasive pancreatic cancer who developed recurrent chest pain and ischemic electrocardiogram changes after treatment with 5-fluorouracil and capecitabine. Full sequencing of the dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPYD) gene and analysis of the thymidylate synthetase (TYMS) gene promoter region was performed. Pharmacogenetic testing revealed p453L (1358C>T) type DPYD germ line mutation. This mutation has not been reported previously in association with 5-fluorouracil induced cardiotoxicity. CONCLUSION: Cardiotoxicity associated with 5-fluorouracil and capecitabine administration is infrequently reported in the literature and appears to be dose and schedule dependent. Genetic variations such as polymorphic abnormality of DPYD are potential causative factors for a significant portion of serious adverse reactions to 5-fluorouracil-based therapy.

Erlotinib-induced episcleritis in a patient with pancreatic cancer.

CONTEXT: Erlotinib is a relatively new anilinoquinazoline indicated for treatment of pancreatic cancer in combination with gemcitabine. It is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that specifically targets epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is commonly overexpressed and/or mutated in solid tumors. Active competitive inhibition of adenosine triphosphate, inhibits downstream signal transduction of ligand dependent EGFR activation. EGFR kinase inhibitors are less toxic than conventional chemotherapy as they are relatively specific for tumor cells. Common side effects include acneiform (papulopustular) rash, diarrhea, edema, pruritus, dry skin and alopecia. CASE REPORT: This article reports the case of a 55-year-old Caucasian female with recurrent pancreatic cancer who developed episcleritis after seventeen days of treatment with erlotinib. Symptoms completely resolved four weeks after drug discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, erlotinib-induced episcleritis has not been previously described.