Ultrasonographic assessment of pulmonary and Central venous congestion in experimental heart failure.

Pulmonary and systemic congestion as a consequence of heart failure are clinically recognized as alarm signals for clinical outcome and mortality. Although signs and symptoms of congestion are well detectable in patients, monitoring of congestion in small animals with heart failure lacks adequate noninvasive methodology yet. Here, we developed a novel ultrasonography-based scoring system to assess pulmonary and systemic congestion in experimental heart failure, by using lung ultrasound (LUS) and imaging of the inferior vena cava (Cava), termed CavaLUS. CavaLUS was established and tested in a rat model of supracoronary aortic banding and a mouse model of myocardial infarction, providing high sensitivity and specificity while correlating to numerous parameters of cardiac performance and disease severity. CavaLUS, therefore, provides a novel comprehensive tool for experimental heart failure in small animals to noninvasively assess congestion.NEW & NOTEWORTHY As thorough, noninvasive assessment of congestion is not available in small animals, we developed and validated an ultrasonography-based research tool to evaluate pulmonary and central venous congestion in experimental heart failure models.

Coexistence of a fluid responsive state and venous congestion signals in critically ill patients: a multicenter observational proof-of-concept study.

BACKGROUND: Current recommendations support guiding fluid resuscitation through the assessment of fluid responsiveness. Recently, the concept of fluid tolerance and the prevention of venous congestion (VC) have emerged as relevant aspects to be considered to avoid potentially deleterious side effects of fluid resuscitation. However, there is paucity of data on the relationship of fluid responsiveness and VC. This study aims to compare the prevalence of venous congestion in fluid responsive and fluid unresponsive critically ill patients after intensive care (ICU) admission. METHODS: Multicenter, prospective cross-sectional observational study conducted in three medical-surgical ICUs in Chile. Consecutive mechanically ventilated patients that required vasopressors and admitted < 24 h to ICU were included between November 2022 and June 2023. Patients were assessed simultaneously for fluid responsiveness and VC at a single timepoint. Fluid responsiveness status, VC signals such as central venous pressure, estimation of left ventricular filling pressures, lung, and abdominal ultrasound congestion indexes and relevant clinical data were collected. RESULTS: Ninety patients were included. Median age was 63 [45-71] years old, and median SOFA score was 9 [7-11]. Thirty-eight percent of the patients were fluid responsive (FR+), while 62% were fluid unresponsive (FR-). The most prevalent diagnosis was sepsis (41%) followed by respiratory failure (22%). The prevalence of at least one VC signal was not significantly different between FR+ and FR- groups (53% vs. 57%, p = 0.69), as well as the proportion of patients with 2 or 3 VC signals (15% vs. 21%, p = 0.4). We found no association between fluid balance, CRT status, or diagnostic group and the presence of VC signals. CONCLUSIONS: Venous congestion signals were prevalent in both fluid responsive and unresponsive critically ill patients. The presence of venous congestion was not associated with fluid balance or diagnostic group. Further studies should assess the clinical relevance of these results and their potential impact on resuscitation and monitoring practices.

The Effect of Positive Pressure Ventilation on Acute Kidney Injury in COVID-19 Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: An Observational Study.

INTRODUCTION: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is frequent in critically ill COVID-19 patients and is associated with a higher mortality risk. By increasing intrathoracic pressure, positive pressure ventilation (PPV) may reduce renal perfusion pressure by reducing venous return to the heart or by increasing renal venous congestion. This study's aim was to evaluate the association between AKI and haemodynamic and ventilatory parameters in COVID-19 patients with ARDS. METHODS: This is a single-centre retrospective observational study. Consecutive patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who met ARDS criteria and required invasive mechanical ventilation were enrolled. The relationship between respiratory and haemodynamic parameters influenced by PPV and AKI development was evaluated. AKI was defined according to KDIGO criteria. AKI recovery was evaluated a month after ICU admission and patients were classified as "recovered," if serum creatinine (sCr) value returned to baseline, or as having "acute kidney disease" (AKD), if criteria for AKI stage 1 or greater persisted. The 6-month all-cause mortality was collected. RESULTS: A total of 144 patients were included in the analysis. AKI occurred in 69 (48%) patients and 26 (18%) required renal replacement therapy. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, sex, hypertension, cumulative dose of furosemide, fluid balance, and plateau pressure were independently associated with AKI. Mortality at 6 months was 50% in the AKI group and 32% in the non-AKI group (p = 0.03). Among 36 patients who developed AKI and were discharged alive from the hospital, 56% had a full renal recovery after a month, while 14%, 6%, and 14% were classified as having an AKD of stage 0, 2, and 3, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, AKI was independently associated with multiple variables, including high plateau pressure, suggesting a possible role of PPV on AKI development. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of mechanical ventilation on renal function.

Venous congestion in septic shock quantified with point-of-care ultrasound: a pilot prospective multicentre cohort study.

PURPOSE: Venous congestion is a pathophysiologic state that can result in organ dysfunction, particularly acute kidney injury (AKI). We sought to evaluate the feasibility of performing a definitive observational study to determine the impact of venous congestion quantified using point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in patients with septic shock. METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational feasibility study at two intensive care units (ICUs). We recruited adult patients with septic shock within 12 hr of ICU admission. Using the validated Venous Excess Ultrasound Score (VEXUS), we quantified venous congestion on day 1 and day 3 of ICU admission. The primary feasibility outcome was successful completion rate of the two VEXUS scores. We performed a survival analysis to quantify the hazard of renal replacement therapy (RRT). RESULTS: We enrolled 75 patients from January 2022 to January 2023. The success rate of completion for VEXUS scans was 94.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 89.5 to 97.6). Severe venous congestion was present in 19% (14/75) of patients on ICU admission day 1 and in 16% (10/61) of patients on day 3. Venous congestion on ICU admission may be associated with a higher risk of requiring RRT (unadjusted hazard ratio, 3.35; 95% CI, 0.94 to 11.88; P = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to conduct a definitive observational study exploring the association between venous congestion quantified with POCUS and clinical outcomes in patients with septic shock. We hypothesize that venous congestion may be associated with an increased hazard of receiving RRT.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: La congestion veineuse est un état physiopathologique qui peut entraîner un dysfonctionnement des organes, en particulier une insuffisance rénale aiguë (IRA). Nous avons cherché à évaluer la faisabilité de la réalisation d'une étude observationnelle définitive pour déterminer l'impact de la congestion veineuse quantifiée à l'aide de l'échographie ciblée (POCUS) chez des patient·es en choc septique. MéTHODE: Nous avons réalisé une étude de faisabilité observationnelle prospective dans deux unités de soins intensifs (USI). Nous avons recruté des patient·es adultes souffrant d'un choc septique dans les 12 heures suivant leur admission aux soins intensifs. À l'aide du score VEXUS (score d'échographie de l'excès veineux) validé, nous avons quantifié la congestion veineuse au jour 1 et au jour 3 de leur admission aux soins intensifs. Le principal critère de faisabilité était le taux de réussite des deux scores VEXUS. Nous avons réalisé une analyse de survie pour quantifier le risque de thérapie de substitution rénale (TSR). RéSULTATS: Nous avons recruté 75 patient·es de janvier 2022 à janvier 2023. Le taux de réussite des scores VEXUS était de 94,5 % (intervalle de confiance [IC] à 95 %, 89,5 à 97,6). Une congestion veineuse sévère était présente chez 19 % (14/75) des patient·es au jour 1 d'admission aux soins intensifs et chez 16 % (10/61) des patient·es au jour 3. La congestion veineuse lors de l'admission aux soins intensifs peut être associée à un risque plus élevé de nécessiter une TSR (rapport de risque non ajusté, 3,35; IC 95 %, 0,94 à 11,88; P = 0,06). CONCLUSION: Il est possible de mener une étude observationnelle définitive explorant l'association entre la congestion veineuse quantifiée par POCUS et les devenirs cliniques chez les patient·es en choc septique. Nous émettons l'hypothèse que la congestion veineuse peut être associée à un risque accru de recevoir une thérapie de substitution rénale.

Venous Congestion Assessed by Venous Excess Ultrasound (VExUS) and Acute Kidney Injury in Children with Right Ventricular Dysfunction.

Background: Right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) is a complication following congenital cardiac surgery in children and can lead to systemic venous congestion, low cardiac output, and organ dysfunction. Venous congestion can be transmitted backwards and adversely affect encapsulated organs such as the kidneys. Primary objective: To investigate the association between systemic venous congestion, as estimated by Venous Excess Ultrasound (VExUS), and the occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in children with RVD following congenital heart surgery. Secondary objectives included comparing changes in VExUS scores after initiating treatment for RVD and venous congestion. Methods and results: This was a prospective observational study in children with RVD. The VExUS study was performed on day 1, day 2, and day 3 and categorized as VExUS-1, VExUS-2, and VExUS-3. Among 43 patients with RVD and dilated inferior vena cava, 19/43 (44%), 10/43 (23%), and 12/43 (28%) were VExUS-2 and VExUS-3, respectively. There was an association between severe RVD and elevated pulmonary artery systolic pressures and a VExUS score >2. A significant association was observed between central venous pressure (CVP) measurements and VExUS. Among 31 patients with a high VExUS score >2, 18 (58%) had AKI. Additionally, improvement in CVP and fluid balance was associated with improving VExUS scores following targeted treatment for RVD. Conclusion: VExUS serves as a valuable bedside tool for diagnosing and grading venous congestion through ultrasound Doppler. An elevated VExUS score was associated with the occurrence of AKI, and among the components of VExUS, portal vein pulsatility may be useful as a predictor of AKI. How to cite this article: Natraj R, Bhaskaran AK, Rola P, Haycock K, Siuba MTT, Ranjit S. Venous Congestion Assessed by Venous Excess Ultrasound (VExUS) and Acute Kidney Injury in Children with Right Ventricular Dysfunction. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(5):447-452.

VeXUS: Do Not Drown in the ExCESS.

How to cite this article: Kumar V. VeXUS: Do Not Drown in the ExCESS. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(5):419-421.

Utility of the Venous Excess Ultrasound (VEXUS) score to track dynamic change in volume status in patients undergoing fluid removal during haemodialysis - the ACUVEX study.

BACKGROUND: The use of ultrasound assessment, including the Venous Excess Ultrasound (VEXUS) score, is increasingly being utilised as part of fluid status assessment in clinical practice. We aimed to evaluate the ability of the VEXUS score to track fluid removal during the course of the dialysis session and explore the relationship between traditional measures of fluid status and venous congestion. METHODS: Single-centre, observational study in patients undergoing intermittent haemodialysis, who presented above their target dry weight. Patients had serial assessment using VEXUS, lung ultrasound and selected echocardiographic measures, before, during and after fluid removal. RESULTS: Amongst 33 patients analysed, 5 (15%) had an elevated VEXUS score (> 0). There was no difference in starting weight, dry weight or amount of fluid removed in patients with a normal VEXUS score and those with an elevated VEXUS score. In all patients with elevated VEXUS scores, the degree of venous congestion improved during the course of fluid removal. All patients with an elevated VEXUS score had evidence of both right and left ventricular systolic impairment. CONCLUSION: In patients with ESRF undergoing haemodialysis, the incidence of venous congestion as measured by the VEXUS is low. In patients with elevated VEXUS scores, removal of fluid through haemodialysis improves the venous congestion score. The pattern of LV and RV systolic dysfunction suggests that VEXUS may be a reflection of cardiac failure rather than venous volume status. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Ethical approval was provided by South Central-Berkshire Research and Ethics Committee and registered on clinicaltrials.org (IRAS305720). TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN14351189 - Retrospectively registered on 30/11/2023.

Congestive Hepatopathy Diagnosed by Venous Excess Ultrasound Score.

Accurate and rapid detection of venous organ congestion, especially congestive hepatopathy, is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality. The Venous Excess Ultrasound Score is an emerging point-of-care ultrasound examination that can grade severity of venous organ congestion using spectral Doppler evaluation of the hepatic, portal, and intrarenal veins, but its utility in congestive hepatopathy is unknown. We report a case of acute liver injury where Venous Excess Ultrasound Score supported a diagnosis of congestive hepatopathy and guided management, leading to a favorable outcome.

Aeromonas hydrophila Infection following Leech Therapy for the Treatment of Nipple-Areola Complex Congestion after Breast Reduction: A Case Report.

Several strategies for the management of venous congestion of the nipple-areola complex (NAC) after reduction mammaplasty have been proposed. Among these, hirudotherapy represents an ancient but still effective method, even though the risk of infections related to leeches should be considered. We report a peculiar case of breast infection and sepsis after leech therapy in a patient who underwent a reduction mammaplasty. A prompt surgical debridement of the wounds and necrotic tissues associated with targeted antibiotic therapy led to a fast improvement of clinical conditions, and partial preservation of the NAC was obtained. Accurate knowledge of the clinical presentation of soft tissue infections related to leeching allows for an early diagnosis and would serve as a warning for surgeons who approach such breast cosmetic procedures.

Vertebral Venous Congestion That May Mimic Vertebral Metastasis on Contrast-Enhanced Chest Computed Tomography in Chemoport Inserted Patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of vertebral venous congestion (VVC) in patients with chemoport insertion, evaluate the imaging characteristics of nodular VVC, and identify the factors associated with VVC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective single-center study was based on follow-up contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography (CT) of 1412 adult patients who underwent chemoport insertion between January 2016 and December 2016. The prevalence of venous stenosis, reflux, and VVC were evaluated. The imaging features of nodular VVC, including specific locations within the vertebral body, were analyzed. To identify the factors associated with VVC, patients with VVC were compared with a subset of patients without VVC who had been followed up for > 3 years without developing VVC after chemoport insertion. Toward this, a multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: After excluding 333 patients, 1079 were analyzed (mean age ± standard deviation, 62.3 ± 11.6 years; 540 females). The prevalence of VVC was 5.8% (63/1079), with all patients (63/63) demonstrating vertebral venous reflux and 67% (42/63) with innominate vein stenosis. The median interval between chemoport insertion and VVC was 515 days (interquartile range, 204-881 days). The prevalence of nodular VVC was 1.5% (16/1079), with a mean size of 5.9 ± 3.1 mm and attenuation of 784 ± 162 HU. Nodular VVC tended to be located subcortically. Forty-four patients with VVC underwent CT examinations with contrast injections in both arms; the VVC disappeared in 70% (31/44) when the contrast was injected in the arm contralateral to the chemoport site. Bevacizumab use was independently associated with VVC (odds ratio, 3.45; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of VVC and nodular VVC was low in patients who underwent chemoport insertion. Nodular VVC was always accompanied by vertebral venous reflux and tended to be located subcortically. To avoid VVC, contrast injection in the arm contralateral to the chemoport site is preferred.

Endovascular Treatment of Pelvic Venous Congestion Syndrome in Nulliparous Patients-Preliminary Results of 10 Years of Experience.

PURPOSE: The aim of this article is to present our experience with minimally-invasive treatment for nulliparous patients with pelvic venous congestion syndrome (PVCS) with special attention to anatomical considerations, procedural and clinical outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective, monocentric study, 21 patients with PVCS treated from January 2014 to June 2023 were included. The preprocedural imaging evaluation of PVCS was based on color Doppler ultrasound, contrast-enhanced CT and/or MRI. In all cases insufficient ovarian veins and/or internal iliac branches were occluded with coils and sclerosant. Procedural and clinical outcomes were measured 30 and 90 days after the procedure. RESULTS: Average duration of pelvic pain was 44.8 ± 54.2 months (from 6 to 200) with the mean VAS-recorded pain intensity of 8.5 ± 1.1 (range from 7 to 10 where 0 was "no pain" and 10 "worst pain possible"). Most common symptoms included dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia and dysuria. Complete embolization was observed in in all cases. Targeted vessels included left ovarian vein (13/21, 62%), both ovarian veins (7/21, 33%) and left pudendal with left ovarian (1/21, 5%). Residual PVCS was noted in 1 patient. Mean VAS at 90-days after the procedure was 2.4 ± 1.4 (range from 0 to 6, p < 0.001). Nineteen patients (90%) were satisfied with the clinical outcome (13 "very satisfied", 6 "satisfied") and reported improvement in quality of life. Two patients (9.5%) reported to be "neutral" as the VAS reduction was less than 50%. CONCLUSION: Our study confirms that endovascular coil embolization is safe and effective in treatment of nulliparous patients with PVCS that provides very high rate of clinical success and overall satisfaction.

Venous Congestive Ischemic Colitis After Sigmoid Colectomy: A Case Report.

Venous congestion is a possible cause of ischemic colitis following colorectal surgery. As such, congestive ischemic colitis should be considered in such cases where the mesenteric artery is preserved. Herein, we describe the case of a 73-year-old man who presented to the hospital with a two-week history of difficult defecation and frequent mucous stools and was subsequently diagnosed with refractory ischemic enterocolitis due to venous congestion. The patient had undergone resection of the sigmoid colon cancer with preservation of the inferior mesenteric artery 11 months before presentation. Contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography revealed edematous wall thickening on the anal side of the anastomosis. A colonoscopy revealed a normal mucosa extending from the anastomosis to the descending colon; however, mucosal swelling, erythema, and erosion were observed on the rectal side of the anastomosis. Based on these findings, he was diagnosed with ischemic colitis. After two months of ineffective conservative treatment, the patient underwent surgery. Ischemic colitis was diagnosed as venous congestion based on the histopathological examination. Preservation of the mesenteric artery may result in ischemic colitis due to an imbalance between the arterial and venous blood flow. Chronic ischemic colitis due to venous congestion should be considered in cases of mesenteric artery preservation to reduce anastomotic leakage.

Intraoperative central venous pressure during cardiopulmonary bypass is an alternative indicator for early prediction of acute kidney injury in adult cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between venous congestion in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and acute kidney injury (AKI) in cardiac surgery has not utterly substantiated. This study aimed at investigate the relationship between CVP in CPB and the occurrence of AKI. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 2048 consecutive patients with cardiovascular disease undergoing cardiac procedure with CPB from January 2018 to December 2022. We used the median CVP value obtained during CPB for our analysis and patients were grouped according to this parameter. The primary outcomes were AKI and renal replacement therapy(RRT). Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore the association between CVP and AKI. RESULTS: A total of 2048 patients were enrolled in our study and divided into high CVP group (CVP ≥ 6.5 mmHg) and low CVP group (CVP < 6.5 mmHg) according to the median CVP value. Patients in high CVP group had the high AKI and RRT rate when compared to the low CVPgroup[(367/912,40.24%)vs.(408/1136,35.92%),P = 0.045;(16/912,1.75%vs.9/1136;0.79%), P = 0.049]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis displayed CVP played an indispensable part in development of renal failure in surgical. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated CVP(≥ 6.5mmH2OmmHg) in CPB during cardiac operation is associated with an increased risk of AKI in cardiovascular surgery patients. Clinical attention should be paid to the potential role of CVP in predicting the occurrence of AKI.

Tricuspid Regurgitation and Kidney Transplant Recipient Outcomes.

Rationale & Objective: Kidney function can be adversely affected by significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) owing to effects on cardiac output and systemic venous congestion. However, the impact of significant TR on short- and long-term kidney function following a kidney transplant remains uncertain. Study Design: Retrospective observational cohort. Setting & Participants: Kidney transplant recipients from a single center between 2016 and 2019. Exposure: Significant TR, defined by at least moderate regurgitation, on echocardiogram before kidney transplantation. Outcomes: Primary end points included the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at the following 3 time points: 2 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year after transplantation. Secondary end points included major adverse cardiac events including nonfatal myocardial infarction, all-cause mortality, and hospitalization owing to cardiovascular disease. Analytical Approach: Propensity score matching was performed in 1:3 ratio between patients treated with significant TR and controls, within a caliper 0.05 standard deviation of the propensity score, to analyze for the primary end point. Results: Among 557 kidney transplant recipients, 26 (5%) exhibited significant TR pretransplantation. According to propensity score matching analysis, with 1:3 ratio between 24 patients with significant TR and 72 controls, the presence of significant TR was associated with a lower eGFR posttransplantation. Specifically, the mean eGFR was 41.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 compared to 53.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 at 2 weeks (P < 0.01), 50.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 versus 60.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 at 3 months (P < 0.01), and 49.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 versus 61.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 at 1 year (P < 0.01). Delayed graft function was observed in 41.7% of the patients with significant TR compared to 12.5% of those without significant TR (P < 0.01). No patients with significant TR required dialysis after 1 year. 1-year major adverse cardiac events were nonsignificantly higher among patients with significant TR (20.8% vs 8.1%; P = 0.16). Limitations: Retrospective design and relatively small TR population. Conclusions: The presence of significant TR among kidney transplant recipients was associated with a lower eGFR at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year following transplant, although all remained dialysis independent at 1 year.

Significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is associated with increased mortality rates and kidney failure, but its impact on kidney transplant recipients is poorly investigated. We examined how significant TR diagnosed pretransplantation affects kidney function within the first posttransplant year in a retrospective cohort study. Among 24 patients with significant TR, there was a consistent pattern of lower kidney function at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year following transplantation, compared to 72 matched controls based on a propensity score. Results were statistically significant at all time points within the first year after transplant. These findings suggest that selected individuals with significant TR are able to undergo successful kidney transplantation, although with worse kidney function following transplantation.

Cerebral venous congestion alters CNS homeostatic plasticity, evoking tinnitus-like behavior.

BACKGROUND: Brain function and neuronal activity depend on a constant supply of blood from the cerebral circulation. The cerebral venous system (CVS) contains approximately 70% of the total cerebral blood volume; similar to the cerebral arterial system, the CVS plays a prominent role in the maintenance of central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis. Impaired venous autoregulation, which can appear in forms such as cerebral venous congestion, may lead to metabolic abnormalities in the brain, causing severe cerebral functional defects and even chronic tinnitus. However, the role of cerebral venous congestion in the progression of tinnitus is underrecognized, and its pathophysiology is still incompletely understood. This study elucidated the specific pathogenetic role of cerebral venous congestion in the onset and persistence of tinnitus and the possible neurophysiological mechanisms. RESULTS: We found that a rat model of cerebral venous congestion exhibited tinnitus-like behavioral manifestations at 14 days postoperatively; from that point onward, they showed signs of persistent tinnitus without significant hearing impairment. Subsequent neuroimaging and neurochemical findings showed CNS homeostatic plasticity disturbance in rats with cerebral venous congestion, reflected in increased neural metabolic activity, ultrastructural synaptic changes, upregulated synaptic efficacy, reduced inhibitory synaptic transmission (due to GABA deficiency), and elevated expression of neuroplasticity-related proteins in central auditory and extra-auditory pathways. CONCLUSION: Collectively, our data suggest that alternations in CNS homeostatic plasticity may play a vital role in tinnitus pathology caused by cerebral venous congestion. These findings provide a new perspective on tinnitus related to cerebral venous congestion and may facilitate the development of precise interventions to interrupt its pathogenesis.

Portal Vein Doppler Is a Sensitive Marker for Evaluating Venous Congestion in End-Stage Kidney Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Determining ultrafiltration volume in patients undergoing intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) is an essential component in the assessment and management of volume status. Venous excess ultrasound (VExUS) is a novel tool used to quantify the severity of venous congestion at the bedside. Given the high prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), venous Doppler could represent a useful tool to monitor decongestion in these patients. METHODS: This is a prospective observational study conducted in ESKD patients who were admitted to the hospital requiring IHD and ultrafiltration. Inferior vena cava maximum diameter (IVCd), portal vein Doppler (PVD), and hepatic vein Doppler (HVD) were performed in all patients before and after a single IHD session. RESULTS: Forty-one patients were included. The prevalence of venous congestion was 88% based on IVCd and 63% based on portal vein pulsatility fraction (PVPF). Both mean IVCd and PVPF displayed a significant improvement after ultrafiltration. The percent decrease in PVPF was significantly larger than the percent decrease in IVCd. HVD alterations did not significantly improve after ultrafiltration. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed a high prevalence of venous congestion in hospitalized ESKD patients undergoing hemodialysis. After a single IHD session, there was a significant improvement in both IVCd and PVPF. HVD showed no significant improvement with one IHD session. PVPF changes were more sensitive than IVCd changes during volume removal. This study suggests that, due to its rapid response to volume removal, PVD, among the various components of the VExUS grading system, could be more effective in monitoring real-time decongestion in patients undergoing IHD.

Flap blood glucose measurement for flap monitoring and early detection of circulatory problems.

Postoperative monitoring of skin flaps is subjective and cannot detect early circulatory problems in the flap. Early detection and rapid remedial re-exploration are important for flap salvage. We evaluated flap glucose measurement to monitor the flaps for early detection of circulatory problems. In total, 30 patients underwent cutaneous flap reconstruction. This is an easy, economic, objective, and reliable method for flap monitoring and can detect early venous congestion requiring remedial measures.

Intraoperative severe gastric venous congestion during total pancreatectomy with replaced common hepatic artery: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Gastric venous congestion (GVC) is one of the complications of total pancreatectomy (TP). Here, we report a case of intraoperative severe GVC during TP with a replaced common hepatic artery (RCHA). CASE PRESENTATION: A 65-year-old female patient was diagnosed with intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma. Her CHA branched from the superior mesenteric artery as RCHA. She underwent subtotal stomach preserving TP. The tumor was resected with splenic artery (SpA) and total gastric vein transections. Severe GVC and bleeding from the stomach tube occurred intraoperatively. A strong pulsation was observed in the left gastric artery (LGA), and we suspected an increased blood flow from the celiac artery (CeA) to the LGA after SpA resection. Total gastrectomy (TG) was then performed to control the severe GVC-related bleeding. The patient was discharged without complications 19 days postoperatively. CONCLUSION: TP with RCHA may increase the risk of severe GVC due to increased blood flow from CeA to LGA.

Comparison of various surrogate markers for venous congestion in predicting acute kidney injury following cardiac surgery: A cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Venous congestion has been demonstrated to increase the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiac surgery. Although many surrogate markers for venous congestion are currently used in clinical settings, there is no consensus on which marker is most effective in predicting AKI. METHODS: We evaluated various markers of venous congestion, including central venous pressure (CVP), inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter, portal pulsatility fraction (PPF), hepatic vein flow pattern (HVF), intra-renal venous flow pattern (IRVF), and venous excess ultrasound grading score (VExUS) in adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery to compare their ability in predicting AKI. RESULTS: Among the 230 patients enrolled in our study, 53 (23.0%) developed AKI, and 11 (4.8%) required continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Our multivariate logistic analysis revealed that IRVF, PPF, HVF, and CVP were significantly associated with AKI, with IRVF being the strongest predictor (odds ratio [OR] 2.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.38-3.73). However, we did not observe any association between these markers and CRRT. CONCLUSION: Venous congestion is associated with AKI after cardiac surgery, but not necessarily with CRRT. Among the markers tested, IRVF exhibits the strongest correlation with AKI.

A Possible Newly Defined and Treatable Secondary Cause of Early Morning Wake-Up Headaches in an Older Hypermobile Woman: Nutcracker Physiology with Spinal Epidural Venous Congestion.

Introduction: Left renal vein compression (nutcracker physiology) with secondary spinal epidural venous congestion is a newly recognized cause of daily persistent headache. Presently, only women with underlying symptomatic hypermobility issues appear to develop headache from this anatomic issue. The hypothesized etiology is an abnormal reset of the patient's cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure to an elevated state. Headaches that occur during sleep can have a varied differential diagnosis, one of which is elevated CSF pressure. We present the case of an older woman who began to develop severe wake-up headaches at midnight. She was found to have left renal vein compression and spinal epidural venous congestion on imaging. After treatment with lumbar vein coil embolization, which alleviated the spinal cord venous congestion, her headaches alleviated. Case Report: A 61-year-old woman with a history of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome began to be awakened with severe head pain at midnight at least several times per week. The headache was a holocranial, pressure sensation, which worsened in the supine position. The headaches were mostly eliminated with acetazolamide. Because of her hypermobility issues and pressure-like headache, she was investigated for underlying nutcracker physiology and spinal epidural venous congestion. This was confirmed using magnetic resonance (MR) angiography and conventional venography, and after lumbar vein coil embolization her wake-up headaches ceased. Conclusion: The case report suggests a possible new underlying and treatable cause for early morning, wake-up headaches: nutcracker physiology with secondary spinal epidural venous congestion. The case expands on the clinical headache presentation of nutcracker physiology.