Multiple Arteries Research Articles

Mapping of Anatomic Variants of the Proximal Vertebral Artery in Relation to Embryology.

Variations in the origins and courses of the vertebral arteries are relatively rare but may be clinically meaningful. We hypothesize a relationship between variant origins of the vertebral arteries and their levels of entry to the foramina transversaria. In this retrospective study of CT angiograms, we document the frequency and types of vertebral artery variants, correlating origins with levels of entry to the foramina transversaria. Vertebral artery variants were observed in 18.7% of a sample of 460 CT angiograms of the neck. Right-sided variants were less common than left (44.2% versus 68.6%, with 12.8% bilateral) and more common than previously thought. The most common variant on both sides was a variant origin proximal to the normal vertebral artery origin and entry at C5. Most right vertebral arteries originating within 2 cm of the origin of the right subclavian artery and left vertebral arteries originating between the left common carotid and subclavian arteries were "high-entry" variants. Most "low-entry" variants, entering at C7, took origin from the arch just distal to the left subclavian artery or at a common origin with the costocervical trunk. Multiple origins or accessory vertebral arteries were also described, and each moiety followed the same rules described for single origins. A map of vertebral artery origins mirrored the map of aortic arch embryology. Vertebral artery variants follow certain well-defined patterns that correlate with the embryology of the aortic arch and great vessels.

Interaction of large artery stiffness and baroreceptor function explored through multiple measurement techniques - a pilot study.

Baroreceptors, sensors that play a role in controlling arterial blood pressure (BP), are mechanical stretch receptors located in the aortic arch and carotid sinuses. Factors affecting the degree of stretch in the vessel wall with BP, such as increased arterial stiffness, may compromise baroreceptor sensitivity (BRS) to BP changes. Yet, evidence of this is scattered, as both baroreceptor sensitivity (BRS) and arterial stiffness are calculated variables with multiple methodological approaches. This pilot study (n=10) investigates the correlation of arterial stiffness and BRS using multiple BRS calculation techniques (spectral and sequence methodologies at aortic and finger sites) and arterial stiffness measurement [carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), carotid compliance and distensibility]. BRS was assessed under resting BP conditions and during BP altered by maneuvers (0.1 Hz controlled breathing and leg ischemia). Magnitude of arterial stiffness - BRS correlation was positive for carotid distensibility and compliance, and negative for cfPWV, supporting the theory. A sample size of 100 participants (not rounded - exact figure by power calculation) would be required to confirm or reject all permutations of correlation between BRS by multiple calculation methods and large artery stiffness by PWV and compliance/distensibility measures.

“Triple V-Plasty”: Creation of a Single Orifice for Three Renal Arteries in Live-Donor Transplantation

Donor renovascular anatomic variations can hinder renal transplantation (RT), especially from live donors. Back-table vascular reconstruction can be effective in the use of renal allografts with multiple renal arteries (RAs), helping to expand the pool of live donors. Sequential V-plasty of 3 donor RAs using fine, non-absorbable, monofilament (7-0 or 8-0 polypropylene) suture in an uninterrupted fashion successfully enabled the creation of a single, wide ostium for anastomosis with the target inflow recipient artery. Creation of a single ostium for 3 RAs was successfully performed on a 31-year-old man during a live-donor left RT, resulting in good inflow and outflow with arterial and venous anastomoses, respectively, at graft implantation. Excellent postoperative allograft perfusion was achieved, and the patient continued to have normal allograft function at >1 year post-transplantation. Novel ex vivo renovascular reconstruction potentiates expansion of live-donor RT successfully despite variant renovascular anatomy.

C-Arm Computed Tomographic Image Fusion for Repetitive Transarterial Chemoembolization of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential implications of fusion imaging with C-arm computed tomography (CACT) scans for repetitive conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma. Fifty-six cTACE sessions were performed using fusion CACT images from September 2020 to June 2021 in a tertiary referral center, and the data were retrospectively analyzed. Fusion of unenhanced and enhanced CACT images was considered when previously accumulated iodized oil hampered the identification of local tumor progression or intrahepatic distant metastasis (indication A), when a tumor was supplied by multiple arteries with different origins from the aorta and missing tumor enhancement was suspected (indication B), or when iodized oil distribution on immediate post-cTACE CACT images needed to be precisely compared with the pre-cTACE images (indication C). Fusion image quality, initial tumor response, time to local progression (TTLP) of index tumors, and time to progression (TTP) were evaluated. The fusion quality was satisfactory with a mean misregistration distance of 1.4 mm. For the 40 patients with indication A, the initial tumor responses at 3 months were nonviable, equivocal, and viable in 27 (67.5%), 4 (10.0%), and 9 (22.5%) index tumors, respectively. The median TTLP and TTP were 14.8 months and 4.5 months, respectively. For 10 patients with indication B, the median TTLP and TTP were 8.3 months and 2.6 months, respectively. Among the 6 patients with indication C, 2 patients were additionally treated at the same cTACE session after confirming incomplete iodized oil uptake on fusion imaging. Fusion CACT images are useful in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing repetitive cTACE.

Prognostic Significance of Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction.

The prognostic impact of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) has been scarcely addressed in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). This study investigated the prevalence and prognostic significance of CMD as measured by a novel pressure wire-free coronary angiography-derived index of microcirculatory resistance (caIMR) on clinical outcomes. Patients diagnosed with HFpEF from 2019 to 2021 were enrolled retrospectively. caIMR was used to quantify microvascular function, and patients were categorised into 2 groups based on their caIMR. The primary end points were composite of all-cause death and heart failure rehospitalisation. Of 137 HFpEF patients, CMD (defined as caIMR ≥ 25) was present in 88 patients (64.2%). Forty-five patients (32.8%) experienced composite events during a mean follow-up of 15 months. Compared with patients with caIMR < 25, those with caIMR ≥ 25 had a notably higher incidence of composite events (16.3% vs 42.0%; P= 0.002). On survival analysis, patients with caIMR ≥ 25 demonstrated a worse prognosis than those with caIMR < 25 for composite events (P= 0.006). Patients with caIMR ≥ 25 in multiple coronary arteries showed a trend to worse outcome than those with caIMR ≥ 25 in a single coronary artery (log-rank P= 0.056). In adjusted analysis, caIMR ≥ 25 was independently predictive of adverse outcomes (adjusted hazard ratio 2.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28-6.70; P= 0.010). caIMR displayed a significant predictive power for adverse event prediction (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.767, 95% CI 0.677-0.858; P < 0.001). CMD is highly prevalent and is an independent predictor of adverse outcomes in HFpEF patients. Assessment of CMD may identify high-risk patients early for intensified treatment and risk-factor management.

Asymmetric sickle cell retinopathy in a patient with sickle cell hemoglobin D disease: A case report

Sickle cell disease (SCD), the most commonly inherited hemoglobinopathy, can result in vision loss due to sickle cell retinopathy (SCR), vascular occlusions, and retinal atrophy. SCR is more common in heterozygous (HbSc) than homozygous (HbSS) patients. HbD (Punjab) is a less commonly reported form of hemoglobin in SCD, seen in northwestern states of India. Patients with sickle cell hemoglobin D disease (HbSD) can clinically behave like HbSS. We report a case of asymmetric SCR and multiple branch retinal artery occlusions in a patient with sickle cell hemoglobin D disease in central India.

Unilateral rete mirabile in multiple intracranial arteries with ipsilateral agenesis of the internal carotid artery: a case report

BackgroundRete mirabile of the cerebral artery is a rare anomaly, with most previous cases occurring in the middle cerebral artery or internal carotid artery. Here, we present the first report of unilateral rete mirabile in multiple intracranial arteries with ipsilateral internal carotid artery agenesis.Case presentationA 64-year-old Japanese woman was brought to the emergency department of our hospital in a deep coma. Computed tomography of the head showed severe intraventricular hemorrhage with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Computed tomography angiography showed not only congenital left internal carotid artery agenesis, but also rete mirabile of the left posterior communicating artery, the left posterior cerebral artery, and the left anterior cerebral artery. This unilateral vessel anomaly complex may have contributed to the formation of a peripheral aneurysm arising from a perforating branch of the pericallosal artery, which ruptured. The patient underwent urgent bilateral external ventricular drainage, but deteriorated and was declared brain dead.ConclusionsWe report the first case of unilateral rete mirabile in multiple intracranial arteries. Because the cerebral arteries in patients with rete mirabile may be vulnerable, close attention should be paid to the development of cerebral aneurysms.

ALDH2 rs671 and MTHFR rs1801133 polymorphisms are risk factors for arteriosclerosis in multiple arteries

BackgroundArteriosclerosis in multiple arteries has long been associated with heightened cardiovascular risk. Acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) play an important role in the pathogenesis of arteriosclerosis by participating in the oxidation and reduction reactions in vascular endothelial cells. The purpose was to investigate the relationship of ALDH2 and MTHFR gene polymorphisms with arteriosclerosis in multiple arteries.Methods410 patients with arteriosclerosis in single artery and 472 patients with arteriosclerosis in multiple arteries were included. The relationship between ALDH2 rs671 and MTHFR rs1801133 polymorphisms and arteriosclerosis in single artery and arteriosclerosis in multiple arteries was analyzed.ResultsThe proportion of ALDH2 rs671 A allele (35.6% vs. 30.9%, P = 0.038) and MTHFR rs1801133 T allele (32.6% vs. 27.1%, P = 0.012) in patients with arteriosclerosis in multiple arteries was significantly higher than that in arteriosclerosis in single artery, respectively. The proportion of history of alcohol consumption in patients with ALDH2 rs671 G/G genotype was higher than those in ALDH2 rs671 G/A genotype and A/A genotype (P < 0.001). The results of logistic regression analysis indicated that ALDH2 rs671 A/A genotype (A/A vs. G/G: OR 1.996, 95% CI: 1.258–3.166, P = 0.003) and MTHFR rs1801133 T/T genotype (T/T vs. C/C: OR 1.943, 95% CI: 1.179–3.203, P = 0.009) may be independent risk factors for arteriosclerosis in multiple arteries (adjusted for age, sex, smoking, drinking, hypertension, and diabetes).ConclusionsALDH2 rs671 A/A and MTHFR rs1801133 T/T genotypes may be independent risk factors for arteriosclerosis in multiple arteries.

Kidney Transplantation in Nigeria: A Single Centre’s Early Surgical Experience and Outcomes

With the rise in the population of patients with End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD) in Nigeria, there is an increased demand for Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT) including kidney transplantation (KT). We present our initial surgical experience and early outcomes with KT at a Nigerian transplant center over 2 years. A 2-year retrospective review of patients who underwent KT was done. Data of both kidney donors and recipients were recorded in designed proformas. Extracted information included demographic characteristics, side of open donor nephrectomy (ODN), recipient anatomy, surgical techniques and postoperative outcomes. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. A total of 210 patients had KT during the period under review&lt;em&gt;. &lt;/em&gt;Donors had an age range of 19 to 53 years with a mean of 30.8 3 ± 8.43 years while recipients aged between 9 and 73 years with a mean of 45.97 ± 13.71 years. There were 190 (90.5%) male and 20 (9.5%) female donors. One hundred fifty-four recipients were males (73.3%) and 56 (26.7%) were females. Left ODN was performed in 152 (72.4%) of cases and the commonest indication for right ODN was multiple left renal arteries. The allograft was placed in the right iliac fossa in 187 (89.0%) recipients with the external iliac artery preferred for anastomosis with the allograft renal artery in end-to-side fashion in 182 (86.7%) cases. The internal iliac artery was used in end-to-end fashion anastomosis in 28 (13.3%) of cases. Ureteroneocystostomy using the Modified Lich-Gregoir technique over a double-J stent was performed in all but 5 patients who had uretero-ureterostomies. Significant peri-operative hemorrhage necessitating blood transfusion was experienced in 9 donors and 26 recipients. There was a low complication rate in kidney donors. Allograft renal artery thrombosis, venous thrombosis, and arterial pseudo-aneurysms were encountered in 3, 2 and 4 recipients respectively. Kidney transplantation can be safely and routinely carried out in Nigeria. The early surgical outlook of both kidney donors and recipients was found to be excellent in this study.

Implications of Tumor Surgery in Horseshoe Kidneys: A Comparative Study of Outcomes and Surgical Practices

To contrast surgical outcomes of Horseshoe Kidney (HSK) patients with localized renal masses suspected of cancer with nonfused nonectopic kidney patients, emphasizing safe surgical practices for HSKs. The study examined solid tumors from the Mayo Clinic Nephrectomy registry between 1971 and 2021. Each HSK case was matched to three non-HSK patients based on various factors. The outcomes measured included complications within 30days of surgery, change in estimated glomerular filtration rate, and overall, cancer-specific, and metastasis-free survival rates. Thirty of the 34 HSKs had malignant tumors compared with 90 of the 102 patients in the nonfused nonectopic referent cohort. Accessory isthmus arteries were present in 93% of HSK cases, with 43% exhibiting multiple arteries and 7% with 6 or more arteries. Estimated blood loss and surgery duration were significantly higher in HSKs (900 vs 300mL, P=.004; 246 vs 163minutes, P<.001, respectively). The HSK group demonstrated an overall complication rate of 26% (vs 17% in referents, P=.2) and a median change in estimated glomerular filtration rate at 3months of -8.5 (vs -8.1 in referents, P=.8). At 5-year follow-up, survival rates for HSK patients were 72%, 91%, and 69% for overall, cancer-specific, and metastasis-free survival, respectively. The corresponding rates were 79%, 86%, and 77%, respectively, for matched referent patients (P>.05). HSK tumor management is technically challenging with higher blood loss; however, the data demonstrate comparable outcomes for patients with HSK tumors, including complications and survival, to those without HSKs in experienced centers.

#2531 AGATSTON INDEX AS A PREDICTOR OF PREDICTION OF THE DEGREE OF HEART VASCULAR DAMAGE IN STAGE 5 CKD PATIENTS RECEIVING PROGRAM HEMODIALYSIS

Abstract Background and Aims Cardiovascular events (CVEs) are the leading cause of death in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). A retrospective analysis of the causes of death of a large group of nephrological patients shows that the mortality of patients from cardiovascular events is more than 4.1 higher than the number of deaths from all kidney diseases, including end-stage chronic kidney disease [1]. Aim of the study: to evaluate the possibility of CI for predicting the degree of damage to the coronary arteries of the heart in patients with CKD. Method In a prospective study for MSCT, 60 patients were selected (30 patients each from groups 1 and 2 (15 patients in subgroups) with CKD stage 5 of various etiologies receiving PG. The results of multispiral CT-coronary angiography in 60 consecutive patients/clients of a multidisciplinary clinic were analyzed. Among them were: 41 men (68.3%) and 19 women (31.6), the age ranged from 28 to 74 years (mean age - 53.4 ± 11.89 years). The mean age of the woman was 55.05 ± 11.92 years; men 52.63 ± 11.61 years old, there were no statistically significant differences between the age, heart rate, SBP and DBP of women and men, which indicates the representativeness of the groups. Results To assess coronary calcification, MSCT of the chest was performed to determine the mass and volume of coronary calcium. When compared in group 1 patients, in relation to group 2 patients in all coronary basins, there is a significant increase in the content of coronary calcium (p&amp;lt;0.05 for all indicators). The Agatston index in the examined patients ranged from 0 to 790 units (units). Patients with CI ranging from 101 to 400 units. were older - from 34 to 54 years (mean age 42.77 years). Among them, males clearly predominated. In 50% of patients, there was a multivascular lesion of the coronary arteries with significant stenosis in the anterior interventricular branch (LAD) and the right coronary artery (RCA), and without significant stenosis in the circumflex branch of the left coronary artery. With CI over 400 units. all 30 examined patients had multiple coronary artery stenoses, the maximum of which exceeded 70%. At the same time, 5 patients (8.3%) had 4 stenoses of the coronary arteries of the heart. This is consistent with evidence that increased cardiovascular risk is associated with total coronary artery calcium load. Taking into account the fact that according to the results of the study it was found that in many patients with coronary artery stenosis from 20 to 49%, belonging to the group of patients with high cardiovascular risk and with stenosis of more than 50%, to the group of very high risk, having an increased CI, then this indicator can be used as an additional indicator for cardiovascular risk stratification to predict cardiovascular events. Conclusion The Agatston index or CI, determined using multislice CT, can be used as a screening method for detecting coronary artery atherosclerosis and determining cardiovascular risk. With CI over 100 units. the vast majority of the surveyed revealed multiple stenoses of the coronary arteries, with an indicator of more than 400 units. hemodynamically significant arterial damage is expected. Such patients should undergo an additional examination: functional tests (bicycle ergometry, treadmill test, daily ECG monitoring) or contrast coronary angiography to verify the main diagnosis and to decide on further tactics for managing patients.

Effect of ureteral stricture in transplant kidney and choice of treatment on long-term graft survival.

To explore the risk factors of ureteral stricture in transplant kidney and the clinical effects of different treatment methods. The 62 patients with transplant kidney ureteral stenosis as the experimental group, and another group of recipients from the same donor as the control group (n = 59 cases). The risk factors for ureteral stricture and the survival rate of transplant kidney were analyzed and compared. The 62 patients were divided into open operation, luminal operation, and magnetic compression anastomosis (MCA) operation group. The effect of the operation and the survival rate of transplant kidney among the three groups were compared. In our study, we found that the above differences were statistically significant in clinical data such as gender, multiple donor renal arteries, history of infection, and delayed graft function (DGF) between the two groups (P < 0.05). Urinary tract infection and DGF history were the independent risk factors for the development of ureteral stricture. The open operation had the best treatment effect and the survival rate of the transplant kidney, followed by the MCA, the stricture recurrence rate in the luminal operation was the highest. The ureteral stricture has a negative correlation with the long-term survival rate of the transplant kidney, the curative rate and long-term effect of open surgery are the best, stricture recurrence rate of luminal surgery is high, and it may require multiple operations in the future, the MCA is a new breakthrough and innovation in the treatment of ureteral stricture.

MULTIPLE RENAL ARTERIES AS A RISK FACTOR FOR SEVERE HYPERTENSION IN YOUNG ADULTS?

Objective: The significance of multiple renal arteries (MRAs) in arterial hypertension (AH) is not fully understood. Lower perfusion pressure due to longer length and narrower caliber of MRAs could cause segmental hyperreninemia sufficient to result in renin-dependent systemic hypertension. Sympathetic renal nerve activity might be affected by hyperreninema as well. The aim of the study was to examine the characteristics of young adult hypertensives in relation to the existence of MRAs that were diagnosed during evaluation for secondary arterial hypertension. Design and method: 32 patients underwent routine evaluation for secondary hypertension and target organ damage. Patients were divided into two groups, one with MRAs and the other without MRAs. Data were presented as mean +standard deviation and compared by the Indipendent-Sample t-test. Results: The mean age was 38 years, and 13 patients were diagnosed with MRAs. There were more men in the MRAs group, otherwise, there were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the groups (BMI, smoking, family history). None of them were diagnosed with secondary endocrine hypertension or renal artery stenosis. MRAs group showed significantly higher values of office SBP/DBP (p &lt; 0,012) and 24-hour SBP/DBP (p &lt; 0,001), and nonsignificantly higher values of heart rate. Although nonsignificant, direct renin concentrations were slightly higher in the MRAs group, while insulin levels were higher in the non-MRAs group. Dyslipidemia was diagnosed in most patients, without significant differences between groups. Electrocardiographic and echocardiographic changes suggesting hypertensive heart remodeling were found in 55% of patients in MRAs compared to 32% in non-MRAs, there were no significant differences in NTproBNP levels. A nonsignificant reduction in glomerular filtration rate was noticed in the MRAs group, while there were no significant differences in 24-hour albuminuria (p 0,308; p 0,614). Conclusions: The significance of MRAs in arterial hypertension is a matter of debate. In our study of young patients with arterial hypertension and MRAs, we observed features of more severe hypertension with already existing hypertensive target organ damages. Proper medical treatment with antihypertensive agents is crucial. Future studies will answer the question about interventional therapeutic procedures’ role in preventing cardiovascular complications.

Stress Cardiomyopathy and Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: Linked or Overlooked?

This case series aimed to explore the association between spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) and stress cardiomyopathy (SCM), which are conditions that share similar features and can present as acute coronary syndrome. Both can be precipitated by emotional and/or physical stressors. Diagnosis is with coronary angiogram for SCAD, and echocardiogram for SCM. It is less common for people to have features of both. The overlap syndrome becomes evident if the territory of the involved coronary artery is incongruent with the left ventricular (LV) regional wall motion abnormality (RWMA). This single-centre case series identified cases with possible overlap of stress cardiomyopathy and SCAD. Patients were searched for individually, using an electronic health database (Health Connect South) through discharge summaries over a 2-year period. Cases with a likely diagnosis of both stress cardiomyopathy and SCAD were identified. The echocardiographic abnormalities included LV apical hypo/akinesis in all cases. In most cases, SCAD was confined to the mid and/or distal left anterior descending (LAD) artery. Two cases involved SCAD in multiple coronary arteries. This case series was able to clearly see the coexistence of an overlap syndrome in some cases. However, the association between the two conditions is under-recognised. It is proposed that an invasive coronary angiogram or computerised tomography coronary angiogram be actively reviewed to diagnose SCAD in patients with SCM, and early and repeat imaging in patients with SCAD is essential to identify SCM.

Fluid-structure interaction study for biomechanics and risk factors in Stanford type A aortic dissection.

Aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition with a rising prevalence in the elderly population, possibly as a consequence of the increasing population life expectancy. Untreated aortic dissection can lead to myocardial infarction, aortic branch malperfusion or occlusion, rupture, aneurysm formation and death. This study aims to assess the potential of a biomechanical model in predicting the risks of a non-dilated thoracic aorta with Stanford type A dissection. To achieve this, a fully coupled fluid-structure interaction model was developed under realistic blood flow conditions. This model of the aorta was developed by considering three-dimensional artery geometry, multiple artery layers, hyperelastic artery wall, in vivo-based physiological time-varying blood velocity profiles, and non-Newtonian blood behaviours. The results demonstrate that in a thoracic aorta with Stanford type A dissection, the wall shear stress (WSS) is significantly low in the ascending aorta and false lumen, leading to potential aortic dilation and thrombus formation. The results also reveal that the WSS is highly related to blood flow patterns. The aortic arch region near the brachiocephalic and left common carotid artery is prone to rupture, showing a good agreement with the clinical reports. The results have been translated into their potential clinical relevance by revealing the role of the stress state, WSS and flow characteristics as the main parameters affecting lesion progression, including rupture and aneurysm. The developed model can be tailored for patient-specific studies and utilised as a predictive tool to estimate aneurysm growth and initiation of wall rupture inside the human thoracic aorta.

Vascular Reconstruction and Limb Loss in Military Tibial Artery Injuries

Selective operative management of injuries to the tibial arteries is controversial, with the necessity of revascularization in the face of multiple tibial arteries debated. Tibial artery injuries are frequently encountered in military trauma, but revascularization practices and outcomes are poorly defined. We aimed to investigate associations between the number of injured vessels and reconstruction and limb loss rates in military casualties with tibial arterial trauma. A US military database of lower extremity vascular injuries from Iraq and Afghanistan (2004-2012) was queried for limbs sustaining at least one tibial artery injury. Injury and intervention characteristics and limb outcomes were analyzed by the number of tibial arteries injured (one, T1; two, T2; three, T3). We included 221 limbs (194 T1, 22 T2, 5 T3). The proportions with concomitant venous, orthopedic, nerve, or proximal arterial injuries were similar between groups. Arterial reconstruction (vs ligation) was performed in 29% of T1, 63% of T2, and universally in T3 limbs (P < .001) (Figure). Arterial reconstruction was via vein graft (vs localized repair) in 62% of T1, 54% of T2, and 80% of T3 (P = .59). T3 received greater blood transfusion volume (P = .02) and fasciotomy was used universally (vs 34% T1 and 14% T2; P = .05). Amputation rates were 23% for T1, 26% for T2, and 60% for T3 (P = .16), and amputation was not significantly predicted by arterial ligation in T1 (P = .08) or T2 (P = .34) limbs. Infection was more common in T3 (80%) than T1 (25%) or T2 (32%, P = .02), but other limb complication rates were similar. In this series of military lower extremity injuries, an increasing number of tibial arteries injured was associated with increasing use of arterial reconstruction. Limbs with all three tibial arteries injured had high rates of complex vascular reconstruction and eventual amputation. Limb loss was not predicted by arterial ligation in one- and two-vessel injuries, suggesting that selective reconstruction in these cases is advisable.

Embolization of a Transplanted Kidney in MELAS Requires Special Considerations

With interest we read the article by Kim et al. on an 18 year-old female with mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episode (MELAS) syndrome, who underwent en block kidney transplantation (EBKT) because of renal failure due to glomerulosclerosis [1]. Two months after transplantation the patient experienced urinary tract infection due to hydronephrosis of the left transplanted kidney [1]. Despite all measures to preserve the left kidney, hydronephrosis was classified as intractable and it was decided to sacrifice the culprit kidney and to embolise it which was technically difficult because of kinking, multiple renal arteries, but was lastly successful [1]. The study is excellent, but has limitations that are cause of concerns and should be discussed. The main limitation of the study is that it was not mentioned how MELAS was diagnosed and that the causative mutation responsible for MELAS was not reported. Knowing the underlying genetic defect is crucial as it may allow assessing the prognosis and may facilitate genetic counselling. Since 80% of the MELAS patients carry the mtDNA variant m.3243A&gt;G in MT-TL1, we should know if MELAS in the index patient was due to this common cause of MELAS and whether other first-degree family members also carried this variant. Knowing whether an mtDNA or nDNA located gene was mutated is critical, as the phenotypic expression of mtDNA located genes is strongly dependent on heteroplasmy rates and mtDNA copy number. Knowing the nature of the underlying mutation is also critical for choosing the optimal immunosuppressive treatment after transplantation, as immunosuppressants can be mitochondrion-toxic. Another limitation is that it is unclear whether the index patient had inherited the pathogenic variant from her parents or whether it had occurred de novo. Knowing whether kidney failure due to glomerulosclerosis was inherited is critical as the index patient would transmit the causative mutation if it was inherited but may not inherit the defect to the next generation if the mutation had occurred de novo. We should know why the left kidney was embolized and not explanted. Because recurrent infections were made responsible for hydronephrosis, it cannot be ruled out that the left kidney hosted microbial agents, which could be a permanent source of bacteriemia or viremia. Therefore, we should know the long-term outcome after embolization. Did the index patient still experience recurrent urinary tract infections or was renal function completely restored after embolization? There is not mention, whether the complicated anatomy, multiple angulations, accessory renal arteries were present already immediately after transplantation or whether they developed during the time between transplantation and the development of hydronephrosis. Were the multiple renal arteries already described in the operation report? Knowing the pathophysiology of multiple renal arteries and kinking is crucial for future cases. Hydronephrosis was attributed to ureter obstruction but there is no discussion of its pathophysiology. We should know whether ureter obstruction was due to host-versus graft reaction, due to ureteritis, due to spasms, or due to ureter stones. Overall, the interesting study has limitations that call the results and their interpretation into question. Addressing these issues would strengthen the conclusions and could improve the status of the study. Complications after kidney transplantation in MELAS patients require special attention and management.

RIGHT PUJ NARROWING CAUSED BY RIGHT ABERRANT RENAL ARTERY : A CASE REPORT

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction is usually intrinsic and is most common in children. Multiple renal arteries have been reported to occur in approximately 30% of cases( with a preponderance on the left side. With respect to the presence of multiple renal arteries, by a study of Sampaio et al.9), an inferior “accessory” or “aberrant” artery was found to cross anteriorly to the UPJ in 6.8% of the cases. In few specimens this inferior accessory artery pass close to the UPJ. Therefore, the presence of an anomalous vessel crossing the UPJ and causing obstruction is a very rare finding). Aberrant renal arteries to the inferior pole cross anteriorly to the ureter and may cause hydronephrosis. We describe a 52-year-old woman with hydronephrosis due to UPJ obstruction by an aberrant renal artery and review the literature in brief.

A clinical study of the correlation between metabolic-associated fatty liver disease and coronary plaque pattern

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and has been correlated with coronary atherosclerosis (CAS). Since NAFLD was renamed metabolic-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD) in 2020, no studies have evaluated the correlation between MAFLD and CAS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between MAFLD and CAS. A total of 1330 patients underwent continuous coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and abdominal ultrasound as part of a routine physical examination. Ultrasonography was used to assess fatty liver, and CCTA was used to assess coronary artery plaques, degree of stenosis, and diseased blood vessels. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed with plaque type and degree of stenosis as dependent variables and MAFLD and traditional cardiovascular risk factors as independent variables to analyze the correlation between MAFLD and CAS. Among the 1164 patients, 680 (58.4%) were diagnosed with MAFLD through a combination of ultrasound and auxiliary examinations. Compared with the non-MAFLD group, the MAFLD group had more cardiovascular risk factors,and the MAFLD group had more likely to have coronary atherosclerosis, coronary stenosis and multiple coronary artery stenosis.In the univariate logistic regression, MAFLD was significantly correlated with overall plaque, calcified plaques, noncalcified plaques, mixed plaques,and significant stenosis in the coronary arteries.(p < 0.05). After adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors , MAFLD was correlated with noncalcified plaques (1.67; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15–2.43; p = 0.007) and mixed plaques (1.54; 95% CI 1.10–2.16; p = 0.011). In this study, MAFLD group had more cardiovascular risk factors, MAFLD was correlated with coronary atherosclerosis,and significant stenosis.Further study found independent associations between MAFLD and noncalcified plaques and mixed plaques, which suggest a clinically relevant link between MAFLD and coronary atherosclerosis.

Standardization of Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy Technique in Minimizing Ureteral Complications in Renal Transplant Recipients: 10-Year Experience of a Single Center

BackgroundLaparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) is the preferred method for kidney retrieval in live donor kidney transplantation. The surgical technique of LDN has improved over the years, but ureteral complications are still common after kidney transplantation. The relationship between the surgical technique in LDN and ureteral complications has been debated. This study aims to discuss ureteral complications and risk factors in kidney transplantation in a group of patients performed with a standard technique. Materials and MethodsA total of 751 live donor kidney transplantations were included in the study. Age, sex, body mass index, concomitant metabolic diseases, nephrectomy side, multiple renal arteries, and several complete or incomplete duplicated ureters of donors were recorded. The recipient's age, sex, body mass index, duration of dialysis, the daily volume of urine before transplantation, accompanying metabolic diseases, and postoperative ureteral complications were also recorded. ResultsOf the 751 patient donors included in the study, 433 (57.7%) were female, and 318 (42.3%) were male. Of the 751 recipients, 291 (38.7%) were female, and 460 (61.3%) were male. In the 751 recipients, there were 8 (1.0%) ureteral complications, all of which were ureteral strictures. No ureteral leaks or urinomas were noted in this series. There was no statistically significant relation between donor age, donor body mass index, donor side, presence of hypertension in the donor, presence of diabetes mellitus in the donor, or ureteral complications. The mean duration of dialysis and preoperative daily urine volume were associated with increased ureteral complications with statistical significance. ConclusionRecipient factors may affect ureteral complication rates in live donor kidney transplantation, donor nephrectomy technique, and gonadal vein preservation.