Diagnostic criteria for Buerger's disease: International Consensus of VAS - European Independent Foundation in Angiology/Vascular Medicine.

Buerger's disease (BD) remains a debilitating condition and early diagnosis is paramount for its effective management. Despite many published diagnostic criteria for BD, selective criteria have been utilized in different vascular centers to manage patients with BD worldwide. A recent international Delphi Consensus Study on the diagnostic criteria of BD showed that none of these published diagnostic criteria have been universally accepted as a gold standard. Apart from the presence of smoking, these published diagnostic criteria have distinct differences between them, rendering the direct comparison of patient outcomes difficult. Hence, the expert committees from the Working Group of the VAS-European Independent Foundation in Angiology/Vascular Medicine critically reviewed the findings from the Delphi study and provided practical recommendations on the diagnostic criteria for BD, facilitating its universal use. We recommend that the 'definitive' diagnosis of BD must require the presence of three features (history of smoking, typical angiographic features and typical histopathological features) and the use of a combination of major and minor criteria for the 'suspected' diagnosis of BD. The major criterion is the history of active tobacco smoking. The five minor criteria are disease onset at age less than 45 years, ischemic involvement of the lower limbs, ischemic involvement of one or both of the upper limbs, thrombophlebitis migrans and red-blue shade of purple discoloration on edematous toes or fingers. We recommend that a 'suspected' diagnosis of BD is confirmed in the presence of a major criterion plus four or more minor criteria. In the absence of the major criterion or in cases of fewer than four minor criteria, imaging and laboratory data could facilitate the diagnosis. Validation studies on the use of these major and minor criteria are underway.

Evaluation of clinical results of esmarch bandage application in giant saphenous vein closure during endovenous glue ablation.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the endovenous technique has been presented as a good alternative to surgery in the treatment of patients with lower extremity varicose veins. However, its effectiveness in very advanced saphenous vein diameters is controversial. In this study, we investigated the results of an endovenous glue ablation closure system applied with an esmarch bandage in saphenous veins with very large diameters. METHODS: Eighty-nine patients who were operated on for varicose veins were divided into three groups according to their saphenous vein diameters: less than 10 mm (group 1), between 10 and 15 mm (group 2), and larger than 15 mm (group 3). Endovenous closure was performed with n-butyl cyanoacrylate in all patients. An esmarch bandage was applied during the procedure to all patients, except for the group with a diameter of less than 10 mm. This group underwent the standard procedure. All patients were followed up for six months after the procedure and postoperative symptoms, complications and closure rates were recorded. RESULTS: There was complete closure of all veins in the first month postoperatively. While no thrombophlebitis was observed in group 3, thrombophlebitis was detected in two patients in groups 1 and 2. In the third month, minimal saphenofemoral reflux was observed in two (4.2%) patients in group 1 and in one (4.3%) in group 2. In the sixth month, minimal saphenofemoral reflux was detected in three (6.3%) patients in group 1 and in one (4.3%) in group 2. No residual leakage was observed in group 3 (p = 0.001). In all groups, the severity score regressed significantly in the postoperative sixth month. However, the most significant symptomatic regression was observed in group 3, which had the largest saphenous diameters and we used an esmarch bandage during closure (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Our findings support the idea that the application of an esmarch bandage during endovenous closure improves clinical outcomes, especially in saphenous veins with larger diameters.

The effects on clinical outcomes of administering medications together or separately in prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy after peripheral revascularisation.

BACKGROUND: In the current guidelines, dual antiplatelet therapy [acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) + clopidogrel] is recommended for at least three months after peripheral iliac stenting. In this study, we investigated the effect on clinical outcomes of adding ASA in different doses and at different times after peripheral revascularisation. METHODS: Seventy-one patients were administered dual antiplatelet therapy after successful iliac stenting. Group 1, consisting of 40 patients, was given 75 mg of clopidogrel plus 75 mg of ASA in a single dose in the morning. In group 2, separate doses of 75 mg of clopidogrel (in the morning) and 81 mg of 1 × 1 ASA (in the evening) were started in 31 patients. The demographic data and bleeding rates of the patients after the procedure were recorded. RESULTS: The groups were found to be similar in terms of age, gender and accompanying co-morbid factors (p > 0.05). The patency rate was 100% in the first month in both groups, and it was above 90% at the sixth month. When one-year patency rates were compared, although the first group had higher rates (85.3%), no significant difference was found (p < 0.05). However, there were 10 (24.4%) bleeding events in group 1, and five (12.2%) of these were in the gastrointestinal system, resulting in reduced haemoglobin levels (p = 0.038). CONCLUSION: ASA doses of 75 mg or 81 mg did not affect one-year patency rates. However, higher bleeding rates were observed in the group that received both clopidogrel and ASA treatment simultaneously (in the morning) despite the lower dose of ASA.

The importance of socio-economic determinants of health in the care of patients with peripheral artery disease: A narrative review from VAS.

Socio-economic determinants of health (SDoH) include various nonmedical factors in the socio-economic sphere with a potentially significant impact on health outcomes. Their effects manifest through several mediators/moderators (behavioral characteristics, physical environment, psychosocial circumstances, access to care, and biological factors). Various critical covariates (age, gender/sex, race/ethnicity, culture/acculturation, and disability status) also interact. Analyzing the effects of these factors is challenging due to their enormous complexity. Although the significance of SDoH for cardiovascular diseases is well documented, research regarding their impact on peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurrence and care is less well documented. This narrative review explores to what extent SDoH are multifaceted in PAD and how they are associated with its occurrence and care. Additionally, methodological issues that may hamper this effort are addressed. Finally, the most important question, whether this association may contribute to reasonable interventions aimed at SDoH, is analyzed. This endeavor requires attention to the social context, a whole systems approach, multilevel-thinking, and a broader alliance that reaches out to more stakeholders outside the medical sphere. More research is needed to justify the power in this concept to improve PAD-related outcomes like lower extremity amputations. At the present time, some evidence, reasonable consideration, and intuitive reasoning support the implementation of various interventions in SDoH in this field.

Vascular effects of continuous hyperbaric oxygen exposure: experimental outlook.

Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment aims to restore tissue oxygenation by inhaling 100% oxygen in pressure rooms. Although beneficial effects have been reported with regard to re-oxygenated ischemic tissues, conflicting findings have been presented concerning the paradoxical tissue response following reperfusion and/or the different responses of non-ischemic normal tissues to increased oxygen exposure. The present study sought to experimentally investigate the impact of continuous HBO treatments on normal aortic tissue. New Zealand rabbits were placed in pressure rooms for 90 minutes per day under 2.5 atmospheric pressure and exposed to HBO for 28 days. Normal structural histology was obtained in the control group. Foam cells were detected in the aortic intimae, thickening and undulation were visualized in the endothelium, and localized separations were observed in the tunica media in the study group compared with the control group. Moreover, salient vasa vasorum was detected in the study group via histopathology. These findings suggest that continuous HBO exposures disrupt the normal vascular structure of a healthy aorta.

Acute phase reactant proteins in Buerger's disease: Is it a systemic disease?

Aim: The aim of this study was evaluating acute phase reactant (APR) proteins including high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), pentraxin 3 (PTX3), fibrinogen, complement C3, hepcidin, and albumin in patients suffering from Buerger's disease (BD) compared to controls.Methods: The APRs were evaluated in 92 cases of BD patients and 90 healthy age and sex matched controls of blood from Iran and Turkey. The diagnosis was done according to Shionoya's criteria. However, patients with age less than 40 were included, instead of those less than 50. The diagnosis was confirmed by angiography or CT angiography. The patients were categorized into active and quiescent phases of the disease according to clinical manifestation. Patients with rest pain, non-healing ulcer, and gangrene were categorized in the active phase of the disease and the patients with unchanged claudication for more than 6 months without trophic lesions or gangrene were categorized in the quiescent phase of the disease.Results: The serum level of PTX3, hsCRP, fibrinogen, C3, and hepcidin in BD was significantly higher than controls (p < 0.004). Also, albumin in the BD group was significantly lower than controls (p < 0.001). In patients that categorized in the active phase, fibrinogen, C3, and hsCRP were significantly higher and albumin was significantly lower compared to patients in the quiescent phase. No significant difference was found between the level of PTX3 and hepcidin in the patients in active and quiescent phases of the disease.Conclusion: The pattern of the level of APRs in BD seems more likely systemic inflammatory disorder than atherosclerosis obliterans. More clinical trials for evaluating the efficacy of anti-inflammatory medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), colchicine, and corticosteroids as a part of management of BD are required. Also, according to low level of albumin in TAO, a protein rich diet might be beneficial for BD patients in the active phase of their disease.

An International Delphi Consensus on Diagnostic Criteria for Buerger's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Buerger's disease (BD) remains a debilitating condition. Despite multiple published diagnostic criteria for BD, none is universally accepted as a gold standard. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.

Investigation of the correlation between cardiac parameters and aortic diameter in patients with ascending aortic aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: Aortic aneurysms (AA) are enlargement of the aorta silently until diagnosing, not detectable on physical examination, and usually incidentally discovered during radiologic scanning for other reasons. It can get bigger sizes and can result in life-threatening outcomes if not detected early on. In this study, we aimed to determine the relationship between ascending aortic diameter and cardiac parameters that can be detected with tomography or/and echocardiography. Newly diagnosed (n: 85) ascending AA patients and healthy individuals (n: 86) who have not any thoracic pathology in computed tomography (CT) scans included to the study. Echocardiographically determined left atrial dimension (LAD), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVDd), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVDs), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and the left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWd) values of each patient were recorded. The thorax diameters, ascending aorta diameters and cardiac volume values recorded from CT scans. The obtained findings were statistically compared. RESULTS: Positive correlation was found between aortic diameter and aging (p: 0.000). Increased thorax diameter and cardiac volume values were detected in ascending AA cases (p < 0.05). It was found to be ascending aortic diameter was positively correlated with thorax diameter and cardiac volume (0.50 < r ≤ 0.70) values and higher aortic diameter, cardiac volume, thorax diameter values were detected in male individuals when compared with the female gender. There was no significant correlation between LVEF, LVDd, and LVDs values and aortic diameter. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac volume and thorax diameter were found as strongly correlated with the diameter of the ascending aorta. The clarifying of these parameters with larger cohorts might be beneficial for the estimation of the progression of ascending AA.

Milestones in thromboangiitis obliterans: a position paper of the VAS-European independent foundation in angiology/vascular medicine.

Even today thromboangiitis obliterans has disease features that remain misunderstood or underappreciated. The epidemiology, etiology and pathophysiology of the disease are still unclear. Biomarkers and disease activity markers are lacking, thus clinical assessment is difficult. We are still struggling to establish unique diagnostic, staging and treatment criteria. This is an academic-collaborative effort to describe the pathophysiology, the clinical manifestations, the diagnostic approach, and the challenges of management of patients with TAO. A systematic search for relevant studies dating from 1900 to the end of 2020 was performed on the PubMed, SCOPUS, and Science Direct databases. Given the intriguing nature of presentation of TAO, its management, to some extent is not only different in different regions of the world but also varies within the same region. Following this project, we discovered ambiguity, overlap and lack of clear-cut criteria for management of TAO. An international group of experts however came to one conclusion. They all agree that management of TAO needs a call for action for a renewed global look with multi-center studies, to update the geographical distribution of the disease and to establish a unique set of diagnostic criteria and a consensus-based guideline for best treatment based on current evidence.

Unusual presentation of moyamoya disease with popliteal involvement: case report and review of the literature.

Moyamoya disease is a rare disorder that involves the cerebrovascular system. Usually, it leads to occlusion of the arteries of the cerebral system and causes cerebral circulatory complaints. A 48-year-old female patient was admitted to our clinic with intermittent claudication in both legs. Biphasic and monophasic waveform patterns were detected bilaterally in distal (trifurcation arteries) lower extremities with Doppler sonography. The patient therefore underwent systemic vascular examination. Computed tomography angiography revealed bilateral carotid occlusion at the level of supraclinoid segments, and opacifications were detected at the distal segments of the bilateral anterior cerebellar and middle cerebellar arteries. The patient was diagnosed with moyamoya disease, and anticoagulant treatment was started. In conclusion, most previous reports have presented the cerebrovascular involvement of moyamoya disease. However, this disease can involve different peripheral vascular systems and careful and systemic vascular examination is necessary for an exact diagnosis.

A doença de moyamoya é um distúrbio raro que envolve o sistema cerebrovascular. Normalmente, leva à oclusão das artérias do sistema cerebral e causa problemas circulatórios no cérebro. Uma mulher de 48 anos foi admitida em nossa clínica com claudicação intermitente em ambas as pernas. Na ultrassonografia com Doppler, foram detectados padrões de formato de onda bifásico e monofásico nas extremidades inferiores distais (artérias da trifurcação) de forma bilateral. Portanto, realizou-se o exame vascular sistêmico na paciente. A angiografia por tomografia computadorizada revelou oclusão carotídea bilateral no nível dos segmentos supraclinoides, e opacificações foram detectadas nos segmentos distais das artérias cerebelares anteriores e médias de forma bilateral. A paciente foi diagnosticada com doença de moyamoya, e o tratamento anticoagulante foi iniciado. Em conclusão, a maioria dos relatos anteriores apresentou o envolvimento cerebrovascular da doença de moyamoya. No entanto, essa doença pode envolver diferentes sistemas vasculares periféricos, e um exame vascular sistêmico minucioso é necessário para um diagnóstico exato.

Cilostazol induces angiogenesis and regulates oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner: A chorioallantoic membrane study.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of cilostazol on angiogenesis and oxidative stress using the chorioallantoic membrane model. METHODS: In this experimental study, the Ross 308 chick embryos were used. The negative control group (n=10) received no intervention. The positive control group (n=10) consisted of eggs treated with epidermal growth factor for inducing angiogenesis. Three cilostazol groups were designed with 10-7 (n=10), 10-6 (n=10), and 10-5 (n=10) M concentrations. Each egg was punctured on the sixth day of incubation, and drug pellets were introduced to the positive control and drug groups at the prespecified doses. Vascular development was evaluated on the eighth day of application. The total oxidant status, total antioxidant capacity, and oxidative stress index levels were determined from albumen liquids obtained with a syringe before and after drug application. RESULTS: Lower oxidative stress index levels were obtained from the positive control and cilostazol groups compared to the negative control albumens (p=0.001). The increments in vascular junctions and newly developed vascular nodules were evaluated in drug-free and drug-applied chorioallantoic membranes. The highest activity was obtained in the 10-7 M concentration cilostazol group. An increased angiogenic activity was detected in all drug groups in each concentration compared to the negative control group (p=0.001). Angiogenic activity was similar in all the cilostazol-treated groups (p=0.43). CONCLUSION: Cilostazol has a positive stimulant effect on angiogenesis and it seems to suppress oxidative stress during embryonic growth. Cilostazol exerts these effects significantly and similarly at different doses.

Numerical investigation of patient-specific thoracic aortic aneurysms and comparison with normal subject via computational fluid dynamics (CFD).

Vascular hemodynamics play an important role in cardiovascular diseases. This work aimed to investigate the effects of an increase in ascending aortic diameter (AAD) on hemodynamics throughout a cardiac cycle for real patients. In this study, two scans of thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) subject with different AADs (42.94 mm and 48.01 mm) and a scan of a normal subject (19.81 mm) were analyzed to assess the effects of hemodynamics on the progression of TAA with the same flow rate. Real-patient aortic geometries were scanned by computed tomography angiography (CTA), and steady and pulsatile flow conditions were used to simulate real patient aortic geometries. Aortic arches were obtained from routine clinical scans. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed with in vivo boundary conditions, and 3D Navier-Stokes equations were solved by a UDF (user-defined function) code defining a real cardiac cycle of one patient using Fourier series (FS). Wall shear stress (WSS) and pressure distributions were presented from normal subject to TAA cases. The results show that during the peak systolic phase pressure load increased by 18.56% from normal subject to TAA case 1 and by 23.8% from normal subject to TAA case 2 in the aneurysm region. It is concluded that although overall WSS increased in aneurysm cases but was low in dilatation areas. As a result, abnormal changes in WSS and higher pressure load may lead to rupture and risk of further dilatation. CFD simulations were highly effective to guide clinical predictions and assess the progress of aneurysm regions in case of early surgical intervention. Graphical abstract.

Unusual presentation of moyamoya disease with popliteal involvement: case report and review of the literature / Apresentação incomum de doença de moyamoya com envolvimento poplíteo: relato de caso e revisão da literatura

Abstract Moyamoya disease is a rare disorder that involves the cerebrovascular system. Usually, it leads to occlusion of the arteries of the cerebral system and causes cerebral circulatory complaints. A 48-year-old female patient was admitted to our clinic with intermittent claudication in both legs. Biphasic and monophasic waveform patterns were detected bilaterally in distal (trifurcation arteries) lower extremities with Doppler sonography. The patient therefore underwent systemic vascular examination. Computed tomography angiography revealed bilateral carotid occlusion at the level of supraclinoid segments, and opacifications were detected at the distal segments of the bilateral anterior cerebellar and middle cerebellar arteries. The patient was diagnosed with moyamoya disease, and anticoagulant treatment was started. In conclusion, most previous reports have presented the cerebrovascular involvement of moyamoya disease. However, this disease can involve different peripheral vascular systems and careful and systemic vascular examination is necessary for an exact diagnosis.

Resumo A doença de moyamoya é um distúrbio raro que envolve o sistema cerebrovascular. Normalmente, leva à oclusão das artérias do sistema cerebral e causa problemas circulatórios no cérebro. Uma mulher de 48 anos foi admitida em nossa clínica com claudicação intermitente em ambas as pernas. Na ultrassonografia com Doppler, foram detectados padrões de formato de onda bifásico e monofásico nas extremidades inferiores distais (artérias da trifurcação) de forma bilateral. Portanto, realizou-se o exame vascular sistêmico na paciente. A angiografia por tomografia computadorizada revelou oclusão carotídea bilateral no nível dos segmentos supraclinoides, e opacificações foram detectadas nos segmentos distais das artérias cerebelares anteriores e médias de forma bilateral. A paciente foi diagnosticada com doença de moyamoya, e o tratamento anticoagulante foi iniciado. Em conclusão, a maioria dos relatos anteriores apresentou o envolvimento cerebrovascular da doença de moyamoya. No entanto, essa doença pode envolver diferentes sistemas vasculares periféricos, e um exame vascular sistêmico minucioso é necessário para um diagnóstico exato.

Analysis of routine blood markers for predicting amputation/re-amputation risk in diabetic foot.

Diabetic foot is challenging progressive disease which requires multisystemic control. Neuropathy, arteriopathy, and cellular responses should treated collaboratively. Despite all medical advances, diabetic foot can highly resulted with amputation and also re-amputation can be required because of failed wound healing. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relation between blood parameters and amputation events. Diabetic 323 patients include to the study who referred to orthopaedic clinic for amputation. Amputation levels (amputation levels phalanx, metatarsal, lisfranc, syme, below knee, knee-disarticulation, above-knee amputation) and re-amputations recorded and compared with routine blood parameters. Re-amputation was observed at 69 patients. The significant difference detected between lower albumin, higher HbA1c, higher CRP levels (P < 0.05) in regards to gross amputation levels, and increased wound depth. Furthermore, lower albumin levels and higher levels of WBC, HbA1c, CRP, and Creatinine were detected in re-amputation levels. Especially, HbA1c, CRP, and Creatinine levels were found as upper bound of reference line for re-amputation. The statistically optimal HbA1c cutoff point for diabetes was ≥7.05%, with a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 59%. In according to our results, simple blood parameters can be useful for observing the progress of amputation in diabetic foot. Particularly, lower albumin, and higher HbA1c, CRP, and Creatinine levels detected as related with poor prognosis. Besides, screening of HbA1c level seems to be highly sensitive for detecting of re-amputation possibility.

Guidance for the Management of Patients with Vascular Disease or Cardiovascular Risk Factors and COVID-19: Position Paper from VAS-European Independent Foundation in Angiology/Vascular Medicine.

COVID-19 is also manifested with hypercoagulability, pulmonary intravascular coagulation, microangiopathy, and venous thromboembolism (VTE) or arterial thrombosis. Predisposing risk factors to severe COVID-19 are male sex, underlying cardiovascular disease, or cardiovascular risk factors including noncontrolled diabetes mellitus or arterial hypertension, obesity, and advanced age. The VAS-European Independent Foundation in Angiology/Vascular Medicine draws attention to patients with vascular disease (VD) and presents an integral strategy for the management of patients with VD or cardiovascular risk factors (VD-CVR) and COVID-19. VAS recommends (1) a COVID-19-oriented primary health care network for patients with VD-CVR for identification of patients with VD-CVR in the community and patients' education for disease symptoms, use of eHealth technology, adherence to the antithrombotic and vascular regulating treatments, and (2) close medical follow-up for efficacious control of VD progression and prompt application of physical and social distancing measures in case of new epidemic waves. For patients with VD-CVR who receive home treatment for COVID-19, VAS recommends assessment for (1) disease worsening risk and prioritized hospitalization of those at high risk and (2) VTE risk assessment and thromboprophylaxis with rivaroxaban, betrixaban, or low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) for those at high risk. For hospitalized patients with VD-CVR and COVID-19, VAS recommends (1) routine thromboprophylaxis with weight-adjusted intermediate doses of LMWH (unless contraindication); (2) LMWH as the drug of choice over unfractionated heparin or direct oral anticoagulants for the treatment of VTE or hypercoagulability; (3) careful evaluation of the risk for disease worsening and prompt application of targeted antiviral or convalescence treatments; (4) monitoring of D-dimer for optimization of the antithrombotic treatment; and (5) evaluation of the risk of VTE before hospital discharge using the IMPROVE-D-dimer score and prolonged post-discharge thromboprophylaxis with rivaroxaban, betrixaban, or LMWH.

Investigation of the arterial intima-media thickness in Behcet's disease patients without vascular complaints.

Objectives Behcet's disease is a multisystemic, inflammatory disease. Various factors have been implicated in the disease, including genetics, infections, immunoglobulins, immune complexes, antibodies, and oxidative stress. However, the underlying etiopathogenesis remains unclear. Behcet's disease can occur with or without vascular involvement. This prospective study investigated the relationship between the intima-media thickness of the major arteries, in addition to other factors affecting the disease process, in Behcet's disease without vascular involvement. Methods Twenty-four patients (average age: 38.50 ± 10.931) without vascular involvement or any vascular complaints who were diagnosed with Behcet's disease were included in the study. Sixteen healthy subjects (average age: 39.75 ± 7.793) were included as a control group. Demographic information and medical histories were recorded, and routine blood tests were performed in both groups. The intima-media thickness of the subclavian, axillary, femoral, and carotid arteries of all the participants were recorded using Doppler ultrasonography. The data were then subjected to intergroup statistical and correlation analyses. Results There were no significant differences between the arterial intima-media thickness values of the Behcet's disease patients and those of the control group ( p > 0.05). However, there was a significant difference between the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio ( p = 0.004), low-density lipoprotein ( p = 0.007), and triglyceride ( p = 0042) levels of the two groups. Significant correlations were found between intima-media thickness and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio levels ( p = 0.012) and the disease duration ( p = 0.030). There was also a significant correlation between the intima-media thickness of the femoral artery and disease duration ( p = 0.014). Conclusions The results showed that the duration of illness had a significant effect on arterial intima-media thickness in Behcet's disease. Blood neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio levels were also associated with increased intima-media thickness.

An evaluation of factors affecting clinical outcomes in penetrating cardiac injuries: A single center experience.

BACKGROUND: Penetrating cardiac injury (PCI) has highly mortal outcome. Therefore, management of this emergency situation is extremely important. The present study is an investigation of main factors that can affect mortality and morbidity in PCI. METHODS: Records of 112 patients who were admitted to emergency department with PCI in the last decade were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic data, initial approach, transfer duration and conditions, vital status and findings, type of injury, localization, characteristics, and type of surgical application were recorded. RESULTS: Demographic findings (age, sex, cause of injury) were not found to be significant factors affecting mortality. Early mortality (1-week observation period) occurred in 14 (12.5%) patients. Method of transfer to hospital (under medical team supervision by ambulance, or without supervision), transfer duration, initial vital findings upon arrival (blood pressure, rhythm, breathing, consciousness), operation timing (elective or emergency), and injuries to additional organs were determined to be important predictors of survival. CONCLUSION: Cardiac injury is highly mortal emergency situation. Expert medical management is important for survival. However, basic first aid measures and immediate hospital transfer are as important as expert clinical management.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Preconditioning Provides Preliminary Protection Against Doxorubicin Cardiotoxicity.

BACKGROUND: Doxorubicin (DOX) is generally recognized to have important cardiotoxic side effects. Studies are contradictory about the interaction between hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy and doxorubicin-induced cardiomyotoxicity. Recent data suggests that HBO2 therapy can lead to preconditioning of myocardium while generating oxidative stress. Herein we have investigated the effect of HBO2 therapy in a DOX-induced cardiomyocyte injury animal model. METHODS: Twenty-one rats were divided into three equal groups as follows: 1) Group 1 is a control group (without any intervention), used for evaluating the basal cardiac structures and determining the normal value of cardiacs and serum oxidative markers; 2) Group 2 is the doxorubicin group (single dose i.p. 20 mg/kg doxorubicin) for detecting the cardiotoxic and systemic effects of doxorubicin; 3) Group 3 is the doxorubicin and HBO2 group (100% oxygen at 2.5 atmospheric for 90 minutes, daily), for evaluating the effect of HBO2 in doxorubicin induced cardiotoxicity. At the end of the protocols, the hearts were harvested and blood samples (2 ml) were obtained. RESULTS: The doxorubicin treated animals (Group 2) had increased oxidative stress markers (both cardiac and serum) and severe cardiac injury as compared to the basal findings in the control group. Nevertheless, the highest cardiac oxidative stress index was detected in Group 3 (control vs. Group 3, p = 0.01). However, histological examination revealed that cardiac structures were well preserved in Group 3 when compared with Group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that HBO2 preconditioning appears to be protective in the doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity model. Future studies are required to better elucidate the basis of this preconditioning effect of HBO2.

Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment on Renal System.

INTRODUCTION: Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment is steadily increasing as a therapeutic modality for various types of diseases. Although good clinical outcomes were reported with HBO treatment for various diseases, the multisystemic effects of this modality are still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the renal effects of HBO experimentally. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen New Zealand White rabbits were divided into 2 groups randomly as the control group and the study group. The study group received HBO treatment for 28 days (100% oxygen at 2.5 atmospheres for 90 minutes daily) and the control group was used to obtain normal renal tissue of the animal genus. After the intervention period, venous blood samples were obtained, and renal tissue samples were harvested for comparisons. RESULTS: Normal histological morphology was determined with Masson trichrome staining and periodic acid-Schiff staining in the control group. Atrophic glomerular structures, vacuolated tubule cells, and degeneration were detected in the renal samples of the study group with Masson trichrome staining. Additionally, flattening was observed on the brush borders of the proximal tubules, and tubular dilatation was visualized with periodic acid-Schiff staining. The histopathologic disruption of renal morphology was verified with detection of significantly elevated kidney function laboratory biomarkers in the study group. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggests that HBO has adverse effects on renal glomerulus and proximal tubules. However, the functional effects of this alteration should be investigated with further studies.

Evaluation of Pericardial Fluid C-Type Natriuretic Peptide Levels in Patients Undergoing Coronary Bypass Surgery.

Background Neurohumoral and hemodynamic mechanisms have an effect on cardiac activity. C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is accessible in the cardiovascular system. The aim of this study was to determine whether CNP concentrations in pericardial fluid and blood are related to cardiac dysfunction in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Materials and Methods In this study, 40 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting were enrolled. The patients were separated into two groups according to left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF): group 1 contained 28 patients with normal LV systolic function (LVEF ≥ 50%) and group 2 contained 12 patients with impaired LV systolic function (LVEF < 45%). Plasma and pericardial fluid samples were acquired during surgery to measure CNP levels. Results In group 1, CNP levels were detected to be 0.46 ± 0.10 ng/mL in plasma and 0.66 ± 0.8 ng/mL in pericardial liquid. In group 2, these levels were 0.51 ± 0.09 and 0.79 ± 0.12 ng/mL, respectively. CNP levels were determined to be significantly higher in patients with low EF compared with those with normal EF in pericardial fluid concentrations (p = 0.013). Conclusions CNP level in pericardial fluid is a more sensitive and proper marker of LV dysfunction than CNP levels in plasma. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to examine pericardial fluid CNP levels in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. It may have a valuable role in organizing cardiac remodeling and hypertrophy.