Association between the degree of iliac venous outflow obstruction by intravascular ultrasound and lower limb venous reflux.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to evaluate the association between the degree of iliac venous outflow obstruction (IVOO) identified by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and venous reflux presentation in the lower limbs on duplex ultrasound (DU). METHODS: Patients with bilateral chronic venous insufficiency, CEAP (clinical-etiology-anatomy-pathophysiology) C3 to C6, and a visual analog scale score for pain >5 underwent DU for reflux evaluation of the deep venous system (reflux ≥1 second); superficial system, great saphenous vein, and small saphenous vein (reflux ≥0.5 second); and perforator system (reflux ≥0.35 second). All patients underwent IVUS in the iliac venous territory. The area of the impaired venous segments was categorized as obstruction <50% (category 1), 50% to 79% (category 2), and ≥80% (category 3). The venous clinical severity score and reflux multisegment score (RMS) were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 51 patients (n = 102 limbs; age, 50.53 ± 14.5 years; 6 men) were included. The predominant clinical severity CEAP class was C3 in 54 of 102 limbs (52.9%). The mean VCSS was 14.3 ± 6.7. A severe RMS (≥3) was registered in 63.4% of the limbs. Of the 102 limbs, 51 (50%) presented with category 1, 27 (26.5%) with category 2, and 24 (23.5%) with category 3. Previous deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was associated with critical obstruction (odds ratio [OR], 3.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29-10.38; P = .015). The superficial and perforator venous systems had no association with the degree of IVOO. Deep venous reflux (DVR) had a significant association with significant IVOO (obstruction ≥50%; OR, 6.44; 95% CI, 2.19-18.93; P = .001) and critical IVOO (obstruction ≥80%; OR, 4.57; 95% CI, 1.70-12.27; P = .003) and a significant linear association with the IVOO degree and reflux in the femoral veins (P < .001) and popliteal vein (P = .008). Significant lesions were significantly more likely to develop in the left limb (OR, 5.76; 95% CI, 2.46-13.50; P < .001). After multivariate analysis, DVR remained a predictor for significant and critical obstruction (P < .003 and P < .012, respectively). Left limb and previous DVT remained as predictors for IVOO of ≥50% and ≥80% (P < .001 and P = .043, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We found a significant linear association between the degree of IVOO and reflux in the deep venous system on DU. Limbs with DVR, a severe RMS, loss of respiratory variation on DU, and previous DVT were more likely to be affected by IVOO of ≥50%, especially with left leg involvement.

Efficacy and safety of iliofemoral bypass using arm veins as an alternative conduit for chronic limb-threatening ischemia.

OBJECTIVE: The use of basilic vein in iliofemoral revascularizations was previously described in the literature as an autologous option for the treatment of vascular prosthesis infection and as a primary conduit in patients at high risk of infectious surgical complications. However, the publications available include several different indications and are limited to case reports. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of the use of arm veins as a safe and effective autologous alternative for iliofemoral reconstruction in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) and at high risk of prosthesis infection. METHODS: We performed a multicenter, retrospective cohort study with 53 consecutive iliofemoral bypasses using arm veins as an alternative conduit. The procedures were performed between November 2013 and November 2021, exclusively for patients with CLTI classified as TASC aortoiliac C or D with increased risk of postoperative surgical infection. Demographic, clinical variables, and outcomes were collected from a prospective database. Main endpoints were amputation-free survival (AFS) and major adverse cardiovascular events. Secondary endpoints included primary and secondary patencies and overall survival. Cox regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of AFS. Postoperative surgical complications and 30-day mortality were also assessed. RESULTS: The mean age was 64.2 ± 8.4 years, with a predominance of male gender. The median follow-up period was 615 days. All patients had CLTI, with a predominance of tissue loss (n = 51; 96.2%) and a median ankle-brachial index of 0.28. The basilic vein was utilized in most procedures (69.8%). Thirty-day major adverse cardiovascular events occurred in five cases (9.4%), and the 30-day mortality rate was 3.8%. The AFS, primary patency, secondary patency, and overall survival in 720 days were 71%, 72%, 89%, and 75%, respectively. Cox regression analysis revealed no association between the variables analyzed for AFS. There was no graft late infection nor pseudoaneurysmal degeneration. CONCLUSIONS: Iliofemoral bypass using arm veins as an autologous conduit proved to be an effective and safe procedure with low incidence of postoperative cardiovascular complications and high rates of AFS in patients with CLTI. Also, this suggests that arm veins can be an interesting and suitable autologous alternative conduit for iliofemoral reconstructions, especially in cases in which a prosthesis should be avoided or when it is not available.

Efficacy and safety of iliofemoral bypass using arm veins as an alternative conduit for chronic limb-threatening ischemia

OBJECTIVE: The use of basilic vein in iliofemoral revascularizations was previously described in the literature as an autologous option for the treatment of vascular prosthesis infection and as a primary conduit in patients at high risk of infectious surgical complications. However, the publications available include several different indications and are limited to case reports. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of the use of arm veins as a safe and effective autologous alternative for iliofemoral reconstruction in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) and at high risk of prosthesis infection. METHODS: We performed a multicenter, retrospective cohort study with 53 consecutive iliofemoral bypasses using arm veins as an alternative conduit. The procedures were performed between November 2013 and November 2021, exclusively for patients with CLTI classified as TASC aortoiliac C or D with increased risk of postoperative surgical infection. Demographic, clinical variables, and outcomes were collected from a prospective database. Main endpoints were amputation-free survival (AFS) and major adverse cardiovascular events. Secondary endpoints included primary and secondary patencies and overall survival. Cox regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of AFS. Postoperative surgical complications and 30-day mortality were also assessed. RESULTS: The mean age was 64.2 ± 8.4 years, with a predominance of male gender. The median follow-up period was 615 days. All patients had CLTI, with a predominance of tissue loss (n = 51; 96.2%) and a median ankle-brachial index of 0.28. The basilic vein was utilized in most procedures (69.8%). Thirty-day major adverse cardiovascular events occurred in five cases (9.4%), and the 30-day mortality rate was 3.8%. The AFS, primary patency, secondary patency, and overall survival in 720 days were 71%, 72%, 89%, and 75%, respectively. Cox regression analysis revealed no association between the variables analyzed for AFS. There was no graft late infection nor pseudoaneurysmal degeneration. CONCLUSIONS: Iliofemoral bypass using arm veins as an autologous conduit proved to be an effective and safe procedure with low incidence of postoperative cardiovascular complications and high rates of AFS in patients with CLTI. Also, this suggests that arm veins can be an interesting and suitable autologous alternative conduit for iliofemoral reconstructions, especially in cases in which a prosthesis should be avoided or when it is not available.

Association between the degree of iliac venous outflow obstruction by intravascular ultrasound and lower limbs venous reflux

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the association between the degree of iliac venous outflow obstruction (IVOO) identified by Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) and venous reflux presentation in lower limbs on Duplex Ultrasound (DU). METHODS: Patients with bilateral chronic venous insufficiency, CEAP C3-6 (Clinical-Etiology-Anatomy-Pathophysiology classification), and with Visual Analogic Scale score for pain > 5, underwent DU for reflux evaluation: deep venous system (reflux ≥ 1 s); superficial system, great saphenous vein (GSV) and small saphenous vein (SSV) (reflux ≥ 0.5 s); perforator system (reflux ≥ 0.35s). All patients underwent IVUS in the iliac venous territory. The area of the impaired venous segments was categorized as obstructions< 50% (Cat. 1); 50-79% (Cat. 2), and ≥ 80% (Cat. 3). Venous clinical severity scale (VCSS) and reflux multisegment score (RMS) were assessed. RESULTS: 51 patients (n=102 limbs; 50.53 ± 14.5 years, 6 men) were included. The predominant clinical severity CEAP class was C3 in 54/102 (52.9%) limbs. VCSS mean was 14.3 ± 6.7. Severe RMS (≥ 3) was registered in 63,4% of the limbs. In 51/102 limbs (50%) presented cat. 1, 27/102 (26.5%) cat. 2, and 24/102 (23.5%) cat. 3. Previous DVT was associated with critical obstruction (OR 3.65; 95% CI: 1.29-10.38; p=0.015). Superficial and perforator venous systems had no association with the degree of iliac obstruction. Deep venous reflux (DVR) had a significant association with significative IVOO (obstruction ≥ 50%) (OR 6.44; 95% CI: 2.19-18.93; p=0.001) and critical IVOO (obstruction ≥ 80%) (OR 4.57; 95% CI: 1.70-12.27; p=0.003), and significant linear association with IVOO degree and reflux in femoral veins (p<0.001) and popliteal vein (p=0.008). Significant lesions had 5.76 (95% CI: 2.46-13.50; p<0.001) more odds of happening in the left limb. After a multivariate analysis, DVR remained as predictor for significant and critical obstruction (p<0.003, p< 0.012; respectively). Left limb and previous DVT remained as predictors for IVOO ≥50% and IVOO≥ 80% (p<0.001, p=0.043; respectively) CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant linear association between the degree of iliac venous outflow obstruction and reflux in the deep venous system on DU. Limbs with DVR, severe RMS, loss of respiratory variation on DU, and previous DVT, were more likely to be affected by IVOO ≥ 50%, especially with the left leg involvement.

Best practices in diagnosis and treatment of chronic iliac vein obstruction.

Iliac vein obstruction occurs in 20-30% of the general population. In patients with severe chronic venous insufficiency, this prevalence can be even higher, reaching 50-90% when the obstruction is investigated using intravascular ultrasound. Less invasive methods, such as venous Duplex Scanning, and even invasive ones such as venography may fail to diagnose the condition. Endovascular treatment of these obstructions is effective, safe, and associated with excellent clinical outcomes and stent patency rates, provided that fundamental anatomical and technical principles are considered and applied.

O caminho das pedras no diagnóstico e tratamento da síndrome obstrutiva ilíaca venosa crônica / Best practices in diagnosis and treatment of chronic iliac vein obstruction

Resumo A obstrução venosa ilíaca ocorre em 20% a 30% da população. Nos portadores de insuficiência venosa crônica grave, essa prevalência é ainda maior, podendo chegar a 50% a 90% dos pacientes, situação em que essa obstrução é investigada pelo ultrassom intravascular. Métodos diagnósticos menos invasivos, como o Doppler vascular, ou mesmo invasivos, como a flebografia, podem falhar em seu diagnóstico. O tratamento endovascular dessas obstruções tem se demonstrado eficaz, seguro e associado a excelente resultado clínico e de perviedade, desde que princípios anatômicos e técnicos fundamentais sejam considerados e aplicados.

Abstract Iliac vein obstruction occurs in 20-30% of the general population. In patients with severe chronic venous insufficiency, this prevalence can be even higher, reaching 50-90% when the obstruction is investigated using intravascular ultrasound. Less invasive methods, such as venous Duplex Scanning, and even invasive ones such as venography may fail to diagnose the condition. Endovascular treatment of these obstructions is effective, safe, and associated with excellent clinical outcomes and stent patency rates, provided that fundamental anatomical and technical principles are considered and applied.

Dysregulation of microRNAs and target genes networks in human abdominal aortic aneurysm tissues.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a pathological enlargement of infrarenal aorta close to the aortic bifurcation, and it is an important cause of mortality in the elderly. Therefore, the biomarker identification for early diagnosis is of great interest for clinical benefit. It is known that microRNAs (miRNAs) have important roles via target genes regulation in many diseases. This study aimed to identify miRNAs and their target genes involved in the pathogenesis of AAA. METHODS: Tissue samples were obtained from patients who underwent AAA surgery and from organ donors (control group). Quantitative PCR Array was applied to assess 84 genes and 384 miRNAs aiming to identify differentially expressed targets (AAA n = 6, control n = 6), followed by validation in a new cohort (AAA n = 18, control n = 6) by regular qPCR. The functional interaction between validated miRNAs and target genes was performed by the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software. RESULTS: The screening cohort assessed by PCR array identified 10 genes and 59 miRNAs differentially expressed (≥2-fold change, p<0.05). Among these, IPA identified 5 genes and 9 miRNAs with paired interaction. ALOX5, PTGIS, CX3CL1 genes, and miR-193a-3p, 125b-5p, 150-5p maintained a statistical significance in the validation cohort. IPA analysis based on the validated genes and miRNAs revealed that eicosanoid and metalloproteinase/TIMP synthesis are potentially involved in AAA. CONCLUSION: Paired interactions of differentially expressed ALOX5, PTGIS, CX3CL1 genes, and miR-193b-3p, 125b-5p, 150-5p revealed a potentially significant role of the eicosanoid synthesis and metalloproteinase/TIMP pathways in the AAA pathogenesis.

Dysregulation of microRNAs and target genes networks in human abdominal aortic aneurysm tissues

BACKGROUND: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a pathological enlargement of infrarenal aorta close to the aortic bifurcation, and it is an important cause of mortality in the elderly. Therefore, the biomarker identification for early diagnosis is of great interest for clinical benefit. It is known that microRNAs (miRNAs) have important roles via target genes regulation in many diseases. This study aimed to identify miRNAs and their target genes involved in the pathogenesis of AAA. METHODS: Tissue samples were obtained from patients who underwent AAA surgery and from organ donors (control group). Quantitative PCR Array was applied to assess 84 genes and 384 miRNAs aiming to identify differentially expressed targets (AAA n = 6, control n = 6), followed by validation in a new cohort (AAA n = 18, control n = 6) by regular qPCR. The functional interaction between validated miRNAs and target genes was performed by the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software. RESULTS The screening cohort assessed by PCR array identified 10 genes and 59 miRNAs differentially expressed...(AU)

Elevada prevalência de Burnout em médicos residentes de um grande Instituto de Cardiologia Brasileiro / High prevalence of burnout in resident physicians of a large Brazilian Institute of Cardiology

INTRODUÇÃO: A residência médica pode estar sujeita a fatores estressores magnificados e poderia aumentar a suscetibilidade à síndrome de exaustão emocional, despersonalização e reduzida realização profissional, conhecida como burnout. OBJETIVO: Determinar a prevalência de burnout e de cada uma de suas dimensões na população de médicos residentes de um dos maiores Institutos especializados de Cardiologia do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com residentes, realizado em 2017, através da aplicação de um instrumento contendo dois questionários: um com variáveis sociodemográficas e o questionário Maslach Burnout Inventory...(AU)

Correlation between venous pressure gradients and intravascular ultrasound in the diagnosis of iliac vein compression syndrome

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation between venous pressure gradients (VPGs) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) for the diagnosis of caval-iliac venous obstructions in patients with advanced chronic venous insufficiency. Methods: Fifty patients with advanced chronic venous insufficiency symptoms (Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology class 3 to 6) were prospectively submitted to multiplanar venography (MV) with intravenous pressure measurements and IVUS. The patients' lower limbs were divided accordingly: group I, limbs with <50% obstruction on IVUS (n » 49); and group II, limbs with $50% obstruction on IVUS (n » 51). Receiver operating characteristic curves compared the diagnostic performance of the VPGs. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy assessed the performance of VPGs in categories to determine the presence of significant obstruction. Logistic regression assessed the capacity of the VPGs to identify significant obstruction. Results: The most frequent point of venous compression according to IVUS was the proximal left common iliac vein (70%; P < .05). Group II showed a greater prevalence of transpelvic (group I, 8.2%; group II, 74.5%; P < .001) and paravertebral collaterals (group I, 4.1%; group II, 45.1%; P < .001) on n MV. The femoral vein pressures at rest and after reactive hyperemia as well as the femorocaval gradient after reactive hyperemia (FCG-rh) and the femoral gradient after reactive hyperemia were significantly higher in group II (P » .001, P < .001, P » .002, and P » .006). The FCG-rh and the femoral gradient after reactive hyperemia presented the best diagnostic performance among the VPGs (P » .004 and P » .007) in n the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, although no significant differences between them were found. All the gradients presented low values of sensitivity (<40%). negative predictive value (<60%). and accuracy (<30%). Logistic regression showed that FCG-rh was significantly independent of MV (OR, 8.1; P » .011) in identifying significant obstructions. Conclusions: There is correlation between the VPGs and significant obstructions with IVUS. However, this correlation does not translate to a good diagnostic performance of these VPGs. Only the FCG-rh added significant information to MV in identifying significant caval-iliac vein obstructions.

Correlation between venous pressure gradients and intravascular ultrasound in the diagnosis of iliac vein compression syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation between venous pressure gradients (VPGs) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) for the diagnosis of caval-iliac venous obstructions in patients with advanced chronic venous insufficiency. METHODS: Fifty patients with advanced chronic venous insufficiency symptoms (Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology class 3 to 6) were prospectively submitted to multiplanar venography (MV) with intravenous pressure measurements and IVUS. The patients' lower limbs were divided accordingly: group I, limbs with <50% obstruction on IVUS (n = 49); and group II, limbs with ≥50% obstruction on IVUS (n = 51). Receiver operating characteristic curves compared the diagnostic performance of the VPGs. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy assessed the performance of VPGs in categories to determine the presence of significant obstruction. Logistic regression assessed the capacity of the VPGs to identify significant obstruction. RESULTS: The most frequent point of venous compression according to IVUS was the proximal left common iliac vein (70%; P < .05). Group II showed a greater prevalence of transpelvic (group I, 8.2%; group II, 74.5%; P < .001) and paravertebral collaterals (group I, 4.1%; group II, 45.1%; P < .001) on MV. The femoral vein pressures at rest and after reactive hyperemia as well as the femorocaval gradient after reactive hyperemia (FCG-rh) and the femoral gradient after reactive hyperemia were significantly higher in group II (P = .001, P < .001, P = .002, and P = .006). The FCG-rh and the femoral gradient after reactive hyperemia presented the best diagnostic performance among the VPGs (P = .004 and P = .007) in the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, although no significant differences between them were found. All the gradients presented low values of sensitivity (<40%), negative predictive value (<60%), and accuracy (<30%). Logistic regression showed that FCG-rh was significantly independent of MV (OR, 8.1; P = .011) in identifying significant obstructions. CONCLUSIONS: There is correlation between the VPGs and significant obstructions with IVUS. However, this correlation does not translate to a good diagnostic performance of these VPGs. Only the FCG-rh added significant information to MV in identifying significant caval-iliac vein obstructions.

Prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial comparing electrocoagulation and radiofrequency in the treatment of patients with great saphenous vein insufficiency and lower limb varicose veins.

OBJECTIVE: Thermoablation has been replacing conventional surgery in the surgical treatment of great saphenous vein (GSV) reflux in patients with lower limb varicose veins; however, thermoablation is expensive. Intravenous electrocoagulation (EC) may, selectively and safely, cause necrosis of the GSV wall, but the clinical results have never been studied. The objective of this study was to compare EC and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of GSV insufficiency, considering efficacy, complications, and effect on quality of life. METHODS: This was a prospective, double-blind, randomized clinical trial. Patients with lower limb varicose veins and GSV reflux confirmed by duplex ultrasound were randomized into two treatment groups: EC and RFA. Patients were followed up at 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months after the procedure. Occlusion of the GSV confirmed by duplex ultrasound was considered the primary outcome, and the rate of complications and improvement in quality of life, using the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire score, were the secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients were included, with a total of 85 treated GSVs; 43 were treated with RFA and 42 with EC. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding age (P = .264), sex (P = .612), Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire score (P = .054), and diameter (P = .880) and depth (P = .763) of the treated GSV. In the intraoperative period, immediately after thermoablation, all GSVs treated with EC presented no flow and incompressibility in the treated segment, whereas 12 limbs still had flow in the treated GSV (P < .001) and 9 veins showed compressibility (P < .001) when treated with RFA. The main postoperative complication was paresthesia; however, there was no statistical significance between the groups (P = .320) regarding its presence. Time to return to routine activities was lower in the EC group than in the RFA group (P = .026). There was no difference between the groups at the 3-month (P = .157) and 6-month (P = .157) follow-up in occlusion of the GSV and improvement of the quality of life score (P = .786 and P = .401, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: EC has been shown to be an effective method for ablation of the GSV, with venous occlusion rate, occurrence of complications, and effect on quality of life similar to those with RFA.

Prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial comparing electrocoagulation and radiofrequency in the treatment of patients with great saphenous vein insufficiency and lower limb varicose veins

OBJECTIVE: Thermoablation has been replacing conventional surgery in the surgical treatment of great saphenous vein (GSV) reflux in patients with lower limb varicose veins; however, thermoablation is expensive. Intravenous electrocoagulation (EC) may, selectively and safely, cause necrosis of the GSV wall, but the clinical results have never been studied. The objective of this study was to compare EC and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of GSV insufficiency, considering efficacy, complications, and effect on quality of life.METHODS:This was a prospective, double-blind, randomized clinical trial. Patients with lower limb varicose veins and GSV reflux confirmed by duplex ultrasound were randomized into two treatment groups: EC and RFA. Patients were followed up at 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months after the procedure. Occlusion of the GSV confirmed by duplex ultrasound was considered the primary outcome, and the rate of complications and improvement in quality of life, using the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire score, were the secondary outcomes...

Criteria for detecting significant chronic iliac venous obstructions with duplex ultrasound.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the sonographic criteria for diagnosis of iliac venous outflow obstruction by assessing the correlation of this method with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in patients with advanced chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). METHODS: The evaluation included 15 patients (30 limbs; age, 49.4 ± 10.7 years; 1 man) with initial CVI symptoms (Clinical class, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology [CEAP] classification, CEAP1-2) in group I (GI) and 51 patients (102 limbs; age, 50.53 ± 14.5 years; 6 men) with advanced CVI symptoms (CEAP3-6) in group II (GII). Patients from both groups were matched by gender, age, and race. The Venous Clinical Severity Score was considered. All patients underwent structured interviews and duplex ultrasound (DU) examination, measuring the flow phasicity, the femoral volume flows and velocities, and the velocity and obstruction ratios in the iliac vein. The reflux multisegment score was analyzed in both groups. Three independent observers evaluated individuals in GI. GII patients were submitted to IVUS, in which the area of the impaired venous segments was obtained and compared with the DU results and then grouped into three categories: obstructions <50%, obstructions between 50% and 79%, and obstructions ≥80%. RESULTS: The predominant clinical severity CEAP class was C1 in 24 of 30 limbs (80%) in GI and C3 in 54 of 102 limbs (52.9%) in GII. Reflux was severe (reflux multisegment score ≥3) in 3 of 30 limbs (10%) in GI and in 45 of 102 limbs (44.1%) in GII (P < .001). There was a moderately high agreement between DU and IVUS findings when they were grouped into three categories (κ = 0.598; P < .001) and high agreement when they were grouped into two categories (obstructions <50% and ≥50%; κ = 0.784; P < .001). The best cutoff points and their correlation with IVUS were 0.9 for the velocity index (r = -0.634; P < .001), 0.7 for the flow index (r = -0.623; P < .001), 0.5 for the obstruction ratio (r = 0.750; P < .001), and 2.5 for the velocity ratio (r = 0.790; P < .001). Absence of flow phasicity was observed in 62.5% of patients with obstructions ≥80%. An ultrasound algorithm was created using the measures and the described cutoff points with accuracy of 86.7% for detecting significant obstructions (≥50%) with high agreement (κ = 0.73; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: DU presented high agreement with IVUS for detection of obstructions ≥50%. The velocity ratio in obstructions ≥2.5 is the best criterion for detection of significant venous outflow obstructions in iliac veins.

Criteria for detecting significant chronic iliacvenous obstructions with duplex ultrasound

The purpose of this study was to determine thesonographic criteria for diagnosis of iliac venous out flow obstruction by assessing the correlation of this method with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in patients with advanced chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). The evaluation included 15 patients (30 limbs; age,49.4 % 10.7 years; 1 man) with initial CVI symptoms (Clinicalclass, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology [CEAP]classification, CEAP1-2) in group I (GI) and 51 patients (102limbs; age, 50.53 % 14.5 years; 6 men) with advanced CVI symptoms (CEAP3-6) in group II (GII). Patients from bothgroups were matched by gender, age, and race. The Venous Clinical Severity Score was considered. All patients underwent structured interviews and duplex ultrasound (DU) examination, measuring the flow phasicity, the femoral volume flowsand velocities, and the velocity and obstruction ratios in the iliac vein. The reflux multisegment score was analyzed in bothgroups. Three independent observers evaluated individuals inGI. GII patients were submitted to IVUS, in which the area ofthe impaired venous segments was obtained and comparedwith the DU results and then grouped into three categories: obstructions <50%, obstructions between 50% and 79%, andobstructions...

Abordagem da doença carotídea em pacientes com indicação cirúrgica de revascularização miocárdica após o advento do tratamento endovascular / Approach of carotid disease in patients with surgical indication of myocardial revascularization after the advent of endovascular treatment

Revisão da literatura médica sobre a abordagem da estenose carotídea em pacientes com indicação de revascularização do miocárdio, após o advento do tratamento endovascular. Realizado uma pesquisa nas bases de dados científicos e pesquisas manuais de artigos da literatura. Os estudos foram selecionados a partir dos seus resumos e, após a sua inclusão, foram lidos e analisado na integra. Muitas são as possibilidades terapêuticas para os pacientes com estenose carotídea e doença arterial coronariana concomitantes, não existindo um tratamento ideal para tal associação...

Resultados do uso de stents de nitinol superflexíveis na artéria femoral superficial / Outcomes after implantation of superflexible nitinol stents in the superficial femoral artery

As intervenções endovasculares na artéria femoral superficial para o tratamento da doença arterial oclusiva periférica têm crescido nas últimas décadas. A primeira e a segunda geração de stents na artériafemoral superficial falharam em demonstrar a melhora da perviedade do vaso tratado, devido às altas taxas defratura. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os desfechos clínicos no curto prazo com o uso de stents de nitinolsuperflexíveis de terceira geração no tratamento de lesões ateroscleróticas na artéria femoral superficial. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo, realizado em único centro, no período de junho de 2013 a maio de 2014. Um total de 27 pacientes foi submetido à angioplastia com stents de nitinol superflexíveis de terceira geração em lesões ateroscleróticas da arterial femoral superficial. Resultados: A média de idades foi de 68 ± 12 anos, 55,6% eram do sexo feminino e 74,1%, diabéticos. Os pacientes foram classificados em TASC B e C em 77,7% dos casos. O sucesso técnico foi de 100%. Houve aumento do índice tornozelo-braquial de 0,35 ± 0,1 pré-intervenção para 0,75 ± 0,2 na alta hospitalar. O seguimento médio dos pacientes foi de 6,7 ± 2,3 meses. A taxa de patência primária foi de 96,3%. A taxa de salvamento de membro foi de 100%. Não ocorreram fraturas de stent documentadas por raios X. Conclusões: A angioplastia com uso de stent de nitinol superflexível de terceira geração demonstrou ser efetiva no tratamento das lesões ateroscleróricas da artéria femoral superficial...

Endovascular interventions in the superficial femoral artery for the treatment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease have increased over the last decades. The first- and second-generation stents in the superficial femoral artery have failed to demonstrate improved patency of the treated vessel due to high fracture rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical, short-term outcomes of using third-generation superflexible nitinol stents in the treatment of atherosclerotic lesions in the superficial femoral artery. Methods: This was a retrospective study carried out in a single center, from June 2013 to May 2014. A total of 27 patients underwent angioplasty with third-generation superflexible nitinol stents in atherosclerotic lesions of the superficial femoral artery. Results: The mean age was 68 ± 12 years, 55.6% were females, and 74.1% were diabetics. Patients were classified as TASC B and C in 77.7% of cases. Technical success was 100%. There was an increase in the anklebrachial index from 0.35 ± 0.1 before the intervention to 0.75 ± 0.2 at hospital discharge. The mean followupof patients was 6.7 ± 2.3 months. The primary patency rate was 96.3%. The limb salvage rate was 100%. There were no stent fractures documented by X-rays. Conclusions: Angioplasty with third-generation superflexible nitinol stent placement was shown to beeffective in the treatment of atherosclerotic lesions of the superficial femoral artery...

Abordagem endovascular de paciente com fibrodisplasia de artéria renal bilateral associada a volumoso aneurisma renal / Endovascular approach of a patient with bilateral renal artery fibrodysplasia associated with a massive renal aneurysm

A fibrodisplasia muscular renal é de etiologia desconhecida, de origem não inflamatória e não aterosclerótica, estando associada ao desenvolvimento de estenoses e de aneurismas. Relatamos um caso de fibrodisplasia muscular renal bilateral associada a aneurisma volumoso de artéria renal tratado com angioplastia com balão e stent multicamadas.

Renal artery fibromuscular dysplasia is a condition of unknown etiology, with non-inflammatory, nonatheroscleroticorigin, associated to the development of stenosis and aneurysms. The authors report a case of bilateral renal artery fibromuscular dysplasia associated with a large renal artery aneurysm, treatedwith balloon angioplasty and a multilayer stent.