PV Diameter Research Articles

Ferumoxytol-enhanced MR venography for mapping lower-extremity venous networks and evaluating varicose veins in patients with diabetes.

Comprehensive evaluation of lower-extremity varicose veins (VVs) in patients with diabetes is crucial for treatment strategizing. The study aims to assess the feasibility of using ferumoxytol-enhanced MR venography (FE-MRV) for lower-extremity venous mapping and the detection of VVs in patients with diabetes. As part of a phase II clinical trial of a generic brand of ferumoxytol, documented patients with diabetes were enrolled and underwent FE-MRV on a 3-Τ MRI system. Two observers assessed FE-MRV images for image quality, signal intensity ratio (SIR), perforator (PV) diameter, and luminal signal uniformity in deep-to-superficial venous networks with the assessment of intra- and inter-rater reliability. FE-MRV was used to detect lower-extremity VVs. Eleven patients underwent FE-MRV without adverse events. The average image quality, as scored by the two observers who assessed 275 venous segments, was 3.4 ± 0.6. Two observers strongly agreed on image quality (κ = 0.90) and SIR measurements (interclass correlation coefficient [ICC]: 0.72) and had good agreement on PV diameter (ICC: 0.64). FE-MRV revealed uniform luminal signals in deep and saphenous venous networks (0.13 ± 0.05 vs 0.08 ± 0.03). Below-knee segments exhibited a significantly higher heterogeneity index than above-knee (p = 0.039) segments. Superficial VVs were observed in 55% (12/22)of legs in 64% (7/11)of patients. Calf muscle VVs were present in 64% (14/22)of legs in 9 patients. FE-MRV safely and robustly mapped entire lower-extremity venous networks, enabling the detection and pre-treatment evaluation of both superficial, and deep VVs in patients with diabetes. Ferumoxytol-enhanced magnetic resonance venography offers a "one-stop" imaging strategy for the detection and pre-operative evaluation of both superficial and deep VVs in diabetic patients. Diabetic patients with VVs are at a higher risk of ulcer-related complications. FE-MRV allowed rapid and comprehensive visualization of the lower-limb venous networks and abdominopelvic veins in diabetic patients. This technique allowed for the detection of superficial and deep VVs in diabetic patients before the development of severe peripheral artery disease.

Computed tomographic evaluation of portal vein indices in cats with the extrahepatic portosystemic shunts.

The portal vein to aorta (PV/Ao) ratio is used to assess the clinical significance of extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (EHPSS). Previous studies using computed tomography (CT) were conducted in dogs but not in cats. This study aimed to establish normal reference values for PV indices (PV/Ao ratio and PV diameter) in cats and determine the usefulness of these for predicting symptomatic EHPSS. This study included 95 dogs and 114 cats that underwent abdominal CT. The canine normal (CN) group included dogs without EHPSS. The cats were classified into feline normal (FN, 88/114), feline asymptomatic (FA, 16/114), and feline symptomatic (FS, 10/114) groups. The PV and Ao diameters were measured in axial cross-sections. The group FN had a higher PV/Ao ratio than the group CN (p < 0.001). Within the feline groups, the PV indices were in the order FN > FA > FS (both p < 0.001). The mean PV diameter and PV/Ao ratio for group FN were 5.23 ± 0.77 mm and 1.46 ± 0.19, respectively. The cutoff values between groups FN and FS were 4.115 mm for PV diameter (sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 97.7%) and 1.170 for PV/Ao ratio (90%, 92.1%). The cutoff values between group FA and FS were 3.835 mm (90%, 93.8%) and 1.010 (70%, 100%), respectively. The results demonstrated significant differences in PV indices between dogs and cats. In cats, the PV/Ao ratio demonstrated high diagnostic performance for symptomatic EHPSS. The PV diameter also performed well, in contrast to dogs.

Measurement of Normal Portal Vein Diameter by Ultrasound

Introduction: Measurement of the diameter of the portal vein may be particularly important in detecting and evaluating patients with portal hypertension as well as some other clinical disorders.This study is aimed at determining the mean portal vein diameter based on age, gender and anthropometric variables. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on a total of 195 apparently healthy individuals with overnight fasting and normal ultrasonographic findings of the liver. Portal vein diameter was measured and correlated with age, height, weight and BMI of the participants. Results: The mean portal vein diameter was 9.57 ± 0.66mm for both sexes. The mean value for males was 9.71 ± 0.67mm, and 9.46±0.64mm among females. There was a positive correlation between the PV diameter and age, height, weight and body mass index (P≤ 0.05). Conclusion: The measurement of the portal vein diameter using sonography is an important cornerstone for diagnosing patients with portal hypertension and also has a reasonable degree of accuracy.

Sonographic Assessment of Maternal Portal Vein Diameter in Healthy Pregnancy in South-South Nigeria

Background: The portal vein is one of the main sources of blood supply of the liver. About three quarters of the liver blood flow is from the portal vein.&#x0D; Objectives: To assess the mean normal portal vein diameter in healthy pregnant women, and correlate our observation with maternal age, parity and other baseline characteristics.&#x0D; Subjects and Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Obstetrics and Radiology Units of the two tertiary health facilities, one secondary facility and one radio-diagnostic facility in Bayelsa State, South-South Nigeria, between April, 2022 and December, 2022. Data analysis was done using Statistical Product and Service Solutions for Windows® version 25, SPSS Inc.; Chicago, USA. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentages) and Pearson product moment correlation were used for the analysis. The level of significance was set at p&lt;0.05.&#x0D; Results: Mean portal vein diameter was 10.43 ± 1.58 mm, and ranged from 7.5 mm to 14.0 mm. Maternal age (ɼ = 0.51; p – 0.001) and parity (ɼ = 0.47; p – 0.001) correlated fairly strong and significantly with portal vein diameter. Gestational age (ɼ = 0.21; p – 0.001) and estimated foetal weight (ɼ = 0.16; p – 0.001) were significantly related to the portal vein diameter.&#x0D; Conclusion: This research has established baseline values for normal range of PV diameter in healthy pregnant women in the South-South region of Nigeria, and also revealed significant correlation of PV diameter with age, parity, gestational age and estimated foetal weight.

Intraoperative portal vein stenting through umbilical vein approach: An innovative salvage procedure for portal vein thrombosis in pediatric liver transplant.

IPVS is considered a last resort or a salvage procedure in the event of recurrent PV thrombosis despite multiple attempts at redo PV anastomosis. We employed the opened umbilical vein approach to place the stent in the PV and deliver anticoagulation through a catheter. From Jan 2017 to Feb 2022, 150 patients underwent pediatric transplantation at department of liver transplant and hepatobiliary surgery unit, Indraprastha Apollo hospitals, New Delhi. Age, weight, PELD Score, diagnosis, portal vein diameter on preoperative CT, Portal flow after stenting, decrease in spleen size after stenting in follow-up CT were collected from a prospectively maintained data base and reviewed. Eight patients underwent IPVS following LDLT (mean age-10.6 ± 2.2 months, mean weight 8.1 ± 1.6, mean PELD score 32.7 ± 7.3). The mean PV diameter on preoperative CT scan was 3.6 mm (range 2.7-5.6 mm). The mean portal flow following stenting was 718.75 cc/min. Percentage reduction in size of the spleen was 26.35% beyond 2nd post-operative week. No patient had recurrent PV thrombosis following IPVS and all maintained an adequate portal flow throughout the immediate postoperative period. Two patients had in-hospital mortality secondary to septic complications. Umbilical vein approach is technically feasible, easy to manipulate the stent and catheter placement after stenting helps to deliver anticoagulants locally.

Treatments and outcomes of intra-operative portal vein thrombosis in living-donor liver transplantation due to biliary atresia

Pediatric living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has become one of the most effective therapies for pediatric end-stage liver diseases. We aim to investigate the risk factors for intra-operative portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and the short- and long-term outcomes in children post LDLT. This was a retrospective analysis from 584 cases of biliary atresia (BA) patients who had undergone LDLT from January 2014 to December 2019 at our hospital. Patients were divided into PVT and non-PVT groups according to the occurrence of PVT during LDLT. The median age of recipients at transplantation was 7.22 (quartiles, 6.03, 9.50) months, the incidence of intra-operative PVT was 5.31% (31/584). The independent risk factors for intra-operative PVT were the diameter of the recipient's PV not greater than 4mm and a higher ratio of graft-to-recipient PV diameter. The cumulative survival rates of grafts and recipients were 93.5% and 93.5% in the PVT group, and 94.9% and 95.3% in the non-PVT group, respectively, without significant difference. The recovery of graft function was similar in recipients with or without interposed graft vessel (IGV). However, the incidence of PV stenosis was higher in recipients with IGV after LDLT. Intra-operative PVT is a common complication in pediatric LDLT, but an excellent prognosis can be achieved by appropriate and individualized surgical treatment. We noted that intra-operative PVT did not affect the survival rates of grafts and recipients, but there was a higher incidence of PV complications after LDLT. Ⅲ.

Prevalence, characteristics, and predictors of endocardial and nonendocardial conduction gaps during local impedance-guided extensive pulmonary vein isolation of atrial fibrillation with high-resolution mapping.

Local impedance (LI) drops during radiofrequency ablation can predict lesion formation. Some conduction gaps during pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) can be associated with nonendocardial connections. This study aimed to investigate the incidence, characteristics, and predictors of endocardial and nonendocardial conduction gaps during an LI-guided PVI. We prospectively enrolled 157 consecutive patients undergoing an initial LI-guided extensive PVI of atrial fibrillation (AF). After the first-pass encirclement, the residual conduction gaps and reconnected gaps were mapped using Rhythmia (Boston Scientific) and a mini-basket catheter. Right and left PV (RPV/LPV) gaps were observed in 22.3% and 18.5% of the patients, respectively: 27 endocardial and 49 nonendocardial gaps. The carina regions were common sites for the gaps (51 carina-related vs. 25 noncarina-related). The carina-related gaps consisted of more nonendocardial gaps than endocardial gaps (RPVs: 90.0% vs. 10.0%, p = .001; LPVs: 76.2% vs. 23.8%, p < .001). A univariate analysis revealed that paroxysmal AF and the left atrial (LA) volume index for RPV endocardial gaps (odds ratio [OR]: 8.640 and 0.946; p = .043 and 0.009), minor right inferior PV diameter for RPV nonendocardial gaps (OR: 1.165; p = .028), and major left inferior PV diameter for LPV endocardial gaps (OR: 1.233; p = .028) were significant predictors. During the LI-guided PVI, approximately two-thirds of the conduction gaps were nonendocardial. The carina regions had more conduction gaps than noncarina regions, which was due to the presence of nonendocardial connections. Paroxysmal AF, a lower LA volume index, and larger inferior PV diameters may increase the risk of conduction gaps.

Narrowing of the remnant portal vein diameter and decreased portal vein angle are risk factors for portal vein thrombosis after perihilar cholangiocarcinoma surgery.

To evaluate the incidence, risk factors, management options, and outcomes of portal vein thrombosis following major hepatectomy for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. A total of 177 perihilar cholangiocarcinoma patients who (1) underwent major hepatectomy and (2) underwent investigating the portal vein morphology, which was measured by rotating the reconstructed three-dimensional images after facilitating bone removal using Aquarius iNtuition workstation between 2002 and 2018, were included. Risk factors were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard models. Six patients developed portal vein thrombosis (3.4%) within a median time of 6.5 (range 0-22) days. Portal vein and hepatic artery resection were performed in 30% and 6% patients, respectively. A significant difference in the probability of the occurrence of portal vein thrombosis (PV) within 30 days was found among patients with portal vein resection, a postoperative portal vein angle < 100°, remnant portal vein diameter < 5.77 mm, main portal vein diameter > 13.4 mm, and blood loss (log-rank test, p = 0.003, p = 0.06, p < 0.0001, p = 0.01, and p = 0.03, respectively). Decreasing the portal vein angle and narrowing of the remnant PV diameter remained significant predictors on multivariate analysis (p = 0.027 and 0.002, respectively). Reoperation with thrombectomy was performed in four patients, and the other two patients were successfully treated with anticoagulants. All six patients subsequently recovered and were discharged between 25 and 70 days postoperatively. Narrowing of the remnant portal vein diameter and a decreased portal vein angle after major hepatectomy for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma are significant independent risk factors for postoperative portal vein thrombosis.

Role of partial splenic artery embolization in corpuscular correction in cirrhotic patients before anti-viral therapy: a recent update study among Egyptian patients

BackgroundTo evaluate the role of partial splenic artery embolization in corpuscular correction in cirrhotic patients.ResultsBleeding tendency was experienced in two thirds of patients (66.7%) and anemia in 63.3%. Splenic size ranged from 14.3 to 22 cm. PV diameter ranged from 11 to 18 mm. The mean platelet at the pre-operative laboratory was 34.9 ± 10.3 × 103, corrected to 137.6 ± 37.1 × 103 within 1 month follow-up, and then 140 × 103 after 6 months. The mean of RBCs was 3.6 ± 0.3 × 106, then 4 ± 0.5 × 106 at 1 month follow-up period. WBCs showed correction at the early post-operative period, 3.3 ± 0.4 × 103, compared to 5.4 ± 1.4 × 103 at 1 month. Reduction in splenic size was achieved by 3–6 months. All patients (100%) had post-embolization syndrome. Gelfoam was used in 20 patients, PVA was used in 5 patients, and microspheres were used in 5 patients. Antiviral treatment regimen was started after an adequate rise in corpuscular counts in all patients.ConclusionPartial splenic artery embolization is an effective alternative method to surgery in treatment of hypersplenism particularly in cirrhotic patients prepared for antiviral treatment with correction of the associated thrombocytopenia.

Predictors of durable pulmonary vein isolation after second-generation cryoballoon ablation with a single short freeze strategy — Different criteria for the best freeze of the 4 individual PVs

BackgroundParameters predicting the second-generation cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation (CB-PVI) durability of each individual PV have not been investigated. ObjectiveWe explored the PVI durability predictors after left superior (LS), left inferior (LI), right superior (RS), and right inferior (RI) PV CB-PVI. MethodsData from 101 consecutive patients who underwent repeat procedures 7.0 [4.5–10.0] months after index cryoballoon procedures with single short freeze strategies were analyzed. ResultsAmong 369 PVs successfully isolated by cryoballoons with mean freezing times of 207 s, 82/94 (87.2%) LSPVs, 78/93 (83.9%) LIPVs, 80/98 (81.6%) RSPVs, and 63/84 (75.0%) RIPVs were durable. In the remaining 25 PVs requiring touch-up ablation, 20 (83.3%) PVs had reconnections. In analyzing all PVs together, lower nadir balloon temperature, faster freezing speed (FS), slower thawing speed (TS), and shorter time-to-isolation were significantly associated with higher PVI durability, however, all parameters significantly differed among the 4 individual PVs (p < 0.0001). In individual analyses, for the LSPV, faster FS to −40 °C predicted higher PVI durability, but younger patients more likely had reconnections. For the LIPV, faster FS to −30 °C predicted higher PVI durability. For the RSPV, a lower nadir temperature, faster FS (to −30 and −40 °C), slower TS (to 0 and 15 °C), shorter time-to-isolation, and smaller PV diameter predicted higher PVI durability. For the RIPV, a slower TS (to 0 and 15 °C) predicted higher PVI durability. ConclusionsThe durability of the CB-PVI was high even with a single short freeze strategy. The parameters predicting the PVI durability differed among the 4 PVs, suggesting that best freeze criterion should be considered separately for each of the 4 PVs.

Prediction of Portal Vein Thrombosis Following Hepatectomy for Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma: Efficacy of Postoperative Portal Vein Diameter Ratio and Angle.

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a life-threatening complication after hepatectomy. However, the relationship between postoperative PVT and morphometric features of the PV has not been fully elucidated yet. A total of 81 patients who underwent hepatectomy for perihilar cholangio-carcinoma (PHCC) were studied. We investigated the diameters and angles of PV using pre- and postoperative computed tomography (CT) reconstructed by SYNAPSE VINCENT®. The incidence of PVT after hepatectomy was 11.1%. There were significant differences with respect to the remnant liver PV diameter (p=0.015), the diameter ratio (p=0.001), and the postoperative PV angle (p=0.001) between patients with and without PVT. Multivariate analysis revealed that a postoperative PV angle of less than 90° (p=0.008) and a diameter ratio of less than 45% (p=0.041) were independent risk factors for PVT. A postoperative PV angle of less than 90° and diameter ratio of less than 45% eventually lead to PVT after hepatectomy for PHCC.

Outcomes of living donor liver transplantation for patients with preoperative portal vein problems

Introduction: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common complication for patients with end-stage liver disease. The presence of PVT used to be a contraindication to LDLT. This is related to technical difficulties of PV reconstruction, increased blood loss, and the risk for postoperative PV complications. Methods: We reviewed the data of LDLT patients at Liver Transplantation Unit, Mansoura University, Egypt during the period between May 2004 till March 2017. Patients were divided into three groups. Group I: patients without PVT, Group II: attenuated PV patients (PV diameter <8 mm), and Group III PVT patients. Results: During the study period, 500 cases underwent LDLT. Group I included 446 patients (89.2%), Group II included 26 patients (5.2%), and Group III included 28 patients (5.6%). Higher incidence of hematemesis and encephalopathy was detected in Group III. Longer anhepatic phase duration was found in Group III. There were no significant differences regarding operation time, blood loss, and transfusion requirements. Higher incidence of postoperative vascular complications was found in Group III. The median OS was 33 months (4-169). The 1-, 3-, and 5-years OS survival rates of Group I were 80.5%, 77.7%, and 75%, while for Group II were 84.6%, 79.6%, and 73.5%, and for Group III were 88.3%, 64.4%, and 64.4% respectively. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding OS rates (Log-Rank: 0.793). Conclusion: Preoperative PVT increases the complexity of LDLT operation and the operative trauma to the patient, but it does not reduce the OS rates.

Role of ultrasound doppler examination in choice of surgical tactics in portal hypertension

Introduction: Сhoice of surgical tactics in complicated portal hypertension (PH) is actual.More than 400 examinations of hepatic blood flow in patients with complicated PH, including 16 patients, operated by the method of liver tunneling, were fulfilled. Methods: One hundred protocols were chosen randomly. Comparison of distribution indices revealed different occurrence frequency of ultrasound symptoms of PH, having different etiology. Seventy patients with viral etiology of PH prevailed. Varix dilatation of cardia is revealed in 47% of patients. Splenorenal venous shunt (SRVS) is visualized in 43%, recanalization of umbilical vein - in 23% of patients. All types of anhepatic portosystemic shunts are visualized in majority of patients with cirrhosis of ethanol etiology. Liver is always enlarged in fatty hepatosis. In spite of low linear blood flow velocity in PV, its compensatory dilatation is not typical. Damage of PV architectonics is revealed in patients with subhepatic PH, enlargement of PV diameter is naturally absent, splenorenal venous shunt is always observed. Results: Ultrasound Doppler examination is the method of early diagnosis of PH type, its stage and prognosis of bleeding risk. It permits to choose optimal treatment method and evaluate its efficiency by comparison of indices before and after treatment. Conclusion: Indications to application of splenorenal venous anastomosis are doubtful due to natural formation of shunt in 43% of patients with viral hepatitis and 62% - with ethanol liver cirrhosis. Formation of SRVS in anhepatic PH is a compensatory mechanism. In this situation splenectomy or application of splenorenal venous anastomosis can be fatal.

A relation between ablation area and outcome of ablation using 28-mm cryoballon ablation: Importance of carina region.

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) with wide antral ablation leads to better outcomes in atrial fibrillation ablation therapy, but the ablation area is relatively small during cryoballoon ablation (CBA). The present study tested the hypothesis that wide ablation can lead to better outcomes in CBA. Ninety-six patients with atrial fibrillation were enrolled (paroxysmal 76%, 64.1 ± 11.7 years). All patients underwent preprocedural computed tomography and the PV diameter at left atrial PV junction was measured. PV isolation was performed using a 28-mm CB for 3 minutes with single freezing. Sinus rhythm bipolar voltage amplitude maps with the NavX mapping system were generated after ablation. According to the voltage map, patients were divided into 3 subgroups (68 in the extensive isolation group, 17 in the individual isolation group, and 10 in the incomplete isolation group). Atrial tachyarrhythmias recurred in 9 patients of the extensive isolation group and 6 in the individual isolation group. The rate of 12-month freedom from tachyarrhythmia after a single ablation procedure was 84% (95% confidence interval [C.I.], 72%-91%) in the extensive group and 57% (95% C.I., 28%-78%) in the individual group (P=0.048). Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that maximal PV diameter was the only predictor to achieve extensive PVI (odds ratio, 1.57; 95% C.I. 1.08-2.29 P=0.018). Extensive isolation is superior to individual isolation for achieving freedom from atrial arrhythmia in long term follow-up by CBA. Evaluating PV diameter at the left atrial PV junction is essential for applying CBA.

Low Risk of Pulmonary Vein Stenosis After Contemporary Atrial Fibrillation Ablation - Lessons From Repeat Procedures After Radiofrequency Current, Cryoballoon, and Laser Balloon.

The incidence of pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) after AF ablation following contemporary procedures remains unclear. We compared the incidence of PVS/narrowing (PVS/N) after PV isolation (PVI) for (1) 3-D mapping-guided wide-area encircling irrigated radiofrequency current (RFC) ablation; (2) first-third-generation big cryoballoon (CB1-3) ablation; and (3) laser balloon (LB) ablation.Methods and Results:All patients undergoing a second procedure between January 2012 and November 2016 were subgrouped according to index ablation (PVI): RFC; CB; or LB. PVS/N was classified using PV diameter ratio (second/index procedure) on selective PV angiogram performed before ablation: mild, 25-49%; moderate, 50-74%; or severe, ≥75%. A total of 344 patients (1,362 PV) were analyzed (RFC, n=211; 840 PV; CB1, n=21; 82 PV; CB2,3, n=64; 250 PV; LB, n=48; 190 PV). In the LB group, 45 patients (94%) were treated with dose ≥8.5 W. Second procedures were performed on average 14.9±14.1 months after the index procedure. Mild PVS/N was observed in 18.4%, 9.5% and 3.6% of PV in the LB, RFC and CB groups, respectively (P<0.01). Moderate PVS was recognized in 2 PV (0.1%; RFC, LB). Severe PVS was never observed, and no PV intervention/surgery was required. The risk for significant PVS is low after RFC/CB. The incidence of mild PVS/N was highest after standard-dose LB ablation and lowest after high-dose CB ablation.

Incidence of Pulmonary Vein Stenosis After Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of AtrialFibrillation.

This study aimed to determine incidence of pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) and evaluate PVS-related symptoms. The real-life incidence of PVS after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) is unknown. All patients who underwent RFCA of AF from 2005 to 2016 with routine pre- and post-ablation screening by magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography were included. Primary ablation strategy was PV antrum isolation alone in all patients. PVS, defined as a significant reduction in the superoinferior or anteroposterior PV diameter, was classified as mild (30% to 50%), moderate (50% to 70%), or severe (>70%). Sufficient quality imaging of the PV anatomy before ablation and during follow-up (mean 6 ± 4 months) was performed in 976 patients (76.4% men, 59.1% paroxysmal AF). Of these patients, 306 (31.4%) showed mild stenosis, 42(4.3%) revealed moderate stenosis, and 7 (0.7%) had a severe stenosis in at least 1 PV. Incidence of PVS fluctuated over the past decade. All severe PVS cases were likely caused by ablations being performed inside the PVs. Only 1 (0.1%) patient reported PVS-related symptoms of severe dyspnea during follow-up. Computed tomography revealed a subtotal occlusion of the left inferior PV and a severe stenosis of the left superior PV, requiring stenting. Although mild PVS was frequently observed after RFCA in this large cohort, incidence of severe PVS was<1% and incidence of symptomatic PVS necessitating intervention was negligible. Based on these findings, it seems appropriate to only screen for PVS in patients with suggestive symptoms.

Sonographic assessment of the portal vein diameter in apparently healthy adults in a Northern Nigerian population.

Sonography is a valuable tool in the assessment of porto-systemic pathologies. This study aimed at determining the mean portal vein diameter based on age, gender and anthropometric variables. A cross sectional study conducted among 201 apparently healthy adults in Bauchi Metropolis. Participants were recruited from the school of nursing AbubakarTafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi. Ultrasound machine ALOKA SSD-1000, (IP-1233EV, SN-57324, Japan) with curvilinear transducer with frequency of 3-5MHz was used for a period of four months, (December 2015 to April 2016). Participants' heights were measured while standing against a meter rule with the head in Frankfurts' position and weight measured using a weighing scale. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 22.0. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation), and Pearson's Correlation were used. The mean portal vein diameter was 9.60 ± 1.41mm for both sexes. The mean value for males was 9.71 ± 1.42mm, and 9.35±1.46mm among females. There was a positive correlation correlation between the PV diameter and Body Mass Index (P ≤ 0.01). This study found the mean values of PV diameter in apparently healthy adults in our environment to be 9.60 ± 1.41mm and that PV diameter positively correlates with anthropometric variables.

Insufficient Portal Vein Inflow in Children without Major Shunt Vessels During Living Donor Liver Transplantation.

BACKGROUND Liver cirrhosis is frequently accompanied by insufficient portal vein inflow (IPVF) with large portosystemic shunts. However, pediatric cases often manifested IPVF without any apparent major portosystemic shunts. Although IPVF is a very critical issue, the intraoperative assessment has not been well established. In this study, we reviewed the intraoperative approach and the outcome of the IPVF cases at our department. MATERIAL AND METHODS Eighty-three living donor liver transplantations (LDLT) were performed from 1996 to 2014. The IPVF occurred in 5 cases and necessitated some additional assessments and intraoperative PV flow modulations. We retrospectively reviewed the operative records and analyzed the risk factors and the outcome of the IPVF. RESULTS All 5 IPVF cases were biliary atresia and the mean age at LDLT was 0.74±0.19 years old. The mean recipient PV diameter was 4.3±0.8 mm and the donor IMV patch grafts were applied. To increase the PV inflow, the collaterals around the spleen were ligated in all cases. Intraoperative portal venography was performed in 1 case for selective shunt vessel ligation. In 1 case, the graft was removed and returned to the back table to prevent graft loss during the IPVF. As a result, the final PVF/GV increased to 66.4±20.0 ml/min/100 g. CONCLUSIONS IPVF is a very critical problem. Intraoperative portal venography is helpful and collateral veins ligation is crucial. In some cases, returning the graft to the back table during the PV inflow modulation can prevent graft loss.

Prevalence, Characteristics, and Predictors of Pulmonary Vein Narrowing After Isolation Using the Pulmonary Vein Ablation Catheter

Background— The risk of pulmonary vein narrowing (PVN) after pulmonary vein isolation, using a novel multi-electrode ablation catheter, is unknown. Methods and Results— Left atrial volume and PV diameters were compared by computed tomography (CT) before and 3 months after pulmonary vein isolation using duty-cycled phased radio frequency energy (2:1 or 4:1 bipolar/unipolar ratio) in 50 patients. Pulmonary vein diameter was measured in a coronal and axial view at 3 levels (A, ostium; B, 1 cm more distal; C, 2 cm more distal). Moderate PVN was defined as a pulmonary vein diameter reduction of 25 to 50%, and severe PVN as &gt;50%. Left atrial volume decreased by 12±12% ( P &lt;0.01). Axial pulmonary vein diameter shortened by a median of 16% (interquartile range [IQR] 28 to 5%), 13% (IQR 25 to 5%), and 9% (IQR 21 to −3%) at level A, B, and C, respectively ( P &lt;0.01 for all); coronal pulmonary vein diameter decreased by a median of 16% (IQR 24 to 7%), 11% (IQR 21 to 4%), and 8% (IQR 18 to −2%; P &lt;0.01 for all). Moderate PVN occurred in 30% of the PVs, in 78% of the patients; severe PVN occurred in 4% of the PVs, in 15% of the patients. PV diameter reduction was not related to changes in left atrial volume. Conclusions— Isolation of the pulmonary veins using a multielectrode ablation catheter and duty cycled phased radiofrequency energy delivery results in a consistent moderate reduction of the PV diameters predominantly at the ostium. Severe PVN in 15% of patients raises concerns about the risk for clinical PV stenosis.