Our clinical experiences of vascular injuries due to lumbar disc surgeries.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate emergency vascular complications of the lumbar disc reconstructive surgery in this study. METHOD: Between March 2006 and February 2020, nine patients (six males and three females; mean age: 53.4 ± 9.6 years; range: 38-64 years) who underwent emergent vascular intervention during lumbar spinal disc reconstructive surgery in our clinic were included in this retrospective study. RESULT: The left common iliac artery injury, the left common iliac artery and left common iliac vein injuries, bilateral common iliac artery and abdominal aortic injuries, and vena cava inferior injury with left common iliac vein and right common iliac vein injuries were detected in two, three, two, and two patients, respectively. In addition, 16 mm Dacron tube graft interposition and graft patch plasty were performed in one and two patients who had an abdominal aortic injury, respectively. Also, 8 mm polytetrafluoroethylene straight graft interposition was performed in two patients with left common iliac artery injury, and lateral wall repair was performed in other patients. Graft patch plasty and 8 mm polytetrafluoroethylene graft interposition were performed in one patient with vena cava inferior injury and left common iliac vein injury, respectively. Also, lateral wall repair was performed in other patients with venous injuries. Deep venous thrombosis had developed in three patients, and one patient of these had a pulmonary embolism. CONCLUSION: The incidence of vascular injury after the lumbar disc surgery is relatively low; however, the emergency vascular operation should be performed as soon as possible.

Comparison of standard balloon and drug-coated balloon angioplasty in patients with the below-the-knee peripheral artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the interventions of percutaneous transluminal drug-coated balloon angioplasty (DCB PTA) and standard PTA in the treatment of patients with the below-the-knee peripheral artery disease (BTK PAD). METHODS: Overall, 196 patients (113 males and 83 females; mean age: 63.56±11.94 years; 45-83 years) were treated with PTA for BTK PAD between June 2014 and March 2019. RESULT: Standard PTA (group 1; 96 patients) and DCB PTA (group 2; 100 patients) results were analyzed and compared retrospectively. No statistically significant difference was found between the mean ages of group 1 and 2 patients (p=0.371, p>0.05). Demographic and clinical data were compared and no any statistically significant differences was found between the two groups. Comparing in terms of the iliac lesion, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. However, a statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of frequency of popliteal lesions (p=0.001; p<0.05). There was not a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of other lesions. In addition, limb salvage rates were 82.0% (18 amputations) and 65.6% (33 amputations) in the drug-release balloon group and the naked balloon group, at the end of 1 year, respectively. No distal embolism, limb-threatening ischemia, and mortality were observed in any patients. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this study, patients in the DCB group had significantly higher rates of primary patency as compared with the other patients.

Comparison of standard balloon and drug-coated balloon angioplasty in patients with the below-the-knee peripheral artery disease

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the interventions of percutaneous transluminal drug-coated balloon angioplasty (DCB PTA) and standard PTA in the treatment of patients with the below-the-knee peripheral artery disease (BTK PAD). METHODS: Overall, 196 patients (113 males and 83 females; mean age: 63.56±11.94 years; 45-83 years) were treated with PTA for BTK PAD between June 2014 and March 2019. RESULT: Standard PTA (group 1; 96 patients) and DCB PTA (group 2; 100 patients) results were analyzed and compared retrospectively. No statistically significant difference was found between the mean ages of group 1 and 2 patients (p=0.371, p>0.05). Demographic and clinical data were compared and no any statistically significant differences was found between the two groups. Comparing in terms of the iliac lesion, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. However, a statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of frequency of popliteal lesions (p=0.001; p<0.05). There was not a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of other lesions. In addition, limb salvage rates were 82.0% (18 amputations) and 65.6% (33 amputations) in the drug-release balloon group and the naked balloon group, at the end of 1 year, respectively. No distal embolism, limb-threatening ischemia, and mortality were observed in any patients. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this study, patients in the DCB group had significantly higher rates of primary patency as compared with the other patients.

Cardiac and extra-cardiac pathologies in patients with acute arterial occlusion.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate cardiac and extra-cardiac pathologies in patients who were operated for acute arterial occlusion. METHODS: Between March 2010 and March 2018, a total of 120 patients who underwent surgical treatment for acute arterial occlusion were included in this retrospective study. RESULTS: 84 (70%) and 27 (22. 5%) of the patients had cardiac and extra-cardiac pathologies, respectively. In 9 (7. 5%) of the cases, no reason for arterial occlusion could be found. Pure atrial fibrillation was found in 39 (32. 5%) patients. Atrial fibrillation and cardiac valvular pathologies were detected in 45 patients (37. 5%). Among those with a cardiac valvular pathology, 9 patients (7. 5%) had pure mitral stenosis, 21 patients (17. 5%) had moderate to advanced mitral stenosis with tricuspid regurgitation, 9 patients (7. 5%) had 20-30 mitral regurgitation with 30 tricuspid regurgitation, 3 patients (2. 5%) had moderate mitral stenosis, 30-40 tricuspid regurgitation and 20-30 aortic stenosis, and 3 patients (2. 5%) had 30 mitral regurgitation, 10- 20 tricuspid regurgitation, calcific moderate aortic stenosis, and coronary artery disease. Among those 27 patients with an extra-cardiac pathology, 21 patients (22. 5%) had peripheral artery disease, 3 patients (2.5%) had an abdominal aortic aneurysm, and 3 patients (2. 5%) had Behçet's Disease. CONCLUSION: Cardiac and extra-cardiac pathologies should be kept in mind in patients with acute arterial occlusion. Thus, detected pathologies could be treated, and the development of additional peripheral emboli could be prevented.

Cardiac and extra-cardiac pathologies in patients with acute arterial occlusion

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate cardiac and extra-cardiac pathologies in patients who were operated for acute arterial occlusion. METHODS: Between March 2010 and March 2018, a total of 120 patients who underwent surgical treatment for acute arterial occlusion were included in this retrospective study. RESULTS: 84 (70%) and 27 (22. 5%) of the patients had cardiac and extra-cardiac pathologies, respectively. In 9 (7. 5%) of the cases, no reason for arterial occlusion could be found. Pure atrial fibrillation was found in 39 (32. 5%) patients. Atrial fibrillation and cardiac valvular pathologies were detected in 45 patients (37. 5%). Among those with a cardiac valvular pathology, 9 patients (7. 5%) had pure mitral stenosis, 21 patients (17. 5%) had moderate to advanced mitral stenosis with tricuspid regurgitation, 9 patients (7. 5%) had 20-30 mitral regurgitation with 30 tricuspid regurgitation, 3 patients (2. 5%) had moderate mitral stenosis, 30-40 tricuspid regurgitation and 20-30 aortic stenosis, and 3 patients (2. 5%) had 30 mitral regurgitation, 10- 20 tricuspid regurgitation, calcific moderate aortic stenosis, and coronary artery disease. Among those 27 patients with an extra-cardiac pathology, 21 patients (22. 5%) had peripheral artery disease, 3 patients (2.5%) had an abdominal aortic aneurysm, and 3 patients (2. 5%) had Behçet's Disease. CONCLUSION: Cardiac and extra-cardiac pathologies should be kept in mind in patients with acute arterial occlusion. Thus, detected pathologies could be treated, and the development of additional peripheral emboli could be prevented.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: O objetivo do estudo é investigar patologias cardíacas e extracardíacas em pacientes operados por oclusão arterial aguda. MÉTODOS: Entre março de 2010 e março de 2018, um total de 120 pacientes submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico para oclusão arterial aguda foram incluídos neste estudo retrospectivo. RESULTADOS: Dos pacientes incluídos, 84 (70%) e 27 (22.5%) apresentavam, respectivamente, patologias cardíacas e extracardíacas. Em 9 (7.5%) dos casos, nenhuma cause para a oclusão arterial foi encontrada. Fibrilação atrial isolada foi encontrada em 39 (32.5%) pacientes. Fibrilação atrial e valvopatias cardíacas foram detectadas em 45 pacientes (37.5%). Entre aqueles com valvopatias cardíacas, 9 (7.5%) tinham estenose mitral isolada, 21 (17. 5%) tinham estenose mitral moderada a avançada com regurgitação tricúspide, 9 (7. 5%) tinham 2°-3° de regurgitação mitral com 3o regurgitação tricúspide, 3 (2. 5%) tinham estenose mitral moderada, 3°-4° regurgitação tricúspide e 2°-3° estenose aórtica, e 3 (2.5%) tinham 3o mitral, 1°- 2° regurgitação tricúspide moderada, estenose aórtica moderada calcificada e doença coronariana. Entre os 27 pacientes com patologia extracardíaca, 21 (22.5%) tinham doença arterial periférica, 3 (2,5%) tinham aneurisma da aorta abdominal, e 3 (2.5%) tinham Doença de Behçet. CONCLUSÃO: Patologias cardíacas e extracardíacas devem ser consideradas em pacientes com oclusão arterial aguda. Assim, patologias detectadas podem ser tratadas e o desenvolvimento de trombos periféricos adicionais pode ser evitado.

Evaluation of liquid or foam sclerotherapy in small varicose veins (ceap c1) with venous clinical severity score.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of liquid or foam sclerotherapy of varicose veins using venous clinical severity scores and possible complications. METHODS: A total of 318 patients (268 females, 50 males) who were treated with liquid or foam sclerotherapy between January 2012 and December 2012 were included in this study. RESULTS: Skin necrosis was observed in only 6 patients (1. 8%), thrombophlebitis in 10 patients (3. 1%), and hyperpigmentation in 18 patients (5. 6%) in this study group. The mean venous clinical severity score was calculated as: pain score, 1. 23 ± 0.88; varicose vein score,1.85 ± 0. 8; edema score, 0.64 ± 0.77). Pain and edema decreased at the control examination, 1 month after completion of sclerotherapy sessions. Varicose veins completely disappeared after sclerotherapy. While the decrease in edema in the foam sclerotherapy group was significantly less (P<0.001), the decline in pain showed an increasing trend (P=0.069). While skin necrosis did not develop after foam sclerotherapy, rates of pigmentation and local thrombophlebitis were similar (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we observed that both sclerotherapy methods are effective with a low rate of complications, alleviating the complaints of patients with small varicose veins, and providing considerable improvement in venous clinical severity scores.

Evaluation of liquid or foam sclerotherapy in small varicose veins (ceap c1) with venous clinical severity score

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of liquid or foam sclerotherapy of varicose veins using venous clinical severity scores and possible complications. METHODS: A total of 318 patients (268 females, 50 males) who were treated with liquid or foam sclerotherapy between January 2012 and December 2012 were included in this study. RESULTS: Skin necrosis was observed in only 6 patients (1. 8%), thrombophlebitis in 10 patients (3. 1%), and hyperpigmentation in 18 patients (5. 6%) in this study group. The mean venous clinical severity score was calculated as: pain score, 1. 23 ± 0.88; varicose vein score,1.85 ± 0. 8; edema score, 0.64 ± 0.77). Pain and edema decreased at the control examination, 1 month after completion of sclerotherapy sessions. Varicose veins completely disappeared after sclerotherapy. While the decrease in edema in the foam sclerotherapy group was significantly less (P<0.001), the decline in pain showed an increasing trend (P=0.069). While skin necrosis did not develop after foam sclerotherapy, rates of pigmentation and local thrombophlebitis were similar (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we observed that both sclerotherapy methods are effective with a low rate of complications, alleviating the complaints of patients with small varicose veins, and providing considerable improvement in venous clinical severity scores.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Nosso objetivo foi avaliar a eficácia de líquido ou espuma na escleroterapia de varizes por meio de escores de gravidade clínica venosa e possíveis complicações. MÉTODOS: Um total de 318 pacientes (268 do sexo feminino, 50 do sexo masculino) tratados com escleroterapia com espuma ou líquido entre janeiro de 2012 e dezembro de 2012 foi incluído neste estudo. RESULTADOS: Necrose da pele foi observada em apenas seis pacientes (1,8%), tromboflebite em dez pacientes (3,1%) e hiperpigmentação em 18 pacientes (5,6%) neste grupo de estudo. A média do escore de gravidade clínica venosa foi calculado como: dor pontuação 1,23±0,88, veia varicosa pontuação 1,85±0,8, edema pontuação 0,64±0,77. Dor e edema reduzido no exame de controle um mês após a conclusão das sessões de escleroterapia. Varizes desapareceram completamente após a escleroterapia. Enquanto a diminuição do edema no grupo de escleroterapia com espuma foi significativamente menor (P<0,001), o decréscimo do nível de dor mostrou uma tendência a ser maior (P=0,069). Ainda que necrose da pele não tenha se desenvolvido após escleroterapia com espuma, as taxas de pigmentação e tromboflebite local foram semelhantes (P>0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Observou-se que ambos os métodos de escleroterapia são eficazes, com baixa taxa de complicações, aliviando as queixas de pacientes com varizes pequenas, e proporcionando uma melhora considerável nos escores de gravidade clínica venosa.

Clinical correlation of biopsy results in patients with temporal arteritis

Summary Objective: Temporal arteritis is systemic vasculitis of medium and large sized vessels. The lowest incidence rates were reported in Turkey, Japan and Israel. We aimed to investigate the results of patients with biopsy-proven temporal arteritis and those classified according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria from a low-incidence region for temporal arteritis. The results of our study are noteworthy, since there is limited data on pathologic diagnosis of temporal arteritis in Turkey. Method: We studied the medical records, laboratory findings such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels, biopsy results, and postoperative complications of all the patients operated for temporal artery biopsy at our clinic. We used the computerized laboratory registry that keeps all records of 42 consecutive temporal artery biopsy results from January 2011 to December 2016. Results: The mean age was 66±12.5 years. The most common manifestations on admission were temporal headache, optic neuritis and jaw claudication, respectively. Temporal artery biopsy results confirmed tempoal arteritis in eight out of 42 (19%) patients. There was no statistically significant difference between biopsy-positive and biopsy-negative groups in terms of sex, age, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and biopsy length. Conclusion: We were not able to find a correlation between the analysis of biopsy results and clinical evaluation of patients with temporal arteritis. We suggest that diagnosis of temporal arteritis depends on clinical suspicion. Laboratory examination results may not be helpful in accurate diagnosis of tempoal arteritis.

Clinical correlation of biopsy results in patients with temporal arteritis.

OBJECTIVE: Temporal arteritis is systemic vasculitis of medium and large sized vessels. The lowest incidence rates were reported in Turkey, Japan and Israel. We aimed to investigate the results of patients with biopsy-proven temporal arteritis and those classified according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria from a low-incidence region for temporal arteritis. The results of our study are noteworthy, since there is limited data on pathologic diagnosis of temporal arteritis in Turkey. METHOD: We studied the medical records, laboratory findings such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels, biopsy results, and postoperative complications of all the patients operated for temporal artery biopsy at our clinic. We used the computerized laboratory registry that keeps all records of 42 consecutive temporal artery biopsy results from January 2011 to December 2016. RESULTS: The mean age was 66±12.5 years. The most common manifestations on admission were temporal headache, optic neuritis and jaw claudication, respectively. Temporal artery biopsy  results confirmed tempoal arteritis in eight out of 42 (19%) patients. There was no statistically significant difference between biopsy-positive and biopsy-negative groups in terms of sex, age, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and biopsy length. CONCLUSION: We were not able to find a correlation between the analysis of biopsy results and clinical evaluation of patients with temporal arteritis. We suggest that diagnosis of temporal arteritis  depends on clinical suspicion. Laboratory examination results may not be helpful in accurate diagnosis of tempoal arteritis.

Evaluation of patency following revision technique of high-velocity arteriovenous fistula.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The objective of this study is to report our experience with surgical revision of dialysis access-induced ischemia syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2005 and July 2013, 1254 patients underwent arteriovenous fistula operation, and 86 of them [53 males, mean age: 55 ± 25 (range: 25 to 75) years; 33 females, mean age: 50 ± 20 (range: 30 to 70) years] subsequently developed steal syndrome. These patients were treated with arterial pressure-controlled polytetrafluoroethylene banding or constriction with polypropylene suturing technique. Patients were followed in the outpatient clinic at regular intervals. RESULTS: Symptoms were not relieved during the first 15 days in 4 patients; therefore, reintervention was performed. Thrombosis occurred in one patient after reintervention. No early or late complications were detected in other patients, and fistulae were suitable for hemodialysis. Patency rates at 6 and 12 months were 96% and 92%, respectively, and thrombosis rates were 7% and 9%. There was no hospital mortality in our study, but one patient died from unrelated causes and two other patients quit follow-up after 6 months. CONCLUSION: We think that arterial pressure-controlled surgical revision is an effective and safe technique in patients with fistula-related hand ischemia.

Incidentally detected cardiac cyst hydatid after blunt thoracic trauma.

Cardiac involvement in hydatid disease is more seldom than the involvement of the liver and the lungs. Cardiac cyst hydatid disease is diagnosed incidentally or by means of symptoms such as dyspnea and angina pectoris. Here, we present the case of a 45-year-old male patient who underwent open heart surgery for a randomly detected cardiac cyst hydatid during investigations carried out in a healthcare institution after accidentally falling from height. On the other hand, this patient did not have any complaints associated with hydatid disease before this event.

The relationship between arteriovenous fistula success and inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the most important vascular access method for hemodialysis (HD). In this study, the relationship between AVF success and inflammation in patients who had HD due to end-stage renal failure (ESRF) was investigated. MATERIAL AND METHOD: In the study, a total of 658 patients, who started HD for ESRF, were evaluated retrospectively. A total of 386 patients were included in this study. The demographic data and C-reactive protein, albumin and fibrinogen levels were investigated in patients with recognized success AVF. RESULTS: In total 311 patients with successful AVF and 75 unsuccessful AVFs were found. In unsuccessful AVF group the average low albumin level, high C-reactive protein and fibrinogen levels were found to be statistically meaningful when compared with successful AVF group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: As a result, we think that the evaluation of inflammation before creating AVF in HD patients is very important for increasing the success of AVF.

Incidence of postoperative acute renal failure among violence-related cardiovascular trauma patients: a review of our experience in 117 cases.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the incidence of renal failure and hemodialysis (HD) in postoperative period after cardiovascular surgery associated with trauma. METHODS: One hundred and seventeen cases of violence-related cardiovascular trauma patients had emergent surgery between 1996 and 2009. Cases were reviewed in three main groups: Cardiac trauma in 11 patients (Group A), vascular trauma in 78 patients (Group B), and cardiovascular trauma in 28 patients (Group C). Postoperative incidence of HD requirements with acute renal failure (ARF) was investigated in these groups of patients postoperatively. RESULTS: Multiorgan deficiency developed in 10 patients from Group A, in 45 patients from Group B, and in 26 patients from Group C. Overall mortality was 81 cases in 117 patients. Total hospitalization periods were 21 +/- 2, 17 +/- 3, and 27 +/- 1 days for Group A, Group B, and Group C, respectively. HD administrations were indicated in 3 patients in Group A, 41 patients in Group B, and 9 patients in Group C. No statistically significant difference presented in any study parameter between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiovascular trauma is a common reason for emergent cardiovascular surgery. Postoperative renal failure occurs among these patients in a wide percentage. We strongly advocate a close and detailed follow-up of renal functions in these patients during the hospitalization period and immediate HD at indication.

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome associated with polydactyly.

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) manifests cutaneous vascular nevus, superficial venous varicosities, and hypertrophy of the affected limb. KTS may be associated with other developmental anomalies such as polydactyly, syndactyly, and macrocephaly. We present a case with KTS associated with polydactyly.