A surgical method to be reminded for the treatment of symptomatic ipsilateral central venous occlusions in patients with hemodialysis access: Axillo-axillary venous bypass case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

In this case report, we present two chronic hemodialysis patients with upper extremity swelling due to central venous occlusions together with their clinical presentation, surgical management and brief review of the literature.

METHODS

The first patient who was a 63-year-old female patient with a history of multiple bilateral arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) was referred to our clinic. Physical examination demonstrated a functioning right brachio-cephalic AVF, with severe edema of the right arm, dilated venous collaterals, facial edema, and unilateral breast enlargement. In her history, multiple ipsilateral subclavian venous catheterizations were present for sustaining temporary hemodialysis access. The second patient was a 47-year-old male with a history of failed renal transplant, CABG surgery, multiple AV fistula procedures from both extremities, leg amputation caused by peripheral arterial disease, and decreased myocardial functions. He was receiving 3/7 hemodialysis and admitted to our clinic with right arm edema, accompanied by pain, stiffness, and skin hyperpigmentation symptoms ipsilateral to a functioning brachio-basilic AVF. He was not able to flex his arms, elbow, or wrist due to severe edema.

RESULTS

Venography revealed right subclavian vein stenosis with patent contralateral central veins in the first patient. She underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) twice with subsequent re-occlusions. After failed attempts of PTA, the patient was scheduled for axillo-axillary venous bypass in order to preserve the AV access function. In second patient, venography revealed right subclavian vein occlusion caused secondary to the subclavian venous catheters. Previous attempts for percutaneously crossing the chronic subclavian lesion failed multiple times by different centers. Hence, the patient was scheduled for axillo-axillary venous bypass surgery.

CONCLUSION

In case of chronic venous occlusions, endovascular procedures may be ineffective. Since preserving the vascular access function is crucial in this particular patient population, venous bypass procedures should be kept in mind as an alternative for central venous reconstruction, before deciding on ligation and relocation of the AVF.

The risk of fatal bleeding complications in jugular catheterization in patients with coagulopathy: A retrospective analysis of death cases in closed claims and the Medical Accident Investigating System in Japan

Background

To prevent recurrence of medical accidents, the Medical Accident Investigating System was implemented in October 2015 by the Japan Medical Safety Research Organization (Medsafe Japan) to target deaths from medical care that were unforeseen by the administrator. Medsafe Japan analyzed the 10 cases of central venous catheterization-related deaths reported in the system and published recommendations in March 2017. However, the particular emphasis for the prevention of central venous catheterization-related deaths is unclear.

Methods

This study aimed to identify the recommendation points that should be emphasized to prevent recurrence of central venous catheterization-related deaths. We assessed central venous catheterization in 8530 closed-claim cases between January 2002 and December 2016 covered by the medical insurer Sompo-Japan. Moreover, we compared central venous catheterization-related death in closed-claim cases with death in reported cases.

Results

The background, error type, anatomic insertion site, and fatal complication data were evaluated for 37 closed-claim cases, of which 12 (32.4%) were death cases. Of the 12 closed-claim cases and 10 reported cases, 9 (75.0%) closed-claim cases and 9 (90.0%) reported cases were related to vascular access. Among these, 5 closed-claim cases (41.7%) and 7 reported cases (77.8%) were related to internal jugular vein catheterization (p = 0.28). Coagulopathy was observed in 3 (60.0%) of 5 closed-claim cases and 6 (85.7%) of 7 reported cases.

Conclusions

The risk of internal jugular catheterization in patients with coagulopathy must be carefully considered.

The outcomes of carbon dioxide digital subtraction angiography for percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty of access circuits and venous routes in hemodialysis patients

The outcomes of carbon dioxide digital subtraction angiography (CO2-DSA) for performing percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty (balloon PTA) in hemodialysis patients has not been fully clarified. The purpose was to compare the outcomes of balloon PTA of hemodialysis shunts in terms of vessel patency between patients treated using CO2-DSA and conventional digital subtraction angiography using iodine contrast medium (C-DSA).We retrospectively evaluated 76 patients (38 males and 38 females, mean age: 65.0 ± 14.0 years). They were under hemodialysis and treated with balloon PTA using CO2-DSA or C-DSA at our institution between 2009 and 2016. Mean duration of the follow-up period was 25.59 ± 21.45 months. We compared the patency rates obtained after CO2-DSA-based balloon PTA with those after C-DSA-based balloon PTA. Secondary patency, which was defined as the duration of patency after all further endovascular interventions until surgical repair, was considered as the endpoint in this study.Overall, 19 and 57 patients underwent CO2-DSA- and C-DSA-based balloon PTA, respectively. CO2-DSA- and C-DSA-based balloon PTA produced clinical success rates of 100% and 96.5%, respectively. Blood vessel injury occurred in one patient who underwent C-DSA-based balloon PTA. No major complications occurred in CO2 group. At 24 months, the post-PTA secondary patency rates of CO2-DSA- and C-DSA-based balloon PTA were 94.1% and 93.9%, respectively (P = .9594).CO2-DSA is safe for hemodialysis patients. Compared with C-DSA, CO2-DSA-based balloon PTA produces have a similar secondary patency rate.

Urschel's Sign in Paget-Schroetter Syndrome: Multimodality Evaluation by Extravascular and Intravascular Imaging

Paget-Schroetter Syndrome is potentially life-threatening. In this case, multidisciplinary imaging with extravascular and intravascular evaluation guided the proper diagnosis and treatment planning.

Superior vena cava syndrome due to central port catheter thrombosis: a real life-threatening condition

Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) represents undoubtedly a rare life-threatening condition. Herein, we present a rare case of a 69-year-old woman, with a history of hepatic flexure tumor and an indwelling central venous port, presenting with acute signs and symptoms of SVCS due to thrombosis of the catheter. The patient was treated with intravenous anticoagulation and fibrinolytic therapy and showed regression of symptoms. It is reported that central venous catheters are routinely used in clinical practice mainly in oncological cases for chemotherapy, parenteral nutrition or dialysis. However, complications related to implantation technique, care, or maintenance of these catheters may arise. High index of suspicion for SVCS should always arise when a patient presents with common symptoms and long-term central catheters, in order to avoid unfavorable outcomes. Local thrombolysis appears to be a safe and effective therapy for port catheter-associated thrombosis.

[Síndrome de Paget-Schrötter: presentación de cuatro casos]

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the upper limb is a rare entity, estimated to account for 10% of all cases of DVT. Classically, they are classified into primary (idiopathic, due to subclavian vein compression or exercise related) and secondary (cancer, thrombophilia, trauma, shoulder surgery, associated to venous catheters or due to hormonal causes). The Paget- Schrötter syndrome is a primary thrombosis of the subclavian vein in the subclavian-axillary junction, related either to repetitive movements or to exercise; leading to microtrauma in the endothelium with consequent activation of the coagulation cascade. Clinically, it presents abruptly with pain, edema and feeling of heaviness in the affected limb. The treatment varies from thrombolytics and anticoagulation to surgical intervention, depending on the time of evolution. We present four cases of exercise-related subclavian vein thrombosis.

[Venous thromboembolic complications in patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices]

The problem of venous thromboembolic complications (VTECs) in patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) is extremely important today because of an annually increasing number of surgical interventions for life-threatening arrhythmias and chronic heart failure. There are hitherto no clearly defined reliable risk factors for VTECs due to heterogeneity of the available literature data. Some sources point to elevated thrombus formation in patients with a large number of electrodes, in repeat operative interventions, in the presence of a temporary pacemaker, in implantation on the left side, silicon cover of an electrode, others refute these facts. Still undetermined remains the choice of antithrombotic therapy for prevention and treatment of VTECs in this cohort of patients. Implantation of a VTEC may be accompanied by thrombosis of deep veins of the upper extremities up to the development of total occlusion of veins. In rare cases, thrombosis extends proximally, there appears superior vena cava syndrome which may require surgical treatment. Diagnosis of these diseases is complicated by their symptom-free course in the majority of cases. The most dangerous VTEC is pulmonary thromboembolism very commonly not accompanied by clinical symptomatology or taking its course under the mask of other more frequent diseases. Despite the fact that pulmonary thromboembolism with a source in the system of the superior vena cava is rarely massive, it may lead to the development of chronic postembolic pulmonary hypertension and to decreased quality of life. The article contains a review of the present-day literature and a clinical case report concerning the development of VTECs in a patient with a CIED in the form of thrombosis of the right internal jugular, subclavian and brachiocephalic veins, pulmonary embolism of small branches of the right pulmonary artery, suppuration of the pacemaker's bed and sepsis. Therapy with antibiotics, low-molecular-weight heparins, antiplatelet drugs and anti-inflammatory agents with regular sanitation of the pacemaker's bed turned out effective.

Endovascular Management of Central Venous Stenoses in the Hemodialysis Patient: Results of Percutaneous Therapy

The purpose of this study was to determine the functional results of transvenous angioplasty for the treatment of central venous stenoses in patients with failing upper extremity arteriovenous access. Two hundred consecutive patients presented with threatened arteriovenous access from January 1999 through July 2002. Angiographic evidence of central venous stenosis was present in 35 patients (18%) (superior vena cava 5, brachiocephalic veins 14, and subclavian veins 18). Follow-up averaged 873 days from the date of initial intervention. The initial technical success rate was 89%. Primary patency for each intervention was 85% at 30 days, 55% at 6 months, 43% at 1 year, and 0% at 2 years. Assisted primary patency rates were 88% at 30 days, 80% at 1 year, and 64% at 2 years. Freedom from central venous dialysis catheter placement was 82% at 30 days, 63% at 3 months, 51% at 1 year, 37% at 2 years, and 25% at 3 years. Freedom from a dialysis catheter was superior in those patients with autogenous arteriovenous fistulas. Transvenous angioplasty appears to be beneficial for hemodialysis patients with central venous stenoses, and it helps preserve functional access in the affected extremity, particularly in patients with autogenous fistulas.

Pulmonary Embolism and Subclavian Vein Thrombosis in a Patient with Parathyroid Carcinoma: Case Report and Review of Literature

Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare etiology of primary hyperparathyroidism responsible for 0.4 to 5.2% of all primary hyperparathyroidism cases. The overt hyperparathyroid bone or renal disease with palpable neck mass, as well as severe hypercalcemia with extremely high parathyroid hormone, are clinical parameters raising the suspicionforparathyroid carcinoma. However a definite diagnosis can be confirmed only by examining the histopathology of the tumor. The curative treatment solely depends on an en bloc surgical approach. Therefore, preoperative clinical diagnosis of carcinoma is essentialfor optimal surgical planning. Thepresent study reported asymptomatic subclavian vein thrombosis andpulmonary embolism in parathyroid carcinoma, suggesting paraneoplastic syndrome of hypercoagulability in this cancer type. The presence of this paraneoplastic syndrome in a case of overt clinical hyperparathyroidism in addition to a palpable neck mass indicated the diagnosis of carcinoma preoperatively in the present patient, which led to an en bloc surgical plan. Since this paraneoplastic syndrome can be asymptomatic, the exploration ofthis syndrome by a commonly used imaging technique for parathyroid tumor localization, computerized tomography, would enable a preoperative diagnosis of cancer especially in an equivocal situation.

Exclusion of infected pseudoaneurysm of modified Blalock Taussig shunt using a covered stent

A pseudoaneurysm due to infection after a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt is a rare but potentially fatal complication that can rupture, compress mediastinal structures, produce shunt occlusion, and bacteremia. In these patients, medical management of endocarditis is often incomplete because of the presence of prosthetic material and requires the take down of the shunt, most often by surgery, which can be technically challenging. We outline the use of a covered stent to exclude pseudoaneurysm from circulation.

Endovascular recanalization of superior vena cava, brachiocephalic, and subclavian venous occlusions caused by nonmalignant lesions

BACKGROUND

Endovascular recanalization (EVR) is becoming the primary therapy for patients with central venous (brachiocephalic, subclavian, and superior vena cava) occlusion (CVO) caused by benign etiology. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed our experience in using EVR to treat benign CVO in 10 patients between April 2005 and September 2010.

METHODS

The mean age of the patients was 65.3 years, 2/10 cases were female, and the origin of cause of CVO in 7/10 cases was the hemodialysis access in the upper extremity. The patients were treated with primary stent placement and evaluated with immediate technical success rate and post-interventional patency rate after the procedure.

RESULTS

Eight patients were treated successfully with stent placement and experienced symptomatic relief immediately. No technical complications were observed during EVR treatment. Patients were followed up by ultrasonography and venography. Median follow-up was 13 months. Three patients required secondary procedures to maintain patency.

CONCLUSIONS

EVR is an effective and safe treatment in patients with benign CVO. It provides immediate symptom relief and maintains a continuous access for hemodialysis.

Ventricular lead dysfunction and subclavian vein stenosis: when problems come in pairs

The widespread and increasing use of cardiac devices implantation naturally augments the number of device related complications. Lead failure is a known complication associated with increased morbidity, mortality and need for reintervention.Chronic stenosis or occlusions of coronary, cephalic or subclavian veins, especially at the site of previous device implantation,can limit lead passage through the target vein, imposing great technical difficulties, especially in patients needing follow-up procedures such as lead revisions and/or system upgrades. Venous balloon angioplasty can be a valuable and safe tool for successful implantation, helping to avoid more complex and hazardous procedures. The authors report the case of a 65 years old male presenting with a "Sprint Fidelis" defibrillator lead malfunction and severe asymptomatic left subclavian vein stenosis after cardiac resynchronization defibrillator therapy. The patient was submitted to a successful percutaneous balloon venoplasty in order to regain adequate venous access and enable reimplantation of the right ventricular lead.

[Thrombosed aneurysm of the subclavian vein]

Progressive growth of a thrombosed aneurysm in the venous neck vessels represents an important differential diagnosis in solitary cervical swelling. We report the case of a 72-year-old woman with a 4-month history of left cervical, supraclavicular swelling. CT showed a cystic tumour with a maximum diameter of 4.8 cm at the left jugulobrachial venous arch. Surgical removal revealed a firm elastic tumour, which arose from the subclavian vein. Histological analysis showed a thrombosed venous vessel.

Work-related effort thrombosis in a millwright: a case report

BACKGROUND

Effort thrombosis refers to axillosubclavian vein thrombosis secondary to physical activities of the upper extremity.

METHODS

This report describes the clinical presentation of effort thrombosis in a millwright and reviews the literature for occupational reports of this condition.

RESULTS

While there is a paucity of literature reporting an occupational association, work related physical demands on the upper extremity appears to increase the risk of axillosubclavian impingement and thrombosis in certain patients.

CONCLUSION

Effort thrombosis is a rare vascular condition of the upper extremity that may be seen in workers with repetitive, forceful, or overhead arm activities.

Stuck long-term indwelling central venous catheters in adolescents: three cases and a short topical review

We present three cases of fixated vascular injection ports. Two patients had cystic fibrosis and one had an immunological defect. All catheters were made from polyurethane and implanted in adolescent patients. Indwelling time were 6-8 years. One patient's catheter was entirely integrated in the vessel wall and impossible to remove. In the other two cases, catheters were removed with great difficulty by the interventional radiologists. These cases raise important questions concerning the maximum indwelling time and the choice of catheter material when implanting permanent central venous catheters (CVCs) in adolescents. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of not breaking a CVC in the attempt to remove it.

[Effort thrombosis of the subclavian vein]

Three patients, 2 women aged 42 and 20 years and a 21-year-old man, presented with painful swelling of the upper extremity. The symptoms developed after activities involving repetitive, excessive use of the upper extremity. Duplex examination and venography showed thrombosis of the subclavian vein. This specific type of thrombosis is known as effort thrombosis or Paget-von Schroetter syndrome. It results from a narrowed thoracic outlet combined with repetitive strenuous use of the upper extremity. All three patients were first treated with thrombolytic therapy using urokinase delivered locally in the thrombus with a catheter. After the thrombus had resolved, a first rib resection was performed to decompress the thoracic outlet. Due to the remaining substantial stenosis and vessel wall irregularity, additional percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was performed. It is important to treat effort thrombosis immediately and adequately. Otherwise, it may lead to a postthrombotic syndrome, which can be severely disabling.

Opening an Occluded Subclavian Vein with a Screw-Like Flexible Hollow Guide-wire and Venoplasty

Patients with existing internal cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) often require upgrading to a biventricular ICD for treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF). Placement of a left ventricular (LV) lead can be technically challenging in the best of circumstances. A subclavian vein stenosis or occlusion related to previously placed leads adds a major obstacle to a successful implant. We report a technique of implanting an LV lead from the same side as the existing ICD system despite complete occlusion of the subclavian vein.

Upgrade of a pacemaker defibrillator to a biventricular device: the internal jugular vein approach in a case of bilateral subclavian veins occlusion

Cardiac resynchronization improves survival and functional class of patients with advanced chronic heart failure. Placement of a stimulation electrode in the coronary sinus via the left subclavian vein is not always possible and other alternatives are required, above all when it concerns upgrading a previous device. This paper presents the case of a patient with a pacemaker/defibrillator and occlusion of both subclavian veins who had a stimulation electrode successfully placed in the coronary sinus via the right internal jugular.

Use of the internal mammary vein for access outflow in a hemodialysis fistula

A patient with occlusion of multiple central veins from both dialysis and nondialysis catheters required permanent access for hemodialysis. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a patent left innominate vein. He underwent creation of a left axillary artery to internal mammary vein transposition fistula using the basilic vein from his right arm. The fistula has required one revision for outflow stenosis and one for aneurysmal degeneration. It continues to function well 3 years after placement. The internal mammary vein is an option for outflow when permanent hemodialysis access has failed in the presence of a patent innominate vein with occluded or severely stenotic ipsilateral subclavian and jugular veins.

Long-term survival after resection of giant chondrosarcoma of the chest wall weighing 9.6 kg

The case of a 43 year old male with giant chest wall tumor weighing 9.6 kg verified as chondrosarcoma is described. The patient was treated by multiple (six times) surgical procedures including left costopleuropneumonectomy and left subclavian artery end-to-end anastomosis between 1998 and 2005. Despite the palliative character of surgery, he achieved long-term survival but finally refused next surgery due to the risk of left upper limb amputation and died a few months later.

Efficient haemodialysis despite complete central venous thrombosis

Two cases with a fully functional haemodialysis access, in spite of complete thrombotic occlusion of the ipsilateral subclavian and/or brachiocephalic vein are reported. The coincidentally detected complete venous occlusions may indicate that occult venous stenosis or thrombosis is more frequent than generally assumed. In order to avoid deterioration of the haemodynamic situation interventions may be withheld unless clinical problems related to a diminished outflow occur.

Central vein obstruction in vascular access

Central venous obstruction has become a major problem because of the frequent need for central venous catheters in haemodialysis patients. This article discusses the epidemiology and clinical features of central venous obstruction and the different surgical and interventional alternatives for its treatment.

Exercise-induced deep vein thrombosis of the upper extremity. 1. Literature review

Paget-Schroetter syndrome or effort-related upper extremity deep vein thrombosis is a rare condition that usually afflicts young healthy individuals, most commonly males. The cause is multifactorial but almost always involves extrinsic compression of the subclavian vein at the thoracic inlet, causing venous stenosis from repetitive trauma. The diagnosis of this condition may be difficult, and its delay may contribute to potential complications including thrombosis progression, pulmonary embolism, thrombosis recurrence, and post-thrombotic syndrome. Similarly, the best therapeutic option has not been established and in the lack of evidence-based guidelines, treatment may be extremely challenging especially in children, in whom long-term complications can be particularly disabling.

Exercise-induced deep vein thrombosis of the upper extremity. 2. A case series in children

Upper-extremity deep venous thrombosis (UEDVT) is an increasingly important clinical problem in children. These events are classified as primary or secondary, with the latter being the most common and usually associated with the presence of a central venous line. Among primary UEDVT, the so-called Paget-Schroetter syndrome, effort-related or exercise-induced upper-extremity thrombotic event represents an extremely rare finding that has never been described in a pediatric series. The objective of the second part of this two-part article is to report the first pediatric series in a group of adolescents with this condition from a single center, describing their clinical features, management, and outcome. A retrospective chart review of 6 patients seen between December 2003 and April 2005 was conducted, with a median follow-up of 9 months (range 2-17). Four females and two males, all Caucasian, were enrolled with a median age of 16 years (range 14-17). In all cases, strenuous exercise was present in the month preceding diagnosis and mild trauma was present in only one case (weight lifting). At presentation, all patients had objective swelling of the affected limb for a median of 4 days (range 2-14), and 4 patients had UEDVT of the dominant arm. Thrombophilia investigation revealed that 50% had a combined prothrombotic state at presentation, and all patients were/are being treated with anticoagulation for 6 months (low-molecular-weight heparin followed by warfarin). Continuation of the initial symptoms was present in all cases but one at the 3-month clinic follow-up (last case has yet to reach 3 months of follow-up), and residual moderate to severe postthrombotic syndrome was present in all 3 cases followed for more than 12 months. Of those 3 patients followed for more than 1 year, 2 patients recurred despite having complete resolution of the thrombus after 6 months of anticoagulation, and the third patient underwent surgery with clinical improvement. Adolescents with UEDVT treated only with anticoagulation seem to have a poor outcome.

Retracted:Loss of the Guide Wire

A case of a lost guide wire extending from the vena cava to the back of the neck after central venous catheterization is presented. A trainee inserted a central venous catheter via the left subclavian vein in a 40-year-old male patient after surgery, but did not notice that a guide wire was completely inserted in the vein. After 6 months, the lost guide wire was seen extending from the saphenous vein through the vena cava, right atrium, right ventricle, pulmonary artery and lung tissue to the back of neck. Although percutaneous catheterization of central veins is a routine technique, it is a procedure requiring advanced surgical skills, expert supervision, and attention to detail in order to prevent adverse effects. The present case is not only a technological problem, but also one of responsibility. The operator must hold onto the guide wire at all times until removal from the vessel, and a supervisor must make sure that trainees are aware of all possible complications.

Unusually asymmetric venous engorgement of the breast after long-term hemodialysis

Venous engorgement of the breast demonstrated on mammography is usually considered a minor sign of malignancy. We report the sonographic and mammographic findings in an unusual case of asymmetric enlargement of the mammary veins in a middle-aged patient as a complication of long-term hemodialysis.

Vascular Access in Hemodialysis Patients with Central Venous Obstruction or Stenosis: One Center's Experience

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of complex hemodialysis access procedures among patients with central venous obstruction who were running out of access sites. Between September 2002 and December 2003 we performed a total of 640 new hemodialysis access procedures in 3 renal units. Ten of these patients presented central vein stenosis or obstruction and were not suitable for peritoneal dialysis. Each of the 10 patients had 3 or 4 previous failed access procedures and numerous infected central lines and their dialysis catheters were not functioning adequately. Nine patients presented with a severely stenosed or occluded superior vena cava and 1 had both subclavian veins occluded. Three patients were diabetics, 2 were obese and 6 had hypertension. We performed 12 procedures on these 10 patients. Saphenous veins were used 6 times, twice as a loop to the femoral artery and 4 times as a transposition to the popliteal artery above the knee. Femoral vein transposition to the popliteal artery was carried out in 2 cases. We performed 3 axillary artery to popliteal vein polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) bypasses, 1 on an obese woman who had no saphenous vein and was not suitable for a femoral vein transposition, 1 on a diabetic woman whose saphenous vein loop clotted after 5 months and 1 on a female patient with severe peripheral vascular disease. The patient with bilateral subclavian vein occlusion had a brachial artery to internal jugular vein PTFE graft. The PTFE graft to the jugular vein has been patent and regularly needled with a follow-up of 4 months. Four saphenous vein fistulae were regularly used for dialysis; 2 were never used. Five saphenous fistulae clotted after an average life span of 4 months (range 3 weeks-9 months) and 1 is still patent and in use (5 months). Both femoral vein transpositions have been patent and have been needled 3 times a week with a follow-up of 10 and 4 months; one had to be revised surgically after 9 months. Of the 3 axillary artery to popliteal vein grafts, 1 had to be tied off after a week because of severe steal syndrome and 2 have been patent (20 months follow-up) and have been needled regularly ever since. Seventy percent of these patients have been dialyzed line-free through their fistula despite severe central vein stenosis or obstruction for periods of 9-18 months when this review was undertaken. Although the follow-up needs to be longer, we discuss the surgical, radiologic, and dialysis features of these patients and propose a management pathway for central vein stenosis or occlusion.

Subclavian vein thrombosis following IVF and ovarian hyperstimulation: a case report

Thromboembolic phenomena are a serious consequence of assisted reproductive technology. We present a case of upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) at 7 weeks gestation following ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and IVF. Three weeks after recovering from OHSS, the patient presented with left neck pain and swelling. Ultrasound revealed a thrombus in the left jugular vein and left subclavian vein. Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) was initiated with symptom resolution within 1 week. The patient remained on LWMH throughout her pregnancy and delivered at term. A literature review showed 97 published cases of thromboembolism following ovulation induction. A majority of these cases was associated with OHSS and pregnancy and the site of involvement was predominantly in the upper extremity and neck. Infertility physicians and obstetricians should be aware of this complication and keep in mind that it may occur weeks after resolution of OHSS symptoms.

Sharp Central Venous Recanalization by Means of a TIPS Needle

The purpose of this study was to perform an alternative technique for recanalization of a chronic occlusion of the left brachiocephalic vein that could not be traversed with a guidewire. Restoration of a completely thrombosed left brachiocephalic vein was attempted in a 76-year-old male hemodialysis patient with massive upper inflow obstruction, massive edema of the face, neck, shoulder, and arm, and occlusion of the stented right brachiocephalic vein/superior vena cava. Vessel negotiation with several guidewires and multipurpose catheters proved unsuccessful. The procedure was also non-viable using a long, 21 G puncture needle. Puncture of the superior vena cava (SVC) at the distal circumference of the stent in the right brachiocephalic vein/superior vena cava, however, was feasible with a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) set under biplanar fluoroscopy using the distal end of the right brachiocephalic vein as a target, followed by balloon dilatation and partial extraction of thrombotic material of the left brachiocephalic vein with a wire basket. Finally, two overlapping stents were deployed to avoid early re-occlusion. Venography demonstrated complete vessel patency with free contrast media flow via the stents into the SVC, which was reconfirmed in follow-up examinations. Immediate clinical improvement was observed. Venous vascular recanalization of chronic venous occlusion by means of a TIPS needle is feasible as a last resort under certain precautions.

Central vein stenosis: a common problem in patients on hemodialysis

Central vein stenosis (CVS) has been associated with subclavian (SCV) catheter insertions. The prevalence of CVS in the current era with minimal use of SCV catheters is unknown. Furthermore, the prevalence of CVS in patients with access problems has not been previously described to our knowledge. We evaluated 235 prevalent patients on hemodialysis (HD), and, of these, 133 underwent venography for access related concerns over a 14 month period. Of these 133 patients, 55 (41%) had evidence of significant CVS on venogram. Patients with CVS had a longer duration on HD (43 +/- 12 months vs. 34 +/- 15 months, p = 0.018) and a history of a previous HD catheter insertion (52/55 patients vs. 59/78 patients, p = 0.0039). There were only 18 patients with a subclavian catheter insertion. In those with any history of previous HD catheter insertion, multivariate analysis demonstrated that number of catheters remains a significant factor (OR 2.69, p = 0.0004) even after excluding those subclavian insertions. This study demonstrates that CVS occurs in almost half of the patients with access problems undergoing venography. We confirm the important contribution of central vein cannulation to CVS and show that, despite minimizing subclavian catheter insertion, CVS remains a relatively common occurrence. Thus further studies should attempt to determine the true incidence of this problem and ultimately address the optimal treatment strategies.

Thoracic outlet syndrome

Diagnosis and treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) involves neurologists, physiatrists, family physicians, orthopedic surgeons, vascular surgeons, thoracic surgeons, neurosurgeons and sometimes psychiatrists. It is generally accepted that TOS is caused by compression of brachial plexus elements or subclavian vessels in their passage from the cervical area toward the axilla and proximal arm either at the interscalene triangle, the costoclavicular triangle, or the subcoracoid space. Cervical ribs, anomalous muscles, and fibrous bands may further constrict these areas. Patients with thoracic outlet syndrome usually have aching type pain radiating from their scapula down the upper extremity. It is more common in women, and between 20 and 50 years of age. In order to diagnose accurately, clinical presentation may be evaluated as neurogenic TOS, those with compression of the brachial plexus, or vascular TOS, those with compression of the subclavian vessels and nonspecific-type TOS. The diagnosis of TOS can be made by history, physical examination, provocative tests, ultrasound, radiological evaluation and electrodiagnostic evaluation. For most patients with TOS, conservative treatment is offered. Definitive treatment involves surgical decompression of the related structures.

A case of warfarin skin necrosis despite enoxaparin anticoagulation in a patient with protein S deficiency

Warfarin-induced skin necrosis is a rare complication associated with the use of oral anticoagulants. Most patients develop this at the initiation of therapy, often while still receiving intravenous unfractionated heparin (UFH). Recently, low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) have gained wider use, providing an option for outpatient treatment of deep-vein thrombosis. The treatment protocols are similar to UFH, including the early initiation of oral anticoagulation with warfarin. A Medline search failed to reveal any cases of warfarin-induced skin necrosis while using a LMWH. We present a patient with protein S deficiency who developed warfarin skin necrosis despite appropriate anticoagulation with enoxaparin, and review the chemical and clinical difference between UFH and LMWH.

Subclavian vein stenosis following totally implantable venous access device (TIVAD) implant by percutaneous approach. Case report

Totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) are more and more used in oncologic patients. Early and late complications frequently occur with the techniques of implantation. Thrombosis is the most important and common late complication. On the opposite stenosis of the vessel is not frequently reported. The Authors report the case of a patient with subclavian vein stenosis after implantation of a TIVAD by percutaneous technique. On the basis of the published knowledges they try to explain this phenomenon and suggest an hypothesis for future works.

Factor V Leiden and G20210A prothrombin mutation and the risk of subclavian vein thrombosis in patients with breast cancer and a central venous catheter

BACKGROUND

To analyze the influence of the prothrombotic gene mutation factor V G1691A (factor V Leiden) and prothrombin G20210A on the risk of a first episode of catheter-related deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in a group of patients with breast cancer treated with chemotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 1999 and February 2001, the occurrence of a first symptomatic DVT was investigated in a cohort of 300 consecutive patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer treated at a single institution with fluorouracil-based chemotherapy, administered continuously through a totally implanted access port. A nested case-control study included 25 women (cases) with catheter-related DVT and 50 controls without DVT matched with cases for age, identical chemotherapy, stage of disease and prognostic features. The G1691A factor V and G20210A prothrombin mutation genotypes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Five cases [20%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 9% to 39%)] and two controls (4%; 95% CI 1% to 14%) were heterozygous carriers of G1691A factor V (P = 0.04). The age-adjusted odds ratio for catheter-related DVT was 6.1 (95% CI 1.1-34.3). Only one patient (case) had the G20210A prothrombin gene mutation. Time from start of chemotherapy infusion to DVT was not significantly different between patients with (median 31 days) and without (median 43 days) G1691A factor V mutation (P = 0.6).

CONCLUSIONS

Factor V Leiden carriers with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer have an increased risk of developing catheter-related DVT during chemotherapy.

Venous thoracic outlet syndrome

Venous thoracic outlet syndrome is caused by subclavian vein obstruction with or without thrombosis. The primary symptom is arm swelling, frequently accompanied by cyanosis, pain, and occasionally paresthesias. Venography is the only reliable diagnostic tool. Therapy has three goals: (1) remove the thrombus (in thrombotic cases), (2) remove the extrinsic compression, and in a minority of cases, (3) remove the intrinsic stenosis.

Three-dimensional contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (3-D CE-MRA) in the evaluation of hemodialysis access complications, and the condition of central veins in patients who are candidates for hemodialysis access

BACKGROUND

Arteriovenous (AV) fistulas are crucial in patients requiring long-term hemodialysis (HD). Dysfunctions of these fistulas are the most common causes of recurrent hospitalizations. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety and usefulness of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) in the evaluation of HD fistulas complications, and the condition of the central veins before HD access.

METHODS

This study comprised 30 consecutive patients (15 females, 15 males; age range 25-66 yrs, mean +/- SD 51.2 +/- 9.9 yrs). Of 30 patients, 26 had native AV fistulas and the remaining four patients, who had a history of previous subclavian vein catheterization, were candidates for HD fistulas. Nine patients had a radiocephalic fistula, 15 had a brachiobasilic fistula, one had a saphenous vein graft, and one had brachiobasilic vein transposition. To observe the fistula complications in these cases, three-dimensional (3-D) CE-MRA using gadolinium was performed.

RESULTS

The results were considered normal in three patients (10%), who were candidates for AV fistula construction; one patient had central vein occlusion due to previous catheterization. Thirteen patients (43.3%) had venous stenosis or occlusion; three of them (10%) had low CE arteries distal to fistula region, leading to ischemic complications, and six (20%) had stenosis at the fistula region. Seven patients (23.3%) had venous pseudoaneurysms, whereas two of them had both pseudoaneurysms and fistula region stenosis, and one had both venous stenosis and pseudoaneurysm. There were no adverse or allergic-like reactions or heat and taste sensations observed in our series.

CONCLUSIONS

3-D CE-MRA is a useful, safe and a practical imaging modality in complicated fistula diagnosis with fewer complications and side-effects in comparison to fistulography.

Endovascular stent placement in the treatment of upper extremity central venous obstruction in hemodialysis patients

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of stent placement for treating upper extremity central venous obstruction in chronic hemodialysis patients.

METHODS AND MATERIAL

Between January 1999 and October 2001, we inserted metallic stents into the upper extremity central veins of 14 patients with shunt dysfunction and/or arm swelling. The indications for stent placement were stenosis or occlusion of the central vein in the upper extremity used for dialysis. Six of the individuals were diagnosed with subclavian vein stenosis, and 5 with brachiocephalic vein stenosis. Of the remaining 3 patients, 2 had subclavian vein occlusion, and 1 had left brachiocephalic vein occlusion.

RESULTS

All the stent placement procedures were technically successful, and there were no major complications. Follow-up ranged from 2 weeks to 29 months. The 1-, 3-, 6- and 12-month primary stent patency rates were 92.8, 85.7, 50 and 14.3%, respectively. Repeat interventions, including percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and additional stent placement, were required in 9 patients. The 3-, 6-, 12-month, and 2-year assisted primary stent patency rates were 100, 88.8, 55.5 and 33.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular stent placement is an effective alternative to surgery in patients with shunt dysfunction due to obstruction of an upper extremity central vein. Repeated interventions are usually required to prolong stent patency.

Histologic Changes in the Human Vein Wall Adjacent to Indwelling Central Venous Catheters

PURPOSE

Central venous catheter dysfunction can be caused by thrombosis (of the catheter or vessel itself), fibrin sheath formation, or infection. These sequelae can lead to costly interventions, loss of the access device, or loss of access sites in as many as one-third of patients. This study examined the histologic changes in the access vein and superior vena cava wall that is adjacent to central venous catheters in humans.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The access vein, brachiocephalic vein, and superior vena cava were excised en bloc at autopsy from six patients with central venous catheters. The specimens were processed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The specimens were examined for histologic changes in the vein wall adjacent to the catheters, changes in the intima, and the presence of associated thrombus.

RESULTS

Three catheters had been in place <14 days (short term), and three for >90 days (long term). Two microscopic patterns were observed. The short-term catheters displayed foci of local intimal injury with endothelial denudation and a layer of adherent thrombus. The second pattern, seen in the long-term catheters, consisted of smooth muscle cell proliferation leading to vein wall thickening. Focal areas of catheter attachment to the vein wall, composed of thrombus in varying stages of organization, collagen, and endothelial cells, were also observed.

CONCLUSIONS

After short-term catheter placement, focal areas of endothelial injury were seen in the vein wall adjacent to the catheter. Associated thrombus may or may not be present. Long-term catheters displayed vein wall thickening and bridges from the vein wall to the catheter. These observations represent a progressive reaction of the human vein wall to access devices.

Absence of scalenus anterior muscle

A rare anomaly of the scalenus muscles is described. In this case, the right scalenus anterior muscle was absent. As a substitute for this muscle, some aberrant muscle slips arose from the lower vertebrae and descended in front of the ventral rami of the lower cervical nerves. These aberrant slips then ran between the ventral rami of the the eighth cervical and first thoracic nerves, and were fused with the right scalenus medius muscle. Thus, the subclavian artery and vein ran in front of the aberrant slips, together with the ventral ramus of the first thoracic nerve. The aberrant muscle slips issued 2 accessory bundles. One bundle ran between the ventral rami of the fourth and fifth cervical nerves and was fused with the scalenus medius muscle; the other bundle ran between the ventral rami of the fifth and sixth cervical nerves and was fused with the scalenus medius muscle.