Hypogastric artery coil embolization prior to endoluminal repair of aneurysms and fistulas: buttock claudication, a recognized but possibly preventable complication

PURPOSE

Hypogastric artery embolization is considered to be necessary to prevent retrograde flow and potential endoleaks when a stent-graft crosses the origin of the hypogastric artery. The authors assess the incidence of buttock claudication, which is the primary complication encountered. The effect of coil location and the presence of antegrade flow at the completion of embolization are evaluated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hypogastric artery embolization and endoluminal repair of aneurysms and fistulas was performed in 34 patients (30 men; four women) aged 27-91 years (mean, 76 years). Ten patients were being treated for solitary abdominal aortic aneurysms, 13 were being treated for aortoiliac aneurysms, and six patients were being treated for isolated common iliac aneurysms, three for hypogastric artery aneurysms and two for iliac arteriovenous fistulas. Eleven patients had coils placed completely above the bifurcation of the hypogastric artery and 23 patients had coils placed at the bifurcation, or within the branches of the hypogastric artery. Preservation of antegrade flow after embolization was noted in 14 of 34 patients.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients underwent stent-graft repair after hypogastric artery embolization. There were two perioperative deaths, three proximal leaks, and one collateral leak. Of the 32 patients who survived the procedure, there was one retrograde leak, even though 13 of 32 (41%) patients had continued antegrade flow at completion of the hypogastric artery embolization. When coils were placed at or in the bifurcation of the hypogastric artery, 12 of 22 (55%) experienced claudication. When coils were placed in the proximal hypogastric artery, one of 10 (10%) claudicated.

CONCLUSION

It is probably not necessary to completely occlude antegrade flow in the hypogastric artery to prevent a distal endoleak. Buttock claudication is rare when coils are placed in the proximal hypogastric artery rather than at its bifurcation or in its branches.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in skeletal muscle manifesting as homogeneous masses with CT attenuation similar to muscle

Two cases are presented of masses in muscle due to non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that were homogeneous and isoattenuating to normal muscle on CT. In each case, the mass was clinically suspected of representing soft tissue sarcoma. However, the masses were relatively inapparent on CT, being visible predominantly as mass effect--an appearance unlike that of soft tissue sarcomas. It is important to be aware that NHL in muscle can be difficult to detect at CT, even with intravenous contrast enhancement; therefore, a clinically apparent mass should not be dismissed on the basis of an apparently unremarkable CT scan of the region. Such findings should suggest the diagnosis of NHL rather than sarcoma.

Loculated mediastinal chylothorax resulting from esophagogastrectomy: a case report

The thoracic duct is closely related to the esophagus and the pleura. During an esophagogastrectomy, the thoracic duct is at risk for injury, which usually results in chylous pleural effusions. We present an uncommon situation, however, where the pleura was not violated and a large mediastinal lymph collection resulted.

Radiocontrast-associated renal dysfunction: a comparison of lower-osmolality and conventional high-osmolality contrast media

Nephropathy is an established untoward event associated with intravascular administration of conventional high-osmolality contrast media (HOM). It has not been shown previously that lower-osmolality contrast media (LOM) are less nephrotoxic in a clinical setting. We evaluate the ability to replace HOM with LOM (in lower-extremity angiography) to reduce the incidence of nephropathy. We use multiple definitions for contrast-induced nephropathy (six different magnitudes of rise of serum levels of creatinine or blood urea nitrogen in various periods). The incidences of nephrotoxic effects with LOM vs HOM in patients with presumed risk factors, including preexisting renal insufficiency and diabetes, are evaluated also. When all patients are considered, the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy for LOM vs HOM (defined as an increase in serum creatinine level greater than 0.3 mg/dl and greater than 20% on day 1, 2, or 3 and on day 5, 6, or 7, is 7% vs 26% (p = .001). When only patients with preangiography azotemia are considered, the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy for LOM vs HOM is 10% vs 41% (p = .017); for diabetic patients, regardless of preangiography creatinine level, the incidence is 10% vs 31% (p = .012). Although contrast-induced nephropathy may develop even in a patient with no risk factors who receives LOM, LOM is associated with a decreased incidence of this condition, to various degrees, depending on the presence of risk factors.

Radiocontrast-associated renal dysfunction: incidence and risk factors

Contrast-induced nephropathy is a potentially serious untoward reaction to radiologic contrast media. The incidence of this nephropathy and the predisposing conditions are not well established, possibly because of methodologic differences between studies. We evaluated the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy after femoral arteriography in 394 patients by using multiple definitions (different increases in serum creatinine or blood urea nitrogen levels at various times). When an increase in the level of serum creatinine of greater than 0.3 mg/dl and greater than 20% on day 1, 2, or 3 and on day 5, 6, or 7 was used to define the disorder, the incidence in our group of patients was 10% for nonazotemic patients vs 30% for azotemic patients (p less than .001); 2% for nondiabetic, nonazotemic patients vs 16% for diabetic, nonazotemic patients (p = .003); and 38% for patients who were both diabetic and azotemic vs 16% for diabetic, nonazotemic patients (p = .022). Baseline renal insufficiency and diabetes mellitus (especially when insulin dependent) were significant predisposing factors. The effects of dehydration and increased volume of contrast medium on the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy were not clear; the age and sex of the patient were not important risk factors. The incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy depends on the definition used. Although contrast-induced nephropathy may develop in any patient, diabetes, renal insufficiency, and, possibly, dehydration and dose of contrast medium are risk factors.