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The term “Transgender” is used to describe individuals whose gender identity is different from their external sexual anatomy at birth. The number of people identifying as transgender has increased in recent years, and consequently, the number of gender affirmation surgeries and the use of hormonal therapies has also increased. A wide range of hormonal therapies has emerged considering the target population, age, and final outcomes, and as such these are becoming increasingly developed and complex in order to be the most appropriate for each individual. However, the side effects of these therapies remain to be fully understood. Therefore, this review aims to assess the impact of hormone therapy, in both transgender men and women of different ages, on the lipid profile. From the studies analyzed, it is possible to conclude that there is a relationship between hormone therapy and the lipid profile, with different outcomes between transgender men and women. There is a reduction in cardiovascular risk for transgender women as opposed to transgender men, in whom cardiovascular risk seems to increase due to lipid changes. It is now necessary to understand the mechanisms involved in order to reduce the consequences of these therapies and promote positive health outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Arterio-ureteral fistula (AUF) is a rare but life-threatening cause of hematuria. Most AUFs are secondary to malignancy or extensive pelvic/ vascular surgery CASE REPORT: A case of an 84-year-old patient who developed significant hematuria 4 months after pelvic surgery due to urothelial carcinoma is presented. CONCLUSION: Active surveillance of patients with predisposing risk factors and sensitivity to other differential diagnoses of hematuria such AUF, is important to avoid mortality of these patients. Percutaneous endovascular stent graft is life-saving procedure that is effective and safe.

INTRODUCTION: Partial nephrectomy is considered the gold standard treatment for many renal tumors when technically feasible. Renal artery pseudoaneurysm and arteriovenous fistulas are rare life-threatening complications that occur more frequently after laparoscopic rather than open partial nephrectomy. CASE REPORT: The authors present a case of a 67-year-old female patient with persistent hematuria due to a renal pseudoaneurysm after partial laparoscopic nephrectomy is presented. The patient underwent selective embolization of the pseudoaneurysm using CONCLUSION: Arterial lesions after partial nephrectomy may be amenable to embolization with the advantage of renal parenchyma and function preservation, by comparison with more invasive interventions such as total nephrectomy. Active surveillance of patients after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy should be performed.

BACKGROUND: Calciphylaxis is a rare disease with a poor prognosis predominantly found in end-stage renal disease patients treated with dialysis. This pathology most commonly presents with painful non-healing ulcers, predisposing to high risk of sepsis and death. The authors present a case of bilateral leg ulcers due to calciphylaxis. CASE REPORT: A 40-year-old female patient presented with painful ulcers in both lower limbs, for two months. She had a history of end-stage renal disease, morbid obesity, severe hypertension, arterial fibrillation and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Duplex examination releveled biphasic curves in the foot arteries. The ankle-brachial index was carried out with a result of 1.1, obtaining a WIFi stage of 3 (2/0/2). Venous disease was excluded. A biopsy was obtained, revealing small thick-walled vessels with dystrophic calcification of the intima and media. After surgical debridement, antibiotics directed at the superimposed infection were administered and local wound care with chemical debridement was performed. The ulcers healed completely after 8 weeks and there was no recurrence after 6 months. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis is made by clinical and histological findings. Treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach with medical treatment and wound care. Drugs such as sodium thiosulphate and cinacalcet have shown good results in the healing of ulcers. Vascular surgeons, as they often deal with patients with leg ulcers, should be aware of calciphylaxis as a differential diagnosis when vascular disease is excluded.

INTRODUCTION: The Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) module of the Portuguese National Vascular Registry (RNPV) is a prospective, voluntary, population-based registry, that encompasses more than 90% of portuguese vascular departments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of the first 1000 infra-renal AAA included in the Portuguese RNPV. METHODS: Data were collected from November 2019 to December 2022 and analyzed for demographic aspects, treatment indication, aneurysm anatomic characteristics, type of intervention (EVAR and open surgical repair - OSR), outcome at 30-days and 1-year. EVAR and OSR were compared within elective and urgent settings. RESULTS: A total of 1122 patients were included in the period of study. After applying the exclusion criteria, we analyzed the first consecutive 1000 patients with infra-renal aneurysm submitted to EVAR or OSR, in elective or urgent settings. Elective procedures were perfomed in 79.2% of cases. Patients were predominantly male (91.8%), with a mean age of 74.1 ± 10.6 years. The overall 30-day mortality was 2.7% (EVAR 1.8% and OSR 5.9%; p=0.003). Pos- operative complications were more frequent in the OSR group, with significant repercussion in hospital length, reinterventions and early mortality. Baseline AAA diameter was identified as a predictor of 30-day mortality. Intra- hospital mortality was inversely related with the caseload of the center (p=0.032), mainly due to higher mortality in OSR (p=0.04). The center caseload did not impact the intra-hospital mortality in elective standard EVAR procedures. Urgent repair was performed in 205 patients with significantly larger AAA-diameter (70.5 ± 21.5 mm versus 57.5 ± 14.3 mm, p

Introdução: Os registos clínicos são ferramentas fundamentais para a conhecer a realidade e poder auditar o tratamento de aneurismas da aorta abdominal (AAA). A Sociedade Portuguesa de Angiologia e Cirurgia Vascular, promotora do Registo Nacional de Procedimentos Vasculares (RNPV), desenvolveu um módulo para esta patologia que iniciou o seu funcionamento em Dezembro de 2019. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar dados referentes ao primeiro ano de funcionamento do módulo de AAA. Métodos: O módulo de AAA do RNPV abriu a possibilidade (voluntária) de registo em Dezembro de 2019. Após formação específica aos investigadores, os centros participantes deram início aos registos, de forma progressiva, ao longo do ano de 2020. O registo é realizado numa ferramenta informática especialmente desenvolvida para o efeito. São registados todos os casos de AAA (incluindo justa- ou supra-renais), com ou sem envolvimento das artérias ilíacas, de etiologia degenerativa. São excluídos aneurismas toraco-abdominais e ilíacos isolados. São registados dados demográficos, anatómicos, co-morbilidades, modo de admissão, detalhes sobre o tratamento e seguimento até aos 30-dias/intra- -hospitalar. O seguimento aos 1 ano e 5 anos é opcional. Para a finalidade deste relatório, foram apenas analisados dados referentes ao modo de admissão e tipo de tratamento, assim como a mortalidade aos 30-dias/intra-hospitalar. Resultados: Entre Dezembro de 2019 e Dezembro de 2020, foram registados 350 doentes na plataforma do módulo de AAA do RNPV. A idade média dos doentes registados é de 74.3 ± 13.7 anos, e 92.0% são do sexo masculino. O modo de admissão foi eletivo em 76,9% dos casos. O diâmetro máximo do aneurisma aórtico foi em média 63.9mm ± 19.9mm. A maioria dos doentes apresentava AAA infra-renal, numa percentagem semelhante em casos eletivos e em urgência (79% vs 76%), p=0.16. A indicação para tratamento foi o diâmetro aórtico em 59.4% dos casos. O tratamento endovascular (EVAR) foi utilizado em 68.9% dos casos. Em cirurgia eletiva, a percentagem de EVAR foi 75.7% e em urgência 45.7%, p < 0.01. Em cirurgia eletiva, a mortalidade aos 30 dias ou intra-hospitalar foi de 3.3% (8 doentes). Para doentes tratados por EVAR foi de 2.8% e para cirurgia aberta 5.2%, p

O linfangioma cístico é uma malformação benigna e rara do sistema linfático, cuja localização retroperitoneal corresponde a cerca de 1% de todos os linfangiomas. A sua apresentação clínica é frequentemente inespecífica. Os autores relatam o caso de uma mulher de 38 anos de idade com dor abdominal persistente e refratária à terapêutica médica, que por esse motivo realizou exames de imagem (ecografia abdominal e tomografia computadorizada toraco-abdomino- pélvica) que revelou uma imagem retroperitoneal de natureza cística, sugestiva de linfangioma. Foi proposta laparotomia para excisão completa da lesão. O exame histopatológico da peça operatória confirmou o diagnóstico de linfangioma cístico. A excisão cirúrgica completa é considerada a terapêutica de eleição, para além de permitir o diagnóstico definitivo.

Introduction: EVAR represents the preferred modality for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA) repair. However, a comprehension regarding its limits is paramount to avoid future complications. AAA sac diameter has been described as a relevant risk factor for late complications. The purpose of this study is to summarize relevant findings regarding the association between AAA diameter and AAA-related complications. Methods: MEDLINE databases were searched to identify data addressing specific information on the relation between AAA sac diameter and incidence of AAA-related complications. Only articles in English language between 2003 and 2019 was included. Primary endpoint was freedom from aneurysm-related complications. Results: Five studies were included in our report, including 8443 patients. In two of the included studies patients with larger AAA sacs were at increased risk for aneurysm-related complications after EVAR (HR 1.02 per mm increase CI95% 1.01–1.04 and HR 1.8 95% CI, 1.20–2.72; P = .005). Two studies reported a higher risk of post implant ruptures (HR: 7.7 CI95% 3.1–18.7;) and late conversions (HR 1.6 CI 95% 1.1–2.3) in patients with AAA diameters over 6 and 6.5 cm, respectively. Finally, one study reported a higher rate of neck-related events in patients with AAA diameter > 65mm [HR: 6.4 (2.3–17.7)]. Conclusion: AAA diameter is a relevant risk factor for late complications. However, research is needed to clarify is these are attributable to the challenging associated anatomy or to the space free of thrombus within the sac. Judicious technique choice along with tailored follow-up strategies are advised in this subgroup of patients.

Cardiovascular diseases are important causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are major components of blood vessels and are involved in physiologic and pathophysiologic conditions. In healthy vessels, vascular SMCs contribute to vasotone and regulate blood flow by cyclic nucleotide intracellular pathways. However, vascular SMCs lose their contractile phenotype under pathological conditions and alter contractility or signalling mechanisms, including cyclic nucleotide compartmentation. In the present review, we focus on compartmentalized signaling of cyclic nucleotides in vascular smooth muscle. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms clarifies the most relevant axes for the regulation of vascular tone. Furthermore, this allows the detection of possible changes associated with pathological processes, which may be of help for the discovery of novel drugs.

Introduction: Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) has expanded into progressively more challenging anatomies. Proximal neck-morphology represents the major determinant of EVAR durability. Neck-diameter constitutes one of the most important anatomical neck features and influence proximal sealing over time. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of wide proximal necks on outcome after standard EVAR. Methods: MEDLINE databases were searched to identify publications addressing the relation between aortic neck diameter and incidence of AAA-related complications. Results: Six studies were included in our review, addressing 6602 patients: 1616 with large necks and 4986 with small necks. Five studies, including 6446 patients, reported higher rates of type 1A endoleak in patients with large necks with hazard/ odds ratios ranging between 2.3–4.1. One study found a higher risk of post-implant rupture in patients with necks>30mm (HR: 5.1; 95% CI, 1.4–19.2). Four studies reported on the influence of wide necks on AAA-related mortality without finding any association. Reduced overall survival was seen in patients with large necks in 4 studies (long term survival ranged between 61.6 and 68% for wide neck patients and 75–90 % for small neck patients), mostly attributable to cardiovascular causes. Conclusions: Patients with wide proximal necks are at greater risk for type 1A endoleak, post-implant rupture and overall-mor- tality. This subgroup of patients may be considered for more complex proximal seal strategies with fenestrated/branched devices or open repair, although there is no evidence of superiority of alternative strategies to standard EVAR in large necks. This subgroup should be offered more stringent imaging follow-up and aggressive treatment of medical comorbidities.

Introdução: A oclusão da artéria hipogástrica pode ser necessária na reparação endovascular de aneurismas da aorta abdominal (EVAR). A oclusão intencional da hipogástrica pode ter complicações isquémicas. As endopróteses de bifurcação ilíaca (IBD) surgiram como alternativa endovascular à oclusão da hipogástrica em doentes com elevado risco para isquemia pélvica. Os autores descrevem um caso de oclusão precoce do ramo hipogástrico de IBD com graves consequências clínicas. Caso clínico: Sexo masculino, de 74 anos, com aneurisma da aorta abdominal (diâmetro máximo de 55mm) com envolvimento de ambas as bifurcações ilíacas e segmentos proximais das hipogástricas (diâmetro máximo de 31 e 32 mm), submetido a EVAR com revascularizac¸ão hipogástrica esquerda via IBD (Cook Zenith®) e coiling + overstenting da artéria hipogástrica contralateral. O procedimento decorreu sem complicações e a angiografia final mostrava permeabilidade da hipogástrica revascularizada e escassa colateralidade pélvica. O pós-operatório imediato complicou-se de dor lombar e glútea bilateral associada a manifestações cutâneas isquémicas e monoparesia do membro inferior esquerdo. Por agravamento progressivo nas primeiras 24 h e angioTC com oclusão do stent da hipogástrica esquerda, procedeu-se novamente a revascularização da hipogástrica, com bom resultado na angiografia final. Apesar da revascularização bem-sucedida, houve agravamento progressivo do estado geral, com isquemia pélvica irreversível e rabdomiólise. Óbito ao 5.◦ dia pós-operatório. Conclusão: A isquemia pélvica aguda é uma complicação grave e frequentemente fatal que pode advir da oclusão bilateral das artérias hipogástricas. A falência da revascularização por IBD pode ser fatal, pelo que os autores aconselham um cuidado redobrado no controlo angiográfico final e um baixo limiar para investigação na suspeita de complicações pós-operatórias. Se maior risco de falência técnica, embolização ou escassa colateralidade pélvica, a preservação bilateral de fluxo nas artérias hipogástricas pode estar recomendada.

Introdução: Os Falsos Aneurismas (FA) são uma das complicações mais frequentemente associadas à punção femoral diagnóstica e de intervenção cardíaca. A sua abordagem terapêutica tem evoluído no sentido da preponderância das técnicas não invasivas sendo a Cirurgia Convencional cada vez menos frequentemente praticada. Objectivos: Os autores propõem a propósito de um caso clínico, e através de uma revisão da literatura discutir a abordagem terapêutica dos FA e as indicações da Cirurgia Convencional. Caso clínico: Doente de sessenta e um anos, sexo masculino, com antecedentes de hipertensão arterial, doença coronária com enfarte agudo do miocárdio prévio, miocardiopatia dilatada, fibrilhação auricular paroxística sendo portador de cardiodesfibrilhador. Foi submetido a cateterismo cardíaco por via femoral direita para ablação do Feixe de His, tendo sido referenciado ao Serviço de Angiologia e Cirurgia Vascular por desenvolvimento progressivo de massa pulsátil dolorosa acompanhada de hipostesia da face anterior da coxa. A Angiodinografia confirmou a presença de falso aneurisma da artéria femoral profunda direita com 3cm de maior diâmetro e a presença de uma fístula entre a artéria e a veia femorais superficiais direitas. Por abordagem cirúrgica aberta, foi realizada a exclusão do falso aneurisma e rafia da artéria e veia femorais superficiais. Conclusão: A abordagem de primeira linha dos falsos aneurismas iatrogénicos pós cateterismo cardíaco é não invasiva mas a Cirurgia Convencional detém ainda um lugar primordial para um grupo restrito de doentes.Introduction: Pseudoaneurysms (PAN) are one of the most common complications of cardiac catheterization. Treatment has evolved towards a less invasive approach, reducing the number of Open repairs. Objectives: The authors propose to discuss the contemporary management of PAN and the remaining indications for Conventional Surgical Repair based upon a case report. Case Report: Sixty-one year old Caucasian male, with personal history of Hypertension, previous myocardial infarct, dilated myocardiopathy, paroxistic auricular fibrillation, with an implanted cardiodefibrillator, was submitted to His Bundle ablation by right femoral catheterization. He was referred because of the presence of a painful pulsating mass at the catheterization site. A color-Doppler confirmed the diagnosis of Pseudoaneurysm of the right Deep Femoral Artery with 3cm of diameter and the presence of an Arteriovenous Fistula between the superficial femoral vessels. The patient was treated in a Classic fashion, with exclusion of the pseudoaneurysm and repair of the superficial artery and vein. Conclusion: First-line treatment for PAN remains non-invasive but Open Surgical repair is still an important alternative in the management of a restrict group of patients.

FUNDAMENTO: Fatores relacionados ao nível sócio-econômico, à qualidade e à gestão assistencial podem influenciar na letalidade e morbidade por infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM). OBJETIVO: Comparar letalidade e morbidade por IAM entre hospital público e privado. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional, com grupos de comparação. Avaliação clínica na admissão e registro de dados diagnósticos, terapêuticos e evolutivos até a alta ou o óbito. Comparação das características clínicas por análise univariada seguida de análise bivariada, avaliando a associação de preditores com óbito e morbidade (Killip >I), SPSS, versão 13,0. RESULTADOS: Avaliados 150 pacientes, 63 (42,0%) privados e 87 (58,0%) públicos, com 63,1% e 62,1% de homens e idades de 61,1±13,8 e 60,0±11,6 anos, respectivamente. A letalidade por IAM foi de 19,5% nos públicos vs 4,8% nos privados (p=0,001) e a morbidade (Killip classe >1) de 34,3% nos públicos vs 15,0% nos privados (p=0,012). Houve diferença significativa nos públicos devido à menor renda familiar e escolaridade (70,1% com um a dois salários vs 19,0%, p1 hora: 76,9% vs 48,6%; p=0,003) e maior tempo para ser medicado (THM>15 minutos: 47,1% vs 8,0%, pFUNDAMENTO: Factores relacionados al nivel socioeconómico, a la calidad y a la gestión asistencial pueden influir en la letalidad y la morbilidad por infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM). OBJETIVO: Comparar letalidad y morbilidad por IAM entre hospital público y privado. MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional, con grupos de comparación. Evaluación clínica al ingreso y registro de datos diagnósticos, terapéuticos y evolutivos hasta el alta u óbito. Comparación de las características clínicas por análisis univariado, seguida de análisis bivariado, evaluando la asociación de predictores con óbito y morbilidad (Killip >I), SPSS, versión 13,0. RESULTADOS: Se evaluaron a 150 pacientes, 63 pacientes privados (42,0%) y 87 públicos (58,0%), con un 63,1% y un 62,1% de varones y edades variando de 61,1±13,8 a 60,0±11,6 años, respectivamente. La letalidad por IAM fue de un 19,5% en los pacientes públicos vs. un 4,8% en los privados (P=0,001), y la morbilidad (Killip classe >1) de un 34,3% en los públicos vs. el 15% en los pacientes privados (P=0,012). Hubo diferencia significativa en los pacientes públicos por culpa de la menor renta familiar y de la baja escolaridad (un 70,1% con uno a dos salarios vs. el 19%, P1 hora: un 76,9% vs. un 48,6%; P=0,003) y un mayor tiempo transcurrido hasta la administración de los medicamentos (THM>15 minutos: 47,1% vs. 8,0%, PBACKGROUND: Factors related to socioeconomic status and health care quality and management may influence mortality and morbidity rates due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI). OBJECTIVE: To compare mortality and morbidity in patients with AMI hospitalized in public and private hospitals. METHODS: An observational study, with comparison groups. Clinical evaluation on admission, and recording of diagnostic, therapeutic and evolution data until discharge or death. Comparison of clinical characteristics by univariate analysis followed by bivariate analysis, evaluating the combination of predictors with death and morbidity (Killip> I), SPSS, version 13.0. RESULTS: 150 patients were evaluated, 63 (42.0%) of private hospitals and 87 (58.0%) of public hospitals, with 63.1% and 62.1% of males, aged 61.1 ± 13.8 and 60.0 ± 11.6 years, respectively. The mortality from AMI was 19.5% in public hospitals vs 4.8% in private hospitals (p = 0.001), and morbidity (Killip class> I) was 34.3% in public hospitals vs 15.0% in private hospitals (p = 0.012). There was a significant difference between public and private patients, due to lower family income and education (70.1% with one to two salaries vs 19.0%, p 1 hour: 76.9% vs 48.6%, p = 0.003); and a longer period of time before being medicated (AMT > 15 minutes: 47.1% vs 8.0%; p