Long Term Results of Kissing Stents in the Aortic Bifurcation.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the long-term outcome after aortoiliac kissing stent placement and to analyze variables, which potentially influence the outcome of endovascular reconstruction of the aortic bifurcation. METHODS: All patients treated with aortoiliac kissing stents at our institution between April 1995 and August 2011 were retrospectively identified from a prospective single-center database. Data regarding patient characteristics (age, gender, smoking, cardio- and cerebrovascular risk factors, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes mellitus and use of antihypertensive medication), symptoms, pre-interventional examination and imaging, procedural details and follow-up were retrieved. Patency rates were calculated with Kaplan-Meier analysis. Factors affecting the patency were determined with Cox uni- and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 215 patients (63% men, mean age 61 ±â€ˆ10 years) were included. The median follow-up period was 31 (IQR 47.1) months. Primary, primary assisted, and secondary patency rates were 97%, 97%, and 99%, respectively, at one month; 92%, 95% and 94% at four months; 75%, 86%, and 91% at two years; 70%, 81%, and 91% at 5 years; and 67%, 81%, and 91% at ten years. Younger age and previous aortoiliac treatment were predictors for reduced primary and primary assisted patency. Smoking, previous aortoiliac intervention, TASC C and D lesions were predictors for reduced secondary patency. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction of the aortoiliac bifurcation with kissing stents is feasible, safe and effective in all types of lesions with satisfying long term patencies. TASC C and D lesions are associated with a higher occlusion rate. Younger age and previous aortoiliac interventions are predictors for reduced primary and primary assisted patency.

Splanchnic artery stenosis and abdominal complaints: clinical history is of limited value in detection of gastrointestinal ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Splanchnic artery stenosis is common and mostly asymptomatic and may lead to gastrointestinal ischemia (chronic splanchnic syndrome, CSS). This study was designed to assess risk factors for CSS in the medical history of patients with splanchnic artery stenosis and whether these risk factors can be used to identify patients with high and low risk of CSS. METHODS: All patients referred for suspected CSS underwent a standardized workup, including a medical history with questionnaire, duplex ultrasound, gastrointestinal tonometry, and angiography. Definitive diagnosis and treatment advice was made in a multidisciplinary team. Patients with confirmed CSS were compared with no-CSS patients. RESULTS: A total of 270 patients (102 M, 168 F; mean age, 53 years) with splanchnic artery stenosis were analyzed, of whom 109 (40%) had CSS and 161 no CSS. CSS-patients more often reported postprandial pain (87% vs. 72%, p = 0.007), weight loss (85% vs. 70%, p = 0.006), adapted eating pattern (90% vs. 79%, p = 0.005) and diarrhea (35% vs. 22%, p = 0.023). If none of these risk factors were present, the probability of CSS was 13%; if all were present, the probability was 60%. Adapted eating pattern (odds ratio (OR) 3.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08-8.88) and diarrhea (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.31-5.3) were statistically significant in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with splanchnic artery stenosis, the clinical history is of limited value for detection of CSS. A diagnostic test to detect ischemia is indispensable for proper selection of patients with splanchnic artery stenosis who might benefit from treatment.

[Gastrointestinal ischaemia during physical exertion as a cause of gastrointestinal symptoms]. / Maag-darmischemie tijdens lichamelijke inspanning als oorzaak van gastro-intestinale klachten.

Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are reported by up to 70% of endurance athletes. Although exercise leads to decreased gastrointestinal blood flow, GI-ischaemia is rarely reported as a cause. Mucosal ischaemia may result in nausea, abdominal cramps and bloody diarrhoea. After exercise, reperfusion damage and endotoxaemia may cause systemic symptoms as well. In three patients, two women aged 46 and 25 respectively and a man aged 40, with a heterogeneous presentation of exercise induced GI-symptoms, GI-ischaemia was demonstrated using gastric exercise tonometry. Gastric tonometry is mandatory for the diagnosis and follow-up. In the first patient, an isolated celiac artery stenosis was found; after incision of the left crus of the diaphragm, she was asymptomatic and the results of gastric tonometry improved. The other two patients had non-occlusive ischaemia associated with high exercise intensity. Reduction of the exercise intensity resulted in the complaints disappearing.

Acute stress-related gastrointestinal ischemia.

We report a case of acute gastrointestinal ischemia during a very stressful event in whom the diagnosis was made by 24-hour tonometry. This case report unequivocally links a stressful event with increased catecholamine release and subsequent severe symptomatic gastrointestinal ischemia. The role of ischemia as potential pathophysiological mechanism has never been studied in detail. The clinical significance of finding such an association is underscored by this case report, where a vasoactive drug normally used for hypertension treatment resulted in greatly improved abdominal symptoms.

Treatment of the Budd-Chiari syndrome by insertion of a wall-stent in the hepatic vein after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty: the necessity of follow-up.

Budd-Chiari syndrome is a rare disease and, with or without treatment, the prognosis is usually poor. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of the hepatic vein in Budd-Chiari syndrome is a safe method, although recurrent stenosis makes it necessary to repeat it several times in most cases. Insertion of a wall-stent in the hepatic vein seems to be a more long-lasting treatment. Monitoring the blood flow through the wall-stent every 6 months is important because of the apparent obliteration of the wall-stent by intimal fibrosis of the hepatic vein. Further follow-up investigations of this method are necessary.

[Biliary ascariasis as complication after cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis]. / Biliaire ascariasis als complicatie na cholecystectomie wegens cholelithiasis.

A case history of a 39-year-old Turkish female with gallstones is described. Cholecystectomy and choledochotomy were performed. In the postoperative period, the patients was found to have an Ascaris lumbricoides infection. The epidemiology, complications and diagnostics are briefly reviewed.

Clinical approach to chronic gastrointestinal ischaemia: from 'intestinal angina' to the spectrum of chronic splanchnic disease.

Stenotic disorders of the splanchnic arteries are not rare, and it is generally assumed that symptoms are rare in patients with a single splanchnic stenosis, and even in patients with multiple-vessel stenoses. Currently, only gastric exercise tonometry aids the diagnostic evaluation, as it indicates actual ischaemia. Patients with stenotic disorders without complaints are referred to as having chronic splanchnic disease (CSD) and those with ischaemic complaints as having chronic splanchnic syndrome (CSS). The classical presentation of CSS, including the triad postprandial pain, weight loss and upper abdominal bruit, is also known as 'intestinal angina'. From the experience of our multidisciplinary working team on gastrointestinal ischaemia in 110 patients with stenoses of at least one splanchnic artery, two different clinical patterns were observed. In our series approximately 60% of patients with single-vessel stenoses, including the coeliac artery compression syndrome, have CSS. They have fewer complications, very low mortality, but most can be successfully treated by stenting or surgical treatment. Patients with multivessel splanchnic stenoses have more classical ischaemic complaints. Progression to a bowel infarction was seen in 34%, and mortality was 21%, mostly from bowel or myocardial infarction. Treatment should be tailored based upon perioperative risk assessment and local vascular anatomy. This may consist of autologous arterial bypass of one or two vessels, preferably antegrade. stenting or a combination of both. This differentiation between single- and multivessel splanchnic disease has considerable consequences for optimal work-up and treatment.

Endovascular treatment of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm: is there a long-term benefit at follow-up?

AIM: Several studies have shown the feasibility of endovascular repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rEVAR). However, the role and value of rEVAR remains controversial due to selection bias and lack of long-term results. In the present study we describe our short- and long-term results of treating patients with rEVAR irrespective of hemodynamic condition and challenging anatomy. METHODS: In April 2006 we started the single centre prospective non-randomised Ruptured Aneurysm Study (RASA). During a four year enrolment period all consecutive patients presenting with infrarenal ruptured AAA (rAAA, N.=117) were assessed for preferential rEVAR treatment. A rAAA was defined as extravasation of blood or hematoma outside the AAA due to transmural tear in the infrarenal abdominal aorta wall documented by preoperative computed tomography (CT) angiography examination or during open repair. Patients with challenging anatomy (infrarenal neck length below 15 mm and neck angulation above 60 degrees) were included as part of a damage control concept. Complication and mortality rates were studied at 30 days and yearly afterwards. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients (33% of all admitted rAAA) were treated with rEVAR and 42% of them were considered hemodynamically unstable (systolic blood pressure <100 mmHg) and 30% had challenging AAA anatomy. The mortality rate at 30 days in the rEVAR group was 17%, in the open repair group 31%, and in the entire rAAA group (including abstained patients) 36%. During the first 30 days, 18 rEVAR patients experienced complications with nine re-interventions as a result. Long-term mortality of the rEVAR patients was 34% after a median follow-up of 3.4 years. All deaths after one year follow-up were non-AAA related. Multivariate analysis shows that Hardman index, presence of peripheral arterial obstructive disease and lowest systolic blood pressure during surgery are independently associated with long-term survival. Challenging rAAA anatomy was not associated with impaired survival. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that rEVAR is feasible irrespective of hemodynamic condition and that it is associated with relative low mortality rates. Challenging rAAA anatomy may not affect overall long-term survival, but six out of ten patients remain unsuitable for rEVAR because of inappropriate anatomy.

Diagnostic and therapeutic approach of congenital solitary coronary artery fistulas in adults: Dutch case series and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery fistulas (CAFs) are infrequent anomalies, coincidentally detected during coronary angiography (CAG). AIM: To elucidate the currently used diagnostic imaging modalities and applied therapeutic approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five Dutch patients were found to have CAFs. A total of 170 reviewed subjects were subdivided into two comparable groups of 85 each, treated with either percutaneous 'therapeutic' embolisation (PTE group) or surgical ligation (SL group). RESULTS: In our series, the fistulas were visualised with several diagnostic imaging tests using echocardiography, multidetector computed tomography, and CAG. Four fistulas were unilateral and one was bilateral; five originated from the left and one originated from the right coronary artery. Among the reviewed subjects, high success rates were found in both treatment groups (SL: 97% and PTE: 93%). Associated congenital or acquired cardiovascular disorders were frequently present in the SL group (23%). Bilateral fistulas were present in 11% of the SL group versus 1% of the PTE group. The fistula was ligated surgically in one and abolished percutaneously in another. Medical treatment including metoprolol was conducted in two, and watchful waiting follow-up was performed in one. CONCLUSIONS: Several diagnostic imaging techniques are available for assessment of the anatomical and functional characteristics of CAFs.

Clinical significance of splanchnic artery stenosis.

BACKGROUND: The clinical relevance of splanchnic artery stenosis is often unclear. Gastric exercise tonometry enables the identification of patients with actual gastrointestinal ischaemia. A large group of patients with splanchnic artery stenosis was studied using standard investigations, including tonometry. METHODS: Patients referred with possible intestinal ischaemia were analysed prospectively, using duplex imaging, conventional abdominal angiography and tonometry. All results were discussed within a multidisciplinary team. RESULTS: Splanchnic stenoses were found in 157 (49.7 percent) of 316 patients; 95 patients (60.5 percent) had one-vessel, 54 (34.4 percent) two-vessel and eight (5.1 percent) had three-vessel disease. Chronic splanchnic syndrome was diagnosed in 107 patients (68.2 percent), 54 (57 percent) with single-vessel, 45 (83 percent) with two-vessel and all eight with three-vessel stenoses. Treatment was undertaken in 95 patients, 62 by surgery and 33 by endovascular techniques. After a median follow-up of 43 months, 84 percent of patients were symptom free. CONCLUSION: Gastric exercise tonometry proved crucial in the evaluation of possible intestinal ischaemia. Comparing patients with single- and multiple-vessel stenoses, there were significant differences in clinical presentation and mortality rates.

A new method for electromyography of the female urethra.

A newly developed catheter enables the introduction of fine wire electrodes into the urethral striated sphincter muscle at predetermined locations and depths. Because of FET-probes electrode wires can be short, thus the signals show minimal artifacts owing to cable movement. The technique 1) facilitates registration of signals during coughing, walking, micturition and other activities, 2) is simple to perform and painless to the patient, 3) can be done by inexperienced personnel and 4) provides assurance that the electrodes are in the urethral sphincter muscle.

Selective low-dose thrombolysis in patients with an axillary-subclavian vein thrombosis.

The treatment of axillary-subclavian vein thrombosis is still controversial. Development of a post-phlebitic syndrome in patients treated conservatively occurs in many patients. Therefore more aggressive treatment is advocated. We report six patients treated with selective low-dose streptokinase infusion with excellent short-term results. Major complications did not occur. Recanalisation was observed in all patients. Long-term results are not yet available.

Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm: endovascular repair is feasible in 40% of patients.

INTRODUCTION: Open repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) still has a high mortality. Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) may be the way to improve survival rates. However, it is not clear how many patients with rAAA will be suitable for acute EVAR. METHODS: Between October 2000 and April 2002 all patients with acute symptomatic or ruptured AAA were assessed for EVAR on an intention-to-treat basis with emergency computed tomographic angiography (CTA). Patient and logistic characteristics were analysed. We used two commercially available aorto uni-iliac devices with a maximum proximal diameter of 28 and 34 mm. RESULTS: Five out of 26 patients were excluded for CTA and EVAR because of severe and persistent hypotension (3 pts) or logistic reasons (2 pts, both eligible). Twelve patients were found not eligible for EVAR due to unsuitable infrarenal aortic neck length (3 pts), neck diameter (1 pt) or a combination of both (8 pts). The remaining six patients were treated with EVAR. After 6 months no graft failure or aneurysm related deaths were recorded in the EVAR group. CONCLUSION: A total of 28% of patients with symptomatic or ruptured AAA was treated with EVAR. A potential 42% of patients could have been suitable for EVAR, if the correct devices had been in stock and all patients had been properly assessed.

Outcome of abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in the era of endovascular treatment.

BACKGROUND: The effect on outcome of the introduction of endovascular techniques for the exclusion of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is largely unknown. The aim of the study was to contrast the early and mid-term outcome after open and endovascular AAA repair. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent transfemoral endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR; n = 93) between April 1998 and January 2003, or conventional open aneurysm repair in the time intervals before (n = 113) and after (n = 82) the introduction of EVAR were studied. All data were collected prospectively. All patients underwent elective and primary repair. Patient survival was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method and the possible predictive value of more than 25 perioperative variables on five outcome variables (length of intensive care unit stay, morbidity, and 30-day, 6-month and overall mortality) was assessed by multivariate analysis. RESULTS: There were no differences in risk profiles between the three groups. Selection for EVAR was based on anatomical grounds only. All five outcome variables were significantly better with EVAR than either former or recent open repair. The only significant predictors of failure were advanced age and the need to perform an additional procedure for former open repair; hypertension and the preoperative use of anticoagulants for recent open repair; and renal insufficiency and pulmonary insufficiency for EVAR. CONCLUSION: EVAR offered considerable benefits compared with conventional open repair at early and mid-term follow-up, which was not explained by selection of patients with a favourable risk profile. In the current era, in which patients are selected for open repair as a consequence of unfavourable anatomy, morbidity and mortality rates following conventional open treatment of AAA have increased at early and mid-term, but not at long-term, follow-up.

Endovascular treatment of chronic splanchnic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The technical and clinical outcome of endovascular revascularization was analyzed in patients with suspicion of chronic splanchnic syndrome (CSS). METHODS: Medical history, duplex, angiography and exercise gastric tonometry suggested CSS in 97 patients. Twenty-seven of them were treated endovascular (one patient had 3-vessel, 12 patients had 2-vessels, 14 patients had 1-vessel CSS). Five patients received previous splanchnic revascularization. Twenty-three patients (85%) had severe co-morbidity: cardiac, pulmonary or cachexia. Endovascular treatment consisted of percutaneous transluminal angiography (PTA) of the coeliac artery (CA) or superior mesenteric artery (SMA) in three and primary balloon expandable stenting in 24 patients (13 CA and 10 SMA solitary, two CA and SMA both, 31 splanchnic arteries in total). RESULTS: Three patients showed procedure related complications (11%). Mean follow-up was 19, range 2-76 months. Two patients died during follow up, both not procedure or CSS related. Five patients had no improvement of symptoms, without evidence of re- or residual stenosis. The primary clinical success was 67%, secondary clinical success was 81%. The primary patency was 81% and secondary patency was 100%. CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment of CSS has a reasonable outcome. It is an alternative to operative treatment, especially in patients with high co-morbidity or limited life expectancy.