Vascular Compression Syndromes Research Articles

Vascular compression syndromes in the abdomen and pelvis: a concise pictorial review.

Vascular compression syndromes are a diverse group of pathologies that can manifest asymptomatically and incidentally in otherwise healthy individuals or symptomatically with a spectrum of presentations. Due to their relative rarity, these syndromes are often poorly understood and overlooked. Early identification of these syndromes can have a significant impact on subsequent clinical management. This pictorial review provides a concise summary of seven vascular compression syndromes within the abdomen and pelvis including median arcuate ligament (MAL) syndrome, superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome, nutcracker syndrome (NCS), May-Thurner syndrome (MTS), ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO), vascular compression of the ureter, and portal biliopathy. The demographics, pathophysiology, predisposing factors, and expected treatment for each compression syndrome are reviewed. Salient imaging features of each entity are illustrated through imaging examples using multiple modalities including ultrasound, fluoroscopy, CT, and MRI.

Ultrasound characteristics of abdominal vascular compression syndromes.

Abdominal vascular compression syndrome (AVCS) is caused by the compression of abdominal blood vessels by adjacent structures or the compression of abdominal organs by neighboring blood vessels. Such compressions can result in a variety of clinical symptoms. They are not commonly seen in ultrasound practices, and their presence may have been underrecognized and underdiagnosed. This article reviews the clinical features, ultrasound characteristics, and diagnostic criteria of four types of AVCS, namely, celiac artery compression syndrome, renal vein compression syndrome, iliac vein compression syndrome, and superior mesenteric artery syndrome to increase awareness of these conditions among ultrasound practitioners. The ultrasound criteria for AVCS are primarily based on studies with small sample sizes, and therefore, it is important to exercise caution if these criteria are used.

International Union of Angiology consensus document on vascular compression syndromes.

Vascular compression syndromes (VCS) are rare diseases, but they may cause significant symptoms interfering with the quality of life (QoL) of patients who are often in their younger age. Given their infrequent occurrence, multiform clinical and anatomical presentation, and absence of dedicated guidelines from scientific societies, further knowledge of these conditions is required to investigate and treat them using modern imaging and surgical (open or endovascular) techniques. This consensus document will focus on known VCS, affecting the arterial and venous system. The position paper, written by members of International Union of Angiology (IUA) Youth Committee and senior experts, will show an overview of pathophysiology, diagnostic, and therapeutical approaches for patients with VCS. Furthermore, this document will provide also unresolved issues that require more research that need to be addressed in the future.

Cystic lymphangioma of the neck in adults: A report of four cases

Background: Cystic lymphangioma is a rare malformation characterized by a cystic structure deriving from detachment of lymph sacs from venous drainage systems. It is the result of the dilatation of capillary and sinusoidal lymphatic vessels still connected to the lymphatic network. Case presentation: In the following article, we describe the clinical and pathological features of cystic lymphangioma of the neck in four adults who underwent a surgical removal of the tumor with a well postoperative progress. Discussion and conclusion: Contrarily to children, the diagnosis of cystic lymphangioma in adults is exceptional. Patients with cystic lymphangioma of the neck are often asymptomatic; However, the lesion growth may cause respiratory disorders, dysphagia, or vascular and neurological compression syndromes. There are multiple modalities of treatment however the surgical complete removal remain the treatment of choice.

Abdominal Vascular Compression Syndromes: Current and Future of Management of Abdominal Vascular Compression Syndromes that Includes Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome, Nutcracker Syndrome, Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome, May-Thurner Syndrome, and Associated Pelvic Venous Insufficiency

Abdominal Vascular Compression Syndromes: Current and Future of Management of Abdominal Vascular Compression Syndromes that Includes Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome, Nutcracker Syndrome, Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome, May-Thurner Syndrome, and Associated Pelvic Venous Insufficiency

Intravascular ultrasound imaging for diagnosis and characterization of the popliteal compression syndrome.

Functional popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (fPAES) is a rare form of nonatherosclerotic claudication most often seen in young athletic patients. Diagnosis remains challenging, with various imaging modalities showing equivocal or subtle findings that may be missed. We sought to critically examine and quantitate the utility of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging, a common diagnostic tool for vascular compression syndromes, in diagnosis and characterization of fPAES. Patients presenting to a single tertiary care center between 2019 and 2022 with symptoms of PAES but without an anatomic etiology or equivocal workup were selected. Angiogram and IVUS with maneuvers were performed on affected extremities at rest, active plantarflexion/dorsiflexion, and plantarflexion/dorsiflexion against resistance. IVUS examination was recorded using a pull-back technique from the tibial vessels to the superficial femoral artery. The degree, length, and anatomic location of compression using the two imaging modalities were compared. Angiogram and IVUS with maneuvers were performed on 17 lower extremities (9 left, 8 right) in 15 patients (88% female; mean age, 21.2years). Evidence of arterial compression on angiography was noted in 88.2% (n= 15) of limbs (66.7% complete contrast cessation and 20% popliteal artery tapering); 13.3% (n= 2) only demonstrated sluggish flow as possible evidence of compression. Arterial compression was seen on IVUS imaging in 15 of 17 limbs, and all completely compressed around the IVUS catheter. The IVUS-measured mean length of compression was 10.5cm± 4.2 (median, 11cm; range, 4-23cm). Compression involved only the popliteal vessels in 86.7% (n= 13); one patient had both popliteal and tibioperoneal trunk compression, whereas another had tibioperoneal trunk and peroneal artery compression. Popliteal vein compression was 100%. The contrast cessation point on angiography and the proximal point of compression on IVUS imaging differed in 80% of cases (P< .05). The distal extent of compression was unable to be determined by angiogram findings but was clearly delineated by IVUS imaging in all cases. IVUS imaging is a more sensitive diagnostic and descriptive imaging modality compared with angiogram in patients with possible fPAES. IVUS and angiogram findings are greatly discordant; moreover, IVUS imaging can provide detailed information such as the precise extent and anatomic location of the arterial compression, which may be useful in aiding surgical planning. IVUS imaging should be considered the gold standard for diagnosing and characterizing fPAES before intervention planning.

СИНДРОМ СРЕДИННОЙ ДУГООБРАЗНОЙ СВЯЗКИ (СИНДРОМ ДАНБАРА) КАК МУЛЬТИДИСЦИПЛИНАРНАЯ ПРОБЛЕМА. КЛИНИЧЕСКОЕ НАБЛЮДЕНИЕ И ЛИТЕРАТУРНАЯ СПРАВКА

Introduction. Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS, Dunbar syndrome) is a rare vascular compression syndrome caused by extravascular compression of the celiac trunk (CT) and celiac plexus by the median arcuate ligament of the diaphragm and is one of the causes of chronic abdominal ischemia and neuropathic pain syndrome. Clinical observation. A woman, 36 years old, was hospitalized with complaints of abdominal pain of moderate intensity, diarrhea up to 10 times a day, weight loss of 11 kg over the past year. Inflammatory bowel disease, gluten enteropathy, lymphoma of the small intestine, malabsorption syndrome, pathology of the endocrine system was excluded. Abdominal high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) angiography was performed. Signs of extravascular compression of CT up to 90% with a thickened median arcuate ligament with the formation of a U-shaped deformation were revealed. Laparoscopic decompression surgery was performed with simultaneous transluminal angioplasty, which led to a decrease in compression and disappearance of clinical symptoms. After 18 months, clinical improvement persisted, diarrhea disappeared. HRCT angiography and ultrasound duplex examination (USDE) showed sufficient blood flow in the CT system. During the follow-up period, the patient had moderate neuropathic pain and anxiety and depressive disorders requiring appropriate correction. Conclusion. The diagnostic and therapeutic approach to MALS should be patient-centered and requires the involvement of a team of specialists. Laparoscopic decompression is an effective treatment and can provide immediate symptoms relief. The results of the intervention can be assessed by HRCT angiography and USDE (methods supplementing each other). Correction of neuropathic pain syndrome and anxiety-depressive disorder is of great importance for improving the patient's quality of life.

Evaluation of Abdominopelvic Vascular Compression Syndromes using Computed Tomography

Introduction: Various abdominopelvic vascular compression syndromes can cause a wide spectrum of symptoms which can be diagnosed incidentally in asymptomatic patients or in patients in which imaging was done for other indications. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the typical imaging findings of superior mesenteric artery syndrome, median arcuate ligament syndrome, nutcracker syndrome, and May-Thurner syndrome using computed tomography and correlating with clinical symptoms. Methods: This observational, cross-sectional study was performed on patients who were referred for computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis for various indications. Different measurements, ratios, and common symptoms for superior mesenteric artery syndrome, median arcuate ligament syndrome, nutcracker syndrome, and May-Thurner syndrome are discussed separately under each heading. Result: A total of 35 patients were included in this study with 10 patients each with superior mesenteric artery syndrome, median arcuate ligament syndrome, and nutcracker syndrome with five patients of May-Thurner syndrome. Out of 35, 24(68.5%) were female and 11(31.5%) were male. SMAS: The mean age of individuals was 32.7 ± 17.5 years with a mean aortomesenteric angle of 18.3º and aortomesenteric distance of 6.2 mm. MALS: The mean age of patients was 34.3± 15.8 years and the mean thickness of the median arcuate ligament was 5.4 mm. NCS: The mean age of patients was 37 ± 22 years and the mean compression ratio was 3.9. MTS: Mean age was 45± 14.2 years with mean diameter of LCIV 2.4 mm. Conclusion: Abdominopelvic compression syndromes are rare and often underdiagnosed because of a lack of awareness among clinicians and radiologists. Contrast-enhanced triple-phase computed tomography is performed to maximize the visibility of involved vessels in different planes and allow the identification of typical imaging features and possible complications.

Prevalence of Incidentally Detected Vascular Compressions in Abdominal Computed Tomography.

Abdominopelvic vascular structures are exposed to be compressed by adjacent organs or might cause compression of the adjacent hollow viscera. Most of these conditions are asymptomatic and they are detected on imaging incidentally. However, when they are symptomatic, they can lead to a variety of uncommon syndromes in the abdomen and pelvis. Aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of incidental abdominopelvic vascular compressions on computed tomography. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted. All the CT was performed using 64 slice machine. All computed tomography scan of the abdomen between January and April 2019 were evaluated. Data were collected by evaluating abdominal Computed Tomographic scans from Picture archiving and communication system (PACS). Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS version 25.0 software. Out of 623 multi detector abdominopelvic computed tomography (MDCT) performed between January 2019 and April 2019; a total of 513 (N = 513) patients were included in the study. This study group comprised of 277 (54 %) females and 236 male (46%) patients. Mean age was 38 ± 20 (mean ± SD). We identified 35(6.8%) participants with imaging features of Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) compressions and a 34(6.6%) with imaging features of nutcracker phenomenon. The celiac artery was compressed by median arcuate ligament (MAL) in 22(4.3%) of them. Incidentally detected intraabdominal vascular compressions are common to asymptomatic patients. This result emphasizes that, vascular compression syndromes diagnosis should not be made on imaging alone.

Cross-sectional Imaging of the Duodenum: Spectrum of Disease.

Cross-sectional Imaging of the Duodenum: Spectrum of Disease.

Images in Vascular Medicine Pectoralis minor syndrome - A forgotten vascular compression syndrome.

Images in Vascular Medicine Pectoralis minor syndrome - A forgotten vascular compression syndrome.

Surgical Treatment of Wilkie's Syndrome by Vascular Transposition.

IntroductionSuperior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS), also called mesenteric duodenal compression syndrome, Wilkieʼs syndrome, chronic duodenal ileus or cast syndrome, is a rare clinical condition defined as a compression of the third portion of the duodenum in between the SMA and abdominal aorta (AA), due to narrowing of the space between them. SMAS is primarily attributed to loss of the intervening mesenteric fat pad, leading to partial or complete duodenal obstruction. Its manifestations are complex and non-specific, including postprandial epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, early satiety, weight loss and anorexia. SMAS may present as an acute syndrome, or it may have an insidious onset with chronic symptoms. SMAS mainly affects females between 10 and 40 years of age. This study aims to discuss the safety and efficacy of vascular decompression of the duodenum by infrarenal transposition of SMA.MethodsThis single-centre prospective clinical study analysed 37 patients with Wilkie’s syndrome who underwent infrarenal transposition of the SMA between January 2012 and December 2021. The indications for the surgery were severe weight loss, uncontrolled upper abdominal pain, vomiting and other gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms that were severely debilitating to patients’ daily lives, along with radiological findings such as aortomesenteric angle < 25°, aortomesenteric distance <8 mm and distention of proximal part of the duodenum and the stomach. Ten patients (27%) concurrently had Nutcracker syndrome and seven patients (18.9%) had Dunbar syndrome (median arcuate ligament syndrome). Three female patients (8.1%) had all three above-mentioned vascular compression syndromes, which were treated in the same surgery. One male patient (2.7%) was after a laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy with symptoms that relapsed three months postoperatively, which was cured after the infrarenal transposition of SMA.ResultsTechnical operative and clinical success were achieved in all patients. There were no cases of anastomotic failure, SMA thrombosis or intestinal ischemia. All of the patients are currently living symptom-free. One patient (2.7%), four days postoperatively, had a lymphocele formed in the retroperitoneum, which was successfully drained by a CT-guided percutaneous pigtail catheter. Another patient (2.7%) after three months of surgery needed a re-laparotomy for adhesive obstruction of the second part of the duodenum and was treated by adhesiolysis and omentoplasty. One patient (2.7%), 2-year postoperatively, had a proximal SMA stenosis up to 60% where drug-eluting balloon percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (DEB PTA) was performed successfully. Finally, the upper GI symptoms were resolved in all 37 patients (100%).ConclusionWilkie’s syndrome, although rare, is frequently late-diagnosed or underdiagnosed. In cases of failure of conservative therapy, infrarenal transposition of the SMA can be considered a safe and feasible surgical option with more physiologically favourable outcomes comparable to gastrointestinal bypasses, especially in patients concurrently suffering from Nutcracker syndrome. Simultaneously, it also restores physiologic duodenal passage of gastroduodenal content without the need of creating a digestive tract anastomosis. To our best knowledge, we have the highest number of SMA transposition surgeries performed in a single centre for the treatment of Wilkie’s syndrome.

Vascular compression syndromes: a pictorial review.

Vascular compression syndromes include a group of rare vascular changes due to extrinsic compression of veins or arteries by surrounding structures. These pathologies are often underestimated due to their rarity, clinicians’ poor level of knowledge, and the non-specificity of their symptoms. The best known are Eagle syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, nutcracker syndrome, May-Thurner syndrome, Dunbar syndrome, and popliteal entrapment syndrome. This work summarizes the main ultrasonographic characteristics, symptoms, and treatments of choice for these syndromes. Knowledge of these conditions’ characteristic signs is essential for the differential diagnosis. Failure to diagnose these rare diseases can expose patients to serious complications and risks to their health.

Vascular compression syndromes: the value of Doppler ultrasonography

Vascular compression syndromes arise when a vessel in a tight anatomic space is entrapped by another structure, resulting in diverse symptoms for which different imaging tests are used to diagnose. Radiologists need to be familiar with vascular compression syndromes and to be able to identify their most representative findings. This paper aims to review the principal symptoms of vascular compression, describing and illustrating the key findings on Doppler ultrasonography that enable accurate diagnosis and guide further workup, avoiding unnecessary invasive tests and pointing to the appropriate treatment.

Dunbar (or median arcuate ligament) syndrome: A case series

Dunbar syndrome (DS) (or median arcuate ligament [MAL] syndrome) is a rare entity of the vascular compression syndrome, where there is focal proximal coeliac axis compression by MAL. It results in an insufficient supply of blood to the respective organs of the gastrointestinal tract. Multidetector computed tomography is a very convenient, noninvasive modality in diagnosing this condition and helpful in distinguishing it from other conditions, such as atherosclerotic disease. DS can further be treated disorder surgically by relieving the compression and sometimes may need vascular reconstruction. We present five cases of the DS.

MDCT Evaluation of Celiac Axis Compression SyndromeA Rare Case Series

Celiac axis compression syndrome is an uncommon entity of abdominal vascular compression syndrome which results from the compression of the proximal celiac artery by the hypertrophied median arcuate ligament. The patients present clinically with postprandial abdominal pain predominantly in the epigastric region and weight loss. The use of thin-section Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT) and 3-Dimensional (3D) image reconstruction has greatly improved the ability to obtain detailed images and helped to assess the abdominal vascular system non invasively. Five cases of celiac axis compression syndrome with its characteristic MDCT imaging features like hooked appearance, thickened median arcuate ligament more than 4 mm, poststenotic dilatation and posterior and inferior displacement of celiac artery with indentation on aorta have been described in the present case series and the imaging findings described by other authors in their reported studies have also been compared.

Vasküler loop sendromunda anterior inferior serebellar arterin çapı ve vasküler loop tipinin klinik bulgular ile ilişkisi: klinik radyoloji çalışması

Objective: Tinnitus and vertigo are common audiovestibular symptoms in the population. Many diseases can lead to the appearance of these symptoms, but the exact cause can often not be determined. It has been suggested that compression of the cranial nerves by vascular structures may be the cause of various clinical manifestations. This is known as microvascular compression syndrome. Some studies have stated that vascular compression syndromes are a serious pathology, while many studies have argued that vascular compression is only a radiological finding. We aimed to contribute to the literature on vascular compression syndrome and vascular loop types, which is still a controversial topic, and to determine the location of the diameter change in the anterior inferior cerebellar artery in the compression syndrome.&#x0D; Material and Method: Patients who underwent a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examination of Temporal Bone due to a complaint of tinnitus or vertigo were retrospectively examined. The complaints of the patients, the diameters of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) and the types of vascular loop were evaluated in the high resolution 3D fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition (FIESTA) sequence, according to the CHAVDA classification. The statistical relationship between the age of the patients, anterior inferior cerebellar artery diameters and vascular loop types and their clinical manifestations was investigated.&#x0D; Results: A total of 52 patients were enrolled in the study, of which 28 (53.8%) were male and 24 (46.2%) were female. The mean age of all patients was 47.58±18.734 years. The mean right AICA diameters of the patients were 1.10±0.206 mm, the mean left AICA diameter was 1.11±0.253 mm. Type 1 in 29 patients, type 2 in 12 patients, type 3 vascular loop in 4 patients were observed for the right side, while type 1 in 29 patient, type 2 in 12 patients, and type 3 in 7 patients were observed for the left side. There was no significant difference between vascular loop and tinnitus on the right and left (p=0.705; p=0.335, respectively). There was no significant difference between the right vascular loop and the left vascular loop and the vertigo (p&gt;0.999; p=0.425, respectively). There was no significant difference between the right tinnitus, left tinnitus and vertigo in terms of the diameters of the right and left AICA in the patients (p=0.782; p=0.762; p=0.408; p=0.915, respectively).&#x0D; Conclusion: Vascular compression syndromes are clinical conditions that show symptoms over cranial nerves. Although the vascular loop syndromes originating from AICA have been discussed a lot recently, it is seen that there is no definite opinion. In our study, no association of AICA diameter and vascular loop type with clinical findings was found.

Targeting Coping to Improve Surgical Outcomes in Pediatric Patients With Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome: Feasibility Study.

Background: Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is a vascular compression syndrome leading to postprandial epigastric pain, nausea, and weight loss; it can be treated surgically. While most patients report improved quality of life following surgical intervention, 30% continue to experience chronic abdominal pain. Pre-surgical diagnoses of depression and/or anxiety have been found to significantly predict post-surgical: quality of life, highest experience of pain, anxiety, and parent- and self-reported coping strategies. As such, increasing the coping strategies of pediatric patients with MALS may impact their post-surgical outcomes. The purpose of the current study was to: (1) implement a pre-operative cognitive behavioral therapy protocol with a focus on psychoeducation and coping strategies; and (2) determine feasibility of a pre-surgical intervention for this population.Method: Children (<18 years of age) with a diagnosis of MALS who were eligible for surgical intervention were invited to participate in a 7-week in-person or video-based pre-surgical cognitive behavioral therapy intervention. Psychiatric comorbidities were assessed at baseline and post-surgery; patient-reported distress, pain interference and intensity, health-related quality of life, and health status were assessed at four time points (baseline, week 4, week 7, and post-surgery). Descriptive analyses were used to characterize the sample, assess feasibility outcomes (i.e., attrition rates), and explore symptom-based outcomes across time.Results: Twelve pediatric patients (M age = 15.2 ± 1.7; 91.7% female) and their parents (91.7% mothers) participated. Feasibility metrics based on protocol completion were exceeded for engagement at the stages of consent (68.4% vs. goal of ≥50%), treatment initiation (92.3% vs. 85%), and treatment completion (84.6% vs. 75%). Out of the 12 participants, nine (75%) met criteria for at least one comorbid psychiatric diagnosis at baseline and nine (75%) elected to undergo MALS surgery after completing the intervention.Conclusion: The intervention implementation was feasible, despite chronic pain symptoms experienced by the sample, a high prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses, and an international pandemic, suggesting that it would be beneficial to further evaluate the efficacy of the intervention. Future research should include stakeholder input in the design, deployment, and evaluation of a pilot efficacy trial of pre-surgical cognitive behavioral therapy for pediatric patients with MALS.

Síndromes de compresión vascular. Valor de la ecografía Doppler

Vascular compression syndromes arise when a vessel in a tight anatomic space is entrapped by another structure, resulting in diverse symptoms for which different imaging tests are used to diagnose. Radiologists need to be familiar with vascular compression syndromes and to be able to identify their most representative findings. This paper aims to review the principal symptoms of vascular compression, describing and illustrating the key findings on Doppler ultrasonography that enable accurate diagnosis and guide further workup, avoiding unnecessary invasive tests and pointing to the appropriate treatment.

Dunbar (Or Median Arcuate Ligament) Syndrome: A Case Series

Dunbar syndrome (DS) (or Median arcuate ligament syndrome) is a rare entity of the vascular compression syndrome, where there is focal proximal coeliac axis compression by Median arcuate ligament (MAL). It results in an insufficient supply of blood to the respective organs of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) is a very convenient non-invasive modality in diagnosing this condition and helpful in distinguishing it from other conditions, such as atherosclerotic disease. DS can further be treated disorder surgically by relieving the compression and sometimes may need vascular reconstruction. We present five cases of the DS.