Treating eating disorders by professionals with similar experiences: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Although a significant number of professionals who provide eating disorder (ED) treatment have lived experience with an ED in the past, there is no consensus on whether these professionals should use these experiences in treatment. This review aims to evaluate current literature on recovered professionals with an ED past treating ED patients, unravelling advantages and disadvantages in treatment, the impact on professionals and their surroundings, and implications for practice. METHOD: A systematic literature search was conducted which included 10 articles. We analysed qualitative data through a systematic synthesis. Strength of evidence was calculated for each subtheme. RESULTS: Three themes and 14 subthemes were divided into categories. The category 'treatment (patient-professional interaction)' was divided into: advantages, disadvantages and other implications for treatment. Additionally, the category 'professionals themselves' included subthemes that directly impact or relate to ED professionals: recovery as a non-linear process, the significant role of self-care and adverse feelings of professionals. Finally, the category 'work settings' included: company culture and training, supervision and professional development. DISCUSSION: Recovered ED professionals are a promising addition to ED treatment due to the enhanced expertise of the professional. However, attention should be paid to the risk of distorted boundaries between patient and professional.

Idiopathic and hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia associated pulmonary arteriovenous malformations: comparison of clinical and radiographic characteristics.

AIM: To determine whether there are differences between idiopathic and hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) associated pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) (HHT-PAVM) regarding clinical and radiographic characteristics, and the results of embolotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was undertaken of all adult and adolescent patients who were diagnosed with a PAVM on chest computed tomography (CT) from January 2006 until August 2019. RESULTS: In total, 41 patients with idiopathic PAVMs and 194 patients with genetically confirmed HHT and PAVMs were included. Idiopathic PAVMs were more frequently observed in female patients, were more solitary, and predominantly located in the lower lobes. The diameter of the feeding artery and type of PAVM (simple versus complex) were similar. Embolotherapy results were comparable between both groups with similar re-embolisation rates. CONCLUSIONS: PAVMs of idiopathic origin are predominantly found in women, more frequently located in the lower lobes, and solitary compared to HHT-PAVMs; however, the outcome of treatment is the same, suggesting that treatment and follow-up should be similar in both groups.

Survivorship care for cancer patients in primary versus secondary care: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Cancer survivorship care is traditionally performed in secondary care. Primary care is often involved in cancer management and could therefore play a more prominent role. PURPOSE: To assess outcomes of cancer survivorship care in primary versus secondary care. METHODS: A systematic search of MEDLINE and EMBASE was performed. All original studies on cancer survivorship care in primary versus secondary care were included. A narrative synthesis was used for three distinctive outcomes: (1) clinical, (2) patient-reported, and (3) costs. RESULTS: Sixteen studies were included: 7 randomized trials and 9 observational studies. Meta-analyses were not feasible due to heterogeneity. Most studies reported on solid tumors, like breast (N = 7) and colorectal cancers (N = 3). Clinical outcomes were reported by 10 studies, patient-reported by 11, and costs by 4. No important differences were found on clinical and patient-reported outcomes when comparing primary- with secondary-based care. Some differences were seen relating to the content and quality of survivorship care, such as guideline adherence and follow-up tests, but there was no favorite strategy. Survivorship care in primary care was associated with lower societal costs. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, cancer survivorship care in primary care had similar effects on clinical and patient-reported outcomes compared with secondary care, while resulting in lower costs. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Survivorship care in primary care seems feasible. However, since the design and outcomes of studies differed, conclusive evidence for the equivalence of survivorship care in primary care is still lacking. Ongoing studies will help provide better insights.

Accuracy of CT Angiography for Differentiating Pseudo-Occlusion from True Occlusion or High-Grade Stenosis of the Extracranial ICA in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Retrospective MR CLEAN Substudy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The absence of opacification on CTA in the extracranial ICA in acute ischemic stroke may be caused by atherosclerotic occlusion, dissection, or pseudo-occlusion. The latter is explained by sluggish or stagnant flow in a patent artery caused by a distal intracranial occlusion. This study aimed to explore the accuracy of CTA for differentiating pseudo-occlusion from true occlusion of the extracranial ICA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients from the Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands (MR CLEAN) with an apparent ICA occlusion on CTA and available DSA images were included. Two independent observers classified CTA images as atherosclerotic cause (occlusion/high-grade stenosis), dissection, or suspected pseudo-occlusion. Pseudo-occlusion was suspected if CTA showed a gradual contrast decline located above the level of the carotid bulb, especially in the presence of an occluded intracranial ICA bifurcation (T-occlusion). DSA images, classified into the same 3 categories, were used as the criterion standard. RESULTS: In 108 of 476 patients (23%), CTA showed an apparent extracranial carotid occlusion. DSA was available in 46 of these, showing an atherosclerotic cause in 13 (28%), dissection in 16 (35%), and pseudo-occlusion in 17 (37%). The sensitivity for detecting pseudo-occlusion on CTA was 82% (95% CI, 57-96) for both observers; specificity was 76% (95% CI, 56-90) and 86% (95% CI, 68-96) for observers 1 and 2, respectively. The κ value for interobserver agreement was .77, indicating substantial agreement. T-occlusions were more frequent in pseudo- than true occlusions (82% versus 21%, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: On CTA, extracranial ICA pseudo-occlusions can be differentiated from true carotid occlusions.

SMAD4 gene mutation increases the risk of aortic dilation in patients with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia.

BACKGROUND: Mutations in the genes ENG, ACVRL1 and SMAD4 that are part of the transforming growth factor-beta signalling pathway cause hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). Mutations in non-HHT genes within this same pathway have been found to associate with aortic dilation. Therefore, we investigated the presence of aortic dilation in a large cohort of HHT patients as compared to non-HHT controls. METHODS: Chest computed tomography of consecutive HHT patients (ENG, ACVRL1 and SMAD4 mutation carriers) and non-HHT controls were reviewed. Aortic root dilation was defined as a z-score>1.96. Ascending and descending aorta dimensions were corrected for age, gender and body surface area. RESULTS: In total 178 subjects (57.3% female, mean age 43.9±14.9years) were included (32 SMAD4, 47 ENG, 50 ACVRL1 mutation carriers and 49 non-HHT controls). Aortopathy was present in a total of 42 subjects (24% of total). Aortic root dilatation was found in 31% of SMAD4, 2% of ENG, 6% of ACVRL1 mutation carriers, and 4% in non-HHT controls (p<0.001). The aortic root diameter was 36.3±5.2mm in SMAD4 versus 32.7±3.9mm in the non-SMAD4 group (p=0.001). SMAD4 was an independent predictor for increased aortic root (ß-coefficient 3.5, p<0.001) and ascending aorta diameter (ß-coefficient 1.6, p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: SMAD4 gene mutation in HHT patients is independently associated with a higher risk of aortic root and ascending aortic dilation as compared to other HHT patients and non-HHT controls.

Monitoring of Foot Oxygenation with Near-infrared Spectroscopy in Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia Undergoing Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) non-invasively determines tissue oxygen saturation (Sto2) in muscle tissue. Its application to monitor real time hemodynamic changes during percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and Sto2 changes in feet 4 weeks after PTA was evaluated. METHODS: This study included 14 patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI, six patients Rutherford classification Stage IV, two patients Stage V, and six patients Stage VI). In patients with arterial ulcers, NIRS optodes were placed near the ulcer of the diseased foot (Optode 1), and at the same spot at the contralateral foot (Optode 2). In patients without arterial ulcers, Optode 1 was placed on the dorsum of the diseased foot, and Optode 2 was placed on the dorsum of the contralateral foot. Single Sto2 values, ankle brachial indices, and toe brachial indices were obtained at rest before the start of endovascular revascularization and 4 weeks after treatment. During the endovascular procedure, continuous Sto2 measurements were recorded throughout the intervention. Completion angiograms were used to evaluate the success of intervention. RESULTS: Patients underwent treatment of the superficial femoral artery (79%), popliteal artery (21%), and below the knee arteries (43%). In 13 of the 14 patients, completion angiograms showed successful treatment of target lesions. Ankle brachial indices and toe brachial indices significantly increased 4 weeks after treatment (both p < .01). Single Sto2 values of Optode 1 also significantly increased four weeks after treatment (p < .01). In contrast, single Sto2 values of Optode 2 did not (p = .73). During the endovascular procedure, continuous Sto2 measurements of Optode 1 and 2 did not increase (p = .80, and p = .61, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: NIRS monitoring of foot oxygenation in patients undergoing endovascular revascularization is safe and feasible. NIRS is a promising non-invasive technique to monitor hemodynamic changes in the feet of CLI patients after endovascular treatment using single Sto2 values.

Comparison of CTA- and DSA-Based Collateral Flow Assessment in Patients with Anterior Circulation Stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Collateral flow is associated with clinical outcome after acute ischemic stroke and may serve as a parameter for patient selection for intra-arterial therapy. In clinical trials, DSA and CTA are 2 imaging modalities commonly used to assess collateral flow. We aimed to determine the agreement between collateral flow assessment on CTA and DSA and their respective associations with clinical outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients randomized in MR CLEAN with middle cerebral artery occlusion and both baseline CTA images and complete DSA runs were included. Collateral flow on CTA and DSA was graded 0 (absent) to 3 (good). Quadratic weighted κ statistics determined agreement between both methods. The association of both modalities with mRS at 90 days was assessed. Also, association between the dichotomized collateral score and mRS 0-2 (functional independence) was ascertained. RESULTS: Of 45 patients with evaluable imaging data, collateral flow was graded on CTA as 0, 1, 2, 3 for 3, 10, 20, and 12 patients, respectively, and on DSA for 12, 17, 10, and 6 patients, respectively. The κ-value was 0.24 (95% CI, 0.16-0.32). The overall proportion of agreement was 24% (95% CI, 0.12-0.38). The adjusted odds ratio for favorable outcome on mRS was 2.27 and 1.29 for CTA and DSA, respectively. The relationship between the dichotomized collateral score and mRS 0-2 was significant for CTA (P = .01), but not for DSA (P = .77). CONCLUSIONS: Commonly applied collateral flow assessment on CTA and DSA showed large differences, indicating that these techniques are not interchangeable. CTA was significantly associated with mRS at 90 days, whereas DSA was not.

A Novel Method to Assess Bone Marrow Purity is Useful in Determining Blast Percentage by Flow Cytometry in Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Myelodysplasia.

Blast quantification by Flow Cytometry (FCM) may become essential in situations where morphologic evaluation is difficult or unavailable. As hemodilution invariably occurs, a means of determining Bone Marrow Purity (BMP) and normalizing FCM blast counts is essential, especially when blast percentages are diagnostically critical as in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Myelodysplasia (MDS). By evaluating different leukocyte populations in eight initial patients, a formula to predict BMP was developed and compared to the actual BMP determined by manual counts. Performance of the formula was then validated in 86 AML/MDS patients by comparing normalized FCM blast counts to those determined by the reference manual method. A BMP formula was empirically developed, primarily based on changes in lymphocytes which reliably correlated with the actual BMP (R2 = 0.8955). Components of the formula were derived entirely from automated lymphocyte and total leukocyte counts from the peripheral blood and FCM analyses. BMP formula was then validated in 86 AML/MDS patients. When used to normalize blast counts, the formula showed accurate correction when BMP fell between 40%-90%. In this group, correlation of normalized FCM and manual blast counts was acceptable (R2 = 0.8335), being greatest at lower blast percentages. Normalization of the FCM blast count appropriately reclassified disease in 26.8% of cases. We identified a practical means of estimating hemodilution and allowing FCM blast normalization in the evaluation of AML and MDS. BMP assessment by this simple method improves the quality of the FCM data and facilitates accurate diagnosis and patient management.

Technical and Clinical Success and Long-Term Durability of Endovascular Treatment for Atherosclerotic Aortic Arch Branch Origin Obstruction: Evaluation of 144 Procedures.

OBJECTIVES: Endovascular treatment of atherosclerotic obstruction of aortic arch branch origins (AABO) has largely replaced open surgery, but long-term outcome data are lacking. This study evaluated mid-term and long-term results of these procedures. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients underwent endovascular treatment for symptomatic atherosclerotic stenosis of AABO between 1995 and 2012. Technical success was defined as uncomplicated revascularization and residual stenosis ≤30%. The primary end point was freedom from restenosis ≥50% on Duplex ultrasonography or magnetic resonance angiography. Secondary end points were freedom from target lesion revascularization or recurrent symptoms. RESULTS: 144 lesions were treated in 114 patients (75 female; mean age 66.3 years), by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) in 20 patients and PTA and stent in 117 patients (brachiocephalic artery [BCA] 9/54; left common carotid artery [LCCA] 0/7; left subclavian artery [LSA] 11/56). The lesion could not be passed in four patients, and in three patients the intervention was terminated before angioplasty. The 30-day technical success was 94.4%, without deaths or strokes. Mean follow-up was 52.0 months (range 2-163 months). Restenosis-free survival was 95.6%, 92.9%, 87.6%, and 83.2% at 12, 24, 48, and 60 months, respectively. Log-rank test showed no significant difference between PTA only and PTA with additional stent placement at any point (p = .375), nor between BCA (n = 51), LCCA (n = 6), or LSA (n = 57). During follow-up, 27 patients (23.7%) became symptomatic (15 BCA, 1 LCCA, and 11 LSA); 19 patients with a restenosis of the target lesion (mean 56.7 months). Symptom-free survival was 94.7%, 92.0%, 82.3%, and 77.9% at 12, 24, 48, and 60 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment of aortic arch branch origin obstruction is safe and efficacious in experienced hands and can be considered as the preferred treatment, with good mid-term durability. Recurrent symptomatic lesions can be treated safely by renewed endovascular means.

Catheter-directed thrombolysis for acute upper extremity ischemia.

AIM: Acute nontraumatic upper extremity ischemia has significant chronic disability when not treated adequately and timely. As surgical treatment can be challenging, this study evaluates catheter-directed thrombolysis as first-line treatment for acute upper extremity ischemia. METHODS: Between January 2006 and December 2010, 28 patients (22 women; mean age, 63±16 years) underwent catheter-directed thrombolysis for acute upper extremity ischemia, Rutherford class I or IIa. Proximal extent of the occlusion was in the subclavian (32%), axillary (7%), brachial (25%) and forearm arteries (36%). Median occlusion length was 18 cm (range, 12-43). Causes were embolus (14%), thrombus (39%), thoracic outlet syndrome (14%), paraneoplastic (4%), or unknown (29%). RESULTS: Technical success was 96%, radiologic success (>95% clot lysis) 61%, and clinical success 68%. Median duration of thrombolysis was 24 hours (range, 18-96). Of the 11 radiologically unsuccessful patients (39%), five were treated conservatively and six underwent surgical intervention. In-hospital amputation-rate was 7%. Four complications occurred: embolization to the lower extremity, a transient ischemic attack, a subcapsular splenic hematoma and a pseudoaneurysm. Cumulative amputation-free survival at six months was 93%, standard error (SE) 4.87 and at one year 88%, SE 6.50. CONCLUSION: These results show that catheter-directed thrombolysis is effective in over 60% of patients as first-line treatment of extensive acute upper extremity ischemia and can prevent surgical intervention in these patients.

Experience with new techniques for the treatment of type II endoleaks post-EVAR.

Endovascular aneurysm management (EVAR) is hampered by persistent arterial blood flow in the aneurysm sac after treatment, known as endoleak (EL). Type II EL consist of blood flow from one or more aortic branch vessels; they only require treatment when the aneurysm sac fails to shrink. Post-EVAR follow up is mostly done with contrast enhanced computed tomography. If a type II EL requiring treatment is found, a variety of options exist, depending on the source of EL and the anatomy. Inferior mesenteric artery EL is best treated by endovascular embolization through the superior mesenteric artery and Riolans' arc. In hypogastric to lumbar artery EL success of endovascular treatment is limited. In these cases a successful embolization of the EL can often be performed by a direct percutaneous approach to the EL inside the aneurysmal sac. CT guidance provides a good way to exactly puncture the EL percutaneously in most cases, but limited workspace and lack of fluoroscopy availability for the ensuing catheter manipulation hampers this technique. A novel way to puncture the EL and subsequently treat it is performed on flat panel detector angiography units. By a rotation around the patients these units provide the possibility to create a cone-beam CT (CBCT) in the angio suite. Using the 3-dimensional dataset thus acquired, a needle path can be planned and the EL nidus can be punctured with great confidence and without danger of inadvertently perforating vital structures. After the EL has been punctured, microcatheters can be inserted to embolize the origins of branch vessels and/or the aneurysm sac can be filled with thrombogenic agents or glue. CBCT guided procedures incur lower radiation dose and have higher accuracy compared to conventional CT guided procedures. Details of CBCT guided procedures; the materials and technique used are detailed in this manuscript.

Direct haemodynamic effects of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation embolisation.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter embolisation is widely used to close pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) in patients with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). Data on the direct cardiovascular haemodynamic changes induced by this treatment are scarce. OBJECTIVES: We investigated the direct haemodynamic effects of transcatheter embolisation of PAVMs, using non-invasive finger pressure measurements. METHODS: During the procedure, blood pressure, heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), total peripheral resistance (TPR) and delta pressure/delta time (dP/dt) were continuously monitored using a Finometer®. Potential changes in these haemodynamic parameters were calculated from the pressure registrations using Modelflow® methodology. Absolute and relative changes were calculated and compared using the paired sample t-test. RESULTS: The present study includes 29 HHT patients (mean age 39 ± 15 years, 11 men) who underwent transcatheter embolotherapy of PAVMs. The total number of embolisations was 72 (mean per patient 2.5). Directly after PAVM closure, SV and CO decreased significantly by -11.9 % (p = 0.01) and -9.5 % (p = 0.01) respectively, without a significant change in HR (1.8 %). Mean arterial blood pressure increased by 4.1 % (p = 0.02), while the TPR and dP/dt did not increase significantly (5.8 % and 0.2 %, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Significant haemodynamic changes occur directly after transcatheter embolisation of PAVMs, amongst which a decrease in stroke volume and cardiac output are most important.

High versus standard clopidogrel loading in patients undergoing carotid artery stenting prior to cardiac surgery to assess the number of microemboli detected with transcranial Doppler: results of the randomized IMPACT trial.

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 300 mg or 600 mg clopidogrel loading dose, prior to carotid artery stenting (CAS) on the number of transcranial Doppler (TCD)-detected microembolic signals (MES) and to investigate the relationship between the magnitude of platelet reactivity and MES. METHODS: In this prospective randomized, double-blind study, 35 consecutive asymptomatic patients (17.1% females), scheduled for CAS and cardiac surgery were included. The primary endpoint was the number of TCD-detected MES. The secondary endpoints were the absolute magnitude of on-treatment platelet reactivity and the adverse cerebral events. Negative binomial regression to find predictors for sum of single emboli, the student's t-test to assess the association between platelet function tests and randomized dose of 300 mg or 600 mg clopidogrel, and the R2 calculation for the assessment of the association between platelet function tests and embolic load, were used. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference in the number of TCD-detected MES, in the sum of all the single emboli or showers and platelet aggregation measurements between the two groups was observed (aggregometry: 21.7±18.3 versus 23±18%, P=0.8499 and 45.8±17.5 versus 46.5±14.5%, P=0.9003) (verifyNow P2Y12 assay: 231±93 PRU versus 222±86 PRU, P=0.7704). In one patient a transient ischemic attack occurred. CONCLUSION: A loading dose of 300 mg of clopidogrel in combination with aspirin is as effective as 600 mg of clopidogrel in achieving adequate platelet inhibition and preventing periprocedural events in asymptomatic patients undergoing CAS prior to cardiac surgery.

The use of endoanchors in repair EVAR cases to improve proximal endograft fixation.

AIM: The aim of this paper was to evaluate short-term outcome of the use of endoanchors to secure the primary migrated endograft and additional extender cuffs to the aortic wall in patients with previous failed endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. METHODS: Consecutive patients who needed proximal repair of a primary failed endograft due to migration (with or without type IA endoleaks) were treated with endoanchors, with or without additional extender cuffs. Data of this group were prospectively gathered in vascular referral centers that were early adopters of the endoanchor technique. Preprocedural and periprocedural data were prospectively gathered and retrospectively analyzed. Follow-up after endoanchor placement consisted of regular hospital visits, with computed tomography or duplex scanning at 1, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: From July 2010 to May 2011, 11 patients (8 men), mean age 77 years (range, 59-88 years), were treated with endoanchors for a failed primary endograft (2 Excluder endografts, 1 AneuRx endograft, and 8 Talent endografts) due to distal migration of the main body, with or without type IA endoleak. Revision consisted of using endoanchors to secure the body of the primary endograft to the aortic wall to avoid persistent migration. Most patients had additional proximal extender cuffs with suprarenal fixation, which were secured with endoanchors to the aortic wall and in some patients also to the primary endograft. A median of 6 endoanchors were implanted. All endoanchors were positioned correctly but one. One endoanchor dislodged but was successfully retrieved using an endovascular snare. During a mean follow-up of 10 months (range, 3-18 months) no endoanchor-related complications or renewed migration of the endografts occurred. Two patients underwent repeat intervention due to persistent type IA endoleak during follow-up. CONCLUSION: The use of endoanchors to secure migrated endografts to the aortic wall is safe and feasible and might help to overcome persistent migration of primary failed endografts. In combination with the use of sole extender cuffs the majority of proximal EVAR failures can be solved.

Prophylactic perioperative anti-thrombotics in open and endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) surgery: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Heparin is used worldwide by vascular surgeons as prophylaxis for arterial thrombo-embolic complications during open and endovascular arterial surgery. Possible harmful effect of heparin use is more perioperative blood loss, resulting in a higher morbidity and mortality. To evaluate the evidence for the use of heparin during aorto-iliac arterial surgery a review was performed. METHODS: A systematic review was performed of literature from MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases, last search performed on March 8, 2012. RESULTS: For open surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), only 5 studies were eligible for review and for endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) only 1 study. Overall methodological quality of the included studies was poor. One randomised trial could be retrieved. Possible harmful effects of heparin were found of increasing operation time, more blood loss and more transfusion requirements when heparin was used for open AAA surgery in one study. No data were found comparing heparin to no intervention for EVAR. One study compared heparin to a direct thrombin antagonist during EVAR, showing no differences in clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION: Despite limitations this review showed no compelling evidence on the beneficiary effect of the prophylactic perioperative use of heparin during open surgery for (r)AAA. Authors will promote a randomised controlled multi-center trial on this topic for elective open surgical repair of AAA.

Assessment of N and P status at the landscape scale using environmental models and measurements.

We assessed the compliance of a Dutch landscape, dominated by dairy farming, with environmental quality standards using a combination of model calculations and measurements. The total ammonia emission of 2.4 kton NH(3) yr(-1) does not exceed the environmental quality standard (2.6 kton NH(3) yr(-1)). Nevertheless, the total N deposition (on average 24.4 kg N ha(-1) yr(-1)) is such that critical N loads are exceeded at 53% of the nature areas. The deposited N mainly results from non-agricultural sources and agricultural sources outside the area (72%). The calculated average NO(3)(-) concentration in the upper groundwater does not exceed the 50 mg l(-1) threshold. Calculated annual average N-total and P-total concentrations in discharge water are relatively high but these cannot be directly compared with thresholds for surface water. The results suggest that compliance monitoring at the landscape scale needs to include source indicators and cannot be based on state indicators alone.

Retinal embolization during carotid angioplasty and stenting: periprocedural data and follow-up.

The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the incidence of retinal emboli during carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) and to correlate emboli with clinical findings and transcranial Doppler (TCD)-detected cerebral embolic load. Between 2001 and 2005, 33 CAS procedures in 32 patients (23 [72%] male, 19 [58%] symptomatic, mean age 72.5 years [range 54.6 to 83.9]) scheduled for CAS were included in this study. Bilateral fundoscopy with retinal photography was performed by an experienced ophthalmologist immediately before, immediately after (fundoscopy only), and 1 day after the procedure and again at long-term follow-up (mean 37 months). Visual field testing was performed before CAS and again at long-term follow-up. TCD-detected cerebral emboli were stratified to five procedural phases: wiring, predilatation, stent placement, postdilatation, and cerebral protection device (CPD) use (if applicable). To establish correlation between TCD data and retinal embolization, Mann-Whitney test was used, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. All procedures were performed successfully. In five of 33 procedures (15%), new retinal emboli were found. Two of the procedures with emboli had small retinal infarcts. Three of five were performed using CPDs versus seven of 28 that had no retinal emboli (P = not significant). Two of four patients (50%) with previous radiation therapy to the neck had new retinal emboli versus three of 29 patients (10%) who had no previous radiation therapy (P = 0.038). None of the other patient characteristics was associated with retinal embolization. In 30 (91%) of patients with an adequate acoustic temporal window for TCD monitoring, there was no statistically significant correlation between TCD data and the incidence of retinal emboli. No visual field defects were found. On long-term follow-up, all retinal emboli and retinal infarcts had resolved. Retinal embolization during CAS is not uncommon, and it occurs in both protected and unprotected procedures. Most retinal emboli are clinically silent.