[Visceral artery aneurysms. Multiple aneurysmal localization: a case report and literature review]. / Les anévrismes des artères digestives. A propos d'un cas clinique de localisation anévrismale multiple et revue de la littérature.

Visceral artery aneurysms constitute a rare vascular disease, with a risk of rupture associated to a high mortality. Often asymptomatic, they are discovered following a routine radiological examination. We present the case of a 71-year-old patient with multiple aneurysms involving the celiac trunk, the splenic artery, and the common hepatic artery. The surgical treatment consisted of an aortohepatic bypass using polytetrafluoroethylene prosthesis, after exclusion of all the aneurysms. The angiography and postoperative angioscan demonstrated the perfect patency of the prosthesis, totally excluding the aneurysms. Given the variety of presentations and the absence of precise predictive factors, there is no therapeutic consensus so far. Surgery is the first therapeutic choice. Endovascular treatment by angioembolization must be reserved for particular conditions. The purpose of this article is to propose the best therapeutic approach on the basis of evidence in the literature.

Functional capacities of marsupial hearts: size and mitochondrial parameters indicate higher aerobic capabilities than generally seen in placental mammals.

This study of marsupial hearts explored the aerobic capacities of this group of mammals; recent information suggests that marsupials possess higher aerobic abilities than previously accepted. Characteristics such as heart mass, mitochondrial features and capillary parameters were examined. A comprehensive study of the heart of red kangaroos was included because of the high maximum oxygen consumption of this species. Goats were also included as a reference placental mammal. Marsupials have a heart that is generally larger than that of placentals. The allometric equation for the relationship between heart mass and body mass for marsupials was M(h)=7.5M(b)(0.944) (M(h) in g and M(b) in kg); the equivalent equation for placental mammals was M(h)=6.0M(b)(0.97). Mitochondrial volume density and inner mitochondrial surface density do not differ between the two mammal groups; although capillary parameters indicated a lower capillary volume in marsupials. Heart size appears to be the major difference between the two groups. The overall pattern seen in marsupials is similar to that of "athletic" placentals and indicates a relatively high aerobic potential.