Assessment of anatomic variations of the brachial artery bifurcation using vascular Doppler ultrasound: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Anatomical variations in arteries of the upper limb, such as presence of an accessory brachial artery, are common and widely described in the literature, mainly in cadaveric studies, but it is now possible to diagnose them using vascular Doppler ultrasound. Objectives: To identify the incidence of accessory brachial artery using vascular Doppler ultrasound and compare the findings with cadaveric studies. Methods: This was a prospective study that examined 500 upper limbs of 250 volunteers assessed with vascular Doppler ultrasound using the Sonosite Titan portable ultrasound machine. Results: 15.6% of the participants in our study had the accessory brachial artery anatomical variation. Our percentage is in line with the average rates found in cadaveric studies, which ranged from 0.2% to 22%. Being aware of this variation is fundamental in procedures such as peripheral venipuncture, arteriovenous fistula creation, catheterization, forearm flaps, emergency surgeries on the limb and even correction of fractures by cast. Conclusions: The accessory brachial artery is a frequent variant in the upper limb. The percentage of individuals with an accessory brachial artery in our study was 15.6%, which agrees with data from the literature on cadaveric studies.

Ischemic Complication of a Rare Traumatic True Brachial Artery Aneurysm: A Case Report.

True brachial artery aneurysms are rare. We present the case of a 47-year-old male who was referred to our clinic for the evaluation of progressive right arm claudication. He had suffered a gunshot wound in the right elbow 16 years before his symptoms. Computed tomography angiography revealed a thrombosed true brachial artery aneurysm. The patient was placed in the operating room, and aneurysm resection and reconstruction were performed using an interposition saphenous vein graft. His postoperative period was uneventful, and 1 year after the procedure, he remained asymptomatic. True brachial artery aneurysms associated with remote traumas are rare. This case illustrates the clinical presentation and successful management of arterial reconstruction using an autologous vein graft.

Avaliação das alterações anatômicas da bifurcação da artéria braquial através do eco-Doppler vascular: um estudo transversal / Assessment of anatomic variations of the brachial artery bifurcation using vascular Doppler ultrasound: a cross-sectional study

Resumo Contexto Variações anatômicas em artérias do membro superior, como a presença da artéria braquial acessória, são comuns e amplamente descritas na literatura, principalmente por estudos em cadáveres. No entanto, atualmente, é possível realizar o diagnóstico através do eco-Doppler vascular. Objetivos Identificar a incidência da artéria braquial acessória pelo eco-Doppler e comparar os achados com estudos cadavéricos. Métodos Tratou-se de um estudo prospectivo em 500 membros superiores de 250 voluntários avaliados pelo eco-Doppler com o aparelho portátil de ultrassom Sonosite Titan. Resultados Dos participantes do nosso estudo, 15,6% apresentaram a variação anatômica da artéria braquial acessória. A porcentagem está dentro da média encontrada em estudos cadavéricos, que varia de 0,2 até 22%. Ter conhecimento dessa variação é fundamental em procedimentos como punção venosa periférica, fístula arteriovenosa, cateterismo, retalhos de antebraço, cirurgias de emergência no membro superior e até mesmo correção de fraturas por gesso. Conclusões A artéria braquial acessória é uma variante frequente no membro superior. O percentual de indivíduos com a artéria braquial acessória em nosso estudo foi de 15,6% e coincide com os dados da literatura de estudos cadavéricos.

Abstract Background Anatomical variations in arteries of the upper limb, such as presence of an accessory brachial artery, are common and widely described in the literature, mainly in cadaveric studies, but it is now possible to diagnose them using vascular Doppler ultrasound. Objectives To identify the incidence of accessory brachial artery using vascular Doppler ultrasound and compare the findings with cadaveric studies. Methods This was a prospective study that examined 500 upper limbs of 250 volunteers assessed with vascular Doppler ultrasound using the Sonosite Titan portable ultrasound machine. Results 15.6% of the participants in our study had the accessory brachial artery anatomical variation. Our percentage is in line with the average rates found in cadaveric studies, which ranged from 0.2% to 22%. Being aware of this variation is fundamental in procedures such as peripheral venipuncture, arteriovenous fistula creation, catheterization, forearm flaps, emergency surgeries on the limb and even correction of fractures by cast. Conclusions The accessory brachial artery is a frequent variant in the upper limb. The percentage of individuals with an accessory brachial artery in our study was 15.6%, which agrees with data from the literature on cadaveric studies.

True Idiopathic Brachial Artery Aneurysm Treated With a Saphenous Vein Graft.

Purpose: The objective of this study is to report a case of a 65-year-old woman who presented with pallor and pain of her left arm secondary to a true arterial brachial aneurysm, which was successfully treated with saphenous vein bypass and embolization of the aneurysm sac. A review of the literature is also presented. Case report: A 65-year-old woman presented with an acute onset of pallor and pain of her left forearm, and hand. On physical examination, there was a pulsatile mass at the forearm. A doppler ultrasound showed a fusiform aneurysmal dilatation of the brachial artery of 23 mm of diameter. A dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI angiogram confirmed a fusiform dilation of the distal brachial artery. The patient was scheduled for open repair. A fusiform 20 x 60 mm aneurysm of the distal brachial artery extending to the cubital fossa was found and a brachial artery to radial and ulnar arteries bypass with interposed reverse right saphenous vein was created. Embolization of the aneurysm sac was performed using Gelita-spon ® (Gelita Medical, Eberbach, Germany). A final angiogram showed an adequate perfusion through the bypass to the hand, and no contrast in the aneurysmal sac. Postoperative course was uneventful with discharge on the fourth postoperative day. Conclusion: Revascularization with autologous saphenous vein graft and exclusion of the aneurysm with local embolization is a good treatment alternative in a patient with symptomatic brachial aneurysm with distal embolization.

Pseudoaneurisma humeral secundario a punción arterial inadvertida / Brachial artery pseudoaneurysm secondary to inadvertent arterial puncture

RESUMEN Los pseudoaneurismas de la arteria humeral son infrecuentes, pero pueden asociarse a complicaciones de alta morbilidad como la isquemia de miembro superior. Comunicamos un caso de pseudoaneurisma humeral en el pliegue del codo, que se presentó como tumor pulsátil con leve disminución de la temperatura y parestesias en la mano homolateral de un año de evolución, debido a una punción arterial inadvertida durante la venopunción para extracción de sangre. Se trató con éxito mediante resección quirúrgica más reconstrucción vascular con bypass húmero-cubital y bypass húmero-radial ambos con vena safena. Se discuten las diversas opciones terapéuticas disponibles para los pseudoaneurismas humerales considerando las características anatómicas y la sintomatología del paciente.

ABSTRACT Brachial artery pseudoaneurysms are rare but can be associated with severe complications as ischemia of the upper extremity. We report a case of a brachial artery pseudoaneurysm in the crease of the elbow presenting as a pulsating mass with progressive growth over the past year. The ipsilateral hand was sightly cold and presented paresthesia. The lesion was due to inadvertent arterial puncture during venipuncture. The pseudoaneurysm was successfully treated with surgical resection and vascular reconstruction with a brachial to ulnar artery bypass and brachial to radial artery bypass with saphenous vein graft. The different therapeutic options available for brachial artery pseudoaneurysms are discussed, considering the anatomic characteristics and patients' symptoms.

O efeito da atorvastatina + aspirina na função endotelial difere com a idade em pacientes com HIV: Um estudo de caso-controle / The effect of atorvastatin + aspirin on the endothelial function differs with age in patients with HIV: A case-control study

Resumo Fundamento Pacientes com HIV têm maior probabilidade de apresentar doenças cardiovasculares quando comparados à população em geral. Objetivo Este foi um estudo de caso-controle que teve como objetivo avaliar quais fatores estavam associados a uma redução na espessura médio-intimal da carótida (IMT) da carótida e ao aumento na dilatação mediada por fluxo (DMF) da artéria braquial em pacientes com HIV que receberam atorvastatina + aspirina por um período de 6 meses. Métodos Foi realizada uma análise secundária de um ensaio clínico, que incluiu pessoas vivendo com HIV e baixo risco cardiovascular. Um total de 38 pacientes alocados para o braço de intervenção e tratados por 6 meses com uma combinação de atorvastatina + aspirina foram incluídos. Todos os participantes foram submetidos a ultrassonografia da carótida e da artéria braquial, tanto no início quanto no final do estudo. Os casos que responderam com aumento >10% da dilatação braquial (DMF) e redução da espessura médio-intimal da carótida (IMT) foram considerados casos, e aqueles que não responderam foram considerados controles. Avaliamos os fatores associados às respostas positivas obtidas através da IMT e DMF. Resultados A redução do IMT não se associou significativamente a nenhum dos fatores de risco avaliados: idade (p = 0,211), sexo (p = 0,260), tabagismo (p = 0,131) ou tempo de diagnóstico do HIV (p = 0,836). Um aumento na DMF foi significativamente associado com a idade entre aqueles na faixa etária de 40-59 anos, p = 0,015 (OR = 4,37; IC 95%: 1,07-17,79). Conclusões Os indivíduos mais velhos foram mais propensos a apresentar um aumento na DMF após 6 meses de tratamento com atorvastatina + aspirina.

Abstract Background Patients with HIV are more likely to present with cardiovascular disease when compared to the general population. Objective This was a case-control study that aimed to assess which factors were associated with a reduction in the carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and an increase in the brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in HIV patients who received atorvastatin + aspirin during a period of 6 months. Methods A secondary analysis of a clinical trial was conducted, which included people living with HIV infection and low cardiovascular risk. A total of 38 patients allocated to the intervention arm and treated for 6 months with a combination of atorvastatin + aspirin were included. All participants underwent a carotid and brachial artery ultrasound, both at the beginning and the end of the study. Cases that responded with an increase of >10% of the brachial dilatation (FMD) and reduction of the carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) were considered cases, and those who did not respond were considered controls. We assessed the factors associated with the positive responses obtained through IMT and FMD. Results A reduction in the IMT was not significantly associated with any of the evaluated risk factors: age (p=0.211), gender (p=0.260), smoking (p=0.131) or time since HIV diagnosis (p=0.836). An increase in the FMD was significantly associated with age amongst those in the 40-59 age group, p = 0.015 (OR = 4.37; 95% CI: 1.07-17.79). Conclusions Older individuals were more likely to present with an increased FMD after 6 months of treatment with atorvastatin + aspirin.

Upper limb arterial pattern: clinical correlation and embryological perspective.

BACKGROUND: Variations in the upper limb arterial pattern are commonplace and necessitate complete familiarity for successful surgical and interventional procedures. Variance in the vascular tree may involve any part of the axis artery of the upper limb, including the axillary artery and brachial artery or its branches, in the form of radial and ulnar arteries, which eventually supply the hand via anastomosing arches. OBJECTIVES: To study the peculiarities of the arterial pattern of the upper limb and to correlate them with embryological development. METHODS: The entire arterial branching of forty-two upper limbs of formalin fixed adult human cadavers was examined during routine dissection for educational purposes, conducted over a 3-year period in the Department of Anatomy, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi. RESULTS: The study found: 1) One case in which a common trunk arose from the third part of the axillary artery, which immediately splayed into four branches (2.4%); 2) High division of the brachial artery into ulnar and radial arteries, in 3 cases (7.1%); 3) Pentafurcation of the brachial artery into ulnar, interosseus, radial, and radial recurrent arteries and a muscular twig to the brachioradialis in 1/42 cases (2.4%); 4) Incomplete Superficial Palmar arch in 3/42 cases (7.1%); and 5) Presence of a median artery in 2/42 case(4.8%). CONCLUSIONS: This study observed and described the varied arterial patterns of the upper limb and identified the various anomalous patterns, supplementing the surgeon's armamentarium in various surgical procedures, thereby helping to prevent complications or failures of reconstructive surgeries, bypass angiography, and many similar procedures.

CONTEXTO: As variações no padrão arterial dos membros superiores são comuns e, assim, necessitam de total familiaridade para que os procedimentos cirúrgicos e de intervenção sejam bem-sucedidos. A variância na árvore vascular pode envolver qualquer parte da artéria axial dos membros superiores, incluindo a artéria axilar, a artéria braquial ou os seus ramos, na forma das artérias radial e ulnar, as quais, em algum momento, suprem as mãos através dos arcos anastomosados. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar as peculiaridades do padrão arterial dos membros superiores e correlacioná-las ao desenvolvimento embriológico. MÉTODOS: Foram examinados os ramos arteriais completos de 42 membros superiores de cadáveres adultos conservados em formalina, os quais eram rotineiramente dissecados para fins educacionais durante 3 anos no Departamento de Anatomia Lady Hardinge Medical College, Nova Delhi. RESULTADOS: O estudo apresentou cinco desfechos. 1. Foi constatado um caso em que um tronco comum surgiu da terceira parte da artéria axilar que imediatamente se disseminou em quatro ramos (2,4%). 2. Houve divisão maior da artéria braquial em artérias ulnar e radial em três casos (7,1%). 3. Em um caso, ocorreu pentafurcação da artéria braquial em ulnar, interóssea, radial, radial recorrente e de um galho muscular em braquiorradial (2,4%). 4. Foi constatado arco palmar superficial incompleto em três dos 42 casos (7,1%). 5. Foi observada a presença da artéria mediana em 2 dos 42 casos (4,8%). CONCLUSÕES: Este estudo compreende o padrão arterial do membro superior e identifica os diversos padrões anômalos para agregar ao arsenal terapêutico de cirurgiões para diversos procedimentos cirúrgicos, com o objetivo de combater quaisquer complicações ou falhas de cirurgias reconstrutivas, de angiografias de cirurgias de revascularização e muitas outras.

Multiple arterial variations in the upper limb: description and clinical relevance.

Although arterial variations in the upper limb are usually found during anatomical dissections and clinical practice, multiple arterial variations associated with nervous variations along the limb is rare and clinically relevant. This paper described a combined anatomical variation involving the neurovasculature in the upper limb. A left upper limb dissection of a male cadaver with approximately 50-60 years of age, fixed in 10% formalin, was performed. During the dissection was observed, the brachial artery ending in the middle third of the arm in three branches: a nutritional branch for the biceps brachii muscle, a "lateral brachial artery" and a "medial brachial artery", which became, after unusual paths crossing over the cubital fossa, the ulnar artery and the radial artery, respectively. Radial and ulnar artery demonstrated several unusual anastomotic branches, respectively, and an anastomotic arch around the biceps brachii muscle tendon. Such combined anatomical variation is unique and relevant for clinical and surgical practice.

Association of Intermittent and Continuous Hypoxaemia with Carotid and Brachial Arterial Intima-Media Thicknesses

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the carotid and brachial arteries' intima-media thicknesses (IMTs) in cases with intermittent (obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS)) and continuous (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)) hypoxaemia together with other confounding demographic and biochemical factors. Methods: The study was prospectively performed on 197 patients allocated in three groups: 80 with severe OSAS, 80 with severe COPD patients and 37 healthy controls. These groups were compared in terms of demographics, biochemical markers and IMTs of the right and left carotid and brachial arteries. Results: Carotid and brachial arterial IMTs were found to be higher in both patient groups than the control group (p < 0.001). Similarly, levels of haemoglobin, haematocrit, cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), C-reactive protein and D (domain)-dimer were significantly increased in patient groups. Oxygen saturations (p < 0.001) and ejection fractions (p = 0.001) were found to be worse and D-dimer levels (p = 0.010) were elevated more prominently in COPD patients, whereas, cholesterol (p < 0.001), hemoglobin (p = 0.004) and LDL (p = 0.001) levels were higher in the OSAS group. Except the right carotid IMT, which was increased significantly in OSAS patients, IMT measurements were similar in the OSAS and COPD groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion: We have shown that both intermittent and continuous hypoxia result in remarkable alterations in carotid IMT and brachial IMT. Further prospective trials are warranted to confirm and extend these findings, including the biochemical markers, which may aid in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients suffering from hypoxaemia.

Upper limb arterial pattern: clinical correlation and embryological perspective / Padrão arterial dos membros superiores: correlação clínica com perspectiva embriológica

Abstract Background Variations in the upper limb arterial pattern are commonplace and necessitate complete familiarity for successful surgical and interventional procedures. Variance in the vascular tree may involve any part of the axis artery of the upper limb, including the axillary artery and brachial artery or its branches, in the form of radial and ulnar arteries, which eventually supply the hand via anastomosing arches. Objectives To study the peculiarities of the arterial pattern of the upper limb and to correlate them with embryological development. Methods The entire arterial branching of forty-two upper limbs of formalin fixed adult human cadavers was examined during routine dissection for educational purposes, conducted over a 3-year period in the Department of Anatomy, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi. Results The study found: 1) One case in which a common trunk arose from the third part of the axillary artery, which immediately splayed into four branches (2.4%); 2) High division of the brachial artery into ulnar and radial arteries, in 3 cases (7.1%); 3) Pentafurcation of the brachial artery into ulnar, interosseus, radial, and radial recurrent arteries and a muscular twig to the brachioradialis in 1/42 cases (2.4%); 4) Incomplete Superficial Palmar arch in 3/42 cases (7.1%); and 5) Presence of a median artery in 2/42 case(4.8%) Conclusions This study observed and described the varied arterial patterns of the upper limb and identified the various anomalous patterns, supplementing the surgeon's armamentarium in various surgical procedures, thereby helping to prevent complications or failures of reconstructive surgeries, bypass angiography, and many similar procedures.

Resumo Contexto As variações no padrão arterial dos membros superiores são comuns e, assim, necessitam de total familiaridade para que os procedimentos cirúrgicos e de intervenção sejam bem-sucedidos. A variância na árvore vascular pode envolver qualquer parte da artéria axial dos membros superiores, incluindo a artéria axilar, a artéria braquial ou os seus ramos, na forma das artérias radial e ulnar, as quais, em algum momento, suprem as mãos através dos arcos anastomosados. Objetivos Avaliar as peculiaridades do padrão arterial dos membros superiores e correlacioná-las ao desenvolvimento embriológico. Métodos Foram examinados os ramos arteriais completos de 42 membros superiores de cadáveres adultos conservados em formalina, os quais eram rotineiramente dissecados para fins educacionais durante 3 anos no Departamento de Anatomia Lady Hardinge Medical College, Nova Delhi. Resultados O estudo apresentou cinco desfechos. 1. Foi constatado um caso em que um tronco comum surgiu da terceira parte da artéria axilar que imediatamente se disseminou em quatro ramos (2,4%). 2. Houve divisão maior da artéria braquial em artérias ulnar e radial em três casos (7,1%). 3. Em um caso, ocorreu pentafurcação da artéria braquial em ulnar, interóssea, radial, radial recorrente e de um galho muscular em braquiorradial (2,4%). 4. Foi constatado arco palmar superficial incompleto em três dos 42 casos (7,1%). 5. Foi observada a presença da artéria mediana em 2 dos 42 casos (4,8%). Conclusões Este estudo compreende o padrão arterial do membro superior e identifica os diversos padrões anômalos para agregar ao arsenal terapêutico de cirurgiões para diversos procedimentos cirúrgicos, com o objetivo de combater quaisquer complicações ou falhas de cirurgias reconstrutivas, de angiografias de cirurgias de revascularização e muitas outras.

Diámetro basal de la arteria braquial en la evaluación del paciente con hipertensión esencial / Basal diameter of brachial artery when assessing patients with essential hypertension

Introducción: Las enfermedades cardiovasculares de mayor prevalencia y la hipertensión arterial tienen como sustento la aterosclerosis y la disfunción endotelial. La evaluación no invasiva de aterosclerosis subclínica constituye un complemento para la estratificación del riesgo cardiovascular en la evaluación del paciente hipertenso. Objetivo: Determinar la utilidad del diámetro basal de la arteria braquial en la evaluación del paciente con hipertensión arterial esencial. Método: Se realizó un estudio transversal analítico que incluyó 30 pacientes con hipertensión arterial esencial, a quienes se les realizó ultrasonografía para medir el diámetro basal de la arteria braquial, la vasorreactividad dependiente del endotelio y el grosor íntima media carotídeo, así como se precisó su riesgo cardiovascular, el tiempo de evolución y grado de la hipertensión arterial. Para determinar la asociación entre el diámetro arterial y el resto de las variables se utilizaron pruebas estadísticas como ANOVA de una vía y el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson. Resultados: La disfunción endotelial estuvo presente en 83,3 por ciento de los pacientes estudiados. Tanto el grosor del complejo íntima media carotídeo como la vasorreactividad dependiente del endotelio fueron adecuados marcadores de la enfermedad aterosclerótica. El diámetro basal de la arteria braquial tuvo una correlación inversa con la vasorreactividad dependiente del endotelio, y mostró valores medios esperados en relación a la presencia del tabaquismo, y con los peores grados de la enfermedad hipertensiva y el riesgo cardiovascular. Conclusiones: El diámetro basal de la arteria braquial no mostró la asociación esperada para la evaluación del paciente hipertenso esencial en la población estudiada(AU)

Introduction: The most prevalent cardiovascular diseases and high blood pressure are supported by atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction. The non-invasive assessment of subclinical atherosclerosis complements the cardiovascular risk stratification when evaluating hypertensive patients. Objective: To determine the value of the basal diameter of the brachial artery in assessing patients suffering from essential arterial hypertension. Method: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out in 30 patients with essential arterial hypertension. They underwent ultrasonography to measure the basal diameter of the brachial artery, endothelium-dependent vasoreactivity and carotid mean intima thickness, as well as the cardiovascular risk, time of evolution and degree of arterial hypertension. Statistical tests such as one-way ANOVA and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used to determine the association between arterial diameter and the rest of the variables. Results: Endothelial dysfunction was present in 83.3% of the studied patients. Both the thickness of the carotid media intima complex and endothelium-dependent vasoreactivity were adequate markers for atherosclerotic disease. The basal diameter of the brachial artery had inverse correlation with endothelium-dependent vasoreactivity, and it showed expected mean values in relation to the presence of smoking, and with the worst degrees of hypertensive disease and cardiovascular risk. Conclusions: The basal diameter of the brachial artery did not show the expected association for the evaluation of essential hypertensive patients in the studied population(AU)

Traumatic pseudoaneurysm in brachial artery after removal of a subdermal contraceptive implant.

The frequency of invasive therapeutic procedures has increased as medicine evolves, and the number of complications related to them has increased as a consequence. Subdermal contraceptive implants (SCI) offer benefits for female contraception, but implant and removal are associated with a complication rate of around 3%. In this article, we report and discuss a case of traumatic brachial artery pseudoaneurysm after an attempt to remove an SCI, complicated by compression of the median nerve.

Effectiveness of the short-term use of Cimicifuga racemosa in the endothelial function of postmenopausal women: a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the effects of daily use of Cimicifuga racemosa on endothelial function through flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery, when used for 28 days by healthy postmenopausal women.Methods: The double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study included two groups of postmenopausal women (n = 31 each). The subjects were clinically assessed and flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery was measured before and after 28 days of treatment. Patients received dry extract corresponding to 160 mg C. racemosa (extract with 4 mg of triterpene glycosides) or placebo.Results: Mean age, time since menopause, and body mass index in the two groups were similar. The measurements of flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery, pre and post treatment, respectively, showed a significant increase in patients who used C. racemosa (p = 0.006), unlike patients who used placebo, who did not present changes in the outcome of flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery after 28 days of use (p ≥ 0.05). When comparing the number of women in both groups who showed an increase in flow-mediated dilation, a significant difference was found in the measurements of the treated group after the use of the medication (p = 0.018).Conclusions: Daily use of 160 mg C. racemosa extract by postmenopausal women for 28 days beneficially influences endothelial function by promoting elasticity of the brachial artery.

Pseudoaneurisma traumático em artéria braquial após retirada de implante contraceptivo subdérmico / Traumatic pseudoaneurysm in brachial artery after removal of a subdermal contraceptive implant

Resumo Os procedimentos terapêuticos invasivos têm aumentado frequentemente com a evolução da medicina, consequentemente aumentando o número de complicações decorrentes deles. O dispositivo contraceptivo subdérmico (DCS) tem um benefício para a contracepção feminina, mas o implante e a retirada apresentam uma taxa de complicações em torno de 3%. Neste artigo, relatamos e discutimos um caso de pseudoaneurisma traumático da artéria braquial após tentativa de retirada do implante, complicada com a compressão do nervo mediano.

Abstract The frequency of invasive therapeutic procedures has increased as medicine evolves, and the number of complications related to them has increased as a consequence. Subdermal contraceptive implants (SCI) offer benefits for female contraception, but implant and removal are associated with a complication rate of around 3%. In this article, we report and discuss a case of traumatic brachial artery pseudoaneurysm after an attempt to remove an SCI, complicated by compression of the median nerve.

Brachial vein transposition: an alternative to hemodialysis arteriovenous graft.

BACKGROUND: There is currently a worldwide effort to increase the options for autogenous hemodialysis access. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate patency and complications of brachial vein transposition compared to other autogenous hemodialysis accesses. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of 43 patients and 45 procedures. Patients who did not have adequate superficial veins according to duplex scanning were allocated to brachial vein transposition. The sample was thus divided in two groups, as follows: A: brachial vein transposition n=10 and B: other autogenous accesses n=35. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences between the two groups in terms of age diabetes, systemic arterial hypertension, dyslipidemias, arteriopathies, neoplasms, kidney disease stage, donor artery diameter, recipient vein diameter, systolic blood pressure in the operated limb, postoperative ischemia, hematoma, or infection. There were no statistical differences in terms of patency on day 7: A 80% vs. B 90% p=0.6, on day 30: A 80% vs. B 86% p=0.6, or on day 60: A 60% vs. B 80% p=0.22. There were statistical differences between the groups for number of previous fistulae A 1.0 ± 0.44 vs. B 0.6 ± 0.3 p = 0.04 and upper limb edema A: 20% x B 0% p = 0.04. A vein with diameter of less than 3 mm was associated with an increased risk of early occlusion (RR = 8 p = 0.0125). During the study period there were no procedures using grafts. CONCLUSIONS: Transposition of brachial vein is an alternative to arteriovenous graft.

Cardiovascular Risk in Psoriasis Patients: Clinical, Functional and Morphological Parameters / Risco Cardiovascular em Pacientes Psoriásicos: Avaliação de Parâmetros Clínicos, Funcionais e Morfológicos

Abstract Background: Psoriasis correlates with metabolic disorders, early atheromatosis and increased cardiovascular risk. Objectives: To assess markers of cardiovascular disease in psoriatic patients. Methods: Cross-sectional, observational study involving 11 psoriatic participants and 33 controls. Anthropometric, biochemical, hemodynamic and imaging parameters were evaluated. Arterial stiffness was assessed by oscillometric measurement of the brachial artery. Intima-media thickness (IMT) and left ventricular diastolic function were assessed by Doppler echography and echocardiography. Between-group comparisons of numerical variables were performed by the Student's t-test or Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney test for independent samples. Significance level was set at 5%. Results: Psoriatic patients showed increased pulse wave velocity (PWV) (9.1 ± 1.8 vs 8.0 ± 2 m/s, p = 0.033), IMT of the left common carotid artery (p = 0.018) and a higher percentage of patients above the 75th percentile according to the ELSA table when compared with controls (54.5 vs 18.2%, p = 0.045). Psoriatic patients also showed an increase in peripheral/central systolic blood pressure (137.1 ± 13.2 vs 122.3 ± 11.6 mmHg, p = 0.004)/(127 ± 13 vs 112.5 ± 10.4 mmHg, p = 0.005), peripheral/central diastolic blood pressure (89.9 ± 8.9 vs 82.2 ± 8, p = 0.022)/(91 ± 9.3 vs 82.2 ± 8.3, p = 0.014), total cholesterol (252 ± 43.5 vs 198 ± 39.8 mg/dL, p < 0.001), LDL cholesterol (167 ± 24 vs 118 ± 40.8 mg/dL, p < 0.001) and C-reactive protein (7.6 ± 35.4 vs 1 ± 1.2 mg/L p < 0.001) compared with controls. Conclusion: Psoriasis patients show increased PWV, IMT, peripheral and central blood pressures, and serum cholesterol and C-reactive protein levels, denoting a higher cardiovascular risk.

Resumo Fundamento: A psoríase correlaciona-se a distúrbios metabólicos, ateromatose precoce e aumento do risco cardiovascular. Objetivos: Avaliar marcadores de doença cardiovascular na população psoriásica. Métodos: Estudo observacional transversal, envolvendo 11 participantes psoriásicos e 33 controles. Foram avaliados parâmetros antropométricos, laboratoriais, hemodinâmicos e de imagem. A rigidez arterial foi avaliada por oscilometria da artéria braquial. A espessura médio-intimal (EMI) e a função diastólica do ventrículo esquerdo foram avaliadas por meio da ecografia e ecocardiografia Doppler. As comparações de variáveis numéricas entre grupos foram realizadas por teste t-Student e Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney para amostras independentes, adotando-se o nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Os pacientes psoriásicos apresentaram aumento de VOP (9,1 ± 1,8 e 8 ± 2 m/s, p = 0,033), EMI da artéria carótida comum esquerda (p = 0,018) e maior proporção de percentil > 75 pela tabela ELSA (54,5 e 18,2%, p = 0,045) e) quando comparados aos controles. Pacientes psoriásicos também mostraram aumento nos seguintes parâmetros em relação ao grupo controle, respectivamente: pressão arterial sistólica periférica/central (137,1 ± 13,2 e 122,3 ± 11,6 mmHg, p = 0,004)/(127 ± 13 e 112,5 ± 10,4 mmHg, p = 0,005), pressão arterial diastólica periférica/central (89,9 ± 8,9 e 82,2 ± 8 mmHg, p = 0,022) / (91 ± 9,3 e 82,2 ± 8,3 mmHg, p = 0,014), colesterol total (252 ± 43,5 e 198 ± 39,8 mg/dL, p < 0,001), colesterol LDL (167 ± 24 e 118 ± 40,8 mg/dL, p < 0,001) e proteína C reativa (7,6 ± 35,4 e 1 ± 1,2 mg/L, p<0,001). Conclusão: Pacientes psoriásicos apresentam elevações de VOP e EMI, além de maiores pressões arteriais periféricas e centrais, níveis séricos de colesterol e de proteína C reativa, denotando maior risco cardiovascular.

Aneurisma de la arteria braquial asociado a fístula arteriovenosa en paciente trasplantado renal. Reporte de un caso / Brachial artery aneurysm associated with arteriovenous fistula in a kidney transplant patient. case report

Los aneurismas de la arteria braquial (AAB) en el contexto de las fistulas arteriovenosas (FAV) en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) son una entidad infrecuente. Al presentarse, ameritan su resección y colocación de injerto autólogo o heterólogo. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 57 años de edad con antecedente de enfermedad renal crónica en hemodiálisis mediante fístula arteriovenosa (FAV) braquial izquierda, con aparición de masa pulsátil proximal a la FAV de 7 x 5 cm de nueve meses evolución. Se diagnosticó AAB mediante ultasonido doppler arterial. Se practicó resección del aneurisma y anastomosis con injerto de politetrafluoroetileno (PTFE) con evolución satisfactoria. Los AAB en pacientes con ERC son infrecuentes y deben sospecharse cuando aparece una masa pulsátil adyacente a una FAV. Su tratamiento está indicado en lesiones > 3 cm o en pacientes con sintomas compresivos(AU)

Brachial artery aneurysms (BAA) in patients with renal chronic disease (RCD) and arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) are an infrequent entity. When they are presented, they merit resection and placement of autologous or heterologous graft. We present the case of a 57-year-old patient with history of chronic renal disease treated with hemodialysis by left brachial arteriovenous fistula (AVF), presenting pulsatile mass proximal to AVF which measures 7 x 5 cm, with evolution of nine months. Diagnosis of BAA was achieved by arterial doppler ultrasound. Aneurism removal and anastomosis with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft was carried out. Patient evolution was uneventful. BAA in patients with RCD are infrequent and should be suspected when a pulsatile mass appears proximal to AVF. Surgical removal is indicated in lessons > 3 cm or patients with compressive symptoms(AU)

Brachial and uterine arteries Doppler in healthy women and with preeclampsia / Doppler de las arterias uterinas y braquial en mujeres sanas y con preeclampsia

Objective: To compare the Doppler ultrasound parameters of the uterine and brachial arteries, between healthy pregnant women and pregnant women with preeclampsia. Methods: 102 pregnant women were studied in the third trimester, group I 83 healthy women and group II 19 patients with severe preeclampsia. All of them underwent Doppler ultrasound of the uterine arteries, measuring the pulsatility index (PI) and determining the presence of proto-diastolic notch. The PI and the arterial diameter were measured in the brachial artery before and after the hyperemic stimulus. Comparisons between the groups were performed with Student's t-test for independent samples and Mann-Whitney U and the comparison within each group with Student's t-test for related samples. Results: Gestational age was 35 ± 3 and 35 ± 2 weeks for group I and II, respectively. The proto-diastolic notch was present in 6 of 19 patients in group II (p < 0.001), the PI of uterine arteries was 0.68 ± 0.1 and 0.93 ± 0.3 for group I and II, respectively (p < 0.006). In the brachial artery, the arterial diameter after the hyperemic stimulus was significantly higher in women in group I (3.7 ± 0.5 mm and 3.5 ± 0.6 mm, p < 0.006). Conclusion: Preeclamptic women had higher PI of the uterine artery than the healthy ones; healthy women had greater arterial diameter after hyperemic stimulus than preeclamptic ones.

Objetivo: comparar los parámetros del ultrasonido Doppler de las arterias uterinas y braquial, entre mujeres embarazadas sanas y con preeclampsia. Métodos: se estudiaron 102 mujeres embarazadas del tercer trimestre, grupo I 83 mujeres sanas y grupo II 19 pacientes con preeclampsia severa. A todas ellas se les realizó ultrasonido Doppler de las arterias uterinas, midiendo el índice de pulsatilidad (IP) y determinando la presencia de muesca protodiastólica. En la arteria braquial previo y posterior al estímulo hiperémico se midieron el IP y el diámetro arterial. Las comparaciones entre los grupos se realizaron con prueba t de Student para muestras independientes y U de Mann-Whitney y la comparación dentro de cada grupo con prueba t de Student para muestras relacionadas. Resultados: la edad gestacional fue 35 ± 3 y 35 ± 2 semanas para el grupo I y II, respectivamente. La muesca proto-diastólica estuvo presente en 6 de 19 pacientes en el grupo II (p < 0.001), el IP de las arterias uterinas fue 0.68 ± 0.1 y 0.93 ± 0.3 para el grupo I y II respectivamente (p < 0.006). En la arteria braquial el diámetro arterial posterior al estímulo hiperémico fue significativamente mayor en las mujeres del grupo I (3.7 ± 0.5 mm y 3.5 ± 0.6 mm, p < 0.006). Conclusiones: las preeclámpticas tuvieron mayor IP de la arteria uterina que las sanas; las mujeres sanas tuvieron mayor diámetro arterial posterior al estímulo hiperémico que las preeclámpticas.

Vasodilation and Reduction of Systolic Blood Pressure after One Session of High-Intensity Interval Training in Patients With Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction / Vasodilatação e Redução da Pressão Arterial Sistólica após uma Sessão de Treinamento Intervalado de Alta Intensidade em Pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca com Fração de Ejeção Preservada

Abstract Background: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a multifactorial syndrome characterized by a limited exercising capacity. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an emerging strategy for exercise rehabilitation in different settings. In patients with HFpEF, HIIT subacute effects on endothelial function and blood pressure are still unknown. Objective: To evaluate the subacute effect of one HIIT session on endothelial function and blood pressure in patients with HFpEF. Methods: Sixteen patients with HFpEF underwent a 36-minute session of HIIT on a treadmill, alternating four minutes of high-intensity intervals with three minutes of active recovery. Brachial artery diameter, flow-mediated dilation, and blood pressure were assessed immediately before and 30 minutes after the HIIT session. In all analyses, p <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There was an increase in brachial artery diameter (pre-exercise: 3.96 ± 0.57 mm; post-exercise: 4.33 ± 0.69 mm; p < 0.01) and a decrease in systolic blood pressure (pre-exercise: 138 ± 21 mmHg; post-exercise: 125 ± 20 mmHg; p < 0.01). Flow-mediated dilation (pre-exercise: 5.91 ± 5.20%; post-exercise: 3.55 ± 6.59%; p = 0.162) and diastolic blood pressure (pre-exercise: 81 ± 11 mmHg; post-exercise: 77 ± 8 mmHg; p = 1.000) did not change significantly. There were no adverse events throughout the experiment. Conclusions: One single HIIT session promoted an increase in brachial artery diameter and reduction in systolic blood pressure, but it did not change flow-mediated dilation and diastolic blood pressure.

Resumo Fundamento: Insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção preservada (ICFEP) é uma síndrome multifatorial caracterizada por limitação ao exercício. O treinamento intervalado de alta intensidade (HIIT) é uma estratégia emergente para a reabilitação do exercício em diferentes contextos. Em pacientes com ICFEP, os efeitos subagudos do HIIT sobre a função endotelial e a pressão arterial ainda são desconhecidos. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito subagudo de uma única sessão do HIIT sobre a função endotelial e a pressão arterial em pacientes com ICFEP. Métodos: Dezesseis pacientes com ICFEP foram submetidos a uma sessão de 36 minutos de HIIT em esteira rolante, alternando quatro minutos de intervalos de alta intensidade com três minutos de recuperação ativa. O diâmetro da artéria braquial, a dilatação mediada pelo fluxo e a pressão arterial foram avaliados imediatamente antes e 30 minutos após a sessão de HIIT. Em todas as análises, p <0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados: Houve aumento do diâmetro da artéria braquial (pré-exercício: 3,96 ± 0,57 mm; pós-exercício: 4,33 ± 0,69 mm; p < 0,01), e diminuição da pressão arterial sistólica (pré-exercício: 138 ± 21 mmHg; pós-exercício: 125 ± 20 mmHg; p < 0,01). A dilatação mediada por fluxo (pré-exercício: 5,91 ± 5,20%; pós-exercício: 3,55 ± 6,59%; p = 0,162) e pressão arterial diastólica (pré-exercício: 81 ± 11 mmHg; pós-exercício: 77 ± 8 mmHg; p = 1,000) não se alteraram significativamente. Não houve eventos adversos durante o experimento. Conclusões: Uma única sessão do HIIT promoveu aumento do diâmetro da artéria braquial e redução da pressão arterial sistólica, mas não alterou a dilatação mediada pelo fluxo e a pressão arterial diastólica.

An anatomic description of intrinsic brachial muscles in the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous, Linnaeus 1776) and report of a variant arterial distribution.

The crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) is a wild canid distributed throughout South America. It is one of the wild canids reported being hit by vehicles and injured in snares, thus inducing trauma or injury to the musculoskeletal system, possibly occurring in the brachial region. The main objective of this research was to provide an anatomic description of the crab-eating fox's intrinsic brachial muscles including shape, origin, insertion, innervation and arterial blood supply, compared with that of the domestic dog. We dissected from superficial to deep two thoracic limbs of seven dead specimens donated to the University of Caldas by CORPOCALDAS. These muscles presented anatomic characteristics similar to those reported in the domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) but with a variant in arterial blood supply, allowing us to suggest that surgical procedures that need the knowledge of intrinsic brachial muscles in the crab-eating fox may be homologous to the domestic dog. However, one should consider its variant arterial distribution by part of the collateral radial artery and deep brachial artery to prevent incorrect incisions that may damage these arteries.