Doppler Ultrasound Findings Research Articles

Retrograde portal vein flow and transarterial chemoembolization in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma – a case–control study

Background and aims: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the most common treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In case of portal vein (PV) flow diversion, outcome may be compromised due to a decompensation of hepatic perfusion following arterial embolization. The aim of this study was to determine whether TACE in patients with retrograde PV flow results in a stronger deterioration of liver function and a poorer survival compared to patients with orthograde PV flow.Methods: A database of 606 patients treated with TACE between 2000 and 2015 at Hannover Medical School was screened for Doppler ultrasound (US) findings on PV flow prior to TACE. A total of 407 patients were identified, among which 32 patients had retrograde PV flow.Results: Patients with retrograde PV flow had significantly more often liver cirrhosis with advanced hepatic dysfunction (93.5% vs. 72.7%, p < .05). Median overall survival (OS) was 12 and 19 months in patients with retro- and orthograde PV flow, respectively (HR 1.27, p > .05). Patients with retrograde PV flow showed a trend for a shorter OS when matched for cirrhosis (12 vs. 21months, HR 1.51), Child-Pugh score/albumin-bilirubin grade (12 vs. 15 months). There was no difference in the deterioration of liver function after repeated treatments between both groups as assessed by increase of CP points and ALBI grade.Conclusions: Retrograde PV flow alone was not a significant prognostic marker, but patients with retrograde PV flow and advanced liver cirrhosis treated with TACE had a very short survival. Assessment of PV flow prior TACE may be helpful in borderline cases considered for TACE.

Distinguishing testicular torsion from torsion of the appendix testis by clinical features and signs in patients with acute scrotum.

PurposeMany physicians encounter confusion and difficulty in distinguishing testicular torsion (TT) from torsion of the appendix testis (TAT) in patients with acute scrotum because of the overlapping signs and symptoms. The objective of our study was to evaluate the clinical features and signs that can help distinguish TT from TAT.Patients and methodsWe performed a retrospective study of patients with surgically confirmed TT and TAT at our institute from January 1990 to December 2013. Clinical findings, physical examination findings, climatic conditions, laboratory data, and color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) findings were compared between the TT and TAT groups.ResultsSeventy patients were included in this study (49 with TT and 21 with TAT). Patients with TT were significantly older than those with TAT (p < 0.001). The ambient temperature at onset was significantly lower in patients with TT than in patients with TAT (p = 0.038). Testicular swelling, high-riding testes, onset during sleep, high leukocyte counts, and high creatine phosphokinase levels were significantly more common in patients with TT than with TAT (p = 0.021, 0.032, 0.006, 0.003, and 0.043, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that age and onset during sleep were significant independent factors for detection of TT. Eight patients (16.3%) underwent preoperative CDUS evaluation, and an absent or decreased blood signal in the involved testes was significantly correlated with the presence of TT (p = 0.018).ConclusionIn clinical features, age and onset during sleep might be helpful to distinguish TT from TAT. When supported by findings, urgent surgical exploration is warranted in patients with suspected TT based on symptoms and CDUS features.

Color Doppler Sonography of Merkel Cell Carcinoma.

We illustrate the color Doppler sonographic findings in primary cutaneous Merkel cell carcinoma. Eight cases (4 female and 4 male; mean age, 75.4 years) were collected. The most common affected regions were the face (63%) and the hip/buttock (25%). The mean transverse diameter and thickness were 21 and 14 mm, respectively. Fifty percent were oval, and 50% were dome shaped. All lesions were hypoechoic, with variable degrees of heterogeneity. All but 2 lesions were poorly defined. An acoustic reinforcement artifact was present in 3 and epidermal thickening in 2. All tumors had prominent and chaotic hypervascularity with arterial vessels (mean peak velocity, 11 cm/s; mean resistive index, 0.57).

Cardiovascular Events After Exposure to Nilotinib in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Long-term Follow-up.

Nilotinib is a highly effective tyrosine kinase inhibitor in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). However, reports of cardiovascular toxicities caused by nilotinib have recently raised critical concerns. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence of cardiovascular events (CVEs) and frequency of asymptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) after long-term exposure to nilotinib. In the present retrospective cohort, we evaluated the incidence of CVEs in 63 CML patients treated with nilotinib. The results of Doppler ultrasound examination of the carotid and vertebral and lower extremity arteries with ankle-brachial index measurements were collected in asymptomatic patients. The clinical outcome was a composite endpoint of PAD, acute coronary events, stroke, heart failure, and cardiovascular death. Sixty-three patients with a median age of 60 years were followed up for a median duration of 63 months. After a median nilotinib exposure of 49.30 months (range, 7.00-117.95 months), for a total exposure of 178.7 patient-years, 6 patients (9%) had experienced the clinical outcome. Four patients (8%) had abnormal arterial leg Doppler ultrasound findings. No significant lesions were reported in carotid/vertebral artery ultrasound examinations. Together, hypertension and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol > 2mmol/L significantly increased the risk of CVEs or abnormal ultrasound findings (odds ratio, 37.65; 95% confidence interval, 4.06-348.9). The incidence of CVEs and the frequency of asymptomatic PAD in this population was low, and CVEs were associated with cardiovascular risk factors. Aggressive risk factor modification and applying standard definitions for measuring cardiovascular outcomes might have contributed to the findings. Further prospective and adequately powered studies are needed to explore the effect of the cardiovascular risk profile on CVEs in CML patients taking nilotinib.

Fetal and umbilical Doppler ultrasound in high-risk pregnancies.

Abnormal blood flow patterns in fetal circulation detected by Doppler ultrasound may indicate poor fetal prognosis. It is also possible that false positive Doppler ultrasound findings could lead to adverse outcomes from unnecessary interventions, including preterm delivery. The objective of this review was to assess the effects of Doppler ultrasound used to assess fetal well-being in high-risk pregnancies on obstetric care and fetal outcomes. We updated the search of Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register on 31 March 2017 and checked reference lists of retrieved studies. Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials of Doppler ultrasound for the investigation of umbilical and fetal vessels waveforms in high-risk pregnancies compared with no Doppler ultrasound. Cluster-randomised trials were eligible for inclusion but none were identified. Two review authors independently assessed the studies for inclusion, assessed risk of bias and carried out data extraction. Data entry was checked. We assessed the quality of evidence using the GRADE approach. Nineteen trials involving 10,667 women were included. Risk of bias in trials was difficult to assess accurately due to incomplete reporting. None of the evidence relating to our main outcomes was graded as high quality. The quality of evidence was downgraded due to missing information on trial methods, imprecision in risk estimates and heterogeneity. Eighteen of these studies compared the use of Doppler ultrasound of the umbilical artery of the unborn baby with no Doppler or with cardiotocography (CTG). One more recent trial compared Doppler examination of other fetal blood vessels (ductus venosus) with computerised CTG.The use of Doppler ultrasound of the umbilical artery in high-risk pregnancy was associated with fewer perinatal deaths (risk ratio (RR) 0.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.52 to 0.98, 16 studies, 10,225 babies, 1.2% versus 1.7 %, number needed to treat (NNT) = 203; 95% CI 103 to 4352, evidence graded moderate). The results for stillbirths were consistent with the overall rate of perinatal deaths, although there was no clear difference between groups for this outcome (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.04; 15 studies, 9560 babies, evidence graded low). Where Doppler ultrasound was used, there were fewer inductions of labour (average RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.99, 10 studies, 5633 women, random-effects, evidence graded moderate) and fewer caesarean sections (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.84 to 0.97, 14 studies, 7918 women, evidence graded moderate). There was no comparative long-term follow-up of babies exposed to Doppler ultrasound in pregnancy in women at increased risk of complications.No difference was found in operative vaginal births (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.14, four studies, 2813 women), nor in Apgar scores less than seven at five minutes (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.24, seven studies, 6321 babies, evidence graded low). Data for serious neonatal morbidity were not pooled due to high heterogeneity between the three studies that reported it (1098 babies) (evidence graded very low).The use of Doppler to evaluate early and late changes in ductus venosus in early fetal growth restriction was not associated with significant differences in any perinatal death after randomisation. However, there was an improvement in long-term neurological outcome in the cohort of babies in whom the trigger for delivery was either late changes in ductus venosus or abnormalities seen on computerised CTG. Current evidence suggests that the use of Doppler ultrasound on the umbilical artery in high-risk pregnancies reduces the risk of perinatal deaths and may result in fewer obstetric interventions. The results should be interpreted with caution, as the evidence is not of high quality. Serial monitoring of Doppler changes in ductus venosus may be beneficial, but more studies of high quality with follow-up including neurological development are needed for evidence to be conclusive.

Persistent fetal lobulation of kidney mimicking renal tumour

Renal pseudotumour is a term coined to describe conditions of renal anatomic variants that simulate focal renal pathology like a tumour on ultrasonography. These include persistent fetal lobulation, hypertrophy of...

Acute Idiopathic Scrotal Oedema - Differential Diagnosis of the Acute Scrotum

Acute idiopathic scrotal edema (AISE) is regarded as a rare cause of scrotal pain, swelling and erythema. Testicular torsion, torsion of the appendage, epididymitis, hernia and hydrocele are the most common causes of acute scrotum. The clinical symptoms of AISE are usually mild and the characteristic Doppler sonography findings make it a valuable differential diagnosis, which can help to avoid unnecessary exploration.

Mean velocity and peak systolic velocity can help determine ischaemic and non-ischaemic priapism

To determine the threshold waveform characteristics at Doppler ultrasound (DUS) to differentiate between ischaemic and non-ischaemic priapism. Fifty-two patients were categorised into "ischaemic" and "non-ischaemic" types based on clinical and blood-gas findings: 10 patients with non-ischaemic priapism; 20 with ischaemic priapism before surgical shunt placement and 22 with ischaemic priapism after surgical shunt placement. DUS traces were analysed: peak systolic velocity (PSV) and mean velocity (MV) were calculated. Histological samples were obtained at the time of surgery. Three clinical outcome groups were defined: (1) normal, (2) regular use of pharmacostimulation, and (3) refractory dysfunction/penile implant. All non-ischaemic priapism cases had a PSV >50cm/s and all but one had an MV of >6.5cm/s. In pre-surgery ischaemic cases, all men had a PSV <50cm/s and MV <6.5cm/s. Two flow patterns were observed in this group: PSV <25cm/s in all men scanned before needle aspiration; and in 6/14 after needle aspiration, a high velocity/high resistance (low net inflow) pattern, with peak systolic flows >22cm/s but diastolic reversal. In post-surgery ischaemic priapism, flow parameters overlapped with the non-ischaemic group. PSV/MV did not predict clinical outcome or histology. In the present cohort, PSV <50cm/s and MV <6.5cm/s were predictive of ischaemic priapism (pre-shunt; p<0.01). Patients with ischaemic priapism may show PSV >22cm/s, but have diastolic reversal and therefore low net perfusion. Post-shunt, DUS findings were extremely variable and did not predict histology or clinical outcome.

Diagnosis of Carcinoma Prostate Based on Transrectal Ultrasound Doppler Findings Validated Against Transrectal Ultrasound Guided Biopsy

Diagnosis of Carcinoma Prostate Based on Transrectal Ultrasound Doppler Findings Validated Against Transrectal Ultrasound Guided Biopsy

Efficacy and safety of Ginkgo biloba standardized extract in the treatment of vascular cognitive impairment: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

ObjectivesThe aim of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was to determine the efficacy and safety of Ginkgo biloba extract in patients diagnosed with vascular cognitive impairment (VCI).MethodsA total of 90 patients (aged 67.1±8.0 years; 59 women) were randomly allocated (1:1:1) to receive G. biloba 120 mg, G. biloba 60 mg, or placebo during a 6-month period. Assessment was made for efficacy indicators, including neuropsychological tests scores (Sandoz Clinical Assessment Geriatric Scale, Folstein Mini-Mental State Examination, Mattis Dementia Rating Scale, and Clinical Global Impression) and transcranial Doppler ultrasound findings. Safety indicators included laboratory findings, reported adverse reactions, and clinical examination.ResultsAt the end of 6-month study period, G. biloba 120 and 60 mg showed a statistically significant positive effect in comparison with placebo only on the Clinical Global Impression score (2.6±0.8 vs 3.1±0.7 vs 2.8±0.7, respectively; P=0.038). The Clinical Global Impression score showed a significant deterioration from the baseline values in the placebo group (−0.3±0.5; P=0.021) as opposed to G. biloba groups. No significant differences were found in the transcranial Doppler ultrasound findings. Adverse reactions were significantly more common and serious in the placebo group (16 subjects) than in either of the two G. biloba extract groups (eight and nine subjects, respectively), whereas laboratory findings and clinical examinations revealed no differences between the groups receiving G. biloba extract and placebo.ConclusionAccording to our results, G. biloba seemed to slow down the cognitive deterioration in patients with VCI, but the effect was shown in only one of the four neuropsychological tests administered. However, because of this mild effect in combination with a few adverse reactions, we cannot say that it is ineffective or unsafe either. Further studies are still needed to provide unambiguous evidence on the efficacy and safety of G. biloba extract.

Sonography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Characteristics of Testicular Adrenal Rest Tumors.

SummaryBackgroundThe aim of this study was to describe the gray-scale and color Doppler ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features of testicular adrenal rest tumors (TART) in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia.Material/MethodsForty-one patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia were evaluated by gray-scale and color Doppler ultrasonography. Totally eighteen adrenal rest tumors in 9 patients were diagnosed TART on US and MR imaging. Gray-scale and color Doppler US and MR findings of the patients were documented.ResultsA total of eighteen masses were evaluated in nine patients. The mean age of these patients was 14.3±4.5 (range 10.1–23.3) years. US revealed hypoechoic lesions around the mediastinum testis with hypervascularity dispersing in ten patients and hypovascularity in two patients. In six patients, the lesions were hyperechoic with poor vascularity. Lesions exhibited homogeneous (n=8) and heterogeneous (n=10). Testicular microlithiasis was present in 4 of 9 patients with TART. Doppler ultrasound showed normal testicular vessels passing through the mass which were undisturbed, not displaced and not change in caliber. MRI features were the following: all lesions were hypointense on T2- and hyperintense (n=12) and isointense (n=6) on T1-weighted images. All masses revealed homogeneous contrast enhancement on postcontrast T1-weighted images.ConclusionsUltrasonography and MRI are good methods for detecting and monitoring TART. US is the first preferable modality because it is quick and cheap than MRI. Bilateral mostly hypoechoic lesions depicted around the mediastinum testis with no mass effect is highly suggestive for the diagnosis of testicular adrenal rest tissues on ultrasonography. Normal testicular vessels coursing through the lesions undisturbed and not change in caliber is described specific for this kind of tumors.

Pulsed Umbilical Artery Doppler Ultrasound Findings in Management of High-Risk Term Pregnant Women during Labour

Purpose: Intrapartum Doppler velocimetry is a non-invasive investigation method. This method is useful for evaluating the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying changes in fetal heart rate. This study aimed to determine the usefulness of Doppler ultrasound findings during labor in high-risk women on determining the mode of delivery and outcome of the newborn. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015 on 100 high-risk pregnant women during labor. The study was performed in the Maternity Teaching Hospital in Erbil City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. Results: The majority of women (77%) had a normal end-diastolic blood flow pattern through the umbilical artery. A total of 76.9% of those with abnormal Doppler results had a Cesarean delivery compared with only 9.5% of those with normal Doppler results (p < 0.001). The rate of early neonatal death was significantly higher (15.4%) in women with abnormal Doppler results than in those with normal Doppler results (1.4%, p = 0. 016). Admission to the neonatal intensive care unit was significantly more frequent in women with abnormal Doppler results than in those with normal Doppler results (61.5% vs. 17.6, p < 0.001). The same pattern was seen in the Apgar score in the first (p = 0.07) and fifth minutes (p = 0.01). Conclusions: Abnormal umbilical artery Doppler ultrasound findings in high-risk pregnancies for women in labor are associated with increased rates of emergency cesarean sections and a poor outcome of the newborn.

Is the unaffected eye really unaffected? Color Doppler ultrasound findings in unilaterally active central serous chorioretinopathy.

To evaluate ocular hemodynamic changes using color Doppler ultrasonography imaging (CDI) with an emphasis on unaffected eyes of patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Twenty-seven patients with active CSC and 25 controls were analyzed using spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and CDI for choroidal imaging and evaluation of retrobulbar vessels, respectively. Resistive index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), and peak systolic velocity (PSV) of the ophthalmic artery (OA) and PSV, end-diastolic velocity (EDV), and mean velocity (Vmean) of the central retinal artery (CRA) in the patient group were less than those in the control group. RI and PI of the CRA were greater in the patient group compared to the control group. RI, PI, PSV, and Vmean of the OA and PSV, EDV, and Vmean of the CRA in the patients' unaffected eyes were less than those in the control group. OCT measurements of central choroidal thickness (CCT) of the affected eyes in the patient group were significantly greater than those of the unaffected eyes in the patient and control groups; that of the unaffected eyes was greater than that in the control group. Hemodynamic changes in OA reflect choroidal hyperperfusion. Hemodynamic and OCT changes in the unaffected eyes of the patient group suggest CSC as a bilateral disorder and the systemic nature of the disease. Further investigations may aid in the evaluation of treatment response and the follow-up of disease, providing a new insight into management strategies.

Complicated IVC anomalies: Are they more common than we thought? An experience of 100 MDCT venography examinations

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to monitor the incidence of complicated inferior vena cava (IVC) anomalies and evaluate the role of Multidetector Computed Tomographic Venography (MDCTV) in diagnosis and assessment of associated venous collaterals, lower limb deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or varicose veins (VV). Patients and methodsDuring two years duration 100 patients with clinical history and complains suggesting of DVT or VV were prospectively evaluated after performance of MDCTV examination. The images obtained were interpreted and reconstructed using dedicated software and work stations. Results were correlated with Color Doppler Ultrasound (CDUS) findings. ResultsOut of 100 cases, 9 cases (9%) were diagnosed to have complicated IVC anomalies while 91 cases (91%) had either well developed IVC or common anatomical variations. 6 cases (66.7%) had complicated IVC anomalies and 3 cases (33.3%) had associated complicated common iliac veins (CIV) anomalies. 8 cases (88.9%) had associated DVT and all cases (100%) had bilateral VV. 2 cases (22.2%) had associated varicocele and 1 case (11.1%) had associated KILT syndrome. ConclusionMDCT venography examination has a major role in diagnosis of complicated IVC anomalies and detection of associated venous collaterals, lower limb DVT or VV.

Successful conservative treatment of cervical pregnancy with uterine artery embolization followed by curettage: a report of 19 cases.

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of uterine artery embolization (UAE) followed by curettage for conservative management of cervical pregnancy. Retrospective review. Peking University First Hospital. Patients with cervical pregnancy diagnosed by trans-vaginal ultrasound at Peking University First Hospital between January 2003 and December 2014. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical background and outcomes of patients with cervical pregnancy who underwent UAE followed by curettage for prevention of massive vaginal bleeding and removal of gestational tissue from the cervix. We also reviewed the literature on the role of UAE in the treatment of cervical pregnancy. Clinical assessments included gestational age, gravidity, endocervical canal mass, serum beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (β-HCG) level, blood loss, hospitalisation stay and expenses, time of resumption of menstruation and subsequent pregnancy outcomes. A total of 19 patients with cervical pregnancy treated with UAE followed by curettage were identified. Curettage was performed 24-72hours after UAE in 16 patients, within 24hours after UAE in three patients. None of the patients underwent a hysterectomy as a result of cervical pregnancy. Of the nine patients with available follow-up information (median follow-up time 59months), eight resumed normal menstruation and one had a term pregnancy with a normal vaginal delivery. Quick regression of serum β-HCG level, low blood loss and short hospital stay were observed. UAE combined with curettage is a safe, effective and fertility-sparing choice for treatment of patients with cervical pregnancy. A serial of 19 patients with cervical pregnancy treated with UAE followed by curettage showed a good prognosis.

Effects of Hypoplastic Fetal Umbilical Artery on Doppler Findings For Common Iliac Arteries

Background: The umbilical cord contains two arteries and one vein. Normally, the diameters of umbilical arteries are close in size, but this may vary, as one umbilical artery may be considerably smaller or more hypoplastic than the other. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of hypoplastic umbilical arteries on Doppler ultrasonography (US) findings for the common iliac arteries (CIAs), such as the pulsatility index (PI) and resistive index (RI) values, and to investigate the associations between hypoplastic fetal umbilical arteries and placental, umbilical cord, and fetal pathologies. Patients and Methods: Doppler US was performed on 165 pregnant women between 18 and 22 weeks of gestation, and again between 27 and 37 weeks of gestation. The umbilical artery diameters and both CIA flow parameters (PI and RI) were measured during these visits. The presence of a diameter difference of greater than 25% (95th percentile) between the two umbilical arteries was accepted as a hypoplastic umbilical artery. Results: Eleven of the 165 patients (6.7%) demonstrated a hypoplastic umbilical artery. Second-trimester US showed median dominant and non-dominant CIA PI values of 1.43 and 1.60 (P = 0.062), respectively, and median dominant and non-dominant CIA RI values of 0.80 and 0.85 (P < 0.001), respectively, in the hypoplastic umbilical artery group. Third-trimester US showed median dominant and non-dominant CIA PI values of 1.24 and 1.66 (P = 0.062), respectively, and median dominant and non-dominant CIA RI values of 0.73 and 0.82 (P = 0.002), respectively, in the hypoplastic umbilical artery group. We did not observe an association between hypoplastic umbilical arteries and placental, umbilical cord, or fetal pathologies. Conclusion: Our study revealed that the hypoplastic umbilical artery group’s non-dominant CIA had higher RI values than the contralateral dominant CIA.

Correlation of Ocular Pulse Amplitude, Choroidal Thickness, and Internal Carotid Artery Doppler Ultrasound Findings in Normal Eyes

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The choroid receives about 65–85% of ocular blood flow, which comes from the ophthalmic artery (OA), the first branch of the internal carotid artery (ICA). In the foveal avascular zone, there is no retinal vascular supply; therefore, choroidal blood supply plays a significant role in this subfoveal region. The ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) provides useful information about intraocular blood flow and is an indirect indicator of choroidal perfusion. In this study, we aimed to assess the correlation between the OPA, subfoveal choroidal thickness (CT), and ICA Doppler ultrasound findings in healthy eyes. Methods: In total, 48 eyes of 48 healthy volunteers were included in this study. All eyes underwent detailed ophthalmic evaluation, including slit-lamp biomicroscopy, fundus examination, axial length, OPA measurements, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) with enhanced depth imaging mode. Carotid Doppler ultrasound examination was performed by the radiologist. The correlation between the OPA, subfoveal CT, and ICA Doppler findings [peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end-diastolic velocity (EDV)] were evaluated, considering gender and age. Results: The mean OPA was 3.06 ± 1.34 mmHg. The mean subfoveal CT was 305.85 ± 33.98 µm. The mean PSV and EDV of ICA were 73.25 ± 23.63 cm/s and 26.93 ± 13.42 cm/s, respectively. A moderate positive correlation was found between OPA and subfoveal CT (p = 0.001; rho = 0.481). This relationship was present in both men and women. While a positive correlation was found between the OPA and subfoveal CT in subjects under the age of 50 years, there was no correlation in those over the age of 50 years. Conclusions: A fair correlation was found between the OPA and subfoveal CT in healthy subjects under the age of 50.

Ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (Onyx®) transarterial embolization for post-traumatic high-flow priapism

We report a case of high-flow priapism treated successfully with superselective embolization of the cavernous artery. A 16-year-old male developed post-traumatic priapism subsequent to a fall causing blunt perineal trauma. He presented to our hospital four days after trauma. Immediately after the injury, he suffered painless sustained incomplete erection. High-flow priapism was diagnosed on the basis of color doppler ultrasonography findings. Computed tomography scan showed a high-flow arterio-venous fistula with feeders from branches of the right internal iliac artery. Selective arteriography of the right internal pudendal artery demonstrated an arterio-cavernous fistula. The fistula was superselectively embolized with ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (Onyx(®)) liquid agent and disappeared completely. Improvement was noted, with significant detumescence on table. This was later confirmed on repeat color Doppler imaging. At follow-up 3 months later, he had normal erectile function. To our knowledge, transarterial embolization of high-flow priapism with Onyx(®) has never been reported and appears to be a safe and effective treatment for managing patients with such a condition.

Diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia

The efficacy and safety of the Russian phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor sildenafil-C3 in combination with a natural complex of the Russian multicomponent dietary supplement (DS) Erectogenon were investigated in 75 patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Clinical and Doppler ultrasound examinations revealed moderate ED in 34 study group patients who had received combined treatment with sildenafil and the DS Erectogenon for 4 weeks. In the same perod, 21 patients from a comparative group (Group 2) had taken sildenafil only and 20 patients from a comparative group (Group 3) had used the natural biocomplex DS Erectogenon only. The investigation revealed mild ED in the patients from Groups 2 and 3. The immediate and late treatment results were assessed 4 and 12 weeks after the end of treatment, respectively. Combined therapy with sildenafil + Erectogenon was found to statistically significantly enhance its efficiency and to improve quality of sexual life in 85.3 % of the study group patients who had moderate ED. This patient group had a more marked positive clinical effect (a mean increase in erection quality by 7.0 scores by the International Index of Erectile Function, a rise in penile blood flow by 3.5 times, and a reduction in the International Prostatitis Symptom Index by 5 scores). Sildenafiil-C3 or Erectogenon monotherapy provided a lower effect in the comparative groups. The findings confirm that combined therapy with the Russian drugs sildenafil-C3 and DS Erectogenon is effective, safe, and well-compatible and causes no adverse reactions and the synergism of the components of the biocomplex DS Erectogenon prolongs the effect of daily low-dose sildenafil. The combined treatment may be recommended for the treatment of ED in patients with BPH, for this affects the pathogenesis of the disease, alleviates the progression of ED, and improves their quality of life. The treatment should be used in moderate ED and moderate reductions in urodynamic symptoms, by keeping in mind penile and prostatic Doppler ultrasound findings.

Three-dimensional Doppler ultrasound findings in healthy wrist and finger tendon sheaths - can feeding vessels lead to misinterpretation in Doppler-detected tenosynovitis?

BackgroundThe aim was to investigate the presence of feeding vessels in or in close proximity to extensor and flexor tendon sheaths at the wrists level and in finger flexor tendon sheaths in healthy controls, using 3D ultrasound (US), which may cause pitfalls, in order to ensure correct interpretation of Doppler signals when diagnosing tenosynovitis.MethodForty healthy participants (20 women and 20 men age 23-67 years) without prior history of arthritis, tendon diseases or present pain in their hands were included. Twenty participants had 3D Doppler US of the second and third finger and twenty of the right wrist. US was carried out using a GE Logiq E9 unit with a 3D US probe. The colour Doppler settings were to published recommendation.ResultsThe feeding vessels in or in close proximity to the tendon sheaths were found in the flexor and extensor tendons sheaths at least once in each participant. No significant difference in feeding vessels was seen between the radial and carpal level in the wrist (p = 0.06) or between the second and third flexor tendon sheath (p = 0.84).ConclusionDoppler findings in or in close proximity to the tendon sheaths were common in wrists and fingers in healthy participants. These feeding vessels can be a source of error, not only due to their presence but also because they may be interpreted as being inside the tendon sheath due to blooming and reverberations artefacts. These vessels should be taken into consideration when diagnosing Doppler tenosynovitis.