Mesenteric Cystic Lymphangioma, an acute presentation in a 9-year-old child.

Mesenteric lymphangioma is a rare malformation of the lymphatic system. Misdiagnosis of mesenteric cystic lymphangioma can occur due to its rarity and resemblance to other cystic lesions and ascites. The authors report an acute presentation of a mesenteric lymphangioma in a 9-year-old child. Clinical, radiological, and surgical findings are illustrated accordingly. As authors, we aim to add to the limited data of acute presentations of mesenteric lymphangiomas.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging as a Diagnostic Tool for Ilio-Femoro-Caval Deep Venous Thrombosis.

This study aimed to test the accuracy of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based method to detect and characterise deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in the ilio-femoro-caval veins. Patients with verified DVT in the lower extremities with extension of the thrombi to the iliac veins, who were suitable for catheter-based venous thrombolysis, were included in this study. Before the intervention, magnetic resonance venography (MRV) was performed, and the ilio-femoro-caval veins were independently evaluated for normal appearance, stenosis, and occlusion by two single-blinded observers. The same procedure was used to evaluate digital subtraction phlebography (DSP), considered to be the gold standard, which made it possible to compare the results. A total of 123 patients were included for MRV and DSP, resulting in 246 image sets to be analysed. In total, 496 segments were analysed for occlusion, stenosis, or normal appearance. The highest sensitivity compared occlusion with either normal or stenosis (0.98) in MRV, while the lowest was found between stenosis and normal (0.84). Specificity varied from 0.59 (stenosis >< occlusion) to 0.94 (occlusion >< normal). The Kappa statistic was calculated as a measure of inter-observer agreement. The kappa value for MRV was 0.91 and for DSP, 0.80. In conclusion, MRV represents a sensitive method to analyse DVT in the pelvis veins with advantages such as no radiation and contrast and the possibility to investigate the anatomical relationship in the area.

Twenty-Four-Month Outcomes of Drug-Coated Balloon in Diabetic Patients in the BIOLUX P-III Registry: A Subgroup Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess the use of drug-coated balloon (DCB) in a large patient population under real-world conditions and, specifically, analyse the impact of diabetes mellitus on long term outcomes following DCB utilisation. METHODS: BIOLUX P-III is a prospective, international, multicentre, registry that was conducted at 41 centres. The present study is a 24-month subgroup analysis of patients with diabetes mellitus having infrainguinal lesions treated with the Passeo-18 Lux DCB. The primary endpoints were freedom from major adverse events (MAEs) within 6 months of intervention and freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularisation (CD-TLR) within 12 months of intervention. RESULTS: Of the 882 patients in the registry, 418 had diabetes (516 lesions). Most diabetics had concomitant hypertension (88.8%) and hyperlipidaemia (70.3%). Insulin dependence was observed in 48.8% of diabetics. Moreover, smoking (62.2%) and chronic renal insufficiency (41.9%) were also found to be common in this cohort. Chronic limb threatening ischemia (Rutherford class ≥4) was present in 53.1% of all patients. 22.9% of lesions were infrapopliteal, while 22.5% of lesions were treated for in-stent restenosis. The mean target lesion length was 85.6 ± 73.2 mm, and 79.4% of lesions were calcified (of which 17.9% were heavily calcified). Overall, device success was 99.7%. Freedom from MAEs was 90.5% (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 87.2-93.0) at 6 months, 85.4% (95% CI: 81.5-88.6) at 12 months and 80% (95% CI: 75.5-83.8) at 24 months. Freedom from CD-TLR was 95.9% (95% CI: 93.8-97.4), 91.6% (95% CI: 88.7-93.8), and 87.1% (95% CI: 83.5-89.9) at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. All-cause mortality at 24 months in diabetics was 16.0% (95% CI: 12.6-20.2), and major target limb amputation was 6.1% (95% CI: 4.1-8.9), which was significantly higher than in non-diabetics (8.4% (95% CI: 6.0-11.6), P = 0.0005 and 1.2% (95% CI: 0.5-2.9), P <0.0001, respectively). At 24 months, 82.0% of patients had improved by ≥1 Rutherford class. CONCLUSION: Treatment of a real-world diabetic patient population with the Passeo-18 Lux DCB resulted in high efficacy and low complication rates, despite the fact that diabetic patients usually suffer from a multitude of concomitant comorbidities. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02276313.

Paclitaxel-Coated Balloon Angioplasty for the Treatment of Infrainguinal Arteries: 24-Month Outcomes in the Full Cohort of BIOLUX P-III Global Registry.

PURPOSE: After promising small randomized trials, the aim of BIOLUX P-III was to further investigate the safety and performance of the Passeo-18 lx drug-coated balloon in infrainguinal arteries under real-world conditions. METHODS: BIOLUX P-III is a global prospective single-arm study with follow-up at 6, 12 and 24 months. The primary safety endpoint was freedom from major adverse events (MAE) within 6 months. The primary performance endpoint was freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization (TLR) within 12 months. RESULTS: 877 patients/1084 lesions were enrolled. Diabetes mellitus was present in 47.7%, and 42.1% had critical limb ischemia (CLI). The mean lesion length was 89.0 mm with 76.1% of calcified lesions, and 24.9% occluded. At 24 months, freedom from MAE was 83.1% in the full cohort; 84.9% in the femoropopliteal population (592 patients, 691 lesions); 77.7% for long lesions (187 subjects/192 lesions); and 72.5% in the in-stent restenosis (ISR) subgroup (103 subjects/116 lesions). Twenty-four-month freedom from clinically driven TLR was 88.1% in the full cohort; 88.9% in the femoropopliteal population; 80.3% for the long lesions; and 78.4% for ISR. Twenty-four-month all-cause mortality was 12.0% in the full cohort, 10.2% in the femoropopliteal population, 14.8% for the long lesions and 12.0% for ISR. There was no device- or procedure-related death up to 24-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: The BIOLUX P-III 24-month outcomes confirm the safety and performance of Passeo-18 lx in infrainguinal arteries in a large population treated under real-world conditions with low complication rates and good clinical outcomes (NCT02276313).

Real-World Experience With a Paclitaxel-Coated Balloon in Critical Limb Ischemia: 24-Month Subgroup Outcomes of BIOLUX P-III.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the BIOLUX P-III (A Prospective, International, Multi-Centre, Post-Market All-Comers Registry to Assess the Clinical Performance of the Passeo-18 Lux Paclitaxel Releasing Balloon Catheter in Infrainguinal Arteries - III) registry was to collect real-world data on the Passeo-18 Lux paclitaxel-coated balloon. BACKGROUND: Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a severe condition associated with high morbidity and mortality. Prospective data are needed to provide further insights on drug-eluting devices. METHODS: BIOLUX P-III is a prospective, post-market, all-comers registry assessing the safety and performance of the Passeo-18 Lux. Clinical information was collected at 6, 12, and 24 months. The authors report 24-month outcomes of the CLI subgroup with patients in Rutherford classes 4 to 6. RESULTS: The CLI subgroup included 328 patients with 422 lesions. Patients were 71.1 ± 10.5 years of age, and 61.0% had diabetes. Femoropopliteal lesions were present in 53.8% (n = 227), below-the-knee lesions were present in 27.0% (n = 114), and lesions were moderate or heavily calcified in 45.0% (n = 190). Major adverse events, defined as 30-day device- or procedure-related mortality, major target limb amputation, and clinically driven target lesion revascularization, occurred in 9.8% of patients through 6 months, in 14.9% through 12 months, and in 19.4% through 24 months. Clinically driven target lesion revascularization occurred in 4.4%, 8.5%, and 12.1%, major amputation in 4.9%, 5.2%, and 6.1%, and mortality in 8.1%, 11.1%, and 20.1%, respectively. Predictors of mortality were age ≥75 years and higher Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus Document on Management of Peripheral Arterial Disease class, and higher Rutherford class was associated with increased mortality and amputation rates. CONCLUSIONS: In a large, multimorbid patient population with complex lesions and CLI, the safety and performance of the Passeo-18 Lux paclitaxel-coated balloon has been confirmed, with low rates of major amputation and target lesion revascularization.

Lumbar artery aneurysm: A rare manifestation of vasculopathy in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1.

Lumbar artery aneurysms are rare but important to diagnose, since rupture can have serious consequences due to life-threatening hemorrhage. A 49-year-old male with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) was admitted to the emergency room with abrupt onset of severe abdominal pain. Ultrasound examination was normal, noncontrast CT revealed a tapered retroperitoneal mass adjacent to the right psoas muscle. A multiphased contrast-enhanced CT scan raised suspicion of an arterial lumbar aneurysm and was confirmed by selective catheter based angiography. The patient underwent successful treatment with endovascular coiling and the patient was discharged within a few days after an uneventful course.

Paclitaxel-Coated Balloon for the Treatment of Infrainguinal Disease: 12-Month Outcomes in the All-Comers Cohort of BIOLUX P-III Global Registry.

Purpose: To further investigate the safety and performance of the Passeo-18 Lux drug-coated balloon (DCB) for the treatment of atherosclerotic infrainguinal disease under real-world conditions. Materials and Methods: BIOLUX P-III is an international, prospective, observational registry (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02276313) conducted at 41 centers in Europe, Asia, and Australia with follow-up visits at 6, 12, and 24 months. Of 700 patients (mean age 70.0±10.2 years; 439 men) with 863 lesions in the all-comers cohort, 330 (47.1%) patients had diabetes and 234 (37.7%) had chronic limb-threatening ischemia. The majority (79.3%) of lesions were in the femoropopliteal segment; of all lesions, 645 (74.9%) were calcified and 99 (11.5%) had in-stent restenosis (ISR). The mean lesion length was 84.7±73.3 mm. The primary clinical endpoint was major adverse events (MAEs) within 6 months, a composite of device- and procedure-related mortality through 30 days, major target limb amputation, and clinically-driven target lesion revascularization (TLR). The primary performance endpoint was clinically-driven TLR within 12 months. Results: At 6 and 12 months, freedom from MAEs was 94.0% and 89.5% in the all-comers cohort: 95.0% and 91.2% in the femoropopliteal group and 95.3% and 88.0% in the ISR subgroup, respectively. Freedom from clinically-driven TLR at 12 months was 93.1% in the all-comers cohort, 93.9% in the femoropopliteal lesions, and 89.4% for ISR lesions. All-cause mortality was 6.1% in the all-comers cohort: 5.9% in both the femoropopliteal and ISR subgroups. There were no device- or procedure-related deaths at up to 12 months. The Rutherford category improved in >80% of all subgroups at 12 months. Conclusion: In a real-world patient population, the safety and performance of the Passeo-18 Lux DCB for the treatment of atherosclerotic infrainguinal lesions are maintained, with good performance outcomes and low complication rates at 12 months.

Results of catheter-directed thrombolysis for acute ilio-femoral deep venous thrombosis - A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Catheter-directed thrombolysis may prevent post-thrombotic syndrome in patients with ilio-femoral deep venous thrombosis. We performed a retrospective review of prospectively collected follow-up data to evaluate the results of catheter-directed thrombolysis at our institution. METHOD: Patients admitted for venous thrombolysis were included in the study and their files screened for information regarding results and technical aspects of treatment and patient status on follow-up. A catheter was inserted under imaging guidance into the thrombosed vein. Through the catheter tissue plasminogen activator was administered. Daily catheter-based venographies were performed to monitor progression in thrombus resolution. After thrombolysis flow-limiting stenosis was stented. Patients started wearing compression stockings and were started on oral anticoagulant therapy. Follow-up visits with ultrasound, magnetic resonance venography and clinical assessment were scheduled at six weeks and three, six, 12 and 24 months. RESULTS: A total of 48 patients underwent catheter-directed thrombolysis, including 36 female patients. Median age was 28 years. Complete lysis of the thrombus was achieved in 43 cases and partial lysis in two cases and 26 stents were placed. No deaths or life-threatening bleeding events occurred. Thirty-two of the patients who achieved full lysis and were followed up remained patent at follow-up. At 12 months seven patients had symptoms of post-thrombotic syndrome. CONCLUSION: Catheter-directed thrombolysis represents a safe and effective alternative to systemic anticoagulative treatment of deep venous thrombosis with rapid resolution of the thrombus and few complications. Long-term patency shows good validity and this study suggests that catheter-directed thrombolysis is effective in preventing post-thrombotic syndrome.

Real-world experience with a Paclitaxel-Coated Balloon for the treatment of atherosclerotic infrainguinal arteries: 12-month interim results of the BIOLUX P-III registry first year of enrolment / Experiência real com balão revestido com paclitaxel para o tratamento de artérias infrainguinais ateroscleróticas: resultados após 12 meses do primeiro ano de seleção de pacientes para o registro BIOLUX P-III

Abstract Background Endovascular management of atherosclerotic infrainguinal arteries recently shifted towards drug eluting devices, designed to locally prevent the restenosis process. Numerous clinical studies report an advantage of drug coated balloons over uncoated balloon angioplasty in treating lower extremity peripheral artery disease. However, as coating and balloon platforms are different, each device requires dedicated clinical evaluations. Objective The aim of the study is to further investigate the safety and effectiveness of a Paclitaxel-Coated Balloon for the treatment of atherosclerotic infrainguinal arteries in a real-world setting. Methods 203 patients out of a final sample of 882 were enrolled in this prospective multicenter, observational, all-comers registry during the first 12 months. The primary endpoints were major adverse events (defined as procedure or device related death within 30 days post index procedure, clinically-driven target lesion revascularization or major target limb amputation) at 6 months and freedom from clinically-driven target lesion revascularization at 12 months. Both endpoints were adjudicated by a Clinical Events Committee. Results Mean patient age was 70.2±10.4 years (60.1% male). 47.3% of the patients were diabetic and 67.5% had a history of smoking. Severe claudication was reported in 37.4% and 40% had critical limb ischemia. 257 lesions, including 13.2% in the infrapopliteal territory, were treated with Passeo-18 Lux (mean lesion length 75.1 mm±69.4, 20% occlusions, 76.3% calcified). At 6 months, the rate of major adverse events was 5.5% (95%CI 3.1-9.7). Freedom from clinically-driven target lesion revascularization at 12 months was 93.2% (95%CI 89.1-95.8). All causes mortality was 6.5% (95%CI 3.8-11.0) and overall amputation rate was 4.2% (95%CI 2.1-8.3) at 12 months. Conclusion In a real-world environment, the BIOLUX P-III registry preliminary results confirm the safety and efficacy of the Paclitaxel-Coated Passeo-18 Lux balloon as a stand-alone treatment option for atherosclerotic infrainguinal arteries.

Resumo Contexto O manejo endovascular de artérias infrainguinais ateroscleróticas recentemente tem mudado para dispositivos farmacológicos, desenhados para impedir localmente o processo de reestenose. Numerosos estudos clínicos descrevem uma vantagem da angioplastia com uso de balões farmacológicos sobre os balões convencionais no tratamento de doença arterial periférica dos membros inferiores. No entanto, considerando que as plataformas do revestimento farmacológico e dos balões são diferentes, cada dispositivo requer avaliações clínicas específicas. Objetivo Fazer investigação adicional sobre a segurança e eficácia de um balão revestido com paclitaxel para o tratamento de artérias infrainguinais ateroscleróticas em um cenário de mundo real. Métodos 203 pacientes de uma amostra final de 882 pacientes foram incluídos neste registro prospectivo observacional multicêntrico de inclusão sequencial, durante os primeiros 12 meses. Os desfechos primários foram eventos adversos maiores (definidos como morte relacionada ao procedimento ou ao dispositivo em até 30 dias após o procedimento-índice, necessidade de revascularização da lesão-alvo ou amputação significativa do membro-alvo) em 6 meses e ausência de de revascularização da lesão-alvo em 12 meses. Ambos os desfechos foram adjudicados por um comitê de eventos clínicos. Resultados A idade média foi 70,2±10,4 anos (60,1% sexo masculino). 47,3% dos pacientes eram diabéticos, e 67,5% tinham história de tabagismo. Claudicação severa foi relatada em 37,4%, e 40% apresentava isquemia crítica de membro. 257 lesões, incluindo 13,2% em território infrapoplíteo, foram tratadas com o balão Passeo-18 Lux (comprimento médio das lesões 75,1 mm±69,4, 20% oclusões, 76,3% calcificadas). Aos 6 meses, a taxa de eventos adversos maiores foi de 5,5% (95%CI 3,1-9,7). A ausência de revascularização da lesão-alvo aos 12 meses foi de 93,2% (95%CI 89,1-95,8). Mortalidade por todas as causas foi de 6,5% (95%CI 3,8-11,0) e a taxa geral de amputação foi de 4,2% (95%CI 2,1-8,3) aos 12 meses. Conclusão Em um cenário de mundo real, os resultados preliminares do registro BIOLUX P-III confirmam a segurança e eficácia do balão revestido com paclitaxel Passeo-18 Lux como opção de tratamento único para artérias infrainguinais ateroscleróticas.

Real-world experience with a Paclitaxel-Coated Balloon for the treatment of atherosclerotic infrainguinal arteries: 12-month interim results of the BIOLUX P-III registry first year of enrolment.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular management of atherosclerotic infrainguinal arteries recently shifted towards drug eluting devices, designed to locally prevent the restenosis process. Numerous clinical studies report an advantage of drug coated balloons over uncoated balloon angioplasty in treating lower extremity peripheral artery disease. However, as coating and balloon platforms are different, each device requires dedicated clinical evaluations. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to further investigate the safety and effectiveness of a Paclitaxel-Coated Balloon for the treatment of atherosclerotic infrainguinal arteries in a real-world setting. METHODS: 203 patients out of a final sample of 882 were enrolled in this prospective multicenter, observational, all-comers registry during the first 12 months. The primary endpoints were major adverse events (defined as procedure or device related death within 30 days post index procedure, clinically-driven target lesion revascularization or major target limb amputation) at 6 months and freedom from clinically-driven target lesion revascularization at 12 months. Both endpoints were adjudicated by a Clinical Events Committee. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 70.2±10.4 years (60.1% male). 47.3% of the patients were diabetic and 67.5% had a history of smoking. Severe claudication was reported in 37.4% and 40% had critical limb ischemia. 257 lesions, including 13.2% in the infrapopliteal territory, were treated with Passeo-18 Lux (mean lesion length 75.1 mm±69.4, 20% occlusions, 76.3% calcified). At 6 months, the rate of major adverse events was 5.5% (95%CI 3.1-9.7). Freedom from clinically-driven target lesion revascularization at 12 months was 93.2% (95%CI 89.1-95.8). All causes mortality was 6.5% (95%CI 3.8-11.0) and overall amputation rate was 4.2% (95%CI 2.1-8.3) at 12 months. CONCLUSION: In a real-world environment, the BIOLUX P-III registry preliminary results confirm the safety and efficacy of the Paclitaxel-Coated Passeo-18 Lux balloon as a stand-alone treatment option for atherosclerotic infrainguinal arteries.

CONTEXTO: O manejo endovascular de artérias infrainguinais ateroscleróticas recentemente tem mudado para dispositivos farmacológicos, desenhados para impedir localmente o processo de reestenose. Numerosos estudos clínicos descrevem uma vantagem da angioplastia com uso de balões farmacológicos sobre os balões convencionais no tratamento de doença arterial periférica dos membros inferiores. No entanto, considerando que as plataformas do revestimento farmacológico e dos balões são diferentes, cada dispositivo requer avaliações clínicas específicas. OBJETIVO: Fazer investigação adicional sobre a segurança e eficácia de um balão revestido com paclitaxel para o tratamento de artérias infrainguinais ateroscleróticas em um cenário de mundo real. MÉTODOS: 203 pacientes de uma amostra final de 882 pacientes foram incluídos neste registro prospectivo observacional multicêntrico de inclusão sequencial, durante os primeiros 12 meses. Os desfechos primários foram eventos adversos maiores (definidos como morte relacionada ao procedimento ou ao dispositivo em até 30 dias após o procedimento-índice, necessidade de revascularização da lesão-alvo ou amputação significativa do membro-alvo) em 6 meses e ausência de de revascularização da lesão-alvo em 12 meses. Ambos os desfechos foram adjudicados por um comitê de eventos clínicos. RESULTADOS: A idade média foi 70,2±10,4 anos (60,1% sexo masculino). 47,3% dos pacientes eram diabéticos, e 67,5% tinham história de tabagismo. Claudicação severa foi relatada em 37,4%, e 40% apresentava isquemia crítica de membro. 257 lesões, incluindo 13,2% em território infrapoplíteo, foram tratadas com o balão Passeo-18 Lux (comprimento médio das lesões 75,1 mm±69,4, 20% oclusões, 76,3% calcificadas). Aos 6 meses, a taxa de eventos adversos maiores foi de 5,5% (95%CI 3,1-9,7). A ausência de revascularização da lesão-alvo aos 12 meses foi de 93,2% (95%CI 89,1-95,8). Mortalidade por todas as causas foi de 6,5% (95%CI 3,8-11,0) e a taxa geral de amputação foi de 4,2% (95%CI 2,1-8,3) aos 12 meses. CONCLUSÃO: Em um cenário de mundo real, os resultados preliminares do registro BIOLUX P-III confirmam a segurança e eficácia do balão revestido com paclitaxel Passeo-18 Lux como opção de tratamento único para artérias infrainguinais ateroscleróticas.

Current management of inguinal false aneurysms.

False aneurysms are formed as a result of bleeding causing a hematoma to compress the surrounding tissue. The majority of false aneurysms presenting to the vascular surgeon are caused by iatrogenic injury to an artery. Although anastomotic failure occurs, a much higher number is caused by bleeding from puncture sites after percutaneous intervention. Anticoagulative medication, low patelet counts and severely calcified vessels increase the risk of forming a false aneurysm. Experienced specialists may make the diagnosis from physical examination, but ultrasound imaging is almost always needed in order to decide for a treatment strategy. Small aneurysms with a diameter of less than 3 cm tend to thrombose spontaneously except in patients in anticoagulative treatment. Treatment options include ultrasound guided compression, which may be effective in a high proportion of patients who are not in anti-coagulative treatment, but may require prolonged compression and cause pain and discomfort. Duplex guided injection of thrombin or glue requires less time of compression and can be effective in patient s on antiocoagulative treatment, but may cause spillage of adhesive material into the crural vessels. Endovascular treatment with coils or covered stent grafts have proven useful in infected ilio-femoral false aneurysms. Open surgical repair may be the best treatment in the setting of imminent rupture, massive hematoma and skin necrosis. We present three patient cases treated with open surgery, endovascular coiling, and thrombin injection.

Vein arterialization for lower limb revascularization.

Conventional bypass surgery is only possible when patent distal arterial outflow vessels are available. In patients with critical limb ischemia and occluded distal arteries, attempts have been made to establish retrograde perfusion through either deep or superficial pedal veins. Though historical results were disappointing, more recently limb salvage has been achieved after adopting a principle of 1) placing the anastomosis distally, and 2) actively destroying the distal valves. Experimental, para-clinical, and clinical data confirm that direct tissue nutrition is improved, angiogenesis stimulated, and collaterals opened. Only a limited number of cases have been reported in the literature and a number of different operative techniques have been described. The results in terms of limb salvage and wound healing vary widely. Generally, results are poorer than what would have been expected if femoro-distal arterial bypass had been possible. Recently, hybrid approaches have been developed to avoid extensive distal incisions by endovascular destruction of valves and closure of side branches. Also, a totally endovascular technique, including the position of a stent graft between the vein and artery, has been proposed and tested. These developments may in the future improve results by limiting incisional wound complications and make this treatment available to more patients who would otherwise have no other alternative than amputation.

Calcified in-stent restenosis in a venous stent.

Stenting of the iliac veins has been an established treatment for improving venous runoff from the legs after thrombolysis of iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis for more than a decade, yet little is known about the long-term fate of stents in the central veins. We describe a case of heavily calcified in-stent restenosis in a 10-year-old venous stent as well as a way of treating this rare condition. With growing numbers of venous stents reaching a significant age, a need for treatment of long-term complications like the one presented here most probably will arise.

Post-varicella angiopathy: a series of 4 patients with focus on virologic and neuroimaging findings.

BACKGROUND: Post-varicella angiopathy is an important cause of childhood stroke and follows a particular pattern. Specific treatment guidelines have not been developed because of a lack of epidemiological, laboratory, and neuroimaging data. Prospective randomized controlled trials evaluating different treatment strategies have not been performed, and expert opinions on diagnostic criteria, prognosis, and treatment are diverging. METHODS: This case series describes the clinical course, laboratory, and neuroimaging findings of four children with post-varicella angiopathy, who all underwent cerebrospinal fluid assessment and received antiviral, immunosuppressive, and antiplatelet treatment. RESULTS: Cerebrospinal fluid analysis was positive for varicella-zoster virus markers in three children. At follow-up, three children had a mild hemiparesis and one child had no neurological symptoms. Neuroimaging showed complete vascular remission in three patients and improvement in one. CONCLUSIONS: Systematic search for virologic markers in cerebrospinal fluid will contribute to the understanding of the pathogenesis of idiopathic childhood stroke and can be considered as a prerequisite for the development of clear diagnostic criteria and relevant treatment strategies for post-varicella angiopathy. The role of antiviral and immunosuppressive medication needs to be clarified.

Early results from an angiosome-directed open surgical technique for venous arterialization in patients with critical lower limb ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Patients with critical lower limb ischemia without patent pedal arteries cannot be treated by the conventional arterial reconstruction. Venous arterialization has been suggested to improve limb salvage in this subgroup of patients but has not gained wide acceptance. We report our early experience after implementing deep and superficial venous arterialization of the lower limb. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients with critical ischemia and without crural or pedal arteries available for conventional bypass surgery or angioplasty were treated with distal venous arterialization. Inflow was from the most distal unobstructed segment. Run-off was the dorsal pedal venous arch (n=5), the dorsal pedal venous arch and a concomitant vein of the posterior tibial artery (n=3), or the dorsal pedal venous arch and a concomitant vein of the common plantar artery (n=2) depending on the location of the ischemic lesion. Venous valves were destroyed using antegrade valvulotomes, guide wires, knob needles, or retrograde valvulotomes via an extra incision. RESULTS: Seven of the operated limbs were amputated after 23 (1-256) days (median [range]). The main reasons for amputation were lack of healing of either the original wound, of incisional wounds on the foot, or persisting pain at rest. In three cases, the bypass was open at the time of amputation. Two patients experienced complete wound healing after 231 and 342 days, respectively. By the end of follow-up, the last patient was ambulating with slow wound healing but without pain 309 days after surgery. CONCLUSION: Venous arterialization may be used as a treatment of otherwise unsalveable limbs. The success rate is, however, limited. Technical optimization of the technique is warranted.

[Incarcerated retroverted gravid uterus successfully repositioned with colonoscopy]. / Stranguleret retroflekteret gravid uterus behandlet succesfuldt med koloskopi.

A 36-year-old woman presented with a urinary retention at gestational age 15 weeks + 5 days. After two days with intermittent catheterisation a magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis. Under spinal anaesthesia with ultrasonographic guidance, manual reposition of the incarcerated uterus was first tried, but unsuccessfully. The patient was rolled to her left side, and a diagnostic colonoscopy was performed. A post-procedure ultrasonography and a vaginal examination revealed that the uterus was repositioned. The patient was released with no following symptoms. Follow-up at the gestational age 19 weeks + 5 days showed normal conditions.