Usefulness of intestinal ultrasound in inflammatory bowel disease. / Utilidad de la ecografía intestinal en la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal.

Imaging techniques play a fundamental role in the initial diagnosis and follow-up of inflammatory bowel disease. Intestinal ultrasound has high sensitivity and specificity in patients with suspected Crohn's disease and in the detection of inflammatory activity. This technique enables the early diagnosis of intra-abdominal complications such as stenosis, fistulas, and abscesses. It has also proven useful in monitoring the response to treatment and in detecting postsurgical recurrence. Technical improvements in ultrasound scanners, technological advances such as ultrasound contrast agents and elastography, and above all increased experience have increased the role of ultrasound in the evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract. The features that make ultrasound especially attractive include its wide availability, its noninvasiveness and lack of ionizing radiation, its low cost, and its good reproducibility, which is important because it is easy to repeat the study and the study is well tolerated during follow-up. This review summarizes the role of intestinal ultrasound in the detection and follow-up of inflammatory bowel disease.

Bowel ultrasound: examination techniques and normal and pathologic patterns. / Ecografía intestinal: técnicas de examen, patrones normales y patológicos.

Ultrasound is being increasingly used to study the digestive tract because it has certain advantages over other techniques such as endoscopy, CT enterography, and MR enterography. Ultrasound can be used to evaluate the bowel wall and the elements that surround it without the need for contrast agents; its ability to evaluate the elasticity and peristalsis of these structures is increasing interest in its use. This article describes the techniques and modalities of bowel ultrasound, as well as the normal features of the bowel wall and contiguous structures. It uses a practical approach to review the main pathological findings and their interpretation, and the different patterns of presentation, which will help orient the diagnosis.

Magnetic vortex nucleation and annihilation in bi-stable ultra-small ferromagnetic particles.

Vortex-mediated magnetization reversal in individual ultra-small (∼100 nm) ferromagnetic particles at low temperatures is studied by nanoSQUID magnetometry. At zero applied bias field, the flux-closure magnetic state (vortex) and the quasi uniform configuration are bi-stable. This stems from the extremely small size of the nanoparticles that lies very close to the limit of single-domain formation. The analysis of the temperature-dependent (from 0.3 to 70 K) hysteresis of the magnetization allows us to infer the nature of the ground state magnetization configuration. The latter corresponds to a vortex state as also confirmed by electron holography experiments. Based on the simultaneous analysis of the vortex nucleation and annihilation data, we estimate the magnitude of the energy barriers separating the quasi single-domain and the vortex state and their field dependence. For this purpose, we use a modified power-law scaling of the energy barriers as a function of the applied bias field. These studies are essential to test the thermal and temporal stability of flux-closure states stabilized in ultra-small ferromagnets.

NanoSQUID Magnetometry on Individual As-grown and Annealed Co Nanowires at Variable Temperature.

Performing magnetization studies on individual nanoparticles is a highly demanding task, especially when measurements need to be carried out under large sweeping magnetic fields or variable temperature. Yet, characterization under varying ambient conditions is paramount in order to fully understand the magnetic behavior of these objects, e.g., the formation of nonuniform states or the mechanisms leading to magnetization reversal and thermal stability. This, in turn, is necessary for the integration of magnetic nanoparticles and nanowires into useful devices, e.g., spin-valves, racetrack memories, or magnetic tip probes. Here, we show that nanosuperconducting quantum interference devices based on high critical temperature superconductors are particularly well suited for this task. We have successfully characterized a number of individual Co nanowires grown through focused electron beam induced deposition and subsequently annealed at different temperatures. Magnetization measurements performed under sweeping magnetic fields (up to ∼100 mT) and variable temperature (1.4-80 K) underscore the intrinsic structural and chemical differences between these nanowires. These point to significant changes in the crystalline structure and the resulting effective magnetic anisotropy of the nanowires, and to the nucleation and subsequent vanishing of antiferromagnetic species within the nanowires annealed at different temperatures.

Evaluation of upper tract urothelial carcinomas by contrast-enhanced ultrasound. / Valoración del carcinoma urotelial de vías superiores mediante ecografía con contraste.

AIM: To describe the findings and behaviour of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the study of upper tract urothelial tumours and to assess its usefulness for diagnosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed our hospital's database over a period of 45 months to identify patients diagnosed with upper tract urothelial carcinomas. We reviewed the findings on mode B-ultrasound, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (location and qualitative assessment of intensity and washout of enhancement), and made a comparison with other techniques (computed tomography or magnetic resonance), and with the surgical specimen. RESULTS: We found 42 patients with a diagnosis of upper tract urothelial carcinoma confirmed with surgery over the period reviewed. Twenty-eight (67%) patients underwent contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Baseline ultrasound showed hydronephrosis with or without ureteral dilatation with echogenic content occupying the renal calyx (6), pelvis (10) or ureter (12). After injection of contrast, enhancement was noticed in 100% of the lesions, with similar intensity to the cortex in 23, and less in 5. Twenty-four lesions showed early washout, before the cortex, between 40 and 55seconds after the injection. The diagnosis was correct in 27 cases. Localisation coincided with the histological specimen in 28 cases, and 3 patients had additional distal carcinoma foci. CONCLUSION: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is a useful technique for diagnosing upper tract urothelial tumours that increases confidence in the diagnosis.

Tumores de la vía biliar / Bile duct tumors

Los tumores de la vía biliar son lesiones benignas o malignas que pueden asociarse a factores de riesgo o a lesiones con potencial de malignización. Constituyen un grupo heterogéneo de entidades con diferente comportamiento biológico y pronóstico dependiendo de su localización y del tipo de crecimiento. En este artículo revisamos el papel del radiólogo para detectar, caracterizar y estadificar estos tumores y, sobre todo, la importancia de clasificarlos para planificar el manejo y el tratamiento (AU)

Bile duct tumors are benign or malignant lesions which may be associated to risk factors or potentially malignant lesions. They constitute an heterogenous entities group with a different biological behavior and prognosis according to location and growth pattern. We revise the role of the radiologist in order to detect, characterize and stage these tumors, specially the importance of their classification when deciding an appropriate management and treatment (AU)

Bile duct tumors.

Bile duct tumors are benign or malignant lesions which may be associated to risk factors or potentially malignant lesions. They constitute an heterogenous entities group with a different biological behavior and prognosis according to location and growth pattern. We revise the role of the radiologist in order to detect, characterize and stage these tumors, specially the importance of their classification when deciding an appropriate management and treatment.

Gd-based single-ion magnets with tunable magnetic anisotropy: molecular design of spin qubits.

We report ac susceptibility and continuous wave and pulsed EPR experiments performed on GdW10 and GdW30 polyoxometalate clusters, in which a Gd3+ ion is coordinated to different polyoxometalate moieties. Despite the isotropic character of gadolinium as a free ion, these molecules show slow magnetic relaxation at very low temperatures, characteristic of single molecule magnets. For T≲200 mK, the spin-lattice relaxation becomes dominated by pure quantum tunneling events, with rates that agree quantitatively with those predicted by the Prokof'ev and Stamp model [Phys. Rev. Lett. 80, 5794 (1998)]. The sign of the magnetic anisotropy, the energy level splittings, and the tunneling rates strongly depend on the molecular structure. We argue that GdW30 molecules are also promising spin qubits with a coherence figure of merit Q(M)≳50.

Lanthanoid single-ion magnets based on polyoxometalates with a 5-fold symmetry: the series [LnP5W30O110]12- (Ln3+ = Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Yb).

A robust, stable and processable family of mononuclear lanthanoid complexes based on polyoxometalates (POMs) that exhibit single-molecule magnetic behavior is described here. Preyssler polyanions of general formula [LnP(5)W(30)O(110)](12-) (Ln(3+) = Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Yb) have been characterized with static and dynamic magnetic measurements and heat capacity experiments. For the Dy and Ho derivatives, slow relaxation of the magnetization has been found. A simple interpretation of these properties is achieved by using crystal field theory.

Strong paramagnetism of gold nanoparticles deposited on a Sulfolobus acidocaldarius S layer.

Magnetic properties of Au nanoparticles deposited on an archaeal S layer are reported. X-ray magnetic circular dichroism and superconducting quantum interference device magnetometries demonstrate that the particles are strongly paramagnetic, without any indication of magnetic blocking down to 16 mK. The average magnetic moment per particle is M(part)=2.36(7) µ(B). This contribution originates at the particle's Au 5d band, in which an increased number of holes with respect to the bulk value is observed. The magnetic moment per Au atom is 25 times larger than any measured in other Au nanoparticles or any other configurations up to date.

Molecular prototypes for spin-based CNOT and SWAP quantum gates.

We show that a chemically engineered structural asymmetry in [Tb2] molecular clusters renders the two weakly coupled Tb3+ spin qubits magnetically inequivalent. The magnetic energy level spectrum of these molecules meets then all conditions needed to realize a universal CNOT quantum gate. A proposal to realize a SWAP gate within the same molecule is also discussed. Electronic paramagnetic resonance experiments confirm that CNOT and SWAP transitions are not forbidden.

Size-dependent properties of magnetoferritin.

We report a detailed experimental study of maghemite nanoparticles, with sizes ranging from 1.6 to 6 nm, synthesized inside a biological mould of apoferritin. The structural characterization of the inorganic cores, using TEM and x-ray diffraction, reveals a low degree of crystalline order, possibly arising from the nucleation and growth of multiple domains inside each molecule. We have also investigated the molecular structure by means of atomic force microscopy in liquid. We find that the synthesis of nanoparticles inside apoferritin leads to a small, but measurable, decrease in the external diameter of the protein, probably associated with conformational changes. The magnetic response of the maghemite cores has been studied by a combination of techniques, including ac susceptibility, dc magnetization and Mössbauer spectroscopy. From the equilibrium magnetic response, we have determined the distribution of magnetic moments per molecule. The results show highly reduced magnetic moments. This effect cannot be ascribed solely to the canting of spins located at the particle surface but, instead, it suggests that magnetoferritin cores have a highly disordered magnetic structure in which the contributions of different domains compensate each other. Finally, we have also determined, for each sample, the distribution of the activation energies required for the magnetization reversal and, from this, the size-dependent magnetic anisotropy constant K. We find that K is enormously enhanced with respect to the maghemite bulk value and that it increases with decreasing size. The Mössbauer spectra suggest that low-symmetry atomic sites, probably located at the particle surface and at the interfaces between different crystalline domains, are the likely source of the enhanced magnetic anisotropy.

Vólvulo cecal: características en imagen / Cecal volvulus: imaging features

Objetivo. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar la sensibilidad de los hallazgos de la radiografía simple y de la tomografía computarizada (TC) en el diagnóstico del vólvulo cecal. Material y métodos. Se revisaron las historias clínicas de 11 pacientes con diagnóstico endoscópico o quirúrgico de vólvulo cecal. Dos radiólogos analizaron por consenso los hallazgos en la radiografía simple y en la TC y calcularon la sensibilidad. Se realizó de forma retrospectiva un diagnóstico de certeza, probable o indeterminado de vólvulo cecal sobre la base de la presencia o ausencia de signos previamente descritos. Los signos de sufrimiento parietal en la TC se compararon con los hallazgos anatomopatológicos. Resultados. Los hallazgos más sensibles en la radiografía simple fueron la presencia de un asa desproporcionadamente dilatada y un patrón de oclusión de intestino delgado distal (91%), seguidos de un nivel hidroaéreo único en el ciego y colapso del colon distal (82%). En la TC, el signo del grano de café con un único nivel hidroaéreo y el colapso de colon izquierdo mostraron una sensibilidad del 100%. El signo del remolino se observó en el 86%. De forma retrospectiva se pudo realizar un diagnóstico de certeza en el 36 y el 86% de los casos en la radiografía simple y en la TC, respectivamente. Aunque todos los casos con isquemia tenían signos de deterioro vascular en la TC, no se encontró correlación significativa entre ambos parámetros. Conclusiones. La utilización de los signos descritos de vólvulo cecal permite hacer un diagnóstico de certeza con la radiografía simple en un tercio de los pacientes y en la mayoría de los casos con la TC. La valoración de otros hallazgos adicionales incrementa la posibilidad de realizar un diagnóstico correcto (AU)

Objective. To determine the sensitivity of plain-film radiography and computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of cecal volvulus. Material and methods. We reviewed the clinical histories of 11 patients diagnosed with cecal volvulus at endoscopy or surgery. Two radiologists working in consensus analyzed the findings at plain-film radiography and at CT and calculated the sensitivities. The plain-film and CT studies were retrospectively classified as certain, probable, or indeterminate for cecal volvulus on the basis of the presence or absence of previously reported signs. Signs of wall suffering at CT were compared to the histologic findings. Results. The most sensitive findings at plain-film radiography were the presence of a disproportionately dilated bowel loop and a pattern of distal small bowel occlusion (91%), followed by a single air-fluid level in the cecum and collapse of the distal colon (82%). At CT, the “coffee bean” sign with a single air-fluid level and collapse of the left colon had a sensitivity of 100%. The whirl sign was present in 86%. Retrospectively, 36% of the plain-film studies and 86% of the CT studies were classified as certain for cecal volvulus. Although all cases with ischemia had signs of vascular compromise on CT, no significant correlation was observed between these variables. Conclusions. The plain-film signs reported for cecal volvulus enable a certain diagnosis in a third of all cases; the CT signs enable a certain diagnosis in most cases. The evaluation of additional findings increases the chances of reaching the correct diagnosis (AU)

Patrón en mosaico de la pared del colon en un caso con vólvulo de ciego: hallazgos en TC / Polygonal mosaic-like pattern of the colonic mucosa in cecal volvulus: CT findings

El patrón en mosaico de la mucosa colónica es un hallazgo radiológico poco frecuente, que se ha descrito previamente en los estudios de enema de bario. Describimos la apariencia de este patrón en la TC en un paciente con vólvulo de ciego (AU)

A polygonal mosaic-like pattern of colonic mucosa is a rare radiological finding that was first described in studies using barium enema. We describe the CT findings of this pattern in a case of cecal volvulus (AU)

[Cecal volvulus: imaging features]. / Vólvulo cecal: características en imagen.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the sensitivity of plain-film radiography and computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of cecal volvulus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed the clinical histories of 11 patients diagnosed with cecal volvulus at endoscopy or surgery. Two radiologists working in consensus analyzed the findings at plain-film radiography and at CT and calculated the sensitivities. The plain-film and CT studies were retrospectively classified as certain, probable, or indeterminate for cecal volvulus on the basis of the presence or absence of previously reported signs. Signs of wall suffering at CT were compared to the histologic findings. RESULTS: The most sensitive findings at plain-film radiography were the presence of a disproportionately dilated bowel loop and a pattern of distal small bowel occlusion (91%), followed by a single air-fluid level in the cecum and collapse of the distal colon (82%). At CT, the "coffee bean" sign with a single air-fluid level and collapse of the left colon had a sensitivity of 100%. The whirl sign was present in 86%. Retrospectively, 36% of the plain-film studies and 86% of the CT studies were classified as certain for cecal volvulus. Although all cases with ischemia had signs of vascular compromise on CT, no significant correlation was observed between these variables. CONCLUSIONS: The plain-film signs reported for cecal volvulus enable a certain diagnosis in a third of all cases; the CT signs enable a certain diagnosis in most cases. The evaluation of additional findings increases the chances of reaching the correct diagnosis.

[Polygonal mosaic-like pattern of the colonic mucosa in cecal volvulus: CT findings]. / Patrón en mosaico de la pared del colon en un caso con vólvulo de ciego: hallazgos en TC.

A polygonal mosaic-like pattern of colonic mucosa is a rare radiological finding that was first described in studies using barium enema. We describe the CT findings of this pattern in a case of cecal volvulus.

Note: Highly sensitive superconducting quantum interference device microsusceptometers operating at high frequencies and very low temperatures inside the mixing chamber of a dilution refrigerator.

We report the experimental results that show the operation of superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) microsusceptometers immersed in the (3)He-(4)He mixture inside the mixing chamber of a dilution refrigerator at high frequency (1 MHz) and down to very low temperatures (13 mK). The devices are based on highly sensitive and easy-to-use commercial SQUID sensors. The integrated susceptometers are fabricated by rerouting some connections of the SQUID's input circuit. Examples of measurements on molecular magnets Mn(12) and HoW(10) are shown.

¿Sigue vigente el by-pass ilio-femoral como tratamiento de las lesiones oclusivas ilíacas extensas unilaterales? / Are vigent the ilio femoral by-pass as treatment of iliacs oclusive unilateral lesions?

INTRODUCCIÓN. Con el desarrollo de las técnicas endovasculares se han visto ampliadas las opciones quirúrgicas para las lesiones oclusivas ilíacas unilaterales, de ahí la necesidad de crear un consenso (TASC) para homogeneizar el tratamiento de las mismas atendiendo al tipo de lesión y características clínicas de los pacientes.OBJETIVO. El objetivo de este trabajo es valorar la utilidad del by-pass ilio-femoral en el momento actual para el tratamiento de las lesiones oclusivas ilíacas unilaterales tipos TASC C y D, mediante el análisis de nuestra experiencia con un seguimiento a largo plazo. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO. Se analizan retrospectivamente 267 by-pass ilio-femorales realizados en nuestro centro, a lo largo de 33 años (1972-2005), estudiando el cuadro clínico, factores de riesgo, antecedentes, tipo y extensión de la lesión y lesiones asociadas así como la técnica quirúrgica realizada y resultados de la misma en cuanto a permeabilidad y morbimortalidad. RESULTADOS. La presentación con un cuadro clínico de gravedad supuso el 65,54%. Hasta un 49,45 % presentaban afectación de todo el eje ilíaco. La permeabilidad al primer año, 5 años y 15 años fue del 93,3%, 81,29% y 76%, respectivamente. La mortalidad supuso un 1,87%, relacionada con 3 casos de IAM, un caso de EAPo y uno de reagudización de EPOC. Las complicaciones supusieron un 9,47%, recogiendo como complicaciones inmediatas 4 casos de trombosis aguda del injerto, 2 de sangrado anastomótico, 5 de infección superficial de herida quirúrgica y 6 de reagudización de patología cardiorrespiratoria. Como complicaciones tardías registramos 9 casos (3,37%): 5 casos de aneurisma anastomótico y 4 de infección protésica. CONCLUSIÓN. Nuestro criterio, actualmente, es que para las lesiones oclusivas ilíacas extensas, en pacientes con bajo riesgo quirúrgico, el by-pass ilio-femoral es una técnica que sigue estando vigente y muestra unos excelentes resultados de permeabilidad a largo plazo, con un bajo índice de complicaciones (AU)

INTRODUCTION. With the development of the endovascular techniques has been extended the surgical options for the unilateral ilío-femoral occlusions disease, of there the necessity to create a consensus (TASC) to homogenizated the treatment of the same ones taking care of the type of injury and clinical characteristics of the patients. OBJECTIVE. The objective of this work is to value the utility of by-pass ilio-femoral at the present moment for the treatment of he ilíacs arteries occlusions injuries unilateral types TASC C and D, by means of the analysis of our experience with a pursuit in the long term. PATIENTS AND METHODS. 267 are analyzed retrospectively by-pass ilio-femoral by-pass made in our center, throughout 33 years (1972-2005), studying the clinical picture, factors of risk, antecedents, type and extension of the injury and associate injuries as well as the surgical technique made and results of same as far as permeability and the morbimortality RESULTS. The presentation with a clinical picture of gravity supposed 65.54%. Until a 49.45% they presented/displayed affectation of all ilíac arteries. The permeability to the first year, 5 years and 15 years was of 93.3%, 81.29% and 76%, respectively. Mortality supposed a 1.87%, related to 3 cases of IAM, a case of EAPo and one of reacutization of EPOC. The complications supposed a 9.47%, gathering like immediate complications 4 cases of acute thrombosis of the graft, 2 of bled anastomotic, 5 of superficial infection of surgical wound and 6 of reacutization of cardiac pathology. As delayed complications we registered 9 cases (3.37%): 5 cases of anastomotic aneurysm and 4 of prosthetic infection. CONCLUSION. Our criterion, at the moment, is that for the extensive ilíacs occlusions lesions, in patients with low surgical risk, by-pass ilio-femoral is a technique that continues being effective and shows excellent results of long term permeability, with a low index of complications (AU)

Jornadas Angiológicas de Córdoba (1975): inicio de la hegemonía de la cirugía vascular sobre la angiología tradicional en la Sociedad Española de Angiología y Cirugía Vascular / Angiology conference in Cordoba (1975): The beginning of the hegemony of vascular surgery over traditional angiology in the spanish society of angiology and vascular surgery

En 1955 un grupo de médicos con afición por el tratamiento de las enfermedades vasculares deciden reunirseanualmente en torno al cirujano barcelonés Fernando Martorell para intercambiar sus experiencias en el tratamiento delos enfermos vasculares. Denominan a estas reuniones Jornadas Angiológicas Españolas. En Junio de 1959 se constituyenen sociedad científica con el nombre de Sociedad Española de Angiología, figurando como socios fundadores losDres. Fernando Martorell, José María Zaldúa, Francisco Gutiérrez Vallejo y Alberto Martorell. La primera junta directivade esta sociedad fue presidida por el Dr. Fernando Martorell. En 1975 se celebran las Jornadas Angiológicas enCórdoba y se produce un cambio en la orientación de la junta directiva de la misma desbancando el sector más quirúrgicoal angiológico, más convencional. Este hecho marca el inicio de una nueva orientación, más quirúrgica, de la sociedadmás acorde con la evolución del tratamiento de las enfermedades vasculares en el resto del mundo y de acuerdo conel cambio generacional de sus miembros(AU)

In 1955, a group of physicians with an interest in the treatment of vascular diseases, led by the surgeonFernando Martorell from Barcelona, decided to meet annually to exchange their experiences in the treatment of patientssuffering from vascular conditions. They called these meetings the Jornadas Angiológicas Españolas, or Spanish AngiologyConferences. In June 1959, a scientific society called the Sociedad Española de Angiología (Spanish Society ofAngiology) was set up, with Doctors Fernando Martorell, José María Zaldúa, Francisco Gutiérrez Vallejo and AlbertoMartorell as its founding members. The first governing board of the society was chaired by Doctor Fernando Martorell.In 1975, the Angiology Conference was held in Cordoba and the governing board decided to introduce a change indirection, in which the more surgical sector replaced the more conventional angiological one. This fact marked thebeginning of a new, more surgically-oriented, direction of the society that was more in line with the evolution of thetreatment of vascular diseases in the rest of the world and in accordance with the generational change of its members(AU)

Traumatismos arteriales en las extremidades superiores / Arterial trauma in the upper limbs

Introducción. Las lesiones traumáticas arteriales en las extremidades superiores suponen casi la mitad de todos los traumatismos arteriales que se producen en la actividad civil. La configuración anatómica y la función que en el género humano tiene la extremidad superior, confiere a este tipo de lesiones unas peculiaridades que hacen que puedan analizarse con independencia de las producidas en otras áreas del organismo. Objetivo. Analizar la experiencia de nuestro grupo en esta patología. Pacientes y métodos. Se han analizado retrospectivamente 78 pacientes tratados quirúrgicamente, con edades comprendidas entre 6 horas y 79 años (edad media: 35,66 años). Resultados. Las causas más frecuentes fueron el accidente de tráfico y la iatrogenia por acceso vascular. La arteria humeral fue la lesionada con mayor frecuencia. El tipo de reconstrucción arterial realizada fue en el 44,8% de los casos un injerto sustitutivo y en el 34,6% la sutura directa. En el 2,5% de los casos se consideró la extremidad inviable. Las técnicas asociadas más frecuentes fueron la sutura nerviosa y la osteosíntesis. En el 92,3% de los casos se obtuvo la recuperación de la pulsatilidad distal de la extremidad, pero debe resaltarse que sólo en el 69,2% se produjo su recuperación funcional sin secuelas. Se realizó amputación en seis casos (7,7%), tres en extremidades no viables y otras tres en las que se realizó la reconstrucción vascular en los límites de la viabilidad. Conclusión. El resultado del tratamiento del traumatismo arterial en la extremidad superior viene determinado en la mayoría de los casos por las lesiones asociadas

Introduction. Traumatic injuries to arteries in the upper limbs account for almost half of all arterial trauma that are produced in civilian activities. The anatomical configuration and function of the upper limb in humans mean that injuries of this kind offer certain peculiarities that allow them to be analysed independently from those that occur in other areas of the organism. Aim. To analyse the experience gained by our group concerning this pathological condition. Patients and methods. A retrospective analysis was performed involving 78 patients who had undergone surgical treatment, their ages ranging from 6 hours to 79 years (mean age: 35.66 years). Results. The most frequent causes were road accidents and iatrogenic effects due to vascular accesses. The brachial artery was the most frequently injured. The type of arterial reconstruction performed was a replacement graft in 44.8% of cases, and direct suturing in 34.6%. In 2.5% of cases the limb was deemed to be incapable of survival. The most frequently associated techniques were nerve suture and osteosynthesis. Distal pulsatility of the limb was recovered in 92.3% of cases but it must be highlighted that functional sequela-free recovery was only achieved in 69.2% of patients. Amputation was performed in six cases (7.7%), three in limbs that had no chance of survival and three others in limbs in which vascular reconstruction had been carried out at the limits of viability. Conclusion. In most cases the outcome of treatment of arterial trauma in the upper limbs depends on the associated injuries