Contralateral Suppression in Adrenal Venous Sampling Predicts Clinical and Biochemical Outcome in Primary Aldosteronism.

CONTEXT: The role of hormone parameters at adrenal venous sampling (AVS) in predicting clinical and biochemical outcomes remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of hormone parameters at AVS under cosyntropin stimulation on lateralization and on complete biochemical and clinical outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 150 sequential AVS under cosyntropin infusion. The bilateral successful cannulation rate was 83.3% (n = 140), 47.9% bilateral and 52.1% unilateral. The lateralization index, aldosterone/cortisol ratio (A/C) in the dominant adrenal vein (AV), and relative aldosterone secretion index (RASI = A/C in AV divided by A/C in inferior vena cava) were assessed. The contralateral suppression (CS) percentage was defined by (1 - nondominant RASI) * 100. RESULTS: A nondominant RASI <0.5 (CS >50%) had 86.84% sensitivity and 92.96% specificity to predict contralateral lateralization. An A/C ratio in dominant AV >5.9 (74.67% sensitivity and 80% specificity) and dominant RASI >4.7 (35.21% sensitivity and 88.06% specificity) had the worst performance to predict ipsilateral lateralization. Complete biochemical and clinical cure was significantly more frequent in the patients with CS >50% [98.41% vs 42.86% (P < .001) and 41.94% vs 0% (P < .001)]. CS correlated with high aldosterone at diagnosis (P < .001) and low postoperative aldosterone levels at 1 month (P = .019). Postoperative biochemical hypoaldosteronism was more frequent in patients with CS >50% (70% vs 16.67%, P = .014). In multivariable analysis, a CS >50% was associated with complete biochemical cure [odds ratio (OR) 125, 95% confidence interval (CI) 11.904-5000; P = .001] and hypertension remission (OR 12.19, 95% CI 2.074-250; P = .023). CONCLUSION: A CS >50% was an independent predictor of complete clinical and biochemical cure. Moreover, it can predict unilateral primary aldosteronism and postoperative biochemical hypoaldosteronism. Our findings underscore the usefulness of CS for clinical decision-making.

Anatomical investigation of the vascular supply of the suprarenal glands in fetuses / Investigación anatómica del suministro vascular de las glándulas suprarrenales en los fetos

The suprarenal glands are bilaterally supplied by three suprarenal arteries and drained by a single suprarenal vein. Variable vascular origins of the fetal suprarenal gland have been documented in different population groups viz. Indian, Polish and Argentinian. However, there is lack of a detailed description regarding the course, relations, number of branches and vertebral levels of the origins of the vasculature of the suprarenal glands in fetuses. This study aimed to identify and document the vascular supply of the suprarenal glands in fetuses in a South African setting. Fifty fetal specimens (26 males; 24 females) with a gestational age ranging between 12 and 20 weeks, were bilaterally micro-dissected (n=100) using a Zeiss Stemi DV4 microscope. Data was recorded and the frequencies of the origin, course, relations, number of branches and vertebral levels of the suprarenal vascular supply were determined. Arterial supply: Origin: (i) The superior suprarenal artery (SSA) bilaterally arose from the inferior phrenic arteries in 98 % of the fetuses; (ii) the middle suprarenal artery (MSA) frequently arose from the renal artery (RA) on the right side (46 %) and the abdominal aorta on the left side (34 %); while (iii) the inferior suprarenal artery (ISA) predominantly arose from the RA in 91 % of the specimens, bilaterally. Course and relations: The suprarenal arteries followed a superior, inferior, lateral, supero-lateral and infero-lateral course to the gland. These arteries were closely related to the crura of the diaphragm, the inferior vena cava, the left inferior phrenic vein and the pancreas. Number of branches: The branches ranged from one to seven for the SSA, one to four for the MSA and one to three for the ISA. Vertebral levels: The SSA predominantly arose from the first lumbar (L1) vertebral body (32 %), the MSA arose from the middle third of the intervertebral disc between the L1 and the second lumbar (L2) vertebrae (19 %) and the ISA arose from the L2 vertebral body (28 %). Venous drainage: In 1 % of the specimens, an additional right suprarenal vein (ARSV) was observed. This ARSV followed a superomedial course into the inferior vena cava, just below the entrance of the main right suprarenal vein. The arteries supplying the suprarenal gland presented varying origins and number of branches, corroborating with the reviewed literature and standard anatomical textbooks. The findings of this study may aid pediatric surgeons in understanding the vascular morphology (and the variations thereof) of the suprarenal gland, when performing adrenelectomy surgery in neonates.

Las glándulas suprarrenales son irrigadas bilateralmente por tres arterias suprarrenales y drenadas por una sola vena suprarrenal. Los orígenes vasculares variables de la glándula suprarrenal fetal se han documentado en diferentes grupos de población: indios, polacos y argentinos. Sin embargo, no existe una descripción detallada del curso, las relaciones, el número de ramas y los niveles vertebrales de los orígenes de la vasculatura de las glándulas suprarrenales en los fetos. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar y documentar el suministro vascular de las glándulas suprarrenales en fetos en una población sudafricana. Cincuenta especímenes fetales (26 hombres; 24 mujeres) con una edad gestacional que oscila entre las 12 y las 20 semanas, fueron micro-diseccionados bilateralmente (n = 100) utilizando un microscopio Zeiss Stemi DV4. Se registraron los datos y se determinaron las frecuencias de origen, curso, relaciones, número de ramas y niveles vertebrales del suministro vascular suprarrenal. Suministro arterial: Origen: (i) La arteria suprarrenal superior (SSA) surgió bilateralmente de las arterias frénicas inferiores en el 98 % de los fetos; (ii) la arteria suprarrenal media (MSA) surgió frecuentemente de la arteria renal (AR) en el lado derecho (46 %) y en la parte abdominal de la aorta en el lado izquierdo (34 %); mientras que (iii) la arteria suprarrenal inferior (AIS) surgió predominantemente de la AR en el 91 % de los especímenes, bilateralmente. Curso y relaciones: las arterias suprarrenales seguían un curso superior, inferior, lateral, superolateral e inferolateral hacia la glándula. Estas arterias estaban estrechamente relacionadas con la crura del diafragma, la vena cava inferior, la vena frénica inferior izquierda y el páncreas. Número de ramas: Las ramas variaron de una a siete para la SSA, de una a cuatro para la MSA y de una a tres para la ISA. Niveles vertebrales: la SSA surgió predominantemente del primer cuerpo vertebral lumbar (L1) (32 %), la MSA surgió del tercio medio del disco intervertebral entre la L1 y la segunda vértebra lumbar (L2) (19 %) y la ISA surgió del cuerpo vertebral L2 (28 %). Drenaje venoso: en el 1 % de las muestras, se observó una vena suprarrenal derecha (ARSV) adicional. Este ARSV siguió un curso superomedial hacia la vena cava inferior, justo debajo de la entrada de la vena suprarrenal derecha principal. Las arterias que irrigaban la glándula suprarrenal presentaban diversos orígenes y número de ramas, lo que corrobora la literatura revisada y los libros de texto anatómicos estándar. Los hallazgos de este estudio pueden ayudar a los cirujanos pediátricos a comprender la morfología vascular (y sus variaciones) de la glándula suprarrenal, al realizar una cirugía de adrenelectomía en neonatos.

Can fetal adrenal artery Doppler velocimetry predict delivery date in pregnant women with spontaneous preterm birth?

AIM: To assess the accuracy of delivery date predictions made using fetal adrenal artery Doppler velocimetry in pregnant women with spontaneous preterm birth (PB) and to compare these predictions with cervical length (CL) measurements.Material and methods: A prospective study was performed with 51 pregnant women whose gestational lengths were between 24 and 36 weeks. The main outcome was the time between the Doppler velocimetry examination and delivery, categorized as delivery within 7 days or 7 days later after the examination. A receiver operating characteristics curve was performed to define the cutoffs among deliveries within 7 days for fetal adrenal artery Doppler velocimetry parameters and CL measurements. RESULTS: The incidence of delivery within 7 days was 37.3%, with a statistically significant difference for the pulsatility index (PI; p=0.045) and resistance index (RI; p=0.030) of the fetal adrenal artery. The best cutoff values of PI and RI for predicting deliveries within 7 days were 1.65 and 0.78, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of PI, RI, and CL (20 mm) were 73.7% (95% CI: 51.9-95.5) and 56.3% (95% CI: 38.1-74.4); 68.4% (95% CI: 45.4-91.4) and 62.5% (95% CI: 44.8-80.2); and 76.5% (95% CI: 54.0-99.0) and 78.1% (95%: CI 71.1-97.7), respectively. CONCLUSION: Fetal adrenal artery Doppler velocimetry can predict delivery within 7 days among pregnant women in cases of spontaneous PB and this prediction is similar to the predictions made using CL measurements.

B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography of adrenal glands of healthy dogs / Ultrassonografia modo B e Doppler das glândulas adrenais de cães saudáveis

The aim of this study was to determine the vascular indices of adrenal blood flow in healthy dogs (systolic velocity - SV; diastolic velocity - DV; resistance index - RI). Eighteen dogs (thirty six adrenal) were studied. Physical examination, biochemical profile and dexamethasone suppression test were performed to determine general health status. Echotexture, size, contours and margins, and overall shape of the adrenal gland (right and left) were assessed via ultrasound. By spectral Doppler of the phrenic-abdominal artery, the SV, DV, and RI were acquired. Animals did not show alterations in clinical and laboratory examination and suppression of cortisol. Normal homogeneous and echotexture, regular contours and margins and normal shape and size were verified via B mode. Spectral Doppler of the phrenic-abdominal artery showed monophasic-patterned waves and low vascular resistance and systolic peak evident with means values: left adrenal - SV = 31.34cm/s, DV = 9.54cm/s and RI = 0.69; and right adrenal - SV = 27.83cm/s, DV = 7.71cm/s and RI = 0.68. Doppler evaluation of adrenal was easily implemented and may provide base line data in the study, allowing for the use of this technique as a diagnostic tool for diseases of the dog's adrenal.(AU)

Objetivou-se determinar os índices vasculares do fluxo sanguíneo das glândulas adrenais de cães saudáveis (velocidade sistólica - VS; velocidade diastólica - VD; o índice de resistência - IR). Foram utilizados neste estudo 18 cães (36 adrenais). Foram realizados exame físico, perfil bioquímico e teste de supressão com dexametasona para determinar o estado geral de saúde (higidez). Ecotextura, ecogenicidade, tamanho, contornos e margens e o formato das glândulas adrenais (direito e esquerdo) foram avaliados por meio da ultrassonografia convencional. Ao Doppler espectral da artéria frênico-abdominal, foram adquiridos a VS, a VD e o IR. Os animais não apresentaram alterações aos exames clínico, laboratorial e de supressão do cortisol. Ao exame ultrassonográfico, foram verificados ecotextura homogênea, ecogenicidade, formato e tamanhos normais, além de os contornos e as margens serem regulares. Ao Doppler espectral da artéria frênico-abdominal, verificaram-se ondas com padrão monofásico, com resistência vascular baixa e pico sistólico evidente, sendo os valores médios: adrenal esquerda - VS = 31,34cm/s, VD = 9,54cm/s e IR = 0,69; e adrenal direita - VS = 27,83cm/s, VD = 7,71cm/s e IR = 0,68. A avaliação Doppler das adrenais foi facilmente implementada e pode fornecer dados de referência, permitindo a utilização dessa técnica como uma ferramenta de diagnóstico para doenças das adrenais em cães.(AU)

B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography of adrenal glands of healthy dogs / Ultrassonografia modo B e Doppler das glândulas adrenais de cães saudáveis

The aim of this study was to determine the vascular indices of adrenal blood flow in healthy dogs (systolic velocity - SV; diastolic velocity - DV; resistance index - RI). Eighteen dogs (thirty six adrenal) were studied. Physical examination, biochemical profile and dexamethasone suppression test were performed to determine general health status. Echotexture, size, contours and margins, and overall shape of the adrenal gland (right and left) were assessed via ultrasound. By spectral Doppler of the phrenic-abdominal artery, the SV, DV, and RI were acquired. Animals did not show alterations in clinical and laboratory examination and suppression of cortisol. Normal homogeneous and echotexture, regular contours and margins and normal shape and size were verified via B mode. Spectral Doppler of the phrenic-abdominal artery showed monophasic-patterned waves and low vascular resistance and systolic peak evident with means values: left adrenal - SV = 31.34cm/s, DV = 9.54cm/s and RI = 0.69; and right adrenal - SV = 27.83cm/s, DV = 7.71cm/s and RI = 0.68. Doppler evaluation of adrenal was easily implemented and may provide base line data in the study, allowing for the use of this technique as a diagnostic tool for diseases of the dog's adrenal.(AU)

Objetivou-se determinar os índices vasculares do fluxo sanguíneo das glândulas adrenais de cães saudáveis (velocidade sistólica - VS; velocidade diastólica - VD; o índice de resistência - IR). Foram utilizados neste estudo 18 cães (36 adrenais). Foram realizados exame físico, perfil bioquímico e teste de supressão com dexametasona para determinar o estado geral de saúde (higidez). Ecotextura, ecogenicidade, tamanho, contornos e margens e o formato das glândulas adrenais (direito e esquerdo) foram avaliados por meio da ultrassonografia convencional. Ao Doppler espectral da artéria frênico-abdominal, foram adquiridos a VS, a VD e o IR. Os animais não apresentaram alterações aos exames clínico, laboratorial e de supressão do cortisol. Ao exame ultrassonográfico, foram verificados ecotextura homogênea, ecogenicidade, formato e tamanhos normais, além de os contornos e as margens serem regulares. Ao Doppler espectral da artéria frênico-abdominal, verificaram-se ondas com padrão monofásico, com resistência vascular baixa e pico sistólico evidente, sendo os valores médios: adrenal esquerda - VS = 31,34cm/s, VD = 9,54cm/s e IR = 0,69; e adrenal direita - VS = 27,83cm/s, VD = 7,71cm/s e IR = 0,68. A avaliação Doppler das adrenais foi facilmente implementada e pode fornecer dados de referência, permitindo a utilização dessa técnica como uma ferramenta de diagnóstico para doenças das adrenais em cães.(AU)

Cardiovascular function in term fetal sheep conceived, gestated and studied in the hypobaric hypoxia of the Andean altiplano.

High-altitude hypoxia causes intrauterine growth restriction and cardiovascular programming. However, adult humans and animals that have evolved at altitude show certain protection against the effects of chronic hypoxia. Whether the highland fetus shows similar protection against high altitude gestation is unclear. We tested the hypothesis that high-altitude fetal sheep have evolved cardiovascular compensatory mechanisms to withstand chronic hypoxia that are different from lowland sheep. We studied seven high-altitude (HA; 3600 m) and eight low-altitude (LA; 520 m) pregnant sheep at ∼90% gestation. Pregnant ewes and fetuses were instrumented for cardiovascular investigation. A three-period experimental protocol was performed in vivo: 30 min of basal, 1 h of acute superimposed hypoxia (∼10% O2) and 30 min of recovery. Further, we determined ex vivo fetal cerebral and femoral arterial function. HA pregnancy led to chronic fetal hypoxia, growth restriction and altered cardiovascular function. During acute superimposed hypoxia, LA fetuses redistributed blood flow favouring the brain, heart and adrenals, whereas HA fetuses showed a blunted cardiovascular response. Importantly, HA fetuses have a marked reduction in umbilical blood flow versus LA. Isolated cerebral arteries from HA fetuses showed a higher contractile capacity but a diminished response to catecholamines. In contrast, femoral arteries from HA fetuses showed decreased contractile capacity and increased adrenergic contractility. The blunting of the cardiovascular responses to hypoxia in fetuses raised in the Alto Andino may indicate a change in control strategy triggered by chronic hypoxia, switching towards compensatory mechanisms that are more cost-effective in terms of oxygen uptake.

A novel path of communication from kidney to the adrenal gland in bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus) / Una nueva vía de comunicación del riñón a la glándula suprarrenal en el camello bactriano (Camelus bactrianus)

The adrenal gland is an important endocrine organ in vertebratesthat produces a wide variety of hormones. The anatomical results showed that the adrenal gland in Bactrian camel had a typical blood supply and innervation. Surprisingly, we found that there was a novel connection mainly consisted of fibrous tissue, blood vessels and nerve bundles between the adrenal gland and the kidney in Bactrian camel, and we named it fibrous tissue-blood vessels-nerve bundles (FBN bundle). To the best of our knowledge, this FBN bundle was the first reported in Bactrian camel, and not yet observed in other animals. While, its functions and mechanisms should be studied further. We speculated that a direct function of this novel path might be to strengthen the communication of the adrenal gland and the kidney. So this communicationpath might have importantadaptive significance for the Bactrian camel living in arid and semi-arid ecological zones.

La glándula suprarrenal es un órgano endocrino importante en los vertebrados, que produce una amplia variedad de hormonas. Los resultados anatómicos mostraron que la glándula suprarrenal en el Camello bactriano tiene un patrón de suministro sanguíneo e inervación típico. Excepcionalmente, se encontró una conexión infrecuente que consistió principalmente en tejido fibroso, vasos sanguíneos y haces nerviosos entre la glándula suprarrenal y el riñón del Camello bactriano, denominándose haz de tejido fibroso-vasos sanguíneos-nervio (Haz FSN). Este paquete de haces de nervios es el primero reportado en el Camello bactriano, y aún no se observa en otros animales, en consecuencia sus funciones y mecanismos deben ser estudiados. Creemos que podría existir una función directa de esta nueva vía para mejorar la comunicación de la glándula suprarrenal y el riñón. Así, esta vía de comunicación podría tener un importante significado adaptativo para el Camello bactriano, quien vive en zonas ecológicas áridas y semiáridas.

Influence of preoperative propranolol on cardiac index during the anhepatic phase of liver transplantation / Influência do propranolol pré-operatório no índice cardíaco durante a fase anepática do transplante hepático / Influencia del propranolol preoperatorio en el índice cardíaco durante la fase anhepática del trasplante hepático

INTRODUCTION: Liver transplantation is the best therapeutic option for end-stage liver disease. Non-selective beta-blocker medications such as propranolol act directly on the cardiovascular system and are often used in the prevention of gastrointestinal bleeding resulting from HP. The effects of propranolol on cardiovascular system of cirrhotic patients during liver transplantation are not known. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the influence of propranolol used preoperatively on cardiac index during the anhepatic phase of liver transplantation. METHOD: 101 adult patients (73 male [72.2%]) who underwent cadaveric donor orthotopic liver transplantation by piggyback technique with preservation of the retrohepatic inferior vena cava performed at Hospital das Clinicas, Federal University of Minas Gerais were evaluated. There was no difference in severity between groups by the MELD system, p = 0.70. The preoperative use of propranolol and the cardiac index outcome were compared during the anhepatic phase of liver transplantation in 5 groups (I: increased cardiac index, II: cardiac index reduction lower than 16%, III: cardiac index reduction equal to or greater than 16% and less than 31%, IV: cardiac index reduction equal to or greater than 31% and less than 46%, V: cardiac index reduction equal to or greater than 46%). RESULTS: Patients in group I (46.4%) who received propranolol preoperatively were statistically similar to groups II (60%), III (72.7%), IV (50%) and V (30.8%), p = 0.57. CONCLUSION: The use of propranolol before transplantation as prophylaxis for gastrointestinal bleeding may be considered safe, as it was not associated with worsening of cardiac index in anhepatic phase of liver transplantation. .

INTRODUÇÃO: O transplante hepático (TH) é a melhor opção terapêutica para doença hepática em estágio terminal (DHET). As medicações betabloqueadoras não seletivas, como o propranolol, atuam diretamente no sistema cardiovascular (SCV) e são frequentemente usadas na prevenção de hemorragia digestiva decorrente da HP. Os efeitos do propranolol no SCV de cirróticos durante o TH não são conhecidos. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência do uso pré-operatório do propranolol no índice cardíaco (IC) durante a fase anepática do TH. MÉTODO: Avaliaram-se 101 pacientes adultos (73 homens, 72,2%) submetidos a transplante ortotópico de fígado doador cadáver, pela técnica de piggyback com preservação da veia cava inferior retro-hepática, feito no Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Não houve diferença de gravidade pelo sistema MELD entre os grupos, p = 0,70. Foram comparados o uso pré-operatório de propranolol com o desfecho do IC durante a fase anepática do TH em cinco grupos (I: aumento do IC; II: redução do IC inferior a 16%; III: redução do IC igual a ou maior do que 16% e menor do que 31%; IV: redução do IC igual a ou maior do que 31% e menor do que 46%;V: redução do IC igual a ou maior do que 46%). RESULTADOS: Pacientes que fizeram uso pré-operatório de propranolol no grupo I (46,4%) foram estatisticamente semelhantes aos dos grupos II (60%), III (72,7%), IV (50%) e V (30,8%), p = 0,57. CONCLUSÃO: O propranolol no pré-transplante, como profilaxia para hemorragia digestiva, pode ser considerado seguro, pois não se associou à pioria do IC na fase anepática do TH. .

INTRODUCCIÓN: El trasplante hepático (TH) es la mejor opción terapéutica para la enfermedad hepática en estado terminal. Los betabloqueantes no selectivos, como el propranolol, actúan directamente en el sistema cardiovascular y a menudo son usadas en la prevención de la hemorragia digestiva proveniente de la hipertensión portal. Los efectos del propranolol en el sistema cardiovascular de cirróticos durante el TH no se conocen. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la influencia del uso preoperatorio del propranolol en el índice cardíaco (IC) durante la fase anhepática del TH. MÉTODO: Se estudiaron 101 pacientes adultos (73 hombres [72,2%]) sometidos a trasplante ortotópico de hígado de donante cadáver, por la técnica de piggyback con preservación de la vena cava inferior retrohepática, en el Hospital das Clínicas de la Universidad Federal de Minas Gerais. No hubo diferencia respecto a la gravedad por el sistema Meld entre los grupos (p = 0,70). Se comparó el uso preoperatorio del propranolol con el resultado del IC durante la fase anhepática del TH en 5 grupos (i: aumento del IC; ii: reducción del IC < 16%; iii: reducción del IC ≥ 16% y < 31%; iv: reducción del IC ≥ 31% y < 46%;v: reducción del IC ≥ 46%). RESULTADOS: El número de pacientes que usaron el propranolol en el preoperatorio en el grupo i (46,4%) fue estadísticamente similar a los grupos ii (60%), iii (72,7%), iv (50%) y v (30,8%), p = 0,57. CONCLUSIÓN: El propranolol en el pretrasplante, como profilaxis para la hemorragia digestiva, puede ser considerado seguro porque no se asoció con el empeoramiento del IC en la fase anhepática del TH. .

Overwhelming postsplenectomy infection.

This report aims to deepen the understanding of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, clinical characteristics, and treatment of overwhelming postsplenectomy infection (OPSI). A patient treated at Taihe Hospital for tuberculous OPSI is described, and relevant literature is reviewed. Broad-spectrum antibiotics, suppression of the systemic inflammatory reaction, and anti-shock measures were the keys to the successful treatment of this condition. OPSI is a life-threatening condition and has a high mortality rate. Early diagnosis, use of anti-inflammatory glucocorticoids, and administration of high-dose gamma globulin and ulinastatin for the treatment of OPSI may improve outcomes.

Hemorragia suprarrenal en recién nacidos / Adrenal hemorrhage in neonates

Patología que se diagnostica con frecuencia en los niños internados en terapia intensiva neonatal, y necesita un examen ecográfico adecuado para relacionar los hallazgos con otras patologías. Se describen su clasificación, etiología, y signos clínicos; así como su seguimiento ecográfico, y diagnóstico diferencial.

Hemorragia suprarrenal en recién nacidos / Adrenal hemorrhage in neonates

Patología que se diagnostica con frecuencia en los niños internados en terapia intensiva neonatal, y necesita un examen ecográfico adecuado para relacionar los hallazgos con otras patologías. Se describen su clasificación, etiología, y signos clínicos; así como su seguimiento ecográfico, y diagnóstico diferencial.

Vascularização das glândulas adrenais em galinhas da linhagem NPK (Gallus gallus domesticus) / Vascularization of chickens adrenal glands in NPK lineage (Gallus gallus domesticus)

Com o objetivo de contribuir com o conhecimento referente aos arranjos vasculares viscerais, que freqüentemente mostram suficientes variações para diferenciação entre famílias e ordens, utilizamos 34 galinhas da linhagem NPK, com idade aproximada de 10 semanas, eutanasiadas com dose de gás anestésico, tendo marcado seus contingentes arteriais com solução aquosa de Neoprene Látex ¨450¨ a 50%, corada com corante específico e fixadas em solução aquosa de formol a 10%, para estudar a vascularização das glândulas adrenais. Assim, os resultados indicam que as glândulas adrenais são órgãos pares, dispostos um em cada antímero, lateralmente à aorta descendente, caudalmente aos pulmões e médio-cranialmente aos rins. Nos dois antímeros, as glândulas adrenais receberam vasos oriundos das artérias adrenais homólogas provenientes da artéria renal cranial e da aorta descendente (ramos diretos). Independentemente da origem, o número de ramos destinados às glândulas adrenais variou de acordo com o antímero, sendo de 1 a 4 para o antímero esquerdo, e de 1 e 3 para o direito. Quanto maior o número de artérias totais e ramos emitidos pelas artérias adrenais contralaterais destinados a um antímero, maior será o número de ramos destinados pelas mesmas ao antímero oposto.(AU)

Aiming at knowing the visceral vascular arrangements which frequently show huge variation to be differentiated in families and orders, we used 34 NPK chickens, aged at approximately 10 weeks, euthanized with a dose of anaesthetic gas, with arterial contingents marked with an aqueous 50 % Neoprene Latex ¨450¨ solution, colored with a specific coloring agent and fixed in an aqueous 10% formaldehyde solution, to study adrenal gland vascularization. The results indicated that the adrenal glands are paired organs, positioned in each antimer, laterally to the descending aorta, caudally to the lungs and medio-cranially to the kidneys. In the two antimers, the adrenal glands receive vessels originating from the homologous adrenal arteries that come from the cranial renal artery and from the descending aorta (right branches). Regardless of their origin, the number of branches destined to the adrenal glands varied according to the antimer, totaling 1 to 4 for the left antimer, and 1 to 3 for the right one. The higher the number of total arteries and branches emitted by the contralateral adrenal arteries destined to an antimer, the higher the number of branches they destine to the opposite antimer. (AU)

Irrigación de las glándulas suprarrenales en el período fetal / Irrigation of the adrenal glands in the fetal period

Se hace un estudio anatómico de la revascularización de las glándulas suprarrenales en el feto

Pathologic findings in the adrenal glands of autopsied patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

A morphologic evaluation was carried out on adrenal glands from 128 autopsied patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The adrenal gland was compromised in 99.2% of the cases, with distinct pathological features and infectious agents. Inflammatory infiltrates were observed in 99.2% of the cases with a predominance of mononuclear cells in 97.4%, affecting mainly the medulla. Necrosis, fibrosis, hemorrhages and neoplasias were observed. We also described 3 (2.3%) cases of calcification located in the adrenal gland central vein (AGCV). This is seldom mentioned in the literature. Cytomegalovirus was the most frequent infectious agent, observed in 48.4% of cases. Balamuthia mandrillaris, a free living ameba, was found in one case affecting the entire gland. We also found a nest of Trypanosoma cruzi in the musculature of the AGCV. The presence of the nest of T cruzi in AGCV may play a role in the reactivation of this infection in immunosuppressed individuals. Pathologic processes and opportunistic infections may contribute to the alterations in the adrenal gland that lead to multiple organ failure observed in terminal AIDS patients.

Anatomical variations of the human suprarenal arteries.

This is on anatomical study of the suprarenal arteries and their variations in 30 cadavers aimed at providing in a subsequent article the anatomical basis of arterial segments of the gland. The suprarenal glands were supplied by 3 main groups of suprarenal arteries: superior, middle and inferior. Only the superior and the inferior groups were present in all cases, since the middle vessels appeared in only 93.3% +/- 4.6 of the cases. The superior group included on each side 4 arteries in males and 5 in females; the middle group presented only 1 artery on each side in both males and females, and the inferior group exhibited on each side 2 arteries in males and 1 artery in females. The most variable group was the middle one, the aortic origin being the most frequent but with a relatively low incidence (53.3% +/- 9.1 on the right and 46.7% +/- 9.1 on the left). The superior group originated from the posterior branch of the ipsilateral inferior phrenic artery in 83.3% +/- 6.8 on the right and 80% +/- 7.3 on the left. The arteries of the inferior group were branches of the ipsilateral renal artery in 70% +/- 8.4 on the right and 50% +/- 9.1 on the left. The origin of the middle suprarenal arteries from the trunk of the inferior phrenic artery on both sides (26.7% +/- 8.1 on the right and 36.7% +/- 8.8 on the left) should be considered relevant. The anatomical findings warrant a further investigation for the identification, illustration and nomenclature of arterial anatomicosurgical segments.

Correlation between adrenal central vein parasitism and heart fibrosis in chronic chagasic myocarditis.

The correlation between Trypanosoma cruzi parasitism of the adrenal central vein (ACV) wall and fibrous connective tissue neoformation in the left ventricular myocardium (LVM) of patients with chronic Chagas' disease who were autopsied was evaluated using the following procedures: 1) a comparison of the incidence of fibrosis in the LVM among 18 chagasic patients with ACV parasitism and 18 individuals without phleboparasitism; 2) a determination of fibrosis intensity in the LVM in 12 cases with ACV parasites and in 12 cases without phleboparasitism, matched with respect to age, sex, race, and anatomoclinical form of the disease (indeterminant, cardiac, and digestive forms); and 3) in the cases with ACV parasitism, a calculation of Pearson's correlation coefficient between T. cruzi nests in the vessel and the intensity of fibrous connective tissue neoformation in the LVM. Among chagasic individuals with adrenal phleboparasitism, there was an increased incidence and intensity of fibrous connective tissue neoformation in the LVM, both highly significant, compared with patients without adrenal phleboparasitism. Furthermore, there was a positive, though nonsignificant, correlation (r = +0.19) between the density of nests in the ACV and the intensity of myocardial fibrosis. These results are consistent with previous data showing a higher intensity of the leukocyte exudate in the LVM and increased heart weight in individuals with T. cruzi nests in the ACV, suggesting a role of parasitism at that site in terms of the development of chronic chagasic cardiopathy.