Combined Endovascular Treatment with Distal Radial Artery Coil Embolization and Angioplasty in Steal Syndrome Associated with Forearm Dialysis Fistula.

PURPOSE: The present study was performed to define the results of the endovascular treatment with angioplasty and distal radial artery embolization in ischemic steal syndrome associated with forearm arteriovenous accesses. METHOD: The cases referred to our interventional radiology unit with symptoms and physical examination findings suggestive of ischemic steal syndrome were retrospectively evaluated first by Doppler ultrasonography, and then by angiography. Cases with proximal artery stenosis were applied angioplasty, and those with steal syndrome underwent coil embolization to distal radial artery. RESULTS: Of 589 patients who underwent endovascular intervention for dialysis arteriovenous fistulae (AVF)-associated problems, 6 (1.01 %) (5 female, 1 males; mean age 62 (range 41-78) with forearm fistula underwent combined endovascular treatment for steal syndrome. In addition to steal phenomenon, there were stenosis and/or occlusion in proximal radial and/or ulnar artery in 6 patients concurrently. Embolization of distal radial artery and angioplasty to proximal arterial stenoses were performed in all patients. Ischemic symptoms were eliminated in all patients and the AVF were in use at the time of study. In one patient, ischemic symptoms recurring 6 months later were alleviated by repeat angioplasty of ulnar artery. CONCLUSION: In palmar arch steal syndrome affecting forearm fistulae, combined distal radial embolization and angioplasty is also an effective treatment method in the presence of proximal radial and ulnar arterial stenoses and occlusions.

Effect of radiological extent and severity of bronchiectasis on pulmonary function.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to ascertain the effect of the extent and severity of bronchiectasis as determined with high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) on lung function in patients with pure bronchiectasis, bronchiectasis and asthma, and bronchiectasis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: One hundred nineteen patients (71 with pure bronchiectasis, 25 asthmatic patients with bronchiectasis, and 23 COPD patients with bronchiectasis) underwent HRCT and pulmonary function tests. Computed tomography features were scored by the consensus of 2 radiologists. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences among the 3 patient groups regarding the extent of bronchiectasis, bronchial dilatation degree, bronchial wall thickening, decreased attenuation in the lung parenchyma, or presence of mucus in the large and small airways. In the pure bronchiectasis group, a negative correlation was found between forced vital capacity (FVC) % of predicted, forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) % of predicted, the FEV1/FVC ratio and the extent of bronchiectasis, bronchial wall thickening, bronchial wall dilatation, and decreased attenuation. At multivariate analysis the main morphologic changes associated with impairment of FVC and FEV1 were the extent of bronchiectasis and a decreased attenuation in the lung parenchyma. The decrease in the FEV1/FVC ratio was associated with bronchial wall dilatation. No correlation was found between morphologic changes and indices of pulmonary function in the asthma and COPD patients. CONCLUSIONS: Morphologic changes associated with bronchiectasis do not influence lung function in patients with asthma and COPD directly, although they do play a role in impairing pulmonary function in patients with bronchiectasis alone.

Technique, complication, and long-term outcome for endovascular treatment of iliac artery occlusion.

The aim of this study was to report technical details, procedure-related complications, and results of endovascular treatment in chronic iliac artery occlusion. Between 2001 and 2008, endovascular treatments of 127 chronic iliac artery occlusions in 118 patients (8 women and 110 men; mean age, 59 years) were retrospectively reviewed. The study was based on Ad Hoc Committee on Reporting Standards (Society for Vascular Surgery/International Society for Cardiovascular Surgery Standards). All occlusions were treated with stent placement with or without preliminary balloon angioplasty. Kaplan-Meier estimators were used to determine patency rates. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine variables affecting successful recanalization, major complications, early stent thrombosis (

Ergotamine-induced lower extremity arterial vasospasm presenting as acute limb ischemia.

Ergotamine-induced limb ischemia is rare and usually results from an accidental overdose. Several agents, including erythromycin and tetracycline, raise serum ergotamine levels and augment its effect. We present a case of acute lower limb ischemia with characteristic angiography findings of diffuse arterial spasm resulting from use of ergotamine and an erythromycin derivative, clarithromycin. The history of the patient and classic features seen on angiography helped us establish the diagnosis. The patient was successfully treated with low molecular heparin and epidural infusion of bupivacain. Since ergot vasospasm is a self limited and medically treatable condition, interventional radiologists must be aware of ergotamine-induced acute limb ischemia to avoid any unnecessary interventional procedures, unless necrosis and gangrene are imminent.

Endovascular treatment strategies in aortoiliac occlusion.

The aim of this study was to report our experience in endovascular treatment of total aortoiliac occlusion. Five patients who underwent endovascular recanalization procedures including manual aspiration thrombectomy, balloon angioplasty, and stent placement for total aortoiliac occlusion in a 4-year period were reviewed retrospectively. The mean age of patients was 51 years (range, 43 to 58 years). All patients had abdominal aorta and bilateral common iliac artery occlusion with or without external iliac artery occlusion. All patients either had a contraindication to surgery or refused it. Initial technical success was obtained in four of five (80%) patients. Endovascular techniques were successful in four patients who had good distal runoff and short-segment aortoiliac occlusion, but failed in a patient who had the worst distal runoff and long-segment aortoiliac occlusion. We observed two major complications, one of which was bilateral rupture of the common iliac arteries treated with covered stent placement. Another patient had extension of intra-aortic thrombus into the iliac stent after primary stenting. This was successfully treated with manual aspiration thrombectomy. Aortic and iliac stents remained patent during the follow-up period (median, 18 months; range, 3 to 26 months) in four patients. Primary patency rates at 6, 12, and 24 months were all 80%. In conclusion, endovascular treatment can be an alternative for aortoiliac occlusion in selected patients. Short- to midterm follow-up so far is satisfactory. Removal of intra-aortic thrombus with manual aspiration thrombectomy before balloon angioplasty and/or stenting is possible and a good alternative to thrombolysis.

Atherosclerotic risk factors and segmental distribution in symptomatic peripheral artery disease.

PURPOSE: To determine the distribution of atherosclerotic peripheral artery disease (PAD) and associated risk factors in patients who have undergone pelvic and lower-limb angiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of 626 consecutive patients (88 women, 538 men; mean age, 62 years; age range, 31-85 y) with PAD were retrospectively reviewed. Severity of limb ischemia was staged according to Rutherford classification of PAD. The arterial system was divided into three segments including aortoiliac, femoropopliteal, and crural segments. PAD was defined as a greater than 50% stenosis or occlusion of any segment. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine associations between segmental arterial disease and patient demographics, medical history, and angiographic findings. RESULTS: Of the 626 patients, 400 (64%) had multisegmental disease, the most common form of which was combined femoropopliteal and crural disease (25%). A significant association was found between severity of limb ischemia and distribution of PAD. Intermittent claudication was significantly associated with aortoiliac disease (odds ratio, 2.15; P < .001), whereas critical limb ischemia was associated with crural disease (odds ratio, 2.5; P = .001) on multivariate analysis. Significant associations were found between smoking and aortoiliac, femoropopliteal, and multisegment disease; between diabetes mellitus and crural disease; and between age and femoropopliteal and multisegment disease. CONCLUSIONS: PAD was multisegmental in most of the patients in this study group. Different clinical risk factors predict the involvement of different arterial segments. Severity of limb ischemia was significantly associated with the distribution of PAD.

The prevalence and clinical predictors of incidental atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of incidental renal artery stenosis due to atherosclerosis and associated risk factors in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: To determine renal artery stenosis, aortofemoropopliteal digital substraction angiographies (DSA) of 629 consecutive patients with PAD were prospectively reviewed. Angiographies were performed as catheter angiography with automated pump injection. Of the patients, 540 were male (86%) and 89 female (14%) (mean age+/-S.D.: 61.5+/-11.1 years). Statistical analysis was performed to determine the association of significant renal artery stenosis (> or =60% diameter stenosis) with patient demographics (age, sex, reason for angiography and smoking status), medical history (diabetes mellitus, hypertension and coronary artery disease), laboratory values (blood creatinine, fasting glucose, triglycerides, LDL, HDL and total cholesterol) and distribution of PAD (aortoiliac, femoropopliteal and crural diseases and multisegment involvement). RESULTS: Renal artery disease was found in 33% (207 of 629) of all patients with peripheral arterial disease, and 9.6% of patients (n=60) had significant (> or =60%) renal artery stenosis. Only age and hypertension (blood pressure systolic >140 mmHg or diastolic >90 mmHg) were independent risk factors for significant renal artery stenosis on multivariate analysis. Mean age of patients with RAS was 66.5+/-8.9 years compared with 61+/-11.2 years for patients without RAS (p<0.001). Hypertension was found in 41% of the patients in control group and in 63% of the patients in RAS group (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: Incidental renal artery stenosis which can be mild or significant is a relatively common finding among patients with peripheral arterial disease. Advance age and hypertension are closely associated with significant renal artery stenosis.

Percutaneous treatment of portal vein thrombosis in a child who has undergone splenectomy.

Thrombosis of the portal venous system is a well-recognized and potentially lethal complication after open or laparoscopic splenectomy. A 7-year-old girl with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura developed a portal vein thrombosis after open splenectomy. The portal vein thrombosis was diagnosed by color Doppler sonography. A percutaneous transhepatic thromboaspiration of the acute thrombus was done on the third postoperative day. Anticoagulation was continued for 6 months. The presented patient is the youngest patient to undergo percutaneous thromboaspiration of an acute thrombus via the transhepatic route. Percutaneous thromboaspiration via the transhepatic route is an effective means of treating a portal vein thrombosis.

MRI and DSA findings in popliteal artery entrapment syndrome.

PURPOSE: To evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) findings in popliteal artery entrapment syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven limbs of 6 patients (5 men and 1 woman; mean age, 36 +/- 12 years) with popliteal artery entrapment syndrome were evaluated retrospectively. Both MRI and DSA were performed on each affected limb. RESULTS: MRI findings established the diagnosis of type-3 popliteal artery entrapment syndrome in 4 limbs, and type-2 in 3 limbs. Abnormal MRI findings included popliteal artery thrombosis with aneurysm in 2 limbs (29%), popliteal artery thrombosis without aneurysm in 1 limb (14%), aberrant fibrous band in 3 limbs (43%), aberrant thick muscle bundle in 1 limb (14%), insertion anomaly of medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle (MHG) in 3 limbs (43%), lateral deviation of the MHG in 4 limbs (57%), hypertrophy of the MHG in 1 limb (14%), and atrophy of the MHG in 2 limbs (29%). Deviation of the popliteal artery in 4 limbs (57%) and distal crural embolic occlusions in 2 limbs (29%) were detected with both angiography and MRI imaging. DSA was diagnostic in 2 limbs of 1 patient, and MRI was diagnostic in all limbs examined. CONCLUSION: Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome should be considered in patients younger than 50 years of age with isolated popliteal artery stenosis or occlusion. MRI is the preferred imaging modality for diagnosis of entrapment syndrome, and may obviate the use of DSA.

Comparison of ultrasonography-guided central venous catheterization between adult and pediatric populations.

The purpose of this study was to compare the technical success and complication rates of ultrasonography-guided central venous catheterization between adult and pediatric patients which have not been reported previously. In a 4-year period, 859 ultrasonography-guided central vein catheterizations in 688 adult patients and 247 catheterizations in 156 pediatric patients were retrospectively evaluated. Mean age was 56.3 years (range, 18 to 95 years) for adults and 3.3 years (range, 0.1 to 16.3 years) for children. The preferred catheterization site was internal jugular vein in 97% of adults and 85% of children. The technical success rate, mean number of punctures, and rate of single wall puncture were 99.4%, 1.04 (range, 1-3), and 83% for adults and 90.3%, 1.25 (range, 1-5), and 49% for children, respectively. All the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Complication rates were 2.3% and 2.4% for adults and children, respectively (p > 0.05). Major complications such as pneumothorax and hemothorax were not seen in any group. In conclusion, ultrasonography-guided central venous catheterization has a high technical success rate, lower puncture attempt rate, and higher single wall puncture rate in adults compared to children. Complication rates are comparable in the two groups.

Compression of the left common iliac vein in asymptomatic subjects and patients with left iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate compression of the left common iliac vein as demonstrated at computed tomography (CT) in patients with iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis due to iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS) and compare compression ratios with those of asymptomatic subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2003 and June 2007, compression of the left common iliac vein by the right common iliac artery, as demonstrated with CT, in 34 patients (25 women and nine men; mean age, 51 years; age range, 21-79 years) with IVCS was retrospectively evaluated. Compression ratios were compared with those of 34 age- and sex-matched asymptomatic subjects. A t test was used to compare the compression ratios. RESULTS: The percentages of compression of the left common iliac vein were 45%-100% (mean, 74% +/- 17) for patients with IVCS and 0%-68% (mean, 28% +/- 20) for control subjects (P < .05). Of the 34 patients with IVCS, 11 (32%) had less than 70% compression and 23 (68%) had at least 70% compression. CONCLUSIONS: There was considerable overlap between the degree of compression in patients with IVCS and control subjects. Compression of the left common iliac vein was significantly more prominent in patients with lower extremity deep vein thrombosis due to IVCS when compared with control subjects. Compression in excess of 70% as demonstrated at CT can be helpful for identifying possible underlying IVCS in patients with a left lower extremity deep vein thrombosis.

Iliac vein compression syndrome: outcome of endovascular treatment with long-term follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively evaluate technical success and long-term outcome of endovascular treatment in patients with iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2003 and September 2006, 36 consecutive patients (26 women [72%], 10 men, mean age 50+/-18 years) with acute or chronic iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis due to iliac vein compression syndrome were evaluated for outcome of endovascular treatment. Stent patency was estimated by using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in 34 of 36 patients (94%). Six patients with acute or subacute thrombosis had chronic occlusion of the left common iliac vein. Rethrombosis of the stents was observed in four patients. Primary and secondary patency rates were 85 and 94% at 1 year, and 80 and 82% at 4 years. Resolution of symptoms was achieved in 17 of 20 patients (85%) with acute and subacute DVT, and 4 of 16 patients (25%) with chronic DVT. Major complication was seen in one patient (3%). CONCLUSION: Intimal changes in the left common iliac vein are mostly chronic in nature even in patients with acute DVT secondary to IVCS. Endovascular treatment with stent placement has a high technical success rate and good long-term patency in the treatment of acute and chronic DVT due to IVCS. Symptomatic improvement seems to be better in patients with acute than chronic DVT due to IVCS.

Manual aspiration thrombectomy with stent placement: rapid and effective treatment for phlegmasia cerulea dolens with impending venous gangrene.

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening complication of acute deep vein thrombosis. It is an emergency and delay in treatment may cause death or loss of the patient's limb. Surgical thrombectomy is the recommended treatment in venous gangrene. Catheter-directed intrathrombus thrombolysis has been reported as successful, but it may require a lengthy infusion. Manual aspiration thrombectomy may clear the entire thrombus with no need for thrombolytic administration and provide rapid and effective treatment for patients with phlegmasia cerulea dolens with impending venous gangrene.

US-guided placement of central vein catheters in patients with disorders of hemostasis.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate the technical success and immediate complication rates of temporary central catheter placement in a homogenous patient population with disorders of hemostasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and thirty three temporary central vein catheters inserted under ultrasound guidance in 119 patients with bleeding disorders were analyzed over a 4-year period. Patients were males (n=51; 43%) and females (n=68; 57%) with a mean age of 56.6 years (age range 18-95 years). A catheter was inserted in IJV in 129 (97%) procedures, subclavian vein in 2 (1.5%) procedures and femoral vein in 2 (1,5%) procedures. Thirty-three (24.8%) procedures were performed on bedside. Of 119 patients, 106 (89%) had only one catheter placement and the rest had had more than one catheter placement (range 1-3). RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in all patients (100%). Average number of puncture was 1.01 (range 1-2). One hundred and nineteen insertions (89.5%) were single-wall punctures, whereas 14 insertions were double-wall punctures. Eight (6%) minor complications occurred including oozing of blood around the catheter in five (3.8%) procedures, small hematoma in two (1.5%) procedure and both in one patient. There was no inadvertent arterial puncture or major complications like hemothorax or pneumothorax in any patients. CONCLUSION: US-guided placement of central vein catheters in patients with disorder of hemostasis is safe with high technical success and low complication rates. US guidance for central venous catheterization should be the preferred method in this group of patients, if available in the hospital setting.

Laparoscopic management of gallbladder duplication.

Gallbladder duplication is a rare condition. Because laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the primary treatment modality for the diseased single gallbladders, it should be the choice of treatment for double gallbladders. However, preoperative imaging methods may be unsatisfactory for the correct diagnosis. As a result, incomplete resections may be performed. Intraoperative cholangiography should be performed in suspected cases to prevent inadvertent injury to the biliary system. In this report, we present a symptomatic patient with double gallbladders with separate cystic ducts in whom the gallbladders were successfully resected as a single specimen by laparoscopic means. The pitfalls of diagnostic modalities and surgical strategy are discussed in the context of the available literature.

Repair of aortic coarctation and aneurysm of ductus arteriosus in the presence of right-sided arch and descending aorta.

Association of right aortic arch and coarctation of the aorta is rare. A patient with aortic coarctation was presented to our clinic. Detailed radiological work-up revealed aortic coarctation, aneurysm of ductus arteriosus, mirror image brachiocephalic vessels, right-sided arch, and right-sided descending aorta. The patient underwent successful operative repair through a right thoracotomy. She is normotensive and doing well two years postoperatively.

Ultrasonographic diagnosis of iliac vein compression (May-Thurner) syndrome.

Iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS), also known as May-Thurner syndrome, is the result of compression of the left common iliac vein between the right common iliac artery and overlying vertebrae. The most common clinical presentation is left lower extremity deep vein thrombosis. Rarely, a patient with IVCS can present with obstruction of venous outflow, without deep vein thrombosis. Iliac vein compression, with or without thrombosis, should be treated if symptomatic. We present a patient with IVCS that was initially diagnosed with transabdominal ultrasonography (US), and then confirmed with computed tomography and venography with pressure measurements. We believe this is the first report of an IVCS patient diagnosed with US.