[Single-Center Experience of Treating Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia of Lower Limbs Combined with Diabetes].

Objective: To summarize our hospital's single-center experience of and reflections on the treatment of chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) of lower limbs combined with diabetes in the past 5 years. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed cases of lower limb CLTI combined with diabetes diagnosed at our hospital from March 2017 to June 2021. The baseline data, surgical information, and follow-up results of the patients were collected. The primary outcome indicator was the patency rate of lower limb target artery within 1 year post-op, and the secondary indicators were the reoperation rate within 1 year post-op and the amputation rate within 1 year post-op. Results: A total of 89 patients with lower limb CLTI combined with diabetes were included in the study. A total of 85 patients underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and the operation of 7 patients ended in failure, with the operation success rate reaching 91.76% (78/85). Three patients underwent femoral popliteal artery bypass grafting with artificial blood vessels and one patient underwent iliac femoral artery bypass grafting with artificial blood vessels, with the success rate of the operations reachign 100% (4/4). Among 78 patients who successfully underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, the median follow-up time was 33 months (13, 64). Two patients died within one year after operation, with the post-op one-year survival rate being 97.44% (76/78). The post-op 1-year reoperation rate was 19.23% (15/78), the 1-year target vascular patency rate (deaths not included) was 85.53% (65/76), and the 1-year amputation rate was 3.85% (3/78). Among the patients who underwent bypass surgery, the follow-up period was 13-48 months. No thrombosis in or re-occlusion of the artificial blood vessels were observed during the follow-up period, and the artificial blood vessels remained unoccluded. Conclusion: Transluminal angioplasty has a relatively ideal rate of postoperative vascular patency. In addition, it is a minimally invasive procedure involving low perioperative risks and is performed under local anesthesia. Therefore, it can be used as the preferred treatment for patients with CLTI. On the other hand, bypass surgery has good long-term patency rate, but it involves higher perioperative risks and the procedure is more invasive. Therefore, bypass surgery can be used as an alternative when transluminal angioplasty ends in failure.

Catheter-directed thrombolysis plus anticoagulation versus anticoagulation alone in the treatment of proximal deep vein thrombosis - a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the clinical outcomes of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) plus anticoagulation with anticoagulation alone in patients with lower-extremity proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We systematically searched Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from inception to October, 2014. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized studies comparing the clinical outcomes between additional CDT and anticoagulation alone were included. The primary outcomes were postthrombotic syndrome and major bleeding complications. The secondary outcomes included the iliofemoral patency rate, deep venous function, mortality, pulmonary embolism, and recurrent DVT. RESULTS: Three RCTs and 3 non-randomized studies were included. Compared with standard anticoagulation treatment, additional CDT was associated with a significantly higher rate of complete lysis within 30 days (OR = 91; 95 % CI 19.28 to 429.46), a higher rate of 6-month patency (OR = 5.77; 95 % CI 1.99 to 16.73), a lower rate of postthrombotic syndrome (OR = 0.4; 95 % CI 0.19 to 0.96), and a lower rate of venous obstruction (OR = 0.20; 95 % CI 0.09 to 0.44). More major bleeding episodes occurred in the CDT group (Peto OR 2.0; 95 % CI 1.62 to 2.62). CDT was not found to reduce mortality, pulmonary embolism, or recurrent DVT. CONCLUSIONS: Additional CDT therapy appeared to be more effective than standard anticoagulation treatment in improving the venous patency and preventing venous obstruction and postthrombotic syndrome. Caution should be taken when performing CDT given the increased risk of major bleeding. However, no evidence supported benefits of CDT in reducing mortality, recurrent DVT, or pulmonary embolism.

[Two Methods of Internal Iliac Artery Exclusion in Endovascular Aorta Repair: a Middle-long Term Follow-up Study].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the middle and long term results of two internal iliac artery exclusionmethods (with or without coils) in endovascular aorta repair (EVAR). METHODS: Clinical data of patients who underwent EVAR from January 2006 to December 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. The participants were divided into two group: coils were not used in Group A, but were used in Group B. The patients were followed up from June 2006 to June 2014. RESULTS: A total of 137 patients (74 in Group A, 63 in Group B) were included in this study, with a mean age of 71. 6 years. The majority (124) of participants were men. Postoperative 30-day mortality of the participants was 0. 73%. None of the participants developed pelvic and spinal ischemia. Claudication appeared in 9 patients (3 in Group A and 6 in Group B). Ischemia in lower extremity happened in 5 patients (2 in Group A and 3 in Group B). Gluteal sore was reported by 5 patients (1 in Group A and 4 in Group B). One patient from Group B developed gluteal skin necrosis. No statistical difference in ischemia and stent occlusion was found between the two groups (P=0. 301, P=0. 108). However, patients in Group B stayed in hospitals longer (P<0. 001) than those in group A. One patient in Group B developed severe ischemic complication: skin and gluteus necrosis. CONCLUSION: Internal iliac artery exclusions with and without coilsresult in similar middle and long term outcomes measured by ischemic complications.

Management of giant posttraumatic abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysm and aortic occlusion using a unique hybrid procedure combining transcatheter device closure and open surgical repair.

Posttraumatic abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysm (AAP) is a rare but life-threating disease. Here, we described a case of posttraumatic AAP with acute abdominal aortic occlusion and its successful treatment using a unique hybrid procedure. An 18-year-old male was referred, with a giant AAP among visceral arteries, which occluded the aorta and left renal artery. An infrequently used ventricular septal device was delivered via femoral access and successfully plugged the tear. Then the isolated pseudoaneurysm was resected through open surgery without major bleeding. At 6 months after operation, the patient was alive without evidence of complications. This hybrid procedure combining transcatheter device closure and open surgery was a successful attempt in the subemergency treatment of posttraumatic AAP.

[Establishment of experimental abdominal aortic aneurysm model in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a new reliable experimental abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) rat model that simulates human aneurysms and has high survival rate. METHODS: Twenty-four SD rats were randomly divided equally into two groups (male: female=1: 1). Intraluminal saline infusion was given to rats in group A. Rats in group B were given intraluminal elastase infusion and extraluminal calcium chloride application. The diameter of abdominal aorta was measured and eventually harvested at 4 weeks. Successful AAA formation was defined as a dilation ratio )50%. HE stain was applied to evaluate the histology changes of aorta. RESULTS: Group A had a survival rate, technical success rate and AAA formation rate of 83. 3%, 91. 67%, and 0% respectively, compared with 91. 67%, 100%, and 90. 91% in group B. The AAA formation rate in group B was significantly higher than that in group A (P<0. 05). The dilation ratio during infusion was 50. 82% ±4. 11% in group A and 48. 19% ± 3. 89% in group B. The dilation ratio after infusion was 29. 55% ± 4. 69% in group A and 27. 89% + 4. 28% in group B. The difference of dilation ratio between the two groups was not significant. The post-surgery (28 d) dilation ratio was 27. 89% ± 4. 28%0 in group A and 88. 98% ± 42. 33% in group B (P< 0. 05). Fusiform aneurysms, local adhesion and calcification were found in group B. Rats in group B also had thickening intimal, degenerated matrix in media, loss of elastin fiber, apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells and transmural inflammation, none of which was observed in group A. CONCLUSION: With improved operative procedure, intraluminal elastase infusion and extraluminal calcium chloride application can create reliable AAA rat model.

The pre-Kasai procedure in living donor liver transplantation for children with biliary atresia.

BACKGROUND: Biliary atresia (BA) is a major cause of chronic cholestasis, a fatal disorder in infants. This study was undertaken to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of primary living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in comparison with the traditional first-line treatment, the Kasai procedure. METHODS: We assessed 28 children with BA at age of less than two years (3-21.3 months) who had undergone LDLT in two hospitals in Southwest China during the period of 2008-2011. Eighteen children who had had primary LDLT were included in a primary LDLT group, and ten children who had undergone the Kasai operation in a pre-Kasai group. All patients were followed up after discharge from the hospital. The records of the BA patients and donors were reviewed. RESULTS: The time of follow-up ranged 12-44.5 months with a median of 31 months. The 30-day and 1-year survival rates were 85.7% and 78.6%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the 30-day or 1-year survival between the two groups (83.3% vs 90% and 77.8% vs 80%, P>0.05). The main cause of death was hepatic artery thrombosis. There were more patients with complications who required intensive medical care or re-operation in the pre-Kasai group (8, 80%) than in the primary LDLT group (9, 50%) (P=0.226). But no significant differences were observed in operating time (9.3 vs 8.9 hours, P=0.77), intraoperative blood loss (208.6 vs 197.0 mL, P=0.84) and blood transfusion (105.6 vs 100.0 mL, P=0.91) between the two groups. The durations of ICU and hospital stay in the primary LDLT group and pre-Kasai group were 180.4 vs 157.7 hours (P=0.18) and 27 vs 29 days (P=0.29), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Primary LDLT is a safe and efficient management for young pediatric patients with BA. Compared with the outcome of LDLT for patients receiving a previous Kasai operation, a similar survival rate and a low rate of re-operation and intensive medical care for patients with BA can be obtained.

Higher tacrolimus blood concentration is related to hyperlipidemia in living donor liver transplantation recipients.

BACKGROUND: The arrival of tacrolimus has drastically improved AALDLT recipients' survival. However, little data of tacrolimus have been reported concerning its effects on lipid metabolism for AALDLT recipients. AIM: Out aim was to investigate the relationship between tacrolimus blood concentration and lipid metabolism in AALDLT recipients. METHODS: The pre and postoperative data of 77 adult patients receiving AALDLT between 2002 and December 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. The postoperative immune suppressive regimen was prednisone with tacrolimus ± mycophenolate mofetil. Prednisone was withdrawn within the first postoperative month. Blood lipids and tacrolimus concentration were detected at the first, third, and sixth month during follow-up. Episodes of acute rejection were diagnosed based on biopsy. RESULTS: Overall prevalence of post-transplantation hyperlipidemia was 29.9% (23/77) at the sixth postoperative month. The patients were divided into two groups, the hyperlipidemia group and the ortholipidemia group. In the 23 patients with hyperlipidemia, 15 (65%) were hypercholesterolemia, five (22%) were hypertriglyceridemia, and three (13%) patients had both hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia. In univariate analysis, only tacrolimus blood concentration at the third and sixth post-transplantation months showed significant difference (8.7 ± 2.1 vs. 6.9 ± 3.2, p = 0.013; 9.2 ± 2.7 vs. 7.3 ± 3.8, p = 0.038, respectively). In multivariate logistic analysis, only two factors appear to be risk factors, namely, tacrolimus blood concentration at the third and sixth post-transplantation months (8.7 ± 2.1 vs. 6.9 ± 3.2, p = 0.043; 9.2 ± 2.7 vs. 7.3 ± 3.8 p = 0.035, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Higher tacrolimus blood concentration was related to hyperlipidemia at an early postoperative period. This indicates that tacrolimus blood concentration should be controlled as low as possible in the premise that there is no risk of rejection to minimize post-transplant hyperlipidemia after AALDLT.

Impact of graft steatosis on the post-transplantation biliary complications for living donor liver transplant recipients in China.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: After living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), the prevalence of complications related to the biliary system is 6-35%. In spite of great improvements in both surgical techniques and postoperative and long-term medical treatment, the biliary complications are still considered a relatively high risk for LDLT. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the incidence of biliary complications and identify predisposing risk factors. METHODOLOGY: The clinical and follow-up data of 175 adult patients receiving LDLT (right lobe or left lobe) between 2002 and December 2008 were collected and retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into 2 groups: with biliary complications (n=30) and without biliary complications (n=145). RESULTS: Thirty patients (17.1%) had post-transplantation biliary complications. Eight patients (4.6%) were diagnosed with bile leakage, while 24 patients (13.7%) developed biliary stricture. Percentage of steatosis of the graft and hepatic artery thrombosis after LDLT were two factors upon univariate analysis (p=0.034, p=0.01, respectively). In multivariate logistic analysis, 20-50% macrovesicular steatosis emerged as a new defined risk factor by us (p=0.001). There was no difference in patient survival rate in different groups and sorts of graft steatosis (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We consider that using a graft with macro-vesicular steatosis in 20-50% should be put on the table carefully, balancing both sides of positive and negative.

Using a small-for-size graft might attribute to the future use of left-lobe living graft in adult to adult living donor liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Adult to adult living donor liver transplantation (AALDLT) is performed worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate using a graft with graft to body weight ratio (GBWR) less than 0.8 in right-lobe AALDLT recipients. METHODOLOGY: Clinical data of 127 patients who had right-lobe AALDLT from January 2002 to November 2009 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to GBWR (group A: 0.6 ≤ GBWR < 0.8, group B: GBWR ≥ 0.8). Preoperative characteristics, postoperative complications graded by the Clavien score and patient survival time were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: GBWR between the two groups were significantly different (0.67 ± 0.05 vs. 0.97 ± 0.17, p = 0.000). There was no significant difference in preoperative demographic data as well as postoperative liver function data. Complication rate, median ICU stay and small-for-size syndrome incidence were similar in both groups. In univariate analysis, only MELD emerged as independent risk factor for small-for-size syndrome (p = 0.045). Patient survival was similar in both groups at 1, 3 and 5 years as well. CONCLUSIONS: Using a GBWR of less than 0.8 is safe in selected recipients. To some extent, this result may attribute to the wide use of left-lobe living graft in AALDLT in future.

Posttraumatic stress disorder after liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation can lead to the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but the risk factors associated with this progression are not well understood. To study this syndrome in adult liver transplant recipients, a cross-sectional investigation of 296 recipients at our hospital was carried out between January and June 2010. METHODS: Study participants completed two questionnaires [a PTSD self-rating scale (PTSD-SS) and a validated Chinese version of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36)]. Clinical and demographic data were collected from the records of the Chinese Liver Transplant Registry and via questionnaires. RESULTS: The prevalence of full PTSD and partial PTSD (that met the criteria for 2 of the 3 symptom clusters) was 3.7% and 5.4%, respectively, for all transplant recipients. Significant differences between the recipients with no PTSD, partial PTSD, and full PTSD were found in all SF-36 domains except for physical functioning (P=0.466). In general, domain scores were the highest in the recipients who did not meet the criteria for PTSD and the lowest in the recipients who met the criteria for full PTSD. Greater severity of posttraumatic stress symptoms was correlated with poorer quality of life, especially in the bodily pain (P=0.004), social functioning (P=0.001), role-emotional (P=0.048), and mental health (P<0.001) domains. The model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores, complications, and educational status were identified by multiple regression analysis as risk factors for developing PTSD. CONCLUSIONS: PTSD occurred after liver transplantation and was significantly associated with decreased quality of life. Higher MELD scores and complications after transplantation were risk factors that contributed to PTSD, and higher education was a protective factor.

[Perioperative outcomes after endovascular versus open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms: a single center experience].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes of endovascular repair (EVAR) versus open repair (OR) in the patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and compare their perioperative rates of morbidity and mortality. METHODS: The clinical data of 371 AAA patients from January 2006 to January 2011 were collected and analyzed. Endovascular (n = 174) and open (n = 197) repairs were performed. The relevant parameters included preoperative status, intraoperative blood loss, procedure time, intensive care unit (ICU) stay length, ventilatory support time, postoperative fasting time and duration of postoperative hospital stay and anesthesia methods. The perioperative rates of morbidity and mortality were presented. RESULTS: The patients of EVAR group were elder than those of OR group [(72 ± 8) vs (60 ± 14) years old, P = 0.000]. The comorbidity rate of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in EVAR group was higher than that in OR group (31.0% vs 21.8%, P = 0.045). As compared with OR group, the EVAR group had less blood loss [(125 ± 43) vs (858 ± 602) ml, P = 0.000], a lower rate of blood transfusion (0 vs 71.1%, P = 0.000), shorter ICU stay length [(15 ± 5) vs (31 ± 11) h, P = 0.000], shorter postoperative fasting time [(7 ± 4) vs (90 ± 32) h, P = 0.000], shorter procedure time [(146 ± 39) vs (210 ± 24) min, P = 0.000] and shorter ventilatory support time [(90 ± 23) vs (220.0 ± 132.0) min, P = 0.000]. In EVAR group, general (88, 50.6%), epidural (52, 30.0%) and local (34, 19.4%) anesthesia were used. General anesthesia was used for all OR group patients. The duration of postoperative hospital stay was similar in two groups (9.1 ± 2.7) d vs (9.2 ± 2.6) d (P = 0.798). The perioperative complication rate was lower in EVAR group (12.6% vs 27.0%, P = 0.001). And the 30-day mortality rate was 1.15% in EVAR group and 2.0% in OR group. CONCLUSION: Endovascular repair is less-invasive in AAA patients and offers significant advantages over open surgery. Especially it is indicated for those patients non-suitable for open surgery. And a long-term survival rate is expected.

[The importance of multidisciplinary foot-care services in the management of diabetic patients with peripheral artery disease and diabetic foot ulcers].

Diabetic peripheral artery disease and diabetic foot ulcers are leading causes of hospitalization, for patients with diabetes mellitus, and also are the most important causes of amputation of the lower extremity in those patients, which contribute to the increased mortality and cardiovascular death. The incidence of diabetic peripheral artery disease and diabetic foot ulcers shows increasing trend. Diabetic peripheral artery disease and diabetic foot ulcers can be successfully treated only by the multidisciplinary foot-care services which provide more comprehensive and integrated care as compared to ordinary medical team or single specialist. Multidisciplinary foot-care services are provided by the team consist of: diabetologist, diabetes nurse, vascular surgeon, general surgeon, orthopedist, orthopaedic surgeon, podiatrist and orthotist, interventional radiologist and a radiology coordinator, microbiologist, psychologist, educators, shoemaker and rehabilitation team. Contrary to developed countries, multidisciplinary foot-care team has not been constructed in most centres in China. Diabetic education, appropriate foot care, early detection of risk factors of foot ulcers and early intervention are key components in the overall management of diabetic foot disorders and have assumed important roles in programs focused on amputation prevention. Prompt and aggressive treatments of diabetic peripheral artery disease and diabetic foot ulcers can often prevent an exacerbation of the problem and the potential need for amputation, which include correction of biomechanical abnormalities, infection control, serial debridement of ulcers, peripheral revascularization and wound coverage, etc. It is very important to construct a multidisciplinary diabetic foot care team to more effectively improve the survival and prognosis of patients with diabetic peripheral artery disease and diabetic foot ulcers with comprehensive treatments.

[Surgical vascular by-pass operation of lower limb artery occlusion in patients with diabetic foot].

OBJECTIVE: To document the effectiveness and patient experience of surgical treatment for diabetic lower limb arterial occlusion. METHODS: Out of 290 diabetic patients with lower limb arterial occlusion, 69 received by-pass operation because of severe stenosis below the abdominal aorta and severe ulcers in feet from April 2004 to April 2011. We reviewed the experience and outcome of the 69 diabetic patients who underwent surgical operations on lower limb arterial occlusion. RESULTS: 100% initial surgical success was achieved. The morbidity (excluding death) was 12.3% +/- 4.1% and 15.7% +/- 5.1% at 1 year and 3 years after operations, respectively. Five (7.2%) death cases were recorded, which resulted in a survival rate of 94.2% +/- 2.8% and 92.0% +/- 3.5% at 1 year and 3 years after operations, respectively. About 90.6% +/- 3.6% and 87.2% +/- 4.9% of patients had graft patency 1 year and 3 years after operations, respectively; and 6. 5% + 3. 1% had amputations. Four (5. 8%) patients developed graft thrombosis, in which 2 (2.9%) had amputations because of recurrence of thrombosis after thrombectomy. Two (2.9%) patients had amputations because of graft infection accompanied with graft resection operations. One (1.4%) patient received repeated arterialized operation on great saphenous vein because of popliteal artery occlusion, and obtained a good outcome within two years. One (1.4%) patient developed stomas false aneurysm, but the excision of the false aneurysm resulted in a good outcome in four years. CONCLUSION: Detailed pre-operation assessment, optimal selection of surgical procedure and perioperative management can help improve the outcome of diabetes and decrease amputation rate in patients with diabetic lower limb arterial occlusion.

[Clinical and pathological characteristics and surgical treatment of carotid body tumor with endocrine activity].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical and pathological characteristics and surgical treatment of carotid body tumor with endocrine activity (CBT). METHODS: Records of seven CBT patients with endocrine activity (Jan, 1991-Aug, 2011) who underwent surgical excision of tumor were retrospectively reviewed. The operations were performed with the careful peroperative preparation on the control of blood pressure, serum potassium and catecholamine. All the tumors were studied with the methods of HE staining, immunohistochemistry of chromogranin A (CgA) and S-100. RESULTS: All the operations were successfully accomplished and the patients recovered quickly. It was confirmed with pathological examination that all the tumors were CBT, coming from paraganglioma. Tumor cells and sertoli cells were found in HE staining, and all were positive of CgA and S-100. All patients were followed up for 12-60 months and no recurrence was found during the follow up. CONCLUSION: CBT with endocrine activity presents with identifiable clinical and pathological characteristics. The recommended treatment is surgical resection, careful perioperative preparation and care is important to avoid the severe complication due to the endocrine activity of tumor.

[Surgical treatment of sinus tract in diabetic foot with adjacent pedicle fascia flap and arthrodesis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the therapeutic effect of adjacent pedicle fascia flap filling and arthrodesis in the regional management of sinus tract in diabetic foot. METHODS: From February 2007 to August 2010, 6 patients suffering diabetic foot with sinus tract were included. There were 4 male and 2 female patients, aged 47 to 68 (averaging 58.3 +/- 6.7). One case had the entrance of sinus tract in the heel, and its base located deep in the calcaneus. Three cases had the sinus tract in the vola or dorsum of the foot, in which 1 with a perforating tract connecting the vola and the dorsum. Another 2 cases were in the toes, both located around joints. Under the effective treatments of anti-infection, anti-coagulation and control of blood sugar, blood pressure as well as blood lipid level, the patients were subjected to surgical treatments of sinus tract, the sinuses in the heel, sole and dorsum of the feet were filled up with facial flap, and those in the toes were eliminated using arthrodesis. RESULTS: All the 6 patients received rational debridement. Four patients were treated with adjacent fascia flap filling, the other two were treated with arthrodesis. The sinus tracts healed 14-20 d after surgery in all patients. One patient developed skin necrosis at the edge of the incision in the dorsum of the foot and another whose sinus located in the toe suffered inflammation and exudation. Both patients recovered after dressing replacement, antiseptic therapy and blood sugar regulation for a period of time. CONCLUSION: Appropriately designed pedicle fascia flap can provide satisfactory healing for sinus in the heel, vola and dorsum, and arthrodesis is a safe and effective way for that in the toes. Rational debridement is the key prerequisite for healing of sinus tract in diabetic foot.

Quantification and location of Chlamydia pneumoniae-specific antigen in the walls of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the prevalence and quantity of Chlamydia pneumoniae-specific antigen in the three layers (intima, media, and adventitia) of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), so as to further investigate the pathogenesis of AAAs. METHODS: Aortic walls were collected from 20 patients with AAA and 11 healthy organ donors. Immunohistochemistry was used to identify the C pneumoniae-specific antigen, and image analysis system was used to quantify and locate it. RESULTS: The positive rate of C pneumoniae-specific antigen was higher in the AAA group than in the control group (100% vs. 54.54%, p = 0.003), positive intensity decreased from the tunica intima to the adventitia in the AAA group (16.32% ± 2.13%, 14.84% ± 1.80%, and 14.25% ± 1.67%, respectively, p = 0.003). In the control group, positive cells were mainly found in focal lesion areas. CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated the presence and differentiation of C pneumoniae-specific antigen in the three layers of AAAs, which are in accordance with pathology, thus suggesting a pathogenic role of the antigen.

Evaluation outcomes of donors in living donor liver transplantation: a single-center analysis of 132 donors.

BACKGROUND: Donor safety has always been a major concern, and potential risk to the donor must be balanced against recipient benefit. However, lack of a standardized and uniform evaluation of perioperative complications is a serious limitation of the evaluation of donor morbidity. This study was designed to evaluate the outcomes of donors in adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) using the newer Clavien classification system in a single center in China. METHODS: We prospectively analyzed the outcomes of 132 consecutive living liver donors from 2005 to 2008 using the newer Clavien classification system. The preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative data of the donors were collected and analyzed. Ordinal regression was used to analyze the ordered grades of complications. RESULTS: Ninety-four (71.2%) of the donors developed postoperative complications of grade I (n=45, 34.1%), grade II (n=39, 29.5%) and grade III (n=10, 7.6%). There was no death or grade IV morbidity. Hepatic functional impairment and pleural effusion were the most frequent morbidities for living donors. Fifty-three donors (40.1%) developed hepatic functional impairment of grade I (n=40, 31.1%) and grade II (n=13, 10.0%). The ICU stay (7.8+/-1.8 days) and length of hospital stay (17.7+/-4.6 days) were significantly longer in donors with grade III than others. Furthermore, ordinal logistic regression revealed that donor's older age (>40 years) and right hepatectomy were associated with morbidity. In addition, only preoperative total bilirubin (within the normal range) and postoperative nadir serum phosphorus were independently associated with hepatic functional impairment. The receiver operator characteristic curve revealed that preoperative total bilirubin >18.0 µmol/L and postoperative nadir of serum phosphorus <1 mg/dL may lead to more severe hepatic functional impairment. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the fact that donors are relatively safe to undergo hepatectomy, many living donors still experience postoperative morbidity. Meticulous technical and preoperative donor evaluation and treatment are sure to reduce the incidence of complications.

Multiple Splenic Artery Aneurysms: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Background: Multiple splenic artery aneurysms (MSAAs) are rare and there are few reports about their treatment. We herein present a rare case of MSAAs treated with splenectomy combined with endovascular embolization. Methods: A 51-year-old female patient was incidentally diagnosed with MSAAs. Splenectomy combined with endovascular embolization was the chosen treatment. Outcomes: The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged from the hospital 5 days after splenectomy. The patient has been doing well during the 27-months of follow-up. Conclusion: Combined with the experience of the previous literature, we think splenectomy combined with endovascular embolization is a safe, reliable and minimally invasive treatment for some selected multiple SAAs, depending on several patient parameters, such as the age, sex, aneurysm dimension, aneurysm location, complications, and severity of the clinical findings.

Use of three dimensional-printing in the management of floating aortic thrombus due to occult aortic dissection: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Floating thrombus within the thoracic aorta is a rare entity but may cause systemic embolism. The pathogenesis of floating aortic thrombi is not yet fully understood. No definitive guidelines are available for the management of floating aortic thrombus. CASE SUMMARY: We report a 48-year-old patient, without a history of trauma and infection, who presented with sudden severe back pain. A floating thrombus within the aortic arch was found by computed tomography angiography (CTA). No evidence of coagulopathies was found. However, with the assistance of a three dimensional-printed model, this floating thrombus was identified to be caused by occult aortic dissection (AD). Subsequently, an emergency thoracic endovascular repair was performed. The patient's back pain was rapidly alleviated postoperatively. CTA at 1 year showed no filling defect in the stent-graft and aorta. CONCLUSION: Occult AD is a potential factor causing floating aortic thrombi, endovascular stent-graft exclusion may be an optimal therapeutic choice with promising results. Moreover, the combination of CTA and three dimensional-printed models can contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of floating aortic thrombi due to occult AD.

Successful management of infected right iliac pseudoaneurysm caused by penetration of migrated inferior vena cava filter: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Indwelling inferior vena cava (IVC) filters might cause various complications, including filter penetration, filter fracture, filter migration, and thrombosis of the IVC. Penetration and migration complications are common, while a caudal migrated double-basket filter with associated infected iliac pseudoaneurysm has seldom been reported. CASE SUMMARY: We report a 64-year-old female admitted for sudden onset of severe right abdominal pain after IVC filter placement for 3 mo. The patient had a history of failed endovascular IVC filter retrieval. Computed tomography showed that the retrieval hook of the filter penetrated the right common iliac artery and vein, leading to right iliac artery pseudoaneurysm accompanied by right ureteral obstruction with ipsilateral hydronephrosis, and bilateral iliac veins were occluded. Emergency open repair was performed to remove the IVC filter, the right iliac pseudoaneurysm, and the compromised segments of the iliac veins and IVC with right common iliac artery reconstruction. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from the tissue culture. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 12 with anticoagulation therapy and antibiotic therapy after discharge. Six-month follow-up computed tomography revealed that the right common iliac artery was patent, and only mild hydronephrosis was detected. CONCLUSION: An indwelling IVC filter, even 'embedded' within organized thrombus, could still cause life-threatening complications. Open procedures remain the last resort for IVC filters with severe complications.