Scielo RSS http://scielo.pt/rss.php?pid=1646-706X20230004&lang=en vol. 19 num. 4 lang. en http://scielo.pt/img/en/fbpelogp.gif http://scielo.pt http://scielo.pt/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1646-706X2023000400204&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=en Abstract Introduction: Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) affects more than 200 million people. Its estimated prevalence in women ranges from 3% to 29%. Asymptomatic PAD is more common in women than in men. However, when symptomatic, females present a more complex disease, severe critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), and worse outcomes. This study aims to characterize PAD in hospitalized women, evaluating risk factors, clinical presentation, therapeutic strategies, and outcomes. Methods: An observational, retrospective, longitudinal study of a single institution was conducted. The study included consecutive patients admitted with a clinical diagnosis of PAD (intermittent claudication or CLTI), confirmed by the ankle-brachial index (ABI), between January 2018 and December 2019. Recorded data comprised: clinical presentation, comorbidities, chronic medication, length of stay, type of admission, type of treatment (medical; surgical revascularization; endovascular treatment; major amputation; minor amputation), outcomes: discharge destination, successful revascularization, 30-day mortality, and amputation-free survival. Results: We analyzed 158 patients (51 females). Women had a higher mean age (76.5±10.4 years vs 69.5±10.6 years; p<0.001). Women also had lower smoking habits (4.0% vs 58.9%, p<0.001), higher prevalence of arterial hypertension (90.2% vs 73.8%, p=0.021), diabetes mellitus (74.5% vs 57.0%, p=0.036) and depression (7.0% vs 0.9%, p=0.002). Females presented with higher rates of CLTI (98.0% vs 87.9% p=0.038) and decreased functional status on admission (28.0% vs 4.3%, p<0.001). Females had fewer aortoiliac interventions (18.0% vs 50.0% p=0.012). In patients with CLTI, men were more often revascularized by conventional surgery (18.0% vs 41.5%, p=0.005). On the other hand, the major amputation rate was higher in women (40.0% vs 21.3%, p=0.020). Through univariate analysis, it was found that women with CLTI had a 2.47 times higher risk of major amputation than men with CLTI (p=0.018). However, in multivariate analysis, gender was not considered an independent predictor of major amputation, with age being the main factor. In patients revascularized for CLTI (21 females and 54 males), the successful revascularization rate was similar between genders (90.5% in females and 90.7% in males, p>0.99). Regarding 30-day mortality for CLTI, we found that 6 women (12.0%) and 5 men (5.3%) died. No statistically significant differences were found (p=0.191). No significant differences were found between genders, concerning the outcomes: length of stay, discharge destination, and amputation-free survival. Conclusion: Females were older, more dependent, and more frequently admitted with CLTI, with a consequently higher major amputation rate. Besides prompt diagnosis, and intervention, public and social health measures are needed to improve functional status in elderly women to reduce female amputation rates. http://scielo.pt/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1646-706X2023000400212&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=en Abstract Introduction: Treatment decision in patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (ACS) is a matter of current debate with a recent shift towards isolated best medical treatment (BMT) as treatment of choice in most patients. However, poor medical compliance is one of the main constraints to the success of BMT. We hypothesized that more invasive treatment approaches can influence how patients perceive the severity of their illness and hence, treatment compliance. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed including patients with asymptomatic >50% carotid artery stenosis (NASCET method) followed-up as outpatients in a Vascular Surgery department from January 2017 to December 2021. Optimal BMT was defined according to the European Society of Vascular Surgery Carotid Atherosclerotic Disease 2023 guidelines. Demographic and risk factor patient data was attained and subsequently a Portuguese translation of the Morisky medication-taking adherence scale (MMAS-4) questionnaire was given to all patients. Several additional questions developed by our group were also applied. Results: A total of 320 patients were identified (186 under BMT alone and 134 submitted to BMT and carotid endarterectomy - CEA). Most patients were male in both groups (75%) and the mean age was similar. Furthermore, patients undergoing CEA presented higher rates of current smoking (51.4% vs 15.9%; p<0.001) and lower rates of antiplatelet (80.0% vs. 92.8%; p=0.029) and statin (78.6% vs. 94.2%; p=0.007) prescription. Patients in the CEA group also presented with significantly lower medical compliance (40.3% vs. 24.5%, p<0.001) despite being more aware of their current medication´s name and therapeutic purpose. Conclusion: In conclusion, physicians seem to be more aggressive in controlling risk factors in BMT-only patients when compared to CEA-submitted patients. However, patients subjected to CEA may be more aware of ACS, despite having poorer medical adherence. http://scielo.pt/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1646-706X2023000400218&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=en Abstract Introduction: The use of statins in hemodialysis patients is a topic of ongoing research and debate. Patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis constitute a large proportion of patients treated in the vascular surgery field. Clinical data of the protective statin effect on this group is scarce and conflicting results exist regarding cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and limb outcomes. Methods: We performed a thorough electronic search of the literature using PubMed and Embase databases to understand the relationship between statin effect and cardiovascular, limb outcomes and cerebrovascular outcomes. A narrative review was constructed, based on the obtained literature. Results: Although the use of statins in hemodialysis patients may provide cardiovascular benefits, the optimal dosage and safety profile of these medications in this population remain uncertain. A carefully evaluation of the risks and benefits of statins should be made based on each patient's specific requirements and circumstances. Conclusion: The role of statins for patients with peripheral arterial disease who are on hemodialysis remains unclear. Further analyses should focus on this subgroup of dialysis patients, who are becoming more prevalent on the vascular surgery departments, allowing for an optimized treatment with better patient outcomes. http://scielo.pt/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1646-706X2023000400221&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=en Abstract Introduction: Seat belt aorta is a rare but often severe complication arising from blunt trauma with compression of the abdominal aorta against vertebrae. Seat belt sign is often present as an ecchymosis across the abdomen. The association with abdominal wall disruption and hollow viscus injury has been named seat belt triad; the presence of Chance fracture is sometimes considered a fourth component. Methods: Using Pubmed and Embase databases we reviewed all articles regarding abdominal seat belt aortic injuries and analysed presentation at admission, concomitant lesions, including presence of seat belt triad, treatment and outcomes. Results: Fifty-two cases were reported, from 1968 to 2019. Twenty-nine males (56%), mean age 43 ± 19 years. Most patients were stable at admission, with 29 (55.8%) presenting acute abdomen, 26 (50%) limb ischemia, 9 (17.3%) hypovolemic shock and 2 (3.8%) late-onset claudication. Seat belt sign was identified in 40 patients (76.9%), seat belt triad in 38 (73.1%) and 22 (42.3%) had Chance fractures, of which only 2 were not associated with seat belt triad. Most patients presented with aortic dissection (90.4%), complicated with pseudoaneurysm (11.5%), contained rupture (7.7%) or uncontained rupture (3.8%); 2 patients presented isolated iliac thrombosis and 3 limb ischemia. All patients required immediate surgical intervention, of which 40 (76.9%) required urgent vascular surgery. Forty-eight patients (92.3%) underwent vascular surgery: 39 open revascularizations and 9 endovascular procedures; three were managed conservatively. Ten patients (19.2%) passed away or died, of which 7 had seat belt triad. No patients needed reinterventions for vascular lesions except one, yet 3 required limb amputation. Most patients with seat belt triad required further visceral and abdominal wall repair. Conclusions: Seat belt aorta and especially seat belt triad are severe complications associated with high morbimortality often requiring surgery and multiple interventions. As patients are usually conscious and stable upon admission, this condition should not be disregarded. http://scielo.pt/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1646-706X2023000400226&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=en Abstract Introduction: The femoropopliteal biomechanical characteristics make the endovascular treatment of complex lesions particularly challenging. Despite several studies reporting longer patency of femoropopliteal stenting when compared to balloon angioplasty, long-term outcomes are still marginal due to the high rate of restenosis, stent fracture, and thrombosis. This study aims to review the current literature on the outcomes of the endovascular treatment of the femoropopliteal sector with the Supera® stent. Materials and methods: A literature search was carried on the PubMed database using the search terms [“Supera” AND “femoropopliteal”]. Prospective and retrospective original studies were selected after title and abstract analysis. A comprehensive narrative review was constructed using the selected publications as references. Results: Thirteen studies were analyzed, comprising a total of 1441 limbs with femoropopliteal obstructive disease treated with the Supera® stent. The 12-month primary-patency rate (PPR) ranged from 72.6% to 94.1%, the 24-month PPR ranged from 60.8% to 83.1% and the 36-month PPR ranged from 69.5% to 76.7%. For high-complexity anatomies, including TASC C and D lesions, the 12-month PPR was >64%. There were no stent fractures reported in any of the included studies. Conclusion: The Supera® stent showed promising results for the endovascular treatment of the femoropopliteal sector, highlighting its performance in high-complexity anatomic patterns. http://scielo.pt/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1646-706X2023000400231&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=en Resumo Introdução: As lesões vasculares iatrogénicas são uma causa importante de morbilidade e mortalidade após intervenções cirúrgicas ortopédicas ou neurocirúrgicas. Neste artigo, os autores apresentam dois casos clinicos de quasi-iatrogenia vascular. Casos clínicos: Dois casos, um procedimento ortopédico e um procedimento neurocirúrgico, são apresentados. O primeiro caso refere-se a uma mulher de 80 anos com migração do componente acetabular de uma prótese da anca, associado a trombose da veia ilíaca externa. O segundo caso reporta um homem de 27 anos com compressão medular ao nível de D6 por motivo de um hemangioma ósseo. Após a operação, verificou-se a presença de material de fixação (parafuso) fazendo protusão para o lúmen da aorta torácica. Este foi removido num segundo momento. Ambas as operações decorreram sem complicações. Conclusão: Os autores consideram que uma abordagem multidisciplinar contribuiu significativamente para o sucesso dos casos apresentados. http://scielo.pt/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1646-706X2023000400235&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=en Abstract Background: Calciphylaxis is a rare disease with a poor prognosis predominantly found in end-stage renal disease patients treated with dialysis. This pathology most commonly presents with painful non-healing ulcers, predisposing to high risk of sepsis and death. The authors present a case of bilateral leg ulcers due to calciphylaxis. Case report: A 40-year-old female patient presented with painful ulcers in both lower limbs, for two months. She had a history of end-stage renal disease, morbid obesity, severe hypertension, arterial fibrillation and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Duplex examination releveled biphasic curves in the foot arteries. The ankle-brachial index was carried out with a result of 1.1, obtaining a WIFi stage of 3 (2/0/2). Venous disease was excluded. A biopsy was obtained, revealing small thick-walled vessels with dystrophic calcification of the intima and media. After surgical debridement, antibiotics directed at the superimposed infection were administered and local wound care with chemical debridement was performed. The ulcers healed completely after 8 weeks and there was no recurrence after 6 months. Conclusion: The diagnosis is made by clinical and histological findings. Treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach with medical treatment and wound care. Drugs such as sodium thiosulphate and cinacalcet have shown good results in the healing of ulcers. Vascular surgeons, as they often deal with patients with leg ulcers, should be aware of calciphylaxis as a differential diagnosis when vascular disease is excluded. http://scielo.pt/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1646-706X2023000400239&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=en Abstract Background: Extracranial internal carotid aneurysms are extremely rare and usually diagnosed as incidental findings although thromboembolic events or rupture can occur. Historically treated by open surgery, endovascular repair is emerging as an alternative. We present our center’s experience with both approaches. Case reports: Four internal carotid aneurysm cases are presented: Case 1 - 60-year-old male presented with an asymptomatic 20mm saccular aneurysm of the carotid bifurcation. He underwent arterial reconstruction with a bypass using a 6mm ePTFE graft and reimplantation of the external carotid artery. Case 2 - 61-year-old female presents with an asymptomatic 17mm saccular aneurysm of the internal carotid artery. Aneurismectomy and direct reconstruction through an end-to-end anastomosis was possible due to artery redundancy. Case 3 - 36-year-old patient with a history of Cushing's syndrome due to a secretory adenoma of the pituitary gland presented with an 19mm fusiform aneurysm of the internal carotid artery. After pituitary gland tumor recession, he underwent arterial reconstruction with an inlay saphenous vein bypass. Case 4 - 77-year-old female presents with a 27mm saccular aneurysm of the internal carotid artery. Endovascular aneurysm exclusion using a self-expandable covered stent was performed through a cervical carotid surgical approach. Stent occlusion was observed in the postoperative period but without neurological symptoms. Conclusion: Existing data on endovascular treatment’s short- and medium-term outcomes are comparable to surgery, but long-term results are unknown and high rates of technical failure have been associated to artery tortuosity. There are no specific guidelines to guide decision-making and treatment decisions must be individualized according to the morphology and location of the aneurysm and patient's comorbidities. http://scielo.pt/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1646-706X2023000400244&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=en Abstract Introduction: Partial nephrectomy is considered the gold standard treatment for many renal tumors when technically feasible. Renal artery pseudoaneurysm and arteriovenous fistulas are rare life-threatening complications that occur more frequently after laparoscopic rather than open partial nephrectomy. Case report: The authors present a case of a 67-year-old female patient with persistent hematuria due to a renal pseudoaneurysm after partial laparoscopic nephrectomy is presented. The patient underwent selective embolization of the pseudoaneurysm using Conclusion: Arterial lesions after partial nephrectomy may be amenable to embolization with the advantage of renal parenchyma and function preservation, by comparison with more invasive interventions such as total nephrectomy. Active surveillance of patients after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy should be performed. http://scielo.pt/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1646-706X2023000400246&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=en Abstract Introduction: Partial nephrectomy is considered the gold standard treatment for many renal tumors when technically feasible. Renal artery pseudoaneurysm and arteriovenous fistulas are rare life-threatening complications that occur more frequently after laparoscopic rather than open partial nephrectomy. Case report: The authors present a case of a 67-year-old female patient with persistent hematuria due to a renal pseudoaneurysm after partial laparoscopic nephrectomy is presented. The patient underwent selective embolization of the pseudoaneurysm using Conclusion: Arterial lesions after partial nephrectomy may be amenable to embolization with the advantage of renal parenchyma and function preservation, by comparison with more invasive interventions such as total nephrectomy. Active surveillance of patients after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy should be performed.