Cloning and sequencing of a 16S/23S ribosomal spacer from Haemophilus parainfluenzae reveals an invariant, mosaic-like organisation of sequence blocks

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy, mechanical stability, and safety of the Simon nitinol inferior vena cava filter (SNF). The SNF was inserted in 114 consecutive patients at two institutions for prophylaxis of pulmonary embolism (PE). Clinical follow-up data were obtained retrospectively on all patients, and 38 patients underwent a dedicated radiologic follow-up protocol consisting of abdominal radiography, Doppler sonography, and CT. There was no immediate complication following filter insertion. Fifty patients died, on average, 5.6 (1-23) months after filter insertion, and 64 patients were alive, on average, 27 (3-62) months after filter insertion. Recurrent pulmonary embolism was documented in 5 patients (4.4 %) but originated distal to the filter in 1 patient. Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) was documented in 5.3 %, thrombosis at the access site in 3.5 %, and thrombosis of the inferior vena cava in 3.5 %. The rate of thromboembolic complications was similar in patients who did receive long-term anticoagulation and in those who did not. Radiologic follow-up showed no filter migration after, on average, 32 (5-62) months. A CT examination showed that struts of the SNF had penetrated the vena cava in 95 %, and were in contact with adjacent organs in 76 %; however, there were no clinical symptoms attributable to the filter. Filters were in an eccentric position in 63 % and partial filter disruption was found in 16 %; however, this did not affect filter function. The rate of recurrent pulmonary embolism after insertion of the SNF is 2.4 % per patient per year. Regardless of long-term anticoagulation, the rate of caval thrombosis is acceptably low. Except for occasional access-site thrombosis, no other filter-related morbidity was observed.     

Arterial disease and thrombosis in the antiphospholipid syndrome: a pathogenic role for endothelin 1

PURPOSE: It has been proposed that inferior vena cava filter placement should be the initial treatment of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolus (PE) in patients with coexisting malignant disease. We have chosen instead to selectively place filters only in patients with either a contraindication to anticoagulation therapy or a subsequent complication from anticoagulation therapy. The treatment efficacy and mortality rates in patients with concomitant malignant disease and venous thromboembolism using this approach was determined. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients at our institution with malignant disease in whom venous thromboembolism developed between August 1991 through August 1996 and identified 166 patients with PE (n = 8), DVT (n = 147), and DVT/PE (n = 11). Of these patients, 138 (83.1%) were initially treated with anticoagulation therapy, and 28 (16.9%) had primary filter placement because of contraindications to anticoagulation therapy (10 for intracranial tumors, 11 for recent or upcoming operations, 6 for recent hemorrhage, and 1 for a malignant bloody pericardial effusion). RESULTS: Thirty-two (23%) of the 138 patients who initially underwent anticoagulation therapy subsequently required a filter for the following reasons: bleeding (n = 15, 10.9%); recurrent thromboembolism (n = 6, 4.3%); heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (n = 1, 0.7%); and perceived high risk for bleeding with continued anticoagulation therapy (n = 11, 8%). Both bleeding and recurrent thromboembolism developed in 1 patient. Sixty patients (36%) received filters. No major technical complications occurred from filter placement. Major recurrent thromboembolic complications developed in 10 patients: DVT (n = 6, 10%), PE (n = 2, 3.3%), inferior vena cava thrombosis and phlegmasia cerulea dolens (n = 1, 1.7%), superior vena cava thrombosis (n = 1, 1.7%). Venous gangrene developed in 1 patient with DVT. The 1-year actuarial survival rates for patients treated with filter and anticoagulation therapy were 35% and 38%, respectively (P = NS). CONCLUSION: In summary, our experience suggests that 64% of patients with malignant disease and venous thromboembolism are effectively treated with anticoagulation alone; 17% require primary filter placement for standard indications, and an additional 19% require subsequent filter placement because of complications (primarily bleeding) or failure of anticoagulation therapy. Although technical complications of filter placement are low, serious life-threatening or limb-threatening thromboembolic complications developed in 17% of patients. Survival was poor in all patients, regardless of treatment. These data support a conservative approach of routine anticoagulation therapy with selective filter placement.     

Vena cava duplex imaging before caval interruption

PURPOSE: Venacavograms are routinely obtained before vena cava filter placement to evaluate cava size, patency, and the presence of thrombus or venous anomalies. The objective of this study was to determine the ability of duplex ultrasonography to adequately evaluate the inferior vena cava (IVC) for size, patency, and the presence of thrombus before Greenfield filter (GF) insertion. METHODS: Duplex ultrasonographic scans were performed in 40 patients who had documented lower-extremity deep venous thrombosis diagnosed by duplex scan before GF placement. The infrarenal transverse and anteroposterior diameters of the IVC were measured, and the entire IVC was imaged for patency and the presence of thrombus or anomalies. Preoperative venacavograms were not obtained in any patients who had GFs placed in the operating room, but was performed during surgery during filter insertion. An additional 26 patients who had deep venous thrombosis and did not have caval interruption underwent IVC duplex to determine the patency and proximal extent of venous thrombosis. RESULTS: The indications for GF placement were contraindication to anticoagulation in 72.5% (29 patients); five filters were placed prophylactically; three for failure of anticoagulation; two after a complication of anticoagulation; and one before pulmonary embolectomy. The filters were placed in the operating room by surgeons in 82.5% of patients, with the remainder inserted in an angiography suite by an interventional radiologist. The ability of duplex to measure a transverse diameter of 26 mm or less had a sensitivity of 97.5%, positive predictive value of 100%, and overall accuracy of 97.5% using venacavography as the standard. Measurements of IVC diameter by duplex correlated with those based on venacavograms (r = 0.766; p < 0.001). Of the entire group of 66 IVC duplex examinations, one (1.5%) was incomplete because of technical limitations. IVC thrombus was noted by duplex in two patients who underwent GF insertion, which was confirmed with venacavography. No IVC anomalies were noted by duplex scans or venacavograms. CONCLUSION: Duplex ultrasonography is a useful and accurate method for assessment of the IVC before vena cava filter placement.     

Single muscle fibre analyses in 2 brothers with succinate dehydrogenase deficiency

Thrombosis of the access site and occlusion of the inferior vena cava after placement of an inferior vena caval filter are known complications of caval interruption. 30 patients were evaluated with colour-coded Doppler sonography 4 to 66 months (average 2.5 years) after percutaneous placement of either a Günther filter, a Bird's Nest filter or a Simon-Nitinol filter. One right internal jugular vein had post-thrombotic alterations. One inferior vena cava was found to be occluded 15 months after Simon-Nitinol filter placement. The long-term occlusion rates of access site and inferior vena cava after percutaneous filter introduction are low. These two factors need not be considered if implantation of a caval filter is contemplated.     

Prophylactic Greenfield filters: acute complications and long-term follow-up

The efficacy of prophylactic vena caval filters (VCF) in reducing morbidity and mortality from pulmonary embolism (PE) in high-risk trauma patients has been shown, but minimal follow-up data is currently available. VCFs were prophylactically placed in 110 patients between August 1991 and June 1995. There was an early VCF complication rate of 7%. Twenty-two patients died; the remaining 88 patients formed the basis for the follow-up study. Forty-five patients were located and interviewed by phone, and 30 of these patients (34%) returned for evaluation. The mean follow-up time was 18 months (range, 4-42 months). There was no incidence of caval thrombosis on follow-up. Eleven patients had physical findings, and duplex evidence consistent with postphlebitic syndrome. An additional three patients had evidence of old deep venous thrombosis (DVT) by duplex, but no significant symptomatology. VCF are effective in preventing PE related deaths and have few major complications. The long-term morbidity associated with posttraumatic venous thrombosis is significant. This morbidity is related not to PE or VCF, but to the underlying DVT. Improved strategies against DVT are necessary.     

IVC filter tilt and asymmetry: comparison of the over-the-wire stainless-steel and titanium Greenfield IVC filters

PURPOSE: A comparison of tilting, caval coverage, asymmetry, and insertion problems with the over-the-wire stainless-steel and titanium versions of the Greenfield filter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study compared 104 stainless-steel and 141 titanium Greenfield inferior vena cava (IVC) filter insertions. The angle the sheath and deployed filter made relative to the cava, as well as filter strut distribution, were determined from spot films. The proportionate caval coverage was computed from the cavogram (anteroposterior projection). Mean filter tilts, subgrouped by insertion site, and caval coverage were compared with the Student t test, whereas strut patterns were analyzed with a contingency table. RESULTS: The filter caval and sheath caval angles correlated. The filter caval angles varied with insertion site, but were lowest with a right jugular approach. Caval coverage was identical with both designs. The stainless-steel version resulted in a more uniform distribution of struts in comparison with the titanium version. The incidence of insertion problems was not significantly different between the filter types. CONCLUSIONS: While IVC filter tilting was not improved with the newer design, the pattern of struts was more uniformly symmetric with the stainless-steel device. The right jugular insertion site was associated with the lowest filter caval angles and the most symmetric pattern of struts.     

Budd-Chiari syndrome: a common complication of Beh?et's disease

OBJECTIVE: The Budd-Chiari syndrome is characterized by venous outflow obstruction of the liver, usually occurring as a consequence of thrombosis of the hepatic veins. Vasculitis is a major component of Beh?et's syndrome. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of hepatic vein thrombosis in patients with Beh?et's disease and to estimate the effect of this entity upon the clinical features and course of Beh?et's syndrome. METHODS: During an 8-yr period from 1985 to 1994, from a total of 493 patients with Beh?et's disease seen at Hacettepe University Hospital, the incidence and effect of hepatic vein thrombosis on the clinical course of Beh?et's syndrome was investigated. The hepatic vein thrombosis in each case was documented by hepatic venography and confirmed by digital subtraction angiography, computed tomography, ultrasonography, and liver biopsy. Coagulation parameters including protein C, protein S, and anti-thrombin III levels were easured in each case. The survival of cases with Beh?et's syndrome complicated by Budd-Chiari syndrome and the effect of the Budd-Chiari syndrome on the survival of individuals with Beh?et's syndrome were determined using the Kaplan-Meier technique. RESULTS: Of the 493 cases of Beh?et's syndrome, 53 (10.8%) were found to have one or more large vessel thrombosis. Of these 53 patients, 14 (26.4%) had hepatic vein thrombosis. Of these 14 patients, 8 had an additional inferior vena cava thrombosis and 4 had portal vein as well as total inferior vena cava thrombosis. Only two patients with isolated hepatic vein thrombosis were identified. These two patients and two additional patients with hepatic vein thrombosis plus thrombosis of the hepatic portion of the inferior vena cava are currently alive. Of the 10 patients with total inferior vena cava and hepatic vein thrombosis (4 also had portal vein thrombosis), all 10 died with a mean survival of 10.3 months. During the same time period, 37 patients obtained from a total of 1494 patients with clinical evidence of either portal hypertension, hepatic venous outflow obstruction or inferior vena caval obstruction without Beh?et's syndrome were found to have a Budd-Chiari syndrome. Of these 37 patients, 19 (51%) had an identifiable underlying disorder responsible for their hepatic vein thrombosis. CONCLUSION: Based upon this experience, it appears as if Budd-Chiari syndrome is a relatively frequent complication of Beh?et's disease. When individuals with Beh?et's syndrome have BCS, concurrent thrombosis of the portal vein and inferior vena cava are often found, if the patency of these vessels is assessed. The clinical course of patients with Beh?et's syndrome complicated by Budd-Chiari syndrome is poor. The extent of the vascular thrombosis within the inferior vena cava rather than the presence of the hepatic vein thrombosis per se is the major determinant of survival.     

Bird's nest inferior vena caval filter migration into the duodenum: a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding

PURPOSE: To report the first case of a potentially catastrophic complication of vena caval interruption with a bird's nest filter. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 55-year-old Saudi patient presented with hypovolemic shock from massive upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Endoscopy identified a metallic object penetrating the duodenum. Five years earlier, the patient had a bird's nest vena caval filter inserted for recurrent pulmonary embolism. During emergent laparotomy, a broken filter wire was found projecting into the duodenum, where it had induced three profusely bleeding ulcers. The wire was transected and the ulcers oversewn. A hook projecting from the inferior vena cava (IVC) was also cut flush with the vessel wall, but the IVC was not opened nor the filter replaced. The patient's postoperative course was complicated by deep venous thrombosis, but he recovered and is asymptomatic on warfarin anticoagulation after 1 year. Computed tomography (CT) at 1-year follow-up confirmed no further migration of the filter. CONCLUSION: This event reinforces the need to monitor patients with IVC filters over the long term, preferably using CT scanning, and to consider filter migration as a possible cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.     

Vena caval resection for bulky metastatic germ cell tumors: an 18-year experience

PURPOSE: The operative management and followup of vena caval resection for bulky metastatic germ cell tumors have been previously described in 3 series. In 1989 Ahlering and Skinner described their experience with 12 patients. We now update this experience with the most recent followup on 19 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From April 1978 to May 1995, 19 men underwent retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for stage B3 (N3) or C (N3, M+) germ cell tumor after induction chemotherapy. In all cases the inferior vena cava was resected because of extensive thrombosis or direct involvement of the vessel wall by a tumor. The inferior vena cava was resected from just below the renal veins to beyond the level of disease involvement. Complete resection of retroperitoneal disease was accomplished in all patients. Morbidity and mortality were examined. RESULTS: The mean hospital stay was 10 days (range 7 to 13) for uncomplicated recoveries (9 patients) versus 19 days (range 6 to 32) for complicated recoveries (10 patients). Followup ranged from 1 month to 16 years. Complications included prolonged ileus, small bowel obstruction, fascial dehiscence and pneumonia with pleural effusion. Chronic edema persisted in 3 of 11 patients with followup of greater than 6 months. Of the 6 patients who died of disease recurrence 4 did not have normalization of tumor markers before surgery, and all 4 had persistence of cancer in the resected specimen. Seven patients are without disease at followup of 24 months to 16 years. All survivors had normalized tumor markers before surgery. Only 1 patient (5%) had retroperitoneal recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: En bloc vena caval resection for tumor involvement or extensive thrombosis can be associated with short and long-term morbidity, is feasible, and may contribute to a prolonged tumor-free interval and a chance for cure.     

Suprarenal filter placement

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to determine the clinical outcomes for patients with Greenfield filters placed in the suprarenal (SR) inferior vena cava (IVC). METHODS: We collected data prospectively from annual follow-up evaluations of patients with filters. Patients underwent venous color-flow duplex examinations of the IVC and lower extremities, abdominal radiographs, and physical assessment. The outcomes for those patients with filters in the SR IVC were compared with the outcomes previously reported and with the outcomes for patients with filters in the infrarenal cava. RESULTS: SR placement accounted for 7.6% (148/1932) of all filter placements. Follow-up data were available for 73 placements, or 49%. No cases of renal dysfunction were related to filter placement. The rate of recurrent pulmonary embolism (PE) was 8%, and the rate of long-term caval occlusion was 2.7%. These rates did not differ statistically from the rates for patients with infrarenal filters (P > .05). Male patients tended to be older by 15 years, to have more recurrent PE, and to experience more filter migration (6 vs 2 mm). Failure of SR filters to prevent PE was associated statistically with the primary indication for placement. Recurrent PE was the indication in 5 of 6 patients who sustained PE after SR filter placement (P = .007). Filter limb fracture was seen only with the stainless-steel Greenfield filter. CONCLUSION: Greenfield filters placed above the renal vein provide protection from PE with a minimal risk of occlusion. Twenty-five years of experience with Greenfield filters shows that they are safe and effective both in young female patients of child-bearing potential and in all patients with appropriate indications for SR placement.     

Urinary excretion of proteolyzed alpha1-antitrypsin: specificity, quantitation, and relation to therapy response in patients with acute myeloid leukemia

The purpose of this study was to characterize the long-term safety and efficacy of the stainless-steel Greenfield filter. All patients who underwent Greenfield filter placement at three institutions during tenure of the senior author (L.J.G.) were entered prospectively into a filter registry and followed on an annual basis. Follow-up consisted of clinical examination to evaluate the status of venous disease or recurrence of pulmonary embolism, abdominal radiographs to determine the stability of the filter and an evaluation of the patency of the inferior vena cava and lower extremities. This report summarizes the 20-year experience. The rate of recurrent pulmonary embolism was 4% and the caval patency rate was 96%. Some filter movement of no clinical significance was seen in 8% of cases. There was no procedural mortality and morbidity was minimal. Greenfield filter insertion provides long-term protection from pulmonary embolism while preserving caval patency.     

Vena cava filter ensnarement and delayed migration: an unusual series of cases

PURPOSE: To review delayed and guidewire-induced morbidity associated with vena cava filters. METHODS: The records from the Johns Hopkins Hospital, a tertiary care referral center, of all patients who had vena cava filter complications from August 1993 through July 1996 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Five patients had filter migration or ensnarement with a guidewire. One patient had delayed extrusion of a filter strut into the duodenum. Four patients had filters ensnared by guidewires, including one during initial filter placement and one several years after placement. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed complications of vena cava filters should be considered whenever unusual patient signs or symptoms cannot be easily explained, even in the absence of a history of filter placement. To prevent guidewire ensnarement of filters, simple techniques should modify endovascular procedures when vena cava filters are present.     

Vena cava filter. Indications, complications, clinical evaluation

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary embolism is the third leading cause of death in the western countries. If anticoagulation fails or is contra-indicated, or if the risk for pulmonary embolism is increased for other reasons, the percutaneous implantation of a vena cava filter should be considered. METHODS: The available filters can be differentiated by the design (cone, basket, net-types), by the material, and by their removability. The rate of complications (caval thrombosis, fracture of filter) and the in vitro efficacy in trapping thrombotic clots is dependent on the specific filter type. RESULTS: In clinical practice there is no evidence for significant differences in trapping efficacy among the different filters. About 4% of all patients treated by caval filters still can have pulmonary embolism, and 1% will have a fatal outcome. Dependent on the filter type, the most common complication is caval thrombosis, in up to 25% of cases. CONCLUSION: The percutaneous implantation of caval filters can readily be performed by interventional radiologists. However, randomized clinical studies failed to clearly document efficacy of caval filters. Therefore, indication has to be considered carefully.     

Effects of vena caval banding in experimentally induced multiple portosystemic shunts in dogs

Effects of vena caval banding on portal venous and vena caval hemodynamics were examined in 6 control dogs and in 10 dogs that had undergone attenuation (banding) of the abdominal part of the caudal vena cava and had dimethylnitrosamine-induced multiple portosystemic shunts (PSS). Additionally, indocyanine green (ICG) extraction and clearance after infusion to steady state were used to calculate hepatic plasma flow in these dogs. Sixteen dogs were randomly assigned to 2 groups: control (n = 6) or diseased (n = 10). Diseased dogs were administered dimethylnitrosamine (2 mg/kg, PO, twice weekly) until multiple PSS developed, as assessed by results of clinical laboratory tests, ultrasonography, and hepatic scintigraphy. Shunts were confirmed visually at celiotomy and by contrast portography. Venous pressures (caudal vena caval, portal, and hepatic) were recorded before and after vena caval banding for up to 7 days in dogs from both groups. Peritoneal cavity pressures were recorded in all dogs after closure of the body wall. To determine ICG extraction and clearance, a bolus injection of ICG (0.5 mg/kg, i.v.) was administered, followed by steady-state infusion of 0.097 mg/min. Extractions and clearances of ICG were measured, and from these, hepatic plasma flow rates were determined immediately before and after banding and at 6 hours, 48 hours, and 7 days after banding. The gradient (caudal vena caval pressure within 1 to 2 mm of Hg of portal pressure) between caudal vena cava and portal venous pressures established at banding was maintained after the first hour in both groups. Caudal vena cava pressures established at banding were maintained throughout the study, with the exception of the first hour in diseased dogs. Extraction ratios were higher in control dogs at all times, except at 48 hours. Clearance was higher in control dogs at all times. Hepatic plasma flow did not differ between groups, except immediately after banding, when flow was greater in diseased dogs, and differences were not found over time in either group. This study indicated that vena caval banding in this model of experimentally induced multiple PSS increases and maintains caudal vena cava pressure, relative to portal venous pressure (after the first hour) for 7 days, and that calculated hepatic plasma flow is not persistently improved by vena caval banding.     

A clinical trial of vena caval filters in the prevention of pulmonary embolism in patients with proximal deep-vein thrombosis. Prévention du Risque d'Embolie Pulmonaire par Interruption Cave Study Group

BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of vena caval filters in the prevention of pulmonary embolism in patients with proximal deep-vein thrombosis is still a matter of debate. METHODS: Using a two-by-two factorial design, we randomly assigned 400 patients with proximal deep-vein thrombosis who were at risk for pulmonary embolism to receive a vena caval filter (200 patients) or no filter (200 patients), and to receive low-molecular-weight heparin (enoxaparin, 195 patients) or unfractionated heparin (205 patients). The rates of recurrent venous thromboembolism, death, and major bleeding were analyzed at day 12 and at two years. RESULTS: At day 12, two patients assigned to receive filters (1.1 percent), as compared with nine patients assigned to receive no filters (4.8 percent), had had symptomatic or asymptomatic pulmonary embolism (odds ratio, 0.22; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.05 to 0.90). At two years, 37 patients assigned to the filter group (20.8 percent), as compared with 21 patients assigned to the no-filter group (11.6 percent), had had recurrent deep-vein thrombosis (odds ratio, 1.87; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.10 to 3.20). There were no significant differences in mortality or the other outcomes. At day 12, three patients assigned to low-molecular-weight heparin (1.6 percent), as compared with eight patients assigned to unfractionated heparin (4.2 percent), had had symptomatic or asymptomatic pulmonary embolism (odds ratio, 0.38; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.10 to 1.38). CONCLUSIONS: In high-risk patients with proximal deep-vein thrombosis, the initial beneficial effect of vena caval filters for the prevention of pulmonary embolism was counterbalanced by an excess of recurrent deep-vein thrombosis, without any difference in mortality. Our data also confirmed that low-molecular-weight heparin was as effective and safe as unfractionated heparin for the prevention of pulmonary embolism.     

Management of inferior vena caval injury in liver trauma

The management of patients with severe hepatic trauma and damage to the inferior vena cava presents many difficulties. Our experience suggests that vena caval injury is more common than has previously been reported. In spite of the severity of the injuries a period for resuscitation is usually available and operation must not be started until full supportive measures are ready. We have evolved a technique of vascular isolation of the liver aboiding the use of internal vena caval shunts that permits repair of the damaged vena cava.     

Use by visitors of the services of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Barbados, W.I

The successful excision of genitourinary malignancies extending to the inferior vena cava relies heavily on accurate preoperative imaging. For the majority of these patients magnetic resonance imaging, inferior venacavography, abdominal ultrasound or abdominal computerized tomography will reliably predict the extent of inferior vena caval involvement by tumor. However, occasionally the results of these studies will conflict or be called into question intraoperatively. We report on 8 patients considered to be at risk for inferior vena caval involvement by tumor and for whom intraoperative ultrasound was obtained to clarify the presence or extent of thrombus. Five patients had renal cell carcinoma and 3 had adrenal carcinoma. In all patients concern as to the extent or presence of tumor was based on either inconclusive preoperative studies or unexpected intraoperative findings. In each case intraoperative ultrasound clearly visualized the inferior vena cava and established the presence or extent of tumor invasion. In 4 patients venacavotomy was avoided as a consequence of these findings. Intraoperative ultrasound is a useful tool that can accurately assess the inferior vena cava for possible tumor invasion, especially when the presence or extent of tumor involvement is not definitively established preoperatively.     

Early placement of prophylactic vena caval filters in injured patients at high risk for pulmonary embolism

OBJECTIVE: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a major problem in patients with multiple injuries. We present our experience with early placement of prophylactic vena caval filters (VCFs). DESIGN: Prospective study group with historical control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 1993 to December 1993, VCFs were placed in 40 consecutive patients with three or more risk factors for PE and had demographic, physiologic, venous thromboembolic prophylaxis, and outcome data collected prospectively (VCF group). They were compared to 80 injured patients admitted between November 1991 and February 1993 who survived > 48 hours and who were matched with the VCF group for mechanism of injury and risk factors for PE (NO VCF group). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: VCF placement affected a significant reduction in the incidence of PE (2.5% vs. 17%) and a clinical reduction in PE-related mortality. Embolic trapping was suggested by a 10% incidence of documented vena caval thrombi and although two patients developed significant venous stasis disease, no other VCF-related morbidity was noted. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of long-term morbidity, early prophylactic VCF placement is safe and should be considered in the prophylaxis of PE in the high-risk injured patients. This intervention may be effective in eliminating PE as a major cause of posttrauma morbidity and mortality.     

Medial temporal lobe atrophy in stroke patients: relation to pre-existing dementia

BACKGROUND: To investigate the role and impact of multiplane transesophageal echocardiography during thrombectomy in the inferior vena cava or the right atrium. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: A university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Four patients who underwent removal of tumor thrombus in the inferior vena cava (IVC) or the right atrium. INTERVENTIONS: The medical records of 4 patients and videotapes of these intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography examinations were reviewed. RESULTS: Before thrombectomy, multiplane transesophageal echocardiography (MTEE) provided excellent IVC long axis view, which offered precise recognition of the cephalic extent of tumor, extent of caval occlusion, characterization of the tumor head. During surgery, MTEE could provide continuous monitoring of cardiac function, cardiac volume, and pulmonary embolism. Moreover, MTEE could provide the useful images of a cannula or the caval occlusion balloon catheter, which facilitated removal of neoplasm extending into the IVC. CONCLUSIONS: We presented four surgical cases, in which the removal of the tumor extended into the inferior vena cava or the right atrium using MTEE. MTEE could provide valuable information such as excellent images of the tumor, cardiac function, the position of a cannula or the caval occlusion balloon catheter. These findings could improve the anesthetic management of the patients, as well as the surgical approach and technical maneuvers, and facilitate removal of neoplasm into the IVC.     

Calcified thrombus in the inferior vena cava in infants and children

Calcified thrombi in the prerenal (suprarenal) segment of the inferior vena have a characteristic radiographic appearance that permits accurate "plain film" diagnosis. Most have been fortuitously discovered in infants and young children. None of the affected individuals has had clinical evidence of venous obstruction. Vena caval obstruction is usually incomplete. Uncalcified clot caudal to the calcified thrombus caused complete obstruction of the inferior vena cava and renal veins in one of our patients, a healthy infant; since collateral flow was adequate surgery was not advised. We believe that aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic measures are unnecessary in the management of infants and children with calcified thrombi in the inferior vena cava.