Retrospective analysis of ethnic/racial disparities and excess vascular mortality associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Sars coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in increased morbidity and mortality; however, there is limited understanding of how excess mortality is distributed among different racial and ethnic subgroups and vascular diseases. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study design using data from the United States (US) Center for Disease Control (CDC) Wide Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (Wonder) database. The database contains death certificate information for all US residents by cause of death as ascertained by the treating physician. We examined the trends of excess death by vascular disease specific mortality among different racial and ethnicity subgroups. Excess deaths were defined as the difference between observed numbers of deaths in specific time periods and the expected numbers of deaths in the same time periods. We compared mortality rates during the reference period of 2018-2019 (pre-pandemic) with the study period of 2020-2021 (pandemic years). We also compared excess mortality rates among racial and ethnic subgroups (Non-Hispanic white, Non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic individuals). Vascular disease was categorized by administrative diagnostic codes (ICD10): Vascular disease (I26, I82, I70-73, I74) and its subtypes Arterial thrombosis (I74), venous thromboembolism (I26, I82) and atherosclerotic disease (I70-73). RESULTS: Compared to 2018-2019, there was a 1.3 % excess mortality associated with vascular disease, a 12.2 % excess mortality due to arterial thrombosis mortality, and an 8.0 % excess mortality due to thromboembolism in 2020-2021. Black individuals demonstrated higher excess vascular mortality (6.9 %) compared to white individuals (-0.3 %) P < .001, higher excess venous thromboembolism mortality (14.1 % vs 5.1 % P = 0.002) and higher atherosclerosis mortality (2.1 % vs -2.6 % P = 0.002). Hispanics compared to white individuals had higher excess vascular mortality (5.1 % vs -0.3 % P = 0.03) and excess venous thromboembolism mortality (24.2 % vs 5.1 % P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant and persistent increase in vascular mortality. Excess mortality has disproportionately affected Black and Hispanic individuals compared to white individuals, highlighting the need for further studies to address and eliminate these health care disparities.

Smart Anklet Use to Measure Vascular Health Benefits of Preventive Intervention in a Nature-Based Environment-A Pilot Study.

The present study aimed to investigate the associations between nature-based intervention and peripheral pulse characteristics of patients with PAOD using new smart technology specifically designed for this purpose. A longitudinal panel study performed between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022 included 32 patients diagnosed with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) who were treated in the vascular surgeons' hospital "Dobb" in Valjevo. These patients were exposed for six months to moderate-intensity physical activity (MPA) in a nature-based environment. They practiced 150 to 300 min of walking 6 km/h and cycling activities (16-20 km/h) weekly as recommended for patients with chronic conditions and those living with disability. Univariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with major improvements in peripheral pulse characteristics of patients with PAOD. After six months of MPA, half of the patients (50%, 16/32) achieved minor, and half of them major improvements in peripheral pulse characteristics. The major improvements were associated with current smoking (OR = 9.53; 95%CI = 1.85-49.20), diabetes (OR = 4.84; 95%CI = 1.09-21.58) and cardiac failure, and concurrent pulmonary disease and diabetes (OR = 2.03; 95%CI = 1.01-4.11). Our pilot study showed that patients with PAOD along with other chronic conditions and risk factors benefited more from continuous physical activity in a nature-based environment.

Feasibility of performing treadmill walking test for patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease by the advanced practice nurses.

AIM: The treadmill walking test with post-exercise pressure measurement can be used as a diagnostic test and could classify peripheral arterial disease of the lower limbs. It can also exclude the diagnosis allowing to raise the possibility of differential diagnoses. In this study, we assessed the feasibility of performing treadmill test by advanced practice nurse to assess suspected lower extremity peripheral artery disease patients. DESIGN AND METHOD: This is a longitudinal monocentric study to assess the feasibility of a treadmill walking test performed by an advanced practice nurse. The primary endpoint was the number of tests performed during this period. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the reasons for requesting the test, the main results obtained in terms of the test's contribution and diagnoses, and patients' clinical characteristics. RESULTS: From February to May 2023, amongst 31 patients who underwent the treadmill walking test, 4 tests were able to rule out peripheral arterial disease and to detect differential diagnoses. For the remaining 27 patients, 4 had stage IIa of the Leriche classification, 23 had stage IIb, 2 of which were associated with a narrow lumbar spine. In contrast to the usual report, the APN's report on the walking test included an identification of cardiovascular risk factors, as well as a possible medical reorientation linked to the correction of a detected cardiovascular risk factor. CONCLUSION: The treadmill walking test can be performed by an advanced practice nurse. He/She added a comprehensive/global patient management, with the detection of cardiovascular risk factors. This new profession led to an increase in the number of tests performed of more than 50% over the period and reduced the time to access the test.

Exploring the incidence of peripheral arterial occlusive disease following COVID-19 infection: A retrospective cohort study.

Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) is a clinical manifestation of systemic atherosclerosis and is always associated with cerebrovascular disease and various complications. The aim of our study is to evaluate the relationship between the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and the subsequent PAOD development. A retrospective cohort study was conducted and individuals with COVID-19 infection were identified from the TriNetX analytics platform. A total of 2 206 065 patients with COVID-19 infection and 2 206 065 patients without COVID-19 infection were recruited after exclusion and matching. The primary outcome was the development of PAOD after the COVID-19 infection. The Cox proportional hazard regression was adopted to yield the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of PAOD between groups. After the whole follow-up period, the incidence of PAOD was significantly higher in the COVID-19 group at both the 3-month follow-up (HR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.24-1.30) and the 12-month follow-up (HR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.31-1.35) The Kaplan-Meier analysis with the log-rank test demonstrated a higher cumulative probability of PAOD in the COVID-19 group compared to the non-COVID-19 group (p < 0.001). In stratified analysis using 65 years as the threshold, both age groups in the COVID-19 group exhibited a higher risk of PAOD. Similarly, in the sex and race stratified analysis, the COVID-19 group performed a higher risk of PAOD in both subgroups. In conclusion, the COVID-19 infections are strongly associated with an increment of PAOD incidence.

Resultado funcional y mortalidad en pacientes ancianos con amputación mayor de extremidad inferior / Functional results and mortality in elderly patients with major lower limb amputation

Introducción y objetivos: los objetivos de este trabajo han sido conocer qué factores influyen en la recupera ción funcional de los pacientes ancianos que sufren una amputación mayor de una extremidad inferior (AMeI) de etiología vascular y analizar la recuperación de la marcha y de la mortalidad al año de la amputación. Material y métodos: estudio longitudinal observacional de los pacientes mayores de 70 años valorados por el servicio de rehabilitación tras una AMeI desde el 1 enero de 2019 hasta el 1 enero de 2021. Se recogieron las siguientes variables: edad, sexo, etiología, índice de masa corporal, comorbilidad (escala de Charlson), independencia en las AVd básicas (índice de Barthel) y capacidad de marcha (FAC) previas. Al año se analizaron la capacidad de marcha y la mortalidad. Resultados: el estudio se realizó en 45 pacientes con una edad media de 80,3 años (el 64,3 % varones). Todos fueron de etiología vascular. el nivel de amputación fue supracondíleo en 31 pacientes e infracondíleo en 14. Se protetizaron 13. Al año solo caminaban 5 pacientes y habían fallecido 21. Las variables relacionadas con la posibilidad de rehabilitación-protetización fueron: presentar menos comorbilidad (p = 0,004) y tener una mayor independencia funcional y de marcha previa a la amputación (p = 0,000), al igual que las relacionadas con la no mortalidad, con p = 0,005 y p = 0,017 (p = 0,013), respectivamente. Conclusión: la mejor situación funcional y clínica previa a la amputación son los factores más importantes tanto para la posibilidad de rehabilitación protésica como para la supervivencia de nuestros ancianos amputados.(AU)

Introduction and objectives: the objectives of this work have been to know what factors influence in thefunctional recovery of elderly patients who suffer a major lower limb amputation (SMA) of vascular etiology andto analyze the recovery of gait and mortality one year after the amputation. Material and methods: longitudinal observational study of patients older than 70 years assessed by the Reha-bilitation Service after SMA from January 1, 2019 to January 1, 2021. The following variables were collected: Age, sex, etiology, body mass index, comorbidity (Charlson scale), independence in basic ADL (Barthel index) and previous walking capacity (FAC). One year later, walking ability and mortality. Results: the study was conducted in 45 patients with a mean age of 80.3 years, 64.3 % male. All were of vascularetiology. The level of amputation was: supracondylar 31 and infracondylar 14. After a year, only 5 patients werewalking and 21 had died. The variables related to the possibility of rehabilitation-fitting were: having less comorbidity (p = 0.004) as well as having greater functional and gait independence prior to amputation (p = 0.000), as well as those related to nomortality, with a (p = 0.005) and (p = 0.017) (p = 0.013) respectively. Conclusion: the best functional and clinical situation prior to amputation are the most important factors both forthe possibility of prosthetic rehabilitation and for the survival of our elderly amputees.(AU)

Long-term results of stent graft in the treatment of TASC C, D femoropopliteal artery occlusive disease / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the long-term outcome of Viabahn stent graft in the treatment of complex femoropopliteal occlusive lesions.Methods:From Sep 2013 to Mar 2020, clinical data of TASC C and D femoropopliteal lesions treated with Viabahn were retrospectively analyzed. Patency rates, the freedom rate from clinically-driven target lesion revascularization (F-TLR), limb salvage and survival after five years were calculated.Results:A total of 65 patients (67 lower limbs) were included. 20 limbs were TASC C lesions, 47 limbs were TASC D lesions. The mean lesion length was (29.1±9.4) cm, including 48 chronic total occlusion (CTO) lesions (71.6%) with mean lesion length of (26.1±10.4) cm. Technique success rate was 98.6%. Mean length of stent graft was (31.3±10.1) cm.Major amputation was performed in 4.2% cases within 5 years. All-cause mortality in 5 years was 23.1%. Primary patency rates at 1,3,and 5 years were 76.8%,59.4%,50.9%, Assisted primary patency rates were 88.4%, 83.4%, 83.4% and secondary patency rates were 88.4%, 85.8%, and 85.8% . F-TLR at 1, 3 and 5 year was 88.2%,76.9%,73.1% .Conclusion:Viabahn for complex and long femoropopliteal artery occlusions is an acceptable treatment with fair long-term outcome.

Mid-term outcome of drug coated balloon in the treatment of femoropopliteal artery disease / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the mid-term outcome of drug coated balloon (DCB) in the treatment of femoropopliteal artery occlusive disease(FPOD). Methods Clinical date of FPOD patients receiving DCB treatment at Renji Hospital from Dec 2016 to Dec 2020 were retrospectively analyzed . The primary patency, primary assisted patency, secondary patency, free from clinically-driven target lesion revascularization (F-TLR) and the safety outcomes such as perioperative adverse events, major amputation rate and all-cause mortality were calculated. Results:One hurdred and seventy two patients (191 lower limbs) received DCB treatment. Among them, 13 lesions were TASC A (6.8%), 38 lesions were TASC B (19.9%), 98 lesions were TASC C (51.3%), and 42 lesions were TASC D (22.0%). One hundred and twenty six lesions were de novo lesions (66.0%), 33 lesions were in-stent restenosis (17.3%, ISR), and 32 lesions were both de novo lesions and ISR (16.8%). The average length of lesions was (27.8±10.4) mm. Fourty-eight lesions were mildly calcified (25.1%), 20 lesions were moderately calcified (10.5%), and 25 lesions were severely calcified (13.1%). Among de novo lesions, 97 lesions were chronic total occlusion (CTO) lesions (61.4%), and the average length of CTO lesions was (17.2±12.4) cm. The technical success rate was 97.4%.The provisonal stent rate was 22.0%. 12 month and 24 month after operation, the primary patency rate was 68.4% and 55.9%, the primary assisted patency rate was 78.8% and 69.8%, the secondary patency rate was 95.8% and 91.5%, and the F-TLR rate was 85.3% and 81.9%. The de novo lesion subgroup had a 24-month postoperative primary patency rate of 62.7%, while the in-stent restenosis subgroup had a rate of 44.9%.All cause mortality was 13.4% and major amputation rate was 4.7%. Chronic limb-threatening ischemia ( P=0.046) and CTO lesions length ≥15 cm ( P=0.006) were independent risk factors affecting the primary patency rate. Conclusion:DCB is a safe and effective endovascular intervention therapy for the treatment of femoropopliteal artery disease.

A Case of Drastically Aggravated Erythema Induratum due to Co-existing Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease / 대한피부과학회지

A 72-year-old woman presented with recurrent painful erythematous nodules and ulcers on both legs. Latent tuberculosis was proven by a positive interferon-gamma release assay, and a histopathology examination revealed septolobular panniculitis with vasculitis. The initial diagnosis was erythema induratum associated with tuberculosis, but the leg ulcers became worse despite anti-tuberculosis medication and wound dressing. Computed tomography angiography showed occlusion of the superficial femoral and popliteal arteries bilaterally, supporting that the vascular event contributes to the ulcers according to the vascular territories. Under the diagnosis of peripheral arterial occlusive disease, she was treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and antiplatelet medication. The skin ulcers were resolved. Elderly patients with erythema induratum have a risk of coincidental peripheral arterial occlusive disease, therefore dermatologists should be aware of the possibility of underlying vascular disease, so even minor trauma like skin biopsy can evoke serious condition shown in this patient. Here, we report a case of drastically aggravated erythema induratum due to co-existing peripheral arterial occlusive disease, which resolved with vascular intervention after not responding to antituberculosis medication.

Predictors for Amputation in Patients with Diabetic Foot Wound

PURPOSE: Diabetic foot wound (DFW) is known as a major contributor of nontraumatic lower extremity amputation. We aimed to evaluate overall amputation rates and risk factors for amputation in patients with DFW. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2014 to December 2017, 141 patients with DFW were enrolled. We determined rates and risk factors of major amputation in DFW and in DFW with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). In addition, we investigated rates and predictors for amputation in diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). RESULTS: The overall rate of major amputation was 26.2% in patients with DFW. Among 141 DFWs, 76 patients (53.9%) had PAOD and 29 patients (38.2%) of 76 DFWs with PAOD underwent major amputation. Wound state according to Wagner classification, congestive heart failure, leukocytosis, dementia, and PAOD were the significant risk factors for major amputation. In DFW with PAOD, Wagner classification grades and leukocytosis were the predictors for major amputation. In addition, amputation was performed for 28 patients (38.4%) while major amputation was performed for 5 patients (6.8%) of 73 DFUs. Only the presence of osteomyelitis (OM) showed significant difference for amputation in DFU. CONCLUSION: This study represented that approximately a quarter of DFWs underwent major amputation. Moreover, over half of DFW patients had PAOD and about 38.2% of them underwent major amputation. Wound state and PAOD was major predictors for major amputation in DFW. Systemic factors, such as CHF, leukocytosis, and dementia were identified as risk factors for major amputation. In terms of DFU, 38.4% underwent amputation and the presence of OM was a determinant for amputation.

Midterm Outcome of Femoral Artery Stenting and Factors Affecting Patency

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the early and midterm results of superficial femoral artery (SFA) stenting with self-expanding nitinol stents and to identify the factors affecting patency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: SFA stenting was performed in 165 limbs of 117 patients from January 2009 to December 2013. Patients were followed-up for the first occurrence of occlusion or stenosis based on computed tomography and duplex scan results and a decrease in ankle brachial index of >15%. RESULTS: During the follow-up period (mean, 15.3+/-3.2 months), no early thrombotic reocclusions occurred within 30 days, but in-stent restenosis developed in 78 limbs. The primary patency rates at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months were 78%, 66%, 42%, and 22%, respectively, and the secondary patency rates were 85%, 72%, 58%, and 58%, respectively. TASC II C or D lesions, stent length >8 cm, number of patent tibial arteries and diabetes were significantly associated with reintervention. CONCLUSION: The midterm results of stenting for SFA occlusive disease were disappointing because the primary and secondary patency rates at two years were 22% and 58%, respectively. Reintervention after SFA stenting remains a major problem, particularly in patients with diabetes mellitus or long TASC II C or D lesions.

Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 Complicated With Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease: A Case Report

Myotonic dystrophy (MD) is the most common adult muscular dystrophy characterized by multi-systemic clinical manifestations involving the brain, smooth muscle, cardiovascular and endocrine systems. However, peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) is an uncommon presentation of MD type 1 (DM1), which has not been reported in recent literature. A 53-year-old female, previously confirmed as DM1, presented with vague claudication of both lower limbs. The diagnosis of PAOD based on results of ankle-brachial index, ultrasonography, and abdominal computed tomography angiography studies was followed by aortobifemoral artery bypass surgery. Although the arterial patency was restored after the operation, she did not recover from post-operative respiratory complications. Screening of PAOD is necessary for DM1 with general risk factors of occlusive arteriopathy. However, surgery should be reserved for the most severe cases.

Comparison of long-term results of above-the-knee femoro-popliteal bypass with autogenous vein and polytetrafluoroethylene grafts

PURPOSE: To analyze the long-term results of above-the-knee femoro-popliteal bypass (ATKFPB) with vein grafts compared with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts. METHODS: A database of patients with chronic atherosclerotic occlusive disease who underwent ATKFPB was retrospectively reviewed. Characteristics of patient and arterial lesion, and follow-up results were compared between vein grafts and PTFE grafts. Graft patency was determined by periodic examinations of duplex ultrasonography or CT angiograms. Graft patency and limb salvage rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: In total, 253 ATKFPBs (107 vein grafts; 146 PTFE grafts; critical limb ischemia, 32%) were performed on 228 patients (mean age, 68.5 years; male, 87.7%). No significant differences were observed between the two groups with respect to demographic characteristics, characteristics of arterial lesions, or distal runoff score. During the mean follow-up period of 41 months (range, 1-122 months), 14.5% patients died, and 94% of all limbs were available for follow-up. The primary patency rates were not significantly different between the two groups at 10 years after treatment (75% vs. 42%, P = 0.330). However, the primary-assisted patency rates (88% vs. 42%, P = 0.003) and secondary patency rates (91% vs. 49%, P = 0.013) were significantly higher in the vein grafts compared with the PTFE grafts. Graft occlusion developed more often in the PTFE grafts (5.6% vs. 20.5%, P = 0.001). When graft occlusion occurred, acute limb ischemia was significantly more frequent in the PTFE grafts than in the vein grafts (0% vs. 53%, P = 0.027). CONCLUSION: After ATKFPB, autologous vein grafts showed significantly better long-term results compared with PTFE grafts.

Peripheral contrast-enhanced MRA at open-bore 3 T, with low dose contrast agent / 安徽医科大学学报

Objective To investigate the feasibility with low dose contrast agent in patients undergoing peripheral magnetic resonance angiography with high spatial resolution at open-bore 3 T scanner. Methods Images of MRA were assessed separately by two radiologists. And the images of DSA were assessed by one radiologist. The degree of the two interobservers' consensus for detection of arterial stenosis was determined by calculating the Kappa coef-ficient. Spearman rank correlation coefficient was used for revealing the relationship between contrast-enhanced MR angiography and DSA,in terms of categories of stenosis. Results For the degree of vessel stenosis, Cohen' s statis-tics revealed excellent agreement between the two observers. There was a significant correlation between DSA and MRA(P<0. 05). Conclusion At this open-bore 3 T scanner, high spatial resolution peripheral magnetic reso-nance angiography is achieved with low dose contrast agent.

Biomarkers of inflammation may be of use for identification of more severe peripheral arterial occlusive disease / Biomarcadores inflamatórios circulantes podem ser úteis para identificar doença arterial obstrutiva periférica mais grave

Background: Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial disease with an inflammatory pathophysiological basis. Cytokines released during the atherosclerotic process induce production of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the liver, which is an important marker of inflammation. Objective: We tested whether inflammatory biomarkers were associated with deterioration of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) in a population at high cardiovascular risk. Methods: 1,330 subjects ≥30 years of age underwent clinical and laboratory examinations as part of a population-based study of the prevalence of diabetes. PAOD was defined as an ankle-brachial index (ABI) ≤0.90. After application of exclusion criteria, the sample comprised 1,038 subjects. Traditional risk factors, CRP and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were also compared across three ABI categories (≤0.70; 0.71-0.90; ≥0.90). Mean values for these variables were compared by presence/absence of DAOP (Student's t test) and by ABI categories (ANOVA). Poisson regression and logistic regression models were used to test for associations between risk factors and DAOP and between risk factors and the ABI categories. Pearson's linear correlation coefficients were calculated for the relationship between CRP and IL-6 levels. Results: Mean age was 56.8±12.9 years, 54% of the sample were women and the prevalence of DAOP was 21.0% (95%CI 18.4-24.1). Individuals with ABI ≤0.70 had higher concentrations of CRP-us (2.1 vs. 1.8) and of IL-6 (1.25 vs. 1.17). Concentrations of CRP and IL-6 were only correlated in patients with DAOP, (p=0.004). Conclusions: The finding that CRP and IL-6 levels were only elevated among people with advanced DAOP may suggest that these biomarkers have a role to play as indicators of more severe disease. Prospective studies are needed to test this hypothesis...

Contexto: Aterosclerose é doença multifatorial, cuja base fisiopatológica é um processo inflamatório. Estudos são controversos quanto ao papel dos biomarcadores como fatores de risco. A liberação de citoquinas durante aterogênese promove síntese hepática de proteína C-reativa (PCR), importante marcador inflamatório. Objetivo: Avaliamos se biomarcadores inflamatórios estavam associados à deterioração da doença arterial obstrutiva periférica (DAOP), em população de risco cardiovascular. Métodos: Estudo populacional sobre prevalência de diabetes, em que 1.330 indivíduos com ≥30 anos foram submetidos a exames clínico-laboratoriais. Diagnóstico de DAOP foi feito pelo índice tornozelo-braço (ITB) ≤0,90. Após exclusões, 1.038 indivíduos foram analisados. Fatores de risco tradicionais, PCR e interleucina 6 (IL-6) foram comparados também segundo três categorias de ITB (≤0,70; 0,71-0,90; ≥0,90). Valores médios das variáveis foram comparados segundo presença de DAOP (teste t Student) e categorias do ITB (ANOVA). Utilizou-se modelo de Poisson e regressão logística para avaliar associações da DAOP e categorias do ITB com fatores de risco. Estimou-se coeficiente de correlação linear de Pearson para relação entre os valores de PCR e IL-6. Resultados: A idade média foi 56,8±12,9 anos, 54% mulheres e prevalência de DAOP 21,0% (IC95% 18,4-24,1). Indivíduos com ITB ≤0,70 apresentaram maiores valores de PCR-us (2,1 vs. 1,8) e IL-6 (1,25 vs. 1,17. Apenas em portadores de DAOP, valores de PCR e IL-6 mostraram-se correlacionados (p=0,004). Conclusão: O achado de concentrações mais elevadas de PCR e IL-6 apenas em indivíduos com DAOP avançada pode sugerir um...

Prevalence and Risk Factors for the Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients with Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease

PURPOSE: Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is known as a major contributor of the worsening of ischemic symptoms and the foot ulceration in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). However, there are few studies reporting the prevalence and risk factors for PN in PAOD. This study aimed to evaluate these issues for PN and to establish the importance of screening as additional treatment target for PN in PAOD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 52 limbs with PAOD were enrolled from January 2011 to December 2012. PN was divided into radiculopathy, ischemic PN (IPN), and diabetic PN (DPN), based on electromyographic findings. We investigated the prevalence of overall PN and subtypes of PN and then analyzed the risk factors. RESULTS: The prevalence of overall PN in PAOD was 43 of 52 limbs (82.7%). In terms of subtypes of PN, the prevalence rate of radiculopathy and IPN was 30.8% and 23.1%, respectively. DPN showed in 22 limbs (73.3%) among 30 diabetic limbs. There was no significant correlation between each type of PN and ischemic symptoms. Our analysis showed that coronary artery disease (CAD) was a significant risk factor (P=0.01) for IPN, however, did not identify any significant risk factors for DPN. CONCLUSION: This present study indicated that most patients with PAOD had PN and CAD was a risk factor for IPN. In particular, PAOD with diabetes represented a higher prevalence for DPN. Our study suggests that PN should be evaluated and considered as another treatment target in patients with PAOD.

Transition of Treatment Modalities for Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease for the Recent 5 Years According to the TASC II Classifications in a Single Institution

PURPOSE: Endovascular treatment for peripheral arterial obstructive disease (PAOD) is replacing traditional arterial bypass in the western world. Yet there are few reports to evaluate the pattern of clinical practice pattern for PAOD in Korea. This study was conducted to evaluate the treatment pattern for PAOD between endovascular treatment and arterial bypass, and to compare their clinical characteristics. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study on the prospectively maintained database of patients who underwent endovascular treatment and arterial bypass for PAOD from March 2005 to December 2009 in Inha University Hospital. The aortoiliac lesions and femoropopliteal lesions were categorized by the Trans Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) II classifications. Their treatments and clinical characteristics were compared between the former period (2005~2007 y) and the latter period (2008~2009 y). RESULTS: Three hundred nine cases (178 patients) were treated for PAOD by either arterial bypass or endovascular treatment. The patients' mean age was 69.1+/-11.3 year old. There was no difference in clinical characteristics between the two periods except for age. Endovascular treatments of both aortoiliac and femoropopliteal arterial lesions were increased in the latter period (P=0.023, P<0.001). Also, the endovascular treatments were increased in the TASC C and D aortoiliac and femoropopliteal lesions in the latter period (P=0.020, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment for PAOD is increasing in clinical practice and this shows feasibility in critically ill patient with TASC C and D lesions, although arterial bypass is still important.

Outcomes of Bypass Surgery Versus Endovascular Therapy for TASC II C and D Femoro-Popliteal Lesions in Patients with Chronic Limb Ischemia

PURPOSE: We wanted to define the appropriate treatment modalities for Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) II C and D femoro-popliteal lesions. So we compared the primary patency rate and several clinical factors between percutaneous balloon angioplasty with or without stenting (PTA/S) and bypass surgery (BP). METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent BP or PTA/S for TASC II C (BP-C, PTA/S-C) and D (BP-D, PTA/S-D) femoro-popliteal lesions from March 2001 to May 2009. We analyzed the primary and secondary patency rates, and the major limb salvage rates. RESULTS: Eighty two limbs in 74 patients (mean age: 68.7+/-10.2 years, males: 82.9%) were treated (PTA/S-C: 18, PTA/S-D 19: BP-C 12, BP-D 33). The mean follow-up duration was 30.0+/-19.0 months. The twenty four month primary patency rates was 82.4% for PTA/S-C and 73.3% for BP-C (P=0.876), and 45.3% for PTA/S-D and 66.6% for BP-D (P=0.034). The twenty four month secondary patency rates were 88.2% for PTA/S-C and 73.3% for BP-C (P=0.669), and 54.7% for PTA/S-D and 73.3% for BP-D (P=0.077). The twenty four month major limb salvage rates were 100.0% for PTA/S-C and 75.0% for BP-C (P=0.030) but there were no statistical differences between the TASC II D groups (P=0.377). CONCLUSION: Bypass surgery is a preferred initial therapeutic option for TASC II D femoro-popliteal lesions. However, several clinical factors must be carefully considered when selecting the primary treatment modality for TASC II C lesions.

A Cross-sectional Study on the Relationship between Plasma Fibrinogen Level and the Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease / 中国慢性病预防与控制

Objective To examine the relationship between the levels of plasma fibrinogen and the Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease(PAOD)in an elderly population.Methods A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in an urban Beijing sample of 2 680 subjects aged 60 years or older.Plasma fibrinogen was measured by the means of dispersion and comparing turbidity.PAOD was assessed by symptoms of intermittent claudication(IC)as measured by the WHO/ROSE questionnaire and an ankle-arm systolic blood pressure index(AAI)(

Transplantation of mobilized peripheral blood mononuclear cells for peripheral arterial occlusive disease of the lower extremity / 老年心脏病学杂志（英文版）

Objectives To assess the clinical efficacy, safety, and feasibility of autologous transplantation of mobilized peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) for patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) of the lower extremity. Methods A total of 152 patients with PAOD of the lower extremity were enrolled into this non-controlled observational study from November 2003 to March 2006. All patients received subcutaneous injections of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF, 450600 μg/day) for 5 days in order to mobilize stem/progenitor cells; their PBMNCs were collected and transplanted by multiple intramuscular injections into ischemic limbs. Patients were followed up for at least 12 weeks. Results At 12 weeks, primarymanifestations,including lower limb pain and coldness, were significantly improved in 137 (90.1%) of the patients; limb ulcers improved or healed in 46 (86.8%) of the 53 patients, while 25 of the 48 (47.9%) patients with limb gangrene remained steady or improved. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) improved in 33 (22%) of the cases, and TcPO2 increased in 45 (30%) of the cases. Angiography before treatment, and at 12 weeks after treatment, was performed in 10 of the patients and showed formation of new collateral vessels. No severe adverse effects or complications specifically related to cell transplantation were observed. Conclusion Autologous transplantation of G-CSF-mobilized PBMNCs might be a safe and effective treatment for lower limb ischemic disorder.(J Geriatr Cardiol 2006; 3:178-80.)

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in Patients with Confirmed Symptomatic Peripheral Arterial Disease

The early diagnosis of abdominal aortic aneurysms are difficult, especially when they are not clinically evident. Because of the generalized nature of atherosclerosis, there is reason to believe that there is a high incidence of aneurysms of the abdominal aorta in patients with peripheral vascular disease. But the screening test for hidden abdominal aortic aneurysms in patients with peripheral arterial disease has not been used for routine manner. So we retrospectively reviewed the 9 patients who had asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease during the last four and half-year period: among them three aneurysms were screened preoperatively by physical examination with their diameter more than 5 cm and 6 aneurysms were found intraoperatively with their mean diameter of 3.8 cm. The ages ranged from 66 through 84 years with the mean age 73 years. There were 7 men and 2 women. The sites of the peripheral occlusive disease is as follows: femoral artery only in 1, iliac artery only in 2, both iliac and femoral arteries in 5, and from iliac artery through tibial artery with thrombus formation in 1. We suggest that ultrasonographic screening for the presence of hidden abdominal aortic aneurysm preoperatively in patients with lower extremity occlusive arterial disease is needed, especially when the ages of patients is older than 65 years and the site of arterial disease include iliac segment.