Persistence of the embryonic lateral marginal vein: report of two cases

PURPOSE: Congenital venous malformations of the lower limbs represent a particular challenge for the vascular surgeon. Persistence of fetal veins is a rare malformation, and the most common is the persistence of the lateral marginal vein usually observed in patients with Klippel-Trenaunnay Syndrome. The persistence of this embryonic vein as an isolated venous malformation without the other characteristics of the Klippel-Trenaunnay Syndrome has not yet been reported. This paper describes two cases. METHODS: Two patients, a 17-year-old male patient and a 16-year-old female, have had since their birth a large venous trunk in the lateral aspect of the right leg and thigh. The limbs underwent duplex scanning and phlebography. The surgical removal of the lateral marginal vein was performed. RESULTS: Surgical treatment resulted in very good functional and aesthetic results. Follow-up at 26 months showed no evidence of varicose vein recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: To achieve good results, surgical intervention may be indicated in cases of orthopedic deformity, hemorrhage, symptomatic, and unaesthetic lesions.

Superior vena cava syndrome due to chronic granulomatous mediastinitis.

We report a case of superior vena cava syndrome developing progressively over twenty years in a 48-year-old Venezuelan woman. The investigations revealed a locoregional etiology for the vena cava obstruction, namely a granulomatous mediastinitis probably secondary to histoplasmosis. We discuss the etiology, the clinical features, the natural course, and the therapy of chronic mediastinitis.

Coronary sinus atresia with persistent left superior vena cava: unusual clinical presentation and endovascular management.

Atresia of the coronary sinus (ACS) is a rare congenital anomaly. When associated with persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC), this defect could have no significant hemodynamic effect, and the patient might remain asymptomatic. However, vascular interventions might induce changes or complications that could show the anomaly. Appropriate management requires a good understanding of this condition. We present the first reported case of ACS and PLSVC occurring after thrombosis of the innominate vein (IV) after central venous catheter placement. The patient presented with atypical subacute chest pain and recurrent extrasystoles. Diagnosis and characterization of vascular anomalies was made by computed tomography phlebography, and the patient was successfully managed by endovascular recanalization of the IV.

Placement of hemodialysis catheters through stenotic or occluded central thoracic veins.

A method for hemodialysis catheter placement in patients with central thoracic venous stenosis or occlusion is described and initial results are analyzed. Twelve patients, with a mean age of 63.2 years (42-80 years), with central venous stenosis or occlusion, and who required a hemodialysis catheter were reviewed. All lesions were confirmed by helical CT or phlebography. Five patients had stenosis while seven patients were diagnosed with an occlusion of thoracic central veins. All patients were asymptomatic, without sign of superior vena cava syndrome. After percutaneous transstenotic catheterization or guidewire-based recannalization in occlusions, a balloon dilatation was performed and a stent was placed, when necessary, prior to catheter placement. Technical success was 92%. Three patients had angioplasty alone and nine patients had angioplasty with stent placement. Dialysis catheters were successfully inserted through all recannalized accesses. No immediate complication occurred, nor did any patient develop superior vena cava syndrome after the procedure. The mean follow-up was 21.8 months (range, 8-48 months). Three patients developed a catheter dysfunction with fibrin sheath formation (at 7, 11, and 12 months after catheter placement, respectively). Two were successfully managed by percutaneous endovascular approach and one catheter was removed. In conclusion, for patients with central venous stenosis or occlusion and those who need a hemodialysis catheter, catheter insertion can be reliably achieved immediately after endovascular recannalization with acceptable technical and long-term success rates. This technique should be considered as an alternative procedure for placing a new hemodialysis catheter through a patent vein.

Indications, management, and complications of temporary inferior vena cava filters

PURPOSE: We describe the results of a preliminary prospective study using different recently developed temporary and retrievable inferior vena cava (IVC) filters. METHODS: Fifty temporary IVC filters (Gunther, Gunther Tulip, Antheor) were inserted in 47 patients when the required period of protection against pulmonary embolism (PE) was estimated to be less than 2 weeks. The indications were documented deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and temporary contraindications for anticoagulation, a high risk for PE, and PE despite DVT prophylaxis. RESULTS: Filters were removed 1-12 days after placement and nine (18%) had captured thrombi. Complications were one PE during and after removal of a filter, two minor filter migrations, and one IVC thrombosis. CONCLUSION: Temporary filters are effective in trapping clots and protecting against PE, and the complication rate does not exceed that of permanent filters. They are an alternative when protection from PE is required temporarily, and should be considered in patients with a normal life expectancy.

Budd-Chiari syndrome due to prothrombotic disorder: mid-term patency and efficacy of endovascular stents.

Our objective was to evaluate efficacy and patency of metallic stent placement for symptomatic Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) due to prothrombotic disorders. Eleven patients with proved BCS due to prothrombotic disorders were referred for endovascular treatment because of refractory ascites (n=9), abdominal pain (n=8), jaundice (n=6), and/or gastrointestinal bleeding (n=4). Stents were inserted for stenosed hepatic vein (n=7), inferior vena cava (n=2), or mesenterico-caval shunt (n=2). Clinical efficacy and stent patency was evaluated by clinical and Doppler follow-up. After a mean follow-up of 21 months, 6 patients had fully patent stents without reintervention (primary stent patency: 55%). Two patients with hepatic vein stenosis had stent thrombosis and died 4 months after procedure. Restenosis occurred in 3 cases (2 hepatic vein and 1 mesenterico-caval shunt stenosis) and were successfully treated by balloon angioplasty (n=2) and addition of new stents (n=1) leading to a 82% secondary stent patency. Of 9 patients with patent stent, 7 were asymptomatic (77%) at the end of the study. Stent placement is a safe and effective procedure to control of symptomatic BCS. Prothrombotic disorder does not seem to jeopardize patency in anticoagulated patients.

MR-venography using high resolution True-FISP.

A new fast MR-venography approach using a high resolution True-FISP imaging sequence was investigated in 20 patients suffering from 23 deep vein thromboses. Diagnosis was proven by x-ray venography, CT or ultrasound examination. The presented technique allowed for clear thrombus visualization with a high contrast to the surrounding blood pool even in calf veins. Acquisition time was less than 10 minutes for imaging the pelvis and the legs. No contrast media was needed. The presented high resolution True-FISP MR-venography is a promising non-invasive, fast MR-venography approach for detection of deep venous thrombosis.

Tratamiento de la ulcera venosa con escleroespuma versus manejo conservador

La úlcera venosa es una revelación clínica severa de la insuficiencia venosa crónica. Es la causa del 54-76% de las úlceras venosas de miembros inferiores. La ciencia médica ha generado diversos procedimientos en el manejo de esta patología, es así como a partir de conocimientos en fisiopatología de la ulceración venosa, se han aplicado procedimientos como opción de tratamiento. Objetivos: Valorar si el uso de rutina de la oclusión endoluminal con espuma guiada por ecografía del sistema venoso superficial insuficiente, en adicción al manejo convencional de la ulcera venosa (vendaje no compresivo, gasa vaselinada y curaciones) podría mejorar la tasa de curación a las 24 semanas de tratamiento. Diseño: Estudio clínico aleatorizado prospectivo de pacientes de la consulta externa de cirugía vascular del Hospital Occidente de Kennedy-Bogotá, durante el 01 de junio del 2011 hasta el 30 junio del 2012. Métodos: Un total de 44 pacientes con ulcera activa que cumplieron criterios de selección ingresaron al estudio, correspondientes a 48 extremidades con clasificación CEAP (C6), los pacientes fueron a aleatorizados a manejo convencional (control) o con manejo adicional de oclusión endoluminal con espuma eco-guiada. El objetivo principal fue el cierre de la ulcera a las 24 semanas. Resultados: La Curación de la ulcera a las 24 semanas de la aleatorización fue de 20 (83.3%) extremidades del grupo de oclusión endoluminal con espuma eco-guiada Vs 3(12.5%) para el grupo de control P: 0.0005 Discusión: Las tasas de curación de la ulcera luego de la oclusión endoluminal con espuma eco-guiada es muy superior al manejo convencional con curaciones y vendaje no compresivo, las tasa de curación son tan altas como las reportadas con sistemas de alta compresión y cirugía a las 24 semanas. La oclusión endoluminal eco-guiada es segura, mínimamente invasiva y clínicamente efectiva.

Advances in ultrasound techniques improve early detection of deep vein thrombosis

Aim. This study aimed at assessing the accuracy of ultrasound (US) in the diagnosis of recent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in an experimental study in dogs.Methods. Design: blinded and randomized experimental study. Twenty dogs were randomly divided in two groups: control group (CG) and thrombosis group (TG). US was performed in the pre- and postoperative period. Phlebography was performed immediately prior to the postoperative US. After the second US, a surgery was performed to detect whether thrombus was present or not. US results were compared to those of phlebography and surgical findings.Results. in all dogs, inferior vena cava (IVC) was compressible. The relations of IVC diameter with the aorta were higher (P<0.005) in TG than in CG. Spectral Doppler in spontaneous breathing, tissue harmonic imaging, power Doppler and B flow showed sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 1. Phlebography presented sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 80% and accuracy of 85%, when compared to surgical finding.Conclusion. For the diagnosis of recent DVT in the experimental model used, venous compressibility proved to be inefficient. The ratio of WC diameter to aorta, when increased, suggests thrombosis. The use of new US technological advances increases accuracy. Phlebography was less accurate than US.

Trombose venosa profunda de membros superiores: estudo coorte retrospectivo de 52 casos

OBJETIVO: Rever os fatores predisponentes e a evolução em série de casos de trombose venosa profunda dos membros superiores de nossa instituição. MÉTODOS: Cinqüenta e dois pacientes consecutivos, com trombose venosa profunda dos membros superiores (29 homens e 23 mulheres), idade média de 52,3 anos, documentados por mapeamento dúplex (71,1%), flebografia (11,1%) ou clinicamente (15,6%), foram incluídos no presente estudo. RESULTADOS: As manifestações clínicas foram: dor no antebraço (24 casos - 46,1%), dor no braço (27 casos - 51,9%), edema do membro superior (45 casos - 86,5%), dor à compressão do membro superior (36 casos - 70,2%) e dor à movimentação do mesmo (32 casos - 61,7%). Os principais fatores de risco foram: punção ou acesso venoso (20 casos - 39,1%) e câncer (16 casos - 32,6%). As veias envolvidas foram: umeral (n = 18), axilar (n = 27), subclávia (n = 15) e jugular (n = 11). A embolia pulmonar estava inicialmente presente em quatro casos (7,6%). O tratamento inicial foi feito com heparina não-fracionada intravenosa (64,3%), subcutânea (16,7%), ou heparina de baixo peso molecular (17,1%), seguido de varfarina. Doze pacientes morreram antes da alta, em função de causas não relacionadas à embolia pulmonar. Foram acompanhados os 40 pacientes restantes por período de 3 meses a 10 anos, sendo que dois morreram de causas não relacionadas à embolia pulmonar, um paciente desenvolveu seqüelas pós-trombóticas, como edema residual e limitações aos movimentos, e seis ficaram com discretos sintomas residuais (edema e dor). CONCLUSÕES: A trombose venosa profunda dos membros superiores foi mais freqüente em pacientes submetidos a acessos venosos e com neoplasia em atividade. Comparando com dados da literatura, a evolução dos pacientes sob tratamento exclusivo com anticoagulantes foi, no mínimo, similar a outros tratamentos propostos.

Métodos de diagnóstico não-invasivos para avaliação da insuficiência venosa dos membros inferiores

A avaliação clínica dos membros inferiores na insuficiência venosa por si só não identifica os sistemas envolvidos ou os níveis anatômicos, sendo necessários exames complementares. Esses exames podem ser invasivos ou não-invasivos. Os invasivos, como flebografia e pressão venosa ambulatória, apesar de terem boa acurácia, trazem desconforto e complicações. Dentre os não-invasivos, destacam-se: Doppler ultra-som de ondas contínuas, fotopletismografia, pletismografia a ar e mapeamento dúplex. O Doppler ultra-som avalia a velocidade do fluxo sangüíneo de maneira indireta. A fotopletismografia avalia o tempo de reenchimento venoso, fornecendo um parâmetro objetivo de quantificação do refluxo venoso. A pletismografia a ar permite quantificar a redução ou não da capacitância, o refluxo e o desempenho da bomba muscular da panturrilha. O dúplex é considerado padrão-ouro dentre os não-invasivos, porque permite uma avaliação quantitativa e qualitativa, fornecendo informações anatômicas e funcionais, dando avaliação mais completa e detalhada dos sistemas venosos profundo e superficial.

Freqüência da mutação 844ins68 do gene da cistationina beta-sintetase em pacientes com trombose venosa profunda

A hiper-homocisteinemia, resultante da deficiência na conversão da homocisteína em cistationina, constitui em fator de risco isolado para doenças vasculares. A mutação 844ins68 do gene da cistationina beta-sintetase é um fator adicional de risco para a trombose venosa profunda. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a freqüência da mutação 844ins68 do gene da cistationina beta-sintetase em pacientes com trombose venosa profunda. Foram avaliados em estudo caso-controle 95 pacientes com trombose venosa profunda, a presença da mutação 844ins68 no éxon 8 do gene da cistationina beta-sintetase. Como critério de inclusão foi adotada a presença de trombose venosa profunda confirmada pelo dúplex ou flebografia. O grupo controle constituiu-se de 95 doadores de sangue, sem história familiar prévia de trombose venosa, com sexo, grupo étnico e idades pareados aos do grupo de estudo. Foram coletados 5 mL de sangue venoso com o uso de anticoagulante EDTA de cada participante. O DNA foi extraído dos leucócitos pelo método DTAB e CTAB. A detecção da mutação do gene foi realizada por amplificação de um segmento gênico por PCR, com iniciadores que flanqueiam a região de inserção e com revelação em gel de agarose a 2%, corado com brometo de etídio, sob luz UV. O fragmento correspondente ao alelo normal contém 184 pares de base e o correspondente ao alelo mutante, 252 pares de base. O teste exato de Fisher foi utilizado na análise dos resultados. A condição heterozigota para a mutação foi encontrada em 14,73% dos pacientes e em 3,1% dos indivíduos do grupo controle (p = 0,009). A freqüência do alelo mutante mostrou diferença significativa (p = 0,01), sendo 0,074 para os pacientes versus 0,016 para o grupo controle. Não foram encontrados casos de homozigose.