Journal of vascular surgery
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Comparative Study
Mesenteric/celiac duplex ultrasound interpretation criteria revisited.
Several published studies with a small sample size have reported differing results of duplex ultrasound (DUS) utilizing different threshold velocities in detecting significant stenosis of superior mesenteric (SMA) or celiac arteries (CA). The present study is based on the largest number of mesenteric duplex/angiography correlations reported to date for the diagnosis of SMA/CA stenosis. ⋯ PSV values can be used in detecting ≥50% and ≥70% SMA/CA stenosis and were better than EDVs and ratios. Previously published data must be validated in individual vascular laboratories. Our results will need prospective validation.
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Meta Analysis
Polymorphisms of genes involved in extracellular matrix remodeling and abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) has a multifactorial etiology and the relevance of genetic factors is getting increasing interest, in particular those related to the destructive remodeling of extracellular matrix. ⋯ These findings suggest that polymorphisms in MMP2, MMP3, MMP-13, and ELN genes may independently contribute to the pathogenesis of AAA.
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There are numerous questions about the treatment of blunt aortic injury (BAI), including the management of small intimal tears, what injury characteristics are predictive of death from rupture, and which patients actually need intervention. We used our experience in treating BAI during the past decade to create a classification scheme based on radiographic and clinical data and to provide clear treatment guidelines. ⋯ As a result of this new classification scheme, no patient without an external aortic contour abnormality died of their BAI. ITs can be managed nonoperatively. BAI patients with rupture will die, and resources could be prioritized elsewhere. Those with LIFs do well, and currently, most at our institution are treated with a stent graft. If a pseudoaneurysm is going to rupture, it does so early. Hematoma at the arch on computed tomography scan and hypotension before or at arrival help to predict which pseudoaneurysms need urgent repair.