Absent left common carotid artery in a right aortic arch: Separate origins of left internal and external carotid arteries from brachiocephalic artery

We present a case of cyanotic congenital heart disease with left common carotid artery agenesis in the setting of the right aortic arch highlighting the potential implications in management.     

Ruptured sinus of valsalva presenting late following repair of tetralogy of fallot

Rupture of sinus of valsalva following repair of tetralogy of fallot (TOF) is very rare. It should be suspected as a cause of recurrent or prolonged pleural effusion and congestive cardiac failure in patients who have undergone repair of TOF. We report one such patient.     

Incidental detection of calcified left coronary artery pseudoaneurysm years after surgery for TOF

We present images from computed tomography angiography in a 40-year-old female with a calcified pseudo-aneurysm in her left coronary artery, who had previously undergone repair of tetralogy of Fallot.     

A two-vessel aortic arch: Rare configuration with bilateral brachiocephalic arteries

We present a case of type B aortic dissection with a rare aortic arch branching variation whereby two separate brachiocephalic trunks arise from the arch. This case also highlights the potential implications of this variant in the management of thoracic aortic dissections and aneurysms.     

Impact of Ureteral Stenting on Urological Complications After Kidney Transplantation Surgery: A Single-Center Experience

BackgroundUrological complications such as ureteral strictures and ureteral leakage can affect the outcome of kidney transplantation by increasing morbidity and mortality, including graft loss. Controversy still exists regarding the role of stents in renal transplantation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of ureteral stenting in kidney transplantation.MethodsWe performed a retrospective study on a series of 798 consecutive renal transplants performed in our center between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2011. Ureteral stents were used in 152 cases (19.1%) of the total (stent group) and were removed 2 weeks postoperatively. Donor and recipient age, sex, type of ureteroneocystostomy, stent and non-stent patients, cold and warm ischemia time, and urological complications were analyzed.ResultsThe overall incidence of urological complications was 7.8% (62 cases). Ureteral stenosis (3.1%) and ureteral leakage (2.4%) were the most common complications; 39.7% (25 cases) of complications were recorded in the first month after transplantation. Major urological complication rate was 3.3% in the stent group compared with 8.8% in the non-stent group (P = .04). However, stent use was associated with the increase of urinary tract infections rate in the stent group (51.3%) compared with the non-stent group (17.9%) (P = .03).ConclusionsIn our study, the use of ureteral stents significantly decreased urological complications in kidney transplant recipients but increased the risk for development of urinary tract infections.