J‐curve association between alcohol intake and varicose veins in Japan: The Shimane CoHRE Study

The effect of alcohol intake on varicose veins (VV) has not been determined by its consumption level. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between alcohol intake and VV in an elderly general population. Using a cross‐sectional approach, the Shimane CoHRE Study data, comprising a total of 1060 participants, were analyzed. By multivariate regression analysis adjusted with basic characteristics, past work history, lifestyle‐related factors and medical history, compared with non‐drinkers, mild drinkers (<20.0 g/day) showed a significantly lower adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of VV (aOR = 0.64, P = 0.036). In a similar way, regular drinkers (1–5 days/week) showed a significantly lower aOR of VV when compared with occasional drinkers (aOR = 0.57, P = 0.032). VV and alcohol intake showed J‐curve relationships. In a stratified analysis by alcohol consumption levels, the association of smoking and VV were also observed in moderate to heavy drinkers and habitual drinkers. These findings can provide better understanding of pathophysiological mechanism and be used for evidence‐based patient education.     

磁敏感征和不对称静脉征对急性大脑中动脉闭塞患者诊断价值

目的探讨磁共振磁敏感加权成像(SWI)的动脉磁敏感征(SVS)和不对称脉静脉血管征(AVS)对急性大脑中动脉闭塞(AMCAO)引起急性缺血性卒中(AIS)体积程度的预测研究和临床价值。方法45例AMCAO患者,根据阿尔伯塔卒中计划早期CT评分为基础的改良SWI-ASPECTS评分梗死病灶侧显著组和稀疏组以及无SVS组、SVS≤20 mmm组、>21 mm组进行SWI-ASPECTS评分量化,比较患者脑梗死体积程度的差异。结果45例AMCAO患者,无SVS者11例(占24.4%),有SVS征者34例(SVS≤20 mm为19例,SVS>20 mm为15例)(占75.6%)。无SVS组、SVS≤20 mm组、SVS>20 mm组,其脑梗死体积分别为(5.11±5.913)mm^3、(22.71±33.568)mm^3和(111.51±87.352)mm^3,三组梗死体积差异有显著统计学意义(P<0.001),三组梗死SWI-ASPECTS评分差异有显著统计学意义(P<0.01)。随着SVS长度增加,SWI-ASPECTS评分呈减小趋势(经Spearman检验,r=-0.538,P<0.001);AVS稀疏组19例(占42.2%),AVS显著组26例(占57.8%),其体积分别为(103.555±80.684)mm^3和(7.413±8.224)mm^3,经Mann-Whitney U检验,稀疏组的梗死体积大于显著组,差异有显著统计学意义(Z=-5.102,P<0.001)。结论SVS是颅内动脉严重狭窄或闭塞的标志,代表了血栓的存在及血管内新鲜凝血块形成、预测栓子成分。AVS代表急性颅脑大血管闭塞的脑缺血区周围软脑膜侧支循环的形成,AVS越广泛,SVS长度越小,梗死面积越小,SWI-ASPECTS评分越高患者的侧支循环分级越高。这对于患者最终梗死体积及临床预后的评估都具有重要意义。     

Anatomical study of jugular foramen in the neck

IntroductionThe anatomical complexity of the jugular foramen makes surgical procedures in this region delicate and difficult. Due to the advances in surgical techniques, approaches to the jugular foramen became more frequent, requiring improvement of the knowledge of this region anatomy.ObjectiveTo study the anatomy of the jugular foramen, internal jugular vein and glossopharyngeal, vagus and accessory nerves, and to identify the anatomical relationships among these structures in the jugular foramen region and lateral-pharyngeal space.MethodsA total of 60 sides of 30 non-embalmed cadavers were examined few hours after death. The diameters of the jugular foramen and its anatomical relationships were analyzed.ResultsThe diameters of the jugular foramen and internal jugular vein were greater on the right side in most studied specimens. The inferior petrosal sinus ended in the internal jugular vein up to 40 mm below the jugular foramen; in 5% of cases. The glossopharyngeal nerve exhibited an intimate anatomical relationship with the styloglossus muscle after exiting the skull, and the vagal nerve had a similar relationship with the hypoglossal nerve. The accessory nerve passed around the internal jugular vein via its anterior wall in 71.7% of cadavers.ConclusionAnatomical variations were found in the dimensions of the jugular foramen and the internal jugular vein, which were larger in size on the right side of most studied bodies; variations also occurred in the trajectory and anatomical relationships of the nerves. The petrosal sinus can join the internal jugular vein below the foramen.     

A modified technique to perform para-aortic lymphadenectomy up to the renal vein

ObjectiveTo investigate the safety and feasibility of our modified technique to perform lymph node excision up to the renal vein in cases of gynecological cancer.Materials and methods87 patients with endometrial or ovarian neoplasms underwent laparoscopic para-aortic lymphadenectomy (LPAL) up to the left renal vein were enrolled prospectively. During surgery, the surgeon was positioned to the right side of the patient and an additional trocar was introduced into the upper right abdomen. The laparoscopic video screen was placed to the side of the patient's head. Three-fan retractor forceps were used to hold up the duodenum and small bowel. The rest of the procedure was the same as conventional LPAL.ResultsThe median operating time for LPAL was 72 min (range: 40–115 min) and the median estimated blood loss was 45 ml (range: 15–1000 mL). There were two cases of intra-operative vascular injury. The median number of retrieved para-aortic lymph nodes (PALNs) was 18 (range: 10–37). Of the 87 patients, 11 patients had positive PALNs. None of the cases required laparotomy.ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that our modified LPAL technique is feasible, reproducible, can achieve good exposure and reduces surgical difficulty.     

Atypical Abnormal Pulmonary Vein Drainage with Atrial Septal Defect: Surgical Treatment

Sinus venosus atrial septal defect (SV‐ASD) usually coexists with partial anomalous pulmonary vein connection (PAPVC). It is a difficult diagnosis in transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) due to eccentric position of defects. We present a rare case of atypical anatomical variation in PAPVC, which was never described before. Two right pulmonary veins drained into superior vena cava, which overrode SV‐ASD and interatrial septum, a third pulmonary vein into the right atrium. Complete diagnosis could not be set after TTE, nor transesophageal echocardiography, whereas angio‐CT was finally conclusive. This diagnostic approach allowed the surgical planning.     

Pregnancy and delivery in women with esophageal varices due to hepatic vein thrombosis

Aim: Retrospective analysis of the course of pregnancy, labor and mode of anesthesia in women with portal hypertension and esophageal varices induced by portal vein thrombosis.

Material: From 2000 to 2012 seven pregnant were admitted. None had liver transplantation (Ltx), the varicose have been in the 1st stage. Each of them has been consulted by the obstetrician, transplant surgeon and anesthetist. The patient condition during pregnancy, labor and postpartum period was analyzed.

Results: Pregnancy in five cases proceeded physiologically. In one threatening miscarriage was diagnosed and treated with gestagens, two patients had tocolytic. One required variceal banding twice. In three thrombocytopenia worsened, with platelet count Conclusion: Patients with portal hypertension can deliver at term. It is a high-risk pregnancy. In this group it is desirable to shorten the second stage of labor or complete it by c-section under general anesthesia with remifentanyl which allows getting desired analgesia without complications in the newborn. Surveillance of pregnant with portal hypertension must include monitoring of liver function and coagulation disorders.     

Persistence of left superior vena cava and focal right atrial tachycardia: Challenges and interventional treatment

We describe the case of a patient with persistence of left superior vena cava and right atrial tachycardia originating between right superior vena cava and crista terminalis. We present the initial suspect of anatomical anomaly, the diagnosis and the interventional treatment of the arrhythmia. Potential challenges and the role of anomalous thoracic veins in promoting rhythm disturbances are also discussed.