Venous Drainage System Research Articles

Atypical venous drainage system and distinct vascular characteristics in pediatric intracerebral hemorrhage caused by multiple micro arteriovenous malformations.

Hemorrhagic brain micro-arteriovenous malformations (micro-AVMs) are considered to constitute a relatively significant portion of pediatric AVMs, though they are often associated with a low bleeding rate, as seen in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, which frequently involves multiple micro-AVMs. We present a rare case of a 10-year-old girl with multiple hemorrhagic micro-AVMs. Intraoperative findings during the emergency operation for hematoma evacuation and post-operative superselective angiography highlighted the unique angioarchitecture of three micro-AVMs (two lesions in the superficial areas and one lesion in the deep-seated area) and the atypical bleeding source due to the complex congestive venous drainage system. One micro-AVM was successfully occluded by a transarterial emboliozation, and remaining two micro-AVMs underwent gamma knife irradiation as a salvage therapy. Superselective angiography is crucial for detecting micro-AVMs, offering detailed insights into small, localized abnormal vascular drainage systems, and guiding therapeutic strategy. Additionally, micro-AVM-associated unique vascular hypersensitivity, such as vasospasm, requires careful consideration, as invasive procedures may significantly alter the visibility of the entire micro-AVM network.

Microsurgical excision of intracranial arteriovenous malformation

Objectives: Brain Arteriovenous malformations are high-flow cerebrovascular lesions with dysplastic vascular nidus, fed by arteries and drained by veins without intervening capillaries. Prevalence is 0.2% and is an important cause of intracerebral haemorrhage in about 38% of young adults. The objective of this study is to analyze surgically managed Intracranial AV malformations with respect to their demographic features, varied clinical presentations, imaging features Spetzler Martin grading and outcome. Methods: A study of 48 patients with Intracranial Arteriovenous malformations who underwent microsurgical excision at the Institute of Neurosurgery, Madras Medical College and Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Chennai over a period of 5 years from July 2018 to June 2022 and extracted their data including demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, Spetzler-Martin (SM) grades, complications and outcome were assessed. Results: Of the 48 patients treated with microsurgery, the most common 51% belongs to the age group between 21 to 40years, left-sided is slightly more common with headache major symptom, involving Parietooccipital lobe 33% commonly, 28 (62.2%) patients initially presented with haemorrhage. Anterior circulation artery feeders was common 68.8% and mostly drainage involving superficial venous drainage system. Based on the Spetzler-Martin (SM) grading system, the patients were graded as follows: 6(13 %) Grade I, 10(21%) Grade II, 25(52%) Grade III, 3 (6%) Grade IV and 4(8%) Grade V. Overall, 35(73%) patients had a favorable outcome, most commonly seen in Grade I, II and Grade III. Almost complete obliteration of the AVMs were achieved in all favorable outcome cases. Conclusion: Microsurgical excision is the gold standard treatment of choice for low grade AVMs and certain high-grade AVMs with increased risk of rupture. The Spetzler-Martin grading system is a simple and effective method to estimate the risk of surgery and to evaluate the prognosis. Proper patient selection combined with appropriate preoperative evaluation, meticulous surgical technique and postoperative care all lead to reduced mortality and morbidity.

The Influence of the Superficial Venous System on DIEP Flap Drainage in Breast Reconstruction.

Autologous tissue has become the gold standard in breast reconstruction. The use of a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap has the advantages of giving a natural appearance to the reconstructed breast and being associated with lower morbidity at the donor site when compared with the transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap. Venous complications such as venous thrombosis and insufficiency remain the main causes of flap loss and surgical revisions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of superficial venous drainage of the DIEP flap and the addition of a second venous anastomosis have on flap survival. This was a retrospective cohort study collected from a prospective database maintained by our institution. Data was obtained from the medical records of female patients who underwent mastectomy and breast reconstruction with a DIEP flap between March 2010 and March 2017. We evaluated 137 DIEP patients with unilateral breast reconstructions. In 64 (46.7%) the deep venous system was chosen and 73 (53.3%) had an additional superficial vein anastomosed. Out of the 137 patients evaluated, there were 16 (11.67%) cases of revision, 14 (10.21%) were due to venous thrombosis. Twelve cases (8.75%) of flap loss were reported. Reoperation rate was lower in the dual venous drainage group when compared with the single venous drainage group (p = 0.005), as was the rate of flap loss (p = 0.006) and reoperation due to venous thrombosis (p = 0.002). Out of the 125 DIEP flaps, fat necrosis was clinically identified in 7 (5.1%) cases, and the rate was lower in the dual venous drainage system group (p = 0.01). Dual venous drainage of a DIEP flap appears to reduce the rates of venous thrombosis, reoperation, total flap loss, and fat necrosis.

What the Musculoskeletal Radiologist Needs to Know About the Vascular Anatomy of the Spine and Spinal Cord.

This article describes the vascular anatomy of the spine and spinal cord, highlighting key structures and anatomical variations relevant to musculoskeletal radiologists. It covers the arterial and venous drainage systems, along with examples of vascular conditions affecting the spine. Understanding the vascular anatomy of the spine and spinal cord is crucial for accurate interpretation of imaging studies and safe spinal interventional procedures. Imaging techniques for evaluating vascular pathology of the spine are discussed and compared. Understanding vascular anatomy and the most common vascular disorders will lead to an accurate diagnosis and suggest the appropriate type of study needed for further characterization and/or patient management.

Standardized Methodology for Duplex Ultrasound Examination of Arteriovenous Access for Hemodialysis: A Proposal of the French Society of Vascular Medicine and the French-Speaking Society of Vascular Access.

Duplex ultrasound (DUS) is an essential tool for characterizing and monitoring arteriovenous (AV) access for hemodialysis. The aim of the work described here, requested by the French Society of Vascular Medicine in collaboration with the French-Speaking Vascular Access Society, is to propose a standardized methodology for performing and documenting DUS, taking into account the variety of AV access techniques and the problems routinely encountered. A steering committee reviewed the literature and selected the relevant references. A draft was prepared, and all items with missing or conflicting data were submitted to a Delphi consensus. The final document was discussed and approved by all participants. The principles of DUS evaluation of AV access consist of examination of the afferent artery, the anastomosis and the entire venous drainage system. DUS uses B-mode ultrasound, color flow, pulsed wave and power Doppler analysis. DUS can be used in a variety of clinical situations, which can directly influence the methodology of the examination and the interpretation of the results. Blood flow should be assessed as it correlates with the risk of thrombosis. The measurement should be adapted to the different anatomical and hemodynamic conditions encountered. Characterization of stenosis should take into account the residual diameter of the drainage vein and its hemodynamic consequences. Other complications can be assessed with a standardized DUS examination. When performed according to a rigorous methodology, DUS of the AV access allows a comprehensive assessment of its functionality and eliminates the need for further invasive diagnostic procedures.

Form and Function: Technique for Free Functional Gracilis Harvest With Greater Saphenous Vein for Large Skin Paddle.

Free functional gracilis transfer is a technique for restoration of upper extremity function following brachial plexus injury, as well as muscle loss from traumatic, oncologic, and congenital causes. However, when used for the latter applications, a functional muscle as well as large skin paddle can be required. Historically, skin paddle size was limited by venous outflow of the gracilis flap, using 1 or 2 venae comitantes, and large unreliable skin paddles resulting in partial necrosis. Therefore, to restore form and function, we herein present a technique of free functional gracilis muscle harvest with inclusion of adjacent greater saphenous vein for inclusion of a large skin paddle with 2 venous drainage systems.

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.

Remodeling of venous drainage after the treatment of dural sinus malformation with arteriovenous shunts in a neonate: a case report and literature review.

Dural sinus malformations (DSMs) are rare congenital vascular diseases characterized by a giant venous pouch with or without arteriovenous shunts. We present a neonatal case of DSM that was diagnosed prenatally and treated via endovascular intervention in the early postnatal period. The patient presented with a large DSM involving the torcular Herophilion prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Enlargement of the head circumference and respiratory failure rapidly progressed after birth. On the 5th day after birth, the neonate underwent endovascular occlusion via the umbilical artery. The arteriovenous shunt was occluded, and the reflux from the enlarged venous pouch to the dural sinus was decreased. No additional procedure other than ventriculoperitoneal shunting was required. The neonate's development slowly caught up to normal parameters. Follow-up MRI demonstrated the successful development of the venous drainage system. DSMs are characterized by an abnormally dilated dural sinus, which can block the venous return and ultimately increase intracranial pressure and cerebral ischemia. Long-term follow-up indicates that an abnormally developed dural sinus can be reconstructed by appropriate and timely treatment.

Vortex vein engorgement and different shapes of venous drainage systems in polypoid choroidal vasculopathy vs. age‑related macular degeneration on indocyanine green angiography.

There are differences in vortex vein engorgement and appearance in polypoid choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and healthy eyes. The present study aimed to use indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) to find a simple, clinically meaningful method for evaluating the filling degree of vortex veins in various eye diseases. Participant clinical characteristics were recorded. The number of vortex veins (NVV), central vortex vein diameter (CVVD), mean root area of the vortex vein (MRAVV), mean diameter of the thickest peripheral branch (MDPTB), subfoveal choroidal thickness and percentage of vortex vein anastomosis (PVVA) were obtained by marking the vortex veins on ICGA. The proportion of subretinal haemorrhage and the numbers and types of vortex veins in each quadrant were counted separately. The CVVD and MDPTB were significantly increased in the PCV compared with those in the AMD group (P<0.05). The CVVD, MRAV, and PVVA were significantly increased in the PCV compared with those in the healthy group (P<0.05). The type IV vortex vein (complete with ampulla) proportion was the lowest while the type I (vortex vein absent) proportion was the highest in the PCV group (P<0.001). NVV in the inferior-temporal region was increased in the PCV compared with that in the AMD group (P=0.034). Subretinal haemorrhage occurred in the inferior temporal choroid in 47.62% of examined eyes in PCV group, and in the superior temporal choroid in 23.81% of the PCV group, with significant differences between the quadrants (P<0.001). Vortex vein engorgement and shape differed significantly between PCV, AMD and healthy eyes. The vortex vein branches in PCV eyes were significantly dilated in the posterior pole; moreover, the peripheral choroid and the lower proportion of type IV vortex veins may be pathognomonic for PCV.

Molecular, Pathological, Clinical, and Therapeutic Aspects of Perihematomal Edema in Different Stages of Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

Acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating type of stroke worldwide. Neuronal destruction involved in the brain damage process caused by ICH includes a primary injury formed by the mass effect of the hematoma and a secondary injury induced by the degradation products of a blood clot. Additionally, factors in the coagulation cascade and complement activation process also contribute to secondary brain injury by promoting the disruption of the blood-brain barrier and neuronal cell degeneration by enhancing the inflammatory response, oxidative stress, etc. Although treatment options for direct damage are limited, various strategies have been proposed to treat secondary injury post-ICH. Perihematomal edema (PHE) is a potential surrogate marker for secondary injury and may contribute to poor outcomes after ICH. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the underlying pathological mechanism, evolution, and potential therapeutic strategies to treat PHE. Here, we review the pathophysiology and imaging characteristics of PHE at different stages after acute ICH. As illustrated in preclinical and clinical studies, we discussed the merits and limitations of varying PHE quantification protocols, including absolute PHE volume, relative PHE volume, and extension distance calculated with images and other techniques. Importantly, this review summarizes the factors that affect PHE by focusing on traditional variables, the cerebral venous drainage system, and the brain lymphatic drainage system. Finally, to facilitate translational research, we analyze why the relationship between PHE and the functional outcome of ICH is currently controversial. We also emphasize promising therapeutic approaches that modulate multiple targets to alleviate PHE and promote neurologic recovery after acute ICH.

Anatomical Characteristics of the Anterior Jugular Vein and Its Clinical Relevance.

The anterior jugular vein (AJV) is part of the superficial venous drainage system of the head and neck. Recently, interest in AJV is increasing as various surgical procedures have been developed. The authors conducted a cadaveric study to determine characteristics of AJV in Koreans. A total of 44 cadavers were dissected. Anatomical characteristics were analyzed for 34 cadavers in which AJV was well observed. In this study, 21 were males and 13 were females. There were 8 cadavers with only 1 AJV from both sides. There was no significant difference in anatomical characteristics according to gender or AJV variation except for a difference in the length of the neck according to gender. However, it was possible to find a safety zone at the main landmark of the neck that could avoid AJV damage. By using this safety zone, it is possible to prevent damage to the AJV and reduce complications during various surgical procedures on the head and neck.

Malignant cerebral venous thrombosis in a transgender patient: intraoperative aspect of vein of Trolard thrombosis.

A 53-year-old male-to-female transgender patient on cross-sex hormone replacement therapy (HRT) presented with a one-day history of sudden onset aphasia and hemiparesis, preceded by a one-week complaint of headache. CT scan showed a large frontoparietal hematoma and venous CT displayed extensive filling defects of the venous sinus drainage system (). The patient was submitted to an urgent decompressive surgery. Intra-operatory aspect revealed thrombosis of the Trolard vein (). […] Malignant cerebral venous thrombosis in a transgender patient: intraoperative aspect of [...]

An eighth note.

Venous stenosis is the most common cause of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) failure in hemodialysis patients. For patients with AVF stenosis, the pressure over the antecedent part of the AVF stenotic lesion will increase if arterial inflow is sufficient. We report a chronic hemodialysis patient who received an angiographic examination for the juxta-anastomosis stenosis of his AVF. A unique feature of a collateral venous branch antecedent to the stenotic lesion was noted, resembling a musical sign as the "eighth note." After percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, the eighth note attenuated markedly at once. Of note, the eighth note sign is not seen frequently, and thus we postulate that the formation of an eighth note sign on the radiocephalic fistula should fulfill the following requirements, including a sufficient arterial inflow, an adjacent collateral branch close enough to the arteriovenous anastomosis, a severe juxta-anastomotic stenotic lesion, and an intact ulnar venous drainage system.

Mean Changes in Sperm Count in Adult Males after Varicocelectomy

Background: Varicocele, a bilateral vascular condition in which hypoxia can induce ischemic damage to both testes due to hydrostatic pressures in the venous drainage system, is a prominent cause of male infertility with a complex pathogenesis. varicocele make up 35% of primary infertility and 81% of secondary fertility. Methodology: A quasi-experimental study was conducted from January 2018 to September 2018 at urology department of Nawaz Sharif Kidney Hospital and Saidu Group of Teaching Hospitals, Swat. Sample size was 261. The study included all males between the ages of 20 and 60 who had clinically evident varicocele. Result: Results of our study P-value for pre-operative and post-operative sperm count was 0.00001 so statistically significant. According to the age distribution, 93 patients were in the age group 20-30 (35.63%), 70 patients in age group 31-40 years (27.01%), 60 patients aged 41-50 (22.98%), 38 patients aged 51 to 60 (14.26) %) are shown in Table 2. All cases had varicocele on the left side. Conclusion: After inguinal varicocelectomy, sperm count increases in adult patients with clinically palpable varicocele. Keywords: Adult male, Sperm count, Varicocele, Varicocelectomy.

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS): A report of two patients and review of literature

AbstractKlippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is an uncommon congenital condition, resulting in vascular malformations affecting capillary, venous, and lymphatic systems and bone and/or soft tissue hypertrophy. Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) may be useful in assessing the severity of the disease and for treatment planning. We present two cases of two white men with the typical clinical presentation of Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome i.e. vascular malformations (capillary, venous and lymphatic) and localized bone and/or soft tissues hypertrophy. Splenic hemangiomas were evidenced in both patients and MRA was helpful in assessing and delineating the abnormal venous drainage system. KTS is a complex disorder whose true prevalence and etiology are still unknown. In most cases the emblematic clinical manifestation consisting in vascular malformations and extremity overgrowth is represented. KTS may be associated with several different conditions including scoliosis and splenic hemangiomas. The presence of the lateral marginal vein (LMV) is pathognomonic. Imaging is fundamental in confirming the diagnosis and for therapeutic strategies. An effective treatment does not exist to date and a multidisciplinary approach is usually required to prevent complications.

Selection of surgical approach for cerebellar hemangioblastomas based on venous drainage patterns.

Cerebellar hemangioblastomas remain surgically challenging because of the narrow, deep surgical corridors and tumor hypervascularity. Various surgical approaches are used according to the location, but optimal approaches have not been established. We propose a system of surgical approaches based on the venous drainage systems to facilitate surgical planning and achieve acceptable neurological outcomes. Cerebellar hemangioblastomas were divided into five types based on the main drainage systems: suboccipital hemangioblastomas draining to the transverse sinus (TS) or torcula, tentorial hemangioblastomas draining to the tentorialsinus orstraight sinus, petrosal hemangioblastomas draining to the superior petrosal sinus (SPS), quadrigeminal hemangioblastomas draining to the galenic system, and tonsillar hemangioblastomas draining to the TS or torcula in conjunction with jugular bulb or SPS. Microsurgical approaches and patient outcome were retrospectively reviewed according to this classification. This study included 17 patients who underwent 21 operations for resection of 19 cerebellar hemangioblastomas, classified into 9 suboccipital, 4 tentorial, 2 petrosal, 2 quadrigeminal, and 2 tonsillar. Standard suboccipital craniotomies were utilized for suboccipital hemangioblastomas, the occipital transtentorial approach (OTA), and supracerebellar infratentorial approach for tentorial hemangioblastomas, the retrosigmoid approach for petrosal hemangioblastomas, OTA for quadrigeminal hemangioblastomas, and midline suboccipital approach for tonsillar hemangioblastomas. Gross total resection was achieved in all patients except one. Two patients with large hemangioblastomas (tonsillar and quadrigeminal) required second-stage operation which finally achieved gross total removal. No single approach had a significantly higher incidence of postoperative neurological deficits. Selection of the optimum surgical approach for cerebellar hemangioblastomas was successful based on the main drainage systems. Understanding of tumor growth and extension with respect to the venous drainage system is critical to select the appropriate surgical approach.

Hybrid and parallel extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuits

Hybrid and parallel extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuits

Surgical Management of Sinus Pericranii With Crouzon Syndrome.

Sinus pericranii (SP) is a rare vascular malformation which connects the intracranial dural sinuses to the extracranial venous drainage system. Although the majority of SP cases are caused by trauma, some of them are congenital. Furthermore, a few SP cases have been reported in association with craniosynostosis. The authors' objective is to discuss the surgical management of SP with Crouzon's syndrome in children. Three-Dimensional reconstruction with enhanced CT scan was used for evaluate the condition of SP with Crouzon's syndrome in all 4 cases. Two cases with small single-hole defect on skull were only treated by cranioplasty with distraction osteogenesis. In the management of the other 2 SP patients with large skull defect, titanium mesh was used for compression of dilated venous sinus to inhabit filling and promote shrinking. Four cases of SP with Crouzon's syndrome were treated in the authors' department. With cranioplasty with distraction osteogenesis only, 2 patients with single-hole skull defect experienced SP spontaneous involution at 4 to 6 months postoperatively. With titanium mesh compression, SP with large skull defect shrank significantly without clinical recurrence, but long-term follow-up was still in need. For small single-hole skull defect in SP patient with Crouzon's syndrome, the only application of cranioplasty for decreasing intracranial pressure can promote SP spontaneous involution. 3D printed titanium mesh compression renders a safe and efficient approach for SP with large skull defect. Long-time follow up and further accumulation of cases may establish the efficacy of the authors' management.

Study about morphometry and dominances on human cadavers

Introduction: The cranial sinuses comprise an intracranial complex venous drainage system, which, unlike venous structure, is formed by dura mater lining. These are arranged through pairs, such as transverse sinuses (ST) and sigmoid sinuses (SS), often showing variations in caliber, it usually takes dominance of only one, being classified as right or left, but it can occur codominance, in which the two sides of the pair have practically the same venous drainage capacity. A complete assessment of the anatomy of the venous sinus is of paramount importance in surgical planning, especially in cases where the approach is nearby or requires sacrifice of sinus.Objective: This study aims at the morphometry and morphological analysis of venous drainage of ST, SS and straight sinus (SR).Methodology: This paper is about morphometric and morphological analysis of 17 hemimeninges, 02 holomeninges and 34 posterior skull bases, totaling 88 ST, 16 SS and 06 SR, each cranial sinus was measured for its length, width and thickness using the Vonder R digital caliper. Associated with bibliographic review using PubMed, with the terms: (“Cranial Sinuses” [Mesh]) AND (variation or variations), and “humans” filter. Articles with a period from 2009 to 2019 were selected, resulting in a total of 24 articles that met the inclusion criteria taking into account their citations and their respective impacts.Results: The morphometric analysis of the meninges showed an average of 401.66 millimeters (mm) (standard deviation (SD) = ± 64.64 mm) of the right ST (STD), in the left ST group (STE), with 436.25 mm (SD = ± 64.79 mm), showing greater extension of the left ST. The right SSs (SSD) showed an average of 766.66 mm (SD = ± 63.83 mm), in the group of left SS (SSE) with 751.66 mm (SD = ± 78.08 mm), showing a greater extension of the right SSs. The analysis of the SR extension showed an average of 441.66 mm (SD = ± 33.71 mm). In the morphological analysis of the ST in the skull bases, it was shown that 23 had right dominance, 09 left dominance and 02 co-dominance.Discussion and Conclusion: The impression marked by the cranial sinuses inside the skull, demonstrate a certain correlation with the literature findings, in the study a higher percentage of impression of the right dimidium ST was evidenced, corroborating with the literature, which reports the right dominance of the ST. The analysis during the study about the extension of these sinuses, showed that the STs of left dimidium presented greater length, having a possible relationship with the extension of the cerebrovascular apparatus of each individual, because the length of cranial sinus does not necessarily have a relationship with its dominance, except if the absence of such a structure is identified, showing marked dominance for opposite sinus present. The dominance of right SS is reported in literature, however, the analysis of its extension may not be related to the dominant dimidium, during the study a greater length of the right SS was observed.

Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava with Absent Right Superior Vena Cava and Discrete Subaortic Stenosis Diagnosed in a Patient with Sick Sinus Syndrome: A Case Report and Brief Review of the Literature

A persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is the most frequent anomaly of the venous drainage system. While both a right and left superior vena cava (SVC) are usually present, a unique, left-sided SVC, also known as an isolated PLSVC, accounts for only 10–20% of cases. It is frequently associated with arrhythmias and other congenital cardiac anomalies. Though it is usually an asymptomatic condition, it may pose significant problems whenever central venous access is needed. We report a case of an isolated PLSVC that was diagnosed incidentally during pacemaker implantation for sinus node dysfunction. The venous anomaly was associated with subvalvular aortic stenosis determined by a subaortic membrane; this particular association of congenital cardiovascular anomalies is a rare finding, with only a few cases reported in the literature. We aim to highlight the clinical and practical implications of this condition, as well as to discuss the embryonic development and diagnostic methods of this congenital defect.