Successful Treatment of a Rare Complication in a Heart Transplant Recipient: Spontaneous Axillary Artery Bleeding.

Spontaneous atraumatic axillary artery bleeding is an unusual clinical entity. Axillary artery bleeding is associated with a high mortality rate. Vascular fragility is defined as a decrease in blood vessel resistance, and increased vascular fragility is one of the reasons for arterial bleeding. In this report, we present a case of spontaneous axillary artery bleeding in a heart transplant recipient.

Localization of the carotid bifurcation according to hyoid bone and mandibular angle / Localización de la bifurcación carotídea según el hueso hióides y el ángulo mandibular

The aim of this study was to determine the carotid bifurcation level in relation with the hyoid bone and mandibular angle. Common carotid artery is the largest artery in the neck, and it gives off two terminal branches, namely external and internal carotid arteries. The bifurcation level of it shows variations, however it is usually situated at the level of C4 vertebra or at the upper border of thyroid cartilage. On the other hand, carotid bifurcation may be situated as low as T3 vertebra, or as high as the level of hyoid bone. In this study, conventional angiographic images of 112 patients were used. The distances of carotid bifurcation to hyoid bone and mandibular angle were measured on those images. In addition, right and left side difference was determined. The distance of carotid bifurcation level to the mandibular angle was measured as 21.26 ± 8.57 mm on the right and 20.25 ± 8.75 mm on the left side in males, and 19.72 ± 8.89 on the right, and 18.5 ± 9.25 mm on the left side in females. Distance between the carotid bifurcation level and hyoid bone ranged 1.94 ± 12.69 mm in female and 3.04 ± 9.00 mm in male on the left side. Having information about the level of carotid bifurcation is important in surgical and radiological procedures for determining the appropriate surgical procedure, and to prevent complications. We believe that the results of this study will shed light to planning of all interventions concerning common carotid artery.

El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el nivel de bifurcación carotídea en relación con el hueso hioides y el ángulo de la mandíbula. La arteria carótida común es la arteria más grande del cuello, y tiene dos ramas terminales, las arterias carótidas externa e internas. El nivel de bifurcación muestra variaciones, sin embargo suele situarse a nivel de la cuarta vértebra cervical o en el margen superior del cartílago tiroideo. Por otro lado, la bifurcación carotídea puede estar situada tan baja como a nivel de la tercera vértebra torácica, o tan alta como a nivel del hueso hioides. En este estudio se utilizaron imágenes angiográficas convencionales de 112 pacientes. Se midieron las distancias de la bifurcación carotídea con el hueso hioides y el ángulo de la mandíbula en esas imágenes. Además, se determinó la diferencia entre los lados derecho e izquierdo. La distancia entre el nivel de bifurcación carotídea y el ángulo de la mandíbula se midió, siendo de 21,26 ± 8,57 mm a la derecha y 20,25 ± 8,75 mm en el lado izquierdo, en los hombres, y 19,72 ± 8,89 a la derecha y 18,5 ± 9,25 mm a la izquierda en mujeres. La distancia entre el nivel de bifurcación de la carótida y el hueso hioides osciló entre 1,94 ± 12,69 mm en mujeres y, 3,04 ± 9,00 mm en hombres, en el lado izquierdo. La información sobre el nivel de bifurcación carotídea es importante en los procedimientos quirúrgicos y radiológicos para determinar el procedimiento quirúrgico apropiado y prevenir complicaciones. Creemos que los resultados de este estudio arrojarán luz a la planificación de las intervenciones relacionadas con la arteria carótida común.

Ultrasound-guided brachiocephalic vein catheterization in infants weighing less than five kilograms.

PURPOSE: To describe our experience with the use of ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachiocephalic vein approach for central vein catheterization in infants weighing less than 5 kg. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed for infants who underwent ultrasound-guided central vein catheterization from January 2012 to November 2014. Infants weighing less than 5 kg with supraclavicular brachiocephalic vein access were included in the study. Indications for central venous access, venous access side, catheter type and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-four catheterizations in 34 infants weighing from 1.5 to 4.9 kg (median 3.48 kg) were included in the study (aged 11 days to 7 months and 10 days, weight range 1.5 to 4.9 kg). Technical success rate was 97% (33 of 34 infants). No technical or clinical major complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachiocephalic vein access is a favorable alternative for central venous catheterization in low-weight infants with regard to high technical success rate and absence of major complications.

Evaluation of safety and efficacy of liver biopsy following liver transplant.

OBJECTIVES: Liver biopsy is a diagnostic tool for liver pathology after liver transplant. However, biopsy can cause life-threating complications. There is limited knowledge about efficacy and complications of liver biopsy after liver transplant. Our aim was to evaluate the risk and benefit of liver biopsy after liver transplant and quality of biopsy specimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed all liver biopsies performed after liver transplant between January 2000 and October 2014. All patients were monitored for minimum 24 hours after biopsy. RESULTS: We performed 245 liver biopsies in 159 liver transplant patients. Fifteen biopsies (6%) were nondiagnostic. In the samples, there were 102 cases (41%) of acute rejection, 79 cases (35%) of cholangitis, and 49 cases (20%) of cholestasis observed. Complications after biopsy were seen in 23 patients (9%) and biopsies. There were 7 patients who had severe abdominal pain followed by fever. We diagnosed 4 patients who had intercostal/subcapsular bleeding and 12 patients who had vasovagal reaction. All patients were treated with analgesic agents and monitored for 24 hours. No blood transfusion or surgery was required. CONCLUSIONS: Liver biopsy after liver transplant is an invasive diagnostic tool for liver pathology. However, it can be used safely in experienced centers.

The role of choice-lock catheter and trocar technique in percutaneous ablation of symptomatic renal cysts.

BACKGROUND: The most common benign lesions of the kidney are simple cysts. They are acquired lesions and mostly affect the elderly population. OBJECTIVES: To describe the usage of choice-lock catheter and trocar technique in percutaneous renal cyst treatment and determining long-term outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was carried out between February 2000 and July 2011. Eighty-eight cysts all of which were Bosniak type-1 cysts were selected in 75 patients. The treatment indications were flank pain, hydronephrosis and hypertension. The choice-lock catheter was used for 84 cysts with the trocar technique. Ninety-five percent ethanol was used as the sclerosing agent. Maximum volume of the injected ethanol was 175 ml. The mean follow-up time after the treatment procedure was 23 months. Sixty-four cysts were located in the cortical and 24 cysts were located at the parapelvic region. RESULTS: Fifty-seven cysts had complete regression, while 31 cysts regressed partially. After the procedure, pain was relieved in 44 (82%) patients and the pain alleviated in four (8%). Normotension was obtained in five (62.5%) of the eight hypertensive patients and no hydronephrosis was detected in nine patients. There were no relationship between the localization and the regression rate. No major complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous ethanol sclerotheraphy in simple cysts is a safe, cost-effective and minimally invasive method. We consider that this technique may be an alternative solution in the percutaneous cyst treatment.

Anatomic variations of the celiac trunk and hepatic arterial system with digital subtraction angiography.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Anatomical variation of the abdominal arteries is important. Historic and modern anatomists, radiologists, as well as surgeons have reported and accumulated anatomical variations with a morphological and clinical interest. During graft procurement and reconstruction, accidental injury of the hepatic artery is more likely in the presence of hepatic arterial variation, which can be a common clinical entity. During cadaveric dissection and diagnostic radiological imaging, various types of vascular anomalies are frequently found in human abdominal viscera, especially the celiac trunk. The aim of the present study is to determine anatomical variations in the celiac trunk and hepatic arterial system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Digital subtraction angiography data were collected from 152 consecutive donor patients (103 males and 49 females, aged between 6 and 77 years) who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation. RESULTS: We examined the anatomy of the celiac trunk in a total of 152 consecutive patients. In total, 62.5% (95/152) of patients showed the classical trifurcation of the celiac trunk. Variant right hepatic arteries arising from the superior mesenteric artery were observed in 17.8% (27/152), the hepatic arteries arising from the left gastric artery were found in 13.1% (20/152), and common hepatic arteries arising from the superior mesenteric artery were observed in 6.6% (10/152) of patients. CONCLUSION: These data are useful for planning and performing surgical and radiological procedures of the upper abdomen.

Endovascular stent placement of juxtaanastomotic stenosis in native arteriovenous fistula after unsuccessful balloon angioplasty.

BACKGROUND: In hemodialysis patients, the most common problem in arteriovenous fistulas, as the best functional vascular access, is the juxtaanastomotic located lesions. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is accepted as the treatment method for juxtanastomotic lesions. OBJECTIVES: To assess juxtaanastomotic stent placement after insufficient balloon angioplasty in the treatment of autogenous radiocephalic or brachiocephalic fistula dysfunction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between July 2003 and June 2010, 20 hemodialysis patients with autogenous radiocephalic or brachiocephalic fistula dysfunction underwent stent placement for the lesion located at the juxtaanastomotic region. Indications for stent placement were insufficient balloon dilatation, early recurring stenosis, chronic organizing thrombus and vessel rupture. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the stent patency rates. All patients who had fistula dysfunction (thrombosis of hemodialysis access, difficult access cannulation, extremity pain due to thrombosis or decreased arterial access blood flow) were evaluated by color Doppler ultrasound. The stenoses were initially dilated with standard noncompliant balloons (3 to 10-mm in diameter). Dilatation was followed by high pressure (Blue Max, Boston Scientific) or cutting balloons (Boston Scientific), if the standard balloon failed to dilate the stenotic segment. RESULTS: Twenty-one stents were applied. The anatomical and clinical success rate was 100%. Seventeen additional interventions were done for 11 (55%) patients due to stent thrombosis or stenosis during follow-up. Our 1- and 2-year secondary patency rates were 76.2% and 65.5%, respectively and were comparable to those after balloon angioplasty and surgical shunt revision. CONCLUSION: Metallic stent placement is a safe and effective procedure for salvage of native hemodialysis fistula after unsuccessful balloon angioplasty.

Devascularization of head and neck paragangliomas by direct percutaneous embolization.

Preoperative transarterial embolization of head and neck paragangliomas using particulate agents has proven beneficial for decreasing intraoperative blood loss. However, the procedure is often incomplete owing to extensive vascular structure and arteriovenous shunts. We report our experience with embolization of these lesions by means of direct puncture and intratumoral injection of n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) or Onyx. Ten patients aged 32-82 years who were referred for preoperative embolization of seven carotid body tumors and three jugular paragangliomas were retrospectively analyzed. Intratumoral injections were primarily performed in four cases with multiple small-caliber arterial feeders and adjunctive to transarterial embolization in six cases with incomplete devascularization. Punctures were performed under ultrasound and injections were performed under roadmap fluoroscopic guidance. Detailed angiographies were performed before and after embolization procedures. Control angiograms showed complete or near-complete devascularization in all tumors. Three tumors with multiple small-caliber arterial feeders were treated with primary NBCA injections. One tumor necessitated transarterial embolization after primary injection of Onyx. Six tumors showed regional vascularization from the vasa vasorum or small-caliber branches of the external carotid artery following the transarterial approach. These regions were embolized with NBCA injections. No technical or clinical complications related to embolization procedures occurred. All except one of the tumors were surgically removed following embolization. In conclusion, preoperative devascularization with percutaneous direct injection of NBCA or Onyx is feasible, safe, and effective in head and neck paragangliomas with multiple small-caliber arterial feeders and in cases of incomplete devascularization following transarterial embolization.

Emergency renal ablation for life-threatening hemorrhage from multiple capsular branches during renal artery stenting.

A 55-year-old woman underwent bilateral renal artery stent placement with good angiographic result. After the procedure, the patient complained of left flank pain secondary to subcapsular hematoma. Retrospective evaluation of images taken during stent implantation favored the diagnosis of guidewire perforation. Three hours after the procedure, contrast-enhanced computed tomography and subsequent renal angiography showed multifocal extravasations. We performed emergent renal ablation for the treatment of massive bleeding. To our knowledge, this is the first use of transcatheter renal ablation technique for this purpose.

Long-term results of angioplasty and stent placement for treatment of central venous obstruction in 126 hemodialysis patients: a 10-year single-center experience.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to report and compare long-term results of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting of central venous obstruction in hemodialysis patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hemodialysis patients who underwent successful endovascular treatment of central venous obstruction were retrospectively evaluated. Stenotic lesions greater than 50% or inducing extremity swelling were subject to treatment. The primary treatment was angioplasty, and stent placement was accomplished in angioplasty-resistant obstructions. Angioplasty was the primary treatment of recurrence after stent placement. Additional stenting was reserved for angioplasty-resistant recurrences. RESULTS: One hundred forty-seven veins in 126 patients (63 males, 63 females) between 15 and 82 years old primarily underwent 101 angioplasties and 46 stent placements. The mean follow-up was 22.1 +/- 16.3 (SD) months. The average number of interventions per vein in the stent group (2.7 +/- 2.4 interventions) was significantly higher than that in the angioplasty group (1.5 +/- 1.0 interventions). Primary patency was significantly higher in the angioplasty group (mean, 24.5 +/- 1.7 months) than that in the stent group (mean, 13.4 +/- 2.0 months). Assisted primary patency of the angioplasty group (mean, 31.4 +/- 2.0 months) and that of the stent group (mean, 31.0 +/- 4.7 months) were equivalent. The overall mean primary patency was 21.1 +/- 1.4 months, and the overall mean assisted primary patency was 31.7 +/- 2.5 months. There were no significant differences in patency rates with regard to patient sex, the type of stent used, the vein or veins treated, or the type of lesions. CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment of central venous obstruction is a safe and effective procedure in hemodialysis patients. Stenting has a significantly lower primary patency rate than angioplasty but adds to the longevity of vein patency in angioplasty-resistant lesions; therefore, stent placement should be considered in angioplasty-resistant lesions.

Application of the AMPLATZER vascular plug in endovascular occlusion of dialysis accesses.

The purpose of this study was to share our initial experience with the AMPLATZER Vascular Plug (AVP) in occluding dialysis accesses. Between January 2007 and October 2008, five patients with autogenous and one patient with prosthetic accesses were referred for endovascular occlusion owing to central venous obstruction (n = 4) and dialysis-associated steal syndrome (n = 2) leading to disabling complications. We used a single AVP in two patients, double AVPs in two patients, and double AVPs and n-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate in one patient with an autogenous access. Two coils were deployed between two AVPs to occlude the prosthetic graft. Immediate success was achieved in all patients, with no complications. Mean follow-up time was 13 months (range, 1-21 months) and none of the patients had experienced symptom recurrence as of the time of writing. The AVP allows simple, precise, and reliable dialysis access occlusion without significant complications when surgical ligation is not preferred. It can be used with other embolizing agents to provide occlusion in the case of failure.

Treatment of an unusual complication of endovenous laser therapy: multiple small arteriovenous fistulas causing complete recanalization.

A 67-year-old woman was admitted to our institution with pain, night cramping, and visible varicose veins on her left leg. Doppler ultrasonography revealed continuous reflux in the great saphenous vein when the patient did the Valsalva maneuver. Endovenous laser therapy was applied to the great saphenous vein. Doppler ultrasonography 7 days later showed recanalization of, and arterialized flow in, the great saphenous vein. There also were small arterial vessels adjunct to the recanalized side. A left femoral angiography via a right femoral approach showed multiple small arteriovenous fistulas between superficial femoral artery muscle branches and the great saphenous vein. A second endovenous laser treatment was done at 80 J/cm, but the recanalization persisted. We offered to treat this endovascularly, but the patient preferred a surgical option. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the demonstration of such a complication with endovenous laser therapy.

CT-guided cutting needle lung biopsy using modified coaxial technique: factors effecting risk of complications.

PURPOSE: We present our 7-year experience with coaxial computed tomography (CT)-guided cutting needle lung biopsy and evaluate the factors affecting risk of complications. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between June 2000 and March 2007, we performed 225 CT-guided coaxial lung biopsies in 213 consecutive patients (161 men, 52 women). Lesion size, lesion depth, lesion location, needle-pleural angle, presence of pleural effusion, patient's position, and complications secondary to biopsy procedure (pneumothorax and bleeding) were noted. Pneumothorax was graded as mild, moderate, and severe. Bleeding complications were graded as mild, moderate, and severe. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-five biopsy procedures were performed in 213 patients. The mean diameter of the lung lesion was 41.3+/-20.1mm. The mean distance from the peripheral margin of the lesion to the pleura was 17.3+/-19.2mm. After 225 procedures, there were 42 mild (18.6%), 13 moderate (5.7%), and 4 severe (1.7%) pneumothoraxes. Small hemoptysis occurred in 27 patients (12%), and mild parenchymal hemorrhage occurred in 2 patients (0.8%). The overall complication rate was 39.1%. Although, a statistically significant correlation was found between female sex, presence of emphysema, lesion depth, and pneumothorax, none of these factors had a predictive value for pneumothorax. Although, statistically significant correlations were found between female sex, lesion size, and bleeding, only lesion size had a predictive value for bleeding. CONCLUSION: The most frequent and important complications of this procedure are pneumothorax and bleeding. But any factor is the predictor of pneumothorax and lesion depth is a poor predictor of bleeding complication.

Interventional radiology in liver transplant.

An increased number of transplant centers now actively perform deceased-donor as well as living-related liver transplants. Although postoperative vascular and nonvascular complications after liver transplant have been well documented, early diagnosis and intervention are important to increase graft and recipient survival. With improvements in interventional radiologic techniques and a multidisciplinary approach to liver transplant, management of complications by percutaneous and endovascular techniques is possible with less morbidity and mortality. This article outlines the recent developments in, and applications of, interventional radiologic techniques in liver transplant patients.

Coil embolization of a congenital intrahepatic arterioportal fistula: increasing experience in management.

Congenital intrahepatic arterioportal fistula (IAPF) is a rare condition and there is limited experience of transcatheter embolization. We report here the transcatheter coil embolization of an incidentally found, asymptomatic congenital IAPF in a 16-month-old patient. After demonstrating that the IAPF was fed by two branches of a dilated left hepatic artery and drained into an aneurysm of the left portal vein, the feeding arteries were superselectively catheterized and occluded by microcoils in a single session. Follow-up was uneventful for 1 year. With respect to this and previously reported cases, we believe that embolization of feeding arteries is a safe and effective method that should be the primary choice of treatment; however, further cases should be reported to confirm this belief.

Percutaneous sonographic guidance for TIPS in Budd-Chiari syndrome: direct simultaneous puncture of the portal vein and inferior vena cava.

OBJECTIVE: Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a clinical condition characterized by hepatic venous outflow obstruction. A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is an effective means of decompressing the portal system in patients unresponsive to traditional medical therapy. TIPS may be difficult in patients with BCS owing to the presence of hepatic venous occlusive disease. We present our experience using direct percutaneous simultaneous puncture of the portal vein and the inferior vena cava to place a TIPS in patients with BCS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 2003 and October 2006, percutaneous sonographically guided TIPS was performed on 11 patients (five women and a girl, four men and a boy; age range, 6-43 years). Indications for the TIPS procedure were intractable ascites in nine patients and intractable ascites and variceal bleeding in two patients. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in all patients. The mean portosystemic pressure gradient was reduced from 23.5 to 9.8 mm Hg. The cumulative rate of primary patency was 60% at 1 year. Nine revisions were performed in five patients. In nine of the 11 patients, ascites resolved completely, and in two patients, it was relieved. CONCLUSION: Excellent technical and clinical success can be achieved with percutaneous sonographically guided direct simultaneous puncture of the portal vein and inferior vena cava in patients with BCS.

Endovascular treatment of active bleeding after liver transplant.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the incidence of active bleeding complications following transplant and the efficacy of interventional radiologic management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 2000 and February 2007, 14 liver transplant patients with active bleeding were treated via endovascular techniques (coils, glue, or graft-covered stents). Active bleeding was spontaneous in 6 patients through the inferior epigastric artery (n=1), the inferior phrenic artery (n=1), the superior mesenteric artery (n=2), the internal mammary artery (n=1), and the hepatic artery (n=1). In 8 patients, active bleeding was due to transhepatic biliary or endovascular interventions. Hemobilia (n=2) due to pseudoaneurysm formation after transhepatic biliary interventions was embolized with coils. Hepatic artery rupture was observed in 6 patients during endovascular interventions performed on hepatic artery stenosis or thrombosis that had been treated with graft-covered stents. Technical success, clinical improvement, and complications were documented. RESULTS: Active bleeding was stopped by endovascular intervention in 13 of 14 patients. Embolizations with coils or glue were successful. In 1 patient with hepatic artery bleeding, the graft-covered stent failed to seal the rupture site, and this patient underwent reoperation. CONCLUSION: Arterial bleeding complications after liver transplant during the early and late postoperative period, due either to spontaneous active bleeding or to percutaneous or endovascular interventions, can be successfully managed with interventional radiologic techniques.

Percutaneous management of anastomotic bile leaks following liver transplantation.

PURPOSE: To review our experience with percutaneous internal-external biliary drainage in treating biliary anastomotic leaks following orthotopic liver transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 1997 and June 2006, 157 liver transplantations were performed in our hospital. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage was performed in 10 patients (9 males, 1 female; mean age, 32.9 years; age range, 2-62 years) with patent hepatic arterial systems to treat clinically significant anastomotic bile leaks. RESULTS: Bile leaks were resolved and anastomotic patency was restored in all patients. Massive hemobilia occurred in 1 patient due to arterial pseudoaneurysm and was treated with embolization. No major complications were seen in the other patients. During a mean follow-up of 19.5 months, anastomotic stricture occurred in 2 patients (1 in combination with a recurrent leak). Both patients were successfully treated with percutaneous methods. The remaining 8 patients had no biliary problems. CONCLUSION: When treating anastomotic bile leaks in liver transplant patients, percutaneous procedures may be performed with high technical success and low complication rates.

Percutaneous therapy of ureteral obstructions and leak after renal transplantation: long-term results.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of percutaneous therapy of ureteral complications after renal transplantation. Between January 2000 and June 2006 we percutaneously treated 26 renal transplant patients with ureteral obstruction (n=19) and leak (n=7). Obstructions were classified as early (<2 months after transplantation) or late (>2 months). Patients with leak were treated with nephro-ureteral catheter placement and subsequent double-J stenting. Balloon dilatation, stent placement, and basket extraction were used to treat ureteral obstructions. Patients were followed with ultrasonography. No major procedure-related complication occurred. The mean follow-up time was 34.3 months (range: 6 to 74 months). Initial clinical success was achieved in all 19 patients with obstruction and 6 of 7 patients with leak. Four of 9 early obstructions and 4 of 10 late obstructions recurred during the follow-up. All recurrences were initially managed again with percutaneous methods, including cutting balloon technique and metallic stent placement. Although there was no recurrence in patients with successfully treated leak, stricture was seen at the previous leak site in two patients. These strictures were also successfully managed percutaneously. We conclude that in the treatment of ureteral obstruction and leak following renal transplantation, percutaneous therapy is an effective alternative to surgery. However, further interventions are usually needed to maintain long-term patency.