Carotid Artery Stenting versus Carotid Endarterectomy in Terms of Neuroprotection DW-MRI Detected and Neuropsychological Assessment Impairment.

BACKGROUND: Carotid artery stenting (CAS) versus carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is well issue known, but the purpose of this study is to compare CAS versus CEA in terms of asymptomatic Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) demonstrated microembolic scattering of infarction and neuropsychological assessment impairment. METHODS: We performed a prospective, observational, cohort study on 211 consecutive carotid revascularizations at our institution. Patients were divided into 2 different cohorts: CEA was performed in n = 116 patients (Group A); CAS was performed in n = 95 (Group B). Adverse events were collected at 30 days and 6 months postoperative. Differences in terms of DW-MRI demonstrated microembolic scattering of infarction were analyzed and considered significative for P ≤ 0.05. Secondary objectives were: major and minor stroke, neuropsychological assessment impairment, death, myocardial infarction (MI). RESULTS: CEA was associated with a significative decreased rate of asymptomatic DW-MRI demonstrated microembolic scattering of infarction (13.8% vs. 51%; P = 0.0001) and of 6 months neuropsychological assessments impairment (0.8 vs. 7.4) (P = 0.04) in asymptomatic patients. There was no significant difference between 2 groups in terms of comorbidities. Stroke rates were similar at 30 days (1.7% CEA vs. 4.1% CAS) and 6 months (2.6% CEA vs. 5.3% CAS P = 0.32). There were no differences in terms of central neurological events, death, transient ischemic attack, MI between the groups. The composite end point of stroke/death/MI at 6 months postoperatively was 2.6% vs. 6.3% (P = 0.19). CONCLUSIONS: According to these results, CEA achieved better outcomes compared to patients treated by CAS with distal filter in terms of asymptomatic microembolic event and impairment National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scale and neuropsychological assessments. Limitations of the study lead to limited conclusions only in the specific population and not generalized. Further, comparative randomized studies are warranted.

Simultaneous aortoiliac kissing Endovascular stenting for management of isolated monolateral common iliac artery aneurysm with no proximal landing zone.

BACKGROUND: Isolated iliac artery aneurysm (IIAA) is an uncommon finding. It, accounts for 0.03% of all patients and 2% of all abdominal aneurysm. Endovascular approach represents the treatment of choice for most patients with IIAA. We reported our experience on iliac aneurysm with no proximal landing zone by simultaneous aortoiliac kissing endovascular (S.A.K.E.) covered stenting. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of nine consecutive patients with IIAA with no proximal landing zone, who underwent endovascular kissing covered stenting (Gore®Viabahn®VBX) The median aneurysm diameter was 4.1 cm, with a median 3-mm proximal neck length. In 3/9 aneurysms involving the internal iliac arteries the origin of the internal iliac artery was covered after its embolization and a stent graft extending to the external iliac artery (EIA) was placed. All stents were flared with semi-compliant balloon. RESULTS: Iliac aneurysm exclusion was obtained in all cases (100%), no graft migration or endo-leak were recorded. The median operative time was 28 min; the median fluoroscopy time was 9 min and a median 70 mL of contrast was used. At a median 24-month follow-up, all patients are alive, and no endo-leak or migration, infection, distal embolization, limb loss were observed. Moderate buttock claudication was experienced in 1/9 patients with internal iliac artery embolization. In 6/9 patients a shrinkage of the aneurysmal sac was recorded after 1 year. DISCUSSION: Endovascular management of IIAAs cases has been reported in literature and it was confirmed to be safe and successful. The IAA usually progresses into expansion which eventually leads into rupture. Adequate long proximal and distal landing zones were the most important feature related to better outcomes. Short proximal neck (˂10 mm) represents a real challenge for iliac aneurysm treatment and, nowadays, a classical bifurcated aortoiliac endograft deployment represents the treatment of choice. Endovascular repair of isolated CIA aneurysms with no proximal neck is safe and successful using the SAKE stenting technique with VBX adequately flared and it represents effective and minimally invasive alternative to aortobiliac endograft implantation in the treatment of these aneurysms. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report which describes this approach in the treatment of IIAA with no adequate proximal landing zone. Our approach overcomes the need to aortic bifurcation graft implantation and reduces procedure time, contrast dose and radiation exposure. It also preserves relevant collaterals vessels thanks to inferior mesenteric artery and lumbar arteries sparing. A proximal aortic bifurcation endograft allows proximal sealing to be regained. Large population study with longer follow-up are needed to establish this approach as a new standard.

Role of mini access during carotid endarterectomy: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Data from literature confirmed the non-trivial risk associated with carotid revascularization. The purpose of this study is to evaluate carotid endarterectomy (CEA) via a mini-invasive access (3-6 cm longitudinal) incision as a viable alternative to the traditional access via a cutaneous incision (˃6 cm) in terms of nerve sparing and neck pain/disability for patients. METHODS: We performed a prospective, observational, cohort study on 796 consecutive patients who underwent CEAs. A number of 730 patients was included in the final analysis. Patients entered in two different cohorts: CEA with 3-6 cm incision was performed in N.=398 (Group A); CEA with>6 cm incision was performed in N.=398 (Group B). Entire data set is available from 382 in group A and 348 in group B. Adverse events were recorded at 30 days, 3 and 6 months after surgery. The primary purpose of this study was to identify the incidence of cranial nerve injuries and related pain (by Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire [NPq]) in both groups. Differences between groups were exploratory, only, and considered significative for P≤0.05. Secondary objectives were: death, major and minor stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), myocardial infarction (MI) and main duration of operation. RESULTS: The cumulative incidence of transient deficit of peripheral nerve in group A was 1.7% at 30 days and 19.4% in group B (RR: 0.10, 95% CI 0.07-0.1, P=0.0001) suggesting a possible benefit from mini-skin incision on nerve injuries reduction. Cranial nerve permanent injuries were identified in 0.17% of mini-incision group and 0.23% of standard group. Exploratory comparison did not demonstrate significative differences between the groups (RR: 0.72, 95% CI 0.19-2.71, P=0.63). The median NPq postoperative score was 40% in GROUP A and 79% in GROUP B (exploratory difference 39%, 95% CI 32.22-45.20%, P=0.0001, χ2: 114.007). At 6 months, NPq was 20% and 42%, respectively; exploratory differences were still present. The need to prolong the mini-incision in GROUP A to preserve the surgical outcome was 1.3%, only. CONCLUSIONS: According to these results the mini skin incision allows a sufficient vessels exposure for dissection, endarterectomy, reconstruction of carotid artery and shunt positioning, minimizing surgical invasiveness, decreasing the incidence of temporary cervical nerve dysfunction and improving the aesthetic result with significative less pain suffered by the patients. Transverse cervical and great auricular nerves sparing decreased postoperative hypo-paresthesia in the neck, improving patient's satisfaction. These data suggest that this procedure can be considered safe. Exploratory analysis suggested that it could possibly be considered a safety alternative to standard carotid endarterectomy. A randomized controlled trial is ongoing for definitive conclusions.

Isolated popliteal artery lesion due to giant cell vasculitis post COVID-19 mRNA vaccine and COVID-19 asymptomatic infection.

OBJECTIVE: Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a rare granulomatous vasculitis, affecting medium and large vessels, usually in old patients. The incidence of GCA has been higher during current COVID-19 pandemia and COVID-19 is recognized for its immune dysregulation. Lower limbs involvement is uncommon but can be limb threatening, resulting in limb loss. METHOD: A 43-year-old man presented with a sudden pain in his right calf and foot associated with pallor and hypothermia, and there was objective evidence of ischemia. Symptoms began few days after he received the first dose of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine and COVID-19 asymptomatic infection 20 days after vaccination. He had no history of any signs of claudication pre-COVID or limb trauma and was very fit.Enhanced computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)suggest diagnosis of popliteal artery cystic adventitial disease. We resected the affected popliteal artery with interposition using a right great saphenous vein graft, through a posterior approach. On the fourth postoperative day, he was discharged.Histopathological examination revealed patchy intramural inflammatory infiltrates composed of lymphocytes and rare multinucleated giant cells at the internal lamina and adventitia consistent with a diagnosis of GCA. CONCLUSION AND RESULT: Our case represents the first reported case of isolated popliteal GCA following vaccination with a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine and COVID-19 infection. We propose that the upregulated immune response to the vaccine acted as a trigger for GCA in this patient with predisposing risk factors and recurrent and repetitive microtrauma in popliteal fossa (the patient is a professional runner). Our case suggests the need for further studies about real world incidence of GCA associated vaccination and COVID-19 infection. Currently, data is limited regarding this relationship. We continue to encourage COVID-19 vaccination, even in elderly patients because the benefits of vaccination far outweigh any theoretical risk of immune dysregulation following administration.

Are Small Popliteal Aneurysm so Innocent?

BACKGROUND: We recently recorded 5 lower limb ischemia related to a small (diameter≤20 mm) popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) thrombosis hence we performed a retrospective data analysis on small symptomatic PAA management from our database. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study on 48 acute leg ischemia from aneurysm's thrombosis. All of them underwent surgical distal thrombectomy and bypass creation. Patients were divided into 2 different cohorts: GROUP A (diameter ≥20 mm) and GROUP B (diameter ≤20 mm). Differences in terms of the limb salvage (end-point: the amputation rate) was analyzed and considered significative for P ≤ 0.05. Secondary objectives were: vessel runoff recovery and patency rate. Adverse events were collected at 12 and 24 months postoperative. RESULTS: Two-year overall amputation rate was: 22.9% (11/48); 21.8% (7/32) in GROUP A and 25% (4/16) in GROUP B (RR:0.87, CI:0.29-2.55, p.80). The mean age was 68 ± 13 years, No statistically significant differences were identified in term of primary and secondary patency (RR:0.95, CI:0.55-1.6, p.85 and (RR:0.95, CI:0.53-1.7, p.88 respectively) no differences were found in terms of comorbidities. Patients' follow-up ranged from 8 to 36 months. In 90% of those amputated patients, the length of ischemia exceeded 4 days. Amputation rate was correlated with one runoff vessel recovery, only. CONCLUSION: s According these results small PAA are not as innocent as it is often presumed and was associated with not negligible incidence of limb loss due to thrombosis or distal embolizations also if compared to larger aneurysm. The immediate surgery is mandatory also when the ischemia exceeds 2 days.

Common carotid artery endovascular clamping for neuroprotection during carotid stenting: Flow-gate system as an innovative treatment approach.

OBJECTIVES: We here report our clinical experience in CAS management through common carotid artery endovascular clamping with FlowGate2 system. METHODS: Forty-five patients were enrolled with de novo asymptomatic internal carotid artery stenosis ≥70%. Cerebral protection during the stenting procedure was achieved using a unique endovascular clamping technique developed in our Institution which includes: (a) the occlusion of the common carotid artery only, through inflatable balloons integrated in the FlowGate2 Balloon Guide Catheter system; (b) flow inversion connecting catheter to 16 G blood cannula previously placed in arm vein; (c) after the placement of the stent, the flow inversion is maintained for 30 s to allow debris washout. The related primary end-point was the rate of Diffusion-weighted imaging magnetic resonance (DWI) micro-embolic scattering of infarction. The patient's clinical and the neurological status were assessed prior, during and after intervention, at discharge. RESULTS: Transient clamping intolerance was observed in two patients (2/45; 4%). One minor stroke (1/45; 2%) occurred 8 hr the procedure with DWI ipsilateral micro-embolic lesions. No major strokes or deaths were observed at 3 months follow-up. DWI demonstrated ipsilateral micro-embolic scattering of infarction, in one asymptomatic patient. In all patients, no worst changes in NIHSS scale assessment were recorded at 1, 3, and 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirmed the efficacy of FlowGate2 in terms of neuroprotection during CAS. To our knowledge, these are the first published data on this innovative approach developed in our institution. A large controlled trial is ongoing to confirm preliminary evidences.

Retroperitoneal Hematoma Caused by Suprarenal Stent Perforation Two Years after Ovation Abdominal Stent-Graft Implantation.

Retroperitoneal hematoma due to late perforation of aortic wall endograft deployment is a rare but, potentially, fatal event. We report a case of symptomatic retroperitoneal hematoma due to aortic perforation by free flow barbs of Ovation Prime stent graft. The patient was successfully treated by celiac trunk embolization and aortic cuff placement. The patient was discharged with no further treatment. At 3-month follow-up, no complications were detected.

Symptomatic Pancreaticoduodenal Artery Aneurysm in a Patient with Prior Aortic Surgery and Celiac Trunk Obstruction: Case Report.

Pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm (PDA) is a rare visceral aneurysm and represents 1.5% of all the visceral arterial aneurysms. An 81-year-old man was admitted with acute abdominal pain. He suffered 2 previous episodes of pancreatitis and underwent abdominal aortic aneurysm repair 11 years before. The computed tomography scan revealed a 92-mm aneurysm of inferior PDA artery with prerupture signs associated with the celiac trunk obstruction. The patient underwent a selective catheterization and embolization of superior PDA artery with coils, inferior PDA artery with 12-mm Amplatzer, and aneurysm sac embolization by Onyx and coils. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on the fourth postoperative day. Celiac trunk stenosis could be one of the possible etiology but atherosclerosis and pancreatitis are the 2 most common risk factors. Treatment of choice is yet to be established and it has to be properly defined "case by case"; surgery, endovascular embolization, or percutaneous thrombin injection are valuable approaches.

The Debatable Choice of Iliac Inflow Source for Redo Femoropopliteal and Infrapopliteal Bypass.

BACKGROUND: Redo area region operation is associated with a significant morbidity such as neurovascular injury, infection, and lymphorrhea. The traditional management of occluded femoropopliteal grafts often includes redissection of a scarred groin to obtain adequate inflow via the common femoral artery. These procedures are more technically demanding and require more expertise and judgment than the primary operation. We describe a case of using the ipsilateral iliac branch prosthesis of aortobifemoral bypass as inflow for iliac-peroneal bypass, avoiding the previous groin incisions, to minimize the local complications related to a redo groin dissection and to decrease the operative time required to obtain an adequate inflow source. CASE REPORT: An 86-year-old man was referred to our hospital with severe pain in the right lower extremity one day before the present admission. He underwent aortobifemoral bypass for Leriché syndrome, in our department, 10 years before the present admission. Eight and 9 years later, a femoral popliteal suprageniculate bypass and jump to deep femoral artery bypass (when femoropopliteal bypass was occluded) were performed with 6-mm polytetrafluoroethylene grafts, both in some other institution. The patient's right foot was colder than the left, and he had some difficulty with movement. Absence of signal Doppler continous wave at right tibial vessels was recorded (category IIA of Rutherford classification for acute limb ischemia). Computed tomography (CT) confirmed the following duplex ultrasound (US) findings: occlusion of the femoral graft and popliteal artery below the knee and preocclusive stenosis of deep femoral artery with patency of aortobifemoral bypass and peroneal artery. Taking into consideration the multiple groin scars and the occlusion of superficial femoral and popliteal arteries and preocclusive lesion of deep femoral artery, we decided to perform a sequential composite and extra anatomical bypass from the right iliac prosthesis to the peroneal artery, with graft tunnellization through the lateral groin subfascial layer. The proximal component of the graft was made with a 6-mm Dacron prosthesis routed through a suprasartorial tunnel from iliac prosthesis to the proximal great saphenous vein. Proximal anastomosis was performed in a conventional side-to-end fashion. A tunnel was created between the abdominal flank incision and the median prosthesis-vein anastomosis of the bypass under inguinal ligament laterally with respect to femoral vessels, in lateral to median route, avoiding groin scars. The vein segment was orientated in a nonreversed format, with a LeMaitre Valvulotome to secure antegrade flow. The intermediate anastomosis was performed in an end-to-end way, whereas the distal anastomosis was carried out between the vein and peroneal artery in a conventional end-to-side fashion. Immediate intraoperative and postoperative assessments of graft patency were carried out with angiography and hand-held Doppler examination, respectively. Duplex US scan was used for graft surveillance at regular intervals up to 12 months after surgery. The patient recovered at 12 months postoperatively, and the CT imaging demonstrated the good patency of the entire graft. CONCLUSION: We believe that the external iliac artery (or prosthesis such as in our case) inflow should be considered selectively rather than preferentially, mostly in the subset of patients selected for reoperative distal bypass.

FemoSeal® Device Use for Femoral Artery Closure by Different Techniques.

BACKGROUND: Common femoral artery is still the most frequently used site for vascular access, mostly for peripheral arterial interventions, and its puncture remains a significant source of patient's morbidity. Manual compression (MC) has been the gold standard for hemostasis after femoral catheterization until recently, but only in the last few years, vascular closure devices (VCDs) are replacing MC due to their rapid development. Nowadays, vascular surgeons (VSs) are also becoming familiar with VCDs. The purpose of this study was to investigate FemoSeal® arterial closure system use in terms of safety and efficacy in patients undergoing transfemoral peripheral procedure and evaluate the complication risk factors. METHODS: A retrospective analysis to compare 2 different specialists and technique with systematic implantation of FemoSeal® VCD was performed in a cohort of vascular patients treated by endovascular procedure with femoral artery access site over a 2-year period and sheaths ranged from 6F to 8F. All the patients were on antiplatelet therapy and received heparin during the procedure. The FemoSeal® was deployed in common femoral arteries. All patients were examined for access site complication by VS in both groups 20-24 hrs after VCD deployment and 1 and 6 weeks after the procedure with clinical visit and ultrasound duplex scan. Complications, as minor and major hematomas, pseudoaneurysm formation, vessel occlusion or dissection, and infection were recorded. RESULTS: During the study period, 130 FemoSeal® were deployed in 114 patients, 102 FemoSeal® in VS group, and 28 in interventionalist group. Mean age was 57 ± 24 years. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of comorbidities. Patient follow-up ranged from 1 to 15 months. All but 3 of the FemoSeal® devices were successfully deployed (all 3 cases in group 2). Mobilization time was 6 ± 4 hrs following interventions, and the discharge time ranged from 6 hrs to 7 days after procedure. Early discharge (within 6 hrs) was obtained in 23% of group 1 and in 0 cases of group 2 (P = 0.008). Delayed discharge was obtained in 74% of group 1 (67 pts) and in 70% of group 2 (18 pts) on postoperative day 1 (P = 0.47). Technical success was achieved in 99% of group 1 and in 93% of group 2 (P = 0.87). There were no perioperative deaths. There were no significant differences in terms of minor bleeding complications (P = 0.21) or infections or transfusion needing (P 0.06) in both groups. FemoSeal®-related complications occurred in 6 patients (1 in group 1 and 5 in group 2; P = 0.0017). All complications occurred following therapeutic intervention with 6F sheath introducer. Complication rate resulted significatively higher in group 2 in terms of pseudoaneurysm development (P < 0.0001) and transfusion needing (P = 0.03) in a subgroup analysis on peripheral arterial disease (Rutherford 3-5). Only chronic limb ischemia was found to be independent predictor of complications due to VCD use. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that when simple guidelines are observed, the device is safe, effective, and easy to deploy and allows for early ambulation and discharge. However, appropriate randomized clinical trials could clarify the correct guideline to minimize the complication rates.

Successful covered stent-graft repair in symptomatic renal artery aneurysm early after childbirth.

Renal artery aneurysm (RAA) rupture during pregnancy is a rare but life-threatening event and few cases have been reported in literature. Currently the best approach, endovascular or surgical, seems to be under discussion. A case of a 31-year-old woman with a symptomatic right RAA detected three days after childbirth is reported. A successful endovascular repair by a covered stent-graft was performed.

Thrombin injection and compression with removable guidewire in the treatment of postcatheterization femoral pseudoaneurysm.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of our study was to determine the efficacy of percutaneous thrombin treatment for iatrogenic femoral artery pseudoaneurysms (FAP) and to identify those criteria that may help to predict increased treatment failure risk and complications. METHODS: A number of 32 iatrogenic femoral pseudoaneurysms were treated with US-guided thrombin injection (group A), while four elderly patient with complex femoral pseudoaneurysm underwent compression assisted by removable "guidewire" (group B). Twenty-five were classified as simple (single lobe) and 11 as complex (at least two lobes with a single neck to the native vessel). Pseudoaneurysm volume, classification, thrombin dose, anticoagulation therapy status, and sheath size were considered independent prognostic factors. RESULTS: All the 36 patients (pts) had initial complete femoral pseudoaneurysms thrombosis. The aneurysm was thrombosed on a Doppler ultrasound (US) follow-up in all the cases but four (group A), those who required the additional thrombin injection. A fatal complication occurred in one patient with complex FAP (group A). CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary data suggest that US-guided percutaneous thrombin injection is a safe and effective method to treat iatrogenic pseudoaneurysms. Simple iatrogenic femoral pseudoaneurysms benefit a single injection of up to 500 units of topical thrombin. We recommend more caution in complex pseudoaneurysms treatment; it is preferable to perform thrombin injection first into the lobe which is not directly joined to the femoral artery. A longer bed rest and closer observation are mandatory during the subsequent 24 hours. If the lobe communicating with the femoral artery is still patent, it can be retreated. Alternatively, we propose a new strategy approach through compression assisted removable "guidewire".

First clinical experience with the Innova versus the Protege EverFlex self-expanding bare metal stents in superficial femoral artery occlusions.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate outcomes of superficial femoral artery (SFA) stenting with Boston Scientific Innova stent system (Boston Scientific Corporation Place, Natick, Massachusetts, United States) compared with ev3 Protege stent system (Endovascular, Inc., Plymouth, Minnesota, United States) in terms of safety and effectiveness and to identify factors predictive of restenosis. METHODS: From March 2012 to January 2013, 71 patients with SFA TASC (Trans Atlantic Inter-Societal Consensus)-II B and C occlusive lesions were treated by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with stenting (30 patients in the Innova group and 41 cases in the Protege group) and were evaluated by retrospective observational data analysis. Chi-square tests for categorical data and time to event provided two-sided p values with a level of significance at 0.05 and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Survival curves for primary patency were plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate analysis for diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, hypertension, and critical limb ischemia was performed according to the Cox proportional hazards model. RESULT: The mean follow-up was 14 months (range 1-18 months). The occlusive lesions treated were ≤15 cm in length. The 12-month primary patency rate was significantly higher in the Protege group (81.5%; 31/38) than the Innova group (43.3%; 13/30; hazard ratio [HR] 3.0; 95% CI: 1.38-6.8; p = 0.005. The secondary patency was similar to the primary comparison data and showed a significant advantage for the Protege stent (HR 2.9; 95% CI: 1.21-6.99; p = 0.01). Univariate analysis demonstrated that diabetes and smoking were significantly related to patency failure in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: SFA stenting is generally a safe procedure, but the effectiveness and patency rates are significantly lower for Innova than Protege. Furthermore, preoperative diabetes and smoking continue to be associated with low primary patency rate. These preliminary data suggest that Innova stent is not the treatment of choice for SFA lesions.

Outcome after preoperative or intraoperative use of intra-arterial urokinase thrombolysis for acute popliteal artery thrombosis and leg ischemia.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the outcome of acute popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) thrombosis and leg ischemia after preoperative or intraoperative use of intra-arterial urokinase thrombolysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2000 to 2009, 86 patients with acute leg ischemia (Rutherford grade IB to IIA) from PAA thrombosis were treated by immediate surgery including intraoperative thrombolysis (group A: 47 cases) or preoperative thrombolysis (group B: 39 cases) followed by acute (<24 hours) or elective surgery. Chi-square tests for categorical data and time to event provided two-sided p values with a level of significance at 0.05 and all confidence intervals (CIs) at the 95% level. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 45 months. The 2-year primary patency was 61.7% (29/47) for group A and 43.6% (17/39) for group B (hazard ratio [HR] 1.85; 95% CI: 0.96 to 3.54; p = 0.06). The 2-year secondary patency was 70.2% (33/47) for group A and 53% (21/39) for group B (HR 1.86; 95% CI: 0.91 to 3.81; p = 0.08). One-month amputation rate was 18% in group A and 29% in group B (p < 0.001), and 12-month amputation rate was 19% (9/47) in group A and 44% (17/39) in B (p = 0.05). In group A, 28% of patients required fasciotomy and in group B, 59% (p < 0.05). Effective thrombolysis allowed 82% limb salvage patency in group B. No systemic or locoregional complications during thrombolysis were recorded, but four cases of worsening ischemia were recorded. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the immediate surgery with intraoperative thrombolysis improved the outcome of patients with acute leg ischemia due to PAA thrombosis in terms of limb salvage.

Carotid artery free-floating thrombus caused by paradoxical embolization from greater saphenous vein ascending thrombophlebitis.

Stroke of unknown origin in young patients is seen to be closely correlated with patent foramen ovale (PFO) than stroke in patients with established stroke mechanisms. We report a case of a young woman without cardiovascular risk factors who was admitted to our emergency department with listlessness and altered mental status. The clinical examination revealed right lower limb swelling. Magnetic resonance imaging and contrast-enhanced computed tomographic scans revealed a free floating thrombus of the left internal carotid artery (ICA) with a large bilateral frontal ischemic lesion. The diagnosis of a medium-sized PFO with moderate right-to-left contrast shunting was made after transesophageal echocardiography. No other cardiac sources for embolization were detected, while an ascending thrombophlebitis of the right greater saphenous vein was detected by venous Doppler ultrasonography. These findings support the diagnosis of ICA free-floating thrombus caused by paradoxical embolization (via the PFO) of clot from the greater saphenous vein. The patient underwent emergency saphenofemoral disconnection with femoral vein thrombectomy and subsequently carotid artery thrombectomy under general anesthesia. No carotid atheromatous wall lesions were detected at surgical exploration; no immunologic pathology, hypercoagulable status, or malignancy were recorded. No hemorrhagic cerebral complications were observed in the postoperative period, and the patient had an improvement of her neurologic status (a reduction of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score from 7 to 3). Her recovery was uneventful. The patient was transferred for rehabilitation on postoperative day 5 with oral anticoagulation. Six-month ultrasound follow-up revealed deep and superficial venous system and carotid artery patency. The patient was asymptomatic and anticoagulation was discontinued. Paradoxical cerebral embolization through a PFO is a rare phenomenon that, in our patient, appeared to have resulted in stroke caused by a free-floating thrombus in the ICA. Accurate evaluation of carotid and lower limb veins by duplex scan is mandatory in cases of stroke of unknown origin, and urgent surgical repair can be useful in order to improve the clinical outcome.