Urgent endovascular maneuvers to rescue a failing transplant kidney with a T-stent approach - A case report

Renal artery thrombosis (RAT) is a major cause of renal transplant loss and, for this reason, should be treated promptly. We present a case of a 48-year-old man with external iliac thrombosis associated with thrombosis of a transplant renal artery that led to worsening of renal function. Multiple mechanisms have been identified in the literature as risk factors for RAT. In our patient, a combination of anastomotic stenosis, hypercoagulability, and diabetic nephropathy had resulted in RAT, and an unconventional endovascular revascularization technique with a T-stent approach was needed to guarantee patency of the treated vessels. No 30-day perioperative complications occurred, and the postoperative follow-up examination showed patency of the treated vessels; thus, transplant loss was avoided.

Upper gastrointestinal lesions in patients with lower extremity peripheral artery disease: data from a retrospective analysis

Aim. To assess the prevalence and structure of upper gastrointestinal (GI) lesions, as well as the factors associated with their development, in patients with lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Material and methods. This retrospective analysis of medical records with lower extremity PAD includes data from 258 patients. All patients underwent multislice computed tomography angiography of abdominal aortic visceral branches and lower limb arteries, as well as esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

Results. Endoscopic evidence of upper GI lesions was detected in 164 (63,6%) patients. In particular, gastroduodenal erosions and ulcers were observed in 57,8% of patients. All patients were divided into two groups: group I — 149 (57,8%) patients with gastroduodenal erosions and ulcers, group II  — 109 (42,2%) patients without it. In group I patients, a higher incidence of mesenteric artery disease was recorded  — 61,7 vs 43,1% (p=0,003). An independent factor associated with the development of gastroduodenal erosions and ulcers in patients with PAD is mesenteric artery disease (relative risk: 4,43; 95% confidence interval: 1,15-17,12 (p=0,031)).

Conclusion. In patients with lower extremity PAD, upper GI diseases (63,6%) occur with a high frequency, while gastroduodenal erosions and ulcers was observed in 90,9% of them. The factors associated with the development of erosions and ulcers in patients with lower extremity PAD include mesenteric artery atherosclerosis.

Chronic mesenteric ischemia: Clinical practice guidelines from the Society for Vascular Surgery

BACKGROUND

Chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) results from the inability to achieve adequate postprandial intestinal blood flow, usually from atherosclerotic occlusive disease at the origins of the mesenteric vessels. Patients typically present with postprandial pain, food fear, and weight loss, although they can present with acute mesenteric ischemia and bowel infarction. The diagnosis requires a combination of the appropriate clinical symptoms and significant mesenteric artery occlusive disease, although it is often delayed given the spectrum of gastrointestinal disorders associated with abdominal pain and weight loss. The treatment goals include relieving the presenting symptoms, preventing progression to acute mesenteric ischemia, and improving overall quality of life. These practice guidelines were developed to provide the best possible evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with CMI from atherosclerosis.

METHODS

The Society for Vascular Surgery established a committee composed of vascular surgeons and individuals experienced with evidence-based reviews. The committee focused on six specific areas, including the diagnostic evaluation, indications for treatment, choice of treatment, perioperative evaluation, endovascular/open revascularization, and surveillance/remediation. A formal systematic review was performed by the evidence team to identify the optimal technique for revascularization. Specific practice recommendations were developed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system based on review of literature, the strength of the data, and consensus.

RESULTS

Patients with symptoms consistent with CMI should undergo an expedited workup, including a computed tomography arteriogram, to exclude other potential causes. The diagnosis is supported by significant arterial occlusive disease in the mesenteric vessels, particularly the superior mesenteric artery. Treatment requires revascularization with the primary target being the superior mesenteric artery. Endovascular revascularization with a balloon-expandable covered intraluminal stent is the recommended initial treatment with open repair reserved for select younger patients and those who are not endovascular candidates. Long-term follow-up and surveillance are recommended after revascularization and for asymptomatic patients with severe mesenteric occlusive disease. Patient with recurrent symptoms after revascularization owing to recurrent stenoses should be treated with an endovascular-first approach, similar to the de novo lesion.

CONCLUSIONS

These practice guidelines were developed based on the best available evidence. They should help to optimize the care of patients with CMI. Multiple areas for future research were identified.