Scielo RSS http://scielo.pt/rss.php?pid=1646-706X20220003&lang=pt vol. 18 num. 3 lang. pt http://scielo.pt/img/en/fbpelogp.gif http://scielo.pt http://scielo.pt/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1646-706X2022000300169&lng=pt&nrm=iso&tlng=pt http://scielo.pt/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1646-706X2022000300170&lng=pt&nrm=iso&tlng=pt http://scielo.pt/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1646-706X2022000300172&lng=pt&nrm=iso&tlng=pt Abstract Introduction: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) frequently progress to involve the inferior vena cava (IVC) and even the right atrium (RA). Nephrectomy and eradication of the tumour thrombus, can extend survival and prevent symptoms of venous congestion. The authors evaluated the institutional experience of a tertiary center in the surgical management of RCC patients with tumour thrombi invading the IVC. Methods: Retrospective analysis of a single-center consecutive serie of patients with RCC and IVC tumor thrombi treated with surgery in our department between 2012 and 2021 was carried out. Demographic data, diagnostic and procedural characteristics, clinical outcomes and survival analysis were examined. Results: Of the included 18 patients, 33% (n=6) had smoking history, 78% (n=14) hypertension, 33% (n=6) diabetes and dyslipidaemia. Mean tumour size was 8.78±2.47cm (3-12cm), and 67% (n=12) of the cases were renal clear cell adenocarcinoma. On the basis of the Neves classification for IVC thrombus extension, 39% (n=7) of the patients had level I; 28% (n=5) level II; 17% (n=3) level III and 17% (n=3) level IV. The majority underwent radical nephrectomy, with cavotomy and vena cava thrombus removal followed by lateral venorrhaphy of the vena cava (89%,n=16). In one patient an infra-renal IVC ligation was performed and, in another patient, an IVC interposition with PTFE and a protesic-renal bypass were performed. In level IV, combined open sternotomy and cardiac bypass for RA thrombus control were necessary. Mean total operative time was 3h4min±1h19min and median intraoperative blood loss was 600ml requiring a median blood cells transfusion of 3.5units (0,16) during the hospital stay. Median ICU days was 2 days (0,14) and median hospital stay was 8 days (4,61). The mean preoperative serum creatinine was 1.23+0.38 mg/dL. After surgery, there was a mean decrease of serum creatinine of 0.001 mg/dL (p=.991) (paired T test), confirming the absence of renal impairment. Only one patient required reintervention in the post-operative course for splenectomy. Post-operative complications included one case of pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, acute coronary syndrome and two cases of temporary acute renal lesion. There was no 30-day mortality. Five patients underwent adjuvant chemotherapy. Median follow-up time was 19.5 months (6-46.2 months). The four-year overall survival rate was of 52.4% (figure 1). Conclusion: For advanced RCC with tumour thrombus extension into the IVC, despite the expected poor prognosis, nephrectomy and eradication of the entire tumour thrombus, has low morbidity and can prolong patient survival, in line with the presented results. http://scielo.pt/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1646-706X2022000300176&lng=pt&nrm=iso&tlng=pt Abstract Introduction: Congenital vascular malformations are entities with a broad spectrum of presentations and variable prognosis. They typically present at a young age and are historically associated with extensive resection surgeries and with high morbidity. This study aims to evaluate the results of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) embolization as a first-line approach in lesions which are not suitable for surgical resection. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the clinical records of patients with infiltrative arteriovenous malformations who underwent embolization at our center between 2019 and 2021 was performed. The Schobinger Classification was applied to categorize the clinical stage. Angiographic findings were reported according to the Yakes classification. The decrease in the Schöbinger grade after treatment, the need for reintervention and the associated complications were the main outcomes. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Results: Nine patients undergoing embolization of infiltrative arteriovenous malformations were evaluated, accounting for a total of seventeen interventions. There was a preponderance of females (n=6; 66.7%) and the mean age of referral to the Vascular Surgery consultation and the first treatment was 16.8 (±12.9) and 20.9 (± 14.5) years, respectively. All patients were in stage II (n=4; 44.4%) or III (n=5; 55.6%) of Schöbinger. The angiographic pattern of the AVMs was classified according to the Yakes Classification, which guided the approach. Yakes type IIa was found most frequently (n=6; 55.6%), followed by type IV (n=2; 22.2%) and type IIb (n=1; 1.1%). Patients underwent AVM embolization via transarterial, transvenous or direct nidus puncture with sclerosing agents, liquid embolizers, microparticles and microcoils, separately or in combination. The median number of interventions per patient was 1 (1 - 5) and Yakes type IV appears to be associated with a higher rate of reintervention. Reduction of the Schöbinger stage was achieved in 7 (77.8%) patients with clinical resolution in 3 (33.3%). Tissue necrosis was the only complication reported in this series (n=2; 11,8%). Conclusion: The endovascular approach of arteriovenous malformations through nidus and/or afferent/efferent embolization requires a detailed angiographic characterization but seems to be an effective strategy with a low risk of complications. The Yakes classification, can be useful both in guiding the approach and in predicting the need for reintervention. http://scielo.pt/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1646-706X2022000300183&lng=pt&nrm=iso&tlng=pt Abstract Introduction: Aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD) can be treated using either open surgical revascularization (OSR) or endovascular revascularization (ER). Methods: A Medline search was performed in order to identify articles focused on the treatment of aortoiliac occlusive disease. Additional articles of scientific interest for the purpose of this non-systematic review were included by cross-referencing. Results: There are a few articles reporting direct results between both techniques based on retrospective or prospective single center or multicenter studies. In the majority of studies, primary patency is generally better for surgery in comparison to ER, but at a cost of more postoperative complications, with higher rates of respiratory failure and wound infection in the open group. On the other hand, endovascular recanalization is related to higher rates of limb ischemia/thrombosis, renal dysfunction and reinterventions. In the presence of femoral artery calcified disease, the hybrid approach should be considered. Conclusions: Endovascular treatment is a suitable alternative for extensive AIOD and can be accomplished in a less invasive manner, with most midterm outcomes comparable with open reconstruction. Surgery should be reserved for multilevel calcified disease and after endovascular failure. http://scielo.pt/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1646-706X2022000300186&lng=pt&nrm=iso&tlng=pt Resumo Introducão: Com o crescente uso das técnicas endovasculares, seja para fins diagnósticos ou terapêuticos, o pseudoaneurisma iatrogénico da artéria femoral é uma complicação cada vez mais frequente. A par deste aumento de incidência foram surgindo alternativas à cirurgia convencional para o seu tratamento, nomeadamente soluções percutâneas e endovasculares. Em 2003 foi descrito pela primeira vez um novo método minimamente invasivo, rápido e de baixo custo: a oclusão percutânea com tumescência através da injeção peri-aneurismática eco-guiada de soro fisiológico. Objetivo: Este trabalho tem como principal objetivo analisar a literatura existente e comparar os protocolos utilizados pelos diferentes autores que descreveram este método, a fim de avaliar a sua eficácia, segurança e os outcomes a curto e longo-prazo, bem como a possível utilização deste procedimento nos serviços de Angiologia e Cirurgia Vascular. Métodos: A revisão foi conduzida segundo a metodologia PRISMA. Foi realizada uma pesquisa nas bases de dados PubMed/MEDLINE e ClincalKey de forma a identificar todas as publicações focadas no tratamento de pseudoaneurismas femorais iatrogénicos com tumescência. Não foram aplicadas quaisquer restrições de busca. Apenas foram consideradas publicações originais em revistas científicas com revisão por pares. Resultados: Foram incluídos cinco trabalhos originais. Três consistem em séries de casos com a descrição do protocolo utilizado, as características dos pseudoaneurismas e resultados. Apenas um trabalho comparou a tumescência com outra técnica - a compressão eco-guiada. Um outro consistiu num estudo coorte em que foram analisadas diferentes características dos pseudoaneurismas por forma a perceber a sua relação com a taxa de sucesso e insucesso. Todos os trabalhos mostraram uma alta taxa de sucesso imediato e às 24h pós-procedimento (entre 87,5% e 100%), à exceção de um trabalho que diferiu de todos os outros, uma vez que não foi utilizada anestesia local peri-procedimento. Neste trabalho verificou-se uma taxa de sucesso de apenas 43% às 24h, apesar de uma taxa de sucesso de 100% imediatamente após o tratamento. Conclusão: Comparando a injeção de solução salina peri-aneurismática com as outras opções, este método apresenta vantagens: é uma alternativa simples, rápida e barata que pode ser realizada à cabeceira do doente, e está associada a alta taxa de sucesso, baixa taxa de recorrência e de complicações, segundo a literatura analisada. No entanto, são necessários estudos de maior dimensão, idealmente randomizados, para comprovar o custo-benefício e custo-eficácia em relação aos outros métodos, principalmente em relação à injeção de trombina, que é o procedimento atualmente aceite como gold standard no tratamento dos pseudoaneurismas femorais. http://scielo.pt/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1646-706X2022000300192&lng=pt&nrm=iso&tlng=pt Abstract Objective: Venous stenting of iliocaval obstructions has become a more frequent procedure over the last two decades. In-stent stenosis and thrombosis are potential complications, causing one of the main causes of symptoms recurrence and impacting quality of life. The aim of this review is to report on the impact of venous stent patency loss, as well on risk factors and management. Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to the recommendations of the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement. Results: After a literature search, 12 studies (two prospective and 10 retrospective studies) were included in the analysis. A total of 1981 patients (34.1% male) and 2388 limbs (63.6% left side) were assessed. Mean age was 43.5 years (range 16-99). Indication for stenting included deep venous thrombosis (DVT) (4%), post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) (18.8%) and non-thrombotic iliac vein lesions (NIVLs) (77.2%). Regarding treatment, most patients were submitted to angioplasty and stenting only (87%). Associated catheter directed thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy was performed when indicated (8.4%), and in the remaining an AVF/endophlebetomy was performed (4.6%). Primary, primary assisted and secondary patency rates at one year ranged from 68-100%, 79-90% and 85.8-100%, respectively. Reported anticoagulation duration after stenting ranged from 1-12 months. In one study involving only patients treated for NIVLs, no anticoagulation was prescribed, and antithrombotic therapy was continued for three months. Follow-up strategies included clinical and imagiological control with a mean follow-up of 19.7 months. Post-procedural stent re-stenosis was reported in 121 limbs (5.1%) and stent occlusion in 81 limbs (3.4%); the latter was distributed as follows: 11.1% after DVT, 77.8% PTS and 11.1% NIVLs. A total of 186 re-interventions were performed in symptomatic patients. The prognostic factor most consistently associated with stent failure was thrombotic inflow veins. Other reported factors were incomplete thrombolysis and age younger than 40 years. Stent placement below the inguinal ligament, type of stent and anticoagulation regimen do not seem to affect stent patency. Conclusion: Regarding venous lesions of the lower limbs, a selective approach and planning should focus on identification of risk factors for stent failure. It is noteworthy that most stent occlusions occur in post-thrombotic limbs. Stent failure continued after 6 months, emphasizing the importance of an extended surveillance especially on these patients. http://scielo.pt/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1646-706X2022000300197&lng=pt&nrm=iso&tlng=pt Abstract Introduction: Stylocarotid syndrome is caused by the conflict between the styloid process and the vascular structures leading to carotid artery dissection (CAD) or compression. Being headache the most common initial symptom in patients with spontaneous CAD, eagle syndrome could be one explanation for some so-called spontaneous dissections since this symptom is also common in this syndrome. Methods: Afrer analyzing the reported cases on Pubmed and Embase databases we divided the cases in compression and CAD groups ending up with completely different groups in terms of clinical presentation, management and follow-up. Results: While management of compression group seems quite straightforward, the same is not true when CAD is present. Whether delayed styloidectomy after medical management plays a role in CAD, as it does for the compression group, is something to investigate. http://scielo.pt/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1646-706X2022000300202&lng=pt&nrm=iso&tlng=pt Abstract Introduction: The concept of the Nellix endoprosthesis is based on endovascular aneurysm sealing with endobags and was launched in the market for endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). The manufacturer recently issued a hazard alert due to higher rates of endoleaks, migration and aneurysm enlargement. Case report: The authors present a clinical case of a seventy year-old man previously submitted to EVAR with a Nellix device in another country. The patient presented with an asymptomatic Type Ia endoleak and proximal aortic neck aneurysmatic degeneration. The anatomy was considered unfavourable for further endovascular management. After multidisciplinary discussion and workup, open surgical conversion was selected. Complete endoprosthesis explantation and in-situ reconstruction were performed. The post-operative course was uneventful. Conclusion: Once presented with a patient considered fit for open surgical conversion and with aneurysm morphology unfavourable for endovascular, the authors believe that open conversion may constitute a very acceptable method of repair and should be offered. http://scielo.pt/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1646-706X2022000300206&lng=pt&nrm=iso&tlng=pt Abstract Introduction: The ischemic window of kidney parenchyma is narrow, so a rapid development of renal infarction after acute renal artery occlusion is expected. However, patients often present with nonspecific symptoms and laboratory findings, making the early diagnosis challenging and contributing to treatment delay. Irreversible kidney dysfunction seems not to depend on the total warm ischemia time alone, and other factors could play a role. Case report: A 64-year-old male with chronic kidney disease presented to the emergency department with acute kidney injury of unknown etiology. Unfavorable evolution demanded the initiation of hemodialysis due to refractory hypervolemia and resistant high blood pressure some days later. A computed tomography angiography showed aortoiliac occlusion starting below the superior mesenteric artery, conditioning the occlusion of the proximal segment of both renal arteries. A splenorenal retrocaval bypass was done uneventfully, 21 days after the initial presentation, to revascularize the right kidney. After surgery, the patient showed marked improvement of diuresis with decreased nitrogen retention parameters, allowing definitive suspension of the dialysis technique in the first post-operative week and controlled blood pressure. Serum creatinine dropped to baseline and remained stable at one year of follow-up. Chronic limb-threatening ischemia developed later in the left lower limb, and the patient was revascularized with an axillobifemoral bypass. Conclusion: Our case highlights the benefit of aggressive late renal revascularization in selected patients with acute renal artery occlusion who maintain residual tubular function and some perfusion of kidneys despite proximal occlusion of the renal artery. More extensive studies would be essential to provide adequate patient selection and management recommendations. http://scielo.pt/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1646-706X2022000300209&lng=pt&nrm=iso&tlng=pt Abstract Introduction: Light induced amaurosis refers to a transient monocular or binocular vision loss triggered by bright lights. Like amaurosis fugax, light induced amaurosis is associated with carotid artery stenosis but they differ from each other in presentation and pathophysiology. It is thought to be an impairment in the regeneration of retinal visual pigments caused by the inability of carotid circulation to sustain the increased metabolic activity occurring when the retina is exposed to bright lights. With this report we aim to present a case of light induced amaurosis and its management. Case report: We describe a 74-year-old man with the isolated complaint of monocular visual loss from his left eye when exposed to bright lights. These episodes were self-limited and lasted for several minutes. His vision was reportedly good between episodes. He also complained of headache and dizziness. There were no other focal neurological deficits present. The patient had a history of peripheral artery disease, chronic heart failure, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, permanent atrial fibrillation and had a history of heavy smoking in the past. Chronic medical therapy included anticoagulation with rivaroxaban, antiplatelet therapy with acetylsalicylic acid and atorvastatin. Imaging studies (doppler ultrasonography and Computed tomography angiography) revealed a significant morphologic stenosis of the left common carotid artery, left internal carotid artery with sub occlusive disease and right internal carotid artery with 70-75% stenosis (North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial - NASCET). The vertebral arteries study did not reveal significant morphologic disease. The patient was submitted to left common and internal carotid artery endarterectomy and Dacron patch angioplasty. The visual symptoms progressively improved after surgical treatment. The dizziness and headache were completely gone. Conclusion: Light induced amaurosis is a rare and less known symptom associated with severe carotid artery stenosis. Its timely recognition is important to not deprive patients of timely treatment. http://scielo.pt/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1646-706X2022000300212&lng=pt&nrm=iso&tlng=pt Abstract Introduction: Light induced amaurosis refers to a transient monocular or binocular vision loss triggered by bright lights. Like amaurosis fugax, light induced amaurosis is associated with carotid artery stenosis but they differ from each other in presentation and pathophysiology. It is thought to be an impairment in the regeneration of retinal visual pigments caused by the inability of carotid circulation to sustain the increased metabolic activity occurring when the retina is exposed to bright lights. With this report we aim to present a case of light induced amaurosis and its management. Case report: We describe a 74-year-old man with the isolated complaint of monocular visual loss from his left eye when exposed to bright lights. These episodes were self-limited and lasted for several minutes. His vision was reportedly good between episodes. He also complained of headache and dizziness. There were no other focal neurological deficits present. The patient had a history of peripheral artery disease, chronic heart failure, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, permanent atrial fibrillation and had a history of heavy smoking in the past. Chronic medical therapy included anticoagulation with rivaroxaban, antiplatelet therapy with acetylsalicylic acid and atorvastatin. Imaging studies (doppler ultrasonography and Computed tomography angiography) revealed a significant morphologic stenosis of the left common carotid artery, left internal carotid artery with sub occlusive disease and right internal carotid artery with 70-75% stenosis (North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial - NASCET). The vertebral arteries study did not reveal significant morphologic disease. The patient was submitted to left common and internal carotid artery endarterectomy and Dacron patch angioplasty. The visual symptoms progressively improved after surgical treatment. The dizziness and headache were completely gone. Conclusion: Light induced amaurosis is a rare and less known symptom associated with severe carotid artery stenosis. Its timely recognition is important to not deprive patients of timely treatment.