[Thigh muscle flaps for postoperative inguinal wound complications in vascular surgery : Sartorius muscle versus rectus femoris muscle]. / Oberschenkelmuskellappen bei inguinalen postoperativen Komplikationen in der Gefäßchirurgie : Musculus sartorius vs. Musculus rectus femoris.

BACKGROUND: Inguinal wound complications often cause postoperative morbidity and also mortality following vascular surgical interventions. The aim of this study was to report experiences and a comparison of the outcomes using rectus femoris muscle flaps (RFF) and sartorius muscle flaps (SMF). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed at two locations of a cross-border vascular center and all muscle flap interventions performed at the two centers within the vascular surgery department were reviewed. Primary outcomes were muscle flap survival, graft salvage and major amputations. RESULTS: A total of 44 RFFs were performed in 39 patients (mean age 67 years, 73% males) and 25 SMFs in 24 patients (mean age 64 years, 76% males). Wound infections were the most common indications for muscle flap reconstruction. At a mean follow-up of 24 months (±24) and 17 months (±20), respectively, comparable flap survival rates (91% vs. 84%), wound healing rates (72% vs. 83%), graft salvage (65% vs. 73%) and amputation rates (9% vs. 8%) were found. CONCLUSION: Muscle flap reconstruction is an effective way to cover groin defects resulting from deep wound infections after vascular surgery, achieving good results in a high-risk group of patients. No differences were found between SMF and RFF regarding amputation and graft loss. Both techniques can be safely performed, depending on the preference and experience of the surgical team. The RFF technique should be preferentially used to cover large tissue defects, whereas the SMF procedure can be preferred to cover smaller defects in the groin.

Elevated Wall Shear Stress in Aortic Type B Dissection May Relate to Retrograde Aortic Type A Dissection: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: Retrograde aortic type A dissection (RTAD) is a known complication in patients with aortic type B dissection. The purpose of this computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study was to identify haemodynamic risk factors for the occurrence of RTAD. METHODS: Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) images of 10 patients with type B dissections, who subsequently developed a RTAD, were retrospectively analysed together with patients constituting a control group (n = 10) where no further vascular events after the initial type B dissection occurred. CFD simulations were conducted based on 3D surface models of the aortic lumen derived from CTA datasets. For both groups, pressures, velocity magnitudes and wall shear stress (WSS) were compared at the site of the future RTAD entry tear and the surrounding aortic wall. RESULTS: WSS at the site of the future entry tear was significantly elevated compared with the surrounding wall (15.10 Pa vs. 5.15 Pa, p < .001) and was significantly higher in the RTAD group than in the control group (6.05 Pa, p < .002). Pressures and velocity magnitudes were not significantly elevated at the entry tear (3825.8 Pa, 0.63 m/s) compared with the aortic arch (3549.8 Pa, 0.50 m/s) or control group (3501.7 Pa, 0.62 m/s). CONCLUSIONS: Increased WSS accompanies the occurrence of RTAD. The results merit the design for a prospective study to confirm whether WSS is a risk factor for the occurrence of RTAD.

[Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm]. / Thorakoabdominelles Aortenaneurysma.

Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA) are rare events with an incidence of 5.9 cases per 100,000 persons per year. In Germany approximately 940 TAAA procedures are performed annually. The cause of TAAA is mostly degenerative but they can also occur on the basis of an aortic dissection or connective tissue disease (e. g. Marfan's syndrome). Patients often have severe comorbidities and suffer from hypertension, coronary heart disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, mostly as a result of smoking. Operative treatment is indicated when the maximum aortic diameter has reached 6 cm (> 5 cm in patients with connective tissue disease) or the aortic diameter rapidly increases (> 5 mm/year). Treatment options are open surgical aortic repair with extracorporeal circulation, endovascular repair with branched/fenestrated endografts and parallel grafts (chimneys) or a combination of open and endovascular procedures (hybrid procedures). Mortality rates after both open and endovascular procedures are approximately 8 % depending on the extent of the repair. Furthermore, there are relevant risks of complications, such as paraplegia (up to 20 %) and the necessity for dialysis. In recent years several approaches to minimize these risks have been proposed. Besides cardiopulmonary risk evaluation, clinical assessment of patients by the physician with respect to the patient-specific anatomy influences the allocation of patients to one treatment option or another. Surgery of TAAA should ideally be performed in high-volume centers in order to achieve better results.

Morphologic predictors of aortic expansion in chronic type B aortic dissection.

AIM: To identify morphologic factors affecting aortic expansion in patients with uncomplicated type B aortic dissections. METHODS: Computed tomography data of 24 patients (18 male; median age: 61 years), diagnosed with acute uncomplicated type B aortic dissections between 2002 and 2013, were retrospectively reviewed. All patients had at least two computed tomography angiography scans and six months of uneventful follow-up. Computed tomography scans were assessed by two independent readers with regard to presence and number of entry tears. Thoracic and abdominal aortic diameters were derived using image processing software. RESULTS: Twenty-two of 24 patients showed aortic expansion over a median computed tomography angiographic follow-up of 33.2 months. Annual rates showed an increase of 1.7 mm for total aortic diameter, 2.1 mm for the false and a decrease of -0.4 mm for the true lumen. In three patients (12.5%), aortic diameter exceeded 60 mm during follow-up, and all three patients underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair. Patients with a maximum aortic diameter <4 cm at baseline showed a significantly higher expansion rate compared to cases with an initial maximum aortic diameter of ≥4 cm (p=0.0471). A median of two entries (range: 1-5) was recognized per patient. Presence of more than two entry tears (n = 13) was associated with faster overall diameter expansion (mean annual rates: 2.18 mm vs. 1.16 mm; p = 0.4556), and decrease of the cross-sectional surface of the true lumen over time (annual rate for > 2 entries vs. ≤2 entries: -7.8 mm2 vs. +37.5 mm2; p = 0.0369). Median size of entry tears was 12 mm (range: 2-53 mm). CONCLUSIONS: The results presented herein suggest that uncomplicated type B aortic dissection patients with more than two entry tears and/or an initial maximum aortic diameter of<4 cm are at risk for aortic dilatation and, therefore, may require stricter follow-up including the possible need for early intervention.

Finite element analysis in asymptomatic, symptomatic, and ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms: in search of new rupture risk predictors.

OBJECTIVES: To compare biomechanical rupture risk parameters of asymptomatic, symptomatic and ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) using finite element analysis (FEA). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective biomechanical single center analysis of asymptomatic, symptomatic, and ruptured AAAs. Comparison of biomechanical parameters from FEA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2011 to 2013 computed tomography angiography (CTA) data from 30 asymptomatic, 15 symptomatic, and 15 ruptured AAAs were collected consecutively. FEA was performed according to the successive steps of AAA vessel reconstruction, segmentation and finite element computation. Biomechanical parameters Peak Wall Rupture Risk Index (PWRI), Peak Wall Stress (PWS), and Rupture Risk Equivalent Diameter (RRED) were compared among the three subgroups. RESULTS: PWRI differentiated between asymptomatic and symptomatic AAAs (p < .0004) better than PWS (p < .1453). PWRI-dependent RRED was higher in the symptomatic subgroup compared with the asymptomatic subgroup (p < .0004). Maximum AAA external diameters were comparable between the two groups (p < .1355). Ruptured AAAs showed the highest values for external diameter, total intraluminal thrombus volume, PWS, RRED, and PWRI compared with asymptomatic and symptomatic AAAs. In contrast with symptomatic and ruptured AAAs, none of the asymptomatic patients had a PWRI value >1.0. This threshold value might identify patients at imminent risk of rupture. CONCLUSIONS: From different FEA derived parameters, PWRI distinguishes most precisely between asymptomatic and symptomatic AAAs. If elevated, this value may represent a negative prognostic factor for asymptomatic AAAs.

Endovascular repair of acute uncomplicated aortic type B dissection promotes aortic remodelling: 1 year results of the ADSORB trial.

OBJECTIVES: Uncomplicated acute type B aortic dissection (AD) treated conservatively has a 10% 30-day mortality and up to 25% need intervention within 4 years. In complicated AD, stent grafts have been encouraging. The aim of the present prospective randomised trial was to compare best medical treatment (BMT) with BMT and Gore TAG stent graft in patients with uncomplicated AD. The primary endpoint was a combination of incomplete/no false lumen thrombosis, aortic dilatation, or aortic rupture at 1 year. METHODS: The AD history had to be less than 14 days, and exclusion criteria were rupture, impending rupture, malperfusion. Of the 61 patients randomised, 80% were DeBakey type IIIB. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients were randomised to the BMT group and 30 to the BMT+TAG group. Mean age was 63 years for both groups. The left subclavian artery was completely covered in 47% and in part in 17% of the cases. During the first 30 days, no deaths occurred in either group, but there were three crossovers from the BMT to the BMT+TAG group, all due to progression of disease within 1 week. There were two withdrawals from the BMT+TAG group. At the 1-year follow up there had been another two failures in the BMT group: one malperfusion and one aneurysm formation (p = .056 for all). One death occurred in the BMT+TAG group. For the overall endpoint BMT+TAG was significantly different from BMT only (p < .001). Incomplete false lumen thrombosis, was found in 13 (43%) of the TAG+BMT group and 30 (97%) of the BMT group (p < .001). The false lumen reduced in size in the BMT+TAG group (p < .001) whereas in the BMT group it increased. The true lumen increased in the BMT+TAG (p < .001) whereas in the BMT group it remained unchanged. The overall transverse diameter was the same at the beginning and after 1 year in the BMT group (42.1 mm), but in the BMT+TAG it decreased (38.8 mm; p = .062). CONCLUSIONS: Uncomplicated AD can be safely treated with the Gore TAG device. Remodelling with thrombosis of the false lumen and reduction of its diameter is induced by the stent graft, but long term results are needed.

[Thoracic aortic aneurysm]. / Thorakales Aortenaneurysma.

Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) are the most common pathology of the thoracic aorta. TAA are occuring with increasing incidence (10.4 cases per 100,000 person years) and are most commonly caused by atherosclerosis. There are also hereditary, inflammatory and infectious pathogenic factors. A TAA initially causes no symptoms and is therefore usually diagnosed as an incidental finding. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) are the diagnostic tools of choice for diagnosis and treatment planning. The mean growth rate of TAA is estimated to be 0.10 to 0.42 cm per year. A diameter of 6 cm is considered to be an indication for surgery. Besides medicinal therapy, thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) nowadays offers certain advantages compared to conventional open repair. The same applies to the region of the aortic arch. Follow up examinations after TEVAR are of major importance in order to ensure long-term therapeutic success.

[Open surgical therapy of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms and chronic expanding aortic dissections: analysis of perioperative prognostic factors]. / Offen-chirurgische Therapie thorakoabdomineller Aortenaneurysmen und chronisch expandierender Aortendissektionen : Analyse perioperativer Prognosefaktoren.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to investigate perioperative prognostic factors and long-term outcome following conventional open repair (COR) of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA) and chronic expanding aortic dissections (CEAD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between March 1993 and December 2005, 92 patients underwent elective COR for TAAA or CEAD in our institution. Passive distal aortic perfusion during cross-clamping was used in 36 patients (39%). Medical records and imaging studies of all patients were reviewed. Follow-up included history, physical examination and CT or MR angiography. Median follow-up was 40 months (range 1-139 months). RESULTS: Intraoperative, 30-day and in-hospital mortality rates were 2%, 8% and 12%, respectively. The estimated survival rate after 5 years was 70% and 43% of all deaths were cardiac related. The paraplegia rate was 10%, the rate of patients developing chronic renal failure requiring hemodialysis was 3% and 21% of patients required surgical revision. In multivariate analyses the need for surgical revision (OR: 8.465; CI: 0.802-89.318; p=0.024) and postoperative elevated serum transaminase values (OR: 1.009; CI: 1.002-1.017; p=0.017) independently predicted 30-day mortality. Peripheral arterial disease (OR: 4.41; CI:1.672-11.611; p=0.003), intraoperative complications such as disseminated intravasal coagulation and asystole (OR: 4.28; CI: 1.128-16.267; p=0.033), postoperative elevated bilirubin values >2.5 mg/dl (OR: 1.06; CI: 1.009-1.112; p=0.019), and postoperative ventilation >7 days (OR: 7.79; CI: 2.499-24.246; p<0,0001) independently predicted long-term mortality. CONCLUSION: Postoperative elevated liver values represent negative prognostic factors and may indicate a more standardized use of active shunt systems for organ perfusion.

Endografting in the aortic arch - does the proximal landing zone influence outcome?

OBJECTIVES: To analyse early and midterm results of thoracic aortic endografting (TEVAR) in the aortic arch. METHODS: Between January 1997 and February 2009 178 patients received TEVAR in the aortic arch at our institution. This population was subdivided into four groups according to the proximal landing zone (LZ) classification in the aortic arch by Ishimaru et al. and a retrospective analysis regarding perioperative mortality, morbidity and endoleak formation was performed. RESULTS: The overall 30-day mortality rate was 14% with no statistical significant difference between LZ's 0-3 (p=0.274). Renal insufficiency (hazard ratio (HR) 2.5; p=0.0119), age >75 years (HR 3.1; p=0.0019) and emergency procedures (HR 8.9; p < 0.0001) were independent predictors of death. There was no significant difference regarding type I (p=0.07) or type III (p=0.49) endoleaks between the proximal LZs, but a significant difference regarding the development of type II endoleaks (p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed no influence of the proximal LZ on perioperative mortality and morbidity rate. Furthermore it did not influence relevant (type I/III) endoleak formation.

Longterm results after surgical thrombectomy and simultaneous stenting for symptomatic iliofemoral venous thrombosis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the longterm outcome of venous thrombectomy and simultaneous stenting in patients with acute, symptomatic iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis (DVT). METHODS: Between January 1996 and December 2007, a total of 45 patients underwent venous thrombectomy at our institution. Thrombectomy results were classified by intraoperative phlebography as: TYPE I=complete, TYPE II=partial, TYPE III=complete with stenosis other than thrombus, TYPE IV=permanent occlusion. TYPEs I and IV were excluded from this analysis because no endovascular repair was performed. 25 patients underwent a venous hybrid operation comprising balloon-catheter thrombectomy, thrombolysis and stenting of residual stensosis. Three TYPE 2 and 22 TYPE 3 lesions were diagnosed. Three patients died during follow-up from causes unrelated to their treatment. Three were lost to follow-up. Hence, 19 patients were examined. A retrospective, non comparative single-centre study was performed. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 68 months (range 3-129). Primary and secondary patency rates were 74% (14/19) and 84% (16/19), respectively. Re-thrombosis occurred within seven days of operation in 26% (5/19). Procedure related mortality was zero. There was no case of late re-thrombosis. Four patients showed post-thrombotic sequelae (CEAP: C1, 2 or 3s). No leg ulcer developed in any patient. CONCLUSION: Venous thrombectomy with simultaneous stenting results in excellent longterm results in selected patients with symptomatic iliofemoral venous thrombosis.

Hybrid approach for arch and thoracoabdominal pathologies.

The endovascular era began about 20 years ago and subsequently revolutionized vascular surgery as a less invasive treatment option, especially for high risk patients. In the late 1990s, a new hybrid approach for arch and thoracoabdominal pathologies was developed. Debranching and rerouting supra-aortic and visceral aortic branches with extra-anatomic bypass grafting was performed in order to achieve sufficient landing zones demanding for subsequent stent grafting. The initial single-center results of small series up to 20 patients were encouraging with acceptable complication rates. Hybrid arch procedures are feasible but seem to carry risks. However, the latest reports for thoracoabdominal hybrid procedures demand a word of caution due to high morbidity rates. The hybrid approach may be reserved for a selected comorbid patient cohort, which is regarded unfit for open reconstruction.

Paraplegia after spontaneous dissection of the abdominal aorta.

We report a case with spinal cord ischemia and consecutive paraplegia following spontaneous isolated abdominal aortic dissection (IAAD). A 63-year-old female was admitted to the surgical emergency room with severe lumbar back pain and accompanying paresthesia of both legs. Contrast enhanced computed tomograpy (CT) of the abdomen showed an infrarenal IAAD in a normal size aorta with patent lumbar arteries. It was assumed that a surgical or interventional approach would not be helpful to improve spinal cord perfusion. Therefore, non operative therapy consisted of lowering blood pressure to prevent further dissection. The patient developed an anterior spinal artery syndrome with permanent paraplegia. Thus, blood pressure was raised for optimal spinal cord perfusion. To lower the spinal pressure, cerebrospinal fluid drainage was attempted. A three month follow-up CT scan showed spontaneous remodelling of the aorta. The neurological deficit persisted. IAAD is a rare differential diagnosis of lumbar back pain and can be associated with paraplegia as the leading symptom. Individualized treatment is indicated. Surgical treatment options concerning paraplegia are limited.

The visceral hybrid repair of thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms--a collaborative approach.

OBJECTIVE: To report the collaborative data of 3 major European Vascular Units using the 'visceral hybrid' procedure for thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms and dissections. METHODS: A consecutive series of 107 urgent and elective high-risk patients were included in a prospectively collected database. RESULTS: All stents involved the entire thoracic and abdominal aorta with left subclavian coverage in 19 and revascularisation in 12. The distal landing zone was in the infra-renal aorta in 75% and in the iliac artery in 25%. The 30-day mortality rate was 16/107 (14.95%). 13/107 (12.1%) of the patients suffered spinal cord ischaemia which was complete and permanent in 9/12 (8.4%). 4 patients (3.7%) required long term dialysis and a segment of gut infarction requiring resection occurred in 3 (2.8%). Most patients had visceral bypass grafting and aortic stent-grafting performed in one stage. In 18 patients the stenting was performed later. Three of these patients ruptured before the stenting procedure was undertaken. CONCLUSION: These early results of visceral hybrid repair for high-risk patients with complex thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms are encouraging, in a group of patients in whom fenestrated/branched stent-grafting is not an option and open surgery hazardous.

Intracranial dissection during carotid endarterectomy treated by carotid stenting.

Intracranial dissection of the internal carotid artery after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a serious complication with a potentially fatal outcome. We report on a 67 male with a symptomatic high grad stenosis of the internal carotid artery. Intraoperative completion angiography showed a thrombotic occlusion and the internal carotid artery (ICA) was resected with interposition of a Dacron graft. Completion angiography then revealed a dissection of the petreous ICA, which was corrected by insertion of a coronary artery stent.Stenting of the ICA is a useful tool to restore cerebral perfusion without time delay and completion imaging is extremely helpful for early detection of dissection during CEA.

[Paraplegia after endovascular repair of the thoracic and thoracoabdominal aorta]. / Paraplegie nach endovaskulärer Therapie der thorakalen und thorakoabdominellen Aorta.

AIM: The aim of this study was to analyse the incidence and aetiology of paraplegia secondary to endovascular repair of the thoracic and thoracoabdominal aorta (TEVAR). METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in the patients treated at our facility between March 1997 and April 2007. During this interval, 173 patients (163 men; median age: 62 years) underwent endovascular repair of the thoracic aorta. Indications for treatment were thoracic aortic aneurysms in 36 patients, thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms in 33 patients, type B dissections in 43 patients, type A dissections in 5 patients, penetrating aortic ulcers in 31 patients, traumatic aortic transections in 9 patients, post-traumatic aortic aneurysms in 5 patients, aortobronchial fistulas in 8 patients, aortic patch ruptures in 2 patients, and an anastomotic aortic aneurysm in 1 patient. 101 procedures (58%) were conducted as emergency interventions while 72 were elective. Device design and implant strategy were chosen on the basis of an evaluation of morphology from a computed tomographic scan. Clinical assessment and imaging of the aorta (CT or magnetic resonance imaging) during follow up were performed prior to discharge, at 6 and 12 months, and then annually. RESULTS: A primary technical success was achieved in 170 patients (98%). The overall 30-day mortality rate was 9.2%. Length of follow-up ranged from 1 to 96 months, with a mean of 52 months. Paraplegia or paraparesis developed in 3 patients (1.7%). Two of these patients had a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm and the third a chronic expanding type B dissection, being treated with hybrid procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular repair of the thoracic and thoracoabdominal aorta is associated with a relatively low risk for postoperative paraplegia or paraparesis. Patients requiring long segment aortic coverage, and with prior aortic replacement are especially at risk.

Imaging modalities for the thoracic aorta.

Almost 50 years after its introduction intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA) has been passed as the gold standard for diagnostic imaging of the aorta. Today's performance of multi-detector-row computed tomography angiography (CTA) as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) offer remarkable improvements in the field of diagnostic cardiovascular imaging. The racy developments not only concerning image acquisition but also image postprocessing offer a multidimensional approach to assess anatomy and pathology of individual patients in a few minutes. Four-dimensional visualization assists us to select the ''adequate'' patient, quantify vascular and adjacent geometries, and select the appropriate device to realize even complex thoracic endovascular aortic reconstructions (TEVAR). There is still a discrepancy between perioperative and intraoperative imaging--but new technologies made also some progress in this field. Lifelong imaging surveillance of TEVAR and bypasses is still a critical component of patient care and requires comparable imaging and postprocessing capabilities as for the preoperative setting. Although is the most commonly used examination for imaging surveillance, MRA, chest x-ray and DSA all have their role in determining complications and their management.

[Endovascular repair of aspergilloma-induced arrosion bleeding of the subclavian artery]. / Endovaskuläre Therapie einer aspergilloseinduzierten septischen Arrosionsblutung der A. subclavia.

Invasive mycotic infections like aspergillosis are a major cause of death in patients with malignant haematologic diseases. Autopsy studies show that every fourth patient suffers from systemic mycotic infections. The most common cause of bleeding in aspergillosis is haemoptysis due to lung involvement, but also visceral organs like liver and kidneys are infested. We report a case of aspergillosis in which, apart from initial liver and kidney symptoms, septic arrosion of the subclavian artery also appeared. The case is described with special emphasis on the possibility of endovascular treatment as a bridging method for this fulminant complication.

Spinal cord ischemia after endovascular repair of the descending thoracic aorta in a sheep model.

OBJECTIVES: Spinal cord ischemia remains a devastating complication after thoracic aortic surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the pathophysiology of spinal cord ischemia after thoracic aortic endografting and the role of intercostal artery blood supply for the spinal cord in a standardized animal model. METHODS: Female merino sheep were randomized to either I, open thoracotomy with cross-clamping of the descending aorta for 50 min (n=7), II, endograft implantation (TAG, WL Gore & Ass.), (n=6) or III open thoracotomy with clipping of all intercostal arteries (n=5) . CT-angiography was used to assess completion of surgical protocol and assess the fate of intercostal arteries. Tarloy score was used for daily neurological examination for up to 7 days post-operatively. Histological cross sections of the lumbar, thoracic and cervical spinal cords were scored for ischemic damage after stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin, Klüver-Barrrera and antibodies. Exact Kruskall-Wallis-Test was used for statistical assessment (p<0.05). RESULTS: Incidence of paraplegia was 100% in group I and 0% in group II (p=0.0004). When compared to the endovascular group, there was a higher rate of histological changes associated with spinal cord ischemia in the animals of the control group (p=0.0096). Group III animals showed no permanent neurological deficit and only 20% infarction rate (p=0.0318 compared to group I). CONCLUSIONS: In sheep, incidence of histological and clinical ischemic injury of the spinal cord following endografting was very low. Complete thoracic aortic stent-grafting was feasible without permanent neurologic deficit. Following endovascular coverage or clipping of their origins, there is retrograde filling of the intercostal arteries which remain patent.

[Leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava]. / Leiomyosarkom der V. cava inferior.

Leiomyosarcomas of the inferior vena cava are rare and the clinical symptoms unspecific. We report a case of leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava in an 82-year-old woman presenting with weight loss and abdominal pain. Following elaborate preoperative examinations, surgical resection was performed and the inferior vena cava was reconstructed. Clinical signs, diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis are discussed.

Intermittent claudication secondary to a traumatic arteriovenous fistula.

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) formation is a recognized complication of arterial trauma. A 63-year-old man with no known risk factors for atheroma and a history of a 20-year delay in the diagnosis and treatment of a traumatic AVF presented with right calf claudication (maximal walking distance = 150 m). A duplex ultrasound scan and a magnetic resonance angiography showed an aneurysmatic dilatation and partial thrombosis of the infrarenal aorta and the right leg feeding arteries. Selective angiography revealed a complete occlusion of the right popliteal artery in the segment 2 and the infrapopliteal arteries with good collateral formation in the lower leg. At this time, there is no indication for infragenual arterial revascularisation in this patient. Instead, therapy consists of exercise training and antiplatelet therapy. We concluded, that peripheral microembolism from the aneurysmatic aorta, iliac or femoral arteries is most probably the reason for the popliteal occlusion in this patient, representing a rare, nonatherosclerotic cause of claudication.