Primary aortoduodenal fistula. Diagnosis by computed tomography

A primary fistula between the abdominal aorta and the duodenum is rare and usually fatal. Computed tomography in a symptomatic but stable patient enabled preoperative evaluation and even diagnosis of abnormal communications, real or incipient, between the vascular and enteric system. This case demonstrated the effectiveness, ease, and low cost of documenting a primary aortoduodenal fistula. Surgical results were ultimately improved by initiating early intervention and aggressive management. Therapeutic principles included early intervention with aneurysmectomy, duodenorrhaphy, and extra-anatomic bypass. Anatomic graft placement may be acceptable in selected cases.

Synchronous intrauterine and ectopic pregnancy associated with clomiphene citrate

Although synchronous intrauterine and ectopic pregnancies associated with the use of clomiphene citrate for infertility are rare, the actual incidence might, in fact, be considerably higher than previously thought. The cornerstone for ruling out an extrauterine gestation is the presence of sonographic evidence of an intrauterine pregnancy, as the possibility of concomitant intrauterine and extrauterine gestation is perceived to be statistically rare. This has resulted in an unacceptably high incidence of negative ultrasound interpretations. During a recent 12 month period, four women treated with clomiphene citrate for infertility were diagnosed as having concomitant intrauterine and ectopic pregnancies. Three had pelvic sonograms that were erroneous for the extrauterine component. However, successful evacuation of the products of ectopic gestation was performed in each, despite an immediate preoperative false-negative ultrasound report. Three of the women delivered healthy normal infants at full term, and the fourth woman spontaneously aborted the products of the concomitant intrauterine gestation. All four did well postoperatively, and no gross complications were encountered. Reassessment of ultrasound diagnostic criteria and the use of more sensitive methods, such as endovaginal ultrasound in high risk patients, are indicated for any symptomatic patient using clomiphene citrate for infertility. Awareness of the prevalence of this entity and the limitations of ultrasound will lead to prompt intervention and improved survival rates.

Dual function of the distal arteriovenous fistula for maintenance of arterial and venous prosthetic graft patency in the lower extremity

Venous hypertension, severe swelling, and tissue necrosis occurred in a limb previously subjected to distal arterial bypass plus adjunctive arteriovenous fistula. Occlusion of the popliteal vein had not been recognized during the early treatment period. Subsequent to identification of this mechanism, limb salvage was achieved with an interposition graft of the popliteal vein using externally supported PTFE. The prereconstruction venous pressure gradient of 29 cm H2O was virtually abolished immediately after reestablishing venous outflow. The distal arteriovenous fistula, initially established to maintain prosthetic arterial graft patency, now serves, in this case, a dual function by additionally maintaining prosthetic venous graft patency. An intact deep venous system is critical for achieving successful arterial reconstruction and to avoid the complications associated with an occluded outflow tract in the face of augmented inflow.

Influence of dietary mineral imbalance on the incidence of urolithiasis in Egyptian calves

The influence of certain dietary elements on the urolithiasis syndrome in cattle calves was elucidated. Calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium measurements were conducted on feed rations as well as on serum and urine samples collected from affected and normal calves. Analysis of the rations given to the animals showed phosphorus at higher levels than calcium, indicating mineral imbalance. Serum and urine of urolithic calves were characterised by high phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, urea, and creatinine levels. Physical examination of urine of affected animals showed a high degree of turbidity, a large amount of calcium carbonate, and triple phosphate as well as abundant amount of pus cells and red blood cells. The characteristic clinical symptoms of urine retention were observed. Moreover, some animals were found to urinate through an opening in front of the scrotal region.

Primary and adjunctive intra-arterial digital subtraction arteriography of the lower extremities

Standard contrast arteriography (SCA) and intra-arterial digital subtraction arteriography (DSA) were performed during a 26-month period in 459 cases. The DSA group consisted of 22 aortoiliac studies, 66 crural-pedal arch studies, and 227 combinations. In addition, postoperative DSA was performed in 42 patients to evaluate graft patency, morphology, and inflow and runoff circulations. There were no significant differences in the quality of the preoperative aortoiliac studies performed by either SCA or DSA although, in select cases, one or the other of these techniques resulted in a superior study. Distal crural-pedal arch visualization was enhanced with DSA compared with SCA (85% vs. 65%) but when both were compared with their corresponding intraoperative completion arteriograms, the interpretive error rates resulted in comparable accuracies, false positive and negative rates, and predictive values. The likelihood of achieving graft patency in patients who have unsatisfactory preoperative visualization of the distal circulation by DSA is reasonable (11 of 27 patients) but inferior to the number obtained when there is adequate DSA visualization (40 of 53 patients). We conclude that DSA is a valuable adjunct to preoperative SCA but should not be used as the sole criterion for the assessment of operability for limb salvage. Intraoperative prereconstruction arteriography or direct surgical exploration of the crural arteries in patients with inadequate preoperative visualization will result in graft patency in a significant percentage of cases. Intra-arterial DSA for postoperative evaluation of lower limb bypass adds another dimension to analysis of graft structure and status of the host circulatory beds and also provides a method for accurate interpretation of postoperative data.

Omental protection of autogenous arterial reconstruction following femoral prosthetic graft infection

Vascular graft infections in the femoral region that require synchronous revascularization are generally reconstructed with prosthetic grafts via extra-anatomic routes. If in situ revascularization is required, then autologous tissue provides optimal results. A particular challenge in this circumstance is achieving soft tissue coverage of the reconstruction where wide and radical débridement has removed the tissues ordinarily used for this purpose. If muscle flaps are not available or possible, the use of omentum is advocated. The omentum can be easily reached from behind the inguinal ligament and transposed on its bipedicled vascular base for coverage of vital structures in the femoral triangle, thereby obliterating dead space and providing a surface for both temporary and permanent skin coverage. The procedure is quite simple, can be performed rapidly, and should be considered for use in the dire situation that requires soft tissue coverage of exposed vessels in extraperitoneal locations.

Adventitial cystic disease of the popliteal artery: failure of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty as a therapeutic modality

Adventitial cystic disease of the popliteal artery is an important cause of peripheral vascular insufficiency in the young and middle-aged man. The pathologic feature is a mucinous cyst located within the adventitia of the artery that expands and secondarily compromises the vessel lumen. Although physiologically quite different, this process is easily mistaken for arteriosclerosis. The clinical history of sudden claudication in a young nonsmoking man, combined with characteristic angiographic features, are important clues to the correct underlying pathology. Treatment generally consists of cyst evacuation or local bypass. This article was prompted by the failure of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty to achieve durable success in controlling this unique type of arterial disease. Subsequent surgical intervention proved satisfactory, lending support to this modality as the treatment of choice.

Improved patient selection for enzymatic lysis of peripheral arterial and graft occlusions

Intraarterial thrombolysis by remote intravenous or direct intraarterial infusion of streptokinase is possible. The latter may be more effective with a lesser potential for systemic hemorrhagic complications because of the smaller dose administered directly in the area. Fifty patients with prosthetic graft, embolic, and renal artery occlusions were evaluated. Embolic occlusion responded dramatically, particularly since lytic therapy was initiated at an early stage. Patients with severe ischemia or those with simple localized occlusion were best treated by surgical means. Successful thrombolysis was also obtained with renal artery occlusions combined with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. The management of patients with prosthetic graft occlusion by lytic therapy is complex. Optimal results can be obtained in patients presenting with occluded grafts after the immediate postoperative period and in those in whom previous satisfactory runoff has been demonstrated. Failure of lysis in this group is associated with a high incidence of limb loss due to unreconstructable obliterative disease. Successful lysis of occluded prosthetic grafts will often require corrective angioplasty or surgical revision.

Lysis of arterial clot by intravenous or intra-arterial administration of streptokinase

Intra-arterial thrombolysis with streptokinase was studied in 38 patients. The indications were peripheral thromboembolism in nine patients (group 1), postreconstruction graft thrombosis in 26 patients (group 2) and renal artery thrombosis in three patients (group 3). The intra-arterial route was used for the first and third groups and in 16 of the second group. The intravenous route was used in the remaining ten patients. Lysis was achieved in all of the group 1 and 3 patients. The latter were also treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty after dissolution of thrombus of the renal artery. In group 2 patients, lysis was achieved in eight of 16 patients in whom lytic therapy was instituted within seven days of graft closure. There was no lysis in all ten patients in whom elapsed time was more than seven days. Postlytic angiographic visualization of etiologic mechanisms for thrombosis enabled subsequent successful correction in three of five patients in group 2. Attempts to correct graft failure by surgical treatment when lysis had failed were often unsuccessful (12 of 17). Lytic therapy is most effective for acute embolic occlusion and for thrombosis of less than seven days duration. Although there is no difference in drug efficacy by route of administration, a lesser number of complications (such as, fever and hematoma) occurred with intra-arterial infusion. The effectiveness of lysis is also directly related to the collateral circulation and runoff beyond the occlusion. Lysis is not indicated for severe acute ischemia if surgical treatment is an alternative or if it may cause distal embolism as with complete axillofemoral graft thrombosis. Lytic therapy is least effective for graft thrombosis with pre-existent poor runoff.

Biodegradation and aneurysm formation in umbilical vein grafts. Observations and a realistic strategy

In a series of 756 glutaraldehyde-stabilized umbilical vein grafts implanted over a 7 1/2-year period, aneurysms were identified in seven cases. The earliest aneurysm was seen at 31 months after implantation and the remainder between 43 and 79 months after surgery. Corrective surgery was performed in five cases and succeeded in four. Although definite mechanisms have not been identified, mechanical fatigue, reversal of aldehyde crosslinks, and immunologic factors may be operative. The pathologic changes include: (1) actual dilation of both graft and mesh with or without intraluminal thrombus and, (2) maintenance of graft diameter with erosion of the umbilical vein and polyester mesh rupture leading to perigraft hematoma and false aneurysm formation. Microscopic examination and infrared spectral analysis confirmed the presence of host-contributed lipid in some specimens. Although this is a low incidence of aneurysm formation, umbilical vein grafts should be selected primarily for patients with limited life expectancy or for whom alternative materials with comparable or superior patency rates are not available or acceptable. Periodic angiography, particularly after 3 or 4 years, is recommended as a routine part of follow-up examinations. Improved graft materials and control of host environmental factors are potential means to reduce the noted degradation.

Combined thrombolysis with low-dose streptokinase and angioplasty in the treatment of renal artery occlusion

A case of acute renal artery thrombosis superimposed on a stenotic atheromatous lesion treated with low-dose streptokinase thrombolysis and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is presented. Renal function was promptly improved. This combined approach is recommended in selected elderly and seriously ill patients.

Distal arteriovenous fistula as an adjunct to maintaining arterial and graft patency for limb salvage

Sixty-one distal arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) were constructed as adjuncts to tibial and peroneal vascular reconstructive procedures in 58 patients threatened with imminent limb loss. Specific indications for dAVF construction were absent or deficient pedal arches, usually associated with small, calcareous crural vessels. Conventional bypasses had been previously performed in 35 patients. Cumulative graft patency rates were 56%, 39%, and 18% at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. For the same intervals, the figures were 56%, 52%, and 52% (P less than 0.001 at 24 months) for nonAVF reconstructions (n = 49). The corresponding cumulative limb salvage rates were 62%, 52%, and 40% for the dAVF group and 78%, 72%, and 72% for the nonAVF group (P less than 0.05 at 24 months). The perioperative mortality rate was 7% (four of 61). Twenty-four amputations were required, of which 16 were below the knee and six despite patent grafts. There was no significant morbidity attributable directly to the dAVF. Cardiac output showed no deviations from normal values. Primary causes of early failure were infection (n = 4), absence of satisfactory veins (n = 6), and inappropriate case selection (n = 7). Intimal hyperplasia led to dAVF closure and graft failure in 13 patients. This study shows that dAVFs can maintain graft patency by diversion of the overload on a high-resistance vascular bed and, secondarily, by augmentation of inflow. Immediate survival of the limb still depends on the arterial runoff, as retrograde venous flow caused by venous valvular incompetence is a delayed development. Adjunctive dAVF is justified in selected cases where conventional bypass failure has occurred or is predictable by increased pedal vascular resistance.

Influence of failed vascular bypass procedures on conversion of below-knee to above-knee amputation levels

From 1975 to 1980, 79 major limb amputations were performed from a group of 552 lower extremity vascular reconstructions with glutaraldehyde-stabilized umbilical vein grafts. All amputations were performed in instances in which limb salvage had been the indication for the attempted bypass (n = 520)--an incidence of 15.2%. Twelve of 51 below-knee (BK) amputations were converted to above-knee (AK) levels (crude failure rate, 23.5%). The highest crude failure rate occurred after failed bypass to the popliteal artery (33.3%); the lowest occurred after failed tibial bypass (16.7%), and the peroneal arteries were intermediate (22.2%). In addition to these 12, 28 primary AK amputations were performed. Excluding nine cases judged to require AK amputations before the attempted vascular reconstruction, success/failure rates for the entire series and each of the reconstruction types were calculated. Success, defined as a healed BK stump, occurred least after failed popliteal bypass, 44.5%, compared to 71.4% and 53.8% for the tibial and peroneal groups, respectively. Thus, failure of a popliteal bypass was more apt to lead to an AK amputation (56.5%) than failure of a distal bypass. In fact, tibial bypass failure leading to an AK stump occurred at a frequency (28.6%) almost similar to that obtained by other investigators when no previous bypass had been performed. Comparative cumulative graft patency and limb salvage rate data confirm the value of reconstructive vascular surgery, particularly in the peroneal group where negativism with regard to its clinical usefulness persists. With improved case selectivity and surgical expertise, increasing limb salvage rates can be secured while minimizing the definite morbidity of conversion of BK to AK amputation with failed vascular bypass.

Tibial arteriovenous fistula: successful use for limb salvage

Embolization of atheromatous material from abdominal aortic aneurysms to the distal arterial circuit is a well-recognized clinical entity causing the "blue toe syndrome." A case is presented in which this phenomenon resulted in obliteration of the pedal arch and thrombosis of the tibial arteries. As a result, forefoot gangrene, severe leg ischemia and anterior and posterior compartment syndromes occurred. Salvage of the extremity required an extraordinary approach with the construction of an arteriovenous fistula between the posterior tibial vessels. The literature on the use of therapeutic and adjunctive arteriovenous fistulas and their physiology is discussed.

Morphologic structure of the pedal arch and its relationship to patency of crural vascular reconstruction

Pedal arch integrity can be determined morphologically and functionally. The former is accessible by contrast studies and intraoperative catheterization, the latter, by flow studies and observation of graft patency. The roengten image of an intact pedal arch corresponds to the anatomic plantar arch. Sixty-four arch studies obtained by adequate intraoperative arteriography were categorized as intact, deficient or inadequate or absent. Patency of crural reconstructions was obtained in 18 of 24 patients with intact arches as compared with 15 of 32, p<0.06, when the arch was deficient. Crural reconstruction in the face of an inadequate or absent arch resulted in predictable graft closure. Qualitative factors, that is, size, calcium and stenotic lesions, are integrally related to over-all graft performance even with intact arches. The deficient arch for tibial and peroneal reconstruction continues as a challenge to the vascular surgeon.

Remote profunda femoral bypass for limb salvage

Patients with patency of the distal segment of the profunda femoral arteries can be subjected to a direct end-to-side bypass with either tissue or synthetic grafts to increase blood flow to the lower extremity. The effectiveness and durability of this procedure will be enhanced by patency of the popliteal artery. Diffuse profunda femoris disease, popliteal or tibial peroneal obliterative disease and gangrenous lesions tend to militate against the success of this operation as an isolated procedure without augmenting flow to the distal part of an artery in the leg. Of 18 remote profunda femoris bypasses performed during a four year period, early amputation was required in two patients because of inadequate distal flow and the inability to establish downstream reconstruction. In one patient, an early bypass to the peroneal artery was required following closure of the profunda femoris bypass. The remaining 15 bypasses resulted in limb salvage and significant relief of symptoms. Three patients subsequently required secondary downstream reconstructions. The profunda femoris is surgically accessible for a long length and can serve as an adequate source of blood to the leg and foot in selected patients.

Adjunctive arteriovenous fistula with tibial and peroneal reconstruction for limb salvage

Arteriovenous fistulas were constructed as an adjunct to femoral peroneal and tibial bypasses in 13 patients threatened by imminent limb amputation. Previous attempts at conventional vascular reconstructive procedures had failed in nine patients. Deficient or absent pedal arches were noted in all patients, as were poor quality or small crural arteries. Graft patency was achieved in 11 cases and limb salvage in 10. There was no mortality. A steal phenomenon occurred in one patient and was successfully treated by secondary popliteal vein ligation. These preliminary results clearly indicate that an adjunctive arteriovenous fistula can maintain patency in a femoral tibial or peroneal bypass graft while preserving flow into the markedly diseased distal circulation.

Three-year experience with glutaraldehyde-stabilized umbilical vein for limb salvage

During the past 3 years, 361 vascular reconstructions were performed employing glutaraldehyde-stabilized umbilical veins. The distal anastomosis terminated at the popliteal segment (n = 183), at either of the tibial arteries (n = 108) or at the peroneal artery (n = 70). One hundred and forty-one (77 per cent) of the popliteal reconstructions were below the knee. Many of the patients undergoing these bypasses had a previous failed reconstruction and were operated upon for limb salvage. Operative mortality rates for the popliteal, tibial and peroneal reconstructions were 2·7, 2·8 and 4·3 per cent respectively. Cumulative graft patency rates at 36 months for each of the three types of reconstruction were 76·4 per cent (popliteal), 63·4 per cent (tibial) and 39·8 per cent (peroneal). Failures were usually due to inappropriate case selection or progressive disease, particularly in the distal circulation. Two grafts were removed because of wound and secondary graft infection. There were no instances of biodegradation, either by aneurysm formation or by myointimal proliferation. These data confirm that attempts at revascularization are definitely preferable to amputation. The use of the glutaraldehyde-stabilized umbilical vein has facilitated the performance of these operations. In appropriately selected cases and with expert surgical technique, long term graft function with limb salvage can be obtained.

Remote hydraulic syringe actuator: its use to avoid radiation exposure during intraoperative arteriography

A simple, inexpensive device consisting of a double hydraulic syringe system and a holding fixture was devised for intraoperative arteriography to avoid exposure of personnel to radiation. The procedure of intraoperative angiography has thus become safer, less time consuming, and more reliable in obtaining high-quality angiographic studies.

Synchronous aortofemoral or iliofemoral bypass with revascularization of the lower extremity

Bypassing aortoiliac stenosing lesions to the profunda femoria alone, even with extensive end-arterectomy and angioplasty of the latter, will not provide predictable excellent results in the presence of gangrene and occlusion in the femoral popliteal system. With severe pregangrene and rest pain, residual ischemic complaints are also common, and if lesions are present, healing is incomplete or, at best, delayed. Alternatively, femoropopliteal or tibial bypass, in the presence of even moderately diminished inflow, is subject to either early or delayed closure, unless proximal repair is also performed in appropriately selected patients. Synchronous correction of tandem lesions involving the aortoiliac and femoropopliteal segments should, therefore, be considered for limb salvage only and particularly in the presence of focal gangrene, excision or debridement of which can be anticipated to heal after successful bypass. Major diminution in femoral inflow usually indicates the need for proximal repair only, even in the presence of distal lesions. Noninvasive studies and intraoperative flow determinations are not uniformly helpful in patient selection. Synchronous aortofemoral or iliofemoral and femoropopliteal or tibial reconstructions were performed upon 38 patients, 15 of whom had no prior vascular operation and 23 of whom had previously undergone either aortofemoral or femoropopliteal bypasses that had failed. Graft patency for all patients was 76 per cent, and although it was better for the patients in group 1 than for those in group 2, no statistical significance existed between the two groups. Improved patient selection and criteria for performing synchronous reconstructions might originally have been of benefit for the patients in group 2, avoiding more difficult secondary repairs. It must be emphasized, however, that synchronous reconstructions should not be done routinely in the presence of multilevel disease. Rather, specific indications do exist and should be considered on an individual basis.