Transjugular approach for successful recanalization and stenting for inferior vena cava stenosis

Budd-Chiari syndrome complicating essential thrombocythemia in an adolescent: favorable outcome of TIPS procedure

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a liver disorder characterized by hepatic venous outflow obstruction, mainly resulting from thrombosis of the terminal part of the hepatic veins or the inferior vena cava. It causes hepatic congestion, ascites, portal hypertension, and collateral circulation between the obstructed and contiguous patent venous territories. BCS is reported complicating myeloproliferative disorders, as well other prothrombotic events. Essential thrombocythemia is one of the most frequent myeloproliferative disorders that cause BCS, and in some cases, it may be the initial presentation. Many treatment options have been proposed for BCS, routine anticoagulation therapy being recommended as the first therapeutic approach.

Successful penetration and bougie dilatation with Brockenbrough needle for severely calcified occlusion in superficial femoral artery

A 75-year-old hemodialysis patient with right critical limb ischemia received endovascular therapy for a chronic total occlusion (CTO) in a diffusely calcified superficial femoral artery (SFA). During a retrograde approach, a Brockenbrough needle (BN) was able to penetrate the calcified hard plaque formed in the middle segment of the CTO. Moreover, bougie dilatation with the BN allowed balloon crossing and stent deployment, even after failure to pass a 2.0-mm monorail balloon across the plaque. These results suggest that the BN offers a new therapeutic option in the penetration and modification of severely calcified CTO in SFA.