Souheil Saddekni

Percutaneous transluminal dilation in renal transplant arterial stenosis.

Twelve hypertensive patients underwent percutaneous transluminal dilation (PTD) for relief of arterial stenosis complicating renal allotransplantation. Two patients underwent repeat PTD for recurrent stenosis and hypertension. Six patients had end to end anastomosis of the donor renal artery to the recipient hypogastric artery; four of six PTDs were successful. Six patients had end to side anastomosis of the donor renal artery to the recipient external iliac artery; seven of eight PTDs, including one of two repeat PTDs, were successful. Prior to PTD, all patients were using several antihypertensive medications. Following successful PTD, the mean blood pressure dropped from 184 ± 15/118 ± 9 to 133 ± 13/89 ± 11 mm Hg (P < 0.001) and remained at that level for up to 15 months (average followup 9 months) with decreased or no antihypertensive medications. Since surgical correction of arterial stenosis occurring after renal transplantation is difficult and may endanger the graft, PTD should be the first interventional therapy.

Pulmonary arteriography: The importance of multiple projections

Pulmonary arteriography is a highly specific procedure for the diagnosis of vascular abnormalities within the lungs. However, no single projection canalways be diagnostic for abnormalities in any of the pulmonary arteries. We emphasize the anatomic basis for the initial projection on pulmonary arteriography, as well as the necessity for further studies in different projections if the first study demonstrates no abnormality.

Two cases of spontaneous lysis of arterial thrombi

Two cases of spontaneous lysis of arterial thrombi are described. The occurrence of spontaneous thrombolysis and the relative ease of performing Fogarty embolectomy (thrombectomy) in peripheral arteries should be considered along with the clinical status of a patient who is viewed as a possible candidate for thrombolytic therapy, a procedure which has a potential for severe hemorrhagic complications.

Digital intravenous angiography in the diagnosis of renal artery occlusion.

Digital intravenous angiography (DIVA) proved to be highly accurate and sensitive in the diagnosis of six cases of renal artery occlusion. The impact of this new modality on the diagnosis and management of such patients is considered.

Use of tolazoline enhanced superior mesenteric arteriography to improve opacification of a cecal vascular ectasia: A case report

The use of vasodilators to enhance venous opacification during superior mesenteric arteriography is well established. This is a report on the use of intra-arterial tolazoline hydrochloride during angiography to improve opacification of a cecal vascular ectasia which was poorly demonstrated on an arteriogram performed without tolazoline.