External Iliac Vein Research Articles

The presence of a pathologic perforator may be predictive of central venous pathology and multilevel disease in severe chronic venous insufficiency

ObjectivesThe treatment of a refluxing perforator is indicated in the setting of severe chronic venous insufficiency, but there are limited data on the presence of multilevel disease in these patients. This study sought to evaluate whether the presence of a pathologic perforator is predictive of the presence of central venous pathology. MethodsThis study was a retrospective review of the institutional Vascular Quality Initiative database. Consecutive patient limbs were identified that underwent intervention of refluxing perforators. The patients who underwent imaging, including magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography (group A), were compared with those who did not undergo imaging (group B). The treated limbs in group A were also compared with the contralateral limbs as an internal control. Anatomical findings on imaging were analyzed by two independent investigators. The primary outcome was the presence and degree of central venous stenosis as measured by an orthogonal diameter reduction of >50% by axial imaging. Secondary outcomes included demographic and clinical differences between the two groups, frequency of central venous intervention, and duration of ulcer healing. Standard statistical analysis was performed. ResultsNinety-three patient limbs underwent treatment of a pathologic perforator, with 30 in group A and 63 in group B. The following demographic and clinical variables were higher in group A compared with group B: male sex, body mass index, deep venous thrombosis history, recent or active anticoagulation use, perforator diameter, Clinical Etiology Anatomy Pathophysiology class 4, 5, or 6, and Venous Clinical Severity Score. Radiographic analysis of group A revealed concordance of a treated pathologic perforator with an ipsilateral central venous stenosis in 53.3% of patients, and a higher frequency of common iliac vein stenosis (50% vs 21.4%, P = .024) and external iliac vein stenosis (20% vs 0%, P = .012) compared with the contralateral limbs. When separated by the left or right limb, the left limbs exhibited a greater degree of common iliac vein stenosis as compared with the contralateral limbs (50.7% ± 20.9% vs 16.3% ± 16.5%, P < .001) as well as a greater frequency of >50% common iliac vein stenosis (46.7% vs 13.3%, P = .046). The right limbs exhibited a greater frequency of >50% external iliac vein stenosis as compared with the contralateral limbs (33.3% vs 0%, P = .022). ConclusionsThis study suggests that patients with severe chronic venous insufficiency who undergo treatment for a pathologic perforator may have additional ipsilateral central venous pathology, supporting the presence of multilevel disease. Additional axial imaging might unmask central venous pathology and provide another option for treatment.

Time course of microvalve pathophysiology in high pressure low flow model of venous insufficiency and the role of micronized purified flavonoid fraction.

The aim of this study was to characterize, in an experimental model, the mechanisms involved in the initiation of venous insufficiency at the level of microvenous valve and whether they can be influenced by early treatment with micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF). The external right iliac vein of 78 male golden Syrian hamsters was ligated to induce chronic venous insufficiency. Internal venular diameter as well as leukocyte-endothelium-interaction (leukocytes sticking after staining with rhodamine 6G), were assessed using an intravital microscope. In the second part of the study 30 animals were divided into three groups and underwent: ligation plus MPFF, ligation plus 10% lactose solution (vehicle), or sham operation. Treatment with MPFF 100 mg/kg/day or vehicle started 2 days before ligation and lasted for 7 days. Venular diameter and number of adherent leukocytes were assessed 5 days post-ligature. Venular diameter increased immediately after ligature and reached a maximum at 4 hours (P<0.001 vs. baseline), followed by a plateau before gradually returning to baseline dimensions. The increase in the number of adherent leukocytes was also immediate but attained maximal number at 3 days (P<0.0001), followed by a plateau and then gradual return to baseline numbers. In MPFF-treated animals, leukocyte adhesion to the microvalves was prevented compared with vehicle-treated animals (P<0.0001) and venular diameter was also significantly reduced (P<0.05). Venous hypertension induced immediate venular dilatation followed by an increase in the number of adherent leukocytes at microvalve level. Treatment with MPFF prevented the initiation of microvalve inflammation and may play a protective role in the progression of chronic venous insufficiency.

Dextroplantation of a reduced left lateral section graft in an infant undergoing living donor liver transplantation

Graft size matching is essential for successful liver transplantation in infant recipients. We present our technique of graft dextroplantation used in an infant who underwent living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) using a reduced left lateral section (LLS) graft. The patient was an 11-month-old 7.8 kg-weighing female infant with hepatoblastoma. She was partially responsive to systemic chemotherapy, thus LDLT was performed to treat the tumor. The living donor was a 34-year-old mother of the patient. After non-anatomical size reduction, the weight of the reduced LLS graft was 235 g, which was 3.0% of the graft-recipient weight ratio. Recipient hepatectomy was performed according to the standard procedures of pediatric LDLT. At the beginning of graft implantation, the graft was temporarily placed at the abdomen to determine the implantation location. The graft portal vein was anastomosed with an interposed external iliac vein homograft. As the liver graft was not too large and it was partially accommodated in the right subphrenic fossa, the abdominal wall wound was primarily closed. The patient recovered uneventfully. An imaging study revealed deep accommodation of the graft within the right subphrenic fossa. The patient has been doing well for 3 months without any vascular complications. Dextroplantation of a reduced LLS graft can be a useful technical option for LDLT in infant patients.

Internal iliac artery ligation—a contemporary simplified approach

Bilateral ligation of the anterior division of the internal iliac arteries can be a lifesaving intervention for severe pelvic hemorrhage. The procedure results in decreased pelvic perfusion and promotes coagulation. The classical method of internal iliac artery ligation involved extensive retroperitoneal dissection with complete circumferential isolation of the vessel to allow the passage of a suture around the artery. This can be surgically challenging and fraught with risks of inadvertent injury to the surrounding iliac veins. We propose a contemporary technique that requires limited dissection of the anterior division of the internal iliac artery. A few millimeters of space is created on either side of the artery by spreading right-angle forceps parallel to the vessel. The artery is occluded by 2 large vascular clips. Because circumferential vessel dissection is not necessary with this technique, there is limited disruption of the delicate underlying internal iliac vein. In addition, this approach may decrease the risk of inadvertent injury to the adjacent external iliac vein. By showcasing the ease of our approach to internal iliac artery ligation, we hope to empower surgeons with an alternative approach to this lifesaving procedure.

Early Results of Popliteal Vein External Banding for Treatment of Chronic Venous Insufficiency

BackgroundChronic venous insufficiency (CVI) encompasses a myriad of clinical manifestations including lower extremity swelling and pain, ulcerations and chronic skin changes such as stasis dermatitis, and lipodermatosclerosis. CVI effects greater than 25 million Americans and has a significant socioeconomic and psychosocial impact. Treatment of CVI varies depending on the etiology. For those patients with deep venous reflux, restoration of the deep venous valvular system is critical. Popliteal vein external banding is a novel technique to treat deep venous reflux. Our study aims to retrospectively review the early outcomes for the largest U.S. series of patients undergoing popliteal vein external banding. MethodsPatients with C4, C5, and C6 disease with underlying deep venous reflux were treated with external banding of the popliteal vein. Basic demographic, ultrasound, and procedural data were collected. Patients were seen in clinic and underwent post procedure duplex. Procedure-specific complications were also assessed. The primary outcome was improvement of symptoms or wound healing. ResultsTwelve patients were identified. Seventy-five percent of patients had a history of DVT on the ipsilateral extremity and 66.7% (n = 6) of those patients had previous common or external iliac vein stenting for post-phlebitic syndrome. 58.3% of patients had active ulcerations (C6) at the time of popliteal vein banding and the mean VCSS score was 12.7, consistent with advanced venous disease. Patients were followed for a mean 8.62 months. Of the 8 patients that had active ulcers (C6), 75% completely healed with a mean time to healing of 3.3 months. 91.6% of patients reported clinical improvement in their symptoms (i.e., reduction in edema/swelling, pain or improvement in size of ulcer). Three patients had post-operative wound complications and 1 required oral antibiotic for associated cellulitis. ConclusionPopliteal vein external banding represents a viable treatment modality for patients with venous insufficiency secondary to deep venous reflux. It is technically easier than most deep venous reconstructive options and may have an important role in the multimodal treatment of patients with advanced CVI.

Variant formation of left common iliac vein by the confluence of four veins

Common iliac vein variations are relatively rare compared to the variations of external and internal iliac veins. A rare pattern of formation of common iliac vein by the confluence of four veins is being reported here. The left common iliac vein was formed by the union of left external iliac vein, internal iliac vein, iliolumbar vein and a common trunk formed by the obturator and vesical veins. External iliac vein and obturator veins were connected by a communicating vein. Both external and common iliac veins were respectively medial to the external and common iliac arteries. Knowledge of this variant formation of common iliac vein could be useful to radiologists, gynecologists and orthopedic surgeons.

Successful endovascular stenting of a bleeding external iliac vein mycotic aneurysm in an oncologic patient: a case report

BackgroundMycotic aneurysms are rare vascular lesions, occurring in 0.6–2% of arterial aneurysms but with no reported venous cases. Venous aneurysms unrelated to an underlying infectious process have been previously described and are typically surgically repaired due to risk of thromboembolic events.Case presentationThis case reports a bleeding external iliac vein mycotic aneurysm secondary to erosion of a chronic pelvic abscess, successfully treated with endovascular stenting, in an oncologic patient without alternative therapeutic options.ConclusionVenous aneurysms are uncommon vascular lesions which have historically been treated with open surgical repair. Given the lower degree of procedural morbidity, endovascular management of these lesions may be an effective option in the appropriate setting, particularly as a last resort in patients without surgical treatment options.

Utility of the 50% stenosis criterion for patients undergoing stenting for chronic iliofemoral venous obstruction

ObjectiveThe criterion for venous stenting in symptomatic chronic iliofemoral venous obstruction has been the arbitrary use of stenosis of ≥50%. In the present study, we evaluated the intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-determined degree of stenosis in patients who had undergone stenting for quality of life (QOL)-impairing symptoms and assessed the utility of the 50% stenosis cutoff. MethodsA retrospective review of contemporaneously entered electronic medical record data from 480 continuous patients (480 limbs) with initial iliofemoral stents placed (2014 to 2017) for symptomatic chronic iliofemoral venous obstruction impairing their QOL was performed. The IVUS-determined normal minimal luminal areas for the common femoral vein (125 mm), external iliac vein (150 mm), and common iliac vein (200 mm) were used to group limbs as having <50% (low-grade stenosis [LGS]) or ≥50% (high-grade stenosis [HGS]) stenosis. The variables compared included the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain score, venous clinical severity score (VCSS; range, 0-27), ulcer healing, supine foot venous pressures, QOL (20-item chronic venous disease QOL questionnaire), and stent patency. A composite chronic venous insufficiency score (CCVIS) incorporating the VAS score, VCSS, and CIVIQ-20 score for predicting improvement after stenting was evaluated. ResultsOf the 480 limbs, 283 and 197 were in the LGS and HGS groups, respectively. A preponderance of women, left laterality, and post-thrombotic syndrome were noted in both groups. At baseline, although no difference was found in the VAS for pain score between groups, the LGS group had a higher VCSS than did the HGS group (P = .05). The baseline median supine foot venous pressure was 15 and 14 mm Hg in the LGS and HGS groups, respectively (P = .17). At 24 months after stenting, the mean VCSS had improved from 6.3 to 4.4 (P < .0001) and from 5.7 to 3.7 (P < .0001) in the LGS and HGS groups, respectively, without significant differences between the two groups (P = .07). A greater prevalence of ulcers was found in the LGS group (18% vs 11%; P = .04), with no differences in healing (P = .41) or recurrence rates (P = .36). The QOL scores had improved in both groups (LGS, from 58 to 37 [P < .0001]; HGS, from 61 to 35 [P < .0001]), without differences between the two groups (P > .3). No significant differences in stent patency or reinterventions rates were found. A baseline CCVIS of ≥84.5, ≥86.9, or ≥105.3 was needed for a 30-, 40-, and 50-point improvement in most limbs after stenting. ConclusionsThe degree of IVUS-determined iliofemoral venous stenosis did not appear to affect the initial clinical presentation, CEAP (clinical, etiologic, anatomic, pathophysiologic) clinical class, supine foot venous pressure, clinical improvement, QOL improvement, stent patency, or reintervention rates after stenting. Patients presenting with QOL-impairing symptoms in whom conservative treatment has failed merit consideration of correction of their obstruction even if the degree of stenosis is <50%. The use of a CCVIS might be helpful but requires further study.

Excision of Deep Endometriosis Nodules of the Sciatic Nerve in 10 Steps

To present 10 standardized and reproducible surgical steps allowing for complete excision of deep endometriosis nodules involving the sciatic nerve. Surgical education video. The local institutional review board confirmed that the video met the ethical criteria required for publication. Patient consent was obtained. Tertiary referral center. The excision of deep endometriosis involving the sciatic nerve may be performed following 10 steps: (1) Longitudinal incision of the peritoneum covering the external iliac artery, from the hypogastric vessels to the round ligament and the identification of the genitofemoral nerve. (2) Dissection of the iliolumbar space identified laterally by the psoas muscle and medially by the external iliac artery and vein [1-5]. (3) Identification of the obturator nerve. The dissection is performed on contact with the psoas muscle; when the nerve is surrounded by the nodule, its releasing is progressively carried out. (4) Identification of the obturator vessels, which cross the obturator nerve beneath and follow a lateral direction. (5) Opening of the lumbosacral space, below the level of the obturator nerve, and the identification of the sciatic nerve, resulting from the confluence of L4 to S3 roots. During this step, the deep endometriosis nodule is identified on contact with the greater sciatic foramen. (6) Opening of the broad ligament, between the external iliac vessels and the umbilical artery, and identification of the obturator nerve, as it is usually performed in pelvic lymphadenectomy. The surgeon may either perform a separate incision of the posterior leaf of the broad ligament and medial to the infundibulo-pelvic ligament or prolong medially the incision made at step 1. (7) Identification of the sciatic nerve, which is seen below and medially from the obturator nerve and obturator vessels. During this step, the posterior limit of the nodule is identified. (8) Identification of sacral roots S1, S2, and S3 [6]. The pudendal nerve and the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve may be identified below the S3 and medially from the sciatic nerve and before their exit through the greater sciatic foramen. The posterior and medial limit of the nodule is progressively released [7]. (9) The dissection is continued laterally, on contact with the ischium, down to the ischial spine and the coccygeus muscle. The lateral limit of the nodule is identified and released. (10) The anterior limit of the nodule is identified and, when required, is separated from the bladder. The latter 3 steps are less standardized, and the surgeon may alternate lateral, medial, posterior, and anterior dissection of the nodule, depending on the intraoperative circumstances. In most cases, the nerves are compressed but not infiltrated inside the epineurium, and their complete releasing is followed by significant or complete relief of pain and motor problems [6]. When the nodule infiltrates the nerves inside the epineurium, the excision may be performed into the nerve. Laparoscopic excision of deep endometriosis nodules involving the sciatic nerve is a challenging procedure, requiring good anatomic knowledge, surgical skills, preliminary specific training, and multidisciplinary postoperative care. Teaching such a complex procedure is a mandatory but delicate task. By following 10 sequential steps, the surgeon may reduce the risk of hemorrhage originating from the external iliac, obturator, and pudendal vessels; preserve somatic nerves; and successfully excise deep endometriosis nodules. Although the 10 steps attempt to standardize the surgical approach in a challenging localization of deep endometriosis, they are not mandatory and should be adapted to the patient.

Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Value of CT Three-Dimensional Imaging of Gynecological Pelvic Blood Vessels

For diseases of the abdominal and pelvic system, especially those of the blood duct system, the main examination methods of the transmission system are color Doppler ultrasound, enhanced CT angiography and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Among them, DSA is the gold standard of angiography, but it is an invasive examination, which is complicated, time-consuming and laborious, and the skill of intubation is very high. Enhanced 3D-CT blood tube imaging has been gradually used in clinic because of its advantages such as fast imaging speed and wide imaging range. It has good vascular imaging conditions and satisfactory vascular imaging results in all parts of the human body, but this examination is radioactive and is not beneficial to young women of childbearing age, children and frail patients. The purpose of this paper is to further illustrate the value of magnetic resonance angiography (CTA) in displaying pelvic vessels by comparing the three-dimensional model of magnetic resonance angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in healthy young women. The results showed that for the venous system, CTA usually showed only the internal and external iliac vein, but not for the uterine vein and other branches of the internal and external iliac vein, and almost no imaging for the anterior sacral vein. CE-MRA can not only display 1-4 grade arteries to the same extent, but also show more branches of superior and inferior gluteal arteries, and show more abundant veins, especially presacral veins. For cases such as gynecological pelvic floor surgery, it is necessary to know the vascular network of presacral region before operation. In a word, for clinical diagnosis and treatment value, the 3D-CT imaging is the first choice.

Treatment of Nonthrombotic Iliac Vein Lesions.

Nonthrombotic iliac vein lesions (NIVLs) most frequently result from extrinsic compression of various segments of the common or external iliac vein. Patients develop symptoms associated with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI); female patients may develop symptoms of pelvic venous disease. Given that iliac vein compression can be clinically silent, a thorough history and physical examination is mandatory to exclude other causes of a patient's symptoms. Venous duplex ultrasound, insufficiency examinations, and axial imaging are most commonly used to assess for the presence of a NIVL. Catheter venography and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) are the mainstay for invasive assessment of NIVLs and planning prior to stent placement. IVUS in particular has become the primary modality by which NIVLs are evaluated; recent evidence has clarified the lesion threshold for stent placement, which is indicated in patients with moderate to severe symptoms. In appropriately selected patients, stent placement results in improved pain, swelling, quality of life, and, when present, healing of venous stasis ulcers. Stent patency is well preserved in the majority of cases, with a low incidence of clinically driven need for reintervention. In this article, we will discuss the clinical features, workup, endovascular management, and treatment outcomes of NIVL.

MO212LATE EVIDENCE OF SARS-COV-2 INFECTION IN A PATIENT WITH ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY (AKI) AND MASSIVE DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS (DVT) STARTING FROM A HEMODIALYSIS CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETER (CVC)

Background and AimsCOVID-19 has heterogeneous clinical manifestations. SARS-CoV-2 related AKI and hypercoagulability are negative prognostic factors. The incidence of thromboembolic events is about 30%, of AKI up to 20%. We report a patient with severe AKI who required hemodialysis (HD) and developed a massive DVT developing from the femoral CVC, and belatedly testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 in the absence of typical pulmonary involvement.MethodA 53-year-old male with a clinical history of hypertension, type II diabetes mellitus, in therapy with metformin and ace-inhibitor, was admitted to our E.R. with diarrhea, nausea and vomiting for about 2 days. Main signs: ideomotor slowdown, mild hypohydration and reduced urine output (unrelevant sediment). Initial blood tests showed severe AKI with hyperkalemic metabolic acidosis and hyponatremia (sCreatinine 18.76 mg/dl, BUN 161 mg/dl, K+ 7.8 mmol/l, Na+ 128 mmol/L, HCO3- 9.8 mmol/l). Mild neutrophilic leukocytosis with lymphopenia was detected, with slightly increased inflammation indices (CRP 1.05 mg / dl, D-dimer 720 ng / ml). CT scan: absence of typical SARS-CoV-2 signs, normal kidneys, no dilation of urinary tract. SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen test and the first molecular swab test were negative. After femoral CVC insertion, HD was needed for a few sessions. Broad range antibiotic therapy was also set.On Day 3: a second SARS-CoV-2 PCR swab test resulted negative. He never manifested fever or dyspnea.On Day 6, despite an improvement of renal function (sCr 2.7 mg/dl), the patient, although he walked, presented right leg pain with signs of DVT. Ultrasound and angio-CT scan documented peri-catheter DVT extended to the common femoral and external iliac vein and superficial femoral vein involvement, without pulmonary embolism. I.v. therapy with sodium heparin was therefore started with quite a difficulty in reaching the expected range.On day 8, massive flittene appeared, the CVC was removed and a caval filter was placed; marked neutrophilic leucocytosis and increased inflammatory indices (CRP 11.50 mg/dl) was documented. Nevertheless, thrombosis has progressed to the entire venous axis and the inferior cava. Through a tibial vein introducer local i.v. alteplase was also started. Just after, copious bleeding from the site of the removed CVC followed by haemorrhagic shock occurred and the patient was transferred to the ICU (D-dimer 219800 ng/ml). The same day a third swab for SARS-CoV-2 resulted positive while a further CT-scan did not show signs of virus-like interstitial pneumonia. On the following day (day 9) the patient underwent thrombus aspiration (Aspirex®S device) and fasciotomy of the right leg for a compartment syndrome.ResultsDespite the continuation of heparin, PTT ratio was never >1.5, with an extension of DVT and also involvement of the contralateral iliac vein, as well as a worsening of the clinical-laboratory picture and patient’s death on day 14. Serum complement, autoantibodies (ANA, ANCA, ENA, ANTI-dsDNA, anti-cardiolipin, AMA, anti-B-glycoprotein) and factor V Leiden test were normal. All blood cultures were found to be sterile.ConclusionOur case confirms the heterogenicity of COVID-19 manifestations, often without pulmonary involvement. According to our experience from the onset of the pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 can also be found later in patients with already advanced organ damage. In this case, in the absence of other possible factors, AKI and intestinal involvement may have been early signs of COVID-19, with a virus initially not detectable in the nasopharyngeal mucosa. Furthermore, the increased thromboembolic risk of COVID-19 should not be underestimated in the presence of risk factors as external devices, also given the difficult management of anticoagulation target. Anticoagulant prophylaxis in cases with doubtful symptomatology and CVC must be considered even in non-bedridden patients, due to the current risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Stratification of pelvic venous reflux in patients with pelvic varicose veins

ObjectiveWe investigated the association between the pattern and duration of pelvic venous reflux (PVR) and pelvic pain severity in patients with pelvic varicose veins (PVVs). MethodsThe present retrospective study included 600 female patients with PVVs. Of the 600 patients, 453 had had PVVs and pelvic congestion syndrome (group 1) and 147 had had an asymptomatic disease course (group 2). Pelvic venous pain (PVP) was assessed using a visual analog scale. All the patients had undergone duplex ultrasound of the left and right renal veins, external, internal, and common iliac veins, and parametrial, uterine, gonadal, and vulvar veins (PV, UV, GV, and VV, respectively), with an assessment of their patency and diameter and the presence and duration of reflux. Reflux in the pelvic veins was considered pathologic if it lasted for >1 second. ResultsIn group 1, PVR type I (1-2 seconds), II (3-5 seconds), and III (>5 seconds or spontaneous reflux in the absence of a loading test) was found in 31%, 58%, and 11% of the patients, respectively. Moderate and severe reflux (types II and III) was associated with severe PVP (mean score, 8.3 ± 0.5) in 69% of the group 1 patients. A combination of reflux in the GV, PV, UV, and internal iliac vein was associated with severe PVP (mean score, 8.1 ± 0.3) in 51% of these patients. A combination of reflux in the PVs, UVs, and VVs was associated with moderate pain (mean score, 5.3 ± 0.2) in 49.2% of group 1. In group 2, PVR type I, II, and III was present in 95%, 4%, and 1% of the patients, respectively, and was observed in the PV only in patients with type I; in the GVs, PVs, UVs, and internal iliac veins in those with type II; and in the PVs and GVs in the patients with type III reflux. Reflux in the GVs and UVs was significantly more prevalent in group 1 than in group 2 (GVs, 51% vs 6%; P = .0001; UVs, 57% vs 7%; P = .0001). A combination of reflux in the GVs and UVs was a predictor of severe PVVs (odds ratio, 19.7; 95% confidence interval, 11.3-34.6). ConclusionsIn patients with PVVs, the presence and severity of pelvic pain will be determined by the type of PVR and its distribution in the pelvic veins. The combination of moderate to severe reflux (types II and III) in the PVs, UVs, and GVs was a predictor of severe PVP. Patients with asymptomatic PVVs were characterized by mild reflux (type I) in the PVs, with rare involvement of the GVs and UVs.

68Ga-Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography-Based Primary Staging and Histological Correlation after Extended Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection in Intermediate-Risk Prostate Cancer

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PSMA PET/CT)-based primary staging in exclusively D′Amico intermediate-risk prostate cancer (PCa) patients. Patients and Methods: We relied on the Braunschweig institutional database and retrospectively identified D′Amico intermediate-risk PCa patients who were administered to ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA PET/CT-based primary staging prior to consecutive radical prostatectomy and extended lymph node dissection. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for the detection of lymph node metastases were analyzed per-patient (n = 39), per-pelvic side (n = 78), and per-anatomic-region (external iliac artery and vein left/right vs. obturator fossa left/right vs. internal iliac artery left/right) (n = 203), respectively. Results: Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV per-patient were 20.0, 94.1, 33.3, and 88.9%, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV per-pelvic-side were 16.7, 97.2, 33.3, and 93.3%, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV per-anatomic-region were 16.7, 99.0, 33.3, and 97.5%, respectively. Conclusions: We recorded high rates of specificity and NPV for ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA PET/CT-based primary staging in D′Amico intermediate-risk PCa patients. Conversely, the sensitivity and PPV were lower than anticipated. Larger and favorably prospective trials are needed to verify our results and to unravel possible bias from such smaller studies.

Favorable Effects of Burosumab on Fibroblast Growth Factor 23-Related Osteomalacia: A Case Report

Background: Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) decreases serum phosphate levels by inhibiting proximal tubular phosphate reabsorption and intestinal phosphate absorption by decreasing serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D level, thereby regulating phosphate metabolism. Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome caused by FGF23 overproduction by tumor tissue. Resecting the responsible tumor is a radical treatment for TIO. When the responsible tumor is undetectable, phosphate and active vitamin D administration is recommended. However, supplementation alone is frequently insufficient to maintain phosphate levels and it is difficult to prevent the complications associated with medical therapy, including hypercalciuria and nephrocalcinosis. Recently, burosumab, a human monoclonal anti-FGF23 antibody, has been approved in Japan as a therapeutic agent for FGF23-related hypophosphatemia. Here, we present a patient with TIO effectively treated with burosumab in the absence of identification of tumour location. Clinical case: A 47-year-old female developed pain and edema of the feet; however, the cause could not be determined at local hospitals. Afterwards, she developed marked bone atrophy in the feet and was referred to our hospital. Her age at symptom onset, hypophosphatemia (serum P, 1.9 mg/dl, 2.7 mg/dl < n < 4.6 mg/dl), high serum FGF23 level (630 pg/ml, 16 pg/ml < n < 69 pg/ml), and decreased 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D level (12.9 pg/ml, 20 pg/ml < n < 60 pg/ml) indicated FGF23-related osteomalacia. She was not having any medication at the time of diagnosis, including saccharified iron oxide or iron polymaltose. Urinary phosphate excretion increased without renal tubular defect; therefore, hypophosphatemic osteomalacia was diagnosed. MRI showed high signal intensity in the talus, sacral, and L5 vertebral regions, indicating multiple pseudofractures. Comprehensive imaging studies, including systemic CT scan and 111In-pentetreotide scintigraphy, did not reveal any tumors despite the suspicion of TIO. Next, we performed systemic venous sampling, which revealed high FGF23 level in the left external iliac vein. Second venous sampling limited to the left lower limb exhibited high FGF23 level in the posterior tibial vein. However, an additional imaging study limited to the left foot could not identify any tumors. Genetic variation was negative for potentially responsible genes, including PHEX and FGF23. We decided to administer burosumab to normalize serum phosphate level without phosphate supplementation. Within 2 months, pain was relieved and the visual analog scale scores also improved from 10 to 6. Moreover, bone MRI showed improved pseudofractures. Conclusion: Burosumab administration was effective for TIO of unknown origin, and it improved not only laboratory findings but also clinical symptoms in this case.

Abstract No. 504 Update: iliocaval-in-stent restenosis

To examine patient, stent, and angioplasty factors associated with 50% and 75% in-stent restenosis (ISR) of iliocaval stents placed for chronic venous thrombosis with results at 1, 3, 5, and 20 years post-placement. All patients with symptomatic chronic iliocaval venous thrombosis who underwent iliocaval stent placement with either SMART (Cordis, Santa Clara, CA) or Wallstent (Boston Scientific, Natick MA) at an academic medical center from 1996 to 2018 were compiled from a departmental database. In total, 620 iliocaval stents (430 SMART, 190 Wallstent) were placed in 176 patients (52.8% male, median age 51.1 y). Median follow -was 538.1 days (range, 0–6473 days). Rates of ISR at > 50% and > 75% luminal obstruction were calculated using Kaplan-Meier methods. Cox regression analysis of the effects of age, gender, stent brand, stent diameter, stent length, and angioplasty balloon diameter, on ISR was performed. Median and mean time to ISR were 153.5 and 299.2 days, respectively (range, 3–3985 days). In the 20 year follow-up period, ISR occurred in 8.7% of inferior vena cava (IVC) stents, 10.9% of common iliac vein (CIV) stents, and 15.3% of external iliac vein (EIV) stents. Gender did not affect ISR. Increased age was associated with a small but significant increased risk of ISR when all veins were examined as a single cohort at 1, 3, 5, and 20 years and within the EIV at 3, 5, and 20 years. Wallstents were associated with decreased rate of ISR when all veins were examined as a single cohort at 1, 3, 5, and 20 years as well as within EIV and CIV at 1, 3, 5, and 20 years. A small but significant increased risk of ISR was noted with larger stents in the EIV at 1, 3, 5, and 20 years and IVC at 1 year only as well as when all veins are examined as a single cohort at 1, 3, 5, and 20 years. Smaller balloon diameter demonstrated an increased risk of ISR within IVC stents at 1 year only. When the threshold for ISR was raised to > 75% ISR, all of the above significant results were the same. However, in addition, increasing stent length was associated with a small but significant risk of ISR > 75% when all veins were examined as a single cohort at 1, 3, 5, and 20 years. Our study demonstrates clinically acceptable and decreased rates of ISR compared to prior studies for the IVC, CIV, and EIV stents. Age is a small but significant risk factor for ISR, especially within the EIV. Wallstents may decrease ISR in iliac veins but are similar to SMART stents when placed in the IVC. Larger balloon diameters may help with short-term IVC ISR and larger stents may increase the risk of ISR in the EIV.

Patterns of pathologic lymph nodes in anal cancer: a PET-CT-based analysis with implications for radiotherapy treatment volumes

BackgroundThis study investigates the patterns of PET-positive lymph nodes (LNs) in anal cancer. The aim was to provide information that could inform future anal cancer radiotherapy contouring guidelines.MethodsThe baseline [18F]-FDG PET-CTs of 190 consecutive anal cancer patients were retrospectively assessed. LNs with a Deauville score (DS) of ≥3 were defined as PET-positive. Each PET-positive LN was allocated to a LN region and a LN sub-region; they were then mapped on a standard anatomy reference CT. The association between primary tumor localization and PET-positive LNs in different regions were analyzed.ResultsPET-positive LNs (n = 412) were identified in 103 of 190 patients (54%). Compared to anal canal tumors with extension into the rectum, anal canal tumors with perianal extension more often had inguinal (P < 0.001) and less often perirectal (P < 0.001) and internal iliac (P < 0.001) PET-positive LNs. Forty-two patients had PET-positive LNs confined to a solitary region, corresponding to first echelon nodes. The most common solitary LN region was inguinal (25 of 42; 60%) followed by perirectal (26%), internal iliac (10%), and external iliac (2%). No PET-positive LNs were identified in the ischiorectal fossa or in the inguinal area located posterolateral to deep vessels. Skip metastases above the bottom of the sacroiliac joint were quite rare. Most external iliac PET-positive LNs were located posterior to the external iliac vein; only one was located in the lateral external iliac sub-region.ConclusionsThe results support some specific modifications to the elective clinical target volume (CTV) in anal cancer. These changes would lead to reduced volumes of normal tissue being irradiated, which could contribute to a reduction in radiation side-effects.

Dimensional disparity between duplex and intravascular ultrasound in the assessment of iliac vein stenosis.

Minimum iliac vein caliber necessary to maintain normal peripheral venous pressure can be derived by the Poiseuille equation. Duplex was compared to intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in the assessment of iliac vein stenosis in this single center retrospective study. Parallel IVUS and duplex caliber data for common iliac vein (CIV) and external iliac vein (EIV) in 382 limbs were separately compared. One or both segments were stenotic by IVUS criteria in 213 limbs. Neither segment was stenotic by IVUS in 22 limbs. Bland-Altman analyses and Passing-Bablok linear regressions were used. Duplex calibers were dimensionally smaller than corresponding IVUS images of CIV and EIV segments in Bland-Altman comparison by a mean of 54 mm2 and 34 mm2, respectively. Passing-Bablok regression suggested the difference was due to a systematic bias and not proportional. Duplex yields a smaller cross-sectional image of CIV and EIV compared to IVUS. Duplex is not a reliable diagnostic test for iliac vein stenosis.

Complete resection of the iliac vascular system during pelvic exenteration: an evolving surgical approach to lateral compartment excision.

Tumour infiltration of the lateral pelvic compartment has previously been associated with the highest rate of involved resection margins and carries significant risk of morbidity. In this study, consecutive patients undergoing pelvic exenteration at a single centre between 1994 and 2019 who required en bloc resection of the common or external iliac artery or vein were included.The results demonstrate that complete resection of the iliac vascular system, including resection and reconstruction of the common and external iliac vessels, can be performed safely during pelvic exenteration with oncological outcomes comparable to more central tumours.

Embolization for massive bleeding due to spontaneous left external iliac vein rupture: report of a successful case

BackgroundSpontaneous rupture of the iliac vein has rarely been reported. Its associated hypovolemic shock-related symptoms and signs, including syncope and hypotension, have been observed in most of these cases. Successful transcatheter venous embolization for massive bleeding due to spontaneous rupture of the external iliac vein was herein reported.Case presentationAn 82-year-old female patient developed sudden left lower abdominal and back pain. Immediately, she lost consciousness and went into shock. CT images of her abdomen revealed a huge retroperitoneal hematoma, with leakage of contrast medium in the hematoma in the left flank. These findings suggested left external iliac vein rupture.Open surgery was considered; however, since the patient’s condition may have deteriorated further due to the time needed to prepare for surgery, including general anesthesia, transcatheter venous embolization of the left iliac vein was selected. A 5.2-Fr compliant balloon catheter (nominal diameter of 10 mm) was inflated at the distal site of the external iliac vein to reduce extravasation. N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) was mixed with Lipiodol at a ratio of 1:2. The left Iliac vein was filled and completely embolized with the NBCA/Lipiodol mixture (total injected volume, 5 mL) using a 1.8-Fr microcatheter. After embolization, the patient quickly. An inferior vena cava filter was placed 1 day after embolization.ConclusionSpontaneous rupture of the iliac vein is a very rare and lethal condition. Transcatheter venous embolization may control potentially life-threatening bleeding. Rapid bleeding control in a critical condition is facilitated by this minimally invasive approach.