Hybrid treatment for lower limb revascularization in a patient with vascular graft infection: a case report.

Patients with severe arterial obstructive disease and critical limb ischemia associated with vascular graft infection have elevated morbidity and mortality rates and are at high risk of limb loss. We present the case of a 76-year-old male patient with left lower limb critical ischemia and a femoropopliteal vascular graft infection. We used a hybrid treatment approach with an open surgical approach to the inguinal and popliteal regions and used the vascular prosthesis as endovascular access for direct recanalization of the superficial femoral artery, because the long occlusion and extensive calcification had frustrated initial attempts at endovascular treatment. After endovascular recanalization, the infected graft was removed. Used in conjunction with open surgery, advances in endovascular techniques and materials offer new solutions for patients when usual procedures fail.

Tratamento híbrido para revascularização de membro inferior em paciente com infecção de prótese vascular: relato de caso / Hybrid treatment for lower limb revascularization in a patient with vascular graft infection: a case report

Resumo Pacientes portadores de doença arterial obstrutiva periférica com isquemia crítica do membro associada a infecção de prótese vascular apresentam elevadas taxas morbimortalidade e alto risco de perda do membro. Apresentamos o caso de um paciente masculino de 76 anos com isquemia crítica do membro inferior esquerdo associada a infecção de prótese vascular femoropoplítea. Utilizamos abordagem híbrida para o tratamento com acesso cirúrgico das regiões inguinais e poplíteas, sendo a prótese vascular utilizada como acesso endovascular para recanalização direta da artéria femoral superficial devido a obstrução longa e extensa calcificação, que impediram as tentativas iniciais de tratamento endovascular. Após a recanalização endovascular, a prótese infectada foi retirada. O avanço das técnicas e materiais endovasculares em associação com a cirurgia aberta permitem novas soluções para pacientes quando os procedimentos habituais falham.

Abstract Patients with severe arterial obstructive disease and critical limb ischemia associated with vascular graft infection have elevated morbidity and mortality rates and are at high risk of limb loss. We present the case of a 76-year-old male patient with left lower limb critical ischemia and a femoropopliteal vascular graft infection. We used a hybrid treatment approach with an open surgical approach to the inguinal and popliteal regions and used the vascular prosthesis as endovascular access for direct recanalization of the superficial femoral artery, because the long occlusion and extensive calcification had frustrated initial attempts at endovascular treatment. After endovascular recanalization, the infected graft was removed. Used in conjunction with open surgery, advances in endovascular techniques and materials offer new solutions for patients when usual procedures fail.

Oxidative Stress in Aortas of Patients with Advanced Occlusive and Aneurysmal Diseases.

BACKGROUND: Aortoiliac occlusive disease (AOD) and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) are very important cardiovascular diseases that present different aspects of pathophysiology; however, oxidative stress and inflammatory response seem be relevant in both of them. Our objective was to evaluate oxidative damage and degree of inflammatory infiltrate in aortas of patients surgically treated for AOD and AAA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) expression as well as nitrite levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were evaluated in aortas of patients with AOD (n = 16) or AAA (n = 14), while the control group was formed by cadaveric organ donors (n = 10). We also analyzed the degree of inflammatory infiltrate in these aortas. RESULTS: There was an increase in ROS levels and NADPH oxidase activity in patients with AOD and AAA when compared with the control group, and the AOD group demonstrated higher ROS production and NADPH oxidase activity and also nitrite levels when compared with the AAA group (P < 0.001). On the other hand, an increase of SOD activity in the AOD group and CAT activity in the AAA group was observed. Inflammatory infiltrate and MPO expression were higher in the AOD group when compared with the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Oxidative stress is relevant in both AOD and AAA, though AOD presented higher ROS levels and NADPH activity. Increased activities of antioxidant enzymes may be a compensatory phenomenon which occurs in aortas of patients with AOD and AAA. Perhaps, a relationship between oxidative stress and degree of inflammatory infiltrate may exist in the pathophysiology of AOD and AAA.

Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm in a HIV-positive Patient.

Advent of antiretroviral therapy has increased survival of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections, with the result that some of these patients now develop degenerative diseases, such as atherosclerotic aneurysms. Degenerative thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm is rare in HIV patients. In this report, a 63-year-old male patient with HIV submitted to open repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. The patient did not suffer any type of complication in the perioperative period and remained well in a 28-month follow-up period. In summary, open repair still remains a good alternative for aortic complex aneurysms even in HIV patients.

Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm in a hiv-positive patient

Abstract Advent of antiretroviral therapy has increased survival of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections, with the result that some of these patients now develop degenerative diseases, such as atherosclerotic aneurysms. Degenerative thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm is rare in HIV patients. In this report, a 63-year-old male patient with HIV submitted to open repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. The patient did not suffer any type of complication in the perioperative period and remained well in a 28-month follow-up period. In summary, open repair still remains a good alternative for aortic complex aneurysms even in HIV patients.

Rupture of celiac trunk aneurysm in patient with Behçet Disease.

We report a case of a ruptured aneurysm of the celiac trunk in a 32-year-old, male patient with Behçet Disease (BD). Aneurysm resection was performed and the patient is well during a follow up of 32 months. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a ruptured celiac trunk aneurysm successfully treated in a patient with BD. RESUMO Relatamos o caso de um aneurisma roto do tronco celíaco em um paciente de 32 anos, do sexo masculino, portador de Doença de Behçet (DB). A ressecção do aneurisma foi realizada e o paciente está bem, com acompanhamento de 32 meses. Até onde sabemos, este é o primeiro caso relatado de um aneurisma do tronco celíaco roto tratado com sucesso em um paciente com DB.

Oxidative stress in human aorta of patients with advanced aortoiliac occlusive disease

Abstract Introduction: Oxidative stress seems to be a role in the atherosclerosis process, but research in human beings is scarce. Objective: To evaluate the role of oxidative stress on human aortas of patients submitted to surgical treatment for advanced aortoiliac occlusive disease. Methods: Twenty-six patients were divided into three groups: control group (n=10) formed by cadaveric organ donors; severe aortoiliac stenosis group (patients with severe aortoiliac stenosis; n=9); and total aortoiliac occlusion group (patients with chronic total aortoiliac occlusion; n=7). We evaluated the reactive oxygen species concentration, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-oxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities as well as nitrite levels in samples of aortas harvested during aortofemoral bypass for treatment of advanced aortoiliac occlusive disease. Results: We observed a higher level of reactive oxygen species in total aortoiliac occlusion group (48.3±9.56 pmol/mg protein) when compared to severe aortoiliac stenosis (33.5±7.4 pmol/mg protein) and control (4.91±0.8 pmol/mg protein) groups (P<0.05). Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activity was also higher in total aortoiliac occlusion group when compared to the control group (3.81±1.7 versus 1.05±0.31 µmol/min.mg protein; P<0.05). Furthermore, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were significantly higher in the severe aortoiliac stenosis and total aortoiliac occlusion groups when compared to the control cases (P<0.05). Nitrite concentration was smaller in the severe aortoiliac stenosis group in comparing to the other groups. Conclusion: Our results indicated an increase of reactive oxygen species levels and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-oxidase activity in human aortic samples of patients with advanced aortoiliac occlusive disease. The increase of antioxidant enzymes activities may be due to a compensative phenomenon to reactive oxygen species production mediated by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase. This preliminary study offers us a more comprehensive knowledge about the role of oxidative stress in advanced aortoiliac occlusive disease in human beings.

Rupture of celiac trunk aneurysm in patient with Behçet Disease / Ruptura de aneurisma de tronco celíaco em paciente com Doença de Behçet

ABSTRACT We report a case of a ruptured aneurysm of the celiac trunk in a 32-year-old, male patient with Behçet Disease (BD). Aneurysm resection was performed and the patient is well during a follow up of 32 months. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a ruptured celiac trunk aneurysm successfully treated in a patient with BD.

RESUMO Relatamos o caso de um aneurisma roto do tronco celíaco em um paciente de 32 anos, do sexo masculino, portador de Doença de Behçet (DB). A ressecção do aneurisma foi realizada e o paciente está bem, com acompanhamento de 32 meses. Até onde sabemos, este é o primeiro caso relatado de um aneurisma do tronco celíaco roto tratado com sucesso em um paciente com DB.

Oxidative stress in carotid arteries of patients submitted to carotid endarterectomy. The role of aging process.

PURPOSE: To evaluated the role of oxidative stress on aging process in patients submitted to carotid endarterectomy. METHODS: Twenty patients were divided into two groups: older group (≥ 70 years old); and the younger group (< 70 years old). We evaluated the reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-oxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities as so as nitrite levels in fragments of carotid arteries harvested during carotid endarterectomy for treatment of high grade carotid stenosis. RESULTS: We observed a higher levels of ROS and NADPH oxidase activity in the older group (p<0.05). Furthermore, the nitrite concentration was lower in the older group (14.55 ± 5.61 x 10-3 versus 26.42 ± 8.14 x 10-3 µM; p=0.0123). However, the activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT and SOD) were similar in both the groups. CONCLUSIONS: : Arterial aging is associated with increased concentrations of oxygen species and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity as so as nitrite reduction in human carotid artery specimens. Maybe therapies that block NADPH oxidase activity and enhance nitrite stores would be a good strategy to reduce the effect of oxidative stress in arterial aging.

Oxidative stress in carotid arteries of patients submitted to carotid endarterectomy. The role of aging process

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To evaluated the role of oxidative stress on aging process in patients submitted to carotid endarterectomy. METHODS: Twenty patients were divided into two groups: older group (≥ 70 years old); and the younger group (< 70 years old). We evaluated the reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-oxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities as so as nitrite levels in fragments of carotid arteries harvested during carotid endarterectomy for treatment of high grade carotid stenosis. RESULTS: We observed a higher levels of ROS and NADPH oxidase activity in the older group (p<0.05). Furthermore, the nitrite concentration was lower in the older group (14.55 ± 5.61 x 10-3 versus 26.42 ± 8.14 x 10-3 µM; p=0.0123). However, the activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT and SOD) were similar in both the groups. CONCLUSIONS : Arterial aging is associated with increased concentrations of oxygen species and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity as so as nitrite reduction in human carotid artery specimens. Maybe therapies that block NADPH oxidase activity and enhance nitrite stores would be a good strategy to reduce the effect of oxidative stress in arterial aging.

Oxidative Stress in Human Aorta of Patients with Advanced Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease.

Introduction: Oxidative stress seems to be a role in the atherosclerosis process, but research in human beings is scarce. Objective: To evaluate the role of oxidative stress on human aortas of patients submitted to surgical treatment for advanced aortoiliac occlusive disease. Methods: Twenty-six patients were divided into three groups: control group (n=10) formed by cadaveric organ donors; severe aortoiliac stenosis group (patients with severe aortoiliac stenosis; n=9); and total aortoiliac occlusion group (patients with chronic total aortoiliac occlusion; n=7). We evaluated the reactive oxygen species concentration, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-oxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities as well as nitrite levels in samples of aortas harvested during aortofemoral bypass for treatment of advanced aortoiliac occlusive disease. Results: We observed a higher level of reactive oxygen species in total aortoiliac occlusion group (48.3±9.56 pmol/mg protein) when compared to severe aortoiliac stenosis (33.5±7.4 pmol/mg protein) and control (4.91±0.8 pmol/mg protein) groups (P<0.05). Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activity was also higher in total aortoiliac occlusion group when compared to the control group (3.81±1.7 versus 1.05±0.31 µmol/min.mg protein; P<0.05). Furthermore, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were significantly higher in the severe aortoiliac stenosis and total aortoiliac occlusion groups when compared to the control cases (P<0.05). Nitrite concentration was smaller in the severe aortoiliac stenosis group in comparing to the other groups. Conclusion: Our results indicated an increase of reactive oxygen species levels and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-oxidase activity in human aortic samples of patients with advanced aortoiliac occlusive disease. The increase of antioxidant enzymes activities may be due to a compensative phenomenon to reactive oxygen species production mediated by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase. This preliminary study offers us a more comprehensive knowledge about the role of oxidative stress in advanced aortoiliac occlusive disease in human beings.

Tratamento cirúrgico de um aneurisma primário de veia ilíaca externa / Surgical treatment of a primary external iliac vein aneurysm

Aneurismas primários da veia ilíaca são extremamente raros e podem complicar com trombose, embolia pulmonar ou ruptura. Acredita-se que existam apenas 14 casos descritos na literatura. Neste artigo, descrevemos um caso de um jovem de 25 anos, que apresentava edema e cianose do membro inferior esquerdo. A ecografia vascular revelou uma massa cística em fossa ilíaca esquerda. A angiotomografia confirmou o diagnóstico de um aneurisma da veia ilíaca externa esquerda de 3,8 cm, no maior diâmetro. O paciente foi submetido ao tratamento cirúrgico através da ressecção do aneurisma seguida de venorrafia longitudinal. Teve boa evolução pós-operatória, com um seguimento clínico de 44 meses. Houve uma melhora do edema no membro inferior esquerdo, sem complicações tardias.

Primary external iliac vein aneurysms are rare and can be complicated by thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or rupture. To date, there are only 14 cases reported in the literature. In this paper we report a case of a 25-year-old man who presented with left lower limb edema and cyanosis. Vascular ultrasonography revealed a cystic tumor in the left iliac fossa. Computed tomography angiography confirmed that the finding was an external iliac vein aneurysm, measuring 3.8 cm at its largest diameter. The patient underwent surgical treatment with resection followed by longitudinal venorrhaphy, with no complications. After the procedure left limb symptoms improved. The patient has exhibited no late complications over 44 months of follow-up.

Surgical treatment of chronic aortoiliac occlusion / Tratamento cirúrgico da oclusão crônica aorto-ilíaca

Chronic aortoiliac occlusion (CAIO) is a significant cause of lower limb ischemia and is often found in young patients who smoke. OBJECTIVE: To review recent results achieved treating CAIO patients with open surgery. METHODS: From November 2011 to April 2014, 21 patients with CAIO were treated at the Santa Casa de Misericórdia, Porto Alegre, Brazil. Demographic data, comorbidities, clinical presentation and surgical results were analyzed. RESULTS: Eleven women and ten men were treated with direct aortic bypass (DAB; n=18) or with extra-anatomic bypass (EAD; n=3). Mean age was 53.7 ± 7.3 years (range: 43-79 years) and all patients smoked. Thirteen patients (62%) had critical ischemia. Six of the patients treated with DAB (33.4%) also required additional revascularization (3 renal and 3 femoropopliteal procedures). Perioperative mortality was zero. Four patients (22.2%) suffered transitory renal dysfunction, but only one patient (5.6%) required hemodialysis. Median follow-up time was 17 months (range: 2-29 months) and there was just one late death, from ischemic heart disease, 7 months after the surgery on the abdominal aorta. CONCLUSIONS: Aortic reconstruction is a safe method for treating patients with CAIO, with low perioperative morbidity and mortality rates...

A oclusão crônica aorto-ilíaca (OCAI) é uma importante causa de isquemia dos membros inferiores e é frequentemente encontrada em pacientes jovens e tabagistas. OBJETIVO: Revisar os resultados recentes da cirurgia aberta em pacientes com OCAI. MÉTODOS: Entre novembro de 2011 e abril de 2014, 21 pacientes com OCAI foram tratados na Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre. Foram analisados dados demográficos, comorbidades, apresentação clínica e resultados cirúrgicos. RESULTADOS: Onze mulheres e dez homens foram tratados com derivação aórtica direta (DAD; n=18) ou com derivação extra-anatômica (DEA; n=3). A média de idade foi 53,7 ± 7,3 anos (variação 43-79 anos), sendo todos os pacientes tabagistas. Treze pacientes (62%) apresentavam isquemia crítica. Dos pacientes submetidos à DAD, seis (33,4%) necessitaram de revascularização associada (3 renais e 3 fêmoro-poplíteas). A mortalidade perioperatória foi nula. Quatro pacientes (22,2%) desenvolveram disfunção renal transitória, mas apenas um paciente (5,6%) necessitou de hemodiálise. O tempo mediano de seguimento foi de 17 meses (variação 2-29 meses), havendo apenas um óbito tardio, por cardiopatia isquêmica, sete meses após a cirurgia da aorta abdominal. CONCLUSÃO: A reconstrução aórtica é um método seguro para o tratamento de pacientes com OCAI, com baixas taxas de morbidade e mortalidade perioperatórias...

Morbidity and mortality associated with arterial surgery site infections by resistant microorganisms / Morbimortalidade relacionada às infecções de ferida operatória ocasionadas por micro-organismos resistentes em cirurgias arteriais

Background: Surgical site infection is a severe complication of peripheral vascular surgery with high morbidity and mortality rates. Objective: To evaluate the morbidity and mortality of infections of peripheral artery surgery sites caused by resistant microorganisms. Methods: This was a prospective study of a cohort of patients who underwent peripheral artery revascularization procedures and developed surgical site infections between March 2007 and March 2011. Results: Mean age was 63.7 years; males accounted for 64.3% of all cases. The overall prevalence of bacterial resistance to antimicrobials was 65.7%. The most common microorganism identified was Staphylococcus aureus (30%). Comparison of the demographic and surgical characteristics of both subsets (resistant versus non-resistant) detected a significant difference in length of preoperative hospital stay (9.3 days vs. 3.7 days). The subset of patients with infections by resistant microorganisms had higher rates of reoperation, lower numbers of limb amputations and lower mortality, but the differences compared to the subset without resistant infections were not significant. Long-term survival was similar. Conclusions: This study detected no statistically significant differences in morbidity or mortality between subsets with surgical wound infections caused by resistant and not-resistant microorganisms...

Contexto: A infecção de ferida operatória é uma complicação grave da cirurgia vascular periférica e está associada a elevadas taxas de morbidade e mortalidade. Objetivo: Avaliar a morbidade e a mortalidade relacionadas às infecções de ferida operatória causadas por micro-organismos resistentes em cirurgias arteriais periféricas. Métodos: Coorte prospectiva envolvendo pacientes submetidos a procedimentos de revascularização arterial periférica que desenvolveram infecção de sítio cirúrgico, entre março de 2007 e março de 2011. Resultados: A média de idade desses pacientes foi de 63,7 anos; homens representaram 64,3% de todos os casos. A prevalência total de resistência bacteriana foi de 65,7%. O micro-organismo mais isolado foi o Staphylococcus aureus (30%). Comparando-se as características demográficas e cirúrgicas das duas amostras (com e sem resistência), foi demonstrado que o tempo de permanência hospitalar apresentou diferença significativa (9,3 dias × 3,7 dias). O grupo de pacientes portadores de infecção por micro-organismo resistente apresentou elevadas taxas de reoperação, amputação de membro inferior e mortalidade, porém sem diferença estatística quando comparado ao grupo sem resistência. No longo prazo, a sobrevida foi similar. Conclusão: este estudo não demonstrou diferença estatística quanto a morbidade e mortalidade entre os grupos com infecção de ferida operatória ocasionada por micro-organismos resistentes e não resistentes...

Endovascular treatment of iatrogenic penetrating trauma of the carotid artery: case report / Tratamento endovascular de trauma penetrante iatrogênico de artéria carótida: relato de caso

Carotid trauma demands early diagnosis and treatment. Open repair may be technically challenging if the trauma is at the base of the neck. We present a case of iatrogenic penetrating carotid trauma caused by insertion of a hemodialysis catheter. Treatment was accomplished by placement of a covered stent-graft in the common carotid artery, covering the puncture site. This case suggests that placement of a covered stent-graft is a good option for treatment of iatrogenic injury to the carotid artery...

O trauma da carótida exige diagnóstico e tratamento precoces. O tratamento convencional pode ser tecnicamente desafiador se o trauma penetrante for na base do pescoço. Apresentamos um caso de trauma penetrante da carótida associado ao implante iatrogênico de um cateter para hemodiálise. O tratamento foi realizado através da colocação de uma endoprótese na artéria carótida comum, cobrindo o local da punção. Este caso sugere que a colocação de uma endoprótese é uma boa opção para o tratamento de lesão iatrogênica da artéria carótida...

Seat Belt Syndrome and Aortoiliac Lesion: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Blunt vascular trauma represents 7-9% of the vascular lesions in civilians. There are few reports associating blunt trauma with aortoiliac lesion to the trauma associated with the use of seat belts. We report a case of aortic bifurcation disruption and bilateral iliac artery thrombosis directly related to seat belt use and not associated with pelvic fractures. Arterial revascularization was accomplished through an aortoiliac bypass with spiraled saphenous vein interposition graft and perfusion was restored to both limbs. However, the patient died 5 days after due to respiratory distress syndrome. A high index of suspicion and early diagnosis are essential for patient survival and limb salvage.

Derivação carótido-carotídea por via retrofaríngea: seguimento tardio / Retropharyngeal carotid-carotid crossover bypass: late follow-up

Existem diversas opções para o tratamento da doença oclusiva dos troncos supra-aórticos, de acordo com a apresentação clínica e a localização das lesões arteriais. As abordagens cervicais são aceitas como alternativas de baixa morbimortalidade, com elevada perviedade em longo prazo. Os autores relatam um caso tratado com sucesso através de derivação carótido-carotídea cruzada por via retrofaríngea associada à endarterectomia da bifurcação carotídea. São discutidos também os aspectos clínicos e as opções cirúrgicas ou endovasculares para o melhor tratamento desses pacientes.

Emergency room retrograde transbrachial arteriography for the management of axillosubclavian vascular injuries.

BACKGROUND: Our purpose was to determine the accuracy of single-injection, retrograde transbrachial arteriography (RTBA), performed in the emergency room, for suspected axillosubclavian injuries. METHODS: Thirty-three patients were prospectively assigned for RTBA. Clinical indications for RTBA included high-risk mechanism of injury, decreased (n = 19) or absent (n = 5) brachial pulse, neurologic deficits (n = 11), external or intrathoracic bleeding (n = 4), and bruit (n = 2). Brachial artery was cannulated with an 18-gauge catheter. A sphygmomanometer cuff was placed at the forearm and inflated to 250 mm Hg. Twenty milliliters of nonionic contrast media was injected countercurrent and a single anteroposterior chest radiograph was obtained. Small intimal flaps were followed by serial ultrasound. Surgical findings were used to establish RTBA accuracy. RESULTS: RTBA was successfully performed in all cases. Arterial lesions were detected in 28 (84.8%) patients, including thrombosis (n = 8), arteriovenous fistula (n = 8), and false aneurysm (n = 7) as the most frequent lesions. A sensitivity of 96.5%, a specificity of 100%, a positive predictive value of 100%, and a negative predictive value of 80% were observed with RTBA. CONCLUSION: We conclude that RTBA is a safe and accurate technique to be used in the emergency room for the rapid detection of axillosubclavian arterial injuries.

Arteriografia retrógrada no diagnóstico de trauma vascular do segmento subclávio-axilar / Retrograde arteriography in the diagnosis of vascular injuries of subclavian-axillary segment

INTRODUÇÃO: Os traumatismos vasculares do segmento arterial subclávioáxilar são considerados de alta morbidade e mortalidade. Devido ao grande número de estruturas ósteomusculares e nervosas presente nesta região anatômica, o diagnóstico de lesões vasculares é imperativo tanto para o tratamento imediato como,para evitar seqüelas tardias graves. A utilização da arteriografia no diagnóstico de lesões vasculares é ainda considerado o padrão-ouro. OBJETIVO: No presente estudo apresentamos a técnica de arteriografia retrógrada de membro superior com injeção de contraste via artéria braquial a contrafluxo, um exame de realização fácil e rápido, ideal para as situações de traumatismos vasculares. MATERIAL E MÈTODO: No período de março de 1998 a dezembro de 2000, dos pacientes atendidos no Hospital de Pronto-Socorro Municipal de Porto Alegre, foram acompanhados 33 com indicação clínica de realização de arteriogratla. RESULTADOS: Dos pacientes investigados24(72,7 por cento) eram do sexo masculino e, em 57,6 por cento dos casos a idade foi inferior a 30 anos. Vinte e cinco(75,8 por cento) pacientes foram encaminhados semdiagnóstico prévio e a causa mais freqüente de traumatismos foi o assalto,em 18(54,5 por cento) casos, com arma de fogo, em 14(42,4 por cento) casos. O dado clínico mais frequente de indicação do exame foi a presença de déficit neurológico, em 18(54,5 por cento)doscasos, e o índice-presórico foi menor que 1 em 26(78,8 por cento) pacientes. As lesões mais freqüentes foram sobre a artéria subclávia, em 12(36,4 por cento) casos e os tipos de lesões vasculares mais encontradas foram a fístula artério-venosa em 8(24,2 por cento)casos e a trombose também em 8(24,2 por cento) casos. Somente em 6(18,2 por cento) pacientes houve complicações leves, como hematomas CONCLUSAO: Os índices de confiabilidade encontrados foram de 96.5 por cento de especificidade, 100 por cento de especificidade, !OO por cento de valor preditivo positivo e 80,0 por cento de preditivo negativo...