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The incidence of aortic disruption secondary to blunt abdominal trauma is rarely reported in the pediatric population. In general, most of the cases described are the result of motor vehicle accidents. We report on the treatment and outcomes of a 5-year-old child with aortic bifurcation disruption secondary to an unusual case of blunt abdominal trauma who was admitted to the emergency room in hypovolemic shock and subjected to immediate exploratory laparotomy and vascular repair. The mechanical forces involved in aortic disruption and the management options for repair and treatment of this injury will be discussed.

Contexto: O sistema linfático tem papel relevante em qualquer tipo de edema periférico. Atualmente, a linfocintilografia é considerada o principal exame para diagnóstico da doença linfática das extremidades. Embora haja associação entre edema linfático e úlcera de estase venosa crônica, a fisiopatologia dessas alterações permanece indefinida. Objetivo: Verificar as alterações linfocintilográficas qualitativas que ocorrem em pacientes portadores de úlceras de estase dos membros inferiores. Métodos: Quarenta pacientes portadores de úlcera de estase venosa crônica ou cicatriz unilateral foram submetidos a linfocintilografia de ambos os membros inferiores. Foram estudados 25 mulheres e 15 homens, com média de idade de 53,7 anos (28 a 79 anos) e tempo médio de úlcera de 71,5 meses (3 a 240 meses). Foram comparados qualitativamente os parâmetros linfocintilográficos dos membros inferiores, previamente classificados em três grupos de acordo com a classificação clínica, etiológica, anatômica e patológica (CEAP): I, membros sem sinais clínicos de doença venosa ou com telangiectasias e veias reticulares (classes 0 e 1); II, membros inferiores com veias varicosas, edema e/ou alterações de pele e subcutâneo (classes 2, 3 e 4); III, membros inferiores com úlcera e/ou cicatriz (classes 5 e 6). Resultados: Quando foi comparada a presença de alterações linfocintilográficas dos membros com úlcera ou cicatriz (grupo III - classes 5 e 6) com as dos membros sem úlcera (grupos I e II - classes 0, 1, 2, 3 e 4), houve diferença significativa (p < 0,001). Estratificando os membros inferiores de acordo com a classificação CEAP, também foi observada diferença estatisticamente significante (p < 0,001), sendo as alterações linfocintilográficas presentes em 72,5% no grupo III (classes 5 e 6), 30,8% no grupo II (classes 2, 3 e 4) e 7,1% no grupo III (classes 0 e 1). Em relação aos parâmetros analisados na linfocintilografia, ocorreu diferença significativa entre o grupo III e os outros grupos quanto à retenção de radiofármaco, adenomegalia inguinal e refluxo dérmico. Não houve significância nos parâmetros linfonodo poplíteo e circulação colateral. Conclusão: Considerando os resultados, conclui-se que quanto mais grave a estase venosa crônica, maiores serão as alterações linfocintilográficas observadas, corroborando a associação entre doença venosa e linfática e entre linfedema secundário e estase venosa crônica.Background: The lymphatic system plays a relevant role in any type of peripheral edema. Lymphoscintigraphy is currently considered the primary test in the diagnosis of lymphatic disease of the lower limbs. Although there is an association between lymphatic edema and chronic venous ulcers, the physiopathology of such changes remains uncertain. Objective: To assess qualitative lymphoscintigraphic findings in patients with chronic venous ulcers of the lower limbs. Methods: Forty patients with unilateral chronic venous ulcer or scar were submitted to bilateral lymphoscintigraphy of the lower limbs. The sample was comprised of 25 women and 15 men, with a mean age of 53.7 years (28 to 79) and mean ulcer duration of 71.5 months (3 to 240 months). Lymphoscintigraphic parameters were qualitatively compared among three groups of lower limbs previously classified according to the clinical, etiologic, anatomic and pathologic classification (CEAP): I, limbs without clinical signs of venous disease or with telangiectasias and/or reticular veins (classes 0 and 1); II, limbs with varicose veins, edema and/or skin and subcutaneous alterations (classes 2, 3 and 4); III, lower limbs with ulcer and/or ulcer scars (classes 5 and 6). Results: There was a significant difference (p < 0.001) in the comparison of lymphoscintigraphic findings of the lower limbs with (group III - classes 5 and 6) and without ulcers/scars (groups I and II - classes 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4). There was also a significant difference (p < 0.001) in the comparison of groups according to the clinical CEAP classification: lymphoscintigraphic abnormalities were present in 72.5% in group III (classes 5 and 6), in 30.8% in group II (classes 2, 3 and 4), and in 7.1% in group I (classes 0 and 1). There was a statistically significant difference between group III and the other groups with regard to radiotracer retention, inguinal adenomegaly and dermal reflux. There was no significance as to the parameters popliteal lymph node and collateral circulation. Conclusion: The more severe the venous chronic stasis, the more lymphoscintigraphic abnormalities were observed, corroborating the association between venous and lymphatic disease and between chronic venous stasis and secondary lymphedema.

CONTEXTO: A variabilidade hemodinâmica da pletismografia a ar é conhecida, mas o exato papel dessa variabilidade no cotidiano clínico não foi investigado, podendo ter algum significado clínico ainda não explorado. Sabe-se que há sobreposição entre as classes clínicas (C0 a C6) da classificação CEAP e mesmo entre membros inferiores de uma mesma classe clínica. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a variabilidade hemodinâmica dos parâmetros da pletismografia a ar nas classes clínicas da classificação CEAP. MÉTODO: Este estudo retrospectivo confronta a doença varicosa de membros inferiores classificada de C0 a C6 pela classificação CEAP com os parâmetros hemodinâmicos venosos obtidos pela pletismografia a ar. Os dados obtidos foram tabulados e analisados em suas classes clínicas pelos testes de variância de Kruskal-Wallys e Barllett. RESULTADOS: Foram realizados 310 exames em 230 pacientes cujas idades variaram entre 19 a 81 anos, com uma média de 46,2 anos. Os parâmetros índice de enchimento venoso e volume venoso funcional mostraram aumento da variabilidade hemodinâmica quando analisados na classe clínica C0 do CEAP, demonstrada por meio do coeficiente de variabilidade que, para o índice de enchimento venoso foi de 28,12% na classe clínica C0 e se manteve acima de 57% nas classes de C2 a C6. A fração de ejeção e a fração de volume residual não aumentaram a variabilidade quando comparados com a classe clínica C0 do CEAP. CONCLUSÃO: O índice de enchimento venoso foi o melhor parâmetro para avaliação e triagem de pacientes com insuficiência venosa crônica, mas tem grande variabilidade nas classes clínicas C2 a C6 do CEAP.BACKGROUND: The hemodynamic variability of air plethysmography is known in the literature, but the clinical significance of this event has not been investigated yet, and there may be some unexplored clinical meaning. There is known superpositioning of CEAP clinical classes (C0-C6) and even in lower limbs of the same clinical classes. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate hemodynamic variability of air plethysmography parameters in CEAP clinical classes. METHODS: This retrospective study compares lower limb varicose disease between C0 and C6 CEAP clinical classes with venous hemodynamic parameters obtained by air plethysmography. Data were tabled and analyzed according to their clinical classes by Kruskal-Wallys and Barllet variance tests. RESULTS: A total of 310 examinations were performed in 230 patients, aged between 19-81 years (mean = 46.2 years). Venous filling index and functional venous volume increased hemodynamic variability when compared with CEAP C0. This was demonstrated by the variability coefficient, which was 28.12% for venous filling index in C0 and higher than 57% between clinical classes C2 and C6. Ejection fraction and residual venous fraction had no increase in variability when compared with CEAP C0. CONCLUSION: Venous filling index is the best parameter for assessment and screening patients with chronic venous insufficiency, but has great variability in C2 to C6 CEAP clinical classes.

CONTEXTO: Boa parte das insuficiências venosas é devida à incompetência de suas válvulas. Como uma das alternativas cirúrgicas, temos os enxertos venosos valvulados no segmento insuficiente. OBJETIVO: Descrever a anatomia das válvulas da veia braquial comum. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados 30 cadáveres do sexo masculino, independentemente de raça, que tinham seus membros superiores articulados ao tronco. Os mesmos estavam formolizados e foram mantidos em conservação com solução de formol a 10%. Utilizamos como critério de exclusão a existência de desarticulação de um dos membros ou de alterações deformantes em topografia das estruturas estudadas. RESULTADOS: O número total de válvulas identificadas foi de 28 em membro superior direito e de 33 em membro superior esquerdo, sendo 15 no segmento proximal direito e 21 no segmento proximal esquerdo. Mais de 91% das válvulas foram do tipo bicúspide e parietal. CONCLUSÃO: Conclui-se que a veia braquial comum apresenta freqüentemente válvulas do tipo bicúspide e parietal.BACKGROUND: A great part of venous insufficiencies is due to valve incompetence. Valved venous grafts in the insufficient segment are a surgical alternative. OBJECTIVE: To describe the anatomy of the common brachial vein valves. METHODS: We used 30 male corpses of varied races with their upper limbs articulated to the trunk. They were preserved in formol and fixed in a 10% formol solution. Exclusion criteria were presence of disarticulation in one limb or deforming alterations in the topography of assessed structures. RESULTS: The total number of identified valves was 28 in the right arm and 33 in the left arm, 15 of them in the right proximal segment and 21 in the left proximal segment. More than 91% of the valves were bicuspid and parietal. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the common brachial vein often presents bicuspid and parietal valves.

OBJETIVO: Determinar os fatores predisponentes para a amputação de membros inferiores nos doentes internados com diabetes melito e úlceras nos pés. MÉTODOS: Foram acompanhados os pacientes diabéticos com úlceras nos pés internados no período de 6 meses e analisadas as amputações nesses doentes em relação à idade, sexo, amputação prévia, número de ulcerações, tempo de diagnóstico do diabete, tempo de ulceração, tempo médio de internação, gravidade das lesões, presença de pulso. RESULTADOS: Verificou-se que 55% (44/80) dos doentes evoluíram para algum tipo de amputação de membros inferiores; a mediana das idades foi de 61 anos, porém a ocorrência de amputação foi significativamente maior na faixa etária dos 60 aos 90 anos (P = 0,03). Não se observou uma variação significativa da mediana do tempo de diagnóstico do diabetes, do tempo de ulceração e do tempo médio de internação em relação ao grupo de pacientes que foram amputados. Entretanto, as lesões mais graves, quando avaliadas pela classificação de Wagner (P OBJECTIVE: To determine the predisposing factors for amputation of lower limbs in diabetic patients with foot ulceration. METHODS: The research was carried out in hospitals, and all diabetic patients with foot ulceration were included. Amputation was studied in relation to age, sex, previous amputation, number of ulcers, time of diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, time of ulceration, average number of days in hospital, Wagner's classification, and presence of foot pulse. RESULTS: We verified that 55% (44/80) of the patients progressed to some type of amputation of the lower limbs; mean age was 61 years, but the occurrence of amputation was significantly higher in the age group between 60 and 90 years (P = 0.03). We did not observe a significant variation in the following variables: time of diagnosis of diabetes, time of ulceration, and hospitalization time in relation to the group of patients who were amputated. Nevertheless, the most severe lesions, when evaluated by Wagner's classification (P

OBJECTIVE: This study has been designed to correlate the diameter of the greater saphenous vein in different levels of the lower limbs with the body mass index of each individual to determine a possible relation between them. METHODS: Fifty-two lower limbs in 26 volunteers (six males and 20 females) without a chronic venous disease record, aged 21-68 were evaluated. Prior to color-flow duplex scanning the body mass index was defined. The deep and superficial venous systems and perforator veins were assessed as described in the literature. The diameter of the greater saphenous vein was measured with ultrasound longitudinal imaging in seven different levels. For the statistical analysis, Student t test for paired data and Spearman test were used. RESULTS: The difference observed in saphenous venous in the second and third levels when compared to the lower right and left limbs was not considered significant and a single group was formed to correlate with body mass index. The correlation was considered statistically irrelevant. CONCLUSION: By correlating the diameters of the greater saphenous vein with the body mass index of each individual it was noted that the relation between them is not significant, therefore it can be assumed that tall thin individuals can have greater saphenous vein with similar diameter as short fat individuals.OBJETIVO: Este estudo teve o objetivo de comparar o diâmetro da veia safena magna em diferentes níveis dos membros inferiores e o índice de massa corporal dos sujeitos para determinar uma possível relação entre esses fatores. MÉTODOS: Cinqüenta e dois membros inferiores de 26 voluntários (seis homens e 20 mulheres) sem registro de doença venosa crônica, com idades entre 21 e 68 anos, foram avaliados. O índice de massa corporal foi definido antes do eco-Doppler colorido. Os sistemas venosos superficial e profundo e as veias perfurantes foram avaliados de acordo com a literatura. O diâmetro da veia safena magna foi medido através de imagem ultra-sonográfica longitudinal em sete níveis diferentes. Para a análise estatística, foram utilizados o teste t de Student para dados pareados e o teste de Spearman. RESULTADOS: A diferença observada na veia safena no segundo e terceiro níveis, quando comparada aos membros inferiores direito e esquerdo, não foi considerada significativa, e somente um grupo foi formado para a comparação com o índice de massa corporal. A correlação foi considerada estatisticamente irrelevante. CONCLUSÃO: Através da comparação dos diâmetros da veia safena magna com o índice de massa corporal dos sujeitos, percebeu-se que a relação entre esses dois fatores não é significativa e, portanto, pode-se concluir que indivíduos altos e magros podem ter veias safenas magnas com diâmetros similares aos de indivíduos baixos e gordos.

OBJETIVO: Descrever uma técnica de confecção de fístula arteriovenosa para acesso à hemodiálise, avaliando os aspectos técnicos de sua confecção, eficácia e complicações. MÉTODO: Foram realizadas 16 fístulas arteriovenosas safeno-femoral superficial em 15 pacientes, no período de agosto de 1998 a outubro de 2000. Esses procedimentos foram efetuados em pacientes sem opções de acesso em membros superiores. A técnica utilizada foi a anteriorização e superficialização da veia safena magna, anastomosando-a na artéria femoral superficial distal. As fístulas arteriovenosas safeno-femoral superficial foram avaliadas quanto à facilidade de punção, fluxo adequado, pressão venosa espontânea, adequação de diálise e complicações no intra-operatório. RESULTADOS: Todas as fístulas puderam ser concluídas com sucesso, sem complicações no intra-operatório. Houve um óbito precoce, porém as demais estavam aptas às punções no 30º dia pós-operatório. Quatorze fístulas foram utilizadas e, na evolução, três pacientes foram submetidos a transplante renal, quatro apresentaram trombose, dois apresentaram pseudoaneurisma de punção. CONCLUSÃO: As fístulas arteriovenosas safeno-femoral superficial mostram-se como boa alternativa para pacientes que não possuem outras possibilidades de acesso em membros superiores, permitindo tratamento hemodialítico eficaz, com boa taxa de perviedade em médio prazo.OBJECTIVE: To describe a technique for creating an arteriovenous fistula as an access to hemodialysis, evaluating its technical aspects, efficacy and complications. METHOD: From August 1998 to October 2000, 16 superficial saphenofemoral arteriovenous fistulas were performed in 15 patients. These procedures were used in patients without access options in upper limbs. The surgical technique consisted of an anteriorization and a superficialization of the saphenous vein anastomosed to the superficial femoral artery in the distal portion. The superficial saphenofemoral arteriovenous fistulas were evaluated with regard to puncture, appropriate flow, spontaneous venous pressure, dialysis adequacy and intraoperative complications. RESULTS: There were no intraoperative complications and all the fistulas could be successfully concluded. There was one early death, but the other fistulas were able to the hemodialysis in the 30th postoperative day. Fourteen fistulas were used; in the evolution, three patients were submitted to renal transplant, four presented thrombosis and two presented puncture pseudoaneurysm. CONCLUSION: Superficial saphenofemoral arteriovenous fistulas proved to be a good alternative for patients who do not have other possibilities of vascular access in upper limbs, thus allowing an effective hemodialysis treatment, with a good patency rate at medium term.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the use of percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA) in the treatment of renal vascular hypertension. DESIGN: sequential prospective PTRA treatment of severe arterial hypertension, screening by the captopril test, confirmed by renal arteriography, and the result evaluated by post-PTRA arteriography, blood pressure measurement and renal function. SITE: Vascular Surgery, angioradiology sector, and Nephrology outpatients department of the Federal University of São Paulo - Paulista School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil, a tertiary health-care institution. PARTICIPANTS: PTRA was employed on 32 patients screened by clinical examination, captopril test and renal arteriography. EVALUATION: PTRA results were evaluated by the criteria of the Cooperative Study of Renovascular Hypertension. RESULTS: after PTRA the completion arteriography showed no renal stenosis in 24 patients (75%), residual stenosis (20-50%) in 3 (9.4%) and no change in 5 (15.6%). The blood pressure results were: 3 patients (9.4%) were cured, 24 (75%) improved: and 5 (15.6%) were unchanged. We observed normal renal function before and after PTRA in 25 patients (78%); altered pre- and improved post-PTRA in 2 (6.3%); post-PTRA remained unaltered in 2 (6.3%); and altered pre- and worsened post-PTRA in 3 (9.4%). Recurrence of stenosis occurred in one patient after 8 months. CONCLUSIONS: PTRA is a convenient procedure, relatively safe and an effective complementary method of medical therapy for controlling renovascular hypertension.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Atherosclerotic disease is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. No previous study has estimated carotid disease prevalence in such patients in Brazil. The aim was to evaluate the prevalence of atherosclerotic plaque in carotid arteries, in SLE patients and controls, and to verify possible associations between risk factors and carotid plaque. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study, at Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina. METHODS: Carotid plaque prevalence was assessed by B-mode ultrasound in 82 female SLE patients of mean age 34.0 years and 62 controls of mean age 35.7 years. Plaque was defined as a distinct area of hyperechogenicity and/or focal protrusion of the vessel wall into the lumen. Risk factors for coronary disease and SLE-related variables were determined. RESULTS: 50% of patients and 29% of controls presented carotid plaque. Older age, longer disease duration, higher Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) score, higher levels of low-density lipoprotein and greater diabetes, obesity, premature ovarian failure and family history of coronary artery disease were found in patients with carotid plaque than in those without plaque. Patients with plaque were younger than controls with plaque. SLE diagnosis, obesity, older age, higher SLICC score and longer disease duration were independent risk factors for carotid plaque. CONCLUSION: Young patients with SLE present higher prevalence of carotid plaque than controls. SLE diagnosis was a significant risk factor for carotid atherosclerosis.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the morphological effects of a low-protein diet during maternal lactation on the offspring’s thoracic aorta. Methods: Two female Wistar rats were mated with male of the same species at 4 months of age. Until the birth of the pups, all animals received commercial rat chow. After giving birth, the puerperal females were divided into two groups and adjusted the litter to five puppies per group: a control group that received commercial feed, and an experimental group whose diet included the same amount of calories, but 8% lower protein content. All animals’ masses were measured throughout the lactation period, and the pups were euthanized after weaning at 21 days of age. The thoracic aorta was removed, histologically processed and stained with Weigert’s resorcin-fuchsin for histomorphometric analysis of tunica media thickness. Results: Although both groups were born with similar body mass, during the 21 days of lactation the restricted protein group gained only 39% of the body mass of the control group. Histomorphometric analysis revealed that the restricted protein group had a significantly lower mean tunica media thickness than the control group. Conclusions: A low-protein diet for nursing mothers influences mass gain and aortic tunica media thickness in their offspring.

OBJECTIVE: The ligation of the left renal vein (LLVR) in man is a contraversial procedure in view of the risks of lesion to the renal parenchyma. With the objective of studying the morphologic and functional alterations caused by these lesions, we conducted experimental research with rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 64 male adult EPM1-WISTAR rats were used, divided into 8 groups - 4 for LLRV and four for control. Each LLRV group and corresponding control group were sacrificed progressively on the 7th, 15th, 30th and 60th day after the initial surgery. RESULTS: We found morphofunctional alterations only in animals that underwent LLRV in the four periods of sacrifice.The proteinuria creatinine in serum, testosterone in serum and serum corticosterone in serum showed practically no alteration in relation to the normal values for rats. Statistically significant severe histological lesions were found in the kidneys and testes of the LLRV groups. Lesions in the suprarenal glands were also present in these groups, but no sufficient to demonstrate statistical significance CONCLUSION: Based on these results we can conclude that the ligation of the left renal vein is a procedure of high risk in these animals.

The authors describe a case of benign superior vena cava syndrome post phlebotomy in childhood, including exams for diagnosis and possible treatment.