Acute Arterial Thrombosis Research Articles

Free Gracilis muscle transfer to restore elbow flexion in brachial plexus injuries

Restoration of elbow flexion is an important step in managing brachial plexus injuries. After more than one year of functional denervation, the muscle atrophy is significant enough that transferring a free muscle to act as a new effector becomes a treatment option. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of transferring a gracilis free muscle, innervated by three intercostal nerves, to restore elbow flexion. This was a retrospective study of a series of gracilis transfer procedures in 12 men having an average age of 25.6 years (23-37) and average follow-up of 112 months (28-260). The patients were operated on average at 42 months (14-153) following their motor vehicle accident; five had a partial paralysis (C5C6C7) and seven had a complete paralysis (C5-T1). The surgical technique and rehabilitation protocol were the same for all the patients. There were two cases of acute arterial thrombosis (17%) that led to functional failure. When these two cases were excluded from the analysis, all the remaining patients had a useful result (British Medical Research Council score ≥ M4) and 2.5 kg of elbow flexion strength measured on a dynamometer. The strength was 3.8 kg (2.7 to 55) for partial plexus injuries and 1.6 kg (0.3 to 1.5) for complete plexus injuries. For partial injuries, active elbow flexion was 128° and extension -38°, versus 103° and -23° for complete injuries. The average DASH score was 42 for partial injuries and 32 for complete injuries. Free Gracilis muscle transfer is a challenging technique that leads to reproducible and encouraging results, but has vascular failure rate that cannot be ignored. When compared to published results, our series provides similar results to primary suturing performed within 6 months for cases of complete paralysis and within 12 months for cases of C5C6C7 partial paralysis; our series was better for cases beyond 12 months.

Complicaciones de la arteria poplítea tras la artroplastia total de rodilla

Arterial complications after total knee arthroplasty have an incidence of 0.25%, but the risk to the limb requires aggressive management. We present three cases of popliteal lesions after such surgery. One was a case of acute ischaemia due to popliteal thrombosis managed by an autologous vein by-pass. The second case consisted of a popliteal pseudoaneurysm with symptoms of knee pain and late functional impotence treated with a venous patch. The last case consisted of a non-occlusive intimal dissection managed with conservative treatment. In agreement with published data we believe that an early diagnosis and aggressive treatment of acute arterial thrombosis secondary to knee arthroplasty is necessary, surgical by-pass has the best results. Endovascular technics for popliteal pseudoaneurysm have good results, but due to the lack of long-term follow it is difficult to generalise their indication. Lastly, there is a group of non- occlusive, asymptomatic lesions which can be conservatively managed.

Trombólisis con dosis bajas de factor activador de plasminógeno en niños

ObjectiveTo analyse the efficacy and side effects of low doses of tissue plasminogen activator for the treatment of acute arterial and/or venous thrombosis in children. Patients and methodsProspective observational clinical study. 18 children between 1 months and 11 years treated with low doses (0.01-0.06mg/kg/h) of continuous intravenous thrombolytic therapy with t-PA were studied. ResultsA total of 94% of patients improved with low doses t-PA (72% complete resolution of the thrombosis and 22% partial resolution). One patient suffered a severe haemorrhage secondary to t-Pa and had to stop the treatment. The incidence of severe side effects was low (5%) ConclusionsThrombolytic therapy with low doses of t-PA (0.01-0.05mg/kg/h) is effective in a high percentage of children with acute arterial and/or venous thrombosis and produces a relatively low frequency of side effects.

Treatment of Early Hepatic Artery Thrombosis After Liver Transplantation

Introduction Early hepatic artery thrombosis remains one of the major causes of graft failure and mortality in liver transplant recipients. It is the most frequent severe vascular complication after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) accounting for >50% of all arterial complications. Most patients need to be considered for urgent liver retransplantation. Materials and Methods Among 911 OLTs in 862 from 1989 to 2011, we observed 23 cases (2.6%) of acute early hepatic artery thrombosis. Seventeen patients were qualified immediately for liver retransplantation, and 6 underwent endovascular therapies, including intra-arterial heparin infusion or percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with stent placement. Results Among patients who were assigned to early liver retransplantation, 11/17 survived with 3 succumbling due to postoperative complications, including 1 portal vein thrombosis, and 3 succumbling on the waiting list. All patients who underwent endovascular therapy survived with an excellent result obtained in 1 who underwent treatment <24 hours after arterial thrombosis. In 2 patients we achieved a satisfactory result not requiring retransplantation, but 3 patients assigned to endovascular treatment >24 hours after arterial thrombosis needed to be reassigned to liver retransplantation because of poor results of endovascular treatment. Conclusions Endovascular treatment efforts should be made to rescue liver grafts through urgent revascularization depending on the patient's condition and the interventional expertise at the transplant center, reserving the option of retransplantation for graft failure or severe dysfunction.

Cardiovascular Evaluation before Renal Transplantation

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at increased risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, related in large part to the particularly high burden of coronary artery disease (CAD) in this patient group ([1][1]). Furthermore, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death after

Thrombin‐inhibiting perfluorocarbon nanoparticles provide a novel strategy for the treatment and magnetic resonance imaging of acute thrombosis

As a regulator of the penultimate step in the coagulation cascade, thrombin represents a principal target of direct and specific anticoagulants. A potent thrombin inhibitor complexed with a colloidal nanoparticle was devised as a first-in-class anticoagulant with prolonged and highly localized therapeutic impact conferred by its multivalent thrombin-absorbing particle surface. PPACK (Phe[D]-Pro-Arg-Chloromethylketone) was secured covalently to the surface of perfluorocarbon-core nanoparticle structures. PPACK and PPACK nanoparticle inhibition of thrombin were assessed in vitro via thrombin activity against a chromogenic substrate. In vivo antithrombotic activity of PPACK, heparin, non-functionalized nanoparticles and PPACK nanoparticles was assessed through intravenous (i.v.) administration prior to acute photochemical injury of the common carotid artery. Perfluorocarbon particle retention in extracted carotid arteries from injured mice was assessed via (19) F magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and imaging (MRI) at 11.7 T. Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) measurements determined the systemic effects of the PPACK nanoparticles at various times after injection. An optical assay verified that PPACK nanoparticles exceeded PPACK's intrinsic activity against thrombin. Application of an in vivo acute arterial thrombosis model demonstrated that PPACK nanoparticles outperformed both heparin (P=0.001) and uncomplexed PPACK (P = 0.0006) in inhibiting thrombosis. (19) F MRS confirmed that PPACK nanoparticles specifically bound to sites of acute thrombotic injury. APTT normalized within 20 min of PPACK nanoparticles injection. PPACK nanoparticles present thrombin-inhibiting surfaces at sites of acutely forming thrombi that continue to manifest local clot inhibition even as systemic effects rapidly diminish and thus represent a new platform for localized control of acute thrombosis.

A case of acute aortic thrombosis after cisplatin-based chemotherapy

Cisplatin-based therapy is associated with various toxicities, including renal failure and neuropathy. However, acute arterial thrombosis is also a possible toxic effect of cisplatin, one that has been documented in a few cases worldwide. Here we present a rare case of ascending aortic thrombosis occurring 9 days after cisplatin-based chemotherapy in a 74-year-old male who was diagnosed with malignant pleural effusion suggestive of non-small cell lung cancer. The patient did not have any predisposing factor for the occurrence of an aortic thrombus before cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Thus, we suggest that the hypercoagulable state occurred secondary to cisplatin-based chemotherapy and was additive to the malignancy itself, causing aortic thrombosis. The patient was treated successfully with low-molecular-weight heparin and warfarin.

Glasgow Coma Scale Does Not Predict Outcome Post-Intra-Arterial Treatment for Basilar Artery Thrombosis

Evidence to guide patient selection for IA therapy in acute basilar artery thrombosis is lacking. The GCS is frequently used as a selection criterion, based on the view that higher GCS correlates with better neurologic outcome. This view has not been systematically studied. We hypothesize that low GCS does not correlate with poor outcome and that it should not preclude IA therapy. We included 40 consecutive patients with basilar artery thrombosis treated with IA therapy. Clinical characteristics, GCS, time to intervention, and postprocedural TIMI scores were collected. Recanalization was defined as TIMI grade 2 or 3; clinical outcome was measured by 90-day mRS. Median patient age was 63.5 years. Most presented with gaze palsies (67.5%) or hemiparesis (45%). Median GCS was 9, the median time to intervention was 7.2 hours, and recanalization rate was 82.5%. Good neurologic outcome (mRS ≤ 1) occurred in 30%. There was no correlation between GCS and 90-day mRS (Spearman ρ - 0.174, P = .283). Equal numbers of patients with good neurologic outcome of mRS ≤ 1 (n = 12) had a GCS of ≤6 or >6. In those with GCS ≤ 6 for >3 hours, 33.3% had good neurologic outcome-a similar rate to that of the overall cohort. Statistical significance was demonstrated between time to IA therapy within 6 hours and mRS ≤ 2. Low GCS score did not correlate with poor neurologic outcome in patients with acute basilar artery thrombosis managed with IA therapy. It is not appropriate to exclude patients from IA therapy on the basis of low GCS.

Response to Letter Regarding Article “Flow-Diverter Stent for the Endovascular Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms: A Prospective Study in 29 Patients With 34 Aneurysms”

Response: In response to Pierot,1 we would offer the following: We agree with the author about most comments. However, we believe that several points must be emphasized: 1. There are only 2 other series that have evaluated the use of the Silk flow-diverter stent.2,3 In both studies, the overall complication rate is quite high and is comparable to ours. Kulcsar et al3 have reported a 33% complication rate with 1 acute parent artery thrombosis and 3 delayed thromboembolic events …

Clinical results of limb salvage operation with major vascular reconstruction for sarcomas of extremities

Objective To determine the feasibility of limb salvage with major vascular reconstruction for sarcomas of extremities, focusing on the early complications, oncological and functional outcomes.Methods Between August 2004 and June 2009, 13 patients （mean age 38 years, range 14-63 years） underwent wide resection of upper and lower extremity sarcomas to include the involved arterial and venous segments. 4 patients had bone sarcomas and 9 soft tissue sarcomas, 6 patients only had underwent artery replacement and the other 7 had underwent both artery and vein. 8 resected vessels were reconstructed with vascular graft and 5 with ipsilateral or contralateral saphenous vein. Results No patient suffered from reperfusion injury and infection. The patient with osteosarcoma in proximal humerus had suffered acute arterial graft thrombosis at first day postoperatively; however, the limb was salvaged after successful thrombectomy. 5 of 8 patients with synthetic graft developed minor delayed wound healing and hematoma, but the other 5 patients with autologous saphenous vein replacement did not. The mean follow-up was 19.4 months （7-45months）. One patient died of pulmonary metastasis; the patient with osteosarcoma in proximal humerus had developed local recurrence, but refused amputation and was alive with metastasis. No arterial occlusion was observed at final follow-up or at the time of death, but the patency of artery and vein was 100% and 28.6%respectively. One patient who has pulmonary metastases before operation died of metastases 7.5 months after operation. Four patients developed pulmonary metastases, therefore, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that 2-year overall and metastasis-free survival rate was 90.9% and 63.6% respectively. Functional status were judged as good or excellent （mean MSTS score 72%） in 12 of 13 patients. Conclusion The study indicate that malignant involvement of major vessels is not a contraindication for limb-salvage. Vascular reconstruction is a feasible option in limb salvage surgery. Wide resection with vascular reconstruction provide acceptable oncological and functional outcome of limb salvage. Key words: Sarcoma; Angioplasty; Blood vessel prosthesis; Graft occlusion, vascular

Observational study of nonogenarians undergoing emergency, non-trauma surgery

BackgroundNonagenarian population is growing, and so is the number of them needing emergency surgery. Yet, their treatment is often based on the outcomes of younger patients: although old age is known to be a risk factor for surgery, its level is not clear. This is a prospective, observational study to describe the population. It is aimed at providing quantified scientific evidence of the current procedures and their outcomes. MethodsAll non-traumatic nonagenarians who underwent surgery between July 2006 and September 2010 in our University Hospital were recruited and followed up over a month after discharge. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed. ResultsOf the approximately 12 660 surgical emergencies, 102 were nonagenarians: 69.6% were women, who mostly had an ASA score III (62.7%). Perioperative morbidity and mortality rates of 61.6% [95% confidence interval (CI): 52.33–71.19%] and 35.3% (95% CI: 26.01–44.57%), respectively, were found statistically associated with preoperative neoplasms. The most frequent causes of surgery were acute limb arterial thrombosis (20), incarcerated hernia (17), and bowel occlusion (14). Confusion, renal failure, and abdominal problems accounted for the most frequent causes of morbidity. Among them, abdominal complications, cardiogenic pulmonary oedema, aspiration, stroke, and renal failure were associated with mortality. ConclusionsThe study gave scientific support and actual figures to many intuitive beliefs: morbidity and mortality are high and are associated with many preoperative comorbidities. All this, combined with an already reduced life expectancy, and a presumably low physiological reserve makes these patients particularly vulnerable to emergency surgery.

Acute thrombosis of the superior mesenteric artery in a 39-year-old woman with protein-S deficiency: a case report

IntroductionAcute thromboembolic occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery is a condition with an unfavorable prognosis. Treatment of this condition is focused on early diagnosis, surgical or intravascular restoration of blood flow to the ischemic intestine, surgical resection of the necrotic bowel and supportive intensive care. In this report, we describe a case of a 39-year-old woman who developed a small bowel infarct because of an acute thrombotic occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery, also involving the splenic artery.Case presentationA 39-year-old Caucasian woman presented with acute abdominal pain and signs of intestinal occlusion. The patient was given an abdominal computed tomography scan and ultrasonography in association with Doppler ultrasonography, highlighting a thrombosis of the celiac trunk, of the superior mesenteric artery, and of the splenic artery. She immediately underwent an explorative laparotomy, and revascularization was performed by thromboendarterectomy with a Fogarty catheter. In the following postoperative days, she was given a scheduled second and third look, evidencing necrotic jejunal and ileal handles. During all the surgical procedures, we performed intraoperative Doppler ultrasound of the superior mesenteric artery and celiac trunk to control the arterial flow without evidence of a new thrombosis.ConclusionAcute mesenteric ischemia is a rare abdominal emergency that is characterized by a high mortality rate. Generally, acute mesenteric ischemia is due to an impaired blood supply to the intestine caused by thromboembolic phenomena. These phenomena may be associated with a variety of congenital prothrombotic disorders. A prompt diagnosis is a prerequisite for successful treatment. The treatment of choice remains laparotomy and thromboendarterectomy, although some prefer an endovascular approach. A second-look laparotomy could be required to evaluate viable intestinal handles. Some authors support a laparoscopic second-look. The possibility of evaluating the arteriotomy, during a repeated laparotomy with a Doppler ultrasound, is crucial to show a new thrombosis. Although the prognosis of acute mesenteric ischemia due to an acute arterial mesenteric thrombosis remains poor, a prompt diagnosis, aggressive surgical treatment and supportive intensive care unit could improve the outcome for patients with this condition.

Acute Arterial Thrombosis after Covered Stent Exclusion of Bleeding Mycotic Pseudoaneurysm: Treatment Using Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis

Conventional absolute contraindications to catheter-directed thrombolysis include active or recent hemorrhage and the presence of local vascular infection, both of which increase the risk of procedure-related complications such as bleeding and systemic sepsis. For this reason, lytic therapy of arterial thromboembolism under these circumstances is generally precluded. Herein, we describe a unique case of safe catheter-directed lysis of an acutely thrombosed iliac artery following covered stent placement for treatment of an actively bleeding infected pseudoaneurysm. Our management approach is discussed.

Primitive neuroectodermal tumor/Ewing’s sarcoma of the urinary bladder: a case report and its molecular diagnosis

We report a rare case of primitive neuroectodermal tumor/Ewing's sarcoma (PNET/ES) arising from the urinary bladder. A 65-year-old man presented with hematuria and dysuria. Computed tomography revealed an enlarged invasive tumor at the base of the bladder. No additional abnormal findings were disclosed by other diagnostic imaging methods. The surgical specimens showed small round cell tumor with positive staining for MIC2 gene product (CD99). EWS-FLI1 fusion transcripts were detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing, confirming the diagnosis of PNET/ES. The patient developed swollen pelvic lymph nodes as well as multiple lung metastases at 8months postoperatively. No effective results could be obtained even with systemic chemotherapy consisting of vincristine, ifosfamide, doxorubicin and etoposide (VIDE) based on the EUROpean Ewing tumour Working Initiative of National Groups 1999 (EURO-E.W.I.N.G. 99) multinational trial. The patient died of acute superior mesenteric artery thrombosis at 22months postoperatively. PNET/ES could have been included in past cases of small cell carcinoma because of the difficulty in its differential diagnosis. Exact diagnosis is crucial for deciding the treatment strategy for rare bladder tumors consisting of small round cells.

Acute renal artery thrombosis treated with t-PA power-pulse spray rheolytic thrombectomy

To describe a new application of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) power-pulse spray rheolytic (pharmacomechanical) thrombectomy in the treatment of acute renal artery thrombosis. Acute renal artery thrombosis is a relatively rare, but serious condition in which it is imperative to restore perfusion as quickly as possible. Percutaneous pharmacomechanical thrombectomy technique was utilized to provide an effective means of restoring renal flow and function. We therefore present two unique cases of spontaneous and iatrogenic renal artery thromboses that were treated successfully with t-PA power-pulse spray rheolytic thrombectomy. t-PA Power-pulse spray rheolytic (pharmacomechanical) thrombectomy has the potential to be a useful means to restore perfusion and function in the setting of acute renal artery thrombosis.

Trombosis aguda de la arteria basilar

Acute basilar artery thrombosis (ABT) has been largely considered a neurological catastrophe. With conventional treatment, only around 20% of patients achieve functional independence. An early presumptive diagnosis is essential to avoid treatment delay. Either multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography angiography source images may represent valid non-invasive tools to confirm ABT and evaluate ischemic tissue viability. The main determinant of ABT outcome is early recanalization but the most effective therapeutic option remains to be clarified. The BASICS prospective registry showed no superiority of intra-arterial over intravenous thrombolysis. Therefore, in the absence of contraindications, intravenous thrombolysis should be started as soon as possible and can be used as the main therapy when interventional procedures are not available. However, recent case series have reported high rates of functional independence (50%) after staged escalation therapy (ultra-early intravenous thrombolysis followed by on-demand endovascular mechanical thrombectomy). These results represent a hope for patients and neurologists and reinforce the need for innovation and research in this field.

Cardiac Sudden Death as a Result of Acute Coronary Artery Thrombosis During Chemotherapy for Testicular Carcinoma

We report the first acute coronary fibrin thrombus arising upon atherosclerosis detected at autopsy in a man receiving chemotherapy for testicular carcinoma. The decedent was a smoker with no other known atherosclerotic risk factors. Histology revealed superficial atherosclerotic plaque erosion with endothelial necrosis and no intraplaque hemorrhage. A focus of intimal lymphoid infiltrates was noted away from the plaque. These findings raise the possibility of chemotherapy-induced vascular damage as a factor in thrombogenesis. A review of Pubmed was performed which documented clinical reports of an association of chemotherapy with acute cardiac ischemia but no well described autopsy findings. Our case highlights the need for careful assessment of the coronary system in chemotherapy patients dying suddenly, particularly in the absence of significant atherosclerotic risk factors. Such postmortem examination will ensure thorough death investigation and may elucidate the pathogenesis of thrombosis with potential reduction in cardiac ischemic risks of chemotherapy patients.

Comparison of Ultrasound Accelerated Thrombolysis Versus Simple Infusion Catheter Directed Thrombolysis for Acute Arterial Thrombosis

Comparison of Ultrasound Accelerated Thrombolysis Versus Simple Infusion Catheter Directed Thrombolysis for Acute Arterial Thrombosis

Acute left main coronary artery thrombosis due to cocaine use

It is common knowledge that cocaine has been linked to the development of various acute and chronic cardiovascular complications including acute coronary syndromes. We present a young, male patient, drug abuser who underwent CABG due to anterolateral myocardial infarction. Our presentation is one of the very rare cases reported in literature regarding acute thrombosis of left main coronary artery related to cocaine use, in a patient with normal coronary arteries, successfully operated. Drug-abusers seem to have increased mortality and morbidity after surgery and high possibility for stent thrombosis after percoutaneous coronary interventions, because of their usually terrible medical compliance and coexistent several problems of general health. There are no specific guidelines about treatment of thrombus formation in coronary arteries, as a consequence of cocaine use. So, any decision making concerning the final treatment of these patient is a unique and individualized approach. We strongly recommend that all these patients should be treated surgically, especially patients with thrombus into the left main artery.

Acute traumatic subclavian artery thrombosis and its successful repair via resection and end-to-end anastomosis

Subclavian artery thrombosis is a rare complication of clavicle fractures. We reported a 20-year-old man who was admitted to the emergency room after a road traffic accident. He was a pedestrian who was initially hit by a bus and after he fell down on the road, he was run over by a car. On evaluation, he was found to have multiple facial and rib fractures, distal right humerus and right clavicle fracture. Significantly, right radial pulse was absent. After further evaluation including Doppler studies and an angiography which revealed complete obstruction of right subclavian artery just distal to its 1st portion, the patient was urgently taken to the operation room. A midclavicular fracture was adjacent to the injured vessel. We established proximal and distal control, removed damaged part. After mobilizing the subclavian artery, an end-to-end anastomosis was made. Then open reduction and internal fixation of right distal humerus was performed. The rest of the postoperative course was unremarkable. To prevent complications of subclavian artery thrombosis, different treatment modalities can be used, including anticoagulation therapy, angioplasty, stenting and bypass procedures.