Maria D. Tachtsi

Percutaneous Endovascular Management of a Splenic Artery Aneurysm

Abstract Splenic artery aneurysms are extremely rare lesions. Elective repair of these aneurysms is justified only if the aneurysm’s size is greater than 2 cm and the predicted peri-operative mortality is below 0.5%. Percutaneous techniques minimise the peri-operative morbidity and mortality rates and offer a safe and effective treatment option. We report a coil-embolisation of a 5.1 cm splenic artery aneurysm and a short review of the literature concerning the endovascular treatment options.

Intraluminal Intestinal Administration of Oxygenated Perfluorocarbon Improves Acid–Base and Cardiopulmonary Parameters After Acute Mesenteric Ischemia. An Experimental Study in Rabbits

PurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the intraluminal intestinal administration of oxygenated perfluorocarbon, during experimental acute intestinal ischemia, on the acid–base blood status and the cardiopulmonary parameters.MethodsThirty-six rabbits were separated into three groups: (a) Control group (ischemia alone), (b) PFC-O2 group (ischemia plus infusion of oxygenated F-Decalin in intraluminal intestinal administration), and (c) PFC group (ischemia plus infusion of nonoxygenated F-Decalin in intraluminal intestinal administration). An equal number of the animals was then subjected to 8 h of intestinal ischemia by ligation of the superior mesenteric artery (subgroups 1), the mesenteric vein (subgroups 2) or both vessels (subgroups 3). At 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 h arterial blood samples were taken for acid–base status tests and the vital signs (heart and respiratory rate, pressure of inferior vena cava, and systolic arterial pressure) were noted. The statistical analysis was performed by the nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test.ResultsThere were no significant differences in any of the studied parameters (pH, base excess, respiratory gases, pressure of inferior vena cava, systolic arterial pressure, heart and respiratory rate) between animals of the same group and subgroup. In addition, the differences among Control and PFC groups and their equal subgroups were not significant. On the other hand, the measurements of the PFC-O2 animals showed significant differences at 4, 6, and 8 h of ischemia (P < 0.05) in comparison with those from the Control and PFC groups.ConclusionWe conclude that the intraluminal intestinal administration of oxygenated perfluorocarbons may thus be a useful adjunctive therapy in the treatment of patients with acute mesenteric ischemia.

Acute Forearm Compressive Myopathy Syndrome Secondary to Upper Limb Entrapment: An Unusual Cause of Renal Failure

Compressive myopathy syndrome (SCM) is a syndrome characterized by the lesion of skeletal muscle resulting in subsequent release of intracellular contents (myoglobin, creatine phosphokinase, potassium, etc.) into the circulatory system, which can cause potentially lethal complications. There are numerous causes that can lead to SCM resulting to acute rhabdomyolysis, and many patients present with multiple causes. The most common potentially lethal complication is acute renal failure. The occurrence of acute rhabdomyolysis should be considered as a possibility in any patient who can remain stationary for long periods, or is in a coma, or is intoxicated in any form. We report the rare case of a 26-year-old patient who developed SCM caused by ischemia reperfusion, with subsequent acute rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure after prolonged compression of the right upper extremity.