Myocardial stretch-induced compliance is abrogated under ischemic conditions and restored by cGMP/PKG-related pathways.

Introduction: Management of acute myocardial infarction (MI) mandates careful optimization of volemia, which can be challenging due to the inherent risk of congestion. Increased myocardial compliance in response to stretching, known as stretch-induced compliance (SIC), has been recently characterized and partly ascribed to cGMP/cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG)-related pathways. We hypothesized that SIC would be impaired in MI but restored by activation of PKG, thereby enabling a better response to volume loading in MI. Methods: We conducted experiments in ex vivo rabbit right ventricular papillary muscles under ischemic and non-ischemic conditions as well as pressure-volume hemodynamic evaluations in experimental in vivo MI induced by left anterior descending artery ligation in rats. Results: Acutely stretching muscles ex vivo yielded increased compliance over the next 15 min, but not under ischemic conditions. PKG agonists, but not PKC agonists, were able to partially restore SIC in ischemic muscles. A similar effect was observed with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (PDE5i) sildenafil, which was amplified by joint B-type natriuretic peptide or nitric oxide donor administration. In vivo translation revealed that volume loading after MI only increased cardiac output in rats infused with PDE5i. Contrarily to vehicle, sildenafil-treated rats showed a clear increase in myocardial compliance upon volume loading. Discussion: Our results suggest that ischemia impairs the adaptive myocardial response to acute stretching and that this may be partly prevented by pharmacological manipulation of the cGMP/PKG pathway, namely, with PDE5i. Further studies are warranted to further elucidate the potential of this intervention in the clinical setting of acute myocardial ischemia.

A prospective study on varicose veins surgery impact on systemic endothelial function evaluated by arterial brachial flow mediated dilation.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic venous disease (CVD) is a prevalent pathology, and endothelial dysfunction is recognized as a core of its physiopathology. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is one of the most widely used tests for evaluating endothelial function. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of varicose vein (VV) surgery on FMD. METHODS: A prospective study with patients with superficial CVD and saphenous incompetence on Doppler ultrasonography that were proposed for VV surgery. The FMD test was performed before and 6 months after the procedure. The operator performing the post-operative evaluation was blinded to the pre-operative result. RESULTS: A total of 42 patients were included in the analysis. The median pre-operative percent change of FMD was 4.20% (±1.30) and the post-operative was 4.56% (±1.25) (p = 0.819). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings do not corroborate the presence of an overall endothelial dysfunction prone to modulation by surgery. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to confirm our findings.

The Challenge Of Covid19 In The Management Of Vascular Access For Hemodialysis In An Universitary Hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease prevalence has been increasing worldwide, with an increasing need to deliver an effective treatment. During the first months of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic healthcare systems around the world were under stress. Therefore, the aim of this study is to report a single center experience with arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation while also evaluating the impact of COVID-19. METHODS: Procedures for AVF creation in a tertiary hospital between March 2017 and December 2020 were included in this study and their case records were retrospectively analyzed and data retrieved. RESULTS: A total of 582 procedures were performed and a total of 568 accesses were created (506 being made pre-COVID onset and 62 post-COVID onset). The period between the referral to the vascular surgery consultation was significantly longer for the COVID group [18 (23) days vs 28 (44) days; p<0,001] while the period between the consultation to the surgery was significantly shorter [76 (77) days vs 40 (57) days; p<0,001]. This resulted in significantly less time between referral to surgery in the COVID group [103 (77) days vs 88 (55) days; p=0,008]. CONCLUSION: The ability of hospitals to adapt their resources was paramount to mitigate COVID impact. In the institution where the study took place, the time from referral to consultation was increased significantly during the first months of COVID but the time from consultation to surgery was significantly reduced. Overall, these results show that there was a successful effort to expedite the creation of a vascular access.

Incidental abdominal aortic aneurysms are largely undocumented and unmonitored.

BACKGROUND: In countries without organized population screening, incidental detection remains the major form of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) diagnosis. Despite the presumed homogeneity in AAA prevalence, its rate of repair is highly variable, with Portugal treating 2 to 6 times fewer AAA per habitant than other western countries. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the detection rate and monitoring of incidental AAA in a multicentre cohort from Portuguese hospitals. METHODS: All abdominal CT scans performed in men ≥ 65 years old in three major Portuguese hospitals between January and June 2018 were selected for review. CT scans prescribed by the Vascular Surgery or Emergency Departments were excluded. Patients with previously known AAA were also excluded. Subjects with newly detected aneurysms were assessed for the two primary outcomes: the description of the finding by the radiologist in the written report; the effective follow-up recommendations by the prescriber of the CT or by the general practitioner (GP). Patients with newly found AAA that met criteria for monitoring or treatment and failed to be given guidance were contacted and included in surveillance programs. RESULTS: Overall, 3292 abdominal CT scans were selected for review. A total of 133 newly found aneurysms were detected (4.2% prevalence in the cohort). Of those, 48 cases (36%) were not described by the radiologist in the written report. Further 42 patients (32%) were not successfully oriented by the ordering physician or GP, despite having had their AAA mentioned. Overall, only 32% (n = 42) of the newly diagnosed AAA were correctly identified and referred to monitoring. CONCLUSIONS: Incidental AAA is a common occurrence in in-hospital abdominal CTs. A significant number is not documented by the radiologist and the vast majority is not referred to monitoring. This could be a major reason for the low elective treatment rate of AAA in Portugal.

Nationwide Analysis of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in Portugal (2000-2015).

OBJECTIVE: Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) is a lethal condition that requires acute repair to prevent death. This analysis aims to assess the nationwide trends in rAAA admission, repair and mortality in a country, Portugal, without national screening for AAA. METHODS: rAAA registered in the hospital administrative database of the National Health Service and all nationally registered deaths due to rAAA based on death certificate data were analysed. Three time periods (2000-2004, 2005-2009, and 2010-2015) were compared in patients ≥ 50 years old to assess the variations over time. RESULTS: A total of 2 275 patients ≥50 years old with rAAA were identified in the two databases from 2000 to 2015. The age standardised incidence of rAAA was 2.78 ± 0.24/100 000/year in 2000-2004, 3.17 ± 0.39/100 000/year in 2005-2009 and 3.21 ± 0.28/100 000/year in 2010-2015 (p < .001). When comparing the time periods 2000-2004 to 2005-2009, the age standardised rate of admission (n = 1460) increased from 1.57 ± 0.25/100 000/year to 2.24 ± 0.32/100 000/year (p < .001). The operative mortality rates decreased during this time period (from 55.3 ± 4.7% to 48.8 ± 4.7%, p < .001). In 2010-2015, the age standardised rate of admissions due to rAAA decreased (1.98 ± 0.22/100 000/year). Operative mortality remained stable (48.9 ± 6.2%). The rate of patient deaths outside the hospital decreased from the first to the second period (1.21 ± 0.10/100 000/year and 0.93 ± 0.29/100 000/year, respectively) but later increased (1.14 ± 0.22/100 000/year). This resulted in a higher overall rAAA related mortality in Portugal in the third period (2.20 ± 0.18/100 000/year, 2.21 ± 0.27/100 000/year and 2.26 ± 0.26/100 000/year in 2000-2004, 2005-2009, and 2010-2015, respectively, p < .001). CONCLUSION: Overall, the incidence of rAAA in Portugal has been stable over the past 10 years. The rates of admission, repair, and death due to rAAA repair seem to have reached an inflection point and are now decreasing. Mortality outside the hospital remains a matter of concern, warranting further planning of streamlined transfer networks and vascular surgical departments.

Novel Biomarkers for Evaluation of Endothelial Dysfunction.

Endothelial dysfunction is one of the earliest indicators of cardiovascular (CV) dysfunction, and its evaluation would be of considerable importance to stratify CV risk of many diseases and to assess the efficacy of atheroprotective treatments. Flow-mediated dilation is the most widely used method to study endothelial function. However, it is operator-dependent and can be influenced by physiological variations. Circulating biomarkers are a promising alternative. Due to the complexity of endothelial function, many of the biomarkers studied do not provide consistent information about the endothelium when measured alone. New circulating markers are being explored and some of them are thought to be suitable for the clinical setting. In this review, we focus on novel biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction, particularly endothelial microparticles, endocan, and endoglin, and discuss whether they fulfill the criteria to be applied in clinical practice.

Parallel Graft Technique in a Complex Aortic Aneurysm: The Value of Intra-operative Flexibility from The Original Operative Plan.

INTRODUCTION: The parallel grafting technique (PGT) is a valuable alternative to prefabricated branched or fenestrated endovascular aortic repair. An often overlooked advantage of PGT is its unique adaptability to different anatomical challenges that might appear intra-operatively. REPORT: A 72 year old male patient presented with a 60 mm thoracic aneurysm, 59 mm juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm, and 32 mm common iliac aneurysm (CIAA). Thoracic endovascular aortic repair plus endovascular aortic repair with bilateral renal artery chimneys and CIAA exclusion applying the sandwich technique was proposed. Because of unfavourable angulation it was not possible to achieve selective left renal catheterisation via axillary access. Changing to a femoral approach allowed successful retrograde catheterisation. The procedure ended with a chimney for the right renal artery and a periscope for the left renal artery. The final angiogram showed no endoleaks and renal and hypogastric patency. The patient was discharged three days after the procedure and remains under ultrasound surveillance after 40 months because of a small type two endoleak. CONCLUSION: When using a prefabricated branched device, the possibility of selectively catheterising a visceral branch often has no straightforward solution. However, parallel grafting is an extremely flexible technique, which was of paramount importance for the surgical outcome of the present case.

Disparities in Contemporary Treatment Rates of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Across Western Countries.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Several abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening programs have demonstrated a similar prevalence of this disease in Westerns countries, ranging from 1.2% to 2.8%. However, the annual rate of AAA repair is significantly less even, and its relationship to AAA prevalence is not clear. The objective was to perform a systematic review, describing an international overview in the yearly rate of AAA repairs. METHODS: The number of elective and emergency AAA repairs was obtained via thorough review of publications indexed in PubMed and Scopus from 2010 to October 2018. Portuguese data were obtained from the national administrative database of health care. Data from the UK were extracted from the National Vascular Registry's 2015 annual report. Each country's population was assessed from published national censuses, thus allowing estimation of the number of AAAs treated per 100,000 habitants. RESULTS: Data from 14 countries were obtained. The yearly number of elective operations per 100,000 habitants was 2.2 in Hungary, 3.8 in Portugal, 5.3 in Spain, 5.9 in Iceland, 6.5 in Finland, 7.0 in New Zealand, 7.8 in the UK, 10.0 in Denmark, 10.2 in Sweden, 13.3 in the USA, 14.8 in Norway, 15.3 in the Netherlands, 15.6 in Italy, and 17.3 in Germany. The yearly rate of ruptured repairs was 0.5 in Hungary, 1.5 in Portugal, 1.8 in Spain, 1.7 in Iceland, 1.7 in Finland, 1.3 in New Zealand, 1.8 in the UK, 3.3 in Denmark (2013), 2.7 in Sweden (2013), 1.7 in the USA, 2.1 in Norway, 3.1 in the Netherlands, 2.3 in Italy, and 2.7 in Germany. CONCLUSION: The rate of AAA treatment is highly variable, with a nearly eightfold variance between the countries with the highest and lowest rates of elective repair. Correlation between elective and ruptured repairs was not clear. A deeper understanding of the reasons for the disparities in AAA treatment among Western countries is of the utmost importance.

Vascular training does matter in the outcomes of saphenous high ligation and stripping.

OBJECTIVE: Varicose vein (VV) surgery is frequently performed by surgeons without formal vascular training. We aimed to compare the outcomes of the procedure based on the background of the surgeon. METHODS: All patients registered with VV surgery between 2004 and 2016 in Portuguese public hospitals were included in the study. Intrahospital outcomes were assessed from this administrative database. A random multicenter sample of 315 patients submitted to saphenous high ligation and stripping (175 patients from six vascular surgery departments and 140 patients from five general surgery divisions) were further queried over the phone, whereby additional nonregistered outcomes were evaluated: preoperative venous ultrasound, impact on quality of life by the 14-item Chronic Venous Insufficiency Quality of Life Questionnaire, visual analogue scale evaluation (score of 1 to 5) of the aesthetic results and general satisfaction, work absence days, and time to return to physical activities. RESULTS: In 13 years, there were 153,382 patients submitted to VV surgery. Of these, 49% were operated on by general surgeons and 40% by vascular surgeons; in 11%, it was not possible to identify the specialty performing the operation. Twenty-three deaths were registered (no differences between groups). In the general surgery group, 14% of patients were hospitalized for more than one night compared with 3% in the vascular group (P < .001). Reintervention rate during the period analyzed was significantly higher in the general surgery group (13.5% vs 8.2%; P < .001). Rate of outpatient surgery was higher in the vascular surgery group (60% vs 36%; P < .001). Phone query revealed similar overall satisfaction and improvement in quality of life in both groups (4.2 vs 4.0 [P = .275] and 35% vs 36% [P = .745], respectively). However, patients operated on by general surgeons reported worse surgical scars (2.8 vs 2.1; P = .007), higher number of residual VVs (2.4 vs 1.7; P = .006), and higher number of days absent from work (40 vs 27 days; P = .005) and took longer to resume physical activities (60 vs 41 days; P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite that the majority of VV surgery in Portugal is executed by general surgeons, this study highlights important advantages when it is performed by surgeons with vascular training.

First Population-Based Screening of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in Portugal.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repairs in Portugal is one of the lowest mentioned in the literature. This phenomenon can be justified either by a low prevalence of the disease or by its low detection rate. To date, the prevalence of the pathology is unknown. The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of AAA and its associated risk factors, in men aged ≥65 years and to evaluate the population's disease awareness. METHODS: All males aged ≥65 years registered in a Portuguese primary health care unit were invited to participate. The abdominal aorta was measured by ultrasound (inner to inner method). Concomitant risk factors and patient's AAA awareness were also assessed. An aortic diameter >30 mm was considered aneurysmatic. RESULTS: Nine hundred thirty-three patients were invited for the screening. Of these, 715 participated in the study (participation rate of 76.6%). The AAA prevalence in this sample was 2.1%. Eighty-five percent of the evaluated patients had never heard of the disease before. The mean age of the assessed population was 72.3 years; Multiple logistic regression analysis showed a positive association between AAA and history of smoking (odds ratio [OR] 8.8, P = 0.037) and history of dyslipidemia (OR 9.6, P = 0.035). A negative association was found between diabetes and AAA (OR 0.33, P = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: The found prevalence shows that a significant number of potentially fatal AAAs remains to be diagnosed in Portugal. These results highlight the need for an effective program of AAA detection in Portugal. The lack of awareness in the Portuguese population for this pathology should also prompt reflexion.

Simplified hybrid repair with true lumen recycling for retrograde renovisceral perfusion in a complex chronic aortic dissection.

A 59-year-old man was referred with complicated chronic type B aortic dissection. Despite the false lumen's being dominant in terms of caliber and limb perfusion, visceral arteries originated in a 9-mm true lumen. A staged approach was performed: open aortobi-iliac bypass with preservation of both lumens to the infrarenal aorta, with reinforcement of the aorta and anastomosis with Dacron (wrap technique); exclusion of the dissection by endografting all of the false lumen with three successive thoracic endoprostheses; and maintenance of true lumen perfusion using two periscopes with self-expanding nitinol stents. The patient remains asymptomatic after 1 year of follow-up.

Stretch-induced compliance: a novel adaptive biological mechanism following acute cardiac load.

Aims: The heart is constantly challenged with acute bouts of stretching or overload. Systolic adaptations to these challenges are known but adaptations in diastolic stiffness remain unknown. We evaluated adaptations in myocardial stiffness due to acute stretching and characterized the underlying mechanisms. Methods and results: Left ventricles (LVs) of intact rat hearts, rabbit papillary muscles and myocardial strips from cardiac surgery patients were stretched. After stretching, there was a sustained >40% decrease in end-diastolic pressure (EDP) or passive tension (PT) for 15 min in all species and experimental preparations. Stretching by volume loading in volunteers and cardiac surgery patients resulted in E/E' and EDP decreases, respectively, after sustained stretching. Stretched samples had increased myocardial cGMP levels, increased phosphorylated vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein phosphorylation, as well as, increased titin phosphorylation, which was reduced by prior protein kinase G (PKG) inhibition (PKGi). Skinned cardiomyocytes from stretched and non-stretched myocardia were studied. Skinned cardiomyocytes from stretched hearts showed decreased PT, which was abrogated by protein phosphatase incubation; whereas those from non-stretched hearts decreased PT after PKG incubation. Pharmacological studies assessed the role of nitric oxide (NO) and natriuretic peptides (NPs). PT decay after stretching was significantly reduced by combined NP antagonism, NO synthase inhibition and NO scavenging, or by PKGi. Response to stretching was remarkably reduced in a rat model of LV hypertrophy, which also failed to increase titin phosphorylation. Conclusions: We describe and translate to human physiology a novel adaptive mechanism, partly mediated by titin phosphorylation through cGMP-PKG signalling, whereby myocardial compliance increases in response to acute stretching. This mechanism may not function in the hypertrophic heart.

The Role of Endothelial Dysfunction and Inflammation in Chronic Venous Disease.

Chronic venous disease is a potentially prevalent and debilitating condition affecting millions of individuals, mostly in Western world. Predisposing genetic and environmental factors contribute to its development. However, the main etiology remains to be elucidated. An extensive literature search was conducted in Medline using the following key words algorithm: ("Chronic venous disease" OR "Chronic venous insufficiency" OR "varicose veins") AND ("endothelial dysfunction" OR "inflammation"). Besides being a multifactorial disease, it is now recognized that the hallmark of chronic venous disease pathophysiology likely remains in inflammation, possibly triggered by sustained venous hypertension and valvular incompetence. Shear stress changes are directly sensed by endothelial cells, leading to its activation and subsequent recruitment of leukocytes and release of proinflammatory agents. Dysfunctional endothelium has a pivotal role perpetuating the inflammatory cascade, with consequent pathological venous changes and chronic venous disease worsening. Endothelial dysfunction may be the central player in the link between varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis. In this article, we aim to analyze the crucial role of endothelial activation in the persistent inflammatory cycle that characterizes chronic venous disease.

Outcomes After Catheter Direct Thrombolysis for Acute Limb Ischaemia - Single Center Experience.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcome of catheter directed thrombolysis (CDT) in acute lower limb ischaemia depending on the underlying etiology. METHODS: Retrospective single center analysis of electronic clinical data on patients with acute lower limb ischaemia treated with CDT. Between January 2011 and September 2017, 128 procedures in 106 patients were included. The etiology of ischaemia was native artery thrombosis in 39 procedures (30,5%), PTFE graft thrombosis in 56 (43,8%), intra-stent thrombosis in 11 (8,6%), emboly in 9 (7%), popliteal aneurysm thrombosis in 9 (7%), vein graft thrombosis in 2 (1,6%) and popliteal artery entrapment in 2 (1,6%). RESULTS: Median follow-up time was 14 months [range: 6-31], during which 22% needed further intervention. The need for reintervention was 27,6% in native artery thrombosis group, 65,2% in PTFE graft thrombosis group, 18,2% in intra- stent thrombosis group. No reinterventions occurred neither in popliteal aneurysm group or emboly group. Amputation free survival was 83,3% (SE 4,6%) at 27 months and cumulative incidence of death was 10,1% (SE 5,2%) at 32 months, with no differences between the groups. CONCLUSION: Intra-arterial thrombolytic therapy achieves good mid-term clinical outcomes, reducing obviating the need to open surgical treatment in many patients. These results support the choice for CDT as a valid option in acute limb ischaemia of several etiologies.

Endovascular Treatment of Proper Hepatic Artery Aneurysm - Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatic artery aneurysms (HAAs) are rare, representing about 0.1-2% of all arterial aneurysms. They are the second most common splanchnic aneurysms, after splenic artery aneurysms. They have the highest rate of rupture among all splanchnic artery aneurysms and frequently become symptomatic. METHODS: To present a case of a hepatic artery aneurysm treated by endovascular technique. RESULTS: A 65-year old man who had a medical history of hypertension, dyslipidemia and smoking, with an incidental finding on a CT imaging of a hepatic artery aneurysm (maximum diameter 75mm) was admitted for selective arteriography and treatment. He was asymptomatic. We proceeded to aneurysm exclusion with a self-expandable covered stent (Viabahn®) 6x100mm. Final angiography revealed permeability of right hepatic artery, splenic artery and gastroduodenal artery, and no visible endoleaks. He was discharged on the 4th postoperative day, asymptomatic and without analytic changes. On a 6 months follow-up, CT-angio confirmed a fully patent stent with no visible endoleaks and complete aneurysm exclusion. CONCLUSION: HAAs should be diagnosed before rupture. Abdominal pain, bleeding or compression may be the first symptoms. Exclusion by endovascular techniques, namely through covered- stent use, may be a good option.

True Brachial Artery Aneurysm after Arteriovenous Fistula for Hemodialysis - Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Brachial artery aneurysms are relatively uncommon and generally due to infectious, post-traumatic or iatrogenic etiology. They seem to affect 4.5% of arteriovenous fistula. The usual manifestation is an accidental finding of a pulsatile, painless, and asymptomatic mass. Complications include sac thrombosis, thromboembolic ischaemic events, and disruption with profuse bleeding. METHODS: The aim of this study is to present a case of true brachial artery aneurysm in end-stage renal disease patient after arteriovenous fistula creation. RESULTS: Sixty-six-year-old men with a past medical history of hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking and poliquistic renal disease. He started a hemodialysis program in March 2006, using a brachiocephalic fistula on the left upper limb, built in February 2005. Submitted to kidney transplant in June 2010 and subsequent fistula ligation in December 2012. He goes to the emergency service in June 2016 with a pulsatile mass on the medial aspect of the left arm. Pain, redness and heat were present. Radial pulse was palpable. Inflammatory parameters were high and ultrasound revealed a fusiform aneurysm of the brachial artery with partial thrombosis and triphasic flow. An MRI was performed, documenting a brachial artery aneurysm, with 44mm greatest diameter and an extension of 17.5cm. Patient was hospitalized under antibiotic therapy and submitted to a reversed great saphenous vein interposition graft. Discharge from hospital occurred on the 7th postoperative day, with no sensitive or motor deficits and a present radial pulse. CONCLUSION: Arterial aneurysm is a rare, but significant complication long after the creation of a hemodialysis access. High flow, immunosuppression and increased resistance following ligation of the AV fistula may accelerate this process.

Quality of life and aortobifemoral bypass: The importance of hypogastric arteries.

INTRODUCTION: The aortobifemoral bypass (AFB) is one of the best options to revascularize patients with Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease (AIOD). The impact of this procedure in sexual function (SF) is unpredictable, with 0 to 80% of the patients reporting sexual dysfunction (SD) after surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate SD after AFB and to assess the importance of patent hypogastric arteries before the procedure. METHODS: The study includes only male population submitted to AFB due to AIOD from between January 2013 and March 2016 in Centro Hospital São João (CHSJ). Patients with major amputations after the surgery or dead were excluded. The development of SD was evaluated by phone call. The quality of life before and after the procedure was evaluated by a standardized index score questionnaire (15D). Pre-operative patency of hypogastric arteries was appraised by assessing the patients imaging file. The arteries with direct anterograde flow were considered patent. RESULTS: Of a total of 53 patients, 40 were included in the study - 37% reported worsening, 26% improved and 37% didn't notice any change in SF after surgery. Exclusion causes were intrahospital death (5.7%), natural cause death (9.4%) and major amputation (11.3%). If at least one of the hypogastric arteries was patent before surgery, 51.1% described worsening in SF compared to only 7.1% in the group with no sustained anterograde flow to the hypogastric arteries (p<0.001). The majority of the group (92.1%), wasn't warned of the possibility of SD after surgery, being that 26.3% of these would have refused the procedure if they knew. CONCLUSION: SD is a prevalent and often overlooked complication after open aortoiliac revascularization and it remains a major taboo in the surgeon/patient relation. The existence of at least one hypogastric artery with preserved anterograde flow before surgery can strongly predict a higher risk of SD after surgery.

Introdução: O bypass aortobifemoral (BABF) é uma das melhores opções para revascularizar doentes com patologia aorto-ilíaca oclusiva. O impacto deste procedimento na função sexual é particularmente imprevisível, com 0 a 80% dos doentes a relatar deterioração após a cirurgia. Este trabalho tem como objectivo determinar a evolução da função sexual após BABF e avaliar a importância da permeabilidade pré-operatória das artérias hipogástricas. Métodos: No estudo estão incluídos apenas os doentes do sexo masculino que realizaram BABF por patologia aorto-ilíaca oclusiva entre Janeiro de 2013 e Março de 2016 no Centro Hospitalar São João (CHSJ). Foram excluídos os doentes submetidos a amputação major após a cirurgia. A evolução da função sexual foi avaliada por contacto telefónico. A evolução da qualidade de vida, antes e após a cirurgia, foi avaliada por um questionário padronizado (15D). A permeabilidade pré-operatória das artérias hipogástricas foi avaliada por consulta do processo clínico. Foram consideradas patentes as artérias com fluxo anterógrado directo. Resultados: Foram incluídos no estudo 40 doentes de um total de 53 ­ 37% reportaram agravamento, 26% melhoria e 37% não referiram qualquer alteração da função sexual após a cirurgia. As causas de exclusão foram morte intra-hospitalar (5,7%), morte de causas naturais (9,4%) e amputação major (11,3%). Dos doentes que apresentavam no mínimo uma artéria hipogástrica permeável antes da cirurgia, 57,1% agravou a função sexual, em comparação com apenas 7,1% dos doentes em que nenhuma hipogástrica apresentava fluxo anterógrado preservado (p<0,001). A maior parte dos doentes (92,1%) não foi alertado para o facto da sua função sexual poder deteriorar-se após a cirurgia, sendo que 26,3% teria recusado o procedimento caso tivessem obtido essa informação. Conclusão: A disfunção sexual após a cirurgia de revascularização aorto-ilíaca permanece um tema tabu na relação entre o doente e o cirurgião vascular. A existência de pelo menos uma artéria hipogástrica com fluxo anterógrado preservado antes da cirurgia poderá antever um risco significativamente maior de agravamento da disfunção sexual após o procedimento.

[Career Satisfaction of Medical Residents in Portugal]. / Satisfação com a Especialidade entre os Internos da Formação Específica em Portugal.

INTRODUCTION: The satisfaction with the medical profession has been identified as an essential factor for the quality of care, the wellbeing of patients and the healthcare systems' stability. Recent studies have emphasized a growing discontent of physicians, mainly as a result of changes in labor relations. OBJECTIVES: To assess the perception of Portuguese medical residents about: correspondence of residency with previous expectations; degree of satisfaction with the specialty, profession and place of training; reasons for dissatisfaction; opinion regarding clinical practice in Portugal and emigration intents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Data collection was conducted through the "Satisfaction with Specialization Survey", created in an online platform, designed for this purpose, between May and August 2014. RESULTS: From a total population of 5788 medical residents, 804 (12.25 %) responses were obtained. From this sample, 77% of the responses were from residents in the first three years. Results showed that 90% of the residents are satisfied with their specialty, 85% with the medical profession and 86% with their place of training. Nevertheless, results showed a decrease in satisfaction over the final years of residency. The overall assessment of the clinical practice scenario in Portugal was negative and 65% of residents have plans to emigrate after completing their residency. CONCLUSION: Portuguese residents revealed high satisfaction levels regarding their profession. However, their views on Portuguese clinical practice and the results concerning the intent to emigrate highlight the need to take steps to reverse this scenario.

Introdução: A satisfação com a profissão médica tem sido apontada como um fator essencial para a qualidade assistencial, o bemestar dos doentes e a estabilidade dos sistemas de saúde. Estudos recentes têm vindo a enfatizar um crescente descontentamento dos médicos, principalmente como consequência das alterações das relações laborais.Objetivos: Avaliar a perceção dos médicos de formação específica em Portugal, sobre as expectativas e grau de satisfação com a profissão, especialidade e local de formação; razões da insatisfação e intenção de emigrar.Material e Métodos: Estudo transversal. A colheita de dados foi efetuada entre Maio e Agosto de 2014 através de um Inquérito online sobre a âÄúSatisfação com a EspecialidadeâÄù.Resultados: De uma população total de 5788 médicos, foram obtidas 804 respostas (12,25% do total de médicos internos). Desta amostra, 77% das respostas correspondem a internos dos três primeiros anos de formação. Verificou-se que 90% dos médicos se encontram satisfeitos com a especialidade, tendo-se encontrado também níveis elevados de satisfação com a profissão (85%) e local de formação (86%). Por outro lado, constatou-se que estes diminuíam com a progressão ao longo dos anos de internato. A avaliação global sobre o panorama da prática médica foi negativa e 65% dos médicos responderam que consideram emigrar após conclusão do internato.Conclusão: Os médicos internos em Portugal apresentam níveis positivos de satisfação com a sua profissão. No entanto, a sua opinião sobre o panorama da Medicina e os resultados relativos à intenção de emigrar alertam para a necessidade de tomada de medidas para inverter este cenário.

Acute Myocardial Response to Stretch: What We (don't) Know.

Myocardial stretch, as result of acute hemodynamic overload, is one of the most frequent challenges to the heart and the ability of the heart to intrinsically adapt to it is essential to prevent circulatory congestion. In this review, we highlight the historical background, the currently known mechanisms, as well as the gaps in the understanding of this physiological response. The systolic adaptation to stretch is well-known for over 100 years, being dependent on an immediate increase in contractility-known as the Frank-Starling mechanism-and a further progressive increase-the slow force response. On the other hand, its diastolic counterpart remains largely unstudied. Mechanosensors are structures capable of perceiving mechanical signals and activating pathways that allow their transduction into biochemical responses. Although the connection between these structures and stretch activated pathways remains elusive, we emphasize those most likely responsible for the initiation of the acute response. Calcium-dependent pathways, including angiotensin- and endothelin-related pathways; and cGMP-dependent pathways, comprising the effects of nitric oxide and cardiac natriuretic hormones, embody downstream signaling. The ischemic setting, a paradigmatic situation of acute hemodynamic overload, is also touched upon. Despite the relevant knowledge accumulated, there is much that we still do not know. The quest for further understanding the myocardial response to acute stretch may provide new insights, not only in its physiological importance, but also in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.