Prevalence of left renal vein compression (nutcracker phenomenon) signs on computed tomography angiography of healthy individuals.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the frequency of significant left renal vein (LRV) compression, also called the nutcracker phenomenon (NCP), in a normal asymptomatic population. METHODS: The present retrospective descriptive anatomic study analyzed the data from high-definition renal computed tomography (CT) angiography of living kidney donors. A total of 324 CT examinations were evaluated for signs of LRV compression, including the beak sign, aortomesenteric angle <41°, LRV diameter ratio ≥4.9, and beak angle ≥32°. The presence of pelvic varicose veins and the left gonadal vein in the proximal and mid-portion (considered dilated if >0.5 cm) were also evaluated. Anthropometric and laboratory (urine erythrocyte count) data were collected from the medical records. Statistical inference was calculated using Fisher's exact test and Student's t test. RESULTS: The mean aortomesenteric angle was 53.1° in women and 58.7° in men (P = .044). The beak sign and beak angle were present in 15.3% and 9.8%, respectively, and both had a greater prevalence in the women (P = .01). An aortomesenteric angle <41° was identified in 30.5%, with a greater prevalence in women (P < .01). The diameter ratio was positive in 0.7% of the cases, with no difference between the sexes. A left gonadal vein >0.5 cm was more prevalent in women in both the proximal and the mid-portions (P < .01). Although analysis stratified by positive criteria (3 or 4) showed no difference between the sexes, a positive correlation was found with younger age (P < .01). The limitations included the absence of a nutcracker syndrome (NCS) population; the lack of a renocaval pressure gradient, because of the need for intervention; the absence of other types of imaging studies, such as duplex ultrasound scan; and the absence of female parity data. CONCLUSIONS: The NCP and NCS CT criteria were present with a high frequency in healthy individuals. Women and younger individuals showed a greater prevalence of compression findings in the aortomesenteric axis. Revision of the current NCP and NCS criteria with a distinct categorization between sex, age, and body mass index is recommended to better evaluate LRV compressive events.

Combined Angioplasty Technique of the Carotid Territory and Supra-Aortic Trunk by Double Access (Cervical and Limbs) for Tandem Lesions.

BACKGROUND: The carotid stent angioplasty (CAS) has been the main option for patients with high cardiovascular risk and carotid stenosis. The common femoral artery is still the most used access site; however, the aortic arch manipulation is a critical moment for cerebral embolization. Carotid transcervical access should be considered as a good alternative access route for CAS. Tandem lesions combining supra-aortic trunks and ipsilateral carotid bulb critical stenosis pose a great challenge for the vascular surgeon. METHODS: This is a retrospective descriptive study based on medical records of our institution. We report 2 cases of complex cerebral vascular insufficiency and discuss therapeutic options and strategies to protect the cerebrovascular territory avoiding microembolization, as well as demonstrate an alternative and safe total endovascular approach for those cases. RESULTS: We describe the approach of 2 complex cerebral vascular insufficiency cases: case 1, a 63-year-old male with previous ischemic stroke, right internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion, left ICA stenosis >70%, and critical stenosis of the origin of common carotid artery (CCA); case 2, a 68-year-old female with previous ischemic stroke, left ICA occlusion, brachiocephalic trunk critical stenosis, hypoplastic right vertebral artery, and aortobi-iliac chronic occlusion. In both cases reported here a challenging solution was chosen, little described in the literature, with cerebral filter protection as the first step. In addition, a literature review was performed to discuss the different approach options for tandem injuries of the supra-aortic trunk and carotid bulb. CONCLUSIONS: Our initial experience with total endovascular treatment of complex tandem lesions of the carotid territory and supra-aortic trunks show that transcervical access, coupled with distal protection filter device on the first step, is a safe and effective technique for preventing neurological events.

Astrocyte Neuroprotection and Dehydroepiandrosterone.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate ester (DHEAS) are the most abundant steroid hormones in the systemic circulation of humans. Due to their abundance and reduced production during aging, these hormones have been suggested to play a role in many aspects of health and have been used as drugs for a multiple range of therapeutic actions, including hormonal replacement and the improvement of aging-related diseases. In addition, several studies have shown that DHEA and DHEAS are neuroprotective under different experimental conditions, including models of ischemia, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, glutamate excitotoxicity, and neurodegenerative diseases. Since astrocytes are responsible for the maintenance of neural tissue homeostasis and the control of neuronal energy supply, changes in astrocytic function have been associated with neuronal damage and the progression of different pathologies. Therefore, the aim of this chapter is to discuss the neuroprotective effects of DHEA against different types of brain and spinal cord injuries and how the modulation of astrocytic function by DHEA could represent an interesting therapeutic approach for the treatment of these conditions.