Doppler Ultrasound Evaluation Research Articles

Evaluation of Clinical and Ultrasound Changes With the Use of Microneedling Versus Fractional CO2 Laser in Atrophic Acne Scars

Introduction: Atrophic acne scarring, a common sequela of acne, can be treated by different interventions, including microneedling and laser resurfacing. Objectives: We sought to evaluate the comparative efficacy of microneedling versus fractional CO2 laser in treating atrophic acne facial scars using clinical outcomes and imaging with high and ultra-high frequency ultrasound. Methods: Participants received 2 sessions, separated by 1 month, of microneedling on the left side of the face and fractional CO2 laser on the right. Clinical and color Doppler ultrasound evaluations (24 and 70 MHz) were conducted at baseline and 3 months after treatment. Each patient completed questionnaires on satisfaction, pain, and adverse effects. Results: Nine subjects were enrolled. The frequency order of scar types was boxcar, ice pick, and rolling. At 3 months, a decrease in scar scores was observed for total scars using ECCA scale (p= 0,0005), ice pick scars (p= 0.0128), and rolling scars (p= 0.0007). Both treatments were rated as good or very good by patient assessments. There was a low frequency of pain and hyperpigmentation reported with both modalities, albeit somewhat higher with microneedling. Twenty-two scars analyzed by ultrasound demonstrated a trend to decrease in size; however, no significant changes were observed for either microneedling or CO2 laser treatments. Moreover, there were no significant differences between these methods. Conclusion: Both microneedling and CO2 laser improved atrophic acne scars. Ultrasound did not show significant differences between these modalities.

Radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of great saphenous venous insufficiency using a newly developed VENISTAR catheter: A preliminary study.

This study was aimed to assess the preliminary outcomes of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) using a newly developed catheter (VENISTAR) for the treatment of incompetent great saphenous veins (GSVs). In this prospective observational study, endovenous RFA using a VENISTAR catheter was performed on 16 saphenous veins in 12 patients between August and November 2019. Patients' pre- and post-procedural data were recorded. Doppler ultrasound imaging and clinical evaluation were performed at 1week and 1, 3, and 6months to determine the efficacy and safety of the treatment. Technical success and complete closure of the targeted GSVs immediately after the procedure were observed in all 16 limbs (100%). However, one patient (one limb) was found to have partial occlusion without significant reflux after 1week of follow-up. Kaplan-Meier analysis yielded a complete occlusion rate of 93% at 6months of follow-up. The Venous Clinical Severity Scores at the time of all follow-up were significantly lower than those at baseline (3.3 ± 1.1 at baseline to 0.6 ± 0.6, 0.3 ± 0.6, 0.1 ± 0.4, and 0.2 ± 0.4 at 1week and 1, 3, and 6months, respectively) (p < .001). Mild post-procedural pain was noted in 7 and 4 limbs at 1week and 1month, respectively. Grade 1 ecchymosis over the ablated segment was noted in 5 (35.7%) of 14 limbs at 1-week follow-up. Endovenous treatment of GSV insufficiency using a new VENISTAR radiofrequency catheter has been shown to be feasible, effective, and safe throughout the 6-month follow-up.

Free vascularized fibula leads to hallux toe flexion deformity due to ischemic muscle contracture of flexor hallucis longus.

This study aimed to investigate the incidence of toe flexion deformity after fibular free flap transplantation and to analyze the etiology of the deformity. Fifty patients underwent vascularized fibular free flap transplantation were retrospectively included. Statistical analysis examined correlations between deformity occurrence and resected fibula length and residual distal fibula length using the χ2 test. Doppler ultrasound and anatomical evaluations were conducted. Flexion deformity of the first toe was observed in all patients (100%), exacerbated by ankle dorsiflexion. χ2 test revealed no significant correlation between fibula length, distal residual fibula length, and flexion deformity. Doppler ultrasound revealed elevated echoes and blurred textures in the flexor hallucis longus post-fibular transplantation, while anatomical evaluation confirmed the peroneal artery as its primary nutrient supplier. This study reports a 100% incidence of toe flexion deformity post-transplantation. The deformity correlated strongly with ischemic contracture of the flexor hallucis longus.

Role of Doppler Evaluation in Assessing the Maturation of the Arteriovenous Fistula for Hemodialysis: An Observational Study.

Introduction Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are the preferred type of vascular access for hemodialysis due to their lower risk of complications. This study aimed to determine the role of Doppler evaluation in assessing AVF. Materials and methods We conducted an 18-month prospective observational study of 33 hemodialysis patients who underwent a procedure for the creation of AVF at the Department of Radio-Diagnosis at Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education and Research.Patients were evaluated using color Doppler ultrasound. Participants underwent a careful history and clinical examination to diagnose the disease. All relevant parameters were documented in a structured study proforma. AVF maturation was assessed postoperatively at four weeks using Doppler ultrasound color flow evaluation by looking for vascular components (flow volume, vein, and arterial diameter). Data were analyzed using CoGuide V 1.0.3 Statistical Software (CoGuide, Bangalore, India). Results A total of 33 patients, with a mean age of 54.6 ± 7.8 years, were evaluated. Of the 33 participants, 24 (72.7%) were male, and nine (27.3%) were female. The majority (47%, n=16) of participants had diabetes mellitus, eight (24%) had hypertension, and 10 (29%) had both diabetes mellitus and hypertension. A brachiocephalic fistula was created in 45.5% of participants, and 33.33% had radiocephalic anastomoses. Five participants were diagnosed with AVF complications: two had a pseudoaneurysm, and three had a cephalic vein thrombus. Clinical and demographic characteristics (age, vascular components, and complications) were not significantly related to AVF maturation. Conclusions Doppler ultrasound plays an important role in selecting vessels for AVF preoperatively and assessing AVF maturation postoperatively, thus reducing the primary fistula failure rate. The findings suggest that Doppler evaluation can be a reliable tool for assessing AVF maturation and predicting surgical success, which could help healthcare providers make informed decisions about the best course of treatment for their patients. Continued research is warranted in this area to further understand the role of Doppler ultrasound in evaluating AVF surgery.

Left Gastric Vein Direct Anastomosis as Alternative to Portal Flow Reconstruction in Liver Transplantation.

The most relevant limiting factor for performing end-to-end anastomosis is portal vein thrombosis (PVT), which leads to challenging vascular reconstructions. This study aimed to analyze a single center's experience using the left gastric vein (LGV) for portal flow reconstruction in liver transplantation (LT). This retrospective observational study reviewed laboratory and imaging tests, a description of the surgical technique, and outpatient follow-up of patients with portal system thrombosis undergoing LT with portal flow reconstruction using the LGV. This study was conducted at a single transplant reference center in the northeast region of Brazil from January 2016 to December 2021. Between January 2016 and December 2021, 848 transplants were performed at our center. Eighty-two patients (9.7%) presented with PVT, most of whom were treated with thrombectomy. Nine patients (1.1% with PVT) had extensive thrombosis of the portal system (Yerdel III or IV), which required end-to-side anastomosis between the portal vein and the LGV without graft, and had no intraoperative complications. All patients had successful portal flow in Doppler ultrasound control evaluations. The goal was to reestablish physiological flow to the graft. A surgical strategy includes using the LGV graft. According to our reports, using LGV fulfilled the requirements for excellent vascular anastomosis and even allowed the dispensing of venous grafts. This is the largest case series in a single center of reconstruction of portal flow with direct anastomosis with the LGV without needing a vascular graft.

Study of alteration in testicular perfusion after Lichtenstein hernia repair

Background: Inguinal hernia affects both men and women but is much more common in men who comprise over 90% of the operated patients. Considering both the operated and the non-operated inguinal hernias, the lifetime prevalence rate is 47% for men upto and including the age of 75. Repair of an inguinal hernia is one of the most common operations among adults in the western world today. Aims and objectives were to compare the alteration in testicular perfusion following Lichtenstein hernia repair. Methods: Thirty patients diagnosed with inguinal hernia admitted in our hospital with study period of 12 months were included in the study. Color Doppler ultrasound evaluation of testicular blood flow was done for all cases. Comparisons of results between groups were done using independent t test and Pearson correlation test. Results: The mean age of patients in the study was 46.10±17.27 years. Twenty three percent of patients had COPD as comorbidity. Mean peak systolic volume (PSV) of testicular artery in preop, at 24 hours, 1 week and 3 months are 18.36±2.21, 20.27±3.25, 19.21±2.31 and 18.98±2.06 respectively with a p=0.001. On further observations, no significant difference was found in the PSV of Capsular and intratesticular artery and EDV and RI of testicular, capsular and intratesticular artery. Conclusions: Testicular perfusion following hernioplasty can be easily monitored and evaluated with Duplex ultrasonography; the flow in the spermatic artery and testicular artery and its branches is of low resistance, with a relatively broad systolic part and holodiastolic flow. There is no evidence for a significant impairment of cord structures after open hernia repair using tension free techniques. It is clear that fine surgical dissection

Integrating vascularity into the pattern classification of pilomatricomas on ultrasound provides a more competent approach for discriminative evaluation.

Pilomatricoma has various manifestations on color Doppler ultrasound, and a differential diagnosis is challenging. The objective of this study was to investigate which characteristics of skin lesions on color Doppler ultrasound are effective in distinguishing pilomatricoma from epidermoid cyst and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. Records of patients with pilomatricomas (n=63), epidermoid cysts (n=76), and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (n=19) who underwent color Doppler ultrasound evaluation and surgical excision were reviewed. The anatomical distribution and color Doppler ultrasound characteristics of these lesions were analyzed. The 63 pilomatricomas were categorized into five types based on their color Doppler ultrasound characteristics, and the roles of these five types in the differential diagnosis of the aforementioned diseases were studied. Pilomatricomas, epidermoid cysts, and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans exhibited some similar characteristics. Dominantly markedly hyperechoic or hyperechoic appearance, posterior acoustic shadowing, and the presence of vascularity were the major characteristics of pilomatricomas. The pilomatricomas could be categorized into five types, with type II having a diagnostic performance of sensitivity of 65.08%, specificity of 98.95%, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.743, positive predictive value of 97.62%, and negative predictive value of 81.03% for the diagnosis of the aforementioned skin diseases. A combination of dominantly markedly hyperechoic or hyperechoic appearance, posterior acoustic shadowing, and the presence of vascularity exhibits higher diagnostic performance for the differential diagnosis of pilomatricomas, epidermoid cysts, and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.

Orbital Doppler ultrasonography evaluation in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: A prospective study.

Our aim in this study is to compare patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a rheumatologic disease that can cause eye involvement and the normal population in terms of orbital Doppler findings, which is an inexpensive and easily applicable method that can be used in early diagnosis and follow-up. The study was planned prospectively. The data of patients with AS were compared to those of age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers. A total of 42 participants, 23 (54.8%) males and 19 (45.2%) females, with a mean age of 42.4±12.6 years were included in the study. In addition to demographic information, such as age and gender, the diameter, peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, mean velocity, resistive index, pulsatility index, and blood flow volumes of the central retinal artery of the left eye were measured using spectral Doppler ultrasonography. According to the comparison of the patients with and without AS according to orbital Doppler ultrasonography findings, the mean velocity, resistive index, and volume measurements of the patients with AS were significantly higher than those without AS (p=0.028, p=0.039, and p=0.038, respectively). However, in the subgroup analysis of the AS group, the Doppler findings did not significantly differ between the patients with and without anterior uveitis. In the patient group with AS, independent of anterior uveitis (AU), there was a difference in Doppler parameters and therefore in ophthalmic vasculature. In patients with AS, orbital vascularity changes can be detected with orbital Doppler US before clinical signs appear.

Renal biomarkers, clinical parameters, and renal Doppler velocimetry in bitches with cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex.

Cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH)-pyometra complex is the most common uterine infection in adult and elderly bitches and can cause renal dysfunction. The aim of this study was to measure and compare urinary creatinine, urea, symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), urinary protein-creatinine ratio (UPC), measurement of systolic blood pressure (SBP), and Doppler velocimetry of renal arteries in patients with CEH-pyometra complex before and after an average of 6 months of treatment, evaluating the possibility of the changes persisting. The evaluation was conducted at two moments: M1 (at the diagnosis of CEH-pyometra, n = 36) and M2 (after an average of six months of treatment, n = 16). For the control group, eight bitches with no changes in blood tests or history of conditions underwent Doppler ultrasound evaluation of the renal arteries. At both M1 and M2, we measured creatinine, urea, and serum SDMA, UPC, SBP, and Doppler ultrasound of the renal arteries. Patients were evaluated according to the following groups: azotemic (AZO) and non-azotemic (NAZO), and open and closed cervix pyometra. The parameters were compared between animals present in both moments presented as M1R (bitches that were in M1 and M2) and M2. Statistical significance was considered when p < .05. The medians found for creatinine in M1 were as follows: 1.15 mg/dL, being 1.8 mg/dL for AZO (12/36) and 0.95 mg/dL for NAZO (24/36); and in M2: 0.85 mg/dL (16/16), being 1.15 mg/dL for AZO (4/16) and 0.8 mg/dL for NAZO (12/36). For urea, in M1 it was 36 mg/dL (32/36), with AZO being 103 mg/dL (11/32) and 33 mg/dL in NAZO (21/32); and in M2 32 mg/dL (16/ 16), being 29 mg/dL for AZO (4/36), and 31 mg/dL for NAZO (3/15). The median SDMA measured in M1R was 17 μg/dL (15/16), with AZO being 31 μg/dL (3/15), and NAZO being 16.5 μg/dL (12/15); and in M2, SDMA was 12 μg/dL (16/16), with AZO being 12.5 μg/dL (4/16), and NAZO being 12 μg/dL (12/16). The median UPC measured in M1 was 1.15 (10/36), with AZO being 0.25 (1/10), and NAZO being 1.38 (9/10); and in M2, it was 0.2 (13/16), being 0.1 in AZO (4/13), and 0.2 (9/16) in NAZO. For SBP, in M1, it was 118 mmHg (30/36), with AZO being 102 mmHg (10/30) and 133 mmHg in NAZO (20/30); and in M2 142.5 mmHg (12/16), being 155 mmHg for AZO (4/12), and 140 mg/dL for NAZO (8/12). When comparing animals with open and closed cervixes, a difference was found between SDMA measurements (p = .001). There was a distinction between PI and RI of the left and right kidneys consecutively (p = .007; p = .033; p = .019; p = .041). Correlations found in M1: SDMA × PI RIM DIR (r = 0.873; p = .002), SDMA × PSV RIM ESQ (r = 0.840; p = .004), SDMA × EDV RIM ESQ (r = 0.675; p = .046). With this study, we conclude a return to normality of renal biomarkers and clinical parameters after six months. Yet, there is a persistence of Doppler velocimetric measurements between the two moments. Thus, this parameter is not suitable for identifying and classifying chronic kidney injury in bitches with pyometra.

Doppler ultrasonographic evaluation of tissue revascularization following connective tissue graft at implant sites.

To assess the Doppler ultrasonographic tissue perfusion at dental implant sites augmented with connective tissue graft (CTG) using coronally advanced flap (CAF) or tunnel technique (TUN). Twenty-eight patients presenting with isolated healthy peri-implant soft-tissue dehiscence (PSTD) were included in this randomized clinical trial. PSTDs were treated with either CAF + CTG or TUN + CTG. Ultrasound scans were taken at baseline, 1 week, 1 month, 6 months and 12 months. Tissue perfusion at the mid-facial, mesial and distal aspects of the implant sites was assessed by colour Doppler velocity (CDV) and power Doppler imaging (PDI). Early vascularization of the graft and the flap at 1 week and at 1 month were evaluated via dynamic tissue perfusion measurements (DTPMs), includingflow intensity (FI), mean perfusion relief intensity (pRI) and mean perfused area (pA). Regression analysis did not reveal significant differences in terms of mid-facial CDV and PDI changes between CAF and TUN over 12 months (p > .05), while significant differences between the two groups were observed at the interproximal areas (p < .001 for both CDV and PDI changes). Higher early DTPMs were observed at the TUN-treated sites in terms of mean FI of the graft (p = .027) and mean FI (p = .024) and pRI of the flap (p = .031) compared with CAF-treated sites at 1 week. Assessment of the FI direction showed that CTG perfusion at 1 week and at 1 month mainly occurred from the flap towards the implant/bone. Early tissue perfusion outcomes were found to be associated with the 12-month mean PSTD coverage and mucosal thickness gain. Doppler ultrasonography shows tissue perfusion changes occurring at implant sites augmented with CTG. The main differences in tissue perfusion between CAF and TUN were observed at the interproximal sites, with early perfusion associated with clinical and volumetric outcomes at 12 months.

Endometrial blood flow evaluation in women with uterine fibroids during in vitro fertilization treatment

BACKGROUND: Sufficient endometrial blood supply in the mid-secretory phase of the menstrual cycle is a key to a successful pregnancy achievement, and a decreased spiral artery blood flow resistance determined by the Doppler is known to be positively associated with successful in vitrofertilization outcome. Particular aspects of endometrial blood flow in women with uterine fibroids might affect the efficiency ofin vitrofertilization and intra cytoplasmic sperm injection cycles.&#x0D; AIM:The aim of this study was Doppler-based determination of the uterine and spiral artery blood flow resistance in women with uterine fibroids throughout controlled ovarian stimulation inin vitrofertilization cycles, depending on the clinical pregnancy rate.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS:Doppler ultrasound spiral artery blood flow evaluation was performed in 83 women throughout thein vitrofertilization cycle. Intramural uterine fibroids were detected in 44 women, and 39 women with no uterine fibroids comprised the comparison group. All women underwent a Doppler study of spiral artery blood flow on the second or third day of the menstrual cycle (at the start of thein vitrofertilization protocol) and on the day of embryo transfer. Thein vitrofertilization efficiency was determined by the onset of clinical pregnancy after visualizing the gestational sac in the uterine cavity during ultrasound examination on the 2025th day after embryo transfer.&#x0D; RESULTS:The values of the uterine and spiral artery blood flow resistance in the uterine fibroids group were determined to be significantly lower than those in the comparison group. Considering the identified influence of decreased spiral artery blood flow resistance on the results ofin vitrofertilization cycles in the comparison group, we have analyzed the dependence of the efficiency of the cycles based on the rate of the spiral artery blood flow resistance decline. Thus, a significantly more reliable decline in the pulsatility index was revealed in pregnant women from the comparison group throughout thein vitrofertilization cycle compared to women with negative results. In women with uterine fibroids, the pulsatility index decline did not differ depending on the onset of pregnancy, and the decline rate differed significantly from that in the comparison group.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS:Uterine fibroids are associated with a stable decline in the uterine and spiral artery blood flow resistance. This leads in turn to increased endometrial vascularization throughout the stimulation cycle inin vitrofertilization programs and negatively affects the blastocyst implantation ability.

An unusual case of venous thoracic outlet syndrome in relation to the anatomical position of the subclavian vein valves in a young athlete

Venous Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (vTOS) consists of upper extremities oedema, sometimes with varicose dilation of the superficial veins of the arm in consequence of compression and/or thrombosis of the subclavian vein. More specific factors, such as muscle hypertrophy, have additionally been registered in athletes. The case focuses on a 20-year-old male student in medicine, with an intense training activity in body building. The subject has presented symptoms of upper limbs oedema he has also reported heaviness and paresthesia in the left arm and hand. Varicose dilation of a superficial vein close to the axillary fossa was visible at naked eye. Both Doppler ultrasound evaluation and Angio TC were negative for venous thrombosis and/or complete obstruction from external compression. These reports depict an uncommon clinical scenario, which correlate an intense upper body training activity with the presence of a second valve distally of the first valve into the subclavian vein.

Traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment based on systematics

BackgroundTraditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a well-established medical system with a long history. However, the overall concept and systematic thinking in TCM are not comprehensively understood and applied in its inheritance and development. ObjectiveThis study aims to provide a basic theory for TCM diagnosis using systematics as the guiding principle. Using modern scientific and technological achievements, we aim to explore a new TCM diagnosis method. MethodsWe analyzed previous studies on TCM diagnosis and treatment, and reviewed clinical research on TCM diagnosis and treatment from the viewpoint of systematics. We propose a new process model based on systematics for TCM diagnosis and treatment. This is a generalized model that summarizes the process of “establishing an image to express meaning”. ResultsThe proposed model was implemented in the clinical practice of TCM. We monitored the detailed treatment process of patients in the Department of Liver Diseases at Beijing Hospital. One patient underwent a treatment program that lasted 1 year and 45 days, consisting of 12 iterative cycles, each guided by the proposed diagnostic model and tailored to the patient's evolving condition. This case study validates the effectiveness of the proposed model in the diagnosis and treatment of liver disease in TCM. The therapeutic efficacy has been validated through the examination of both TCM indicators and Western medical auxiliary parameters. Among these, the TCM indicators consist of 2 components: tongue diagnosis and pulse diagnosis. Meanwhile, the Western medical auxiliary indicators encompass a range of assessments, including whole blood cell analysis, professional liver function examination, a series of liver function assessments, a high-sensitivity hepatitis B pentathlete test, as well as color Doppler ultrasound evaluations of the liver, bile duct, pancreas, spleen, and assessments of liver elasticity, among other related examination parameters. In conclusion, it is evident that the syndrome of liver depression and spleen deficiency has significantly diminished, and the viral load has decreased to levels below the detectable threshold, thereby confirming the restoration of normal liver function. These findings indicate that the disease is now under control. ConclusionsIn this study, we applied the guiding principle of systematics to the study of TCM diagnosis and treatment, and combined it with modern medical technology. We proposed a TCM diagnosis and treatment process model, and a TCM model to establish an image, which can effectively support the diagnosis and treatment of TCM diseases. We illustrated the effectiveness of these models by applying them to TCM liver disease.

Pre-Operative Evaluation of Color Doppler Ultrasonography to Predict Malignancy in Ovarian Masses at Ain-Shams University

Background Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecologic malignancy in developed countries and the third most common gynecologic malignancy in developing countries. This cancer is characterized by high malignancy, difficult early detection, low survival rate, and high fatality rate. Transvaginal ultrasonography is the first choice for imaging to differentiate between a benign and a malignant adnexal mass. Aim of the Work The aim of the study is to determine predictive value of pre-operative resistance index (RI) of color Doppler of ovarian vessels in identifying potential ovarian malignancy at Ain Shams maternity hospital between May 2015 and May 2020. Methods this retrospective observational study, was done on total 379 patients who underwent laparotomy for adnexal masses at Ain Shams University hospitals over five years period between May 2015 and May 2020 with inclusion and exclusion criteria. Medical records of the study population were revised to assess demographic data, ultrasound criteria and histopathological result Results Thin wall and clear content are negatively correlated with ovarian malignancy and these correlators statistically significant. While presence of papillae and septation are positively correlated with ovarian malignancy and these findings were statistically highly significant. Masses proved to be ovarian malignancy were mostly unilateral, more than 5 cm size, thick wall, with turbid content, solid consistency, unilocular with papillae and septation. RI in our study was lower in malignant lesions ranging between (0.22–0.60) and the Mean±SD of resistance index values in the ovarian cancer (0.48±0.07). Resistance index at cut off value ≤0.54 had high specificity and negative predictive value but moderate sensitivity and positive predictive value in diagnosing ovarian malignancy. Conclusion As evident from the current study, thick wall, turbid content, solid consistency, papillae and septations were significantly most frequent in ovarian cancer. Resistance index was significantly highest in ovarian malignancy. In current study RI was lower in malignant lesions. From the results of current study we can conclude that the pre-operative resistance index (RI) of color Doppler of ovarian vessels had significant high diagnostic performance in predicting ovarian cancer. Resistance index at cut off value≤0.54 in diagnosis of ovarian cancer has sensitivity (85.2%), specificity (91.6%), accuracy (90.2%), positive predictive value (73.4%) and negative predictive value (95.8%).

#6037 VALUE OF ARTERIAL CALCIFICATION DETECTED BY UPPER LIMB DOPPLER ULTRASOUND IN ADVANCED CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

Abstract Background and Aims Vascular calcification is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly in end-stage-renal disease (ESRD) and is predictive of subsequent cardiovascular disease and mortality. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between arterial calcification assessed by doppler ultrasound (DUS) performed by the same observer and biochemical parameters of CKD-MBD as well as the standard-of-care therapy for CKD-MBD. Method We present a retrospective study of 454 patients who were evaluated by DUS for pre-surgical vascular mapping from 2018 to 2021. Both arms brachial, radial and cubital arteries were analyzed, and vascular calcification was classified as absent, mild or moderate/severe (presence of acoustic shadowing). Laboratory serum analysis of PTH, serum Calcium (sCa), serum phosphorous (sPi) and serum magnesium (sMg) were collected (with a maximum interval of 6 months from DUS evaluation). Mortality was also registered during follow-up period. Results The demographics and biochemistry of the study population are summarized in Table 1. Arterial calcification was observed in 91.6% (n = 416) of the patients, 62.3% (n = 259) had mild calcification and 37.7% (n = 157) presented moderate/severe calcification. In univariate analysis, male gender (OR 2.2, p &amp;lt; 0.023), age (OR 1.03, p &amp;lt; 0.003), phosphate binders (OR 0.55, p value &amp;lt; 0.03) and cinacalcet use (OR 0.28, p &amp;lt; 0.019) were independently associated with the presence of arterial vascular calcification. Presence of vascular calcification on DUS was associated to mortality. In patients with vascular calcifications, moderate/severe calcification was associated with diabetes mellitus (OR 2.85, p&amp;lt;0.000), male gender (OR 1.69, p &amp;lt; 0.012), PAD (OR 2.43, p &amp;lt;0.001) and hemodialysis therapy for more than 5 years (OR 3.00, p&amp;lt; 0.010). Cinacalcet, phosphate binders, serum calcium, phosphorous, PTH and mortality did not correlate with calcification severity. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted to age, gender, PAD and serum calcium and magnesium, we found that serum PTHi (OR 1.00, p&amp;lt;0.040), hemodialysis for more than one year (OR 4.44, p&amp;lt; 0.040) and diabetes mellitus (OR 3.95, p&amp;lt; 0.001) were associated with moderate/severe vascular disease. Conclusion Concerning CKD-MBD related markers our study showed that only phosphate binders and cinacalcet use were predictive of absence of vascular calcifications, however no causality could be advanced with these data. For serious calcification, in our multivariable model, only PTH had statistical significance. It is widely recognized the importance of monitoring serum PTH, calcium and Pi to reduce the adverse clinical events associated with CKB-MBD. Widespread implementation of DUS in pre-surgical mapping for VA construction is also an opportunity for vascular study and features as calcifications can be a surrogate of CKD-MBD and cardiovascular burden.

Effect of passive ankle movement in the sitting position on the symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency with long-term observation.

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is the most common vascular disease. One major risk factor for its development is either long-term sitting or standing in the same position and the nature of the work performed. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of passive ankle movement in the sitting position performed using the Bella Vena robot for the symptoms of CVI with long-term observation. A group of 58 patients (mean age: 59.69 ±14.59 years) with CVI in CEAP (Clinical (C), Etiological (E), Anatomical (A), and Pathophysiological (P)) classification categories 2 and 3, and a group of 37 (mean age: 51.49 ±14.86 years) healthy volunteers performing sedentary work for at least 6 h during the working day were enrolled into the study. The total duration of observation lasted 8 months (8 visits), during which the following parameters were assessed at the beginning and end of this period: pain intensity (according to the visual analogue scale (VAS)), level of saturation on the toe, pulse rate, and lower limb Doppler ultrasound evaluation of reflux parameters. The exercises used in people with CVI resulted in a significant reduction (p ≤ 0.01) in the occurrence of symptoms. Among all respondents, after 8 months of exercise, a significant reduction in pain level according to the VAS of the lower limbs, an improvement in saturation at the toe level, and a reduction in venous reflux was recorded (p ≤ 0.05). Home exercises with the use of an automatic exercise rehabilitation device alleviated significant symptoms in patients with CVI and improved the calf muscle pump.

(161) Xiaflex Nonresponders Show Alteration in Penile Measurements: Post-Market Analysis of Predictors for Treatment Success

Abstract Introduction The IMPRESS trial revealed that intralesional collagenase clostridium histolyticum, Xiaflex, is safe and efficacious for treating the physical and subjective effects of Peyronie’s Disease (PD). However, little is known about the other manifestations of PD, namely penile shortening and efficacy for patients of diverse racial backgrounds or with severe penile curvatures. Objective To evaluate predictors associated with response to treatment and alterations in penile morphological measurements. Methods Consecutive patients treated with Xiaflex for dorsal, lateral, and ventral penile curvatures ≥ 25°, in the absence of hourglass deformity, were included in this study. Before treatment and eight weeks after the last injection cycle, during penile duplex Doppler ultrasound evaluation, penile curvature was measured with a goniometer after induced artificial erection via injection of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). IIEF score, PGE1 dose, circumference, and erectile as well as stretched penile length were also assessed at these times. Based on the results of the IMPRESS trial, patients were considered Xiaflex responders if the decrease in their penile curvature were ≥ 15° (n =134) and Xiaflex nonresponders if the decrease in their penile curvature were &amp;lt; 15° (n =89). Initial measurements were in increments of 5°. Intention to treat analysis was performed. Results Two hundred and twenty-three patients with penile curvature ≥ 25° who received XIAFLEX were included in this study. One hundred and thirty-four patients (60.1%) responded to Xiaflex, while 89 (39.9%) patients did not respond. African American men were 3 times more likely to respond to treatment than their non-African American counterparts (Odds Ratio (OR) =3.35 (95% CI, 1.15-10.70), p =0.031). On the other hand, men with an initial penile curvature of greater than 60° were less likely to respond to Xiaflex (OR = 0.34; 95% CI, 0.16-0.69; p=0.003). However, patients with lateral and ventral curvatures responded at comparable rates to those with dorsal curvatures. Subsequently, changes in penile morphologic measurements post Xiaflex were analyzed. Average stretched penile length, erectile length, and erectile circumference prior to treatment for responders were 13.93 cm, 13.39 cm, and 11.81 cm, respectively; for nonresponders, it was 14.27 cm, 13.72 cm, 11.64 cm, respectively. Nonresponders were shown to experience a significant decrease in penile erect length (-0.55 cm) and circumference (-0.58 cm) (p=0.002 and p=0.002, respectively), whereas responders showed no significant alterations in penile morphologic measurements. Conclusions Our analysis revealed that men with penile curvatures ≥ 60° are less likely to respond to Xiaflex injections and thus may be considered for surgical intervention upon initial presentation. Furthermore, men who do not respond may even be at a higher risk for shortening of penile erect length and circumference. The actual clinical significance of a decrease in average erect length of 0.55 cm and circumference of 0.58 cm is difficult to determine and should be considered per patient preferences. Further investigations into predictors for response to Xiaflex and the pathophysiology behind penile shortening in Xiaflex nonresponders are warranted. Disclosure No

RESPIRATORY VARIABILITY OF VALVULAR PEAK SYSTOLIC VELOCITY AS A NEW INDICATOR OF FLUID RESPONSIVENESS IN PATIENTS WITH SEPTIC SHOCK.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and feasibility of pulse Doppler measurements of peak velocity respiratory variability of mitral and tricuspid valve rings during systole as new dynamic indicators of fluid responsiveness in patients with septic shock. Methods: Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed to measure the respiratory variability of aortic velocity-time integral (∆VTI), respiratory variability of tricuspid annulus systolic peak velocity (∆RVS), respiratory variability of mitral annulus systolic peak velocity (∆LVS), and other related indicators. Fluid responsiveness was defined as a 10% increase in cardiac output after fluid expansion, assessed by TTE. Results: A total of 33 patients with septic shock were enrolled in this study. First, there was no significant difference in the population characteristics between the fluid responsiveness positive group (n = 17) and the fluid responsiveness negative group (n = 16) ( P > 0.05). Second, Pearson correlation test showed that ∆RVS, ∆LVS, and TAPSE with the relative increase in cardiac output after fluid expansion ( R = 0.55, P = 0.001; R = 0.40, P = 0.02; R = 0.36, P = 0.041). Third, multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that ∆RVS, ∆LVS, and TAPSE were significantly correlated with fluid responsiveness in patients with septic shock. Fourth, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that ∆VTI, ∆LVS, ∆RVS, and TAPSE had good predictive ability for fluid responsiveness in patients with septic shock. The area under the curve (AUC) of ∆VTI, ∆LVS, ∆RVS, and TAPSE for predicting fluid responsiveness was 0.952, 0.802, 0.822, and 0.713, respectively. The sensitivity (Se) values were 1.00, 0.73, 0.81, and 0.83, whereas the specificity (Sp) values were 0.84, 0.91, 0.76, and 0.67, respectively. The optimal thresholds were 0.128, 0.129, 0.130, and 13.9 mm, respectively. Conclusion: Tissue Doppler ultrasound evaluation of respiratory variability of mitral and tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity could be a feasible and reliable method for the simple assessment of fluid responsiveness in patients with septic shock.

Three-dimensional Power Doppler Ultrasonography Evaluation of Maternal Orbital Perfusion in Pregnancies with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Three-dimensional Power Doppler Ultrasonography Evaluation of Maternal Orbital Perfusion in Pregnancies with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Pre and Post-Hemodialysis Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity in Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease.

This study assessed the consequences of hemodialysis (HD) on hemodynamic parameters of cerebral circulation by measuring middle cerebral artery blood flow velocities using transcranial Doppler ultrasound before and after a single dialysis session in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Fifty clinically stable patients with ESRD undergoing HD and 40 healthy controls were recruited for the study. Blood pressure, heart rate, and body weight were measured. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound evaluations and blood analyses were performed immediately before and after a single dialysis session. The mean cerebral blood flow velocities (CBFVs) in the ESRD patients before HD was 65 ± 17 cm/second and did not differ from that of the normal controls (64 ± 14 cm/s) (P = 0.735). The postdialysis CBFV also did not differ from that of the controls (P = 0.054). Compensatory cerebral autoregulation and chronic adjustment to therapy may be the reason for the nondeviation of the CBFV values from normality observed in both sessions.