Iliofemoral venous thrombosis from external compression by a vesical diverticulum.

Twenty six percent to 47% of venous thromboembolisms (VTE) are classified as idiopathic. Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) due to external compression of the venous system by various lesions has been reported in the literature. Identification of such lesions may obviate the need for prolonged anticoagulation and prevent recurrence. An important step in the evaluation of cases with iliofemoral thrombosis is to obtain computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis to identify any potential pathology. We report a case of acute unilateral iliofemoral DVT caused by external compression from a vesical diverticulum. The CT scan played a crucial role in the diagnosis and guided management.

Demonstration of low flow push-pull perfusion.

Methods to follow in vivo chemical composition provide information regarding the processes of intercellular communication. There is a need for methods that provide chemical information from small volumes of the central nervous system (CNS) without sacrificing neurochemical recovery. One method that offers potential for providing such information is push-pull perfusion. In this study a low flow push-pull perfusion system is introduced that provides high (70-80%) in vitro recoveries. A concentric probe design is used with a 27-gauge stainless steel outer cannula for saline infusion and an inner fused silica capillary for fluid withdrawal. Flow rates of 10-50 nl/min were reliably generated and were well matched in vitro. Sampling was performed in the striatum of an anesthetized rat generating a 0.5 microl sample every 12 min. Capillary electrophoresis was used to determine glutamate levels in each sample; the basal level was found to be 1.97+/-0.70 microM. The method described was also demonstrated to deliver L-trans-pyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid through the perfusion solution while sampling. Post-sampling histological analysis demonstrates little tissue disturbance to the sampled region. These data provide evidence that low flow push-pull method is a viable alternative for studying neurochemical signaling in the CNS.