Systematic review and narrative synthesis of surveillance practices after endovascular intervention for lower limb peripheral arterial disease.

OBJECTIVE: The optimal timing and modality of surveillance after endovascular intervention for peripheral arterial disease is controversial, and no randomized trial to assess the value of peripheral endovascular intervention has ever been performed. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the practice of surveillance after peripheral endovascular intervention in randomized trials. METHODS: We used the Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and WHO trial registry databases in this systematic review of the literature to capture surveillance strategies used in randomized trials comparing endovascular interventions. Surveillance protocols were assessed for completeness, modalities used, duration, and intensity. RESULTS: Ninety-six different surveillance protocols were reported in 103 trials comparing endovascular interventions. Protocol specification was incomplete in 32% of trials. The majority of trials used multiple surveillance modalities (mean of 3.46 modalities), most commonly clinical examination (96%), ankle-brachial index (80%), duplex ultrasound examination (75%), and digital subtraction angiography (51%). Trials involving infrapopliteal lesions used more angiographic surveillance than trials with femoropopliteal lesions (P = .006). The median number of surveillance visits in the first 12 months after intervention was three and the mean surveillance duration was 21 months. Trials treating infrapopliteal vessels had a higher surveillance intensity compared with those treating femoropopliteal lesions in the first 12 months after endovascular intervention (mean 5 vs 3 surveillance visits; P = .017). Trials with drug-eluting devices had longer surveillance duration compared with those without (mean 26 vs 19 months; P = .020). CONCLUSIONS: There is a high level of variation in the modality, duration, and intensity of surveillance protocols used in randomized trials comparing different types of peripheral endovascular arterial intervention. Further research is required to determine the value and impact of postprocedural surveillance on patient outcomes.

Predictors of acute deep venous thrombosis in patients hospitalized for COVID-19.

ABSTRACT: Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is associated with high mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) but there remains uncertainty about the benefit of anti-coagulation prophylaxis and how to decide when ultrasound screening is indicated. We aimed to determine parameters predicting which COVID-19 patients are at risk of DVT and to assess the benefit of prophylactic anti-coagulation.Adult hospitalized patients with positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) undergoing venous duplex ultrasound for DVT assessment (n = 451) were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical and laboratory data within 72 hours of ultrasound were collected. Using split sampling and a 10-fold cross-validation, a random forest model was developed to find the most important variables for predicting DVT. Different d-dimer cutoffs were examined for classification of DVT. We also compared the rate of DVT between the patients going and not going under thromboprophylaxis.DVT was found in 65 (14%) of 451 reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction positive patients. The random forest model, trained and cross-validated on 2/3 of the original sample (n = 301), had area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.91 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.85-0.97) for prediction of DVT in the test set (n = 150), with sensitivity = 93% (95%CI: 68%-99%) and specificity = 82% (95%CI: 75%-88%). The following variables had the highest importance: d-dimer, thromboprophylaxis, systolic blood pressure, admission to ultrasound interval, and platelets. Thromboprophylaxis reduced DVT risk 4-fold from 26% to 6% (P < .001), while anti-coagulation therapy led to hemorrhagic complications in 14 (22%) of 65 patients with DVT including 2 fatal intra-cranial hemorrhages. D-dimer was the most important predictor with area under curve = 0.79 (95%CI: 0.73-0.86) by itself, and a 5000 ng/mL threshold at 7 days postCOVID-19 symptom onset had 75% (95%CI: 53%-90%) sensitivity and 81% (95%CI: 72%-88%) specificity. In comparison with d-dimer alone, the random forest model showed 68% versus 32% specificity at 95% sensitivity, and 44% versus 23% sensitivity at 95% specificity.D-dimer >5000 ng/mL predicts DVT with high accuracy suggesting regular monitoring with d-dimer in the early stages of COVID-19 may be useful. A random forest model improved the prediction of DVT. Thromboprophylaxis reduced DVT in COVID-19 patients and should be considered in all patients. Full anti-coagulation therapy has a risk of life-threatening hemorrhage.

Practice patterns in the use of completion imaging after carotid endarterectomy.

BACKGROUND: The use of intraoperative completion imaging (completion carotid duplex ultrasound or angiography) to confirm the technical adequacy of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) remains a matter of controversy. The purpose of this study was to describe vascular surgeons' practice patterns in the use of completion imaging after CEA and to study the association between completion imaging and postoperative stroke/death and high-grade restenosis (>70%). METHODS: Patients who underwent CEA without concomitant procedures in the Vascular Quality Initiative database between 2003 and 2018 were included. Surgeons' practice patterns were defined on the basis of the distribution of completion imaging use among annual CEA cases per surgeon. Multivariable and Cox proportional hazards models were used to study the association between different practice patterns of completion imaging and perioperative and 1-year outcomes after CEA. RESULTS: Of 98,055 CEA cases, 26,716 (27.3%) were performed with completion imaging. Compared with cases in which completion imaging was not performed, completion imaging was associated with increased rates of immediate re-exploration (3.5% vs 0.9%; odds ratio [OR], 3.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.74-5.38; P < .001), overall return to the operating room (RTOR; 1.6% vs 1.2%; OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.08-1.42; P < .01), and longer operative time (median [interquartile range], 105 minutes [82-132] vs 119 minutes [92-148]; P < .001). Of 1920 surgeons in our cohort, 45% never performed completion imaging, whereas 26% rarely performed completion imaging (for ≤20% of annual CEA cases), 9.5% performed it selectively (21%-79% of annual CEAs), and 19.6% used completion imaging routinely (≥80% of annual CEAs). Rarely performing completion imaging had higher rates of immediate re-exploration (6.5% vs 0.9%; OR, 7.2; 95% CI, 5.7-9.2; P < .001), in-hospital stroke (4.0% vs 1.1%; adjusted OR [aOR], 3.4; 95% CI, 2.6-4.6; P < .001), RTOR for bleeding (1.9% vs 0.9%; aOR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.5-2.9; P < .001), and neurologic events (1.5% vs 0.4%; aOR, 3.6; 95% CI, 2.2-5.9; P < .001) compared with not performing completion imaging. It was also associated with increased stroke/death and repeated revascularization at 30 days and significant restenosis at 1 year. On the other hand, performance of selective and routine completion imaging was associated with increased immediate re-exploration (selective: aOR, 3.2 [95% CI, 1.9-5.5; P < .001]; routine: aOR, 3.7 [95% CI, 2.5-5.6; P < .001]) without any increase in in-hospital, 30-day, and 1-year adverse outcomes compared with cases performed without completion imaging. CONCLUSIONS: The performance of selective or routine completion imaging during CEA is safe and is not associated with increased adverse events compared with not using intraoperative completion imaging. However, rarely performing completion imaging is associated with a significant increase in the odds of perioperative stroke/death and RTOR, possibly because of unnecessary re-exploration for minor defects. The operator's experience and establishing a criterion for fixing residual defects are important to avoid unnecessary re-exploration.

Addition of Efficiency Measures to Current Accuracy Measures in the Vascular Laboratory Can Be Used for Future Accreditation and Payment Models.

BACKGROUND: The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) brings with it increased regulatory requirements not traditionally addressed by standard vascular laboratory accreditation, which is based on accuracy. The new quality improvement project of the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) may satisfy an improvement activity (IA) of the MACRA. We hypothesize that other IAs in the MACRA such as timeliness of test results or patient care quality performance requirements can be met by analyzing data already being collected by the vascular laboratory. After a process improvement strategy, we chose to review progress in our vascular laboratory related to time to interpretation (TI), patient check-in to study completion (study time), wait time for first available outpatient venous duplex scan (wait time), technologist productivity, and critical results reporting. METHODS: Data from our hospital-based vascular laboratory were collected from 2010 to 2016. TI was collected through our reporting software VascuPro (Consensus Medical), and study time and wait time were obtained from electronic medical records (EMR) (Epic). Technologist productivity was calculated by commercially available productivity tools, and compliance with critical results reporting was calculated quarterly as per our quality assurance program. Appropriateness of carotid duplex scan testing was performed by expert review of International Classification of Disease codes used to request the test. RESULTS: TI analysis comprised 91,352 studies with a mean of 3.3 hr between test completion and final interpretation. The TI improved from 5.0 to 2.1 hr on weekdays and was longer on weekends (4.9 hr; P < 0.001). The study time improved from 29.8 to 27.2 min and was 14.9 min shorter on the weekends (P < 0.001). The wait time ranged from a mean of 1-2.08 days. Technologist productivity improved from 90.7% to 93.6%. Critical results reporting quarterly audits showed a 100% compliance rate. On expert review, the International Classification of Disease code on carotid duplex scan requests in the EMR was deemed inaccurate in 17.4% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: TI and study time improved; wait time and critical results reporting remained steady. Most of the data are readily available in a vascular laboratory standard EMR. The plan-do-study-act (PDSA or Shewhart Cycle) principle is critical to process improvement and needed as we transition from traditional accreditation mostly based on test accuracy to one demanding efficiency, timeliness, patient satisfaction, productivity, accountability, and appropriateness of testing. Process improvement studies will improve patient care and satisfaction, increase efficiency and throughput, while satisfying changing IAC standards and preparing for upcoming regulatory requirements of the MACRA.

Carotid Duplex Velocity Criteria Recommended by the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound and Endorsed by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission Lack Predictive Ability for Identifying High-Grade Carotid Artery Stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Carotid duplex is the first-line imaging modality for characterizing degree of carotid stenosis. The Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC), in published guideline documents, has endorsed use of the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound (SRU) criteria to characterize ≥70% stenosis: peak systolic velocity (PSV) ≥230 cm/s. We sought to perform a validation of the SRU criteria using computed tomography (CT) angiography as a gold standard imaging modality and to perform a sensitivity analysis to determine optimal velocity criteria for identifying ≥80% stenosis. METHODS: We queried all carotid duplex examinations performed at our institution between 2008 and 2017. Patients with ≥70% carotid stenosis, based on previous criteria, were identified. Of these patients, those who also had a CT angiogram of the neck within one year formed the study cohort. Patients who underwent carotid revascularization between the 2 imaging dates were excluded. Degree of stenosis, as reported from the CT angiogram, was considered the true degree of stenosis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to evaluate the SRU criteria and to identify the optimal discrimination threshold for high-grade carotid stenosis. RESULTS: Of 37,204 carotid duplex examinations, 3,478 arteries met criteria for ≥70% stenosis. Of these, 344 patients had a CT angiogram within 1 year of the carotid duplex (mean time between studies, 55 days, SD 6.5) and 240 (69.8%) were consistent with ≥80% carotid stenosis. The predictive ability of the SRU criteria to identify ≥70% stenosis was poor, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.51. A sensitivity analysis to identify ≥80% stenosis demonstrated the optimal discrimination threshold to be PSV ≥450 cm/s or end diastolic velocity (EDV) ≥120 cm/s, with an AUC of 0.66. CONCLUSIONS: In this validation study, the SRU criteria, endorsed by the IAC, to identify ≥70% carotid stenosis had no predictive value. For detection of ≥80% stenosis, the optimal criteria are a PSV ≥450 cm/s or EDV ≥120 cm/s. This study demonstrates the critical importance of carotid duplex examination validation.

Optimizing Lower Extremity Duplex Ultrasound Screening After Traumatic Injury.

BACKGROUND: The risk assessment profile (RAP) score has been used to determine patients who would most benefit from lower extremity duplex ultrasound screening (LEDUS). We hypothesized that revising our LEDUS protocol to perform screening ultrasound examinations in patients with an RAP ≥8 within 48 h of admission would reduce the number of LEDUS performed without changing outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on trauma patients admitted from July 1, 2014, to June 30, 2015, and July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2017. In 2014-2015, patients with an RAP score ≥5 underwent weekly LEDUS examinations starting on hospital day 4. In 2016-2017, the protocol was changed to start screening patients with an RAP score ≥8 by hospital day 2. Both protocols screened with weekly ultrasounds after the first examination. Demographic data, injury characteristics, LEDUS examination findings, chemoprophylaxis type, and venous thromboembolism incidence were collected. RESULTS: A total of 602 patients underwent LEDUS examination in 2014-2015, whereas only 412 underwent LEDUS in 2016-2017. No significant difference was seen in the number of patients diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism. DVTs were most often identified on the first LEDUS examination in both cohorts. Of patients diagnosed with a DVT on an LEDUS examination, a significantly higher RAP score (12 versus 10), and a shorter time to first duplex (1 versus 3 d), and DVT diagnosis (2 versus 4 d) were observed in the 2016-2017 cohort. In patients diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism, no significant differences were demonstrated between cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Refinement of LEDUS protocols can decrease overutilization of hospital resources without compromising trauma patient outcomes.

Effects of a standardized emergency department protocol on after-hours use of venous duplex ultrasound.

OBJECTIVE: Vascular laboratory (VL) venous duplex ultrasound is the "gold standard" for diagnosis of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT), which is linked to many morbid conditions. Decreasing night and weekend use of VL services in the emergency department (ED) represents a potentially viable means of reducing costs as skilled personnel must remain on call and receive a wage premium when activated. We investigated the effects of workflow changes that required ED providers to use a computerized decision-making tool, integrated into the electronic medical record, to calculate a Wells score for each patient considered for an after-hours venous duplex ultrasound study for suspected DVT. METHODS: The rate of VL use and study positivity before and after implementation of the decision-making tool were examined in addition to measures of ED throughput, rate of concomitant pulmonary embolism, disposition of examined patients from the ED, observed thrombus distribution in duplex ultrasound studies positive for DVT, and calculated personnel costs of after-hours VL use. RESULTS: A total of 391 after-hours, ED-initiated venous duplex ultrasound studies were obtained during the 4-year study period (n = 213 before intervention, n = 178 after intervention; P = .12). Whereas the period immediately after the start of the intervention saw a decrease in VL use, this was not sustained. Studies performed after the intervention were not more likely to be positive for acute DVT (12.2% vs 18%; P = .1179). The average Wells score was 2.8 (range, 0-6). VL personnel were called in 347 times during the 4-year period, with a total cost of $14,643.40. Nurse-ordered studies were significantly more likely to be positive, with 22% revealing acute DVT compared with 12% for physician-ordered studies (P = .042). The intervention resulted in significant improvements in ED throughput, with time between triage and study request falling from 226 minutes to 165 minutes (P < .001). Observed thrombus distribution revealed involvement of the most proximal external iliac system in a minority of cases (11%), whereas most thrombi (89%) were limited to the femoropopliteal, calf, and superficial venous systems. CONCLUSIONS: A requirement for ED providers to document a Wells score before obtaining an after-hours venous duplex ultrasound study resulted in only a transient decrease in VL use but improved ED throughput. Studies ordered by nurses were significantly more likely to be positive, possibly as a result of consistent protocol adherence compared with the physicians. Future studies may warrant investigation into this provider variance.

The Society for Vascular Surgery practice guidelines on follow-up after vascular surgery arterial procedures.

Although follow-up after open surgical and endovascular procedures is generally regarded as an important part of the care provided by vascular surgeons, there are no detailed or comprehensive guidelines that specify the optimal approaches with regard to testing methods, indications for reintervention, and follow-up intervals. To provide guidance to the vascular surgeon, the Clinical Practice Council of the Society for Vascular Surgery appointed an expert panel and a methodologist to review the current clinical evidence and to develop recommendations for follow-up after vascular surgery procedures. For those procedures for which high-quality evidence was not available, recommendations were based on observational studies, committee consensus, and indirect evidence. Recognizing that there are numerous published reports on the role of duplex ultrasound for surveillance of infrainguinal vein bypass grafts, the Society commissioned a systematic review and meta-analysis on this topic. The panel classified the strength of each recommendation and the corresponding quality of evidence on the basis of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system: recommendations were graded either strong or weak, and the quality of evidence was graded high, moderate, or low. The resulting recommendations represent a wide variety of open surgical and endovascular procedures involving the extracranial carotid artery, thoracic and abdominal aorta, mesenteric and renal arteries, and lower extremity arterial revascularization. The panel also identified many areas in which there was a lack of high-quality evidence to support their recommendations. This suggests that there are opportunities for further clinical research on testing methods, threshold criteria, and the role of surveillance as well as on the modes of failure and indications for reintervention after vascular surgery procedures.

[Quality standards for ultrasonographic assessment of peripheral vascular malformations and vascular tumors. Report of the french society for vascular medicine. 2018 Update]. / Standards de qualité pour la pratique de l'examen écho-Doppler dans l'étude des malformations et tumeurs vasculaires. Rapport de la Société française de médecine vasculaire (SFMV) : actualisation 2018.

The quality standards of the French Society of Vascular Medicine for the ultrasonographic assessment of vascular malformations are based on the two following requirements: (1) technical know-how: mastering the use of ultrasound devices and the method of examination; (2) medical know-how: ability to adapt the methods and scope of the examination to its clinical indication and purpose, and to rationally analyze and interpret its results. AIMS OF THE QUALITY STANDARDS: To describe an optimal method of examination in relation to the clinical question and hypothesis. To homogenize practice, methods, glossary, and reporting. To provide good practice reference points, and promote a quality process. ITEMS OF THE QUALITY STANDARDS: The 3 levels of examination; their clinical indications and goals. The reference standard examination (level 2), its variants according to clinical needs. The minimal content of the examination report; the letter to the referring physician (synthesis, conclusion and proposal for further investigation and/or therapeutic management). Commented glossary (anatomy, hemodynamics, semiology). Technical bases. Setting and use of ultrasound devices. Here, we discuss ultrasonography methods of using of ultrasonography for the assessment of peripheral vascular malformations and tumors (limbs, face, trunk).

Screening with doppler ultrasound for carotid artery stenosis in patients with stroke or transient ischaemic attack.

INTRODUCTION: Carotid endarterectomy of symptomatic internal carotid artery stenosis in patients with stroke or transient ischaemic attack reduces the risk of recurrent stroke, particularly if performed within 2 weeks from the first event. We evaluated the efficiency of a screening programme based on Doppler ultrasound in patients hospitalized with stroke or transient ischaemic attack in the stroke centre at Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark, concerning timeliness of referral to the vascular surgeon and performance of carotid endarterectomy according to national recommendations. METHODS: Prospective study of a consecutive cohort of patients with transient ischaemic attack or stroke, referred for carotid Doppler ultrasound over a one-year period. RESULTS: We examined 1390 patients (1048 with stroke, 342 with transient ischaemic attack), 71% within 24 h and 93% within 4 days after admission. Carotid stenosis or occlusion was found in 171 patients (12·3%) and was hemisphere related in 78 patients (5·6%). Among these, 68 (87%) were referred to the vascular department, 94% within 4 days of admission. Carotid endarterectomy was performed in 16 patients, all within 14 days from admission, and was not declined in any patient due to procedural delay. CONCLUSIONS: In a major Danish stroke centre, the national recommended time limit of 4 days in patients with stroke or transient ischaemic attack for screening for carotid stenosis was met in almost all patients. No patients were excluded from surgery as a result of a time limit of 14 days from admission to surgery being exceeded. Of all patients screened, 1·2% underwent carotid endarterectomy.

[Quality standards for duplex ultrasonographic assessment (duplex us) of abdominal aortic stent grafts]. / Standards de qualité pour la pratique de l'écho-Doppler dans la surveillance des endoprothèses aortiques abdominales.

The quality standards of the French Society of Vascular Medicine for the ultrasound assessment of lower limb arteries in vascular medicine practice are based on the principle that these examinations have to meet two requirements: technical know-how (knowledge of devices and methodologies); medical know-how (level of examination matching the indication and purpose of the examination, interpretation and critical analysis of results). OBJECTIVES OF THE QUALITY STANDARDS: To describe an optimal level of examination adjusted to the indication or clinical hypothesis; to establish harmonious practices, methodologies, terminologies, results description and report; to provide good practice reference points and to promote a high quality process. THEMES OF THE QUALITY STANDARDS: The three levels of examination, indications and objectives for each level; the reference standard examination (level 2) and its variants according to indications; the minimal content of the exam report, the medical conclusion letter to the corresponding physician (synthesis, conclusion and management suggestions); commented glossary (anatomy, hemodynamics, signs and symptoms); technical basis; device settings. Here, we discuss duplex ultrasound for the supervision of the aortic stent grafts.

Normal Lower Extremity Duplex Findings in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices: A Basis for Vascular Laboratory Interpretation.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have been shown to cause changes in carotid artery duplex-derived flow velocity waveforms; however, possible effects on lower extremity arterial duplex (LEAD) findings have not been characterized. We sought to characterize LEAD findings in patients with LVADs to establish a basis for vascular laboratory interpretation of LEAD in patients with LVADs. METHODS: Retrospective single institution review of all patients with LEAD performed after LVAD implantation from 2003 to 2014. Peak systolic velocity (PSVs) of common femoral (CFA), superficial femoral (SFA), popliteal, and posterior tibial arteries (PTA) in asymptomatic extremities in patients with LVADs were compared to a control group of patients at our institution without LVADs who underwent LEAD for nonischemic indications. Arterial brachial index (ABIs) and CFA waveform acceleration times (ATs) and end diastolic velocity (EDV) were also measured. RESULTS: There were 248 LVAD patients, 29 had LEAD of at least 1 lower extremity (34 extremities, 22 asymptomatic, and 12 symptomatic) during the study period and 136 control limbs. Mean PSVs (cm/s) in the control CFA, mid SFA, popliteal, and PTA were 137 ± 4.8, 104.2 ± 4.5, 65.2 ± 2.8, and 64.6 ±3.2. Mean PSVs were significantly decreased in the LVAD patients: 49.5 ± 4.9, 40.6 ± 3.7, 27.2 ± 2.2, and 25.5 ± 2.3, P < 0.001 for each comparison. Average ABI for control limbs was 0.91 ± 0.05 compared to 1.17 ± 0.35 in LVAD extremities (P < 0.001). Mean CFA AT was 97 ms in the controls and 207 ms in LVAD patients, P < 0.001. Mean CFA EDV was 14.7 cm/s in the controls and 18.6 cm/s in the LVAD patients, P = 0.011. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study characterizing LEAD in lower extremity arteries in LVAD patients. PSV is significantly decreased throughout lower extremity vessels, and common femoral artery acceleration time increased. Results can serve as a basis for identifying normal LEAD findings in LVAD patients.

Carotid endarterectomy should not be based on consensus statement duplex velocity criteria.

OBJECTIVE: Randomized trials support carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in asymptomatic patients with ≥60% internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis. The widely referenced Society for Radiologists in Ultrasound Consensus Statement on carotid duplex ultrasound (CDUS) imaging indicates that an ICA peak systolic velocity (PSV) ≥230 cm/s corresponds to a ≥70% ICA stenosis, leading to the potential conclusion that asymptomatic patients with an ICA PSV ≥230 cm/s would benefit from CEA. Our goal was to determine the natural history stroke risk of asymptomatic patients who might have undergone CEA based on consensus statement PSV of ≥230 cm/s but instead were treated medically based on more conservative CDUS imaging criteria. METHODS: All patients who underwent CDUS imaging at our institution during 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. The year 2009 was chosen to ensure extended follow-up. Asymptomatic patients were included if their ICA PSV was ≥230 cm/s but less than what our laboratory considers a ≥80% stenosis by CDUS imaging (PSV ≥430 cm/s, end-diastolic velocity ≥151 cm/s, or ICA/common carotid artery PSV ratio ≥7.5). Study end points included freedom from transient ischemic attack (TIA), freedom from any stroke, freedom from carotid-etiology stroke, and freedom from revascularization. RESULTS: Criteria for review were met by 327 patients. Mean follow-up was 4.3 years, with 85% of patients having >3-year follow-up. Four unheralded strokes occurred during follow-up at <1, 17, 25, and 30 months that were potentially attributable to the index carotid artery. Ipsilateral TIA occurred in 17 patients. An additional 12 strokes occurred that appeared unrelated to ipsilateral carotid disease, including hemorrhagic events, contralateral, and cerebellar strokes. Revascularization was undertaken in 59 patients, 1 for stroke, 12 for TIA, and 46 for asymptomatic disease. Actuarial freedom from carotid-etiology stroke was 99.7%, 98.4%, and 98.4% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. Freedom from TIA was 98%, 96%, and 95%, freedom from any stroke was 99%, 96%, and 93%, and freedom from revascularization was 95%, 86%, and 81% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with intermediate asymptomatic carotid stenosis (ICA PSV 230-429 cm/s) do well with medical therapy when carefully monitored and intervened upon using conservative CDUS criteria. Furthermore, a substantial number of patients would undergo unnecessary CEA if consensus statement CDUS thresholds are used to recommend surgery. Current velocity threshold recommendations should be re-evaluated, with potentially important implications for upcoming clinical trials.

Cerebral Ventricular Dimensions After Decompressive Craniectomy: A Comparison Between Bedside Sonographic Duplex Technique and Cranial Computed Tomography.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to assess and compare ventricle diameters in patients after decompressive craniectomy by using cranial computed tomography (CCT) versus sonographic duplex technique (SDT). METHODS: A total of 102 consecutive patients after decompressive craniectomy following brain infarct, bleeding and trauma were examined by CCT and SDT. SDT was performed within 24 h after repeated postinterventional control CCT and the correlation between both methods was assessed via measurement of dimensions of all four ventricles. In addition, midline shifts and overall cerebral anatomy was evaluated. RESULTS: A high correlation was found between CCT and SDT in measuring the diameters of all four ventricles (right lateral r = 0.978, p < 0.001; left lateral r = 0.975, p < 0.001; third r = 0.987, p < 0.001 and fourth ventricle r = 0.954, p < 0.001). Deviations of midline structure was observed in SDT as well as in CCT (r = 0.992, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: SDT in patients after decompressive craniectomy may represent an additional bedside tool to assess the dimensions of the ventricular system, anatomical structures, e.g., subdural hygromas, hematomas, midline shifts, gyri and sulci. The measurement of the dimensions of all four ventricles by using SDT delivers accurate values and may be considered as an alternative to CCT or a trigger for CCT prior to further treatment.

Propuesta de optimización del estudio ecográfico venoso de extremidades inferiores de acuerdo con el método LEAN / Proposal for optimising lower limb venous duplex ultrasound evaluation according to the LEAN method

INTRODUCCIÓN: En todo proceso diagnóstico y terapéutico, y más en tiempo de importantes recortes sanitarios, es imprescindible buscar la máxima eficiencia. El método LEAN intenta optimizar todo proceso productivo y proponemos su aplicación para el estudio ecográfico venoso de extremidades inferiores. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se incluyó a pacientes con sintomatología de insuficiencia venosa, varices visibles y sin intervenciones previas ni afectación profunda y se les realizó un eco-Doppler estandarizado según normas del CDVNI. Se valoraron el punto de fuga, el recorrido, el punto de reentrada y el sistema venoso profundo. Se determinaron los puntos mínimos de estudio ecográfico (puntos LEAN) necesarios para una correcta evaluación diagnóstica y se construyó un algoritmo de decisión eficiente. RESULTADOS: Entre los años 2007-2012 se realizó un estudio transversal de 984 ecografías venosas de extremidad inferior. El 96% de los pacientes presentaron un punto de fuga y recorrido correctamente determinados al insonar ingle (LEAN-1) y hueco poplíteo (LEAN-2) y, de estos, un 3,6% presentaban un segundo punto de fuga, no detectado en estas localizaciones. Un 4,2% de los pacientes no presentó ningún punto de fuga en LEAN-1 o LEAN-2, tratándose de perforantes en muslo (50%), pierna (30%) y Hunter (20%). CONCLUSIONES: La exclusiva insonación de los puntos LEAN-1 y LEAN-2 nos permiten realizar un diagnóstico certero y suficiente en el 92,4% de los pacientes, optimizando de esta manera el tiempo y el coste de la exploración. Siguiendo el algoritmo propuesto, solo un 4,2% de los pacientes precisará una exploración venosa completa

INTRODUCTION: It is essential to look for maximal efficiency in all diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and especially in times of health budget cuts. The LEAN method tries to optimise all production procedures, and its application is proposed in the lower limb venous duplex ultrasound study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients suffering from venous insufficiency (VI), external varicose veins, and without previous venous surgery or deep vein thrombosis were included and a duplex ultrasound evaluation was performed according to the recommendations for non-invasive vascular diagnosis. Deep venous system, shunt type, trajectory and drainage were evaluated. The minimum number of ultrasound evaluation points needed for a correct diagnosis was determined (LEAN points), and an efficient decision-making algorithm was developed. RESULTS: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on 984 lower limb venous ultrasound evaluations performed between 2007 and 2012. Almost all (96%) patients had a shunt and trajectory correctly evaluated by groin ultrasound evaluation (LEAN-1), and popliteal area ultrasound evaluation (LEAN-2). Only 3.6% of these patients showed a secondary shunt that was not located in LEAN points. Another 4.2% of patients did not show any shunt in LEAN-1 or LEAN-2, being due to thigh perforating veins (50%), leg perforating veins (30%), or Hunter perforating veins (20%). CONCLUSIONS: The duplex ultrasound evaluation of LEAN-1 and LEAN-2 points allows us to reach a complete diagnosis for VI in 92.4% of patients, thus reducing evaluation time and costs. According to the proposed algorithm, only 4.2% of patients would need a complete venous ultrasound evaluation to reach the correct diagnosis

Redefining the Criteria for Grading Varicoceles Based on Reflux Times: A Clinicoradiological Correlation.

The aims of the study were to redefine the criteria used to grade varicoceles, based on reflux times that correlate with Dubin and Amelar clinical grading by overcoming the limitations of clinical grading and to include the less known entity of intratesticular varicoceles in the grading. Prospective correlative study was undertaken at JSS Hospital, Mysore, India during the period from July 2010 to October 2014. All patients with clinical suspicion of varicocele were clinically graded by Dubin and Amelar grading system and were later subjected to duplex ultrasound examination. The duration of the reflux obtained during the Valsalva maneuver was measured in milliseconds. Patients with intratesticular varicocele were noted and they were subgraded. One hundred patients were examined as per the methodology.The mean reflux times obtained as per the clinically graded varicoceles were as follows: subclinical varicocele, 835 ms; grade 1 varicocele, 1907 ms; grade 2 varicocele, 3108 ms; and grade 3 varicocele, 4508 ms.Based on the results obtained, we propose a modified radiological grading of the varicocele that is based on reflux times at Valsalva maneuver for each clinical grade. The presence of an intratesticular varicocele with any of the above grades is to be suffixed with "I."

Compliance of postendovascular aortic aneurysm repair imaging surveillance.

OBJECTIVE: Imaging surveillance after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) is critical. In this study we analyzed compliance with imaging surveillance after EVAR and its effect on clinical outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 565 EVAR patients (August 2001-November 2013), who were followed using duplex ultrasound and/or computed tomography angiography. Patients were considered noncompliant (NC) if they did not have any follow-up imaging for 2 years and/or missed their first post-EVAR imaging over 6 months. A Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare compliance rates in EVAR patients with hostile neck (HN) vs favorable neck (FN) anatomy (according to instructions for use). A multivariate analysis was also done to correlate compliance and comorbidities. RESULTS: Forty-three percent were compliant (7% had no follow-up imaging) and 57% were NC. The mean follow-up for compliant patients was 25.4 months (0-119 months) vs 31.4 months for NC (0-140 months). The mean number of imaging was 3.5 for compliant vs 2.6 for NC (P < .0001). Sixty-four percent were NC for HN patients vs 50% for FN patients (P = .0007). The rates of compliance at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years for all patients were 78%, 63%, 55%, 45%, and 32%; and 84%, 68%, 61%, 54%, and 40% for FN patients; and 73%, 57%, 48%, 37%, and 25% for HN patients (P = .009). The NC rate for patients with late endoleak and/or sac expansion was 58% vs 54% for patients with no endoleak (P = .51). The NC rate for patients with late reintervention was 70% vs 53% for patients with no reintervention (P = .1254). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that patients with peripheral arterial disease had an odds ratio of 1.9 (P = .0331), patients with carotid disease had an odds ratio of 2 (P = .0305), and HN patients had an odds ratio of 1.8 (P = .0007) for NC. Age and residential locations were not factors in compliance. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, compliance of imaging surveillance after EVAR was low, particularly in HN EVAR patients, and additional studies are needed to determine if strict post-EVAR surveillance is necessary, and its effect on long-term clinical outcome.

Imaging After Nellix Endovascular Aneurysm Sealing: A Consensus Document.

Endovascular aneurysm sealing (EVAS) using the Nellix system is a new and different method of abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Normal postoperative imaging has unique appearances that change with time; complications also have different and specific appearances. This consensus document on the imaging findings after Nellix EVAS is based on the collective experience of the sites involved in the Nellix EVAS Global Forward Registry and the US Investigational Device Exemption Trial. The normal findings on computed tomography (CT), duplex ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and plain radiography are described. With time, endobag appearances change on CT due to contrast migration to the margins of the hydrogel polymer within the endobag. Air within the endobag also has unique appearances that change over time. Among the complications after Nellix EVAS, type I endoleak usually presents as a curvilinear area of flow between the endobag and aortic wall, while type II endoleak is typically small and usually occurs where an aortic branch artery lies adjacent to an irregular aortic blood lumen that is not completely filled by the endobag. Procedural aortic injury is an uncommon but important complication that occurs as a result of overfilling of the endobags during Nellix EVAS. The optimum imaging surveillance algorithm after Nellix EVAS has yet to be defined but is largely CT-based, especially in the first year postprocedure. However, duplex ultrasound also appears to be a sensitive modality in identifying normal appearances and complications.

Discrepancies in recommended criteria for grading of carotid stenosis with ultrasound.

The accuracy of duplex ultrasound for grading of internal carotid artery stenosis has been widely tested and shown to be high. However, different methods for measurement of the degree of carotid stenosis with the golden standard conventional angiography have been used in the different studies. This, together with other factors, has led to some confusion regarding the relation between the ultrasonographically measured flow velocity and the angiographically measured degree of stenosis. The ultrasound criteria that are used in Sweden (and in Germany) differ in an important way from the criteria recommended in North America and the United Kingdom for the same degree of angiographic stenoses. Possible reasons for the discrepancies are discussed in this article. The authors recommend absolute agreement locally whether ECST or NASCET criteria shall be used in the communication between radiologists, clinical physiologists, vascular surgeons, neurologists and other physicians involved in patient management decisions. Angle-dependent ultrasound criteria should be used and flow velocity measurements with ultrasound should be combined with assessment of plaque burden on 2D picture.