A Case of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour (GIST) in the Duodenum in a Young Adult.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are rare gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies, but the most prevalent mesenchymal tumours of the GI tract arise from the interstitial cells of Cajal. They account for 1-3% of all GI malignancies, and only 3-5% of all cases of GIST are located at the duodenal. We present a case of a young adult who presented to the ED with symptoms of GI bleeding.

Influence of Pre-operative HbA1c on Bariatric Surgery Outcomes-the Sunderland (UK) Experience.

PURPOSE: UK guidelines recommend an HbA1c < 8.5% prior to elective surgery. Optimisation of pre-operative glycaemic control can be often difficult. Aim to correlate the effect of pre-operative HbA1c on the peri-operative complication rates and whether elective bariatric surgery should be delayed in poorly controlled diabetics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective data of consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, one-anastomosis gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy during January 2014 and April 2018. Patients were categorised into group 1, non-diabetics with an HbA1c < 6.5%; group 2, well-controlled diabetics with HbA1c between 6.5 and 8.4%; and group 3, poorly controlled diabetics with HbA1c ≥ 8.5%. Primary outcome was peri-operative complication rates. RESULTS: Group 1 (n = 978), 81.8% female, median (i.q.r.) age 44.0 (34-52) years, median (i.q.r.) BMI 42.0 (38.7-46.7); group 2 (n = 350), 66.3% female, age 51.0 (45-59) years, BMI 41.8 (37.5-46.5); and group 3 (n = 90), 60% female, age 52.0 (45-56) years and BMI 41.4(36.9-44.8). Early complication rates in each group were low, 1.0% vs 1.7% vs 1.1% (p = 0.592). Mean length of stay was 2 days across the groups (p > 0.05). There was no difference in 30-day re-admission rates between groups 2.8%, 2.9% and 3.3% (p = 0.983). At 6 months and 1 year, there was sustained and equal reduction in HbA1c in all groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing metabolic surgery for poorly controlled diabetes achieve non-inferior peri-operative outcomes. Hence, delaying metabolic surgery in an attempt to optimise diabetic control is not justifiable.

Laparoscopic Roux-En-Y gastric bypass versus one anastomosis (loop) gastric bypass for obesity: A prospective comparative study of weight loss and complications.

INTRODUCTION: Most Bariatric units perform Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (LRYGB) and One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB) for weight loss and metabolic purposes with satisfactory results and low complication profile. OBJECTIVES: This study compares LRYGB and OAGB outcomes in a high volume single bariatric unit. METHODS: Data was collected prospectively and analysed retrospectively for all LRYGB and OAGB performed between Jan 2014 to Dec 2016. The follow up period was for 2 years. Patients who were lost to follow up or had prior bariatric procedure were excluded. Excess weight loss percentage (EWL %), total weight loss percentage (TWL %) and post-operative complications were compared in both groups. RESULTS: 1268 procedures performed. 113 patients were excluded. At 2 years, for LRYGB and OAGB groups mean TWL % was 31% and 35.4% respectively (P < 0.0001); and mean EWL % was 70.1% and 74.8% respectively (P = 0.0119). Gastroesophageal reflux symptoms were higher in OAGB group 17 (8.5%), with 7 patients needing further surgery, versus 26 (2.7%) in LRYGB (P = 0.0003). There was no difference in incidence of marginal ulcers between LRYGB and OAGB 2.7% vs 5% respectively (P = 0.1115). Internal hernia was seen only in LRYGB patients, 22 (2.2%). There was no significant difference in the re-operation rates following LRYGB 52 (5.4%) and OAGB 16 (8%) (P = 0.1824). CONCLUSION: OAGB had superior short-term weight loss and low complications profile. Both procedures demonstrated no difference in either marginal ulcers or re-operation rates. Reflux symptoms have remained a major side effect of OAGB.

Defining the optimum tumescent anaesthesia solution in endovenous laser ablation.

Objectives To produce a tumescent anaesthesia solution with physiological pH for endovenous thermal ablation and evaluate its influence on peri- and postoperative pain, clinical and quality of life outcomes, and technical success. Methods Tumescent anaesthetic solution (0.1% lidocaine with 1:2,000,000 epinephrine) was titrated to physiological pH by buffering with 2 ml incremental aliquots of 8.4% sodium bicarbonate. Patients undergoing great saphenous vein endovenous laser ablation and ambulatory phlebectomy were studied before and after introduction of buffered tumescent anaesthetic. Primary outcome was perioperative pain measured on a 10 cm visual analogue scale. Secondary outcomes were daily pain scores during the first postoperative week, complications, time to return to normal activity, patient satisfaction, generic and disease-specific quality of life, and technical success. Patients were assessed at baseline, and at 1, 6 and 12 weeks following the procedure. Results A physiological pH was achieved with the addition of 10 ml of 8.4% sodium bicarbonate to 1 l of standard tumescent anaesthetic solution. Sixty-two patients undergoing great saphenous vein endovenous laser ablation with phlebectomy were recruited before and after the introduction of buffered tumescent anaesthetic solution. Baseline and operative characteristics were well matched. The buffered solution was associated with significantly lower (median (interquartile range)) periprocedural pain scores (1 (0.25-2.25) versus 4 (3-6), p < 0.001) and postoperative pain score at the end of the treatment day (1.8 (0.3-2.8) versus 3.0 (1.2-5.2), p = 0.033). There were no significant differences in postoperative pain scores between the groups at any other time. There were no significant differences in other clinical outcomes between the groups. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in generic and disease-specific quality of life, with no intergroup differences. Both groups demonstrated 100% ultrasonographic technical success at all time points. Conclusions Buffering of tumescent anaesthetic solution during endovenous thermal ablation is a simple, safe, inexpensive and effective means of reducing perioperative and early postoperative pain.

Readmissions after laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a UK District General Hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard for the treatment of symptomatic gallstones and its practice as day case where possible is considered the standard over the last decade. However, readmission after surgery is recognised as a new problem. AIM: The aim of this cohort observational study was to investigate the readmission rate in a district general hospital and identify the causes of readmission in order to explore ways by which this can be reduced or managed more cost effectively. METHOD: Records of patients who had laparoscopic cholecystectomy over 6 months were retrospectively searched. Patients returning to hospital due to symptoms within 30 days of elective and emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included. RESULTS: Three hundred and twenty-eight laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed within the 6-month period. Twenty-two patients returned within 30 days of surgery making a readmission rate of 6.7%. Reasons for inpatient admission were abdominal pain without any underlying cause 10 (45.5%), wound infection 5 (22.7%), leg swelling 2 (9%), retained stone 1 (4.5%), bile leak 1 (4.5%), pneumonia 1 (4.5%), iatrogenic bowel injury 1 (4.5%) and back pain 1 (4.5%). Readmission rate decreased with longer duration of stay in hospital during primary admission, and 64% of patients returned to the hospital within 7 days of procedure. 50% of patients who returned with abdominal pain without any identifiable cause had a longstanding history of conditions involving chronic pain. CONCLUSION: While the feared intra-abdominal complications of cholecystectomy often come to mind when assessing patients presenting with abdominal pain after surgery, non-specific abdominal pain is consistently shown to be several times more likely. A combination of patient factors and pain control techniques account for this pain. Effective multimodal pain management approach and community primary health care support in the early post-operative period could reduce readmission, save cost and improve patient experience.

Comparison of Use of Short Form-36 Domain Scores and Patient Responses for Derivation of Preference-Based SF6D Index to Calculate Quality-Adjusted Life Years in Patients with Intermittent Claudication.

BACKGROUND: The short form 36 (SF36) questionnaire is used for assessment of generic quality of life. Responses to the individual question in SF36 are also used for calculation of the SF6D index score. This score is used for calculation of quality adjusted-life years (QALYs) in economical analyses. As the individual patient questionnaires are not always available for performing systematic reviews and meta-analyses, a new formula has been developed for derivation of SF6D index score from the reported SF36-domain scores. This study aimed to evaluate the validity of this formula for use in patients with intermittent claudication. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database of a randomized controlled trial was performed. A total of 178 patients were recruited. Clinical indicators of ischemia were recorded. All patients completed SF36 questionnaires. Response and domain-based SF6D scores (R-SF6D and D-SF6D) and QALYs were calculated. Correlation and agreement analysis were performed. RESULTS: Response rate was 88% (n = 781) over a 1-year follow-up period. Domain-based SF6D score (mean, 0.684; standard deviation [SD] 0.110) was significantly higher (paired t-test, P = 0.001) than the response-based score (mean, 0.627; SD, 0.110) with a mean difference of 0.056 (95% confidence interval, 0.053-0.060). Mean QALY calculated using D-SF6D score (0.503; SD, 0.116) was also significantly higher than the QALY calculated from the R-SF6D score (0.467; SD, 0.121). Bland-Altman comparison showed strong agreement (limit of agreement -0.167 to 0.054) between the 2 methods with equal variances (Pitman's test, P = 0.629). D-SF6D scores showed stronger correlation with clinical indicators of ischemia (r = 0.246-0.602) compared with that of R-SF6D scores (r = 0.233-0.549). CONCLUSIONS: Domain-based estimation of SF6D score is a valid and reliable method with strong agreement to the gold standard response-based scores in claudicants. However, adjustments may be required in studies using a mixture of D-SF6D and R-SF6D scores for QALY calculation.

A randomized clinical trial of endovenous laser ablation versus conventional surgery for small saphenous varicose veins.

BACKGROUND: This randomized clinical trial compared endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and surgical ligation with attempted stripping in the treatment of small saphenous vein (SSV) insufficiency. The early results demonstrated that EVLA was more likely to eradicate axial reflux and was also associated with a faster recovery, lower periprocedural pain, and fewer sensory complications. The aim of this 2-year follow-up was to establish whether these benefits remained stable over time and whether these improved technical outcomes were associated with less clinical recurrence. METHODS: Patients with primary saphenopopliteal junction and SSV reflux were randomized to EVLA or saphenopopliteal junction ligation and attempted stripping/excision. Outcomes assessed at 2 years included the presence of residual or recurrent reflux, clinical recurrence, sensory complications, the need for secondary intervention, and patient-reported quality of life on the Aberdeen Varicose Veins Questionnaire, SF-36, and EuroQol. RESULTS: Of 106 patients who were equally randomized and successfully treated according to the protocol, 88 (83%) were successfully assessed at 2 years. The groups were comparable at baseline. At 2 years, EVLA remained superior to surgery in eradicating axial reflux in 36 patients (81.2%) compared with 29 (65.9%) in the surgery group (P = .002). There was no significant difference in clinical recurrence (EVLA: seven of 44 [16%] vs surgery: 10 of 44 [23%]; P = .736), sensory disturbance (EVLA: one [2.4%] vs surgery vs three [6.8%]; P = 1.000) or any quality of life domain. CONCLUSIONS: The results of treatment of SSV insufficiency with EVLA appear durable up until 2 years. The study does not appear to suggest that the improved abolition of reflux after EVLA compared with surgery is associated with superior outcomes than those seen after surgery by this time point, because equal effect was shown in both groups. The sensory disturbance associated with surgery appears to settle over this time frame. EVLA is therefore superior in the short-term and not inferior by 2 years.

Endovenous thermal ablation for healing venous ulcers and preventing recurrence.

BACKGROUND: Venous leg ulcers represent the worst extreme within the spectrum of chronic venous disease. Affecting up to 3% of the adult population, this typically chronic, recurring condition significantly impairs quality of life, and its treatment places a heavy financial burden upon healthcare systems. The current mainstay of treatment for venous leg ulcers is compression therapy, which has been shown to enhance ulcer healing rates. Open surgery on the veins in the leg has been shown to reduce ulcer recurrence rates, but it is an unpopular option and many patients are unsuitable. The efficacy of the newer, minimally-invasive endovenous thermal techniques has been established in uncomplicated superficial venous disease, and these techniques are now beginning to be used in the management of venous ulceration, though the evidence for this treatment is currently unclear. It is hypothesised that, when used with compression, ablation may further reduce pressures in the leg veins, resulting in improved rates of healing. Furthermore, since long-term patient concordance with compression is relatively poor, it may prove more popular, effective and cost-effective to provide a single intervention to reduce recurrence, rather than life-long treatment with compression. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of superficial endovenous thermal ablation on the healing, recurrence and quality of life of people with active or healed venous ulcers. SEARCH METHODS: In August 2013 we searched Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register; The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library); Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid MEDLINE (In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations); Ovid EMBASE; and EBSCO CINAHL. There were no restrictions on the language of publication but there was a date restriction based on the fact that superficial endovenous thermal ablation is a comparatively new medical technology. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised clinical trials comparing endovenous thermal ablative techniques with compression therapy alone for venous leg ulcers were eligible for inclusion. Trials had to report on at least one objective measure of ulcer healing (primary outcome) such as proportion of ulcers healed at a given time point, time to complete healing, change in ulcer size, proportion of ulcers recurring over a given time period, or at a specific point, and ulcer-free days. Secondary outcomes sought included patient-reported quality of life, economic data and adverse events. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Details of potentially eligible studies were extracted and summarised using a data extraction table. Data extraction and validity assessment were performed independently by two review authors, and any disagreements resolved by consensus or by arbitration of a third review author. MAIN RESULTS: No eligible randomised controlled trials were identified. There is an absence of evidence regarding the effects of superficial endovenous thermal ablation on ulcer healing, recurrence or quality of life of people with venous leg ulcer disease. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The review identified no randomised controlled trials on the effects on ulcer healing, recurrence or quality of life, of superficial endovenous thermal ablation in people with active or healed venous leg ulcers. Adequately-powered, high quality randomised controlled trials comparing endovenous thermal ablative interventions with compression therapy are urgently required to explore this new treatment strategy. These should measure and report outcomes that include time to ulcer healing, ulcer recurrence, quality of life and cost-effectiveness.

Comparison of 12-w versus 14-w endovenous laser ablation in the treatment of great saphenous varicose veins: 5-year outcomes from a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment for lower limb varicose veins in the short and midterm results. This study reports the 5-year outcomes of EVLA technique at different power settings. METHODS: Patients with primary symptomatic, unilateral varicose veins secondary to saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) incompetence and great saphenous vein (GSV) reflux were recruited and randomized to either 12W (intermittent laser withdrawal) or 14W (continuous laser withdrawal). They were assessed at baseline, 1, 6, 12, 52, 104 weeks, and 5 years. Outcome measures included: Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), pain scores, time taken to return to normal functions, complications, recurrence, quality of life (QoL), and duplex ultrasound findings. RESULTS: 76 consecutive patients, M: F 30:46, median age 54(IQR: 37.3-59) years were randomized. Intragroup analysis: Significant improvement was seen in both groups in VCSS, pain scores, Aberdeen varicose vein questionnaire (AVVQ) scores, Shortform-36 (SF-36) and Euroqol (EQ-5D) domains over the follow-up period (P < 0.05). Intergroup analysis: Over 5 years, clinically recurrent varicosities and duplex detected SFJ incompetence was less frequent and patient satisfaction with cosmetic outcome significantly higher in the 14W group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups in duration of procedure, postoperative pain scores, return to normal functioning, complications, VCSS, disease specific (AVVQ) and generic (SF36, EQ-5D) QoL measures (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Late outcomes following EVLA were superior for the 14W continuous power settings achieving better long term venous occlusion and lowered recurrence rates without increasing post-operative morbidity. Hence 14W continuous setting should be the energy delivery mode of choice.

Randomized clinical trial of endovenous laser ablation versus conventional surgery for small saphenous varicose veins.

INTRODUCTION: No randomized clinical trial comparing treatment options for small saphenous vein (SSV) incompetence exists, and there is no clear evidence that this axis behaves the same as the great saphenous vein after treatment. This means that the existing literature base, centered on the treatment of great saphenous vein incompetence cannot simply be extrapolated to inform the management of SSV insufficiency. This trial compares the gold standard of conventional surgery and endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) in the management of SSV incompetence. METHODS: Patients with unilateral, primary saphenopopliteal junction incompetence and SSV reflux were randomized equally into parallel groups receiving either surgery or EVLA. Patients were assessed at baseline and weeks 1, 6, 12, and 52. Outcomes included successful abolition of axial reflux on duplex, visual analog pain scores, recovery time, complication rates, Venous Clinical Severity Score, and quality of life profiling. RESULTS: A total of 106 patients were recruited and randomized to surgery (n = 53) or EVLA (n = 53). Abolition of SSV reflux was significantly higher after EVLA (96.2%) than surgery (71.7%) (P < 0.001). Postoperative pain was significantly lower after EVLA (P < 0.05), allowing an earlier return to work and normal function (P < 0.001). Minor sensory disturbance was significantly lower in the EVLA group (7.5%) than in surgery (26.4%) (P = 0.009). Both groups demonstrated similar improvements in Venous Clinical Severity Score and quality of life. CONCLUSION: EVLA produced the same clinical benefits as conventional surgery but was more effective in addressing the underlying pathophysiology and was associated with less periprocedural morbidity allowing a faster recovery. ( REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT00841178.).

Endovenous laser ablation in the treatment of small saphenous varicose veins: does site of access influence early outcomes?

OBJECTIVE: The study was performed to evaluate the clinical and technical efficacy of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of small saphenous varicosities, particularly in relation to the site of endovenous access. METHODS: Totally 59 patients with unilateral saphenopopliteal junction incompetence and small saphenous vein reflux underwent EVLA (810 nm, 14 W diode laser) with ambulatory phlebectomies. Small saphenous vein access was gained at the lowest site of truncal reflux. Patients were divided into 2 groups: access gained above mid-calf (AMC, n = 33) and below mid-calf (BMC, n = 26) levels. Outcomes included Venous Clinical Severity Scores (VCSS), Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ), patient satisfaction, complications, and recurrence rates. RESULTS: Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in VCSS, AVVQ, generic quality of life Short Form 36, and EuroQol scores (P < .05) up to 1 year. No differences were seen between AMC and BMC groups for complications (phlebitis: 2 [6%] and 1 [3.8%], P > .05; paresthesia: 2 [6%] and 5 [19%], P = .223) and recurrence (3 [9%] and 1 [3.8%], P = .623), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The site of access in our study does not appear to influence complications specifically neural injury or recurrence rates.

Great saphenous vein transposition to the forearm for dialysis vascular access; an under used autologous option?

PURPOSE: The recommended site for the next autologous vascular access in patients without suitable cephalic vein for fistula formation is basilic vein transposition. This study aims to compare outcomes from great saphenous vein transpositions to the forearm with that of basilic vein transposition. Comparison is reported in terms of primary and secondary patency, intervention, and complication rates in our unit. METHOD: A retrospective search of a prospectively maintained vascular database identified 24 consecutive patients undergoing great saphenous vein transposition (GSVT) and 34 consecutive patients having basilic vein transposition (BVT) were included for comparison. Primary and secondary patency details were obtained from hospital case notes and dialysis unit review records. Patency was studied using a Kaplan Meier analysis and compared using log rank testing. RESULTS: No significant difference was identified in primary or secondary patency between the procedures (P=0.745). Primary patency at 6, 12 and 24 months: for GSVT this was 62%, 41%, and 20%; for BVT this was 44%, 32%, and 15% respectively. Secondary patency at 6, 12, and 24 months; for GSVT this was 75%, 50%, and 41%; for BVT this was 65% respectively. Requirements for intervention were similar between groups. Complications were more common in the BVT group. CONCLUSION: Acceptable patency rates can be achieved using GSVT, thus adding another autologous option for upper limb dialysis access. Our results would suggest GSVT could be performed prior to BVT as the basilic vein may benefit from prior partial arterialization and can subsequently be used if GSVT fails.

Targeted duplex ultrasound in a one-stop dialysis vascular access assessment clinic.

BACKGROUND: Many duplex detectable factors have been shown to correlate with upper limb arteriovenous fistula (AVF) outcomes, and many practitioners now request preoperative duplex vessel mapping routinely before AVF surgery. We report outcomes from a "one stop" AVF assessment clinic in which the operating surgeons perform their own targeted preoperative ultrasound examinations. METHODS: All patients undergoing assessment for formation of a new AVF were included in this prospective observational study. A plan was made for surgery based on the results of the physical examination performed by the surgeon and then reviewed in light of the findings from a targeted duplex ultrasound (DUS) that was performed by the surgeon in the clinic on portable ultrasound equipment. Ultimate choice of surgical site and the influence of the DUS were recorded along with postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: In all, 39 patients were included. Four (10%) of the patients received a more distal AVF and eight (20%) were converted to more proximal AVF because of unexpected adverse findings after targeted DUS. In one patient, no site could be confidently selected by physical examination alone. There was a 13% early failure rate with cumulative patency rates of 86% and 73% at 3 and 6 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: Targeted DUS identified findings that might adversely affect fistula function in one of four patients in this series, whereas one in 10 patients was able to have more distal fistulae formed because of improved confidence in the quality of distal vessels. Early failure and patency rates are comparable with those in units using formal routine ultrasound. These results would suggest that routine targeted DUS, performed quickly by surgeons in an outpatient clinic, can alter surgical planning in one of the three patients and is therefore advocated as a quick, relatively inexpensive and important adjunct to AVF planning.

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors effect on endothelial dysfunction: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: Several studies have assessed the effect of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) on endothelial dysfunction as measured by brachial flow-mediated vasodilatation (FMD). We conducted a meta-analysis to investigate this effect in comparison to placebo or no treatment and to other antihypertensive agents. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched from 1996 to October 2010 on randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the effect of ACEIs on brachial FMD versus placebo or no treatment and ACEIs versus angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and ß-blockers. Data from included studies were pooled with use of random effects meta-analysis of the weighted mean change differences between the comparator groups. Heterogeneity across studies was assessed with the I(2) statistic. RESULTS: In 10 trials including 1129 patients, treatment with ACEIs (n = 498) versus placebo or no treatment (n = 503) significantly improved brachial FMD (pooled mean change difference 1.26%, 95% C.I. 0.46-2.07, p = 0.002 with significant heterogeneity). In 11 trials which included 805 patients, treatment with ACEIs (n = 264) had a significant effect on brachial FMD when compared with other antihypertensives (ARBs, CCBs and ß-blockers) (n = 420) (pooled mean change difference 0.89%, 95% C.I. 0.22-1.56, p = 0.009, I(2) = 83%, p for heterogeneity < 0.00001). In 7 trials, treatment with ACEIs had no significant effect on FMD when compared with ARBs (pooled mean change difference = 0.21%, 95% C.I. -0.24 to 0.66, p = 0.36, I(2) = 0%). However, in 4 trials ACEIs significantly improved FMD when compared with CCBs (pooled mean change difference 2.15%, 95% C.I. 0.55-3.75, p = 0.009, I(2) = 90%, p for heterogeneity < 0.00001). When compared with ß-blockers in 4 trials, ACEIs also had a significant effect on FMD (pooled mean change difference = 0.59%, 95% C.I. 0.05-1.13, p = 0.03, I(2) = 34%, p for heterogeneity = 0.21). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that ACEIs improve brachial FMD which is a marker of endothelial function in patients with endothelial dysfunction caused by various conditions and are superior to CCBs and ß-blockers. There was no significant difference between ACEIs and ARBs effect on brachial FMD.