[en] Purpose: To assess the prevalence, significance and practical value of two recently described CT signs of instable aneurysm: the crescent sign and the periluminal halo (a low-attenuating internal layer of the thrombus around the patent lumen). Material and methods: Among the CT examination performed in the last 5 years, they retrospectively selected the nonruptured aneurysms with a diameter exceeding 4 cm (no. = 93 average diameter 5.1 cm, unenhanced images in 28 cases and enhanced in 84) and the ruptured aneurysms (no. = 16, average diameter 6.7 cm, unenhanced images in 9 cases and enhanced in 9). They studied the prevalence of the crescent and halo sing, their relationship with the aneurysm diameter, and the effect of contrast enhancement. Results: The crescent sign was identified with a statistically significant prevalence in ruptured ( 37.5 % or cases) over asymptomatic aneurysms (5.5 %); the halo had the same frequency in the 2 groups (12.5 % and 9.5 %). Both signs were more frequent in bigger aneurysms and were recognizable without differences in unenhanced and enhanced images. Conclusions: The crescent sign, though not exclusive of aneurysmal rupture, indicates instability and its detection should lead to careful follow-up or surgical repair. The halo seems to have no real value as risk factor

[en] The fundamental aspect in cineaortographic diagnosis of acute dissecting of the aorta is based on recognition of the two channel inside the aorta. Nevertheless, when the false channel is likely trombosed or wisely opacificies, the diagnostic approach should depend upon indirect findings as a deformity and compressive narrowing of the true channel with fast flow pattern of contrast medium delivery. (author)

[en] Three groups of carotid angiograms, made under different technical conditions, a total of 300 cases, are reviewed. Filling of arteria cerebri posterior through ramus communicans posterior, arteria ophtalmica and arteria chorioidea, or at least two of these arteries in the arterial phase of lateral projection, is suggested as a test for high-quality carotid angiography. (author)

[en] In MRI angiography two basis images are measured which only differ by the signal intensity of the flowing blood in the vessels. Subtraction of these two images produces a high contrast-to-noise representation of the vessels. Contrast between stationary tissues and flowing blood is changed, for one image compared to the second one, using a selective modification of the phase of the signal from the flowing blood, and/or using a selective modification of its longitudinal magnetization: The macroscopic spin motions along the selection and the measurement gradient directions affect the phase of the nuclear signal; assuming constant velocity, the phase is proportional to the velocity and to the first moment of the gradient waveforms applied. This work concentrates on the generarion of MRI angiograms, following a phase-based approach, of the carotid bifurcation and of different intracranical regions including the carotid syphon and the circle of Willis. (author). 21 refs.; 3 figs

[en] The umbilical artery catheterisation is a frequently used procedure in the intensive care neonatal units. Since 1970, aortic aneurysms have been reported as complication of this procedure. In this article we describe the case of an infant who had a diagnosis of aortic aneurysm made by different diagnostic imaging modalities

[en] A numerical scheme is proposed to simulate the early stages of stenosis development based on the properties of blood flow in the carotid artery, computed using the lattice Boltzmann method. The model is developed on the premise, supported by evidence from the literature, that the stenosis develops in regions of low velocity and low wall shear stress. The model is based on two spatial parameters which relate to the extent to which the stenosis can grow in each development phase. Simulations of stenosis development are presented for a range of the spacial parameters to determine suitable ranges for their application. Flow fields are also presented which indicate that the stenosis is developing in a realistic manner, providing evidence that stenosis development is indeed influenced by the low shear stress, rather than occurring in such areas coincidentally. (paper)

[en] This article reports the results of carotid artery stenting during an 11-year period. Data from 168 carotid artery stenting procedures (symptomatic, n = 55; asymptomatic, n = 101; symptoms not accessible, n = 12) were retrospectively collected. Primary technical success rate, neurological events in-hospital, access-site complications, and contrast-induced nephropathy (n = 118) were evaluated. To evaluate the influence of experience in carotid artery stenting on intraprocedural neurologic complications, patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 included the first 80 treated patients, and group 2 the remainder of the patients (n = 88). In-stent restenoses at last-follow-up examinations (n = 89) were assessed. The overall primary technical success rate was 95.8%. The in-hospital stroke-death rate was 3.0% (n = 5; symptomatic, 5.4%; asymptomatic, 2.0%; p = 0.346). Neurologic complications were markedly higher in group 1 (4.2%; three major strokes; symptomatic, 2.8%, asymptomatic, 1.4%) compared to group 2 (2.4%; one major and one minor stroke-symptomatic, 1.2%, asymptomatic 1.2%), but this was not statistically significant. Further complications were access-site complications in 12 (7.1%), with surgical revision required in 1 (0.6%) and mild contrast-induced nephropathy in 1 (0.85%). Twenty-one (23.6%) patients had >50% in-stent restenosis during a mean follow-up of 28.2 months. In conclusion, advanced experience in carotid artery stenting leads to an acceptable periprocedural stroke-death rate. In-stent restenosis could be a critical factor during the follow-up course.

[en] We describe a simple technique to perform difficult endovascular interventions safely by using a wire-loop guidewire over the aortic bifurcation. This guidewire is then used to stabilize catheters for stenting or embolization.

[en] Introduction: Restenosis after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) has been described in 8–19% of patients, 14–23% of whom become symptomatic. This study analyzes our experience with carotid artery stenting (CAS) for post-CEA recurrent stenoses.MethodRetrospective database and case-note review. Results: Between January 2000 and September 2008, a total of 27 patients (15 symptomatic) with hemodynamically significant internal carotid artery post-CEA restenosis underwent CAS. Median stenosis of target vessels was 90% (range 75–95%). There was one periprocedural death (3.7%); no others occurred during the median 34-month follow-up (range 0.1–84 months). There was one late transient ischemic attack 12 months after CAS that was not associated with in-stent restenosis. One 90% restenosis and one occlusion were detected during follow-up at 38 and 57 months after CAS. The remaining patients had no evidence of further restenosis and remained free from cerebrovascular symptoms. Conclusion: CAS offers a feasible option for the management of carefully selected patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic restenosis after CEA.

[en] Purpose: To determine the optimal dose of nicardipine (NCR) for enhancement of indirect portography. Methods: Forty-eight patients underwent conventional film indirect portography via the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) first without and then with preinjection of 1/64-2 mg of NCR into the SMA. Results: NCR (1/8-2 mg) shortened the arterial phase to 50% and the portal appearance time to 60% of control without reflux of contrast medium into the aorta. Portal enhancement was excellent at doses of 1/32 mg or more. Blood pressures and pulse rate showed no significant change at 1/4 mg or less. Conclusion: NCR (1/8-1/4 mg) into the SMA is the optimal dose for achieving sufficient contrast enhancement on indirect portography while reducing the transit time of contrast medium and minimizing effects on the systemic circulation