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There is wide regional variation in clinical practice and access to treatment for patients with diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) from countries in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). A treatment algorithm that reflects current treatment practices while providing a common framework may facilitate best practice in DFU management and improve outcomes across the CEE region. Following a series of regional advisory board meetings with experts from Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Croatia, we present consensus recommendations for the management of DFU and outline the key features of a unified algorithm for dissemination and use as a quick tool in clinical practice in CEE. The algorithm should be accessible to specialists as well as non-specialist clinicians and should incorporate: patient screening; checkpoints for assessment and referral; triggers of treatment change; and strategies for infection control, wound bed preparation and offloading. Among adjunctive treatments in DFU, there is a clear role for topical oxygen therapy, which can be used concomitantly with most existing treatment regimens in hard-to-heal wounds following standard of care. Countries from CEE face a number of challenges in the management of DFU. It is hoped that such an algorithm will help standardise the approach to DFU management and overcome some of these challenges. Ultimately, a regionwide treatment algorithm in CEE has the potential to improve clinical outcomes and save limbs.

Buerger's disease (BD) remains a debilitating condition. Despite multiple published diagnostic criteria for BD, none is universally accepted as a gold standard.We conducted a 2-round modified Delphi consensus study to establish a consensus on the diagnostic. The questionnaire included statements from several commonly used diagnostic criteria for BD. Qualitative and quantitative analysis methods were performed. An agreement level of 70% was applied.Twenty nine experts from 18 countries participated in this study. Overall, 75 statements were circulated in Round 1. Of these, 28% of statements were accepted. Following comments, 21 statements were recirculated in Round 2 and 90% were accepted. Although more than 90% of the experts did not agree that the diagnosis of BD can be based only on clinical manifestation, none of the nonclinical manifestations of BD were agreed as a part of the diagnostic criteria. There was an agreement that a history of tobacco consumption in any form, not necessarily confined to the current use, should be a part of the diagnostic criteria of BD. The history of thrombophlebitis migrans, even if not present at presentation, was accepted as a clue for BD diagnosis. It was also agreed that discoloration of the toes or fingers could be included in the diagnostic criteria of BD. Experts agreed that histology results could differentiate BD from atherosclerosis obliterans and other types of vasculitis. The presence of corkscrew collaterals on imaging and burning pain reached the agreement at the first round but not at the second. There was no consensus regarding age cut-off, the requirement of normal lipid profile, and normal blood glucose for BD diagnosis.The present study demonstrated discrepancies in the various published diagnostic criteria for BD and their selective utilization in routine clinical practice worldwide. We propose that all published diagnostic criteria for BD be re-evaluated for harmonization and universal use.

ispartof: INTERNATIONAL ANGIOLOGY vol:41 issue:2 pages:91-104 ispartof: location:Italy status: published

The Mediterranean Federation for the Advancing of Vascular Surgery (MeFAVS) was founded in 2018, with the aim to promote cooperation among vascular professionals within Mediterranean countries. Due to its prominent social and economic impact on national health systems, diabetic peripheral artery was selected as the very first topic to be investigated by the federation. In this second paper, different experiences from delegates of participating countries were shared to define common strategies to harmonize, standardize, and optimize education and training in the Vascular Surgery specialty.

1School of Medicine, Division of Inflammation and Inflammatory Diseases, Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; 2Slovenia Academic Research Center, Slovenian Medical Academy, Medical Association of Slovenia and SMA, Ljubljana, Slovenia; 3Department of Vascular Surgery, Apollo-CVHF Hospital, Ahmedabad, India; 4Clinic of Angiology, Zentrum f iota ir Innere Medizin II, Ernst von Bergmann Klinikum, Potsdam, Germany; 5Unit of Angiology, Department of Biomedical Science, Research Center on Vascular Disease, L. Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; 6Department of Vascular Surgery, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman; 7Division of Vascular Surgery, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; 8Varicose Veins and Vascular Polyclinic (VVVC), Damascus, Syria; 9National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh; 10Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; 11Department of Vascular Surgery, St. James's Hospital/Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; 12Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Mekur, Zagreb, Croatia; 13Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Ramaiah Medical College Hospital, Bangalore, India; 14Unit of Vascular Surgery, Third Department of Internal Medicine, Sotiria Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; 15Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey; 16Department of Angiology, St. Imre University Teaching Hospital, Budapest, Hungary; 17Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, UK; 18Hematology and Thrombosis Center, Hopitaux Universitaires de l'Est Parisien, Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Paris, Faculty of Medicine

This dataset supports the findings of the vascular e-Learning during the COVID-19 pandemic survey (the EL-COVID survey). The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the European Union was taken into consideration in all steps of data handling. The survey was approved by the institutional ethics committee of the Primary Investigator and an online English survey consisting of 18 questions was developed ad-hoc. A bilingual English-Mandarin version of the questionnaire was developed according to the instructions of the Chinese Medical Association in order to be used in mainland People's Republic of China. Differences between the two questionnaires were minor and did affect the process of data collection. Both questionnaires were hosted online. The EL-COVID survey was advertised through major social media. All national and regional contributors contacted their respective colleagues through direct messaging on social media or by email. Eight national societies or groups supported the dissemination of the EL-COVID survey. The data provided demographics information of the EL-COVID participants and an insight on the level of difficulty in accessing or citing previously attended online activities and whether participants were keen on citing these activities in their Curricula Vitae. A categorization of additional comments made by the participants are also based on the data. The survey responses were filtered, anonymized and submitted to descriptive analysis of percentage.

Background The corona virus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has radically changed the possibilities for vascular surgeons and trainees to exchange knowledge and experience. The aim of the present survey is to inventorize the e-learning needs of vascular surgeons and trainees as well as the strengths and weaknesses of vascular e-Learning. Methods An online survey consisting of 18 questions was created in English, with a separate bilingual English-Mandarin version. The survey was dispersed to vascular surgeons and trainees worldwide through social media and via direct messaging from June 15, 2020 to October 15, 2020. Results Eight hundred and fifty-six records from 84 different countries could be included. Most participants attended several online activities (>4: n = 461, 54%; 2–4: n = 300, 35%; 1: n = 95, 11%) and evaluated online activities as positive or very positive (84.7%). In deciding upon participation, the topic of the activity was most important (n = 440, 51.4%), followed by the reputation of the presenter or the panel (n = 178, 20.8%), but not necessarily receiving accreditation or certification (n = 52, 6.1%). The survey identified several shortcomings in vascular e-Learning during the pandemic: limited possibility to attend due to lack of time and increased workload (n = 432, 50.5%), no protected/allocated time (n = 488, 57%) and no accreditation or certification, while technical shortcomings were only a minor problem (n = 25, 2.9%). Conclusions During the COVID-19 pandemic vascular e-Learning has been used frequently and was appreciated by vascular professionals from around the globe. The survey identified strengths and weaknesses in current e-Learning that can be used to further improve online learning in vascular surgery.

Summary Background Among asymptomatic patients with severe carotid artery stenosis but no recent stroke or transient cerebral ischaemia, either carotid artery stenting (CAS) or carotid endarterectomy (CEA) can restore patency and reduce long-term stroke risks. However, from recent national registry data, each option causes about 1% procedural risk of disabling stroke or death. Comparison of their long-term protective effects requires large-scale randomised evidence. Methods ACST-2 is an international multicentre randomised trial of CAS versus CEA among asymptomatic patients with severe stenosis thought to require intervention, interpreted with all other relevant trials. Patients were eligible if they had severe unilateral or bilateral carotid artery stenosis and both doctor and patient agreed that a carotid procedure should be undertaken, but they were substantially uncertain which one to choose. Patients were randomly allocated to CAS or CEA and followed up at 1 month and then annually, for a mean 5 years. Procedural events were those within 30 days of the intervention. Intention-to-treat analyses are provided. Analyses including procedural hazards use tabular methods. Analyses and meta-analyses of non-procedural strokes use Kaplan-Meier and log-rank methods. The trial is registered with the ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN21144362. Findings Between Jan 15, 2008, and Dec 31, 2020, 3625 patients in 130 centres were randomly allocated, 1811 to CAS and 1814 to CEA, with good compliance, good medical therapy and a mean 5 years of follow-up. Overall, 1% had disabling stroke or death procedurally (15 allocated to CAS and 18 to CEA) and 2% had non-disabling procedural stroke (48 allocated to CAS and 29 to CEA). Kaplan-Meier estimates of 5-year non-procedural stroke were 2·5% in each group for fatal or disabling stroke, and 5·3% with CAS versus 4·5% with CEA for any stroke (rate ratio [RR] 1·16, 95% CI 0·86–1·57; p=0·33). Combining RRs for any non-procedural stroke in all CAS versus CEA trials, the RR was similar in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients (overall RR 1·11, 95% CI 0·91–1·32; p=0·21). Interpretation Serious complications are similarly uncommon after competent CAS and CEA, and the long-term effects of these two carotid artery procedures on fatal or disabling stroke are comparable. Funding UK Medical Research Council and Health Technology Assessment Programme.

Introduction:We report a rare case of a symptomatic abdominal aneurysm presented as a lower limb deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Case presentation:A 63-year old male presented to our hospital with a recent progressive onset of the right lower limb swelling and pain. The patient had a history of a previous cardiovascular disease. A Duplex ultrasound was performed, which confirmed a right lower limb DVT extending to the right iliac vein. The patient had a pulsatile abdominal mass. Computed tomography scan of the abdomen showed an abdominal aortic and a right iliac artery aneurysm compressing the thrombosed inferior caval and the right iliac vein. The patient was treated with low molecular weight heparin. After resolution of the DVT on day 3 of hospitalization, a surgery on the abdominal and iliac artery aneurysm was performed. The aneurysm was resected and an aortobifemoral bypass was placed using a Dacron prosthesis. The patient remained to be asymptomatic for 6 months after the surgery. Follow up computed tomography demonstrated a fully patent inferior caval and iliac vein and the absence of the aneurysmal disease. Conclusion:Although rare, our case confirms that the DVT should be considered as a possible symptom of an abdominal aneurysm in selected patients.

Acute Carotid Artery Stent Thrombosis-letter

Stenoza unutarnje karotidne arterije povećava rizik od moždanog udara. Velike randomizirane studije pokazale su da karotidna endarterektomija (engl. carotid endarterectomy – CEA) ima važnu ulogu u prevenciji moždanog udara te da se kod operiranih bolesnika smanjuje rizik i dugoročno poboljšava kvaliteta života. Tijekom posljednjeg desetljeća metoda postavljanja stenta u karotidnu arteriju (engl. carotid artery stenting – CAS) razvila se kao način liječenja ekstrakranijalne stenoze karotide. Ideja je da se karotidna endarterektomija zamijeni manje invazivnim postupkom koji je poštedniji za bolesnika, a s jednakim rezultatima liječenja (što tek treba potvrditi randomiziranim studijama). Zahvat izvode liječnici različitih specijalnosti poput vaskularnih kirurga, općih kirurga, neurokirurga, kardiologa, radiologa i sl.1 Stoga su smjernice namijenjene potonjima radi zauzimanja jedinstvenog stajališta o liječenju bolesnika sa znatnim suženjem unutarnje karotidne arterije. Dodatak smjernicama jest dio koji se odnosi na CEA-u do 2 tjedna nakon moždanog udara te indikacija za liječenje restenoze nakon CEA-e ili CAS-a. Članovi Hrvatskog društva za vaskularnu kirurgiju (HDVK) prihvatili su izložene smjernice na stručnom sastanku HDVK u Vodicama u svibnju 2016. god. Njihova izrada nije bila financijski potpomognuta. Smjernice su namijenjene ponajprije vaskularnim kirurzima i interventnim radiolozima koji provode invazivno liječenje bolesnika sa znatnim suženjem unutarnje karotidne arterije radi zauzimanja jedinstvenog stajališta., Carotid artery stenosis is a risk factor for developing a stroke. Large randomized studies have shown that carotid endarterectomy (CEA) plays a significant role in preventing a stroke. Carotid endarterectomy decreases the risk of stroke and increases the quality of life after surgery. During the past decades carotid artery stenting (CAS) has evolved as a less invasive way of treating extracranial artery stenosis. Carotid artery stenting is supposed to be less invasive but equally successful and durable (randomized studies are expected to support this statement). Carotid artery stenting is being performed by vascular surgeons, general surgeons, neurosurgeons, cardiologists, radiologists etc1. In addition to these guidelines we provide indications for CEA (especially within 2 weeks after the onset of symptoms) and indications for the treatment of restenosis after CEA or CAS. Indications were presented and accepted by the members of the Croatian Society for Vascular Surgery (CSVS) during the meeting in Vodice in May, 2016. Making of these guidelines is not financially supported. The guidelines are primarily intended for vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists to provide a unified stance in the treatment of patients with a significant narrowing of the internal carotid artery.

We demonstrate the full counteracting ability of stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 against KCl-overdose (intraperitoneal (i), intragastric (ii), in vitro (iii)), NO-system related. (i) We demonstrated potential (/kg) of: BPC 157 (10 ng, 10 μg ip, complete counteraction), l-arginine (100 mg ip, attenuation) vs. L-NAME (5 mg ip, deadly aggravation), given alone and/or combined, before or after intraperitoneal KCl-solution application (9 mEq/kg). Therapy was confronted with promptly unrelenting hyperkalemia (> 12 mmol/L), arrhythmias (and muscular weakness, hypertension, low pressure in lower esophageal and pyloric sphincter) with an ultimate and a regularly inevitable lethal outcome within 30 min. Previously, we established BPC 157-NO-system interaction ; now, a huge life-saving potential. Given 30 min before KCl, all BPC 157 regimens regained sinus rhythm, had less prolongation of QRS, and had no asystolic pause. BPC 157 therapy, given 10 min after KCl-application, starts the rescue within 5–10 min, completely restoring normal sinus rhythm at 1 h. Likewise, other hyperkalemia-disturbances (muscular weakness, hypertension, low sphincteric pressure) were also counteracted. Accordingly with NO-system relation, deadly aggravation by L-NAME: l-arginine brings the values to the control levels while BPC 157 always completely nullified lesions, markedly below those of controls. Combined with l-arginine, BPC 157 exhibited no additive effect. (ii) Intragastric KCl-solution application (27 mEq/kg) — (hyperkalemia 7 mmol/L): severe stomach mucosal lesions, sphincter failure and peaked T waves were fully counteracted by intragastric BPC 157 (10 ng, 10 μg) application, given 30 min before or 10 min after KCl. (iii). In HEK293 cells, hyperkalemic conditions (18.6 mM potassium concentrations), BPC 157 directly affects potassium conductance, counteracting the effect on membrane potential and depolarizations caused by hyperkalemic conditions.

Fahr disease is an idiopathic nonarteriosclerotic symmetrical calcification of cerebral vessels. This disease has been recognized as a histopathologic entity, and dozens of typical cases have been reported. Patients typically present with numerous neurologic and psychiatric symptoms.1 A 49-year-old woman, with no history of cardiovascular disease, was referred to our hospital due to intermittent claudication. She also complained of headache and occasional forgetfulness. Blood levels of glucose, lipids, iron, calcium, ferritin, alkaline phosphatase, thyroid hormones, and parathormone were within normal limits. A general workup quickly revealed heavy calcifications of blood vessels, mainly the aorta and the arteries arising from the aortic arch. Dense calcifications were seen on plain X-ray images (A). Multislice computed tomography imaging showed dense calcifications and narrowing of the complete aorta down to the common iliac arteries (B and C). Brain computed tomography imaging showed extensive bilateral and symmetrical parenchymal calcification mostly in the basal ganglia and nucleus dentate, characteristic for Fahr disease (D). Angiography and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of the infrarenal aorta were performed through the common femoral artery. With additional walking exercise, the patient’s walking distance at the 1-year follow-up increased from 100 to 250 meters

Vertebral artery injuries due to cervical spine trauma, although rarely described in the literature, are relatively common. While most of them will remain asymptomatic, a small percentage of patients may suffer life threatening complications. We report a case of the right vertebral artery injury in a patient with fracture of C4 vertebra, successfully treated with endovascular approach. A 78-year-old male patient was hospitalized for cervical spine injury caused by falling off the tractor. Radiological assessment revealed fracture of C4 vertebra with proximal two-thirds of C4 body dislocated five millimeters dorsally. Significant swelling of soft prevertebral tissues distally of C2 segment was also present. During emergency surgery using standard anterior approach for cervical spine, excessive bleeding started from the injured right vertebral artery. Bleeding was stopped by tamponade with oxidized regenerated cellulose sheet and C4-C5 anterior fixation; then partial reduction of displacement was done. Fifteen days later, after angiography, endovascular repair of the right vertebral artery was performed using percutaneous stent graft. Follow up computed tomography scan angiography showed valid stent patency without contrast extravasation. In cases of cervical spine trauma, surgeon should always be prepared to manage injury of vertebral artery. Bleeding can primarily be stopped by hemostatic packing, and definitive repair can be successfully achieved by endovascular approach using percutaneous stent graft.

Treatment of a mangled lower extremity represents a major challenge. The decision whether to amputate or attempt reconstruction is currently based upon surgical evaluation. The aim of this paper is to propose a new approach to surgical evaluation based on scoring systems, local clinical status of the patient as well as comorbidities, mechanism of trauma and hospital resources. Available literature regarding this topic was evaluated and a case of patient with mangled extremity is presented. Based on current literature guidelines and evidence-based medicine, management for borderline cases is proposed to aid clinical decision making in these situations. We describe a 44-year old male patient who presented with mangled lower left leg. Despite a borderline Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS), due to the overall health status of the patient and local clinical status with preserved plantar sensitivity and satisfactory capillary perfusion, reconstruction was attempted. After 6 months of treatment, all wounds healed completely with no pain, and satisfactory motor and sensory function was achieved. In conclusion, the treatment of mangled extremity treatment should be based on evidence based literature along with a clinical evaluation of every individual patient. Scores are helpful, but should not be taken as the sole indication for amputation.

We demonstrate the full counteracting ability of stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 against KCl-overdose (intraperitoneal (i), intragastric (ii), in vitro (iii)), NO-systemrelated. (i)We demonstrated potential (/kg) of: BPC 157 (10 ng, 10 μg ip, complete counteraction), L-arginine (100 mg ip, attenuation) vs. L-NAME (5 mg ip, deadly aggravation), given alone and/or combined, before or after intraperitoneal KCl-solution application (9 mEq/kg). Therapy was confronted with promptly unrelenting hyperkalemia (>12 mmol/L), arrhythmias (and muscular weakness, hypertension, low pressure in lower esophageal and pyloric sphincter) with an ultimate and a regularly inevitable lethal outcome within 30 min. Previously, we established BPC 157-NO-system interaction ; now, a huge lifesaving potential. Given 30 min before KCl, all BPC 157 regimens regained sinus rhythm, had less prolongation of QRS, and had no asystolic pause. BPC 157 therapy, given 10 min after KCl-application, starts the rescue within 5–10 min, completely restoring normal sinus rhythm at 1 h. Likewise, other hyperkalemia-disturbances (muscular weakness, hypertension, low sphincteric pressure) were also counteracted. Accordingly with NO-system relation, deadly aggravation by L-NAME: L-arginine brings the values to the control levels while BPC 157 always completely nullified lesions, markedly below those of controls. Combined with L-arginine, BPC 157 exhibited no additive effect. (ii) Intragastric KCl-solution application (27 mEq/kg)—(hyperkalemia 7 mmol/L): severe stomachmucosal lesions, sphincter failure and peaked T waves were fully counteracted by intragastric BPC 157 (10 ng, 10 μg) application, given 30 min before or 10 min after KCl. (iii). In HEK293 cells, hyperkalemic conditions (18.6 mM potassium concentrations), BPC 157 directly affects potassium conductance, counteracting the effect on membrane potential and depolarizations caused by hyperkalemic conditions.

Carotid body paraganglioma has considerable malignant potential and locally aggressive behavior, so it should be treated as soon as it is discovered. We report the case of 60-year- old male patient with a carotid body paraganglioma (Shamblin group II) that was causing the carotid arteries to spread. Angiography showed 1 dominant feeding artery arising from the right external carotid artery. Selective angiography was performed 2 days before surgical removal of the tumor, and the feeding artery was successfully embolized with coils. Literature review reveals previous reports where preoperative embolization of the feeding arteries was done using ethanol, polymers, or other liquid agents. In our case, angiography (via femoral artery) was performed 2 days before surgical removal of the tumor, and the main feeding artery (a single branch arising from external carotid artery) was successfully embolized with coils rather than liquids. Performing coil embolization before operating reduced subsequent blood loss and made it easier to identify the feeding artery during surgery. Supraselective coiling, although as difficult as embolization with liquids, may reduce the incidence of postoperative stroke. At 1 year after surgery, the patient had no signs of tumor recurrence.

Treatment of a mangled lower extremity represents a major challenge. The decision whether to amputate or attempt reconstruction is currently based upon surgical evaluation. The aim of this paper is to propose a new approach to surgical evaluation based on scoring systems, local clinical status of the patient as well as comorbidities, mechanism of trauma and hospital resources. Available literature regarding this topic was evaluated and a case of patient with mangled extremity is presented. Based on current literature guidelines and evidence-based medicine, management for borderline cases is proposed to aid clinical decision making in these situations. We describe a 44-year old male patient who presented with mangled lower left leg. Despite a borderline Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS), due to the overall health status of the patient and local clinical status with preserved plantar sensitivity and satisfactory capillary perfusion, reconstruction was attempted. After 6 months of treatment, all wounds healed completely with no pain, and satisfactory motor and sensory function was achieved. In conclusion, the treatment of mangled extremity treatment should be based on evidence based literature along with a clinical evaluation of every individual patient. Scores are helpful, but should not be taken as the sole indication for amputation.

Reconstruction of the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) requires precise anatomical placement of the tendon graft. Anatomic variations may increase/decrease risk of the ACL rupture. Twenty- eight children with clinical, MRI and arthroscopic verified ACL ruptures were compared with match case control group. MRI was done one to 12 months after trauma. The thresholds values for identifying the ACL rupture were set ; ACL angle 0°, and the PCL angle

The authors present a case of inflammatory malignant fibrous histiocytoma located in the left retroperitoneum. The tumor was resected enblock with kidney and suprarenal gland. During the resection the system of retractors called the pillars of Kocman was used which allowed wide exposure of the abdominal cavity. The tumor measured 23 x 17 x 10 cm with the left kidney and suprarenal incorporated. The tumor was centrally pseudocystic made of xanthomatous cells, foamy cells and rare giant cells with storiform formations and infiltrated with neutrophils. Imunohistochemically, the tumor cells were vimentin and CD 68 positive and CD 20, CD3, EMA, S-100, HMB 45, CD 34 and CD 1a negative. Neutrophils were CD 15 positive.

Thallium Toxicity in HumansThallium is a naturally occurring trace element, widely distributed in the earth's crust, but at very low concentrations. It does not have a known biological use and does not appear to be an essential element for life. It has been considered one of the most toxic heavy metals.Occasionally, there are reports on thallium poisoning as results of suicide or murder attempt or accident. The main threat to humans is through occupational exposure, environmental contamination, and accumulation in food, mainly in vegetables grown on contaminated soil. Increasing use in emerging new technologies and demanding high-tech industry constantly raise concern about exposure risk to all living organisms. Thallium is considered a cumulative poison that can cause adverse health effects and degenerative changes in many organs. The effects are the most severe in the nervous system. The exact mechanism of thallium toxicity still remains unknown, although impaired glutathione metabolism, oxidative stress, and disruption of potassium-regulated homeostasis may play a role. The lack of data about mutagenic, carcinogenic, or teratogenic effects of thallium compounds in humans calls for further research.

The aim of the study was to investigate the pattern of transfusion in patients with pertrochanteric femoral fracture, and to compare the results obtained with literature data.It was a retrospective study including 246 consecutive patients operated on for pertrochanteric femoral fracture at University Hospital for Traumatology in Zagreb from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2003. The analysis included the method of operative treatment, type of anesthesia, physical status according to the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA), preoperative hemoglobin levels, use of thromboprophylaxis, transfusion, and mortality.There were 246 patients with pertrochanteric femoral fracture; 244 (99.2%) underwent surgery and only 2 (0.8%) were treated conservatively. The method of treatment was DHS in 90.2%, and gamma nail in 8.9% of patients. Most patients were classified as ASA II, III and ASA IV (26.4%, 54.9% and 18.7%, respectively), and most were operated on in spinal anesthesia. Thromboprophylaxis with low molecular weight heparins was administered to 98.4% of patients. The mean preoperative hemoglobin was 120 (88-152) g/L, and estimated blood loss during surgery was 300 (100-500) mL. Transfusion of packed erythrocytes was administered 135 (54.9%) patients, 62 (25.2%) during surgery. Fifteen (6.1%) patients received transfusion of blood plasma.Fractures in trochanteric region usually occur at age over 60 (80% of patients). Due to the patients' cardiovascular status the "transfusion trigger" remains undefined. Even relatively small alterations of the circulating volume make intraoperative blood pressure control rather challenging.The preoperative level of hemoglobin, clinical status of the patient, type of surgery, and anesthesia are useful predictors of transfusion therapy in patients with pertrochanteric hip fracture.

Thromboembolism (TE) is a well-known and potentially fatal complication after injury and orthopedic surgery. Thromboembolic prophylaxis is generally recognized as a factor of significant interest concerning posttraumatic comorbidity and mortality. In this context, the aim of the study was to analyze hospital mortality 24 hours after injury, and to assess the proportion of fatal pulmonary embolism in overall hospital mortality. Finally, the purpose of the study was to explore the possible correlation between different prophylactic approaches and hospital mortality.A retrospective-prospective study was conducted at the University Hospital of Traumatology, Zagreb, over a 14-year period (1988-2001). The study was based on documented clinical and autopsy findings and comprised all trauma patients admitted for hospital treatment. The overall and thromboembolic mortality were analyzed for each individual year during the study period. These two variables were compared and expressed as a proportion for each year. Further analysis included comparison of the data obtained between years and sequences of years. The modes of TE prophylaxis in various periods were analyzed as well. Differences in the mortality rates were tested for statistical significance. Results obtained for each period of time were compared and expressed as a function of different approaches to thromboembolic prevention.Results obtained in the study demonstrated a clear tendency towards the decrease in the overall mortality as well as in the mortality due to fatal pulmonary embolism. Mortality rates showed significant differences during the study period. The most prominent difference was found between the first and final year of investigation. In 1988, the overall mortality was 3.78% and TE mortality 2.05%, whereas in 2001 the respective rates were 1.17% and 0.3% (p0.001). A continuous significant mortality decrease in trauma patients was recorded for some years and sequences of years (p0.05). The proportion of TE fatality in the overall mortality was50% in 1988 and about 25% in 2001. Our results demonstrated a 70% reduction in the overall mortality and even 85% reduction in the fatal TE rate. Finally, a significant reduction of TE fatality by 55% independently of overall mortality reduction was observed. The decreasing mortality rate correlated with different approaches to TE prophylaxis during the 14-year-period.Thromboembolism accounted for a considerable proportion of the mortality rate in trauma patients during the study period. The observed dynamics, expressed as a 70% reduction in the overall hospital mortality and an 85% decrease in the fatal PE rate reflected significant improvement in trauma treatment. Further, independently of the overall mortality, TE mortality was reduced by more than 55%, which was obviously related to the changing approaches to TE prevention. At the beginning, physical methods of prophylaxis prevailed. Prophylactic anticoagulation with heparin was started sporadically around 1991 and have been enhanced over time. In 1995, it was included in the routine treatment of specific patient categories. Since 1998, low molecular weight heparin has become the gold standard in TE prophylaxis, with more prominent application in severe multiple injuries. With the recent approach, we have managed to overcome the controversies in the treatment of severe injuries, primarily concerning bleeding and TE, and achieved considerable improvement.A significant reduction in the mortality, especially due to fatal pulmonary embolism after injury, was clearly demonstrated. This could be explained by improvements in the management of trauma and organized TE prevention.

A Thyroid Cancer Registry containing data of patients treated at our department during a 20-year period (1980-1999) has been established. The aim of the study was to analyze the possible effects of the 1990-1995 war in Croatia on the prevalence, type, and age and sex distribution of thyroid carcinoma. Three different 2-year periods were analyzed: distant prewar (1980-1981), immediate prewar (1989-1990) and postwar (1998-1999) period. There was no statistically significant difference in age at diagnosis and sex ratio among the three study periods. The incidence of follicular cancer was at the upper limit for countries with normal iodine uptake when the 20-year period was analyzed, however, in the 1980-1981 period follicular cancer accounted for 34.9%, and in 1998-99 for only 2.8% of all cases. Papillary cancer was diagnosed in less advanced stages than others. Five-year survival for papillary, follicular and anaplastic cancer was 100%, 100% and 0%, respectively. Analysis of the 2-year periods for all cancer types except anaplastic cancer showed the mean age at onset to be on a decrease. In the 1998-1999 period, papillary cancer was diagnosed in a more advanced stage. The number of follicular cancer cases decreased from 22 in 1980-1981 to 3 in 19891990 and 2 in 1998-1999. Analysis of the epidemiology of thyroid cancer in the pre- and post-Chernobyl period did not reveal any increase in the number of papillary cancer in younger patients. It was concluded that in the postwar period, patients presented in more advanced stages of the disease. However, the effects of war on the epidemiology of thyroid carcinoma and other malignant tumors should be further investigated., Na našoj Klinici uspostavljeni Registar raka štitne žlijezde sadrži podatke o svim bolesnicima obrađenim u Klinici u 20godišnjem razdoblju (1980.-1999.). Cilj ovoga istraživanja bio je utvrditi moguće učinke rata u Hrvatskoj na učestalost, histološki tip te spolnu i dobnu raspodjelu bolesnika sa zloćudnim tumorom štitne žlijezde. Analizom su obuhvaćena 3dvogodišnja razdoblja uključujući vrijeme znatno prije rata (1980.-1981.), neposredno prije rata (1989.-1990.) i nakon rata(1998.-1999.). Nije utvrđena statistički značajna razlika u starosti i spolnoj raspodjeli tumora između tri navedena razdoblja. Učestalost folikularnog raka bila je na gornjoj granici učestalosti za zemlje bez gušavosti, s tim da je u razdoblju 1980.-1981. bilo ukupno 34,9%, a u razdoblju 1998.-1999. samo 2,8% folikularnog karcinoma. Petogodišnje preživljenje bilo je 100%, 100% odnosno 0% za papilarni, folikularni i anaplastični rak. U uspoređivanim razdobljima prosječna starost bolesnika se snižavala, ali se rak dijagnosticirao u sve uznapredovalijem stadiju. Analiza populacije prije i nakon Černobila nije pokazala povećan broj mladih bolesnika s papilarnim karcinomom. Na temelju rezultata ovoga istraživanja zaključeno je da nije bilo povećanja učestalosti karcinoma štitnjače u poratnom razdoblju, međutim, bolesnici su se javljali s uznapredovalijim stadijima tumora. Ovaj i moguće druge učinke rata na karcinom štitnjače, kao i na druge zloćudne tumore, valja dalje istraživati.

Blunt shoulder trauma rarely causes damage to either arteries or nerves. Neurovascular structures are covered by muscles and protected by the surrounding bones deep in the axilla. We report a case of a 34-year-old male motorbike driver referred to us 5 hours after injury. Standard X-ray of the left shoulder revealed multipart fracture of the left scapula, and angiography showed that the first segment of the left axillary artery was dissected proximal to the minor pectoral muscle. Urgent diagnosis using imaging techniques and restoration of blood flow using open or endovascular repair are crucial for optimal outcome. Damage to the nerves predicts the final functional outcome regardless of prompt revascularization.