Endovascular Embolization of Aneurysmal Renal Arteriovenous Malformation.

Renal arteriovenous malformations (AVM) represent an uncommon vascular condition characterized by an abnormal direct communication between an intrarenal artery and vein. Though asymptomatic in many individuals, treatment is often indicated if the AVM causes flank pain, hematuria, or medically refractory hypertension, or if there is an associated renal artery aneurysm. We present a case of a large right renal AVM with associated renal artery aneurysm and large varix which was incidentally found on magnetic resonance imaging of the spine. Endovascular and open surgical options were considered, including ex-vivo renal vascular reconstruction and nephrectomy. The patient was successfully treated with endovascular embolization of the AVM with coil packing of the arterial aneurysm and inflow artery. The patient recovered uneventfully with well-maintained renal function and blood pressure control. We review and discuss the literature on the etiology and treatment options for renal AVM.

Bow Hunter Phenomenon From Advanced Cerebrovascular Disease Treated With Subclavian Artery Stenting and Carotid Endarterectomy.

Bow Hunter syndrome (BHS) is a rare disorder characterized by mechanical occlusion of the vertebral artery (VA) during neck rotation, resulting in symptomatic, transient, and positional vertebrobasilar insufficiency. We describe a case of a 76-year-old female who presented with dizziness and right ear tinnitus triggered by right head rotation. Her symptoms would immediately resolve upon returning her head to the neutral position. CT angiogram showed 80% stenosis of the left subclavian artery origin, 50%-70% stenosis of the proximal right internal carotid artery (ICA), and near occlusive stenoses of the origins of the bilateral VAs. After failing conservative management, the patient was treated with left subclavian artery stenting, followed by a right carotid endarterectomy (CEA) 6 weeks later. Follow-up at 1 month showed resolution of paroxysmal symptoms and no neurological sequelae. To our knowledge, there have not yet been reported cases of patients with concurrent BHS, subclavian artery stenosis, and carotid artery stenosis. We suggest that global revascularization via subclavian artery stenting and CEA may be considered as treatment for patients with BHS complicated by other cerebrovascular disease secondary to stenoses of the ICA and subclavian artery. This approach obviates the need for more complex surgery or endovascular intervention of the VA.

Venous Stasis Ulceration due to Massive Splenomegaly Causing Iliac Vein Compression From Secondary Myelofibrosis.

Venous stasis ulcers are nonhealing lesions due to venous hypertension secondary to valvular dysfunction or deep venous outflow obstruction. We describe a case of a 71-year-old male with a history of polycythemia vera, secondary myelofibrosis, and massive splenomegaly up to 38 cm who presented with chronic, perimalleolar venous stasis ulcers and pain on the left lower extremity. CT showed significant compression of the left common iliac vein due to mass effect from the spleen. He was managed medically while being evaluated for partial splenic artery embolization but expired due to other chronic conditions before any intervention could be performed. Partial splenic artery embolization may be considered as a treatment option for patients with symptomatic iliac vein compression due to massive splenomegaly secondary to myelofibrosis, as long as extramedullary hematopoiesis is not compromised.

Virtual reality can reduce anxiety during office-based great saphenous vein radiofrequency ablation.

OBJECTIVE: Office-based treatment of venous pathology is common and frequently involves the use of anxiolytic medication to reduce anxiety. Virtual reality (VR) has been shown to effectively reduce pain and anxiety in a variety of settings. The objective of the present study was to determine whether VR could be smoothly integrated into office-based vascular procedures and to ascertain whether VR could reduce procedural pain or anxiety. METHODS: A total of 40 patients undergoing an office-based endovenous radiofrequency ablation were included in the present study. Of the 40 patients, 20 were randomized to the VR group and 20 to the control group. The patients in the VR group were equipped with a Samsung GearVR headset and headphones (Samsung, Suwon, South Korea) running AppliedVR software (AppliedVR Inc, Los Angeles, Calif), which ran throughout the duration of the procedure. All 40 patients underwent unilateral great saphenous vein radiofrequency ablation. After the procedure, the patients were surveyed regarding their preprocedure anxiety and their pain and anxiety during the procedure using the Wong-Baker scale. RESULTS: All procedures were successfully completed, and all patients were generally satisfied with their treatment. The average procedure time was not significantly different. No statistically significant differences were present in preprocedure anxiety or procedural pain between the two groups. The anxiety level during the procedure, however, was 4.09 of 10 in the control group vs 2.95 of 10 in the VR group, statistically significant difference using a paired t test. Furthermore, the anxiety level for the control group had increased during the procedure but that of the VR group had decreased. Finally, 85% of the patients in the VR group would recommend using VR to someone undergoing a similar procedure. CONCLUSIONS: VR can be safely and efficiently integrated into office-based vascular procedures. VR was generally well liked and recommended by those who used it. Most importantly, our findings suggest that VR can decrease procedural anxiety. Further research should examine whether this might obviate the need for anxiolytic medication.

Endovascular Treatment of Claudication due to Isolated Internal Iliac Artery Occlusive Disease.

Aortoiliac occlusive disease is a common cause of lower extremity claudication. Patients are typically found to have diminished femoral pulses and abnormal noninvasive vascular studies of the lower extremities. Isolated lesions of the internal iliac arteries are much less commonly treated but can cause similar claudication symptoms in the buttocks, hips, or thighs. Occlusive disease in the internal iliac artery is more challenging to diagnose because the lower extremity pulses and vascular studies can be normal. This may falsely steer the diagnosis away from a vascular etiology. We present a case of disabling buttock claudication in a patient with normal pulses and isolated ipsilateral internal iliac artery stenosis. This was treated successfully with drug-eluting balloon angioplasty. We review the literature for similar cases of isolated internal iliac artery occlusive disease and summarize the disease characteristics and treatment modalities.