Virtual Education in Urogynecology: Enhancing Understanding and Management of Pelvic Fistulas.

Introduction: Pelvic fistulas affect a significant number of patients globally, with a relatively low prevalence in the United States. Virtual education offers an effective, scalable solution to bridge this educational gap and lead to a deeper understanding of more common conditions, such as urinary and fecal incontinence. Methods: We developed two virtual cases on rectovaginal and vesicovaginal/ureterovaginal fistulas to enhance medical students' exposure, knowledge, and confidence regarding assessment of pelvic fistulas. The cases could be completed in approximately 30 minutes, asynchronously, and at students' own pace. The cases were integrated into an OB/GYN clerkship. We conducted a survey among students receiving the cases to gather feedback on usability, acceptability, and educational value, which guided subsequent improvements. Results: Forty medical students, ranging from first to third year, participated in the urogynecology elective; 21 (53%) completed the survey. Ninety-one percent agreed or strongly agreed they were satisfied with the cases. All respondents found the format easy to use and appropriate for their level of learning. Most reported the cases improved their confidence in nonsurgical and surgical management options for pelvic fistulas. Discussion: Offering virtual and interactive patient cases on e-learning platforms represents an innovative approach to increasing clinical exposure to urogynecologic disorders. By providing medical students with the opportunity to interact with pelvic fistulas virtually, these cases can help bridge a gap in clinical education. Future exploration is valuable for examining knowledge deficiencies and developing cost-effective, self-paced, easily accessible educational resources to advance medical training and optimize patient care.

[Influence of diagnostic period on the outcomes in patients with Crohn's disease]. / Vliyanie dlitel'nosti diagnosticheskogo poiska na iskhod zabolevaniya pri bolezni Krona.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze archival data on emergency hospitalization of patients with Crohn's disease, indications for surgical treatment, structure of surgeries, localization of gastrointestinal lesions and relationship between diagnostic period and surgical treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of medical records of patients with Crohn's disease in 3 large hospitals was performed over the past 6 years. We estimated cases of surgical treatment, localization of gastrointestinal lesions, clinical and laboratory parameters of patients, period between clinical manifestation and diagnosis, as well as outcomes of disease depending on duration of diagnostic searching. CONCLUSION: Duration of diagnostic searching in patients with Crohn's disease is a significant predictor of complications and surgical treatment.

[Surgical treatment of traumatic arteriovenous fistulas of extremities]. / Osobennosti khirurgicheskogo lecheniya travmaticheskikh arteriovenoznykh fistul konechnostei.

The number of victims with damage to the great vessels has increased in recent years due to escalation of armed conflicts. Vascular damages comprise 3% of traumatic injuries in peacetime, and their incidence increases to 15% during hostilities. False aneurysms and traumatic arteriovenous fistulas follow vascular injury in 48.9-68.7% of cases. We present open surgical treatment of traumatic arteriovenous fistulas. The issues of diagnosis, surgical tactics, algorithm of intervention and options for successful treatment are described.

Lower Cervical Dural Arteriovenous Fistula with a "Skip Lesion" in the Brainstem: A Case Report.

Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVFs) are rare vascular malformations that can occur anywhere in the spine. Most SDAVFs lead to slow aggressive myelopathy due to venous congestion at a level adjacent to the shunt point. However, rare cases of localized brainstem edema without spinal cord lesions have been reported. In this study, we present a case of a lower cervical SDAVF that showed localized congestive edema of the medulla in the absence of an edematous change in the cervical spinal cord. The patient was a 57-year-old woman who experienced vertigo and vomiting without myelopathy that did not improve with conservative treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed high signal intensity in the left medulla on T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), while angiography revealed an SDAVF at the right C8 segmental level supplied by the right thyrocervical trunk. She underwent surgical interruption of the draining vein, which led to a rapid improvement in her symptoms. A subsequent follow-up MRI confirmed resolution of both the medullary edema and the dilated draining vein. SDAVFs may cause vertigo and vomiting, which are brainstem symptoms. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for successful treatment outcomes.

Pediatric Limb Asymmetry: A Unique Presentation of Angioosteohypertrophic Syndrome.

Parks-Weber syndrome (PWS), also known as Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome, is a rare congenital bone vascular syndrome first described in 1900. It is characterized by arteriovenous malformations in a limb, leading to disproportionate limb growth and potential heart failure. Unlike Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome, PWS manifests arteriovenous malformations with abnormal connections between the arteries and veins of the affected limb. The management of this syndrome, similar to that of Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome, relies mainly on symptomatic treatment. We report the first case of angioosteohypertrophic syndrome diagnosed at CHU Med VI Oujda, in a patient aged seven years and eight months. This syndrome manifested primarily in the right upper limb, characterized by asymmetry in both upper limbs, thermal disparity, a cutaneous nevus, and venous ectasia in the right arm. The diagnosis was further substantiated through arteriography, confirming the presence of an arteriovenous fistula.

Algorithm for the Bronchoscopic Diagnosis of Alveolar-Pleural Fistula.

Alveolar-pleural fistulas (APF) are a clinical entity that represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this work is to design a diagnostic algorithm for the anatomical detection of APF in patients who are not candidates for surgical treatment. METHOD: Prospective non-randomized study of 47 patients. Diagnostic procedures were performed: (a) prior to bronchoscopy: computed axial tomography (CT) and implantation of electronic pleural drainage system (EPD) and (b) endoscopic: endobronchial occlusion (EO) by balloon, selective endobronchial oxygen insufflation (OI) (2l) and selective bronchography (BS) (instillation of iodinated radiological contrast using continuous fluoroscopy). RESULTS: The sample was predominantly male (81%). The diagnostic methods revealed: (a) Determination of the anatomical location of APF by CT in 15/46 patients (31.9% of sample), and variations in the pattern (intermittent or continuous air leak) and quantification after drug administration sedatives using EPD, (b) endoscopic: anatomical determination of APF was achieved in 57.1, 81 and 63.4% respectively using EO, OI and BS. The combination of the diagnostic tests allowed us to determine the anatomical location of the APF in 91.5% of the sample. No complications were recorded in 85.1% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of APF by flexible bronchoscopy is a useful method, with an adequate safety and efficacy profile. The proposed diagnostic algorithm includes the use of EPD and performing a CT scan. Regarding endoscopic diagnosis: in case of continuous air leak, the first option is OE; and if the leak is intermittent, we recommend endobronchial OI, with BS as a secondary option (respective sensitivity 81% vs 63.4% and complications 8.1% vs 7.3%).

Internal mammary artery perforator flap for repair of an upper thoracic tracheo-oesophageal fistula.

Tracheoesophageal fistulas (TOF) following esophagectomy for esophageal cancer are rare but potentially fatal. There is no consensus on treatment between stenting and surgical repair, although the latter is associated with better distant survival. In surgical repair, the interposition of a flap improves healing by providing well-vascularized tissue and reinforcing the repair zone. The flaps described are usually muscular and decaying. We present the case of a malnourished fifty-year-old man who underwent intrathoracic surgical repair of symptomatic recurrent TOF using a skin flap based on the perforators of the internal thoracic artery (IMAP). The perforator flap was completely de-epidermized and tunneled under the sternum by a proximal and limited resection of the 3rd costal cartilage and placed at the posterior aspect of the trachea, with the excess tissue rolled up on either side. At 9 months, the patient showed no recurrence and improved general condition. The de-epidermized IMAP tunneled under the sternum intrathoracically is a reliable alternative to the conventional muscle flaps described in TOF management and an attractive additional tool in the plastic surgeon's surgical arsenal.

A novel and efficient surgical procedure for pyriform sinus fistulas in children.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a novel surgical procedure for pyriform sinus fistulas in children via the external cervical approach through the hypopharynx. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 71 pediatric patients with pyriform sinus fistula (PSF) who underwent treatment at the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital, from 2012 July to 2022 July. Surgical treatment of PSF was performed via the external cervical approach through the hypopharynx, with dye instilled through the internal opening to serve as a guide for tract identification. Results: All the internal orifices were found in the pyriform sinus by direct laryngoscopy in all 71 patients under general anesthesia. Two patients had a postoperative temporary hoarseness that resolved after 3 months. The other patients had no complications such as parapharyngeal abscess and incision infection. All patients were followed up for 23 months-70 months, and no recurrence was found. Conclusion: The novel surgical procedure of PSF performed via the hypopharynx has advantages such as a short operation path, quick recovery, fewer complications, and a low recurrence rate. This method is a better choice for managing recurrence cases after repeated cauterization endoscopic surgeries, as well as for patients with visible cervical surgical scars or masses.

Mesenchymal stem cell therapy for therapy refractory complex Crohn's perianal fistulas: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cell treatment (MST) has emerged as a new therapeutic strategy for Crohn's perianal fistulas. It has been demonstrated that a fibrotic tract on MRI with a MAGNIFI-CD score ≤ 6 is the best predictor for long-term clinical closure. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to analyse the effectiveness of MST for complex Crohn's perianal fistulas based on MRI. METHODS: Consecutive patients with complex Crohn's perianal fistulas, previously failing both anti-TNF treatment and surgical closure, who had surgical closure of the internal opening with MST were included. The primary endpoint was radiological remission of the fistula(s) defined as a MAGNIFI-CD ≤ 6 on MRI, read by an experienced radiologist. RESULTS: Between December 2019 and March 2023, 30 patients (15 males) with 48 fistula tracts were included with a median follow-up of 16.5 months. Radiological remission was achieved in thirteen patients (43.3%) after a median follow-up of 5.0 months (IQR 3.0-6.0). The median MAGNIFI-CD at baseline was 15.0 (IQR 7.0-20.0) which significantly decreased to 8.0 (IQR 3.0-15.0) after treatment (p = 0.001). Clinical closure was achieved in 21 patients (70.0%). Three patients (14.3%) developed a recurrence during long-term FU, all with clinically closed fistula(s), but no radiological remission. The median PDAI decreased significantly from 10.5 (IQR 7.0-14.0) to 4.0 (IQR 0.0-7.3) (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: MST is a promising treatment strategy for therapy refractory Crohn's perianal fistulas, resulting in > 40% radiological remission, clinical closure in 70% and a significant improvement in quality of life. No recurrences were seen in patients with radiological remission.

Endoscopic management of surgical complications.

While the endoscopic management of surgical complications like leaks, fistulas, and perforations is rapidly evolving, its core principles revolve around closure, drainage, and containment. Effectively managing these conditions relies on several factors, such as the underlying cause, chronicity of the lesion, tissue viability, co-morbidities, availability of devices, and expertise required to perform the endoscopy. In contrast to acute perforation, fistulas and leaks often demand a multimodal approach requiring more than one session to achieve the required results. Although the ultimate goal is complete resolution, these endoscopic interventions can provide clinical stability, enabling enteral feeding to lead to early hospital discharge or elective surgery. In this discussion, we emphasize the current state of knowledge and the prospective role of endoscopic interventions in managing surgical complications.

Preoperative Angiographic Protocol for the Surgical Management of Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: A Technical Nuance for Safe Minimally Invasive Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Interruption of the fistulous point is the goal of treatment of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs). Microsurgery remains a highly efficient treatment in terms of complete occlusion with the lowest risk of recurrence rate. It is reported that the hardest step involves finding the fistulous site itself, potentially extending surgical access and time and increasing potential postoperative surgical-related complications. The accurate preoperative detection of the shunt and spinal level together is crucial for guiding optimal, fast, and safe microsurgical treatment. METHODS: We describe a preoperative angiographic protocol for achieving a safe and simple resection of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas based on a 6-year institutional experience of 42 patients who underwent minimally invasive procedures. Two illustrative cases are included to support the technical descriptions. RESULTS: The suspected artery associated with the vascular malformation of interest is studied in our angiographic protocol through nonsubtracted selective acquisitions in lateral projection. The resulting frames are reconstructed with three-dimensional rotational angiography. The implementation of the preoperative angiographic protocol allowed 100% of intraoperative identification of the fistulous point in all cases with the use of a minimally invasive approach. CONCLUSIONS: Nowadays, neurosurgeons advocate for minimally invasive procedures and procedures with low morbidity risk for treatment of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas. Our preoperative approach for accurate angiographic localization of the fistulous point through nonsubtracted and three-dimensional reconstructed angiography allowed us to achieve safe and definitive occlusion of the shunt.

Accuracy prediction of Goodsall's rule for anal fistulas of crypotogladular origin, is still standing?

Background: Treatment of anal fistulas is still a challenging task because of high recurrence and risk of incontinence. Identification of internal fistula opening is paramount for successful treatment. Goodsall's rule is commonly used to predict the course of fistula and internal opening. However, its accuracy has been questioned by many investigators and its role became a controversial topic. Method: This is a case series prospective study in which 320 consecutive patients with anal fistula with Mean age 48.9± 6 years ages (ranges from 16 to 64 years) and mean body mass index 24.8± 5.5 average 18.5-30.6) were enroled. Goodsall's rule was applied to all fistulas according to the site of external fistula opening. Location of internal fistula opening as suggested by Goodsall's rule then compared to the exact location of internal opening identified by perineal or pelvic MRI and intraoperative findings. to assess the accuracy and positive predictive value of the Goodsall's rule in predicting the internal opening of the tract. Results: The overall accuracy rate, positive predictive value (PPV), sensitivity and specificity of Goodsall's rule in this study were 74.75%, 77.1, 74.5, and 72.05, respectively. The accuracy in predicting the internal fistula opening was 52.4% in anterior tracts and 73% in posterior tracts. Goodsall's rule was found to be more accurate in posterior fistulas than anterior fistulas and in short superficial fistulas rather than in long and high fistulas. Conclusion: Goodsall's rule was accurate in 74.75% of anal fistulas. It was more accurate for posterior long fistulas and anterior short and superficial fistulas. Patients with long (>3 cm) anterior fistulas defied Goodsall's rule when they found to have fistulas tracking to a midline anterior origin. Further, short posterior fistulas were found to open more commonly in a direct radial course rather to midline posteriorly.

Activated HLA-DR+CD38+ Effector Th1/17 Cells Distinguish Crohn's Disease-associated Perianal Fistulas from Cryptoglandular Fistulas.

BACKGROUND: Perianal fistulas are a debilitating complication of Crohn's disease (CD). Due to unknown reasons, CD-associated fistulas are in general more difficult to treat than cryptoglandular fistulas (non-CD-associated). Understanding the immune cell landscape is a first step towards the development of more effective therapies for CD-associated fistulas. In this work, we characterized the composition and spatial localization of disease-associated immune cells in both types of perianal fistulas by high-dimensional analyses. METHODS: We applied single-cell mass cytometry (scMC), spectral flow cytometry (SFC), and imaging mass cytometry (IMC) to profile the immune compartment in CD-associated perianal fistulas and cryptoglandular fistulas. An exploratory cohort (CD fistula, n = 10; non-CD fistula, n = 5) was analyzed by scMC to unravel disease-associated immune cell types. SFC was performed on a second fistula cohort (CD, n = 10; non-CD, n = 11) to comprehensively phenotype disease-associated T helper (Th) cells. IMC was used on a third cohort (CD, n = 5) to investigate the spatial distribution/interaction of relevant immune cell subsets. RESULTS: Our analyses revealed that activated HLA-DR+CD38+ effector CD4+ T cells with a Th1/17 phenotype were significantly enriched in CD-associated compared with cryptoglandular fistulas. These cells, displaying features of proliferation, regulation, and differentiation, were also present in blood, and colocalized with other CD4+ T cells, CCR6+ B cells, and macrophages in the fistula tracts. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, proliferating activated HLA-DR+CD38+ effector Th1/17 cells distinguish CD-associated from cryptoglandular perianal fistulas and are a promising biomarker in blood to discriminate between these 2 fistula types. Targeting HLA-DR and CD38-expressing CD4+ T cells may offer a potential new therapeutic strategy for CD-related fistulas.

We applied high-dimensional analyses to profile the immune compartment in CD-associated and cryptoglandular perianal fistulas. Data analysis revealed activated HLA-DR+CD38+ effector Th1/17 cells as distinctly increased in CD-associated fistulas, suggesting a potential novel therapeutic target.

Non-surgical interventions to control bleeding from arteriovenous fistulas and grafts inside and outside the hemodialysis unit: a scoping review.

Background: Prolonged bleeding from arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) and arteriovenous grafts (AVG) associates with worse outcomes; Within the hemodialysis unit these outcomes include anemia and quality of life disruptions, and outside the hemodialysis unit includes fatal hemorrhage. However, various guidelines for AVF/AVG bleeding management inside and outside the hemodialysis unit lack consensus. Methods: A scoping review was conducted of four databases, from inception to 17 February 2024. The study population was hemodialysis patients experiencing bleeding from AVF or AVG. Studies that assessed non-operative management were included. Results: Sixteen studies met inclusion criteria. Most (14/16) addressed post-cannulation bleeding from AVF/AVG within the dialysis unit. Compared with standard dressings, hemostatic dressings (chitosan-, cellulose- or thrombin-based) decreased post-cannulation bleeding time at arterial and venous site 35.7%-84.0% (P < .05) and 38.5%-78.7% (P < .05), respectively. Use of chitosan-based dressings decreased percentage of patients bleeding 4-min post-cannulation by 16.3%-39.2%. One pilot observational study demonstrated no access thromboses or infections with short-term use of a compression device within the hemodialysis unit. However, the role of compression devices and tourniquets within the dialysis unit remains unclear, despite widespread use. Long-term AVF/AVG survival was not reported in any study. Limited research confirms that devices are effective in prevention of catastrophic out-of-hospital bleeding. It remains uncertain if device availability enhances patient confidence in managing out-of-hospital bleeding. This may impact patient choices around dialysis modality, access and transplant, but this remains uncertain. Conclusions: In hemodialysis patents with bleeding from AVF/AVG, several alternative dressings or devices decrease post-cannulation bleeding time within the hemodialysis unit. Existing research has not established criteria on when it might be appropriate to use specialized dressings. There is very limited research on methods to control bleeding from AVF/AVG outside the hemodialysis unit. More data are required before evidence-based guidelines can be made. Recommendations for future research are provided.

Global variations in funding and use of hemodialysis accesses: an international report using the ISN Global Kidney Health Atlas.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of contemporary data describing global variations in vascular access for hemodialysis (HD). We used the third iteration of the International Society of Nephrology Global Kidney Health Atlas (ISN-GKHA) to highlight differences in funding and availability of hemodialysis accesses used for initiating HD across world regions. METHODS: Survey questions were directed at understanding the funding modules for obtaining vascular access and types of accesses used to initiate dialysis. An electronic survey was sent to national and regional key stakeholders affiliated with the ISN between June and September 2022. Countries that participated in the survey were categorized based on World Bank Income Classification (low-, lower-middle, upper-middle, and high-income) and by their regional affiliation with the ISN. RESULTS: Data on types of vascular access were available from 160 countries. Respondents from 35 countries (22% of surveyed countries) reported that > 50% of patients started HD with an arteriovenous fistula or graft (AVF or AVG). These rates were higher in Western Europe (n = 14; 64%), North & East Asia (n = 4; 67%), and among high-income countries (n = 24; 38%). The rates of > 50% of patients starting HD with a tunneled dialysis catheter were highest in North America & Caribbean region (n = 7; 58%) and lowest in South Asia and Newly Independent States and Russia (n = 0 in both regions). Respondents from 50% (n = 9) of low-income countries reported that > 75% of patients started HD using a temporary catheter, with the highest rates in Africa (n = 30; 75%) and Latin America (n = 14; 67%). Funding for the creation of vascular access was often through public funding and free at the point of delivery in high-income countries (n = 42; 67% for AVF/AVG, n = 44; 70% for central venous catheters). In low-income countries, private and out of pocket funding was reported as being more common (n = 8; 40% for AVF/AVG, n = 5; 25% for central venous catheters). CONCLUSIONS: High income countries exhibit variation in the use of AVF/AVG and tunneled catheters. In low-income countries, there is a higher use of temporary dialysis catheters and private funding models for access creation.

Giant Coronary-Pulmonary Artery Fistula Incidentally Detected in a Patient Presenting With Acute Inferior Myocardial Infarction.

Coronary artery fistulas are abnormal connections between the coronary arteries and the heart or other surrounding vascular structures. Although they are usually congenital, they can also occur iatrogenically or due to trauma. They are usually asymptomatic, but they can cause serious and even fatal complications. These complications include myocardial infarction, embolism, thrombosis, arrhythmia, and rupture. In a 54-year-old woman admitted to the emergency department with an acute inferior myocardial infarction, a giant coronary-pulmonary artery fistula was detected on angiography. The fistula could not be closed percutaneously, and computed tomography angiography (CTA) revealed extensive aneurysms and diffuse calcifications. Large fistulas should be closed due to the risk of rupture. Small fistulas should be detected by CTA, and radiologists should be familiar with the imaging features.

A Novel Use of Autologous Fibrin by Intracatheter Injection in Persistent Postoperative Biliary Defects: Technical Note on a Preliminary Experience.

PURPOSE: To introduce percutaneous selective injection of autologous platelet-rich fibrin as a novel technique for persistent bile leakage repair and sharing the results of our preliminary experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven patients (57.1% females; mean age 69.6 ± 8 years) with the evidence of persistent bile leak secondary to hepatobiliary surgery and ineffective treatment with percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage were submitted to fibrin injection. Platelet-rich fibrin, a dense fibrin clot promoting tissue regeneration, was obtained from centrifuged patient's venous blood. Repeated percutaneous injections through a catheter tip placed in close proximity to the biliary defect were performed until complete obliteration at fistulography. Technical and clinical success were evaluated. RESULTS: Bile leaks followed pancreaticoduodenectomy in five and major hepatectomy in two patients. Technical success defined as fibrin injection at BD site was achieved in all seven patients, and clinical success defined as a complete healing of the BD at fistulography was achieved in six patients. The median time to BD closure was 76.7 ± 40.5 days and the average procedure number was 3 ± 1 per patient. In one patient, defect persistance after four treatments required gelatin sponge injection. No major complications occurred. One case of post-procedural transitory hyperpirexia was registered. CONCLUSION: In persistent biliary defects, despite prolonged biliary drainage stay, percutaneous injection of autologous platelet-rich fibrin appears as a readily available and feasible emergent technique in promoting fistulous tracts obliteration still mantaining main ducts patency.

Spontaneous thrombosis of a giant aneurysm complicated with the coronary-to-pulmonary artery fistula: a case report.

Background: A coronary-to-pulmonary artery fistula (CPAF) with a giant aneurysm is a rare clinical occurrence. The rupture of an aneurysm leads to a fatal outcome, thus prompting the incorporation of prophylactic measures, which have encompassed surgical resections or endovascular embolization procedures. The indications for these treatment strategies are controversial, and little has been elucidated regarding the salient characteristics underpinning the selection of a therapeutic strategy. We report a case of a giant aneurysm associated with CPAFs that was thrombosed before interventional treatment. Case summary: A 43-year-old woman, who had previously undergone a right adrenalectomy for primary aldosteronism, was referred for an abnormal heart silhouette on a chest X-ray, which had not been seen three years earlier. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography and coronary angiography (CAG) revealed a giant aneurysm on the anterior aspect of the heart associated with two CPAFs. Because of the risk of rupture of the aneurysm, surgical resection was recommended; however, the patient requested endovascular therapy. On the day of intervention, CAG showed spontaneous occlusion of the feeding vessel to the aneurysm, and the aneurysm showed minimal contrast agent, suggesting spontaneous thrombosis. Because of possible recanalization of the aneurysm, coil embolization was performed, without complications. The patient remained asymptomatic, and the aneurysm was completely embolized at the one-year follow-up. Discussion: The case shows that minimally invasive endovascular treatment is feasible instead of surgical resection for giant aneurysms associated with CPAFs, depending on their morphological characteristics. This perspective may offer novel insights into treatment strategies for CPAF.

Covered Stent Treatment for Direct Carotid-Cavernous Fistulas: A Meta-Analysis of Efficacy and Safety Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Direct carotid-cavernous fistulas (dCCFs) involve the abnormal shunting of blood between the internal carotid artery and the cavernous sinus. The use of covered stents (CSs) has been reported for the treatment of complex carotid artery lesions. However, the efficacy and safety of CS treatment for dCCFs remain controversial. Thus, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate these efficacy and safety endpoints. METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed by comprehensively searching the Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases to identify studies that were related to CS treatment for dCCFs. Then, a meta-analysis was conducted to pool the efficacy and safety outcomes from these studies based on perioperative and follow-up data. RESULTS: Fourteen noncomparative studies enrolling 156 patients with 160 dCCFs met the inclusion criteria. When analyzing perioperative outcomes, the technical success rate was 98.5% [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.948; 1.000], and the immediate complete occlusion rate was 90.9% (95% CI, 0.862; 0.959). Vasospasm and dissection occurred in 32.2% (95% CI, 0.238; 0.463) and 0.1% (95% CI, 0.000; 0.012) of patients, respectively. The in-stent acute thrombus formation rate was 0.1% (95% CI, 0.000; 0.013). Postoperatively, the mortality rate was 0.1% (95% CI, 0.000; 0.013). Based on available follow-up data, the final complete occlusion and parent artery stenosis rates were 99.3% (95% CI, 0.959; 1.000) and 18.6% (95% CI, 0.125; 0.277), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: CS placement can be used to safely and effectively treat dCCFs. These results provide a reference for future clinical trials.

Management of a Rare Case of Multiple Coronary Artery Fistulas Associated with Ascending Aortic and Root Aneurysm: Case Report and Review of Literature.

Coronary artery fistulas draining into the left ventricle is a rare finding. They can be associated with other congenital cardiac anomalies like ventricular septal defect or tetralogy of Fallot. While most of them are asymptomatic, they can lead to severe cardiac complications like infective endocarditis, heart failure, or myocardial ischemia. Symptomatic coronary artery fistulas can be managed surgically or percutaneously. We present a case of a 61-year-old male patient with both left anterior descending artery and right coronary artery fistulas draining into the left ventricle associated with ascending aorta and root aneurysm. Preoperative assessment for myocardial ischemia and the size and location of the fistulas was performed. The echocardiography stress test was negative. Surgery consisted of replacement of the ascending aorta and reconstruction of the noncoronary sinus with a Dacron patch with aortic valve preservation and no intervention for the coronary artery fistulas. The surgical strategy was adapted for cardioplegia administration to compensate for the volume of coronary blood drained into the left ventricle and for better protection of the distal myocardium.