Fertility and pregnancy following pelvic arterial embolisation for postpartum haemorrhage.

OBJECTIVES: To determine and compare the fertility and pregnancy outcomes following embolisation with or without uterine-sparing surgery for postpartum haemorrhage, and to attempt to identify specific risk factors associated with an increased likelihood of intrauterine synechia. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: University-affiliated tertiary referral centre. POPULATION: All consecutive women who had an embolisation with or without uterine-sparing surgery (vessel ligation and/or uterine compression) for postpartum haemorrhage between 1994 and 2007 were included. METHODS: Data were retrieved from medical files and telephone interviews. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Fertility and pregnancy outcomes, synechia. RESULTS: Data were available for 68 of the 85 women (80%) included in the study. Among the 15 women who complained of amenorrhoea or decreased flow of menstruation, synechia was found in all those who decided to undergo an ambulatory hysteroscopy (n = 8). Seventeen women had 26 pregnancies with 19 term deliveries, one ectopic pregnancy, two abortions and four miscarriages. The clinical courses of the 19 complete gestations were uneventful, but postpartum haemorrhage recurred in six women (31.6%) (caused by placenta accreta in two women). Fertility and pregnancy outcomes did not differ between women who had undergone embolisation versus both embolisation and a uterine-sparing surgical procedure. The occurrence of synechia was significantly associated with a higher rate of placenta accreta/percreta (P < 0.001) and postpartum fever above 38.5 degrees C (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Embolisation, whether or not associated with a uterine-sparing surgical procedure, for postpartum haemorrhage does not appear to compromise a woman's subsequent fertility and obstetric outcome. Nevertheless, these women should be considered at high risk for postpartum haemorrhage during future deliveries.

Usefulness of multislice computerized tomography angiography in preoperative diagnosis of ruptured cerebral aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: Non-invasive imaging methods have become primordial in subarachnoid hemorrhage. The aim of our study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of multislice computed tomographic angiography (MSCTA) for the diagnosis of cerebral aneurysm. METHODS: The 28 included consecutive patients with SAH underwent both MSCTA and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). The MSCTA studies were interpreted by two independent readers (A and B) for the presence, the location and size of the aneurysm comparatively to the DSA as reference examination. RESULTS: In 20 patients, 38 aneurysms were diagnosed and in eight no aneurysm was found. Per patient basis, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were excellent. Per aneurysm basis, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of MSCTA were, respectively, 97.4 and 100% for reader A, 100 and 100% for reader B. For aneurysms less than 3mm, sensitivity was 100% for both readers. Interobserver agreement was excellent for the detection of aneurysm (kappa=0.98, 95% CI [0.96-1]). Intertechnique and interobserver agreements were excellent for the measurement of aneurysms (slope=0.86, r=0.91 p=3.1x10(-7) and slope=1.04, r=0.99, p<10(-6), respectively). CONCLUSION: MSCTA was an accurate and reproducible non-invasive imaging technique for preoperative diagnosis of ruptured cerebral aneurysm. The MSCTA may be proposed in first intention after the diagnosis of SAH was established, with special care regarding injection procedure and a strict reading method using native images and thin MPR.

[Spontaneous supratentorial cerebral hemorrhage: role of surgical treatment]. / Hémorragie cérébrale supratentorielle spontanée: quelle place pour un traitement chirurgical?

Until very recently, no specific therapies have been demonstrated to improve outcome after spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). The STICH (surgical treatment for intracerebral haemorrhage) study showed no overall benefit from early surgery when compared with initial conservative treatment. In contrast, the stereotactic aspiration technique can be safely performed and in a uniform manner. Despite the reduction of ICH volume, no improvement in mortality and functional result was obtained. Endoscopy is a new therapeutic option for ICH with good results for hematoma removal. Based on these feasibility studies, a randomized control trial regarding this procedure would be required to assess the efficacy of this procedure. Due to the lack of benefit observed in the recent STICH trial, emergency surgical evacuation should be reserved for patients with large lobar haemorrhage, mass effect and rapidly deteriorating clinical condition.

[Conservative placenta percreta management using uterine arterial embolization procedure: A series of 12 cases]. / Prise en charge conservatrice du placenta percreta vésical avec embolisation des artères utérines : à partir d'une série continue de 12 cas.

We report a retrospective series of 12 placentas percreta with bladder invasion and for which an expected initially multidisciplinary conservative surgical treatment associated with uterine artery embolization was programmed. Conservative surgical treatment was only performed in 7 women. Radical surgical treatment was necessary during the caesarean section and complicated by massive hemorrhage in three women and secondary in two other women for infectious diseases. Radical surgical treatment was associated with partial cystectomy complicated with urinary disorder sequelae in three women. Maternal morbidity of the placenta percreta bladder remains high despite the establishment of a multidisciplinary care protocol.

[Late post-conization hemorrhage and false aneurysm of the uterine pedicle]. / Hémorragie retardée post-conisation et faux anévrisme du pédicule utérin.

We report a case of delayed post-conization hemorrhage induced by the rupture of a uterine artery false aneurysm. Cold knife conization of the cervix was the main cause of the false aneurysm. To our knowledge, this is the first case reported. Angiography enabled the diagnosis and the treatment by embolization of the lesion. A less aggressive technique than a scalpel, perhaps with a diathermic loop, could help to prevent this type of complication.

[Unruptured intracranial aneurysm: possible therapeutic strategies?]. / Anévrismes intracrâniens non rompus: que proposer?

Intracranial unruptured aneurysm (ICUA) has become a common condition for patient consultation. The mortality rate after fissuration is estimated to be between 52% and 85.7%. The final therapeutic decision results from a balance between the risk of rupture and risks related to the aneurysmal exclusion. Analysis of the risk of rupture risk enables a classification of risk factors. Depending on the circumstances of diagnosis, we considered the ICUA at high risk of rupture for incidental ICUA larger than 7 mm and in the event of associated aneurysms. Classifying by morphologic features, high-risk ICUA were located in the vertebrobasilar system (RR: 4.4; 95%CI: 2.7-6.8), those with a size between 7 and 12 mm (RR: 3.3; 95%CO: 1.3-8.2), larger than 12 mm (RR: 17; 95%CI: 8-36.1), those that were multilobular or a larger size and those ones with a index P/L superior to 3.4 (risk x20). Familial ICUA would expose to a major rupture risk (2 to 7 times sporadic ICUA). Some systemic factors were related to ICUA rupture: arterial hypertension (RR: 1.46; 95%CI: 1.01-2.11) and smoking addiction (RR: 3.04; 95%CI: 1.21-7.66). After microsurgical exclusion, the morbidity and mortality rates were 10% and 2% respectively. Some microsurgical morbidity factors were identified: age (32%>65 years), size (14%>15 mm), vertebrobasilar location and temporary occlusion. The rupture incidence after microsurgical exclusion was estimated 0.26%/year. After endovascular exclusion, the morbidity and mortality rates were 8% and 1% respectively. The complete exclusion rate varied between 47% and 67%. The rupture risk was estimated at 0.9%/year. Treatment recommendations were classified into 3 categories.

Imaging of giant cerebral aneurysms.

The aim of this study was to review the different imaging techniques for analysing giant intracranial aneurysms (digital subtraction angiography [DSA], magnetic resonance imaging [MRI], computed tomography [CT]) imaging and explain their respective contribution to the understanding of the characteristics of these complex aneurysms. Giant aneurysms have a complex pathology with multiple stages of evolution and consequences. Therefore, complex imaging is mandatory to enhance the understanding of these parameters and to plan an often complicated treatment strategy. DSA remains the gold standard for analysing aneurysms, but non-invasive sectional imaging (CT, MRI) also provides essential information in the specific case of giant aneurysms.

Common origin of the arterial blood flow for an arteriovenous medullar fistula and the anterior spinal artery: a case report.

A common origin of the blood supply to a dural arteriovenous malformation and to the spinal cord from the same segmental artery is very rare. This obviously contraindicates embolization of the fistula. Demonstrating the location of the normal spinal blood supply system is therefore mandatory to avoid postoperative complications. The visualization of the normal blood vessels can be masked by a steal phenomenon, but it must at all costs be obtained. The authors describe one such case.

Abnormal placentation and selective embolization of the uterine arteries.

OBJECTIVE: Abnormal placentation accounts for more than 50% of uterine artery embolization failure. The authors report their experience in this situation. STUDY DESIGN: Seven women presented with abnormal placentation. Uterine artery embolization was carried out in emergency or prophylactic control of postpartum bleeding. RESULTS: In five patients, control of postpartum hemorrhage was obtained without hysterectomy. In two cases with no placental removal and prophylactic procedures, hysterectomy and blood transfusion were not necessary. The manual removal of the placenta was achieved secondarily, respectively on the 25th and the 12th day. CONCLUSIONS: The success rate of uterine artery embolization for postpartum bleeding appears to be lower with abnormal placentation. In none of the cases with the placenta present was it possible to leave the residual placenta in place. However, embolization may permit a safe waiting period and spontaneous migration of the placenta. When the diagnosis is made before delivery, prophylactic uterine artery embolization without placental removal should be considered to reduce blood transfusion and preserve fertility.

False aneurysm of the uterine pedicle: an uncommon cause of post-partum haemorrhage after caesarean section treated with selective arterial embolization.

We report three cases of post-partum haemorrhage following caesarean delivery attributed to a false aneurysm of the uterine pedicle and treated with artery embolization. These lesion were probably post-traumatic in origin related to hysterotomy. Angiographic study of the anterior division of hypogastric arteries confirmed the diagnosis and embolization of the false aneurysm was successful in controlling the haemorrhage.

[Horton's disease with involvement of the arterial trunks of the arms. Pathogenic role of anticardiolipin antibodies? Report of two cases]. / Maladie de Horton avec atteinte des troncs artériels des membres supérieurs. Rôle pathogène des anticorps anticardiolipine? A propos de deux observations.

Diffuse arterial involvement in temporal arteritis is well known but the intimate mechanisms of vasculopathy is unknown. Recently the presence of anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) has been recognized in giant cell arteritis. We report two cases of temporal arteritis with diffuse arterial involvement associated with aCL (axillary arteries in the two cases associated with femoral arteries in one). During corticosteroid and anticoagulant therapy, a rapid improvement was noted with regression of upper-limb ischemia. One month later, the aCL were absent. These cases confirm the presence of aCL in giant cell arteritis with diffuse arterial involvement. These antibodies might imply severe vascular damage and could play a role in pathogenesis of the vasculopathy of temporal arteritis. Their presence suggests the necessity of anticoagulant therapy at the beginning of corticosteroid therapy.

[Marchiafava-Bignami disease with favorable development]. / Maladie de Marchiafava-Bignami d'évolution favorable.

A 35 year-old right-handed woman with a history of alcoholism presented signs of interhemispheric disconnection. CT of the brain revealed a low-density areas in the corpus callosum. Two months later, clinical examination was normal, but the CT showed cystic area in the genu and splenium. MRI was also consistent with a lesion of the corpus callosum. CT and MRI did not show lesions in the hemispheric white matter.

Arterial erosions in acute pancreatitis.

Acute pancreatitis was observed in 492 patients. Fourteen (2.8%) developed an arterial erosion revealed by a haemorrhage either in the digestive lumen, in the peritoneum or via previously placed drainage. The eroded artery was the splenic artery in six patients, a pancreatico-duodenal artery in five patients. An initial haemostasis was attempted by: a) embolization in four patients: one died; the three others had bleeding recurrence. b) splenocorporeal pancreatectomy in four patients, three had bleeding recurrence. c) arterial ligature in four patients: three had bleeding recurrence. Secondary haemostatic procedures were performed in ten patients but a durable haemostasis was achieved in only five patients: two had a pancreatic resection and three were treated by a redo-binding. It is noteworthy that durable haemostasis could not be obtained neither by embolization nor by ligature in necrotic tissues. This could explain the difference in the results of arterial erosion treatments in chronic and in acute pancreatitis. Therefore, it is suggested that haemostatic procedures should be performed away from necrotic tissues, or eventually done after their removal.

[Intractable postpartum haemorrhages: where is the place of vascular ligations, emergency peripartum hysterectomy or arterial embolization?]. / Les hémorragies graves de la délivrance: doit-on lier, hystérectomiser ou emboliser?

OBJECTIVE: Update of knowledge on the various methods of management of intractable postpartum haemorrhage. METHOD: PubMed, MEDLINE were the electronic sources, in English and French languages, used for data retrieval. Uterine atony and abnormal placental insertions (placenta praevia or accreta) are the major causes of primary postpartum haemorrhages. To preserve fertility, we dispose of angiographic selective embolization or surgical vascular ligations. Embolization is a non-invasive method practicable by simple catheterization under local anesthesia. Vascular ligations of the uterine vessels or internal iliac arteries require mostly laparotomy. New and easier surgical methods, such as uterine compression or hemostatic suturing techniques have been described for which we lack experience. RESULTS: For uterine atony, the success rate of arterial embolization and uterine artery ligations is close to 100%. Ligation of internal iliac arteries is a little less effective and technically more difficult to carry out. It remains interesting in obstetrical traumatic hurts, which do not concern the uterus. If bleeding from the lower segment occurs during caesarean section, low uterine artery ligatures are necessary. These methods are all the more effective than they are prematurely implemented before the rise of major coagulopathy. In this case, uterine devascularization has also to be applied to ovarian vessels. With placenta accreta, accreta portion of the placenta can be left in place and arterial embolization or vascular ligations can be done. Nevertheless the main cause of failure with conservative treatments is placenta accreta. CONCLUSION: The simplest and the least morbid methods must be retained. After vaginal birth, arterial embolization can be done, if there is no maternal haemodynamic disorder nor interventional vascular radiology unit nearby. During caesarean section, progressive uterine artery ligation can be done adapted to the bleeding cause. In case of failure of a conservative treatment, it would be dangerous to multiply techniques. Emergency peripartum then should remain the choice procedure.

[Injury of the azygos vein. A new complication of upper digestive endoscopy]. / La plaie de la veine azygos. Une nouvelle complication des endoscopies digestives hautes.

A patient presented with a ruptured azygos vein following esophagoscopy. The diagnosis was difficult. Selective angiography was helpful and surgical treatment ensured good result. This is the first case of this type to be reported in the literature.

[Endovascular treatment of an extralobar sequestration with cardiac failure]. / Traitement endovasculaire d'une séquestration extralobaire avec insuffisance cardiaque.

Extralobar sequestration usually presents during the first months or years of life by respiratory distress, cyanosis or infection. Cardiac failure is a rare mode of presentation. If surgery is the usual treatment, radiological endovascular treatment has occasionally been described. We report the case of a newborn who underwent endovascular treatment at 19 days. Clinical status is excellent at 5.5 year follow-up.

[Cervical myelography via lumbar approach. Simple, reliable and painless technic]. / La myélographie cervicale par voie lombaire. Technique simple, fiable et anodine.

A proposal is made to substitute myelography using a lumbar approach for cervical myelography by laterocervical C1-C2 puncture. It is essential for contrast to be injected in procubitus. This examination is simpler to perform, is free from risk and radiologic and diagnostic qualities of images are excellent. This procedure is now used routinely for primary investigation of cervical region and excellent results have been obtained.

[Isolated sphenoidal tumor localization in a child, disclosing histiocytosis X]. / Localisation tumorale sphénoïdale isolée chez un enfant, révélatrice d'une histiocytose X.

A case of isolated sphenoidal tumor localization in a child without any endocrinological disorder and revealing an histiocytosis X is reported. This mode of presentation is extremely rare. The diagnosis of histiocytosis X must be evoked and proved in lesions of the sellar region in children.

[Feasibility study of the Doppler exploration of the renal artery]. / Etude de faisabilité de l'exploration Doppler de l'artère rénale.

Using arteriography as a reference, the authors investigate the feasibility of pulsed doppler exploration of the normal or pathological renal arteries in 46 successive patients. The poor sensitivity of pulsed doppler, mainly due to the considerable anatomical variations of the renal pedicle, does not currently allow using this technique for the detection of renal arterial stenosis. When combined with angiography, pulsed doppler becomes a definite asset in therapeutic radiology to help in the choice of a treatment and in follow-up.

[Cervico-occipital injury and bilateral paralysis of cranial nerve XII. Apropos of a case]. / Traumatisme cervico-occipital et paralysie bilatérale du XII. A propos d'un cas.

A patient with bilateral traumatic hypoglossal palsy is presented. Evaluation of the atlanto-occipital articulation is difficult. Prompt radiographic diagnosis of this injury can be made by computed tomography. In this case, there was bony avulsion of the alar ligament from the occipital condyle. We suggest a severe blow to the head in a lateral direction.