Hepatic artery disorders associated with alcoholism.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to characterize the relationship between severe chronic alcoholism and hepatic arterial wall disorders in humans. METHODS: We obtained hepatic arteries from 165 patients undergoing liver transplantation who were placed into two etiological groups: an Alcoholism group and a Non-alcoholism group. We compared the age, sex, lipid profile, and histologic characteristics of the hepatic arteries (normal, reduction in luminal diameter of ≤10%, or atherosclerosis) of the participants in the two groups using multifactor analyses. RESULTS: The Alcoholism group comprised 58 men and 40 women and the Non-alcoholism group comprised 63 men and 4 women. The mean ages of the groups were 52.5 ± 9.6 years and 44.2 ± 13.8 years, respectively. There were no circulating lipid abnormalities in any of the participants. In women, arterial disorders were found at a younger age than in men. Hepatic arterial disorders were more frequent in the non-alcoholic participants, and women with alcoholism showed less arterial narrowing. CONCLUSION: The heavy consumption of alcoholic beverages is associated with a lower incidence of atherosclerosis of the hepatic artery in humans.

Right ventricular myxoma in a child causing right ventricular outflow tract obstruction.

Primary cardiac tumours are uncommon in the paediatric population, accounting for fewer than 0.5% of paediatric cases of cardiac disease. Right ventricular tumours, including myxomas, are particularly rare and may be asymptomatic or demonstrate varying degrees of cardiac dysfunction based on the location and size of the tumour, inducing conduction abnormalities, syncope, embolism, and potentially, sudden death. We report a rare case of right ventricular myxoma causing severe right ventricular outflow tract obstruction and surgical intervention in a paediatric patient.

Thrombolysis outcomes according to arterial characteristics of acute ischemic stroke by alteplase dose and blood pressure target.

BACKGROUND: We explored the influence of low-dose intravenous alteplase and intensive blood pressure lowering on outcomes of acute ischemic stroke according to status/location of vascular obstruction in participants of the Enhanced Control of Hypertension and Thrombolysis Stroke Study (ENCHANTED). METHODS: ENCHANTED was a multicenter, quasi-factorial, randomized trial to determine efficacy and safety of low- versus standard-dose intravenous alteplase and intensive- versus guideline-recommended blood pressure lowering in acute ischemic stroke patients. In those who had baseline computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging angiography, the degree of vascular occlusion was grouped according to being no (NVO), medium (MVO), or large (LVO). Logistic regression models were used to determine 90-day outcomes (modified Rankin scale [mRS] shift [primary], other mRS cut-scores, intracranial hemorrhage, early neurologic deterioration, and recanalization) by vascular obstruction status/site. Heterogeneity in associations for outcomes across subgroups was estimated by adding an interaction term to the models. RESULTS: There were 940 participants: 607 in alteplase arm only, 243 in blood pressure arm only, and 90 assigned to both arms. Compared to the NVO group, functional outcome was worse in LVO (mRS shift, adjusted OR [95% CI] 2.13 [1.56-2.90]) but comparable in MVO (1.34 [0.96-1.88]) groups. There were no differences in associations of alteplase dose or blood pressure lowering and outcomes across NVO/MVO/LVO groups (mRS shift: low versus standard alteplase dose 0.84 [0.54-1.30]/0.48 [0.25-0.91]/0.99 [0.75-2.09], Pinteraction = 0.28; intensive versus standard blood pressure lowering 1.32 [0.74-2.38]/0.78 [0.31-1.94]/1.24 [0.64-2.41], Pinteraction = 0.41), except for a borderline significant difference for intensive blood pressure lowering and increased early neurologic deterioration (0.63 [0.14-2.72]/0.17 [0.02-1.47]/2.69 [0.90-8.04], Pinteraction = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Functional outcome by dose of alteplase or intensity of blood pressure lowering is not modified by vascular obstruction status/site according to analyses from ENCHANTED, although these results are compromised by low statistical power.Clinical Trial Registration: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifiers: NCT01422616.

A 13 cm asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm complicated with arterial obstruction in the left lower limb: A Case report.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm is often asymptomatic when it is small to medium in size, up to a maximum of 8 cm, in this case, a patient presented to the vascular surgery department with a complaint of acute pain in the left lower extremity with pallor due to the presence of arterial obstruction. On physical examination, we found a large pulsating mass in the abdomen. After performing a multislice computed tomography, we confirmed the presence of aneurysm with diameters of 13 × 8 cm below the level of the renal arteries. The rarity of this case in the medical literature come from that the aneurysm has reached this size and did not even rupture and did not cause any digestive discomfort or abdominal pain only complicated with an arterial obstruction in the lower left extremity as a result of the dissection that occurred. An emergency surgical operation was performed to remove the aneurysm and install the Dacron joint, and the patient was placed for 24 hours under intensive care and discharged after 5 days to have excellent results with the patient's condition improving without any complications after the operation. In conclusion, aneurysms constitute a serious condition facing vascular surgeons, especially if they are large in size without any symptoms.

Floating aortic thrombus with celiac artery embolus presenting with chronic epigastric and right upper quadrant pain: A case report.

Arterial occlusion may be the cause of chronic pain, and vascular diagnostic procedures should be a part of the workup in patients with unexplained chronic visceral pain.

Frequency and anatomic distribution of arterial obstructions in patients with vasculogenic erectile dysfunction not responding to intracavernous prostaglandin.

Background: The extent of arterial disease in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) non-responsive to intracavernosal injection of Alprostadil is of importance for therapeutic options. However, published evidence, in particular angiographically validated is scarce. Here we investigated arterial lesion patterns in this specific patient cohort by selective angiography. Patients and methods: A cohort of 239 patients received a clinical and duplex-sonographic workup for ED of suspected vascular origin. Duplex ultrasound of the cavernosal arteries was performed after intracavernosal injection of 10 µg Alprostadil. Consequently, standardized workup included grading of the erectile and determination of peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end-diastolic velocity (EDV) in both cavernosal arteries. PSV-values below 30 cm/sec indicated reduced arterial flow, whereas EDV-values above 15 cm/sec indicated a venous leak of the pudendal veins. All patients with suspected arterial ED based on duplex sonography underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Endovascular therapy was carried out in ED patients not responsive or with significant side effects to PDE-5-inhibitors or Alprostadil by selective angiographic depiction of erection-related arteries. Results: 54 patients with a mean age of 61.2 (±9.8) years underwent angioplasty of erectionr elated arteries. Out of these 48/54 (89%) patients presented with an erection considered insufficient for penetration (E0-E3) subsequent to intracavernous application of 10 µg Alprostadil. 14/48 (29%) patients had bilateral arterial obstructions and 34/48 (71%) had unilateral disease. Commonly affected was the internal pudendal artery (n = 31, 65%), followed closely by the common penile artery (n = 30, 64%). The least affected arteries were the dorsal penile (n = 6, 13%), hypogastric (n = 4, 8%), common iliac (n = 4, 8%), cavernosal (n = 4, 8%), and inferior gluteal (n = 1, 2%) arteries. Conclusions: Arterial obstructions amenable to endovascular revascularization are frequent in patients non-responsive to intracavernosal prostaglandin administration. Therapeutic strategies in ED patients non-responsive to conservative measures should therefore consider endovascular treatment opportunities.

Treino de Força Reduz Stress Oxidativo Cardíaco e Renal em Ratos com Hipertensão Renovascular / Strength Training Reduces Cardiac and Renal Oxidative Stress in Rats with Renovascular Hypertension

Resumo Fundamento O treino de força tem efeitos benéficos em doenças renais, além de ajudar a melhorar a defesa antioxidante em animais saudáveis. Objetivo Verificar se o treino de força reduz o dano oxidativo ao coração e rim contralateral para cirurgia de indução de hipertensão renovascular, bem como avaliar as alterações na atividade das enzimas antioxidantes endógenas superóxido dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) e glutationa peroxidase (GPx). Métodos Dezoito ratos machos foram divididos em três grupos (n=6/grupo): placebo, hipertenso e hipertenso treinado. Os animais foram induzidos a hipertensão renovascular através da ligação da artéria renal esquerda. O treino de força foi iniciado quatro semanas após a indução da hipertensão renovascular, teve 12 semanas de duração e foi realizada a 70% de 1RM. Depois do período de treino, os animais foram submetidos a eutanásia e o rim esquerdo e o coração foram retirados para realizar a quantificação de peróxidos de hidrogênio, malondialdeído e grupos sulfidrílicos, que são marcadores de danos oxidativos. Além disso, foram medidas as atividades das enzimas antioxidantes superóxido dismutase, catalase e glutationa peroxidase. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5% (p < 0,05). Resultados Depois do treino de força, houve redução de danos oxidativos a lipídios e proteínas, como pode-se observar pela redução de peróxidos de hidrogênio e níveis sulfidrílicos totais, respectivamente. Além disso, houve um aumento nas atividades das enzimas antioxidantes superóxido dismutase, catalase e glutationa peroxidase. Conclusão O treino de força tem o potencial de reduzir danos oxidativos, aumentando a atividades de enzimas antioxidantes. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(1):4-11)

Abstract Background Strength training has beneficial effects on kidney disease, in addition to helping improve antioxidant defenses in healthy animals. Objective To verify if strength training reduces oxidative damage to the heart and contralateral kidney caused by the renovascular hypertension induction surgery, as well as to evaluate alterations in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) endogenous antioxidant enzymes. Methods Eighteen male rats were divided into three groups (n=6/group): sham, hypertensive, and trained hypertensive. The animals were induced to renovascular hypertension through left renal artery ligation. Strength training was initiated four weeks after the induction of renovascular hypertension, continued for a 12-weeks period, and was performed at 70% of 1RM. After the training period, the animals were euthanized and the right kidney and heart were removed for quantitation of hydroperoxides, malondialdehyde and sulfhydryl groups, which are markers of oxidative damage. In addition, the activity of SOD, CAT, and GPx antioxidant enzymes was also measured. The adopted significance level was 5% (p < 0.05). Results After strength training, a reduction in oxidative damage to lipids and proteins was observed, as could be seen by reducing hydroperoxides and total sulfhydryl levels, respectively. Furthermore, an increased activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase antioxidant enzymes was observed. Conclusion Strength training is able to potentially reduce oxidative damage by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(1):4-11)

The Septum Inguinalis: A Clue to Hernia Genesis?

Purpose: Double ipsilateral inguinal ("pantaloon") hernias and also the more advanced "combined" inguinal hernia involve disruption of the inguinal floor. In the case of pantaloon hernias, the medial boundary of the internal ring remains intact but in combined hernias this is fully disrupted, producing a single hernial protrusion. Deepening the pathophysiology of these hernias may be helpful in addressing hernia genesis, thus improving strategies for the treatment of this disease. Materials and Methods: A cohort of 22 patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair showed double ipsilateral (pantaloon) hernia, comprising distinct direct and indirect protrusions separated by a tissue septum. In 19 patients, the septal arrangement dividing the 2 hernias showed macroscopically evident structural damages, then excised and histologically studied. Different tissue markers were used for the identification of the structural damages. Results: Macroscopically, the divisor septum represents the boundary between internal ring and Hesselbach's triangle. Anteriorly it is composed by fibers of the internal oblique and transverse muscles, which form a complex with the inferior epigastric vessels on the corresponding posterior side of the inguinal floor. In the patient cohort studied, this anatomical structure showed a progressive sufferance characterized by chronic compressive damage. Conclusion: The anatomical structure which separates the indirect and direct components of a pantaloon hernia, herein referred to as the "septum inguinalis", has been shown progressively alter in both macro- and microscopically until it f undergoes disruption with development of a combined hernia. Understanding of this anatomical concept may help surgeons to perform sound repairs of these complex hernias.

Usefulness of admission red blood cell distribution width as a predictor of severity of acute pulmonary embolism.

BACKGROUND: Previous researches have represented a considerable relation between acute pulmonary embolism (PE) and red blood cell distribution width (RDW). To the authors' knowledge no research has been informed in subjects with PE severity. Pulmonary arterial obstruction index (PAOI) is associated with the severity of acute PE. OBJECTIVES: In our investigation, we purposed to assess the relation between PAOI and RDW and the benefit of these factors in the detection of PE severity. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated the demographic information, probability of clinical scores, laboratory parameters, serum D-dimer levels, and echocardiographic findings of systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) in Acute PE individuals who were diagnosed by computed tomography of pulmonary arterial angiography. Right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) on CT was assessed by calculating the right ventricular/left ventricular (RV/LV) diameter ratios on transverse (RV/LVtrans). RESULTS: The information of 131 patients with acute PE and 51 (64.6%) female and 28 (35.4%) male healthy control were evaluated. Acute PE group's RDW values were higher than control subjects (P < .0001). RDW (%) level was remarkable higher in patients with massive PE than in patients with nonmassive PE. There were statistically considerable differences in terms of PAOI and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP) between nonmassive and massive PE patients (P < .0001 for all). CONCLUSIONS: PAOI was correlated with PE severity, D-dimer level, sPAP and clinical probability scores. PAOI was correlated with RDW levels. RDW levels, an inexpensive and easily measurable laboratory factor, were considerable associated with the severity and presence of PE.

Factors Associated with Pulmonary Embolism Recurrence and the Benefits of Long-term Anticoagulant Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboemboli tend to recur. However, the causative factors underlying pulmonary embolism recurrence are not well defined. AIMS: To explore the factors associated with pulmonary embolism recurrence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients diagnosed with pulmonary emboli between 2004 and 2013 at our institution were enrolled. Duration of anticoagulant therapy, new episodes of venous thromboembolism, and deaths were recorded. RESULTS: Pulmonary embolism was diagnosed in 528 patients (median age: 76 years, interquartile range [IQR]: 16; male: 45%). The median follow-up time was 34 months (IQR: 52). In total, 477 patients completed ≥3 months of anticoagulation therapy. Permanent anticoagulation was indicated in 217 (45%) patients, and therapy was discontinued in 260 (55%) patients. Overall, 79 patients experienced a recurrence (5.6 per patient-year). Recurrence was significantly associated with anticoagulation discontinuation (4% vs. 27% of patients who maintained or discontinued therapy, respectively; P<0.001; 95% confidence interval -0.95, -0.86). The median duration between anticoagulation withdrawal and recurrence was 6.5 months (IQR: 23.25). Factors associated with recurrence were unprovoked pulmonary embolism (odds ratio [OR]: 0.45), a greater degree of pulmonary arterial obstruction (OR: 2.5), a delay in initiation of anticoagulation (OR: 3), and higher plasma D-dimer levels during treatment (OR: 2.3). Survival rates were improved for patients who maintained anticoagulation therapy relative to those who discontinued. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary embolism has a high recurrence rate. Permanent anticoagulant therapy should be considered for patients with idiopathic pulmonary embolism, a high thrombotic burden, and persistently elevated D-dimer levels during treatment, and for patients where therapy was initially delayed.

Can platelet indices predict obstruction level of pulmonary vascular bed in patients with acute pulmonary embolism?

INTRODUCTION: Computed tomography pulmonary arterial obstruction index ratio (CTPAOIR) is related with the severity of pulmonary embolism (PE). Platelet indices including mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW) are reported to be increased in acute PE. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between CTPAOIR and platelet indices and the utility of these parameters in the determination of PE severity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed the demographic data, clinical probability scores, laboratory data and echocardiographic findings of 63 acute PE patients who were diagnosed by pulmonary arterial computed tomography angiography. RESULTS: The hospital records of 38 (60.3%) male and 25 (39.7%) female patients with acute PE and 29 (58%) male and 21 (42%) female healthy control were evaluated (P = 0.803). The mean value of MPV, PDW levels, platelet counts and red cell distribution width levels were higher in PE groups than in control subjects (P < 0.05). Massive PE was present in 33.3% of PE patients. There were statistically significant differences in terms of hospital length of stay (HLS), mean value of MPV, CTPAOIR and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP) in addition to systolic arterial pressure between massive and submassive PE patients (P < 0.05 for all). CTPAOIR was positively correlated with HLS, clinical probability scores, D-Dimer level, MPV, PDW levels and sPAP. CONCLUSION: Platelet indices, MPV and PDW, can be used for the determination of disease severity, and lead to therapeutic strategies for PE patients.

Cranial Mesenteric Arterial Obstruction Due To Strongylus vulgaris Larvae in a Donkey (Equus asinus).

Arteritis due to Strongylus vulgaris is a well-known cause of colic in horses and donkeys. The current report describes a fatal incidence of arterial obstruction in cranial mesenteric artery caused by S. vulgaris infection in an adult donkey in which anthelmintic treatment was not regularly administered. Necropsy findings of the abdominal cavity revealed a complete cranial mesenteric arterial obstruction due to larvae of S. vulgaris, causing severe colic. To the authors' knowledge, a complete cranial mesenteric arterial obstruction due to verminous arteritis has rarely been described in horses and donkeys. Based on recent reports of fatal arterial obstruction due to S. vulgaris infection in donkeys, it may be evident to consider acute colic caused by this pathogenic parasite a re-emerging disease in donkeys and horses.

Obstrucción de arteria central de la retina: casos clínicos y controversias respecto a su manejo / Central retinal artery occlusion: clinical cases

Se presentan 3 casos clínicos de obstrucción de arteria central de la retina del ojo izquierdo: Una paciente con patología cardiovascular concomitante, sin posibilidad de fibrinolisis selectiva, con antecedentes de amaurosis fugax y secuelas neurológicas por episodios previos de tromboembolismo a territorio superior no detectados, y 2 pacientes que consultaron tardíamente en los cuales no se efectuó ningún tratamiento, sólo búsqueda del origen del cuadro ocular, en forma ambulatoria. Se discute acerca del tratamiento actual de las obstrucciones arteriales retinales agudas y la controversia referente a los ensayos clínicos en curso.

We present three clinical cases about central retinal artery occlusion all in the left eye: A female patient with concomitant cardiovascular disease, without chance selective fibrinolysis, who suffered amaurosis fugax and neurologic consequences from undetectable previous events of thromboembolism upward central nervous system, and two male patients with late consultation which no treatment was applied, only seeking origin of the ocular disease, by n outpatient basis. We discuss about current treatment of acute central retinal artery occlusion and controversy referring to ongoing clinical trials.

Análisis de variables clínicas en pacientes con obstrucción arterial aguda en Hospital Gustavo Fricke / Clinical variables analysis in patients with acute arterial obstruction in Gustavo Fricke’s Hospital

INTRODUCCIÓN: La obstrucción arterial aguda (OAA) de extremidades es un cuadro grave, con una mortalidad cercana al 20 por ciento, por lo que requiere un diagnostico etiológico y manejo oportuno. El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar sobrevida y variables clínicas según etiología. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio observacional analítico de casos de OAA no traumáticos atendidos entre años 2003 y 2007 en el Hospital Dr. Gustavo Fricke, con seguimiento vía registro civil y telefónico para obtener datos actualizados. RESULTADOS: Hubo 65 episodios de OAA en 60 pacientes durante el período. Se registraron 42 embolías (64,6 por ciento), 17 trombosis (26,1 por ciento), y 6 trombosis de by pass (9,2 por ciento). Se apreciaron diferencias significativas en edad (p=0,031) y género (p=0,033). El tabaquismo presentó un LR(+) de 2,61 y claudicación intermitente LR(+) 6,67para predecir etiología trombótica. El antecedente de accidente cerebrovascular presentó un LR(+) 4,65, el de arritmia LR(+) 12,05 y el de insuficiencia cardíaca LR(+) 8,76 para predecir etiología embólica. La sobrevida libre de amputación a 6 meses fue 90 por ciento. La sobrevida a 5 años fue 54,2 por ciento, siendo 37,8 por ciento en el grupo con embolía y 81,8 por ciento en el con trombosis (p<0,001). Pacientes con OAAde etiología embólica tenían un OR de 5,42 (IC95 por ciento 1,53-19,12) de fallecer comparados con pacientes con etiología trombótica. DISCUSIÓN: Las variables clínicas analizadas se comportarían como factores predictores de la etiologia de OAA, y por tanto del pronóstico y sobrevida de los pacientes. La mayor mortalidad del grupo de embolías se puede explicar por mayor edad, comorbilidades cardiovasculares, y embolías fatales a otros territorios.

INTRODUCTION: The acute arterial obstruction (AAO) of a limb is a severe condition, with almost 20 percent mortality, and therefore requires an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. The objective of this study was to analyze survival rates according to etiology and clinical variables. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analytic observational study of non-traumatic AAO cases treated between 2003 and 2007 at Hospital Dr. Gustavo Fricke, confirming survival through the Office of Civil Registration and telephonic follow up. RESULTS: There were 65 episodes of AAO in 60 patients during this period; 42 of these were embolism episodes (64.6 percent), 17 thrombosis episodes (26.1 percent) and 6 by-pass thrombosis (9.2 percent). There was significant difference in age (p=0.031) and gender (p=0.033). Smoking had a LR (+) of 2.61 for predicting thrombotic etiology whereas intermitent claudication had a LR (+) of 6.67. History of stroke, arrhythmia, and heart failure showed LR (+) for predicting embolic etiology of 4.65, 12.05, and 8.76 respectively. The amputation-free survival at 6 months was 90 percent. The 5 years survival was 54.2 percent 37.8 percent in the group with embolic etiology and 81.8 percent for thrombosis etiology (p <0.001). Patients with AAO with embolic etiology had an OR of 5.42 (IC95 percent 1,53-19,12) for decease compared with patients with thrombotic etiology. DISCUSSION: The clinical variables analyzed were proven to be good predictors for AAO etiology, hence for patients´ prognosis and survival. Higher mortality in the embolic etiology group could be explained by older age, cardiovascular comorbidities, and fatal stroke in other territories.