Magnetic Compression Anastomosis Is a Good Treatment Option for Patients with Completely Obstructed Benign Biliary Strictures: A Case Series Study.

BACKGROUND: Completely obstructed benign biliary strictures (BBS) is a difficult-to-treat condition. Surgery is the main treatment modality with high morbidity and mortality. Recently, the magnetic compression anastomosis (MCA) technique was employed in such cases with low complication rates. AIMS: To evaluate the effectiveness of the MCA in completely obstructed BBS. METHODS: 21 MCA procedures were performed in 19 patients with completely obstructed BBS. All patients had percutaneous biliary access. Magnets were located to the proximal side of the obstruction via percutaneous biliary sheath and the distal side endoscopically. The procedure was terminated as the magnets attracted. Either self-expandable fully covered metallic stent and/or a growing number of plastic stents were introduced after recanalization was achieved. RESULT: A total number of 19 patients with completely obstructed BBS resulting from cholecystectomy or liver transplant underwent 21 MCA procedures. Among those, 19 (90.5%) interventions were successful. The median stricture length that had been measured after magnet attraction was 4 mm (range 1-10 mm). The median magnet coupling time in successful cases was 9 days (range 4-27 days). No correlation was found between magnet coupling time and stricture length (p = 0.27). Complications were observed in 6 (cholangitis:1, magnet migration:2, magnet entrapment:3) of 19 successful MCA procedures. Fifteen of the 19 successful procedures had at least a period of stent-free follow-up. Recurrence of stenosis occurred in 7 procedures, of which 4 remained stent-free with retreatment. Eventually, 12 procedures had stent-free last status. CONCLUSIONS: MCA is an effective and safe treatment option in completely obstructed BBS. Further studies are required for procedural standardization.

Effects of continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices on cerebral hemodynamics.

Continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) reduce peak systolic flow, increase diastolic flow, and eliminate pulsatility of circulation. Altered blood flow may lead to a change in end-organ perfusion. Analysis of the flow dynamics of the arteries of end organs, such as the brain, may indicate whether an organ is perfused sufficiently. The aim of this study is to evaluate and identify the flow pattern changes of carotid (CA) and middle cerebral arteries (MCA) in LVAD patients and to compare with heart failure patients and healthy volunteers. Eighty-nine individuals were included in this cross-sectional study. Participants were divided into three groups: LVAD patients (n = 31), heart failure patients (n = 26), and healthy volunteers (n = 27). Carotid and transcranial Doppler ultrasonography were performed for all study groups for peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), pulsatility (PI), and resistive (RI) indices of CA and MCA. Flow dynamics were compared between the groups. Doppler ultrasonographic data were analyzed at a median 12 (3-47) months after LVAD implantation. CA-PSV was lower in LVAD group compared with the other two groups (P < .001), MCA-PSV of LVAD and heart failure groups were similar and lower than healthy volunteers (P < .05). The highest values for CA-EDV were found in the LVAD group (P < .05). MCA-EDV values were found to be lowest in heart failure group (P < .05). For PI and RI, in all CA and MCA, the LVAD group had lower indices compared with the other two groups (P < .001). In addition, MCA flow analysis in patients with LVADs was identified for the first time with this study.

Doppler ultrasonography criteria of superior mesenteric artery stenosis.

PURPOSE: The techniques mostly used for the diagnosis of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) stenosis are computed tomography angiography (CTA), and magnetic resonance angiography. We aimed to evaluate color-coded Doppler Ultrasonography (CDUS) for the detection of SMA stenoses and to determine Doppler criteria. METHODS: We identified retrospectively 65 patients with CTA images of SMA stenosis and examined them with CDUS for the Doppler measurement of SMA peak systolic flow velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), and mesenterico-aortic ratio (MAR). Results were analyzed with receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: The optimal threshold values for determining 50%-69% SMA stenoses were PSV >280 cm/s, EDV >45 cm/s, and MAR >3.6. For identifying 70%-99% SMA stenoses, they were PSV >395 cm/s, EDV >74 cm/s, and MAR >3.6. CONCLUSION: CDUS is a convenient method with high accuracy for identifying SMA stenosis. PSV yielded better results than EDV and MAR.

Can the Mayo Adhesive Probability Score Predict Perioperative Outcomes in Laparoscopic Total and Partial Adrenalectomy?

Objective: This study aimed to determine whether the Mayo adhesive probability (MAP) score could predict perioperative outcomes in transperitoneal laparoscopic total adrenalectomy (LTA) and laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy (LPA). Materials and Methods: The clinical data of 139 patients who underwent transperitoneal LTA (n = 116) or LPA (n = 23) between March 2013 and September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the images obtained from preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, the patients were divided into two groups: the low MAP score group (0-1 points) and the high MAP score group (2-5 points). General clinical features and perioperative outcomes were compared between the groups. Results: In patients with a high MAP score, the mean body mass index (BMI) (p: 0.005), tumor size (p: 0.005), operative time (p: 0.002), estimated blood loss (EBL) (p: 0.001), and complication rate (p: 0.013) were significantly higher compared with those with a low MAP score. The comparison of the patients between the LTA and LPA subgroups revealed that operative time and EBL were significantly higher in both subgroups among the patients with a high MAP score. Moreover, the complication rate in the LTA subgroup was significantly higher in the high MAP score group compared with the other group. The Multivariate analyses revealed that a high MAP score was a risk factor for prolonged operative time (Odds Ratio [OR]: 3.081, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.284-7.398, p: 0.012), increased EBL (OR: 2.495, 95% CI: 1.114-5.588, p: 0.026), and complications (OR: 6.085, 95% CI: 1.532-24.171, p: 0.01) Conclusions: Patients with a high MAP score had a prolonged operative time, increased EBL, and a higher complication rate compared with those with a low MAP score. In addition, we found that a high MAP score was an independent risk factor for perioperative parameters and complications in patients who underwent LTA and LPA.

Long-term results of percutaneous biliary balloon dilation treatment for benign hepaticojejunostomy strictures: are repeated balloon dilations necessary?

PURPOSE: To determine the safety, efficacy, and long-term results of percutaneous biliary balloon dilation (PBBD) of benign hepaticojejunostomy strictures and evaluate the necessity of repeated PBBD in this setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PBBD was performed after traversing hepaticojejunostomy strictures in 89 patients (40 male, 49 female; age range, 19-84 y; mean age ± SD, 54.5 y ± 14.0), who were divided into three groups: group I (one satisfactory initial PBBD; n = 41), group II (two or more PBBDs with satisfactory initial PBBD; n = 33), and group III (two or more PBBDs without satisfactory PBBD; n = 15). Groups I and II were randomized. The primary outcome measure was the absence of clinical biliary obstruction symptoms at 24 months. Secondary outcome measures included technical and clinical success, primary and secondary patency, major complications, and mortality. Categoric variables were compared between groups I and II. RESULTS: Procedure-related mortality and major morbidity rates were 0% and 5.6%, respectively. Mean primary and secondary patency durations were 45.3 months ± 2.2 and 71.3 months ± 15.4, respectively. The follow-up period was 36.4 months ± 15.1. The primary outcome measure was achieved in 73% of patients. Technical and clinical success rates (secondary outcome measures) were 97.8% and 84.3%, respectively. Repeated PBBD procedures were not satisfactory in 16.9% of patients. No significant differences in categoric variables were observed between groups I and II. CONCLUSIONS: PBBD of benign hepaticojejunostomy strictures is a safe and effective procedure. Repeated PBBD is not required when the first procedure is successful.

B-flow imaging for the measurement of residual lumen diameter of renal artery stenosis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy and efficacy of B-flow imaging (BFI) in the diagnosis and measurement of renal artery stenosis (RAS) compared with color duplex ultrasonography (CDU) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). METHODS: Fifty-one consecutive patients with RAS diagnosed and measured with DSA were subsequently and independently examined with BFI for the measurement of residual lumen diameter, and with CDU for the measurement of peak systolic velocity and renal-aortic velocity ratio. The diagnostic performances of BFI and CDU in determining 60-99% RAS were compared by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The agreement between DSA and BFI stenosis measurements was evaluated with Bland-Altman method. RESULTS: The area under curve was 0.983 for BFI and 0.959 for CDU, without a significant difference in diagnostic performances (p = 0.26). BFI yielded an 88% sensitivity and 94% specificity in the diagnosis of RAS with a 3% underestimation of RAS compared to DSA (95% confidence interval 1.4%, 4.6%). CONCLUSIONS: BFI is an accurate method that minimally underestimates RAS. It might provide an additional benefit to CDU in patients with RAS.

The Relationship between Arterial Elasticity Parameters of Ascending Aorta, Abdominal Aorta and Carotid Arteries with Carotid Intima Media Thickness in Children with Bicuspid Aortic Valve.

BACKGROUND: Bicuspid aortic valve is a congenital cardiac malformation that affects not only the valve and ascending aorta but also the abdominal aorta and large central arter-ies like carotid arteries by damaging the elasticity of the vessel resulting in increased stiffness and reduced distensibility. Deterioration of aortic compliance disturbs functions of the left ventricle and triggers atherosclerosis determined with carotid intima-media thickness. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the bicuspid aortic valve on the elastic properties of these parts of the arterial system in children. METHODS: Thirty-four children with bicuspid aortic valves with normal valvular functions or mild valvular dysfunction and a control group of 34 individuals with tricuspid aortic valves were included in the study. Echocardiographic measurements of the left ventri- cle, ascending aorta, and ultrasonographic measurements of the abdominal aorta and carotid arteries were performed, and elasticity indexes were calculated. RESULTS: The bicuspid aortic valve group had higher stiffness and lower distensibility in ascending aorta, abdominal aorta, and carotid arteries with higher carotid intima- media thickness values than the tricuspid aortic valve group. Aortic valvular z scores and ascending aorta and abdominal aorta stiffness were higher in patients with bicus- pid aortic valves irrespective of valvular functions than in controls. Valvular dysfunction affected stiffness in carotid arteries. Dilatation of ascending aorta increased stiffness in the abdominal aorta. Distensibility was lower in ascending aorta and left carotid artery, with increased carotid intima-media thickness independent from ascending aorta dila- tation. Stiffness of abdominal aorta revealed a positive correlation with the stiffness of the ascending aorta and the carotid arteries (P < .05, for all). CONCLUSIONS: Elasticity indexes of children with bicuspid aortic valves were impaired in ascending aorta, abdominal aorta, and carotid arteries with an increase in carotid intima-media thickness.

Doppler criteria for identifying proximal vertebral artery stenosis of 50% or more.

OBJECTIVES: The proximal segment of the vertebral artery is a frequent site of obstructive atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to determine Doppler criteria for identifying proximal vertebral artery stenosis of 50% or more by comparison with digital subtraction angiography. METHODS: Forty-eight patients with vertebral artery stenosis were examined prospectively with color Doppler sonography and digital subtraction angiography. The peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), peak systolic velocity ratio (PSVr), and end-diastolic velocity ratio (EDVr) were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for their ability to detect vertebral artery stenosis of 50% or more. The optimal criteria for identifying proximal vertebral artery stenosis of 50% or more were determined. RESULTS: For identifying vertebral artery stenosis, the parameter with the highest accuracy was the PSVr (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.967 [95% confidence interval, 0.899-0.994]). A PSVr of greater than 2.2 was found to be the optimal criterion for identifying proximal vertebral artery stenosis of 50% or more, with sensitivity and specificity of 96% and 89%, respectively. The optimal thresholds for the other Doppler parameters in identifying proximal vertebral artery stenosis of 50% or more were as follows: PSV, greater than 108 cm/s; EDV, greater than 36 cm/s; and EDVr, greater than 1.7. CONCLUSIONS: Color Doppler sonography is an accurate method for identifying proximal vertebral artery stenosis. The PSVr is superior to other Doppler parameters for detecting vertebral artery stenosis.

More continuous flow, better learning? The effect of aortic valve opening in patients with left ventricular assist device.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze neurocognitive function in patients who underwent continuous flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This cross-sectional study included three groups: LVAD (n = 31), heart failure patients (n = 26), and healthy volunteers (n = 27). The Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Judgement of Line Orientation Test (JLOT), Trail Making Test (TMT), Stroop Color-Word Interference Test (SCWIT), Verbal Fluency Test (VFT), Symbol-Digit Modality Test (SDMT) were used to assess the neurocognitive functions. Data were analyzed at a median 12 (3-47) months after LVAD implantation. The LVAD patients were also divided by aortic valve opening (AVO) into three subgroups as "closed" (n = 9), "1-6" (n = 8) and "7-10" (n = 14) opening per ten beats and data were re-analyzed accordingly. RESULTS: There was no significant difference among the groups according to SCWIT, JLOT, SDMT, TMT, and VFT scores. Post-hoc analyzes of RAVLT scores showed significant differences between the LVAD and the other two groups in favor of the LVAD group. Also, the patients with AVO "7-10" the response times were longer and learning scores were found to be lower than those without AVO. CONCLUSION: With continuous-flow LVAD, neurocognitive functions were not impaired. The learning performance was better in cases where there was no AVO and flow was completely device dependent. We may speculate that neurocognitive functions are not worsening with continuous cerebral blood flow and even it may improve learning performance.

Treatment of outflow graft stenosis in left ventricular assist device patients: Endovascular approach.

Left ventricular assist device outflow graft stenosis is a rare, but a lethal complication. Device replacement or thrombolytic treatments are associated with serious mortality and morbidity. Implantation of covered stents is a less invasive option. Herein, we represent a successful stent placement of two cases with outflow graft stenosis, which we performed by leaving the stents on the aortic side of the anastomosis line 5 to 10 mm. This treatment option can be used reliably in cases of stenosis of the outflow graft with part of the stent leaving the aorta.

Evaluation of the effect of visceral fat area on the distance and angle between the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of visceral fat area on the distance and angle between the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and the aorta. METHODS: On axial and sagittal images from abdomen CT scan, the distance and the angle between the SMA and the aorta were measured at the location where the third part of the duodenum crosses. The visceral fat area was calculated at the level of the umbilicus on the abdominal CT section. Body mass index was calculated. RESULTS: For both genders, the correlation between the distance and visceral fat area was substantial (p < 0.001). For males, there was no statistically significant relationship between the angle and the visceral fat area. For females, the correlation between the angle and the visceral fat area was low but significant and positive (r = 0.25, p < 0.048). In addition, it was found that males have a greater proportion of visceral fat than females. In both females and males, the subcutaneous fat area correlated with BMI (r = 0.65, r = 0.69, respectively, p < 0.001), more strongly than the visceral fat area did (r = 0.51, r = 0.63, respectively, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The distance between the aorta and the SMA significantly correlates with visceral fat area than with BMI. The size of visceral fat area of females and males vary; therefore, the amount of visceral fat area should be considered in the establishing diagnosis of SMA syndrome.

Can multidetector row CT visualize the right and left inferior phrenic artery in a population without disease of the liver?

PURPOSE: To determine the ability to visualize the origin of the right inferior phrenic artery (RIPA) and the left inferior phrenic artery (LIPA) by multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) in a population without disease of the liver. METHODS: The origin of the RIPAs and the LIPAs were evaluated using arterial-phase MDCT images in 200 patients. RESULTS: The RIPA origin was detected in all cases, while LIPA origin was detected in 193 (96.5%) cases. RIPA and LIPA originate as a common trunk from the aorta (16%) and celiac trunk (20%). RIPAs originated separately from the aorta (29%), celiac artery (19.5%), right renal artery (10.5%), left gastric artery (3%), and proper hepatic artery (0.5%). LIPAs originated separately from the celiac artery (38.5%), aorta (16%), left renal artery (0.5%), left gastric artery (2.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Arterial-phase images of MDCT could demonstrate the origin of the non-dilated IPAs in a population without the disease of the liver.

Etiology and portal vein thrombosis in Budd-Chiari syndrome.

AIM: To research the etiology, portal vein thrombosis and other features of Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) patients prospectively. METHODS: A total of 75 patients (40 female, 35 male) who were diagnosed between January 2002 and July 2004 as having BCS were studied prospectively. Findings from on physical examination, ultrasonography, duplex ultrasonography and venography were analyzed. Hemogram and blood chemistry were studied at the time of diagnosis and on each hospital visit. Bone marrow examination and immune phenotyping were performed by a hematologist when necessary. Protein C, S, antithrombin III, activated protein C resistance, and anticardiolipin antibodies, antinuclear antibodies, and anti ds-DNA were studied twice. The presence of ascite, esophageal varices, and portal thrombosis were evaluated at admission and on every visit. RESULTS: At least one etiological factor was determined in 54 (72%) of the patients. The etiology could not be defined in 21 (28%) patients. One etiological factor was found in 39, 2 factors in 14 and 3 factors in 1 patient. The most common cause was the web (16%), the second was Hydatid disease (11%), the third was Behcet's disease (9%). Portal vein thrombosis was present in 11 patients and at least one etiology was identified in 9 of them (82%). CONCLUSION: Behcet's disease and hydatid disease are more prominent etiological factors in Turkey than in other countries. Patients with web have an excellent response to treatment without signs of portal vein thrombosis while patients having thrombofilic factors more than one are prone to develop portal vein thrombosis with worse clinical outcome.

Does Moderate Coronary Stenosis Affect the Fate of the Left Internal Thoracic Artery Graft?

INTRODUCTION: In this study we try to observe the fate of the left internal thoracic artery grafts that were bypassed to left anterior descending artery with moderate stenosis identified with fractional flow reserve (FFR) technique. Doppler ultrasonography was chosen as a noninvasive screening method. METHODS: A total of 30 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting depending on results of the fractional flow reserve between January 2007 and January 2012, were subjected to transthoracic color Doppler ultrasonographic evaluation irrespective of the presence of symptoms, and the presence of a systolic-diastolic flow pattern was investigated using the supraclavicular approach. RESULTS: The left internal thoracic artery graft was found to be functional in 63.3% of patients within a mean period of 35.1±19.7 months between coronary bypass and color Doppler ultrasonography. This period was found to be 29.4±19.6 months in the functional graft group, and 44.7±16.6 months in the dysfunctional graft group (P=0.046). Preoperative complaints of angina were reported to fall from 88.9% to 16.7% in the functional graft group, when compared to the postoperative period (P<0.001), but fell from 90.9% to 36.4% in the dysfunctional graft group (P=0.034). CONCLUSION: Functional left internal thoracic artery graft rates of the study population were found to be lower than the studies reported in the literature.

Relation Between TRCA Complication Rates and Peak ACT Levels Stratified According to the BMI Tertiles.

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of the fixed dose of 5000 IU unfractionated heparin (UFH) represented as peak activated clotting time (ACT) according to the body mass index (BMI) tertiles in patients undergoing diagnostic transradial coronary angiography (TRCA). A total of 422 patients were included in the present study, 84 in the normal weight group, 218 in the overweight group, and the 120 in the grades 1 and 2 obesity groups. Radial artery occlusion (RAO) was observed in 29 (6.8%) patients and the hematoma was observed in 43 (10.1%) patients. The rate of RAO and hematoma did not differ across the BMI tertiles ( P = .749 and P = .066). Also, peak ACT and procedure duration did not differ between the study groups ( P = .703 and P = .999). The only independent predictor of hematoma was sheath/radial artery diameter ( P = .011) and the independent predictors for RAO were peak ACT, sheath/radial artery diameter, and procedure duration ( P = .001, P = .028, and P < .001, respectively). In conclusion, a fixed dose of 5000 IU UFH is safe and effective regardless of the BMI in diagnostic TRCA procedure.

Manual heating of the radial artery (Balbay maneuver) to facilitate radial puncture prior to transradial coronary catheterization.

OBJECTIVE: Transradial access is widely used for both diagnostic and interventional cardiac procedures. The use of transradial access offers several advantages, including decreased bleeding, fewer vascular complications, and reduced length of hospital stay and cost. However, the small size of the radial artery limits the size of the equipment that can be used via this approach. In this study we sought to investigate whether preprocedural manual heating of the radial artery facilitates radial artery puncture. METHODS: Patients undergoing transradial cardiac catheterization were randomized to subcutaneous nitroglycerin plus diltiazem or manual heating. The study endpoint was puncture score (score 1: easiest - puncture at first attempt; score 2: second attempt; score 3: third attempt; score 4: fourth attempt or more; score 5: puncture failed). RESULTS: Ninety consecutive patients were enrolled in the study, 45 allocated to the drug treatment group and 45 to the heating group. Patients underwent radial artery ultrasound before catheterization. Complications were rare: one hematoma (drug treatment group) and one radial artery occlusion (heating group). Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were similar. Baseline radial artery diameter was similar in both groups (2.41±0.46 mm and 2.29±0.48 mm in the heating and drug treatment groups, respectively). However, the median puncture score was lower in the heating group (1; interquartile range 1-2) compared to the drug treatment group (2; interquartile range 1-3; p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Preprocedural manual heating of the radial artery facilitates radial artery puncture in patients undergoing transradial cardiac catheterization.

The effect of calcium dobesilate on venous function following saphenectomy in coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine whether prophylactic use of calcium dobesilate (CD) can improve venous function after saphenous vein harvest in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 patients who underwent elective CABG were divided into four equal groups. In Group A, the greater saphenous vein (GSV) was harvested below the knee and, in Group B, through the knee till the groin. These patients remained untreated. Group C received CD in a dosage of 1500 mg po daily after the GSV was harvested below the knee. Group D received same dosage of CD after the GSV was harvested through the knee till the groin. Venous function of ipsilateral leg was evaluated clinically and by Doppler ultrasonography in the postoperative first week and second month. RESULTS: Clinical findings of venous insufficiency were observed with a similar rate between groups at both early and late periods. In Groups A and B, after 2 months, flow velocities decreased and reflux periods increased significantly. In groups C and D, treatment with CD for 2 months after saphenectomy resulted in a significant increase in flow velocities and a significant decrease in reflux periods. Patients in Groups B and D have significantly more impaired venous functions. CONCLUSION: Saphenectomy results in ipsilateral leg venous dysfunction, which seems to be unrelated to leg swelling and to be more prominent in patients with high-level saphenectomy. In addition, to be careful about the restriction of the saphenectomy procedure into the most appropriate level, prophylactic use of CD can prevent this deterioration when it was added to varice socks.

Relation Between End-Procedural Activated Clotting Time Values and Radial Artery Occlusion Rate With Standard Fixed-Dose Heparin After Transradial Cardiac Catheterization.

Although heparin administration has reduced the incidence of radial artery occlusion (RAO) during the transradial coronary angiography (TRCA), the effective activated clotting time (ACT) value for guiding unfractionated heparin dosing in patients undergoing TRCA is unknown. Four hundred thirty-two patients who were scheduled for elective TRCA were enrolled in our prospective study. All the patients received a standard dose of 5,000 IU unfractionated heparin. Anticoagulation level was assessed by ACT measurements that were taken at the end of the procedure just before the sheath removal. The day after TRCA, all patients were evaluated by color Doppler ultrasound to detect RAO. RAO was found in 29 patients (6.7%). A median ACT of 205 seconds in the RAO group and 265 seconds in the radial artery patent group were detected (p <0.001). Mean procedure duration was significantly longer in the RAO group than in the radial artery patent group (18.55 ± 9.80 vs 11.24 ± 7.07 minutes, p <0.001). There was a negative correlation between end-procedural ACT and procedure duration (r = -0.117, p = 0.015). In multivariate analysis, end-procedural ACT (odds ratio 0.981, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.972 to 0.989, p <0.001), procedure duration (odds ratio 1.076, 95% CI, 1.037 to 1.116, p <0.001), and radial artery diameter (odds ratio 0.240, 95% CI 0.063 to 0.907, p = 0.035) were found as independent predictors of RAO. In conclusion, shorter end-procedural ACT levels, longer procedural duration, and smaller radial arterial diameter were independently associated with RAOs after TRCA with standard-dose heparin. In prolonged procedures, ACT-based heparin dosing may be useful to overcome RAO.

Doppler ultrasound findings in kidney transplant recipients with and without of new onset diabetes mellitus beyond 5 years after transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: Renal Doppler Ultrasound (RDU) indices: resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) are frequently applied as a noninvasive method that measured possible causes of allograft dysfunction in kidney transplant patients. We aimed to compare long-term prognosis and associated risk factors including the RDU markers in recipients with and without new-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) beyond 5 years after kidney transplantation. METHODS: A prospectively maintained database of 137 kidney allograft recipients, transplanted in a single center, maintained on reduced tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive regimen and angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) was retrospectively analyzed. The assessment including incidence of NODAT and associated risk factors including RI and PI was compared between 12 recipients with and 125 recipients without NODAT median 77.5 months and 74 months, respectively, after kidney transplantation. RESULTS: NODAT was detected in 12 (9.6%) of the 137 kidney transplant recipients, without gender predilection. In univariate regression analysis recipient age (P < 0.001), recipients weight at the time of NODAT ≥ 65 kg (P < 0.001), as well as proteinuria (P = 0.026), tacrolimus trough levels (P = 0.005), PI (P = 0.023) were associated with the long-term risk of NODAT and multivariate regression analysis also revealed that recipients weight at the time of NODAT ≥ 65 kg (P = 0.004) was independent long- term risk factor for NODAT. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that beyond 5 years after kidney transplantation the RDU indices: RI and PI are not long-term risk factors for NODAT and the correction of recipient's body weight, the treatment with ARB and maintained reduced TAC doses lowered the incidence of NODAT.