STA-MCA Double-Barrel Bypass: A Systematic Review of Technique and Single-Arm Meta-Analysis of Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Conventionally, one branch of the superficial temporal artery (STA) is utilized to revascularize the middle cerebral artery (MCA). However, there is the possibility of utilizing both branches of the STA when performing the bypass, characterizing the double-barrel (DB) STA-MCA bypass. Notably, a lack of studies evaluating this technique led the authors to conduct a systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis. METHODS: PubMed, Embase and Web of Science were searched systematically for publications of DB-STA-MCA bypass on November 1st, 2023. The findings were reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Case reports were not included for statistical analysis purposes. RESULTS: The review included 408 patients and 534 bypasses from 34 studies. The main etiology was Moyamoya disease (64.6%), followed by cerebral ischemia (22.2%) and aneurysms (12.5%). The median of the mean follow-ups of each study was 12.8 months (range 1.5-87.9). The postoperative patency was 100%. The follow-up patency was 98% (95% CI: 96%-100%; I2 = 0%). The procedure-related mortality was 0% (95% CI: 0%-1%; I2 = 0%). Aneurysms obtained 87% (95% CI: 72%-100%; I2 = 4%) of good clinical outcomes, while Moyamoya disease yielded a rate of 70% (95% CI: 10%-100%; I2 = 97%). Ischemic complications occurred at a rate of 6% (95% CI: 2%-11%; I2 = 36%), while hemorrhagic occurred at 6% (95% CI: 1%-11%; I2 = 56%). Hyperperfusion syndrome rate was calculated as 18% (7%-30%; I2 = 55%) for Moyamoya disease. CONCLUSIONS: The procedure appears to be safe, with excellent patency rates. The clinical efficacy for ischemic and Moyamoya diseases warrants further standardized robust investigation with a broader number of patients, and aneurysm studies are required to enhance sample sizes. The main complication for the Moyamoya subgroup is hyperperfusion syndrome.

Horton's disease in Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564): the origin of his neurological debilitations in old age.

BACKGROUND: Based on portraits of the time, this description provides novel evidence that the celebrated Renaissance artist and genius of human anatomy, Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564), suffered from a vascular disorder known as giant cell arteritis or Horton's disease. METHODS: Two portraits and a bronze sculpture produced between 1535 and the second half of the sixteenth century, in which Michelangelo was represented at over 60 years of age, reveal dilation of his superficial temporal artery consistent with that found in patients with Horton's disease or even with chronic arteriosclerosis. In addition, specialized authors indicate Michelangelo showed some of the neurological symptoms of this disease (blindness in old age, depression, and fever). RESULTS: These findings, at least in part, may explain the origin of the neurological debilitations Michelangelo faced in old age and that may even have contributed to his death. CONCLUSION: This description can serve as an important tool for analyzing his state of health during this period of his life.

Accuracy of Doppler ultrasound in the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common primary systemic vasculitis in people 50 years of age and over, and it is considered a medical emergency due to the potential risk of permanent visual loss. Color Doppler ultrasound (CDU) of the temporal arteries is a rapid, noninvasive method to diagnose GCA. This study aims to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the halo sign in temporal arteries by CDU in people with suspected GCA. METHODS: The systematic literature review included the search for publications in the following electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, LILACS, WHO ICTRP, ClinicalTrials.gov, gray literature up to December 2022, and no date or language restrictions were applied. We analyzed studies including patients over 50 years of age with suspected GCA evaluating CDU of temporal arteries as a diagnostic tool against clinical diagnosis as a standard reference. Paper titles and abstracts were selected by two investigators independently for all available records. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Quality of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool (QUADAS-2) and the R software (version 4.2.1) was used for data analysis. The protocol of this review is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42016033079). RESULTS: Twenty-two studies including 2893 participants with suspected GCA who underwent temporal artery CDU were evaluated. The primary analysis results showed a sensitivity of 0.76 [95% confidence interval (95 CI) 0.69-0.81] and specificity of 0.93 (95 CI 0.89-0.95) when the halo sign was compared to clinical diagnosis. The sensitivity value of 0.84 (95 CI 0.72-0.92) and specificity of 0.95 (95 CI 0.88-0.98) were found in five studies involving 1037 participants that analyzed the halo sign and temporal artery compression sign. A sensitivity of 0.86 (95 CI 0.78-0.91) and specificity of 0.95 (95 CI 0.89-0.98) were found in four studies with 603 participants where the halo sign was evaluated CDU on temporal and axillary arteries. CONCLUSION: The detection of the halo sign by CDU of temporal arteries has good accuracy for the diagnosis of cranial GCA. The compression sign in temporal arteries and the addition of axillary arteries assessment improves the diagnostic performance of CDU for GCA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42016046860.

Arteritis de células gigantes: ¿Cómo debutan pacientes chilenos? Análisis de casos y revisión de la literatura / Giant cell arteritis. Experience in 32 patients

BACKGROUND: Giant cell Arteritis (GCA) is the most common systemic vasculitis in patients over 50 years. Diagnosis is based on clinical, laboratory, imaging and biopsy. Temporal artery biopsy (TAB) may be inconclusive in up to 40% of patients. AIM: To describe disease features of patients diagnosed with GCA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Review of pathology reports of giant cell arteritis and clinical records of patients seen with the diagnosis between 2000 and 2019. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, histopathology, imaging, treatment and follow-up variables were analyzed. RESULTS: We fetched 32 patients with a median age at diagnosis of 70.5 years (range 57-90), 81% women. Twenty eight percent had polymyalgia. 72% had only cranial symptoms, 12% had extracranial involvement and 13% exclusive extracranial involvement. The median time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis was two months (range 0.5-8). All had elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and c reactive protein. A TAB was performed in 27 patients and in 17 (65.4%) it confirmed the diagnosis. Transmural inflam- mation was the most frequent finding. All patients received steroids. Follow-up information was available from 25 patients and 92% received a steroid-spa- ring agent, usually methotrexate (74%). Ninety two percent achieved clinical remission in the first year and 59% had minor relapses during steroid tapering. CONCLUSIONS: Our patients showed frequent extracranial involvement and TAB was a useful diagnostic tool.

[Giant cell arteritis. Experience in 32 patients]. / Arteritis de células gigantes: ¿Cómo debutan pacientes chilenos? Análisis de casos y revisión de la literatura.

BACKGROUND: Giant cell Arteritis (GCA) is the most common systemic vasculitis in patients over 50 years. Diagnosis is based on clinical, laboratory, imaging and biopsy. Temporal artery biopsy (TAB) may be inconclusive in up to 40% of patients. AIM: To describe disease features of patients diagnosed with GCA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Review of pathology reports of giant cell arteritis and clinical records of patients seen with the diagnosis between 2000 and 2019. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, histopathology, imaging, treatment and follow-up variables were analyzed. RESULTS: We fetched 32 patients with a median age at diagnosis of 70.5 years (range 57-90), 81% women. Twenty eight percent had polymyalgia. 72% had only cranial symptoms, 12% had extracranial involvement and 13% exclusive extracranial involvement. The median time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis was two months (range 0.5-8). All had elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and c reactive protein. A TAB was performed in 27 patients and in 17 (65.4%) it confirmed the diagnosis. Transmural inflam- mation was the most frequent finding. All patients received steroids. Follow-up information was available from 25 patients and 92% received a steroid-spa- ring agent, usually methotrexate (74%). Ninety two percent achieved clinical remission in the first year and 59% had minor relapses during steroid tapering. CONCLUSIONS: Our patients showed frequent extracranial involvement and TAB was a useful diagnostic tool.

Calcifilaxis de la arteria temporal simulando arteritis temporal / Calciphylaxis of the temporal artery simulating temporal arteritis

La calcifilaxis se caracteriza por una intensa deposición de calcio en pequeños vasos sanguíneos, piel y otros órganos, descripta principalmente en pacientes con insuficiencia renal crónica, trasplante renal o disfunción paratiroidea. Hasta la fecha, solo hay siete casos descriptos en la literatura de calcifilaxis que imita arteritis de células gigantes (ACG). En esta revisión presentamos el octavo caso documentado patológicamente.

Calciphylaxis is characterized by intense deposition of calcium in small blood vessels, skin, and other organs, described mainly in patients with chronic renal insufficiency, renal transplant of parathyroid dysfunction. To date, there are only seven cases described in literature of calciphylaxis mimicking giant cell arteritis (GCA). In this review, we present the eighth case pathologically documented.

Superficial-Temporal-Artery-To-Middle-Cerebral-Artery Bypass in Cerebrovascular Occlusive Disease and Hemodynamic-Related Ischemia: Illustrative Case and Literature Review

Stroke is the third most common cause of death worldwide. About 10% to 15% of strokes related to the territory of the carotid artery are associated with its complete occlusion. There is an important subgroup of patients with cerebrovascular occlusive diseases who might benefit from an external-carotid-to-internal-carotid bypass. In the present study, we report a case of a 53-year-old male patient with stenosis of the M2 branch of themiddle cerebral artery (MCA), with a history of 20 episodes of transient ischemic accidents (TIA)s, in whom an anastomosis of the M4 branch of the superficial temporal artery-MCA was performed. The patient was discharged in three days, and in the two years of follow-up, they were no more TIAs.We also conducted a review of the literature on cerebrovascular occlusive disease and extracranial-intracranial bypass surgery. New methods to evaluate cerebral hemodynamics made it possible to classify a new subgroup of patients with symptomatic cerebrovascular disease and documented cerebrovascular compromise in whom the drug therapy fails, who can benefit from the extracranial-intracranial bypass. Our case report illustrates the advantages of revascularization in these selected patients.

Is the intima-media thickness of temporal and axillary arteries influenced by cardiovascular risk?

OBJECTIVES: To measure with US the intima-media thickness (IMT) of temporal (superficial, parietal and frontal branches) and axillary arteries in subjects without a diagnosis of GCA and/or PMR with different cardiovascular (CV) risk; and to assess the performance of previously proposed cut-off values for normal IMT. METHODS: Subjects ≥ 50 years without a diagnosis of GCA or PMR were included. Bilateral US of the temporal arteries, including the frontal and parietal branches, and axillary arteries was performed by two sonographers using a 10-22 MHz and 6-18 MHz probe. The following previously proposed cut-offs were considered: superficial temporal artery: 0.42 mm; frontal branch: 0.34 mm; parietal branch: 0.29 mm; axillary artery: 1.0 mm. RESULTS: A total of 808 arteries in 101 subjects were evaluated; of these, 31 (30.7%) were classified as very high CV risk, seven (6.9%) as high, 34 (33.7%) as moderate and 29 (28.7%) as low risk. Subjects with very high or high risk showed higher IMT than those with moderate or low risk in the superficial temporal arteries [0.23 (s.d. 0.07) vs 0.20 (s.d. 0.04), P < 0.01] and in the axillary arteries [0.54 (s.d. 0.17) vs 0.48 (s.d. 0.10), P = 0.002] . The IMT was higher than the reference cut-off in 13/808 (1.6%) arteries, in ≥1 artery in 10/101 subjects (10.1%). Of these 10 subjects, 8 (80%) were classified as having very high or high risk. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that CV risk might influence the US-determined IMT of the temporal and axillary arteries in subjects without GCA. Therefore, in patients with suspected GCA, particular attention should be paid when measuring the IMT in those patients with very high/high CV risk.

Fístula arteriovenosa traumática em região temporal: um desafio terapêutico / Traumatic arteriovenous fistula in the temporal region: a therapeutic challenge

Resumo As fistulas arteriovenosas podem ser congênitas ou traumáticas, sendo as primeiras mais comuns e diagnosticadas na infância e as últimas mais raras e com diagnóstico mais tardio. Ambas necessitam de tratamento intervencionista, que pode ser endovascular ou correção cirúrgica, sendo que cada caso deve ser estudado individualmente. Este artigo apresenta o caso de um paciente de 46 anos, com fístula arteriovenosa na artéria temporal superficial esquerda com suas veias correspondentes decorrente de trauma contuso na região temporal na infância. O diagnóstico foi confirmado por exame de imagem, e o paciente foi submetido a tratamento cirúrgico convencional, apresentando melhora dos sintomas. O caso chama atenção para uma afecção rara, sua investigação diagnóstica e condutas terapêuticas. As fistulas arteriovenosas traumáticas apresentam baixa incidência, ocorrem em variadas localizações e podem causar sintomas, requerendo tratamento, às vezes desafiador, com melhora da qualidade de vida do paciente.

Abstract Arteriovenous fistulas can be congenital or traumatic, the former being more common and diagnosed in childhood, and the latter being rarer and diagnosed later in life. Both require interventional treatment, which may be endovascular, or surgical repair and each case must be studied individually. This article presents the case of a 46-year-old patient with an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) between the left temporal artery and its corresponding veins resulting from a blunt trauma to the parietal region during childhood. The diagnosis was confirmed by imaging examination and he underwent conventional surgical treatment with improvement of symptoms. The case calls attention to a rare condition, its diagnostic investigation, and therapeutic approaches. The incidence of traumatic arteriovenous fistulas is low. They can occur in a variety of ways and can cause symptoms, requiring treatment, which is sometimes challenging, resulting in improvement in the patient's quality of life.

Isquemia de extremidades inferiores secundaria a arteritis de la arteria temporal

Giant cell arteritis is more common in women older than 60 years, is associated with systemic inflammation symptoms and mainly involves the aortic arch and cranial arteries, specially the temporal artery. Symptomatic lower extremity arterial stenosis or occlusion is uncommon and can lead to limb loss. We report a 73-year-old woman presenting with a one-month history of lower extremity intermittent claudication of sudden onset. She also complained of fever, malaise, headache and weight loss. A non-invasive vascular study showed moderate femoral popliteal occlusive disease, with and abnormal ankle-brachial index (0.68 and 0.83 on right and left sides, respectively). An angio-computed tomography showed thickening of the aortic wall and severe stenosis in both superficial femoral arteries. Steroidal treatment was started, and a temporal artery biopsy was performed confirming giant cell arteritis. Six weeks after steroid therapy the patient had a complete remission of symptoms. A serologic exacerbation was subsequently treated with a humanized monoclonal antibody against the interleukin-6 receptor Tocilizumab, obtaining long time remission.

The Effect of Extracranial-to-Intracranial Bypass on Cerebral Vasoreactivity: A 4D Flow MRI Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Extracranial-to-intracranial (EC-IC) surgical bypass improves cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebrovascular vasoreactivity (CVR) for patients with carotid occlusion. Bypass graft patency and contribution of the graft to the postoperative increase in CVR are challenging to assess. To assess the effectiveness of 4D flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate bypass graft patency and flow augmentation through the superficial temporal artery (STA) before and after EC-IC bypass. METHODS: Three consecutive patients undergoing EC-IC bypass for carotid occlusion were evaluated pre- and postoperatively using CVR testing with pre- and poststimulus 4D flow-MRI for assessment of the bypass graft and intracranial vasculature. RESULTS: Preoperatively, 2 patients (patients 1 and 3) did not augment flow through either native STA. The third, who had evidence of extensive native EC-IC collateralization on digital subtraction angiography (DSA), did augment flow through the STA preoperatively (CVR = 1). Postoperatively, all patients demonstrated CVR > 1 on the side of bypass. The patient who had CVR > 1 preoperatively demonstrated the greatest increase in resting postoperative graft flow (from 40 to 130 mL/minute), but the smallest CVR, with a poststimulus graft flow of 160 mL/minute (CVR = 1.2). The 2 patients who did not demonstrate augmentation of graft flow preoperatively augmented postoperatively from 10 to 20 mL/minute (CVR = 2.0) and 10-80 mL/minute (CVR = 8.0), respectively. Intracranial flow was simultaneously interrogated. Two patients demonstrated mild reductions in resting flow velocities in all interrogated vessels immediately following bypass. The patient who underwent CVR testing on postoperative day 48 demonstrated a stable or increased flow rate in most intracranial vessels. CONCLUSION: Four-dimensional flow MRI allows for noninvasive, simultaneous interrogation of the intra- and extracranial arterial vasculature during CVR testing, and reveals unique paradigms in cerebrovascular physiology. Observing these flow patterns may aid in improved patient selection and more detailed postoperative evaluation for patients undergoing EC-IC bypass.

Superficial Temporal Artery-Middle Cerebral Artery Bypass Ex Vivo Hybrid Simulator: Face, Content, Construct, and Concurrent Validity.

BACKGROUND: Cerebrovascular bypass surgical procedures require highly developed dexterity and refined bimanual technical skills. To attain such a level of prowess, neurosurgeons and residents have traditionally relied on "flat" models (without depth of field), such as chicken wings, live rats, silicone vessels, and other materials that stray far from the reality of the operating room, albeit more accessible. We have explored the use of a hybrid ex vivo simulator that takes advantage of the availability of placenta vessels and retains the complexity of surgery performed on a human skull to create a more realistic method for the development of cerebrovascular bypass surgical skills. METHODS: Twelve ex vivo simulators were constructed using 3 human placentas and 1 synthetic human skull for each. Face, content, construct, and concurrent validity were assessed by 12 neurosurgeons (6 trained vascular surgeons and 6 general neurosurgeons) and compared with those of other bypass models. RESULTS: The fidelity grade was ranked as low (Linkert scale score, 1-2), medium (score, 3), and high (score, 4-5). The face and content validity of the model showed high fidelity to superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery bypass surgery. Construct validity showed that cerebrovascular neurosurgeons had better performance, and concurrent validity highlighted that all surgical steps were present. CONCLUSION: The simulator was found to have strong face and content, construct, and concurrent validity for microsurgical cerebrovascular training, allowing for simulation of all surgical steps of the bypass procedure. The hybrid simulator seems to be a promising method for shortening the bypass surgery learning curve. However, more studies are required to evaluate the predictive validity of the model.

[Anatomoclinical results of temporal artery biopsies at a university hospital in Argentina] / Resultados anatomoclínicos de las biopsias de arteria temporal realizadas en un hospital universitario de Argentina.

Introduction: Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most frequent systemic vasculitis in patients older than 50 years. The diagnosis is based on the clinical history, laboratory findings and imaging studies associated with a temporal artery biopsy (TAB). However, the biopsy result could be inconclusive in up to 40% of the cases. The aim of this study was to review the current management of the patients with clinical suspect of GCA in the university hospital CEMIC in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and correlate the disease behavior with the TAB result. Methods: Retrospective study that reviewed consecutive patients to whom a TAB was made in an 11-year period (2005-2016). Clinical and pathology reports were reviewed. Descriptive statistics were performed. Quantitative variables were described as mean (S.D.) or median [range or inter- quartile range (IQR)] and qualitative variables as number (%). To compare the characteristics of the groups, bivariate analyzes were performed using contingency tables and logistic regression models if necessary. Results: Sixty three patients were included, 68% women. The mean age was 72 years old (SD 8.4). Seventeen biopsies (26.9%) were positive for GCA. The average post fixation length was 1.68 cm (SD 1.2). Patients were divided into 3 groups taking into account the result of the TAB, the ACR criteria and the imaging studies. We could not identify predictors of biopsy positivity. The group of patients with GCA and negative TAB showed a higher percentage of patients with abnormal temporal artery at physical examination. Conclusion: The TAB positive percentage (26.9%) was similar to the reported in other series as well as the post fixation length. We could not identify predictors of biopsy positivity.

Introducción: La arteritis de células gigantes (ACG) es la vasculitis sistémica primaria más frecuente en pacientes mayores de 50 años. El diagnóstico de ACG se basa en la evaluación clínica, de laboratorio y estudios por imágenes, asociados a una biopsia. Sin embargo, el resultado de la biopsia puede no ser concluyente en más del 40% de los casos. El objetivo de este estudio fue revisar el manejo de los pacientes con sospecha de ACG en el hospital universitario CEMIC en Buenos Aires, Argentina, y correlacionar el comportamiento de la enfermedad con el resultado de la biopsia de arteria temporal (BAT). Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo que analizó pacientes consecutivos a los cuales se les realizó BAT en un período de 11 años (2005-2016). La información recolectada se obtuvo a partir de las historias clínicas y de los informes de anatomía patológica. Se realizó estadística descriptiva. Para las variables cuantitativas se estimaron medias y sus respectivos desvíos estándar o medianas y percentil 25-75, y para las variables cualitativas, la cantidad y el porcentaje. Para comparar las características de los grupos se realizaron análisis bivariados mediante tablas de contingencia y modelos de regresión logística de ser necesario. Resultados: Sesenta y tres pacientes fueron incluidos, 68% mujeres, con una edad media de 72 años (DS 8,4). Diecisiete biopsias (26,9%) fueron positivas. La longitud media posfijación fue de 1,68 cm (DS 1,2). La población se dividió en 3 grupos según la BAT, los criterios ACR y los estudios por imágenes. No se identificaron factores predictores de positividad de la BAT. El grupo con ACG y BAT negativa presentó mayor porcentaje de pacientes con arteria temporal anormal al examen físico. Conclusión: El porcentaje de positividad de las biopsias (26,9%) fue similar al reportado por otras series, así como la longitud de la biopsia luego de la fijación (1,68 cm). No identificamos factores predictores de positividad de la BAT.

[Lower limb ischemia in giant cell arteritis. Report of one case]. / Isquemia de extremidades inferiores secundaria a arteritis de la arteria temporal.

Giant cell arteritis is more common in women older than 60 years, is associated with systemic inflammation symptoms and mainly involves the aortic arch and cranial arteries, specially the temporal artery. Symptomatic lower extremity arterial stenosis or occlusion is uncommon and can lead to limb loss. We report a 73-year-old woman presenting with a one-month history of lower extremity intermittent claudication of sudden onset. She also complained of fever, malaise, headache and weight loss. A non-invasive vascular study showed moderate femoral popliteal occlusive disease, with and abnormal ankle-brachial index (0.68 and 0.83 on right and left sides, respectively). An angio-computed tomography showed thickening of the aortic wall and severe stenosis in both superficial femoral arteries. Steroidal treatment was started, and a temporal artery biopsy was performed confirming giant cell arteritis. Six weeks after steroid therapy the patient had a complete remission of symptoms. A serologic exacerbation was subsequently treated with a humanized monoclonal antibody against the interleukin-6 receptor Tocilizumab, obtaining long time remission.

Retalho axial da artéria temporal superficial para reconstrução cutânea após exenteração em cão / Superficial temporal artery flap for cutaneous reconstruction after exenteration in dog

As cirurgias reconstrutivas estão ganhando espaço na Medicina Veterinária, podendo ser utilizadas em pacientes que apresentam feridas traumáticas, falhas estéticas e perda de tecido devido à excisão de tumores extensos. Lesões traumáticas mais extensas no globo ocular, muitas vezes necessitam de intervenção cirúrgica e do uso de técnicas que facilitem uma boa recuperação do paciente. Este relatório teve como objetivo descrever um caso de reconstrução cutânea utilizando um fragmento axial da artéria temporal superficial em um cão submetido à exenteração.

The reconstructive surgeries are gaining space in Veterinary Medicine, being able to be used in patients that show traumatic wounds, aesthetic flaws and tissue loss due to excision of extensive tumors. More extensive traumatic injuries at the ocular globe, many times need surgical intervention and the use of technique that ease a good recuperation of the patient. This report had as a target to describe a case of skin reconstruction using a axial shred of the superficial temporal artery in a dog submitted to exenteration.

Retalho axial da artéria temporal superficial para reconstrução cutânea após exenteração em cão / Superficial temporal artery flap for cutaneous reconstruction after exenteration in dog

As cirurgias reconstrutivas estão ganhando espaço na Medicina Veterinária, podendo ser utilizadas em pacientes que apresentam feridas traumáticas, falhas estéticas e perda de tecido devido à excisão de tumores extensos. Lesões traumáticas mais extensas no globo ocular, muitas vezes necessitam de intervenção cirúrgica e do uso de técnicas que facilitem uma boa recuperação do paciente. Este relatório teve como objetivo descrever um caso de reconstrução cutânea utilizando um fragmento axial da artéria temporal superficial em um cão submetido à exenteração.(AU)

The reconstructive surgeries are gaining space in Veterinary Medicine, being able to be used in patients that show traumatic wounds, aesthetic flaws and tissue loss due to excision of extensive tumors. More extensive traumatic injuries at the ocular globe, many times need surgical intervention and the use of technique that ease a good recuperation of the patient. This report had as a target to describe a case of skin reconstruction using a axial shred of the superficial temporal artery in a dog submitted to exenteration.(AU)

Unusual branching pattern and termination of facial artery and its clinical implications for facial operations / Padrão anômalo de ramificação e terminação da artéria facial e implicações clínicas para cirurgias da face

The facial artery is the main artery of the face and variations in its origin and its branching pattern have been documented. We report herein multiple facial artery branch variations in the face. A large posterior (premasseteric) branch originated from the left facial artery and coursed upwards behind the main trunk of the facial artery. This artery presented with a straight course and was closely related to the anterior border of the masseter. The branch then terminated by supplying the adjacent connective tissue below the parotid duct. It was also observed that the facial artery was very thick and tortuous and terminated as the superior labial artery. Knowledge of this variation is of great clinical significance in facial operations, especially for maxillofacial surgeons and plastic surgeons, because it forms the anatomical basis for the facial artery musculo-mucosal flap

A artéria facial é a principal artéria da face, e variações da sua origem e padrão de ramificação têm sido documentadas. Este artigo descreve múltiplas variações de ramificações da artéria facial. Um ramo posterior grande (pré-massetérico) teve origem na artéria facial esquerda e cursou para cima por trás do tronco principal da artéria facial. Essa artéria apresentou um curso reto e intimamente relacionado com a borda anterior do masseter. O ramo terminou suprindo o tecido conjuntivo adjacente abaixo do ducto parotídeo. Também se observou que a artéria facial tinha grande calibre, era tortuosa e terminava na artéria labial superior. Conhecer essa variação é de grande significância clínica em cirurgias da face, principalmente para cirurgiões maxilofaciais e plásticos, tendo em vista que ela forma a base anatômica para o retalho músculo-mucoso da artéria facial

Utilidad de la ecotomografía doppler en el diagnóstico de la arteritis de células gigantes / Utility of the doppler ultrasound in the diagnostic approach of giant cell arteritis

Resumen: La arteritis de células gigantes es una vasculitis sistémica frecuente, especialmente en mayores de 50 años. Ante la sospecha clínica el diagnóstico debe ser confirmado con histología o estudios de imágenes. La biopsia de arteria temporal se considera el gold standard, sin embargo, tiene sus limitaciones, una de ellas es la alta tasa de falsos negativos. El estudio por ecotomografía Doppler permite la visualización de las arterias temporales y en manos experimentadas puede constituir un procedimiento diagnóstico alternativo a la biopsia en el estudio inicial de esta entidad. Esta técnica es de fácil acceso, bajo costo, sin riesgos y no expone al paciente a radiación ionizante. En este trabajo revisamos la utilidad clínica de la ecotomografía Doppler en el estudio de la arteria temporal y sus hallazgos imagenológicos en la aproximación diagnóstica a la arteritis de células gigantes, siendo las características de compromiso el engrosamiento parietal arterial hipoecogénico, habitualmente concéntrico, no compresible.

Abstract: Giant cell arteritis is a frequent systemic vasculitis, especially in patients older than 50 years old. When clinically suspected, the diagnosis should be made on the basis of histology or imaging methods. Temporal artery biopsy is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis but it has some caveats, especially the existence of false negatives. Doppler ultrasound study is a low cost, accessible tool that allows visualization of temporal arteries and, in experienced hands, can replace the biopsy in the initial evaluation of the disease, without the risks of ionizing radiation. In this article we review the clinical utility of the temporal artery Doppler ultrasound and its findings in the diagnostic approach of giant cell arteritis, being characteristic a non-compressible, hypoechoic, most commonly concentric arterial wall thickening.

Arteritis de células gigantes en el sistema vertebrobasilar, isquemias cerebelo-occipitales y parálisis III par: caso clínico / Giant cell arteritis of the vertebrobasilar system, posterior ischemia and palsy of the third nerve: report of one case

Giant cell arteritis is the most common vasculitis in patients aged over 50 years. We report an 89-year-old woman with significant weight loss and persistent frontal-occipital headaches lasting two months. The neurological examination at admission identified a decrease in visual acuity of the left eye, paralysis of the third cranial nerve of the right eye and alterations of body motility without objective signs of damage of the motor or sensitive pathways. Magnetic resonance imaging showed changes of the temporal artery wall and in both vertebral arteries, as well as bilateral cerebellar and occipital ischemic lesions. The Doppler ultrasound of the temporal arteries was compatible with Giant cell arteritis. Treatment with steroids was started. While receiving oral prednisone, the patient suffered new infarcts of the posterior territory, documented with a CAT scan.