Analysis of regional responses to endothelin in hindquarters vascular bed of cats

Regional responses to endothelin, a peptide derived from endothelial cells in culture, were investigated in the hindquarters vascular bed of cats, when flow varied naturally and when flow was maintained constant with a pump. Intravenous injections of endothelin at doses of 0.03 and 0.1 nmol/kg caused dose-dependent decreases in systemic arterial pressure and increases in distal aortic blood flow. Injection of endothelin at a dose of 0.3 nmol/kg iv caused a biphasic response characterized by an initial decrease in arterial pressure and an increase in blood flow, which was followed by a secondary rise in pressure and a fall in blood flow. When blood flow to hindquarters was maintained constant with a pump, intra-arterial injection of 0.03 nmol endothelin caused a decrease in perfusion pressure, whereas 0.1-1 nmol doses elicited biphasic responses characterized by an initial decrease followed by a secondary increase in perfusion pressure. When compared with other vasoactive peptides, the pressor activity of endothelin was less than angiotensin II by an order of magnitude but was threefold greater than that of neuropeptide Y in the hindquarters vascular bed. The pressor component of the response to endothelin and the response to the calcium agonist BAY K 8644 were decreased in a reversible manner by nisoldipine, a dihydropyridine calcium entry blocking agent. The results of these studies indicate that porcine-human endothelin has both vasodilator and vasoconstrictor activity in the hindquarters vascular bed of cats. The predominant response at a low concentration is vasodilation, whereas at higher concentrations a vasoconstrictor response that was dependent in part on the influx of extracellular calcium could be demonstrated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Transtracheal needle catheter ventilation in complete airway obstruction: an animal model

Transtracheal needle catheter ventilation (TNCV) may be used as an alternative airway when contraindications to endotracheal intubation exist. A feline model tested the efficacy of low-flow oxygen delivery, and initial data were gathered to define proper catheter calibers to effect adequate oxygenation and ventilation. Cats were anesthetized, trachea intubated, and ventilated for 30 minutes with a pressure-regulated ventilator. Arterial and venous pressures were monitored, and a chest tube was inserted to measure intrathoracic pressures. Arterial blood gas analysis was performed every five minutes during the baseline period. The endotracheal tube was then removed, the trachea cross-clamped, and TNCV instituted. Oxygen flow rates of 1, 3, and 5 L/min were varied with catheter sizes of 14, 16, and 18 g. Data demonstrated that TNCV provided adequate oxygenation and ventilation with flow rates of 3 and 5 L/min with the 14- and 16-g catheters. Satisfactory oxygenation could be obtained with these flow rates with the 18-g catheter, but ventilation was inadequate. Ventilation was unsatisfactory with the 1 L/min flow rate in all catheter sizes. These preliminary data indicate that a minimum catheter:trachea cross-sectional area ratio of 0.03 may be required to obtain oxygenation and ventilation with low-flow oxygen rates of 3 to 5 L/min in cats.

Tortuosity of the right common carotid artery simulating aneurysm

Among the problems that confront the vascular surgeon, a pulsatile, right-sided neck mass requires a careful and logical evaluation. It has long been known that tortuosity of the right common carotid artery, frequently associated with advanced hypertension, can physically mimic a right carotid aneurysm. The question, then, is whether carotid angiography, with a higher attendant risk of morbidity and mortality, is preferable to less invasive diagnostic modalities such as computerized tomography (CT) and ultrasonography for initial evaluation. In our study, 31 consecutive patients with a pulsatile right neck mass, indistinguishable on physical examination from a carotid aneurysm, were evaluated using CT scan of the neck and either radionuclide scan or angiography. In all of the patients, the masses were confirmed to be tortuous right common carotid arteries and not aneurysms. Because a kinked carotid artery simulating an aneurysm occurs so frequently, noninvasive diagnostic techniques, such as CT and ultrasonography, should precede angiography. We also discuss demographic characteristics commonly associated with tortuosity of the right common carotid artery.

Measurement of impotence by laser Doppler flowmetry and conventional methodology

The problem of vasculogenic impotence was evaluated by laser Doppler flowmetry with the LD5000 capillary perfusion monitor to determine cutaneous penile blood flow in 25 men defined previously as impotent by Doppler ultrasound with penile brachial ratios of 0.63 +/- 0.14. Erotic visual stimulation for 1, 2 and 4 minutes did not statistically change the cutaneous flow as measured by laser Doppler flowmetry from its baseline of 20 mv. The dynamics of skin microcirculation in the penis may reflect changes in the deeper vessels and represent an alternate, dependable method to evaluate capillary perfusion.

Prostacyclin and thromboxane A2 formation by atherosclerotic carotid artery: comparison with normal aorta, saphenous vein, and platelets

Prostacyclin (PGI2) and thromboxane A2 (TxA2) formation by whole-tissue segments of nine carotid endarterectomy specimens (CES), five normal aortic specimens (NAS), six saphenous vein specimens (SVS), and four platelet samples were determined by incubation with 10 mumol/L 1-14C-radiolabeled prostaglandin endoperoxide H2 (PGH2), and in other experiments with and without 10 mumol/L of CGS 13080, a TxA2 synthase inhibitor. PGI2 formation (expressed as picomoles 6-keto-PGF1 alpha/2-min incubation per sample) by nonatheromatous proximal intima of CES (307 +/- 23, mean +/- standard error) and distal intima of CES (260 +/- 22) was not statistically different; however, it was greater than atheromatous transitional plaque (159 +/- 13 pmol) (p less than 0.01) and ulceration regions (140 +/- 15 pmol) (p less than 0.01) of CES, NAS (204 +/- 16 pmol) (p less than 0.01), and SVS (165 +/- 9 pmol) (p less than 0.01). TxA2 formation (expressed as picomoles TxB2/2-min incubation per sample) by CES ulceration (51 +/- 2 pmol) was low but greater than proximal (17 +/- 2 pmol) (p less than 0.01), distal (19 +/- 3 pmol) (p less than 0.01), and transitional (23 +/- 3 pmol) (p less than 0.01) regions. TxA2 formation by NAS and SVS was not detected (less than 10 pmol). CGS 13080 inhibited TxA2 formation by CES below the limits of detection. Incubation of 1.9 x 10(5) intact platelets with 10 mumol/L of PGH2 formed a quantity of TxA2 equal to that of CES ulceration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Problems in placement of the Greenfield inferior vena cava filter

Placement of an intracaval device is the treatment of choice for failure of, or contraindication to, anticoagulation therapy. A retrospective study of 111 patients from 1980 to 1986 was undertaken to identify the incidence and degree of related complications or problems regarding placement of the device. Ninety seven of 111 (87.4%) patients had no complications or problems in placement; 14/111 (12.6%) patients did have problems. Of the latter group, mechanical problems included eccentric filter placement, insertional difficulty, problems in filter carrier removal, premature discharge, and misplacement. A total of four patients required a second filter. A single instance of worsening renal insufficiency was noted. Of the total group (ages 24 to 97 [means = 62.4] years), other medical problems including diabetes, smoking, malignancy, sepsis, hypertension, and alcoholism had no influence on the complications or problems. The Greenfield filter remains the method of choice for the listed indications; however, an awareness of potential problems may lessen the technical complications. The operative problems did not adversely impact hospital morbidity or cost.

Amputation as a consequence of stroke

The purpose of this study was to determine if a significant correlation exists between the side of hemiplegia caused by a cerebrovascular accident and side of a subsequent major lower-extremity amputation. We also attempted to determine if a relationship exists between the time from cerebrovascular accident to the amputation, or level of amputation, and any concomitant risk factors including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart disease, or cigarette smoking. Forty-seven patients were included in the study; 40 of the 47 had an amputation on the side of the hemiplegia, which represented a statistically significant relationship (chi 2 = 5.00, p less than 0.05). The cause of limb loss was chronic ischemia in all cases; trophic ulcers and pressure necrosis played a significant role in 23 cases. No conclusions could be made between the level of amputation or time between the cerebrovascular accident and amputation in relation to the presence or absence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart disease, or cigarette smoking.

Does intracranial dye study contribute to evaluation of carotid artery disease?

One thousand consecutive cerebral arteriograms for suspected carotid artery disease were retrospectively evaluated for the intracranial disease component. Only 784 patients (78 percent) had arteriograms of the intracranial circulation. Forty-six patients (6 percent) had siphon stenosis in the range of 5 to 70 percent. No patient had a lesion encompassing more than 75 percent of the vessel diameter. Thirteen patients (2 percent) had intracranial aneurysms. All patients were asymptomatic from the standpoint of their aneurysms and none required surgical intervention. One additional patient was noted to have an intracranial tumor, which was confirmed by computerized tomography. In this patient population, intracranial dye study did not provide information that altered management.

Role of intraoperative fibrinolytic therapy in acute arterial occlusion

Nineteen patients with acute onset of ischemia affecting the lower extremities were studied from January 1985 to March 1987. Patients with preoperative Doppler and angiographic studies consistent with arterial occlusions subsequently underwent a thromboembolectomy using a Fogarty catheter. All patients were given a bolus injection of 5,000 units of heparin intravenously at the start of the surgical procedure. In all patients studied, a clot was retrieved on the first pass, but after two additional passes, total distal blood flow was not shown to be restored on angiogram. Intraoperative angiograms showed distal emboli. All patients underwent intraoperative fibrinolytic therapy by local bolus infusion. Streptokinase, ranging from 50,000 to 200,000 units, was administered in 50,000 unit injections in ten to 15 minute intervals. Repeat attempts at thromboembolectomy with the Fogarty catheter resulted in an additional clot retrieved in all 19 patients with intraoperative angiographic, Doppler and clinical improvement. No perioperative or postoperative complications were observed, including anaphylactic reactions, uncontrollable bleeding or amputation. Four patients had nonacute femoropopliteal bypass operations within the next six months. Intraoperative fibrinolytic therapy can be a safe and effective adjunct in acute arterial embolic occlusion requiring balloon catheter thromboembolectomy.

Impotence following pelvic fracture

A group of 42 men (mean age, 26.7 years) with pelvic fractures as the result of motor vehicle accidents were evaluated for impotence 48 hours after injury. Hormone levels were normal in all patients tested. One half (21/42) of the patients had abnormal penile:brachial arterial ratios. Of this group, 13/21 had abnormal bulbocavernosus reflex (BCR): four patients were paraplegic and nine had urethral injuries. Followup of available patients to 20 months reflects persistent impotence in those who experienced vasculogenic trauma. Only 2/21 patients with normal tests (vascular, hormonal, neurologic) complain of impotence (followup at 23 months); one of these patients is in litigation.

Is screening for vascular disease a valuable proposition?

The value of health screening among the general population has been well-documented, with testing for hypertension, diabetes, and glaucoma now commonplace. It was the purpose of our study to determine the efficacy of a screening program for peripheral vascular disease and carotid artery disease using the noninvasive laboratory diagnostic tools. In the screening for peripheral disease, there were 496 participants with a mean age of 35 (range 17 to 63) years. All participants had an ankle:brachial index (ABI) of 0.95 or greater except one (0.47). Risk factors included smoking (350), history of cardiac disease (19), family history of vascular disease (204), and pain in the legs on walking (39). The risk factors could not be correlated with any objective vascular findings (abnormal ABIs). A Doppler ultrasound device, including an inflatable ankle cuff, was used to measure the ABI of the dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial vessels. Testing was performed on a volunteer basis after the participant completed a check-off sheet of risk factors. In screening for carotid artery disease 1338 women, whose average age was 31 years, had an less than 1% incidence of cardiac disease, and 803 men, whose average age was 40 years, had a 4% incidence. Less than 1% of the group had diabetes mellitus. All patients were asymptomatic referable to the extra-cranial vascular system. Two men of the 2141 persons tested had a lesion meriting further evaluation. The role of Health Fairs may be more effective as an educational resource than a diagnostic interventional tool.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Assessment of the use of transfusion therapy perioperatively in patients with sickle cell hemoglobinopathies

During the period of 1978 to 1986, 66 patients (31 men, 35 women) with a mean age of 28.4 years and various sickle cell hemoglobinopathies underwent 82 surgical procedures; 28 were emergencies. Fifty of the 66 patients had HbSS, 13/66 had HbSC, and 3/66 had HbS-thalassemia. All 66 patients received transfusions, although not for all procedures. In 48 patients, transfusion therapy was only administered preoperatively. Simple transfusions (1 to 10 units) were administered in 31 of 48 procedures. Exchange transfusions (1 to 6 units) were performed in nine of 48 procedures. Preoperative hematocrit ranged from 7.0% to 54.2%; of those receiving transfusions the hematocrit ranged from 22.6% to 53.7%. Intraoperative transfusions (1 to 10 units) were performed in 14 of 82 procedures; postoperative transfusions (1 to 6 units) were performed in 13 of 82 procedures. No advantage was noted in preoperative exchange transfusion as measured by a decrease in postoperative complications; a slight increase was seen in atelectasis in this group of patients with preoperative transfusions. An increase was reported in the complication rate of patients with an hematocrit of less than 30%. The type of transfusion (preoperative, intraoperative, or postoperative) administered did not appear to be related to postoperative morbidity rates. The complication rate for simple transfusions was 51.6% and for multiple transfusions, 55.6%. HbSS hemoglobinopathy had the higher complication rate. The hepatitis B surface antigen was demonstrated in four of 66 (6.1%) patients; ten of 66 (15.2%) developed alloantibodies. The benefits of transfusion therapy should be judged according to clinical needs; not all sickle cell patients need exchange or preoperative transfusion.

Subclavian-external carotid bypass for symptomatic severe cerebral ischemia from common and internal carotid artery occlusion

Occlusion of the common and internal carotid arteries in a patient with symptomatic severe cerebral ischemia, with or without contralateral carotid disease, portends a poor prognosis. The present study has described our experience with subclavian and external carotid artery revascularization for symptomatic severe cerebral ischemia from common and internal carotid artery occlusion. Nine patients (five men and four women) with a mean age of 62 (range 41 to 82 years) were diagnosed as having symptomatic severe cerebral ischemia. All patients had ipsilateral hemispheric symptoms, seven had amaurosis fugax, and two had associated syncope. Four patients (three men and one woman) were hypertensive, four (two men and two women) had diabetes, eight smoked, and all had a history of coronary artery disease. All of the patients had noninvasive laboratory studies and preoperative angiography, and three had postoperative angiography. Five patients were successfully revascularized to a patent external carotid artery despite nonvisualization by angiography. Six patients had unilateral and three bilateral occlusion of the common and internal carotid arteries appropriate to their symptoms. Using regional anesthesia, four patients underwent a subclavian-external carotid bypass with polytetrafluoroethylene; saphenous vein was used in five; and three had concomitant axilloaxillary bypass grafting with polytetrafluoroethylene. Neurologic improvement (that is, no subsequent deficit and no progression of symptoms) was noted in all nine patients with a follow-up of 4 to 28 months (mean 11.2 months). Two patients died from myocardial infarction 4 and 7 months after operation. Subclavian-external carotid artery bypass is a safe addition to the options for the treatment of symptomatic severe cerebral ischemia with occlusion of the common and internal carotid arteries, visualization of a superior thyroid collateral vessel on the recipient end, and nonvisualization of the external carotid artery.

Sequelae of limited amputation

Ninety patients underwent toe amputations because of vascular disease; 21% required higher amputation and 21% healed without further surgery (i.e., revascularization). Of 60 patients who required bypass surgery, 52 underwent successful first amputations and eight required higher amputations. No difference was seen between diabetic and nondiabetic patients in eventual limb salvage; however, men fared better than women. Without bypass surgery, 11 of 30 patients required a higher level of amputation. No patient's toe amputation site healed with an ankle-to-brachial index of less than 0.35. The judicious use of toe amputation remains an important tool in the surgeon's quest for limb salvage.

Below-knee physiologic cryoanesthesia in the critically ill patient

Controversy has surrounded the role of local hypothermia as a preoperative treatment in amputations of the lower extremity. A study was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of amputation under cryoanesthesia in decreasing postoperative morbidity and mortality in below-knee (BK) amputations. Of 154 BK amputations, only 91 with unreconstructable vascular disease, gangrene, or both, were included in this study. Group I consisted of 48 patients (mean age 63.9 years) who had undergone a routine BK amputation; group II consisted of 43 patients (mean age 65.7 years) who were acutely ill and too unstable to undergo a major surgical procedure. Group II patients were treated by amputation while under cryoanesthesia before any definitive operative intervention. The patients in group II were significantly (p less than 0.05) more ill preoperatively than those in group I. Group II patients had a higher prevalence of previous myocardial infarction, previous stroke, diabetes mellitus, osteomyelitis, and wet gangrene. Seventy percent of the patients in group II had three or more risk factors vs. 46% in group I. Early postoperative mortality rates did not differ significantly between groups (group I, 8%; group II, 9%); the average length of hospital stay for group I patients was 24.2 days compared with 17.7 days in group II. Group II patients sustained slightly more postoperative complications. Amputation under cryoanesthesia appears to be of value in reducing postoperative morbidity and mortality and length of hospital stay in the acutely ill patient with unreconstructable vascular disease, gangrene, or both.

Financing residency training in urology

Five educators concerned with changes occurring in the financing of medical education and care reviewed the present status of residency programs and their financing. Future support depends on political decisions as well as demonstrable needs. The effects of anticipated reductions in funding for residents and their programs may be countered by the development of alternative sources and the restructuring of present programs for more efficient operation. The need for leadership is clear.

Prostacyclin, thromboxane A2, and prostaglandin E2 formation in atherosclerotic human carotid artery

Prostaglandin (PG) formation in 16 atherosclerotic human carotid endarterectomy specimens was compared systematically with that of normal carotid artery from seven white pigs and six rhesus monkeys. Prostacyclin (PGI2) formation (picomoles 6-keto-PGF1a/2 min/100 micrograms homogenate protein plus 2 mM glutathione [GSH]) of nonatheromatous intima adjacent proximal (276 +/- 32, mean +/- SEM) or distal (271 +/- 14) to carotid plaque was comparable to that of normal carotid artery from white pig (272 +/- 25, NS) and rhesus monkey (219 +/- 41, NS), and was greater than stenotic intima (156 +/- 17, p less than 0.01), subintimal plaque (168 +/- 14, p less than 0.01), and ulceration (65 +/- 16, p less than 0.01). GSH modulated PGI2 synthesis in all carotid specimens except areas of ulceration (p less than 0.05), but did not restore PGI2 formation in atheromatous fractions to basal level. No detectable arterial thromboxane A2 (TXA2) formation or GSH-dependent PGE2 isomerase activity was observed. The decrement in atherosclerotic carotid artery PGI2 formation was focal (confined to the plaque) and may have been related to loss of effective GSH modulation. These conditions could contribute to a localized imbalance between arterial PGI2 and platelet TXA2 with adverse vascular thromboregulatory consequences.

Hemodynamic assessment of high-compression hosiery in chronic venous disease

Graded high-compression support hosiery have long been recognized as a physiologically significant mode of therapy for chronic venous disease because of their effects on the hemodynamics of venous return. Photoplethysmography (PPG) in the noninvasive vascular laboratory is now recognized as a quick, simple, and noninvasive measurement technique, which correlates well with ambulatory venous pressure in the postphlebitic limb with chronic venous insufficiency. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hemodynamic effects, as measured by PPG, of 40 mm Hg graded compression support hosiery in the treatment of patients with a documented history of hospital-treated thrombophlebitis. Fifty lower extremities among 38 patients with a documented history of deep vein thrombosis and chronic venous insufficiency were matched against 50 control extremities among patients without disease. All 50 lower extremities in the study group had abnormal noninvasive venous studies, including Doppler ultrasound examination, phleborheography, and PPG (mean, 5.9. seconds). Thus these patients were ascertained to have incompetent deep venous systems, but with normal arterial flow as documented by ankle:brachial ratios. After application of 40 mm Hg gradient compression stockings to the study group, PPG measurements in all 50 limbs initially converted to normal (20.6 seconds). Abnormal PPG measurements were converted to normal in postphlebitic limbs with the application of graded compression stockings in the 29 patients who wore the prescribed hosiery; 21 patients did not wear the gradient stockings after the initial evaluation(s) and were not found to have improved PPG measurements. It can be concluded that such gradient stockings should be associated with a reduction in ambulatory venous pressure, which may, in turn, lead to clinical prevention or improvement of the various sequelae associated with chronic venous hypertension.

Ischemic neuropathy

Several medications can be used to treat patients with painful diabetic neuropathy. However, studies differ as to the efficacy of many of these agents. We hope future research will help to delineate a more exact usage of these agents in the treatment of this condition. Ischemic neuropathy as it pertains to arteriosclerosis, thromboangiitis obliterans and diabetes mellitus has been discussed in this study. The vascular anatomy of peripheral nerves has been presented. Furthermore, research has been discussed that shows diffuse ischemic results in nerve demyelination and axonal degeneration. It is hoped that this report will help to delineate the incidence and significance of ischemic neuritis in patients with peripheral vascular occlusive disease.

Iliac vein bypass with autogenous saphenous vein for iliac vein compression syndrome

A case of chronic obstruction of the left iliac vein is presented. The patient had failed conservative management. Surgical reconstruction was performed using autogenous saphenous vein. The patient has done well; results of a venogram at six months postoperatively indicate the graft is still patent.

Obesity: is it really a risk factor in thrombophlebitis?

Obesity is assumed to be a risk factor in the occurrence of thrombophlebitis. We studied 168 consecutive patients retrospectively; 33 were men and 135 women, with an average age of 34 (range 27 to 41) years. All patients had a gastric bypass because of obesity, with a minimum of 100 lb over normal weight. The mean weight was 279.2 lb (range 191 to 500). Only three patients had a history of deep vein thrombophlebitis, with no thromboembolism. Eighty-four of the patients were studied preoperatively by noninvasive means (Doppler, impedance plethysmography [IPG], phleborheography [PRG]); 12 had evidence of old disease, and two had a history of treated deep vein thrombophlebitis. No patient had prophylactic therapy. The incidence of clinical deep vein thrombophlebitis was zero; noninvasive evaluation in 64 patients demonstrated no abnormality. Postoperative thromboembolism, which occurred in three of 168 (1.8%) patients, was confirmed by ventilation-perfusion scan and pulmonary angiogram. The mortality from thromboembolism was less than 1% (1/168 patients). Extreme obesity may not necessarily constitute a major risk factor in the occurrence of postoperative deep vein thrombophlebitis and thromboembolism. Prophylactic medications and therapy may add inappropriate risk, undue cost, and unnecessary discomfort, and must be weighed against a mortality of less than 1%.

Thrombocytopenia and cancer: use of the Kim-Ray Greenfield filter to prevent thromboembolism

The association of hypercoagulation and cancer, a well established pattern of disease, often leads to pulmonary emboli in an already compromised patient. Anticoagulation therapy in these patients is occasionally complicated by several factors including thrombocytopenia, which may result in a life-threatening situation of hemorrhage versus pulmonary emboli. Mechanical intervention may prevent pulmonary emboli from reaching the lungs, thereby negating the use of anticoagulants in the patient with thrombocytopenia. In this clinical trial, ten patients with cancer and thrombocytopenia complicated by recurrent pulmonary emboli received the Kim-Ray Greenfield filter. There were four men (two with colon carcinoma and two with chronic lymphocytic leukemia) and six women (four with breast carcinoma, one with colon carcinoma, and one with chronic lymphocytic leukemia). Pulmonary emboli were documented in all patients by comparative ventilation/perfusion lung scans, arterial blood gas determinations, and chest x-ray films. In each case anticoagulation was begun, but in six of the ten patients hemorrhage developed and anticoagulation had to be discontinued. The Kim-Ray Greenfield filter was subsequently placed in all ten patients in the infrarenal inferior vena cava (eight via a jugular approach and two via the femoral vein) without complication, and anticoagulation was discontinued. All patients had follow-up to time of death, ranging from six to 26 months (mean 11 months). In no patient was recurrent pulmonary emboli detectable based on clinical evidence, nor in autopsy reports in three of the ten patients. There should be increased usage of the Kim-Ray Greenfield filter in patients with malignancy, thrombocytopenia, and pulmonary emboli.

The value of aortic arch study in the evaluation of cerebrovascular insufficiency

In evaluation of extracranial carotid vascular disease, the use of arteriography has long been considered essential. With increasing expertise in noninvasive testing, the importance of extensive dye studies is being questioned. The data presented herein indicate that proper preangiographic evaluation of the patient population drastically reduces the possibility of missing significant intrathoracic pathologic processes. Two subsets of patients should be recommended routinely for dye studies: those patients with unequal upper-extremity blood pressures and those without pathologic neck findings on noninvasive testing to account for their symptoms. When these patients are recognized as having the potential for intrathoracic disease, dye studies can be performed in situations that will generate the highest yield. Even with the continued use of dye studies in evaluation of cerebrovascular insufficiency, elimination of the aortic arch study will drastically reduce the dye load and, thus, the associated morbidity.

Effect of commercially available pantyhose on venous return in the lower extremity

Although compression stockings have long been recognized as a physiologically significant tool for the promotion of venous return from the lower extremity, the role of nonprescription, commercially available support hose has not been assessed in this regard. The present study involved 100 consecutive women with no known prior history of vascular disease, who responded to an advertisement for free evaluation of the venous status of their legs. The subjects, all of whom wore commercial support hose routinely, were screened for the presence of venous disease by means of Doppler ultrasonography, phleborheography, and a detailed history focusing on risk factors and unrecognized symptoms of venous disease. Photoplethysmography (PPG) was then used to evaluate the efficiency of venous return from the lower extremity with and without the support hose in place. Worsening of PPG results occurred in 43% of the women with commercial stockings in place, whereas 23% improved and 34% showed no change. Women 50 years of age and older had a somewhat higher tendency toward poorer PPG results while wearing the support hose. Furthermore, measurements in women who showed evidence of venous disease by an abnormality in one or more of the screening tests were significantly different from the overall group (p = 0.025): 61% exhibited worsening of PPG results when wearing stockings, only 14% showed improvement, and 25% were unchanged. These results suggest that the use of a commercial support hose may be particularly deleterious to older women and is contraindicated in those with evidence of venous disease in the lower extremity.

Compartment syndrome in the newborn

Femoral vein injury in a newborn infant after cardiac catheterization resulted in a threat of limb loss because of a compartment syndrome. The limb was saved by full-length medial and lateral skin and fascial incisions.

Thermography as a diagnostic measure of vasculogenic impotence

There is no correlation between penile-brachial index (PBI) and thermography. While it has been shown to be of significant value in other areas of medicine, thermography is non-contributory to the diagnosis of vasculogenic impotence.

Noninvasive evaluation of peripheral vasculature following regional hyperthermic chemotherapeutic perfusion (RHCP)

Regional hyperthermic chemotherapeutic perfusion (RHCP) has been used to treat over 1000 patients with advanced melanoma and soft tissue sarcoma. This study analyzes the impact of RHCP on the peripheral vasculature. Forty-one patients (23 women, 18 men) with an average age of 51.3 years were treated by RHCP of an upper or lower extremity using phenyalanine mustard for 60 minutes at a mean extremity temperature of 40 C. Patients were examined preoperatively and postoperatively at 36 hours, 7 days, 1 month, and 6 months by noninvasive arterial (Doppler-resting analog velocity waveform, response to stress) and venous (Doppler, impedance plethysmography [IPG], phleborrheography [PRG]) measurements. Upper-extremity evaluation of 14 patients (9 women, 5 men) indicated no abnormal studies. Response to stress showed an increase of the brachial:distal vessel ratio of 0.1 +/- 0.05; tendency of the analog velocity waveform toward triphasic; and response to stress augmented by 0.18 +/- .03 at 36 hours. Lower-extremity evaluation of 27 patients (15 women, 12 men) indicated two with thrombophlebitis. Response to stress showed an increase of the ankle: brachial ratio of .016 +/- 0.04; change in the analog velocity waveform toward triphasic; and response to stress augmented by 0.08 +/- 0.08 at 36 hours. All measurements returned to preoperative values at 7 days. Results of this study indicate RHCP has no long-term adverse effect on the vasculature of the extremity, as monitored by the noninvasive blood flow studies.

Venous injury: to repair or ligate, the dilemma

Surgical management of major venous injuries remains controversial. The medical records of 184 patients with major venous injury were reviewed. Forty-three patients had isolated venous injury; 31 of 43 patients (72%) underwent ligation to treat their vein injury. Another 141 patients had combined arterial and venous injury; 117 of these patients (83%) had ligation. Injured were the inferior vena cava, iliac, femoral, popliteal, distal leg, and arm veins; all patients underwent surgical exploration. Arterial injuries were repaired by standard techniques and venous injuries were either ligated or repaired by end-to-end or lateral phleborrhaphy. Adjunctive fasciotomy was used when clinically indicated. The patients were followed up for 1 month to 9 years. No permanent sequelae of venous ligation were identified. Transient extremity edema developed in up to 32% of patients, regardless of whether vein ligation or repair was performed. This edema resolved completely within 12 weeks of the injury. No extremity was lost after ligation of a venous injury. Although it may be ideal to repair all venous vascular injuries, selective management reflecting mechanism of injury, blood loss, anesthesia requirements, associated organ injury, and other concerns may mitigate against extensive venous repair.

Successful management of trifurcation injuries

Vascular injuries to the distal popliteal artery and its primary division(s) (trifurcation) combined with fracture(s) were analyzed for the years 1978 to 1983 at the Charity Hospital of Louisiana at New Orleans and Tulane Medical Center affiliates. This article does not include reports of isolated popliteal artery injuries. Thirty-six male patients with a mean age of 24 (16 to 47) years experienced 20 tibiofibular fractures and 16 tibial plateau fractures. Twenty-four injuries were secondary to penetrating trauma; the remaining 12 vascular injuries were the result of blunt trauma. All patients were angiographed preoperatively, resuscitated, treated with tetanus toxoid and antibiotics, and brought to the operating room in an average of 95 (30 to 244) minutes from entry to the emergency departments. Eight (22%) definitive below-knee amputations (BKA) (six [17%] with blunt trauma) and 28 (78%) reconstructive procedures were done initially. Twenty-four of the 28 (86%) patients had associated venous injury; 16 were repaired. Twenty of the 28 (71%) patients received fasciotomies There were eight late amputations in addition to the eight early definitive BKA; five secondary to related neurologic injury. Twenty of the 28 (71%) patients had successful repair of their arterial injury and total rehabilitation.

Ultrasonic imaging in the diagnosis of carotid vascular disease with attention to operated upon nonangiographic lesions

Two thousand carotid arteries were evaluated by B-mode real-time ultrasound, Doppler ultrasound, carotid phonoangiography, and oculoplethysmography. All patients were referred for evaluation of asymptomatic bruits, transient ischemic attacks, or stroke. Angiography was performed on 760 vessels and operative intervention upon 248 arteries. B-mode correctly identified 123/126 vessels said to be normal by angiography; it identified nonstenotic plaques in 296 vessels where angiography only noted 288 instances of nonstenotic plaque. In 341/346 vessels, lesions greater than 50 per cent stenosis were correctly identified by B-mode. Compared with angiography, B-mode ultrasound has a sensitivity of 98.5 per cent for greater than 50 per cent stenosis and a specificity of 100 per cent. For lesions less than 50 per cent stenotic, B-mode has a sensitivity of 100 per cent, a specificity of 98.3 per cent, and a calculated accuracy of 98.9 per cent.

Carotid endarterectomy for amaurosis fugax without angiography

Angiography has associated morbidity and mortality, but it is the road map for the vascular surgeon. Can blood vessels be safely operated on without first obtaining an angiogram? It was the purpose of this retrospective analysis to ascertain the need for and value of carotid angiography in patients with amaurosis fugax. Twenty-eight patients (18 men and 10 women) with an average age of 66.4 years (range 58 to 71 years) had histories consistent with amaurosis fugax and were operated on for it. They did not have a history of transient ischemic attacks or stroke. Histories were reviewed for cardiac disease, smoking, hypertension, and diabetes. All patients were studied by noninvasive methods (bidirectional Doppler analysis, oculoplethysmography, carotid phonoangiography, and real-time B-mode ultrasonography), cerebral computerized tomographic scan, and angiography. Nineteen of the 28 patients (11 men and 8 women) had fluorescein angiography. All preoperative computerized tomographic scans were negative. Findings on real-time B-mode ultrasonography suggested significant ulcerated plaque in all of the patients. Angiography could only confirm ulcerated areas in 17 of the 28 patients. Of the patients studied by fluorescein angiography, 17 of 19 (10 men and 7 women) had confirmed embolic lesions. Surgery confirmed ulcerative lesions in all of the 28 patients. Results of this study indicate that if a patient has a history consistent with amaurosis fugax, a negative computerized tomographic scan, and a positive real-time B-mode ultrasonogram, an angiogram may not be necessary.

Pulmonary dysfunction associated with streptokinase therapy

A 66-year-old lower-extremity amputee with an acute femoral artery occlusion was treated with low-dose (10000 units/h) percutaneous constant-infusion streptokinase. At 48 hours after initiation of therapy, the patient experienced adult respiratory distress syndrome and died. A postmortem examination confirmed the diagnosis; laboratory studies reflected an increased level of fibrinolytic split products, thrombocytopenia, and a low level of fibrinogen.

Prostacyclin synthetase activity in human diabetic and nondiabetic vascular tissue

A decrease in the formation of prostacyclin (PGI2), a potent vasodilating and platelet antiaggregatory substance, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic vasculopathy. This defect, as well as others, may contribute to imbalances in the thrombo-regulatory system resulting in enhanced platelet aggregability, accelerated atherosclerosis, and subsequent vessel injury. Until recently the major thrust of relevant literature has been directed toward abnormalities in PGI2 quantity or function in vascular tissue from experimentally induced diabetic animal models. For the past 2 years our laboratory has studied prostaglandin metabolism in human diabetic and nondiabetic blood vessels. We determined prostacyclin synthetase (PGI2ase) activity in saphenous veins of diabetic and nondiabetic patients (HSV-D and HSV-ND) undergoing coronary artery bypass grafts and in tibial arteries and tibial veins of diabetic patients (HTA-D and HTV-D) and nondiabetic patients (HTA-ND and HTV-ND) undergoing limb amputation for arterial disease of the lower extremity. Carbon 14-labeled prostaglandin endoperoxide (PGH2) was incubated for 2 minutes with vascular microsomal protein. The products were separated via thin-layer chromatography and quantified by radiochromatographic scan. PGI2ase activity was determined by the formation of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, the stable breakdown product of PGI2. Results of this study indicate that the microsomal fractions of all vascular tissues studied contain an active PGI2ase capable of forming PGI2; formation is enzymatic, as the amount of product increased with increasing microsomal protein concentration; there is no significant difference in PGI2ase activity between HSV-D and HSV-ND; PGI2ase activity in HTA-D and HTV-D is less than in HSV-D and HSV-ND.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Routine intraoperative cholangiogram

The value of a routine intraoperative cholangiogram is controversial. We reviewed 352 consecutive instances of cholecystectomy for nonmalignant disease during a period of three years to assess the diagnostic accuracy and additional cost of the roentgenographic technique. Intraoperative cholangiogram was done in all except 11 patients. Forty-nine of 341 patients underwent exploration of the common bile duct. The diagnosis was determined by the cholangiogram and was correct in 46 patients with three false-positive results. The other 292 patients did well without exploration of the common bile duct. The cholangiocatheter and a special cholangioclamp made the procedure easy and minimized additional operation time (five minutes with no mortality and negligible morbidity). Clinical indications for exploration of the common bile duct correlated poorly with abnormal findings in the bile duct. Unsuspected common duct stones were detected by cholangiogram in 17 (5 per cent) patients. Possible iatrogenic trauma to the common duct was prevented when significant abnormal findings were demonstrated by cholangiogram. The results of this study indicate that routine intraoperative cholangiogram is: accurate for diagnosis of common bile duct stones; useful in identification of bile duct anomalies and, thus, aids in preventing injury to the common bile duct; safe with negligible risk, and neither expensive nor time consuming if done correctly as a routine procedure.

Selective management of arterial occlusion with low-dose streptokinase

Fibrinolytic therapy has been reported as a limited aid in limb salvage. It is allegedly fraught with complications and pitfalls; however, the usage of low-dose streptokinase has never totally been explored. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of low-dose streptokinase in arterial occlusion. Nineteen patients (12 men and 7 women) with an average age of 68 years (range 37 to 79 years) and a total of 22 limbs under study were treated with low-dose streptokinase (initial intravenous dose of 10,000 units and a subsequent dose of 5,000 to 10,000 units/hour) for 1 to 3 days. Seven of the patients underwent further operative intervention and four underwent angioplasty. Seven patients had diabetes controlled by insulin. Results were assessed clinically by angiography and by noninvasive measurement of distal pressure. Within 30 days of low-dose streptokinase therapy, four patients died from a myocardial infarction that was thought to be part of their total disease process. Limited salvage occurred in 19 of 22 limbs at risk. Ten patients (12 extremities) underwent subsequent balloon angioplasty or bypass surgery. There were three amputations. One patient received a below-knee amputation rather than an expected above-knee amputation, one had a below-knee amputation, and one had an above-knee amputation. In all cases, the patency or lack thereof was confirmed by angiography. The mean ankle to brachial pressure indices increased from 0.07 +/- 0.15 to 0.64 +/- 0.14 after therapy. There were no prolonged hospital stays due to complications in any of the patients. Selective infusions of low-dose streptokinase lyse thrombi, open collaterals, and provide an opportunity for extended surgery and angioplasty, increasing limb salvage without the risks of coagulopathy and bleeding that may occur in full-dose thrombolysis.

Successful vascular reconstruction. Determinants of disability

Improvements in limb salvage during the last decade are a reflection of advances in angiography, antibiotics and technique. We report a 100 per cent success rate with vascular repair and a 100 per cent disability outcome in extremity injuries. Ten male patients, with a mean age of 27.3 (range 18 to 41) years, sustained trauma to the extremity with vascular injury. The etiology of injury was gunshot wounds (5), blunt trauma (4), and stab wounds (1). Time from injury to vascular repair was a mean of 186 (range 60 to 360) min. Vessels injured included popliteal artery and vein (4), tibial artery and vein (2), subclavian artery and vein (2), and axillary artery (1). Six of the injuries were associated with fracture of the adjacent bone and treated with external skeletal fixation. All patients had an associated nerve injury. Five patients underwent fasciotomy; nine were treated with 500 ml Dextran-40 for 48 hr (each day for 2 days). All patients received cephalosporin antibiotics pre-, intra-, and post-operatively. All patients had successful vascular repair, as identified by Doppler ultrasound (10 patients) and intra-/post-operative arteriography (5 patients). The median follow-up period was 22 (range 18 to 30) months. There were no primary amputations (within 30 days); there were four late amputations (2, no function and foot ulcer; 2, causalgia). The five popliteal/tibial injuries had no dorsiflexion and foot drop, two had no function and leg ulcers; two patients had femoral and sciatic nerve injury at the thigh; and three patients had injuries to the brachial plexus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cost effectiveness of early digit amputation in the patient with diabetes

Osteomyelitis in the digit of the diabetic patient is best managed by antibiotics and amputation. Antibiotics alone are not effective or cost-effective as demonstrated in a retrospective study of 22 such patients diagnosed clinically and confirmed roentgenographically. Definitive operation allows the patient to return to work within two weeks of amputation.

Idiopathic spontaneous deep venous thrombophlebitis in an adolescent: a case report

A rare case of spontaneous deep venous thrombophlebitis in a 15-year-old adolescent is presented. This case is remarkable as it lacks any associated conditions and predisposing factors, as well as an etiologic diagnosis.

Use of digital subtraction angiography in the diagnosis of splenic artery aneurysms

A 64-year-old woman with thalassemia presented with fullness of the upper abdomen. Calcification in the left upper quadrant suggested splenic artery aneurysm. The diagnosis was confirmed by arterial injection digital angiography. The patient had a benign course following resection of the aneurysm. This is the first reported incidence of the noted hemoglobinopathy occurring in conjunction with a visceral aneurysm. Digital subtraction angiography has not been previously reported in the diagnostic evaluation of visceral artery aneurysms.

Use of thoracic aortobifemoral artery bypass grafting as an alternative procedure for occlusive aortoiliac disease

A descending thoracic aortobifemoral artery bypass graft is proposed as an alternative procedure for revascularization of the lower extremities when an intra-abdominal approach is not feasible or is ill-advised. Three patients underwent a thoracobifemoral graft because of severe cardiopulmonary disease combined with multiple prior abdominal surgeries, complications of radiation, and sepsis. Patency of the aortobifemoral grafts was documented by palpable pulses and increased ankle: brachial ratios improving from 0.3 to 0.6, resulting in the relief of rest pain and obviating a limb-threatening situation.

Traumatic arterial injuries of the upper extremity: determinants of disability

Of 233 patients who sustained vascular injuries during a 13 year period, 99 had involvement of the upper extremity. The primary site of upper extremity injuries was the brachial artery (43 patients), and the primary cause of injury was gunshot wounds. The majority of the vascular injuries were repaired primarily. Nerve injuries occurred in 56 of the patients, and they were the primary cause of disability. Edema and infection were not significant determinants of limitations in function. Gunshot wounds to the brachial artery resulted in the highest incidence of disability and limb loss.

Lymphocele around aortic femoral grafts simulating a false aneurysm

A 64-year-old female treated with a Dacron aortobifemoral graft for atherosclerotic vascular disease sought medical evaluation for abdominal pain 6 months later. Studies including ultrasound, radionuclide, angiography, and CT scan suggested a diagnosis of false aneurysm. Surgical intervention subsequently confirmed the diagnosis of lymphocele.