Venous Stenosis In Patients Research Articles

Abstract 377: Prevalence and Radiological Manifestations of Jugular Venous Stenosis in Patients with Pulsatile Tinnitus: A Case‐Control Study

Abstract 377: Prevalence and Radiological Manifestations of Jugular Venous Stenosis in Patients with Pulsatile Tinnitus: A Case‐Control Study

Efficacy of balloon angioplasty and stent placement in the treatment of central venous stenosis in patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis

Background: Central venous stenosis is a common complication in hemodialysis patients, often caused by multiple long-term catheter use. This retrospective observational study evaluated the efficacy of balloon angioplasty and stent placement in treating central venous stenosis secondary to hemodialysis catheter use. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at the Hospital General de México Dr. Eduardo Liceaga, analyzing clinical records of 16 chronic kidney disease patients diagnosed with central venous stenosis who underwent endovascular surgery between January 2022 and August 2024. The study evaluated demographic characteristics, comorbidities, stenosis location, and technical success. Statistical analysis included descriptive measures, Shapiro-Wilk test for normality, and paired Student's t-test (α=0.05) to compare pre- and post-angioplasty venous diameters. Results: The mean age of patients was 44.6±13.5 years, with a slight female predominance. The most common stenosis location was the right subclavian vein (31.2%), followed by the left brachiocephalic trunk (25%). Pre-procedure stenotic vessel diameter averaged 3.86±1.5 mm, increasing to 9.19±2.03 mm post-procedure. Statistical analysis showed a significant 138% increase in vessel diameter (p<0.001). Of the 16 procedures, 11 patients underwent successful angioplasty, with 37.5% requiring stent placement due to recoil greater than 30%. In 5 cases, crossing the occlusive lesion was not possible. Conclusions: The study demonstrated the effectiveness of balloon angioplasty and stent placement in treating central venous stenosis, with a statistically significant improvement in vascular diameter. However, further studies with long-term follow-up are needed to evaluate the durability of these results and optimize management of complex cases.

Scar Decompression in Managing Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: Is it Needed?

Mastectomy, axillary lymph node dissection, and irradiation for breast cancer commonly result in perivascular and axillary scarring. This scarring is thought to cause functional venous stenosis that leads to downstream venous hypertension in the affected extremity. Standard surgical practice is to decompress perivascular scarring at the time of physiologic lymphedema surgery in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). However, it is unknown whether this scar release influences surgical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of functional venous stenosis in patients with BCRL and determine whether scar decompression is a necessary step in physiologic lymphedema surgery. The authors conducted a retrospective review of 64 patients with unilateral BCRL that presented to our lymphedema center between January 2020 and October 2022. Radiologist reports of venous duplex ultrasound for the bilateral upper extremities identified any disturbances in venous flow or indications of venous stenosis. Of the 64 patients with BCRL, 78% (n = 50) had prior axillary lymph node dissection. Forty-seven (73%) patients completed ultrasound imaging, of which, one patient (2%) had venous stenosis in the affected lymphedematous extremity identified on duplex ultrasound that may have suggested functional scarring. Vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) without scar decompression was performed in six patients (9%). Average preoperative Lymphedema Life Impact Scale and Lymphedema Index scores were 35 and 19 units, with a mean decrease of 23 (67%) and 6 (30%) units postoperatively. Most patients with BCRL did not have identifiable functional venous stenosis on duplex ultrasound, apart from one patient with suspected postthrombotic changes. All six patients that received VLNT without scar decompression had a successful outcome with decreased measures of lymphedema postoperatively. Scar decompression may therefore be unnecessary in physiologic lymphedema surgery, reducing operative times and avoiding risk of injury to neurovascular structures of the axilla.

Comparison of the rate of concomitant proximal venous stenosis between the upper and lower extremities in patients with secondary lymphedema undergoing lymphaticovenous anastomosis

BackgroundConcomitant iatrogenic proximal venous stenosis increases venous pressure and can be a risk factor for unfavorable outcomes of lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) in extremities with secondary lymphedema. This study investigated the frequency and relevant factors of venous stenosis in patients diagnosed with secondary lymphedema who underwent LVA. MethodsPatients who underwent preoperative computed tomographic venography (CTV) and LVA for secondary lymphedema of the extremities from October 2018 to March 2022 were included. The incidence of proximal venous stenosis in the affected limb on preoperative CTV and the rate of endovascular intervention were compared between upper and lower extremities. Factors affecting proximal venous stenosis were identified through multivariable analysis using independent variables, including patient age, body mass index, comorbidities, smoking history, radiation therapy, duration of lymphedema, and location of lymphedema. ResultsA total of 211 patients were analyzed, including 83 patients with upper extremity and 128 patients with lower extremity lymphedema. The incidence of proximal venous stenosis in the preoperative CTV was 32.5% and 7.8% in upper extremity, and lower extremity lymphedema, respectively (P < .001). The incidence of venous stenosis requiring endovascular intervention was significantly higher in the upper extremity compared with the lower extremity (16.9% vs 6.3%; P = .014). In multivariable analysis, risk factors affecting incidence of venous stenosis requiring endovascular intervention was the patient age (P = .007) and upper extremity (P = .009). ConclusionsPreoperative evaluation and treatment of venous stenosis in extremities with secondary lymphedema are necessary before LVA surgery, particularly in upper extremity lymphedema.

Factors affecting primary patency at 6 and 12 months after single balloon angioplasty in central venous stenosis in patients with chronic kidney disease

Factors affecting primary patency at 6 and 12 months after single balloon angioplasty in central venous stenosis in patients with chronic kidney disease

Angioplasty experience for central venous stenosis in hemodialysis patients: a case series

Objective: To report the treatment of central venous stenosis in hemodialysis patients with endovascular intervention angioplasty. Introduction: Central venous stenosis is a common case in patients with renal failure or end-stage renal disease who have a history of dialysis, which requires vascular access. The currently available techniques for managing central venous stenosis are endovascular intervention with angioplasty and stent placement. Although open surgical treatment has shown durability in the past, it was correlated with significant morbidity. One of the techniques describes the antegrade technique of endovascular intervention. Case description: In this study present 5 cases of central venous stenosis in patients with hemodialysis. In this case series, the patient complained that had a history of swelling in the upper arm unilateral. Diagnostic with catheterization, there was stenosis of the subclavian vein and innominate. This study performed the endovascular management experience with the preferred treatment for central venous stenosis to perform revascularization procedures which is percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) with balloon angioplasty. Conclusions: Management of central venous stenosis in patients with hemodialysis can be presented effectively and safely using angioplasty which results in low rates of complication and usually has a shorter length of stay post-procedural.

Transient Bacteremia Promotes Catheter-Related Central Venous Thrombosis through Neutrophil Extracellular Traps.

Formation of intravenous catheter-related thrombosis leads to central venous stenosis in patients requiring renal replacement therapy or chemotherapy infusion, yet the triggers or mechanisms remain unclear, especially in patients without symptoms of infection. In this study, we found that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) could be detected in the fibrin sheaths from dialysis patients without clinical manifestations of infection. Confocal microscopy revealed bacteria imbedded in NETs in the fibrin sheaths. Thirty-nine of 50 (78%) fibrin sheath specimens contained bacteria detectable by 16S ribosomal RNA genome typing with a predominance of Staphylococcus aureus (69%). In rat models, transient bacteremia of S. aureus induced NETs in enlarged fibrin sheaths, and treatment with DNase I alone significantly reduced both NET and fibrin sheath formation surrounding the catheter. Therefore, transient bacteremia could be a silent trigger that induces NET-related immunothrombosis enhancing catheter-related central venous stenosis.

Value of a quantitative model of axillary venous blood flow spectrum for the detection of central venous stenosis in patients undergoing hemodialysis via radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula.

BackgroundCentral venous stenosis (CVS) of radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (RCAVF) affects RCAVF function and longevity. Ultrasound screening for CVS is limited by acoustic window. Herein, we analyzed the quantitative axillary venous (AxV) spectrum in hemodialysis patients via RCAVF, and constructed central venous stenosis index (CVSI) model based on the spectrum parameters to early detect resting asymptomatic CVS.MethodsFrom August 2017 to May 2021, stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients dialysed via RCAVF at the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University were included in this study. No CVS-related symptoms were found and the pulsation at the arteriovenous anastomosis was normal. However, the patients had the sensation of swelling in the ipsilateral upper limb during dialysis; the venous pressure advanced upon the completion of dialysis; or both (n=52). The inclusion criteria were as follows: (I) Ultrasound (US) showed that the temporal phases of the AxV spectrum were “normal”; and (II) CVS was confirmed by digital subtraction angiography (DSA). The exclusion criteria were as follows: (I) stent placement; (II) multiple stenosis; and (III) placement of central venous catheter. A total of 37 patients participated in the analysis. Eighteen patients were included in the CVS group, and 19 cases without CVS were included in the control group. Independent sample t-test was used to screen each parameter of the AxV spectrum, and a CVSI model was constructed by principal component analysis (PCA). The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was applied to analyze the diagnostic value of CVSI.ResultsAccording to the independent sample t-test, 9 parameters were found to have statistical significance (all P<0.05); they were analyzed by PCA, and the CVSI model was constructed. The ROC showed that CVSI had diagnostic value for CVS. When the cut-off value of CVSI was 7.13, the maximum value of the Youden index was 0.842, with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 84.2%.ConclusionsThe CVSI helps to early detect resting asymptomatic CVS and dramatically increases the detection rate of CVS.

Risk Factors Associated with Dysfunction of Permanent Tunneled Cuffed Hemodialysis Catheters; Single Center Experience

Risk Factors Associated with Dysfunction of Permanent Tunneled Cuffed Hemodialysis Catheters; Single Center Experience Introduction: Permanent tunneled cuffed catheters are frequently preferred for hemodialysis in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF), but the factors associated with the dysfunction of these catheters are not well known. Our goal is to investigate these risk factors. Materials and Methods: All cases with a diagnosis of CRF and a permanent tunneled cuffed catheter inserted into the central vein for the first time in our radiology clinic between 2014 and 2019 and who developed catheter dysfunction were included in the study. Demographic and clinical data of the cases were obtained from file records. The relationship between the causes of catheter dysfunction and the presence of diabetes and hypertension was investigated. Results: Of the total 123 cases, 78 (63.4%) were male, 45 (36.6%) were female, the median age was 55 (28-78). Twenty-nine (23.6%) of the cases had thrombosis, 72 (58.5%) had venous stenosis and 22 (17.9%) had catheter dysfunction due to fibrin sheath. Dysfunction groups were compared with each other in terms of age, gender, duration of operation of the catheter, CRF etiology, comorbid diseases, the vein where the catheter was placed and the use of anticoagulants. The most important cause of catheter dysfunction in the early period was thrombosis (p = 0.003). When the causes of dysfunction were examined, the most common causes of dysfunction were venous stenosis in patients with hypertension, thrombosis in patients with diabetes as a concomitant disease without diabetes in the etiology of CRF, and thrombosis in patients with diabetes in CRF etiology (p 0.05). Conclusion: The use of low-dose anticoagulants plays a protective role against thrombosis. The use of low-dose anticoagulants in patients without contraindications, especially in diabetic patients, may reduce especially early catheter dysfunction.

Thoracic outlet decompression for subclavian venous stenosis after ipsilateral hemodialysis access creation

ObjectiveCentral venous stenosis is one of the most challenging complications in patients requiring hemodialysis. Venous thoracic outlet syndrome is an underappreciated cause of central venous stenosis in patients requiring dialysis that can result in failed percutaneous intervention and loss of a functioning dialysis access. Limited data exist about the safety and outcomes of first rib resection in patients requiring hemodialysis, and the results have been confounded by the various surgical approaches used. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the safety, operative outcomes, and patency of the existing dialysis access after transaxillary thoracic outlet decompression. MethodsA retrospective medical record review was performed from January 2008 to December 2019 of patients who had undergone thoracic outlet decompression for subclavian vein stenosis with ipsilateral upper extremity hemodialysis access. The baseline characteristics and comorbidities were reviewed. The operative and postoperative course were evaluated. The survival and patency rates were analyzed using the life-table method and Kaplan-Meier curve. ResultsA total of 18 extremities in 18 patients were identified. Their mean age was 59 ± 11 years, and 89% were men. A total of 13 fistulas and 5 grafts were included. All patients had undergone repair via a transaxillary approach. First rib resection, anterior scalenectomy, and circumferential venolysis were performed in all 18 patients. The mean operative time was 99 ± 19 minutes, with an estimated blood loss of 78 ± 66 mL. The median length of stay was 2 days. No patient had died at 30 days. The survival rate at 1 year was 83%. The primary, primary-assisted, and secondary patency at 1 year were 42%, 69%, and 93%, respectively. ConclusionsThoracic outlet decompression via the transaxillary approach is a technically feasible and safe operation in patients with ipsilateral upper extremity hemodialysis access. Patients with threatened dialysis access due to subclavian vein stenosis should be carefully evaluated for possible extrinsic compression at the costoclavicular junction. These patients might benefit from transaxillary first rib resection, scalenectomy, and venolysis.

Value of a quantitative model of axillary venous blood flow spectrum for the detection of central venous stenosis in patients undergoing hemodialysis via radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula

Value of a quantitative model of axillary venous blood flow spectrum for the detection of central venous stenosis in patients undergoing hemodialysis via radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula

Стентирование и изолированная баллонная ангиопластика при стенозах центральных вен у пациентов на гемодиализе

Цель. Провести сравнительный анализ результатов изолированной баллонной ангиопластики и ангиопластики со стентированием при стенозе центральных вен у пациентов на гемодиализе. Материалы и методы. В ретроспективное исследование включены 62 пациента со стенозом центральных вен (СЦВ). У 39 пациентов выполнена изолированная баллонная ангиопластика (БА), у 23 пациентов БА дополнена стентированием. Результаты. Функциональная первичная проходимость артериовенозной фистулы через 1 и 3 года после БА: 89,7% [95%ДИ 74,9; 96] и 30,8% [95%ДИ 17,3; 45,4], после стентирования: 100% и 30,4% [95%ДИ 13,5; 49,3]; HR=0,8756 [95%ДИ 0,527; 1,455], p=0,5994. Первичная проходимость через 6 и 12 месяцев после БА: 61,5% [95%ДИ 44,5; 74,7] и 15,4% [95%ДИ 6,2; 28,3]; после стентирования: 82,6% [95%ДИ 60,1; 93,1] и 47,8% [95%ДИ 26,8; 66,1]; HR=0,4845 [95%ДИ 0,2938; 0,799], p=0,0017. Функциональная вторичная проходимость через 1, 3 и 4 года после БА: 100%, 74,4% [95%ДИ 57,6; 85,3] и 12,8% [95%ДИ 4,7; 25,2]; после стентирования: 100%, 91,3% [95%ДИ 69,5; 97,8] и 34,8% [95%ДИ 16,6; 53,7]; HR=0,4764 [95%ДИ 0,2888; 0,786], p=0,0016. Вторичная проходимость через 6, 12 и 24 месяца после БА: 84,6% [95%ДИ 68,9; 92,8], 66,7% [95%ДИ 49,6; 79,1] и 17,9% [95%ДИ 7,9; 31,3]; после стентирования: 91,3% [95%ДИ 69,5; 97,8], 78,3% [95%ДИ 55,4; 90,3] и 43,5% [95%ДИ 23,3; 62,1]; HR=0,4925 [95%ДИ 0,2988; 0,8119], p=0,0021. Корреляция функциональной первичной проходимости с первичной проходимостью составила r= -0,627; р&lt;0,0001, с вторичной проходимостью – r= -0,53; р=0,0005 при БА, при стентировании – r= -0,351; р=0,101 и r= -0,304; р= 0,159 соответственно. Заключение. Результаты БА существенно зависят от давности стеноза. Применение стентов позволяет улучшить результаты вне зависимости от давности стеноза. Научная новизна статьи впервые доказано, что период времени между началом использования артериовенозной фистулы для гемодиализа и клинической манифестацией стеноза центральных вен оказывает существенное влияние на результаты эндоваскулярных вмешательств. Установлено, что эффективность баллонной ангиопластики значительно снижается при коррекции «поздних» стенозов. Применение стентов позволяет несколько улучшить результаты эндоваскулярных вмешательств при стенозе центральных вен вне зависимости от давности стеноза.

Portomesenteric Venous Stenting for Palliation of Ascites and Variceal Bleeding Caused by Prehepatic Portal Hypertension.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate percutaneous transhepatic portal vein stenting (PVS) for palliation of refractory ascites and/or variceal bleeding caused by extrahepatic portomesenteric venous stenosis in patients with pancreaticobiliary cancer. A single-institution, retrospective review of patients who underwent PVS between January 2007 and July 2015 was performed. A total of 38 patients were identified, of whom 28 met the inclusion criterion of PVS performed primarily for refractory ascites or variceal bleeding. In addition to technical success and overall survival, clinical success was measured by fraction of remaining life palliated. The palliative effect of PVS was also quantified by measuring changes in liver and ascites volumes after the procedure. Technical success was 93% (26/28). Stent deployment involved more than one portomesenteric vessel in most patients (20/26). The cumulative probability of symptom recurrence at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months was 12%, 16%, 26%, and 40%, respectively. There was a significant difference (p < .001) in the probability of symptom recurrence, recurrence of abdominal ascites, and increase in liver volume between patients whose stents remained patent and those whose stents demonstrated partial or complete occlusion. The mean fraction of remaining life palliated was 87%. All but two patients were found to have improvement in clinical symptoms for the majority of their lives after the procedure. There were no major or minor complications. As a low-risk procedure with a high clinical success rate, PVS can play a substantial role in improving quality of life in patients with portomesenteric stenoses. Portomesenteric venous stenosis is a challenging complication of pancreaticobiliary malignancy. Portomesenteric stenoses can lead to esophageal, gastric, and mesenteric variceal bleeding, as well as abdominal ascites. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of portal vein stenting (PVS) in patients with cancer who have symptomatic portal hypertension caused by portomesenteric venous compression. As a low-risk procedure with a high clinical success rate, PVS can play a substantial role in improving quality of life in patients with portomesenteric stenoses.

Radiologists need to be aware of secondary central venous stenosis in patients with SAPHO syndrome.

We aimed to define central venous stenosis (CVS) caused by sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis as a feature of synovitis-acne-pustulosis-hyperostosis-osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome on routine contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) images. The relationship between SAPHO syndrome and CVS without venous thrombosis caused by anterior chest wall compression has not been investigated. Therefore, the present study evaluated CVS in patients with SAPHO syndrome at our hospital. We retrospectively reviewed contrast-enhanced CT images of ten patients with suspected or diagnosed SAPHO syndrome between January 2007 and November 2015. The patients were assessed by contrast-enhanced CT using 16-, 64- or 128-detector row scanners. Two radiologists independently assessed the presence of CVS or obstruction and SAPHO syndrome in a retrospective review of CT images. Six of the ten patients had findings of CVS with SAPHO syndrome. The mean diameter and patency rate at the site of CVS were 1.88mm and 27.2%, respectively. Stenosis was more significant in terms of the mean diameter of CVS sites than of stenotic sites that crossed the anteroposterior vein (p < 0.05). Radiologists who routinely assess contrast-enhanced CT images should be aware that sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis with SAPHO syndrome could cause secondary CVS. • SAPHO syndrome can cause central venous stenosis. • Radiologists should consider central venous stenosis in patients with SAPHO syndrome. • Early diagnosis of central venous stenosis due to SAPHO syndrome is challenging.

PC130. Medial Claviculectomy for Treatment of Recalcitrant Central Venous Stenosis in Hemodialysis Patients

Outflow track stenosis is one of the leading causes of hemodialysis access loss. Many lesions can be highly resistant to endovascular treatment, necessitating open surgical intervention. We present our experience using medial claviculectomy for treatment of recalcitrant lesions at the thoracic outlet. We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients who underwent medial claviculectomy for central venous stenosis at our institution between February, 2013 and September, 2015. Data collection included demographics, medical histories, access history, subsequent procedures, and access usage. We performed 19 medial claviculectomies in 19 patients with central venous stenosis. Eight accesses (42%) were created at another institution. Of those created at our institution, the average access age was 46.3 months. All patients previously underwent multiple angioplasty attempts and continued to have symptoms. Ten patients (53%) had previous subclavian stents placed. All patients underwent medial claviculectomy with venolysis and angioplasty. Twelve patients (63%) had residual stenosis requiring stent or stent graft placement. Three patients had subclavian rupture with angioplasty requiring stent graft placement. All patients reported symptom improvement, allowing for continued use of the access. Fourteen patients (74%) reported complete symptom resolution. Average length of follow-up was 9.5 months. Assisted primary and secondary patency at 1 year were 82% and 87%, respectively. One patient developed ischemic steal syndrome 5 months after medial claviculectomy and underwent a successful DRIL procedure. Medial claviculectomy is an effective treatment for recalcitrant central venous stenosis in patients with an ipsilateral hemodialysis access. Stent or stent graft placement is often necessary after extrinsic compression is alleviated.

Fixed low-dose ultrasound-assisted catheter-directed thrombolysis followed by routine stenting of residual stenosis for acute ilio-femoral deep-vein thrombosis

Patients with ilio-femoral deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) are at high risk of developing the post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). In comparison to anticoagulation therapy alone, extended venography-guided catheter-directed thrombolysis without routine stenting of venous stenosis in patients with ilio-femoral DVT is associated with an increased risk of bleeding and a moderate reduction of PTS. We performed a prospective single-centre study to investigate safety, patency and incidence of PTS in patients with acute ilio-femoral DVT treated with fixed-dose ultrasound-assisted catheter-directed thrombolysis (USAT; 20 mg rt-PA during 15 hours) followed by routing stenting of venous stenosis, defined as residual luminal narrowing >50%, absent antegrade flow, or presence of collateral flow at the site of suspected stenosis. A total of 87 patients (age 46 ± 21 years, 60% women) were included. At 15 hours, thrombolysis success ≥50% was achieved in 67 (77%) patients. Venous stenting (mean 1.9 ± 1.3 stents) was performed in 70 (80%) patients, with the common iliac vein as the most frequent stenting site (83%). One major (1%; 95% CI, 0-6%) and 6 minor bleedings (7%; 95%CI, 3-14%) occurred. Primary and secondary patency rates at 1 year were 87% (95% CI, 74-94%) and 96% (95% CI, 88-99%), respectively. At three months, 88% (95% CI, 78-94%) of patients were free from PTS according to the Villalta scale, with a similar rate at one year (94%, 95% CI, 81-99%). In conclusion, a fixed-dose USAT regimen followed by routine stenting of underlying venous stenosis in patients with ilio-femoral DVT was associated with a low bleeding rate, high patency rates, and a low incidence of PTS.

Primary stabbing headache: a new dural sinus stenosis-associated primary headache?

Primary stabbing headache (PSH) is a primary syndrome of unknown aetiology, characterised by brief, jabbing stabs predominantly felt in the orbital, temporal and parietal areas, whose frequency may vary from one to many per day, usually responding to indomethacin. PSH frequency in the general population is not well defined, but recent evidence suggests it could be more frequent than previously thought. In clinical series, PSH incidence was 33/100,000 per year, while in a population study 35.2 % prevalence was found. PSH was previously described as isolated or associated to other headache syndromes, most frequently with migraine. There is evidence that an idiopathic intracranial hypertension without papilledema, a condition usually associated to significant stenosis of dural sinuses (93 % sensitivity and specificity), is much more prevalent than believed and may run asymptomatically in up to 11 % of otherwise healthy individuals. In migrainous prone people, a sinus stenosis-associated intracranial hypertension without papilledema (ss-IHWOP) comorbidity may represent a powerful risk factor for progression of pain. Besides migraine, significant sinus stenosis has been found overrepresented also in chronic tension type headache as well as in exertional, cough, sexual activity-associated headaches (all indomethacin responsive primary headaches) and in altitude headache (an acetazolamide responsive condition). To explore the possible association between venous outflow disturbances and PSH, we retrospectively investigated the co-occurrence of sinus venous stenosis in patients referring to our headache centre since 2004 diagnosed with PSH who completed the diagnostic protocol. Out of 50 consecutive patients reporting PSH as the main or as accessory complaint, 8 (6 females, 2 males) performed MR venography (MRV). All MRV revealed significant unilateral or bilateral sinus stenosis. Mean age at PSH onset was 35.3 ± 18.9 years (range 11-67 years). Duration of attacks ranged 1-3 s. Median daily frequency of attacks was 4 (range 2-20); median number of days per month with PSH presentation was 14 (range 4-30). Six patients described attacks in temporal or parietal areas, one at the top of the head, and one in the occipital area. Only one patient had isolated PSH; all the others were diagnosed also with migraine without aura. Seven out of eight patients responded to indomethacin 75 mg/die, and one to topiramate 100 mg/die. Interestingly, both drugs share with acetazolamide a CSF pressure lowering effect. Our findings indicate that PSH is associated with central sinus stenosis and suggest that an undiagnosed ss-IHWOP might be involved in PSH pathogenesis.

Flipside of the dialysis argument

Although I don’t have the expertise to take a position in the debate about chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency, Stanbrook and Hébert’s aside about the common finding of venous stenosis in patients receiving dialysis [1][1] lends itself to a corollary. Since venous angioplasty of stenosed

Association Between Disruption of Fibrin Sheaths Using Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty Balloons and Late Onset of Central Venous Stenosis

To compare the rates of central venous stenosis in patients undergoing hemodialysis who underwent disruption of fibrin sheath with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty balloons and those who underwent over-the-wire catheter exchange. This study is a retrospective review of 209 percutaneous transluminal angioplasty balloon disruption and 1304 over-the-wire catheter exchange procedures performed in 753 patients. Approval from the Human Investigations Committee was obtained for this study. Up to 10-year follow-up was performed. A χ(2) test was used to compare the rates of central venous stenosis after balloon disruption versus catheter exchange. A t-test was used to compare time to central venous stenosis development. Of the 753 patients in the study, 127 patients underwent balloon disruption of fibrin sheath and 626 had catheter exchange. Within the balloon disruption group, 18 (14.2%) of 127 patients subsequently developed central venous stenosis, compared with 44 (7.0%) of 626 in the catheter exchange group (P<0.01, χ(2) test). Time to central venous stenosis development was approximately 3years in both groups and not significantly different (1371 and 1010days, P=0.20). A total of 25.2% of patients in the balloon disruption group had four or more subsequent catheter exchanges, versus 12.6% in the catheter exchange group (P<0.01, χ(2) test). In conclusions, there is a possible association between percutaneous transluminal angioplasty balloon disruption of fibrin sheath and late-onset central venous stenosis. Because venography was not routinely performed in catheter exchange patients, future randomized studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

Preoperative Evaluation for Vascular Access Creation

In an effort to increase the prevalence of arteriovenous fistulae (AVF), ultrasound vessel mapping (USVM) and upper extremity venography (UEV) have been suggested; however, the effectiveness of their combined use remains unknown. We studied the effect of such a combined protocol on arteriovenous (AV) access type change compared with physical examination alone. Consecutive patients with chronic kidney disease (n = 137) after an initial estimation of the AV access type, based on physical examination, had USVM and UEV to detect vascular pathology that could potentially alter the original plan. USVM changed the preoperative plan in 31 (22.6%) patients; this was 36.7% (n = 18) in diabetics compared with 14.8% (n = 13) in nondiabetics (p < .001). Patients for whom USVM changed the type of planned AV access had been on hemodialysis significantly longer (2.7 years vs 0.9 years; p < .001). Venography identified 18 patients with central vein stenosis that led to a site change in 12 of them. Significant venous stenosis in patients with a history of two or more central catheters placed and patients without such a history was 93% and 1%, respectively. In eight patients, intraoperative findings dictated AV graft placement or creation of a central AVF. The original plan was revised in 31%, and this rate was similar for distal AVF, central AVF, and AV grafts (38%, 26%, and 43%, respectively; all p > .05). The 30-day patency rate was 92.2%. A significant proportion of patients have vascular pathology severe enough to alter the access type as suggested by physical examination alone. USVM should be routinely performed, whereas UEV should be selectively performed in patients with a history of surgery or instrumentation of their central veins.