Search

We studied the utility of electron beam computed tomography as a screening test for the cardiovascular risk of elective vascular surgery. In 45 patients undergoing principally carotid and aortic surgical procedures, coronary artery calcification was prevalent and severe, and related to the clinically predicted cardiovascular risk of the procedure. However, only the clinically predicted surgical risk, and not coronary artery calcification, was related to the incidence of perioperative cardiovascular complications.

Background. Studies have reported that structural proteins such as elastin and collagen are decreased in varicose veins compared to normal controls. We hypothesized that the changes observed in varicose vein wall composition may be related to alterations in extracellular matrix remodeling proteins, such as the matrix metalloproteases and serine proteases. In addition we hypothesized that there may be regional variation in the expression of these enzymes within the leg. Patients and materials. One-centimeter segments of the proximal and distal greater saphenous vein (GSV) were obtained from patients undergoing ligation and stripping for venous insufficiency (vv) ( n = 15) or GSV harvest in conjunction with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) ( n = 7). All vv patients had incompetence of the GSV by color flow duplex. Vein specimens were examined for MMP-1, 3, and 13, tryptase, and GAPDH mRNA using semiquantitative RT–PCR analysis. Quantification of MMP-1 and 13 (active/latent forms) and tryptase was performed using Western blot analysis. Western blots were analyzed using scanning densitometry and standardized to normal controls and values expressed as the median densitometric index (D.I.). Nonparametric statistical methods (Wilcoxan signed rank test and Mann–Whitney U test) were used for analysis. Results. We were able to amplify MMP-1, MMP-13, and tryptase mRNA from both proximal and distal segments of all greater saphenous veins studied. MMP-3 mRNA, however, was not found in either segment of any of the veins examined. A semiquantitative analysis of RT–PCR products comparing the ratio of MMP-1, MMP-13, or tryptase mRNA to GAPDH mRNA showed no difference between cases and controls nor proximal vs distal vein segments. Western blot analysis revealed larger quantities of MMP-1 in varicose veins than in nondiseased veins from CABG patients (48.0 ± 36.7 D.I. vs 12.5 ± 6.8 D.I., P = 0.036). Investigation into the regional variation of proteases revealed lower amounts of MMP-1 in distal than in proximal vein segments (37.9 ± 35.0 D.I. vs 44.1 ± 41.6 D.I., P = 0.01). Similarly, we found significantly less MMP-13 in distal segments of varicose veins than in proximal segments (152.8 ± 130.0 D.I. vs 206.7 ± 173.3 D.I., P = 0.006). Conclusions. This study found that MMP-1 protein is increased in varicose veins when compared to controls despite no differences in mRNA expression. In addition we found that there is regional variation of MMP-1 and MMP-13 in diseased varicose veins. Lower leg veins have significantly reduced amounts of these proteolytic enzymes when compared to veins of the upper thigh. These data suggest that posttranscriptional regulatory controls could be responsible for the observed differences.

Maintenance of hemodialysis access for end-stage renal disease continues to be a major challenge for vascular surgeons, nephrologists, and primary care physicians. This case report highlights the complication and treatment of lower extremity central venous stenosis, allowing continued dialysis access for a patient with limited remaining fistula options. This stenosis resulted from the prolonged use of a lower extremity central venous catheter. This case highlights the importance of imaging the central veins in obstruction of lower extremity fistulas. Once detected, as in the upper extremity, this can be effectively treated using balloon dilation and stenting.

Use of fluoroscopy and bone landmarks to guide percutaneous common femoral artery (CFA) access has decreased access site complications compared with palpation alone. However, only limited case series have examined the benefits of ultrasound to guide CFA access during peripheral vascular intervention (PVI). We evaluated the effect of routine vs selective use of ultrasound guidance (UG) on groin hematoma rates after PVI.The Vascular Study Group of New England database (2010-2014) was queried to identify the complication of postprocedural groin hematoma after 7359 PVIs performed through CFA access. Hematoma (including pseudoaneurysms) was defined as minor (requiring compression or observation), moderate (requiring transfusion or thrombin injection), and major (requiring operation). Both procedure-level and interventionalist-level analyses were performed. Multivariable Poisson regression models were used to compare hematoma rates of interventionalists based on routine (≥80% of PVIs) and selective (80%) utilization of UG in the adjusted overall sample and in multiple subgroups.The overall postprocedural groin hematoma rate after PVI was 4.5%, and the rate of combined moderate and major hematoma was 0.8%. Among 114 interventionalists with ≥10 PVI procedures, routine and selective UG was used by 31 (27%) and 83 (73%) interventionalists, respectively. Routine UG was protective against hematoma (rate ratio [RR], 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.46-0.84; P.01). Subgroup analysis revealed that routine UG was also protective against hematoma under the following circumstances: age80 years (RR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.27-0.85; P = .01), body mass index ≥30 (RR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.29-0.90; P = .02), and sheath size6F (RR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.23-0.79; P.01).Routine UG may potentially protect against the complication of hematoma for both modifiable and nonmodifiable patient and procedural characteristics. Encouraging routine UG is a feasible quality improvement opportunity to decrease patient morbidity after PVI.

A 41-year-old African American man presented with an acute stroke secondary to bilateral spontaneous internal carotid artery dissections following exercise. Spontaneous bilateral carotid artery dissection is an unusual and uncommon occurrence that can be successfully diagnosed by color-flow duplex ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance angiography (MRI/MRA) imaging. A review of the literature and the authors' experience supports initial medical management of these patients. Surgery should be considered for those patients who exhibit progressive neurologic symptoms during medical management or when significant carotid artery complications, aneurysms, or flow-limiting stenoses persist.

Carotid body tumors (CBTs) have an unpredictable history with no correlation between histology and clinical behavior. Of reported cases since 1891, local and distant metastases appear in approximately 10% of cases and remain the hallmark of malignancy. Currently, there are not enough data to support a single treatment regimen for malignant CBTs. The reported case demonstrates some unanswered issues with regard to malignant CBTs to include lymph node dissection, the need for carotid resection, and the role of radiation therapy. A 46-year-old pathologist underwent a resection of a Shamblin I CBT, to include jugular lymph node sampling, without complication. There was lymph node involvement, and tumor cells were found on the margins of the pathologic specimen. Subsequent carotid resection with reversed interposition saphenous vein graft and modified neck dissection were performed again without complication. Follow-up at 4 years has been uneventful. Diagnosis of CBTs with the use of magnetic resonance angiography, magnetic resonance imaging, color flow duplex scanning, and the role of arteriography are reviewed. The current treatment options are discussed with reference to primary lymph node sampling, carotid resection, and neck dissection in malignant cases. This case demonstrates that the unpredictable nature of CBTs and their malignant potential warrant aggressive initial local treatment to include jugular lymph node sampling and complete tumor resection.

The finding of carotid stenosis contralateral to a carotid occlusion is becoming more frequent. While the neurologic outcomes in this patient population have been described, the rate of disease progression measured by duplex examination and the eventual need for carotid endarterectomy has not been described. In this study, a computerized database of carotid duplex examinations was reviewed and clinical data were obtained from clinic records. From 9124 studies 117 patients were identified. Thirty patients had previous carotid surgery on the patent side and were excluded. Of 87 patients 33 required carotid endarterectomy on the patent side. The rate of disease progression and/or the performance of a carotid endarterectomy by life-table analysis was 85.9% over 8 years. There were 10 neurologic events during the follow-up period. Patients with carotid stenosis and contralateral occlusion are at significant risk for disease progression. Follow-up should be more frequent and of longer duration in this patient population. A significant number of patients with carotid artery occlusion will require a carotid endarterectomy of the patent contralateral carotid.

The morbidity and cost of conventional angiography (CA) have focused recent efforts in cerebrovascular imaging upon the exclusive use of noninvasive techniques. Our purpose was to prospectively evaluate carotid magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and to compare its accuracy with color-flow duplex (CFD). Fifty patients were prospectively evaluated with CA and MRA after clinical and CFD findings indicated the need for carotid angiography. CFD measurements of peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end-diastolic velocity (EDV) were made. MRA results were categorized as 0%-39%, 40%-59%, 60%-79%, or 80%-99% stenosis or occluded. Determination of percent carotid stenosis by CA was made as in the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET). Using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, the probability of correctly predicting a > or =60% stenosis using various CFD thresholds and MRA was assessed. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) in determining > or =60% stenosis were estimated. For MRA the sensitivity was 85% (95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 69%-94%), specificity 70% (CI = 56%-81 %), PPV 68% (CI = 53%-80%), and NPV 86% (CI = 72%-94%). For CFD the sensitivity was 89% (CI = 74%-96%), specificity 93% (CI = 82%-98%), PPV 89% (CI = 74%-96%), and NPV 93% (CI = 82%-98%). When MRA and CFD results were concordant (n = 64), the sensitivity was 100% (CI = 89%-100%), specificity 95% (CI = 81%-99%), PPV 94% (CI = 77%-99%), and the NPV was 100% (CI = 92%-100%). The area under the ROC curve for CFD was 95%, compared to 83% for MRA (p = 0.0005). We conclude that the low specificity of MRA precludes its use as the definitive imaging modality for carotid stenosis. The 93% specificity of CFD alone warrants its consideration as a definitive carotid imaging study. By ROC curve analysis, CFD offers superior accuracy to MRA. Our data support noninvasive preoperative carotid imaging for detecting a threshold stenosis of > or =60% whether CFD is used alone, or in combination with the selective use of MRA.

We report a 29-year follow-up of a high-velocity superficial femoral vein injury sustained during the Vietnam War that was treated by emergent ligation. After years of suffering recurrent ulceration from chronic venous insufficiency, this patient underwent axillary vein valve transfer with improvement in his venous hypertension. Long-term follow-up of patients with deep venous injuries is necessary to avoid complications from chronic venous insufficiency.

BackgroundDespite the recent major changes in vascular and general surgery training, there has been a paucity of literature examining the effect of these changes on training and surgical outcomes. Amputations represent a common cross-section in core competencies for general surgery and vascular surgery trainees. This study evaluates the effect of trainee participation on outcomes after above-knee and below-knee amputations.MethodsThe American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database (2005 to 2010) was queried using Current Procedural Terminology codes (American Medical Association, Chicago, Ill) for below-knee amputation (27880, 27882) and above knee-amputation (27590, 27592). Resident involvement was defined using the NSQIP variable and was narrowed to postgraduate year 1 to 5. Variables associated with resident involvement were identified, and mortality, morbidity, intraoperative transfusion, and operative time (75th percentile vs the bottom three quartiles) were evaluated as distinct categoric end points in logistic regression. Included in the model were variables with a P value

s from the 2013 American Venous Forum Annual Meeting Management Trends for Chronic Venous Insufficiency Across the United States: A Report from the American Venous Registry J. Almeida, L. Kabnick, T. Wakefield, J. Raffetto, R. McLafferty, P. Pappas, J. Rectenwald, J. Blebea, D. Gillespie, U. Onyeachom, R. Kinsman, B.K. Lal, Miami Vein Center, Miami, Fla; NYU, New York, NY; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich; Veterans Affairs Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass; Southern Illinois Medical Center, Springfield, Ill; Brooklyn Hospital Center, New York, NY; University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Tulsa, Okla; University of Rochester, Rochester, NY; American Venous Forum, Milwaukee, Wisc; University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md Objective: Minimally invasive procedures for the treatment of symptomatic saphenous vein reflux have been rapidly adopted as an alternative to saphenous vein stripping across clinical centers in the United States during the past decade. There is limited information however, on the proportionate use of the various available vein ablation methods. We analyzed data from the Varicose Vein (VV) module of the American Venous Registry (AVR) to identify the relative frequency of techniques used for the treatment of symptomatic saphenous vein reflux and their associated outcomes, based on standardized measures of clinical severity scores. Methods: De-identified data from the VV module of the AVR was reviewed on patients treated by 41 physicians from 37 sites in a web-based registry and database. Patient data collected included baseline and postprocedural venous clinical severity score (VCSS), type of procedure, and any complications resulting from the procedure. Follow up was measured at 3, 6, and 12 months post-procedure.

Resistance to activated protein C (RAPC) is a newly recognized hypercoagulable state that was first described in 1993. It has become apparent that RAPC is even more common than deficiencies in protein C, protein S, or antithrombin III (AT-III) and affects an estimated 5% of the general population. The majority of patients with RAPC have an abnormality in factor V (Arg506Gln), which renders factor Va resistant to degradation by activated protein C. Studies in 75 patients referred to the Hematology Laboratory at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) over a 14-month period for evaluation of venous thromboembolism were reviewed to determine the percentage of those with RAPC. Of the 75 patients in the study, one was deficient in protein S, one was deficient in protein C, and none was deficient in AT-III. In contrast, 27 (36%) patients tested positive for RAPC. Blood was available for DNA analysis in 15 patients with RAPC. Of these 15 patients, nine (60%) tested positive for the Arg506Gln mutation in factor V. Six other patients with RAPC did not have the factor V mutation. Additional risk factors for thrombosis were immobility, obesity, use of oral contraceptives, and pregnancy. The majority of patients had deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremities; 71% had a recurrence if not placed on chronic anticoagulation therapy. Thus RAPC is a significant risk factor for venous thrombosis. Evaluation for inherited hypercoagulable states should include testing for this newly described condition.

A case of severe lymphedema of the lower extremity caused by obstruction by human immunodeficiency virus – associated Kaposi's sarcoma is presented. A review of the signs and symptoms of obstructive lymphedema and Kaposi's sarcoma is provided. Early recognition of this clinical entity may allow use of simple preventative measures and help to avoid this life- and limb-threatening situation. (J VASC SURG 1995;22:178-81.)

Patients requiring infrainguinal bypass surgery often have diffuse atherosclerotic disease, and perioperative myocardial infarction (MI) is a potentially lethal complication that is not uncommon in these patients. To establish additional clinical characteristics that might be useful in identifying patients who require more extensive cardiac evaluation, we conducted an exploratory case-control study comparing 22 patients who had a perioperative MI following elective infrainguinal bypass surgery with 191 control subjects whose bypasses were uneventful. In addition to previously recognized risk factors (e.g., history of angina or prior MI), we examined the association of perioperative MI with (1) results of common preoperative laboratory tests and ECG, (2) preoperative use of certain medications, and (3) intraoperative factors that might be anticipated prior to surgery (e.g., duration of surgery or type of anesthesia). Perioperative MI was associated not only with a history of angina, prior MI, or coronary artery disease but also with the need for certain cardiac medications, higher white blood cell (WBC) counts, ST-segment depression, left bundle branch block, and lengthy surgical procedures. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified the following factors as being independently associated with perioperative MI: preoperative antiarrhythmic agents (odds ratio [OR]=26.4,p 0.006), nitrates (OR=8.4,p=0.006), calcium channel blockers (OR=5.5,p=0.04), and aspirin (OR=6.8,p

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is characterized by its diffuse, invasive and highly angiogenic nature, and has a very poor prognosis. Early diagnosis of gliomas is an important goal to increase the survival rates of this devastating cancer which has limited treatment options and low survival rates. Identification of new biomarkers could help in the further diagnosis of GBM. Our goal in this study was to determine whether or not ELTD1 could be used as a marker for glioma-related processes, and use immunohistochemistry (IHC) and molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to validate its presence in human and rodent gliomas, respectively. We used advanced data mining and a novel bioinformatics method to predict ELTD1 as a novel biomarker that is associated with gliomas. A global meta-analysis (GAMMA) of all human genes was conducted to identify gene-gene co-expression patterns that were consistent and specific across heterogeneous microarray experiments. Using the Human Proteome Reference Database (HPRD) and other experimental sources on protein cellular localizations, we screened this list of predicted glioma-associated proteins for those that were extracellular or membrane-bound, because these proteins were thought to be ideal targets for molecular imaging probes and targeting therapies since they are more likely to be accessible to injected antibodies. Validation of this marker was done with IHC which was used to detect levels of ELTD1 in human high-grade gliomas and rat F98 glioma tumors ex vivo. In vivo levels of ELTD1 in rat F98 gliomas were assessed using molecular MRI (mMRI). Dextran-coated NH2 base iron oxide nanoparticles underwent conjugation with an ELTD1-specific Ab. For determination of T2* values of the iron oxide nanoprobes in gliomas, a multiple gradient echo (MGE) method was used. In this study we identified ELTD1 as a putative glioma-associated marker via a bioinformatic method, and experimentally validated its presence in both rodent and human gliomas via IHC and molecular MRI analyses in a rodent glioma model. For IHC, ELTD1 was compared to traditional IHC markers for gliomas including VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), GLUT-1 (glucose transporter 1), CAIX (carbonic anhydrase IX), and HIF-1α (hypoxia inducible factor-1α). ELTD1 was found to be significantly higher (P=.03) in high-grade gliomas (50 patients) compared to low-grade gliomas (21 patients), and compared well to traditional IHC markers including VEGF, GLUT-1, CAIX and HIF-1α. Significantly high (P Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2986. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2986

Clinical observations suggest that pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) underestimates the resuscitative volumes required prior to release of aortic cross-clamp.To investigate pressure-volume relationships associated with repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), we simultaneously monitored PAOP by pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) and estimated left ventricular (LV) diastolic volume using two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in 22 patients undergoing AAA repair. Data from PAC monitoring and TEE were collected before, during, and after aortic occlusion. TEE cross-sectional images were obtained at the mid-papillary level.Overall, PAOP correlated with left ventricular end-diastolic area (LVEDA), but the correlation was not particularly strong (r = 0.37, P0.0001). Even within individual patients, LVEDA varied widely for a given PAOP. The strength of the correlation between PAOP and LVEDA also appeared to deteriorate during the course of surgery. The best correlation was seen prior to aortic cross-clamping (r = 0.50, P0.0001), but fell somewhat during aortic cross-clamping (r = 0.41, P0.0001), and even further after unclamping (r = 0.25, P = 0.005).This study demonstrates a relatively weak correlation between PAOP and LVEDA using intraoperative TEE during AAA repair. Furthermore, the strength of the correlation worsened during surgery, particularly after unclamping. Although unclear at this time, this finding may be attributable to changes in LV compliance. We found TEE to be a valuable adjunct in guiding volume resuscitation of patients undergoing AAA repair.

The nitrone compound OKN007, a disulfonated derivative of phenyl-tert-butylnitrone, is known to have anti-glioma properties in a rat C6 glioma model. In this study, the effect of OKN007 was studied using three orthotopically implanted glioma cell lines in the rat. In addition, some preliminary data investigating the involvement of the iNOS anti-inflammatory pathway in the anti-glioma activity of OKN007 is provided. The effect OKN007 on glioma was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging of rats orthotopically implanted with 10^6 C6, F98 or RG2 cells. Tumor volumes and growth rates were determined with T2-weighted imaging. The inflammatory edema and other properties of the glioma were assessed with diffusion-weighted imaging. Finally, tumor perfusion rates were measured by arterial spin labeling. The drug (25-30μmol/(kg·day)) was administered 15 days after tumor cell implantation in the drinking water or by a continuous intravenous perfusion, with appropriate saline controls. The expression levels of iNOS were measured using western blots. In addition, C6 cells stably transfected with an iNOS shRNA silencing plasmid were also implanted in an effort to delineate the involvement of this mediator in tumor growth. OKN007 was found to have an effect on the growth of C6 gliomas both when administered in the drinking water or intravenously. Doubling times were slower when OKN007 was administered orally (7.9±1.2 days, versus 2.7±0.3 days for the controls), but not when administered intravenously, although the latter route was tested on a smaller cohort. The drug affected the perfusion and diffusion profiles of the C6 tumors for both types of administration. In the C6 model, administration of the drug brought perfusion and diffusion values closer to those found in normal brain. Both administration routes had an effect on the tumor volume at day 35. In the RG2 model, OKN007 increased the doubling times of the tumors, although more controls are required to reach statistical significance. The effects of OKN007 on the F98 glioma cell line are currently under investigation. Western blot analyses on the C6 model revealed that in treated animals the iNOS levels, although higher than in the normal brain, were lower than in non treated tumors. Finally, preliminary evidence of the requirement of iNOS for tumor development in the context of orthotopic implantation of the tumor cells was obtained using the iNOS shRNA-transfected C6 cell line. In conclusion, OKN007 was found to have a suppressive effect on the growth of C6 rat glioma, with drinking water administration yielding the best results. The nitrone may also have a therapeutic potential for RG2 and F98 models. The precise mechanisms of action of OKN007 are still unknown, but may involve an interference with iNOS-mediated inflammation. Together with the established safety of this nitrone for humans, our results indicate that OKN007 may be a promising anti glioma agent for clinical use. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3574.

Background: Symptoms of pelvic venous congestion (chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia, dysuria, and dysmenorrhea) have been attributed to massive gonadal reflux. However, obstruction of the gonadal outflow may produce similar symptoms. Mesoaortic compression of the left renal vein (nutcracker syndrome) produces both obstruction and reflux, resulting in symptoms of pelvic congestion. We describe the diagnosis and management of nine patients studied in our institutions. Materials and Methods: From a group of 51 female patients with pelvic congestion symptoms studied at our institutions, there were nine patients with symptoms of pelvic congestion, microscopic hematuria, and left-sided flank pain. The diagnosis of the nutcracker syndrome was suspected based on clinical examination, Doppler scan, duplex ultrasound scan, computed tomography scan, and magnetic resonance imaging. The diagnosis was confirmed by retrograde cine-video-angiography with renocaval gradient determination and catheterization of both internal iliac venous systems. All patients had a renocaval pressure gradient >4 mm Hg (normal, 0-1 mm Hg). Renal compression was relieved by external stent (ES) in two patients, internal stent (IS) in one patient, and gonadocaval bypass (GCB) in three. GCB was preceded by coil embolization of internal iliac vein tributaries connecting with lower-extremity varicose veins in three patients. Three patients deferred surgery and are under observation. Mean follow-up time was 36 months (range, 12-72 months). Results: Hematuria disappeared postoperatively in all patients. ES and IS normalized the renocaval gradient and resulted in significant alleviation of symptoms (90% improvement on a scale of 0-10 where 0=no improvement and 10=greatest improvement). Two patients with GCB had a residual gradient of 3 mm Hg. The third patient normalized the gradient. In this group, improvement of symptoms was 60%. Patients awaiting surgery are being treated conservatively (elastic stockings, hormones, and pelvic compression). They have shown only moderate improvement. Conclusion: The nutcracker syndrome should be considered in women with symptoms of pelvic venous congestion and hematuria. The diagnosis is suspected by compression of the left renal vein on magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography scan and confirmed by retrograde cine-video-angiography with determination of the renocaval gradient. Internal and external renal stenting as well as gonadocaval bypass are effective methods of treatment of the nutcracker syndrome. IS and ES were accompanied by better results than GCB. Surgical and radiologic interventional methods should be guided by the clinical, radiologic, and hemodynamic findings. (J Vasc Surg 2001;34:812-9.)

Objective The approach to penetrating trauma of the head and neck has undergone significant evolution and offers unique challenges during wartime. Military munitions produce complex injury patterns that challenge conventional diagnosis and management. Mass casualties may not allow for routine exploration of all stable cervical blast injuries. The objective of this study was to review the delayed evaluation of combat-related penetrating neck trauma in patients after evacuation to the United States. Method From February 2003 through April 2005, a series of patients with military-associated penetrating cervical trauma were evacuated to a single institution, prospectively entered into a database, and retrospectively reviewed. Results Suspected vascular injury from penetrating neck trauma occurred in 63 patients. Injuries were to zone II in 33%, zone III in 33%, and zone I in 11%. The remaining injuries involved multiple zones, including the lower face or posterior neck. Explosive devices wounded 50 patients (79%), 13 (21%) had high-velocity gunshot wounds, and 19 (30%) had associated intracranial or cervical spine injury. Of the 39 patients (62%) who underwent emergent neck exploration in Iraq or Afghanistan, 21 had 24 injuries requiring ligation (18), vein interposition or primary repair (4), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft interposition (1), or patch angioplasty (1). Injuries occurred to the carotid, vertebral, or innominate arteries, or the jugular vein. After evacuation to the United States, all patients underwent radiologic evaluation of the head and neck vasculature. Computed tomography angiography was performed in 45 patients (71%), including six zone II injuries without prior exploration. Forty (63%) underwent diagnostic arteriography that detected pseudoaneurysms (5) or occlusions (8) of the carotid and vertebral arteries. No occult venous injuries were noted. Delayed evaluation resulted in the detection of 12 additional occult injuries and one graft thrombosis in 11 patients. Management included observation (5), vein or PTFE graft repair (3), coil embolization (2), or ligation (1). Conclusions Penetrating multiple fragment injury to the head and neck is common during wartime. Computed tomography angiography is useful in the delayed evaluation of stable patients, but retained fragments produce suboptimal imaging in the zone of injury. Arteriography remains the imaging study of choice to evaluate for cervical vascular trauma, and its use should be liberalized for combat injuries. Stable injuries may not require immediate neck exploration; however, the high prevalence of occult injuries discovered in this review underscores the need for a complete re-evaluation upon return to the United States.

Purpose: Venous aneurysms have been reported to occur in most major veins. These aneurysms may be misdiagnosed as soft tissue masses or as inguinal or femoral hernias. Venous aneurysms of the deep system have been associated with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). To more precisely characterize these lesions, we reviewed our experience with the disease. Methods: A retrospective analysis of our experience over 22 years was performed. The presentation and management of these lesions were reviewed and compared with the literature. Results: Thirty-nine venous aneurysms were reported in 30 patients. There were 14 men and 16 women. The patients' ages ranged from 3 to 75 years. Thirty aneurysms were located in the lower extremities, four in the upper extremity, and five in the internal jugular vein. Fifty-seven percent of lower extremity aneurysms occurred in the deep system. Patients' symptoms were a mass (75%) associated with pain (67%) and swelling (42%). Thromboembolism occurred in six patients, DVT in three, and PE in three. Eight of nine patients (89%) who had aneurysms of the superficial venous system had their condition misdiagnosed. Diagnosis was made by phlebography (60%), color flow duplex scanning (27%), continuous-wave Doppler scanning (10%), or magnetic resonance imaging (10%). The aneurysm size ranged from 1.7 to 6.0 cm. Management consisted of tangential excision in five (17%), total excision in 23 (77%), and observation in seven (6%). Conclusions: Venous aneurysms are unusual vascular malformations that occur equally between the sexes and are seen at any age. Most patients have a painful mass of the extremity, and diagnosis is achieved by radiologic examination. Superficial venous aneurysms of the inguinal region are often misdiagnosed. Thromboembolism is more common in aneurysms involving the deep venous system. Because of their potential morbidity, management should be surgical in the majority of cases. (J Vasc Surg 1997;26:845-52.)

A 15-year-old male complained of easy fatigability, leg weakness, and pain on exertion with episodes of syncope while playing baseball. His past medical history was significant for aortic coarctation associated with a congenital bovine hypoplastic aortic arch. A recent arteriogram revealed innominate and left common carotid artery stenosis as well as recurrent coarctation. He had previously undergone three Dacron patch aortoplasties. At the age of 7, he underwent a fourth operation for recurrent coarctation and because of extensive scar tissue in the region of his prior procedures, a left subclavian artery-to-descending aortic bypass was performed. An endovascular repair to deal with the recent recurrence was performed because of prior surgical difficulties. Percutaneous balloon-expandable stents were placed in the aortic coarctation, innominate, and the left common carotid arteries. Postprocedure, ankle brachial indices were >1 and the patient remains asymptomatic after 1 year.

Objective Postsclerotherapy pigmentation occurs in nearly 30% of patients. Hemosiderin, from degradation of the venous thrombus, is the possible cause. The hypothesis that early removal of the thrombus may eliminate or decrease the incidence of pigmentation has not been proved or documented. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of early microthrombectomy on incidence of postsclerotherapy pigmentation. Material and methods This multicenter, randomized, controlled study involved 101 patients with varicose veins (100 women, 1 man; mean age, 46 years [range, 25-68 years]). Patients were divided into two groups, with veins 1 mm or less in diameter (group 1, n=50) or veins 3 mm or less in diameter (group 2, n=51). Group 1 was treated with Sotradecol (STD) 0.25%, and group 2 with STD 0.50%. In each patient, an area of varicosities was selected and divided into halves. One half was randomized to microthrombectomy and the other half served as control. Microthrombectomy was performed 1 to 3 weeks after treatment in the randomized half. Standard photographs were obtained before and 16 weeks after treatment, and were evaluated by three independent reviewers who were blinded to treatment assignments. Each reviewer received an identical set of pretreatment and posttreatment 10 × 15-cm color photographs of the study area, and completed a scoring sheet. Average of the scores was used to evaluate primary (pigmentation) and secondary (overall clinical improvement) end points. The paired t test and chi-square test were used for statistical analysis. Results In group 1, microthrombectomized areas had statistically significant less pigmentation ( P = .0047) and better overall clinical improvement scores ( P = .0002) compared with the control side. In group 2 there was no significant difference between the two areas, but patients reported significant relief of pain and inflammation associated with postsclerotherapy thrombophlebitis. Conclusion In veins 1 mm or smaller, microthrombectomy reduced pigmentation and improved overall clinical results. In veins 3 mm or smaller, statistical significance was not achieved, but thrombectomy resulted in faster resolution of the postsclerotherapy pain and inflammation. On the basis of these results, microthrombectomy after sclerotherapy is recommended.

Objective The objective of this study was to determine the effect of presenting symptom types on 30-day periprocedural outcomes of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) in contemporary vascular practice. Methods Retrospective review was undertaken of the Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Registry database subjects who underwent CEA or CAS from 2004 to 2011. Patients were grouped by discrete 12-month preprocedural ipsilateral symptom type: stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), transient monocular blindness (TMB), or asymptomatic (ASX). Risk-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were used to compare the likelihood of the 30-day outcomes of death, stroke, and myocardial infarction (MI) and the composite outcomes of death + stroke and death + stroke + MI. Results Symptom type significantly influences risk-adjusted 30-day outcomes for carotid intervention. Presentation with stroke predicted the poorest outcomes (death + stroke + MI composite: OR, 1.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83-2.03 vs TIA; OR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.18-5.57 vs TMB; OR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.46-3.08 vs ASX), followed by TIA (death + stroke + MI composite: OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 0.91-4.25 vs TMB; OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.14-2.33 vs ASX). For both CAS and CEA patients, presentation with stroke or TIA predicted a higher risk of periprocedural stroke than in ASX patients. Presentation with stroke predicted higher 30-day risk of death with CAS but not with CEA. MI rates were not affected by presenting symptom type. The 30-day outcomes for the TMB and ASX patient groups were equivalent in both treatment arms. Conclusions Presenting symptom type significantly affects the 30-day outcomes of both CAS and CEA in contemporary vascular surgical practice. Presentation with stroke and TIA predicts higher rates of periprocedural complications, whereas TMB presentation predicts a periprocedural risk profile similar to that of ASX disease.

In response to the need for a disease severity measurement, the American Venous Forum committee on outcomes assessment developed the Venous Severity Scoring system in 2000. There are three components of this scoring system, the Venous Disability Score, the Venous Segmental Disease Score, and the Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS). The VCSS was developed from elements of the CEAP classification (clinical grade, etiology, anatomy, pathophysiology), which is the worldwide standard for describing the clinical features of chronic venous disease. However, as a descriptive instrument, the CEAP classification responds poorly to change. The VCSS was subsequently developed as an evaluative instrument that would be responsive to changes in disease severity over time and in response to treatment. Based on initial experiences with the VCSS, an international ad hoc working group of the American Venous Forum was charged with updating the instrument. This revision of the VCSS is focused on clarifying ambiguities, updating terminology, and simplifying application. The specific language of proven quality-of-life instruments was used to better address the issues of patients at the lower end of the venous disease spectrum. Periodic review and revision are necessary for generating more universal applicability and for comparing treatment outcomes in a meaningful way.

ObjectiveThe use of cross-sectional area (CSA) measurements obtained from computed tomographic angiography (CTA) for the calculation of carotid artery stenosis has been suggested but not yet validated in a large population. The objective of this study was to determine whether CTA-derived CSA measurements were able to predict carotid stenosis with a level of confidence similar to CTA-derived diameter measurements, using Strandness criteria applied to carotid duplex ultrasound (CDUS) as a surrogate for true stenosis.MethodsA retrospective review was conducted to identify patients who underwent both CDUS and CTA between 2000 and 2009. Percent stenosis was calculated using the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET) formula with diameter measurements and again with CSA measurements. A nonparametric correlation coefficient was calculated to detect correlation between the two groups. Two-dimensional receiver-operating characteristic curves with corresponding area under the curve (AUC) statistics were generated for >50% stenosis and >80% stenosis. Three-dimensional receiver-operating characteristic plots with corresponding volume under the surface (VUS) statistics were generated to measure the comparative accuracy of diameter-based and CSA-based stenosis for 80% stenosis.ResultsA total of 575 vessels in 313 patients were included in the study. Spearman's correlation coefficient between diameter and CSA-derived stenosis was ρ = 0.938 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.927-0.947; P < .0001). For diameter-derived stenosis, AUC was 0.905 (95% CI, 0.878-0.932; P < .0001) for >50% stenosis and 0.950 (95% CI, 0.928-0.972; P < .0001) for 80%-99% stenosis. For CSA-derived percent stenosis, the AUC was 0.908 (95% CI, 0.882-0.935; P 50% stenosis and 0.935 (95% CI, 0.908-0.961; P < .0001) for 80%-99%. The nonparametric estimate for VUS in the diameter-based stenosis group was 0.761, whereas in the CSA-based group, the VUS was 0.735. The difference between VUS was 0.026 (95% CI, –0.022 and 0.077; P = .318).ConclusionsThese data support the use of CTA as an accurate method of calculating carotid artery stenosis based on agreement with Strandness criteria applied to CDUS velocities. When additional imaging beyond CDUS is necessary, we report no significant difference between diameter and CSA measurements obtained from CTA for preoperative evaluation of carotid disease.

Adrenal artery aneurysms are an extremely rare clinical entity. Only six previous case reports of adrenal artery aneurysms exist, all of which were discovered after rupture. Herein, we describe the discovery of an unruptured adrenal artery aneurysm found during laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma.