Abstract Advent of antiretroviral therapy has increased survival of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections, with the result that some of these patients now develop degenerative diseases, such as atherosclerotic aneurysms. Degenerative thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm is rare in HIV patients. In this report, a 63-year-old male patient with HIV submitted to open repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. The patient did not suffer any type of complication in the perioperative period and remained well in a 28-month follow-up period. In summary, open repair still remains a good alternative for aortic complex aneurysms even in HIV patients.

Abstract Introduction: Oxidative stress seems to be a role in the atherosclerosis process, but research in human beings is scarce. Objective: To evaluate the role of oxidative stress on human aortas of patients submitted to surgical treatment for advanced aortoiliac occlusive disease. Methods: Twenty-six patients were divided into three groups: control group (n=10) formed by cadaveric organ donors; severe aortoiliac stenosis group (patients with severe aortoiliac stenosis; n=9); and total aortoiliac occlusion group (patients with chronic total aortoiliac occlusion; n=7). We evaluated the reactive oxygen species concentration, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-oxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities as well as nitrite levels in samples of aortas harvested during aortofemoral bypass for treatment of advanced aortoiliac occlusive disease. Results: We observed a higher level of reactive oxygen species in total aortoiliac occlusion group (48.3±9.56 pmol/mg protein) when compared to severe aortoiliac stenosis (33.5±7.4 pmol/mg protein) and control (4.91±0.8 pmol/mg protein) groups (P<0.05). Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activity was also higher in total aortoiliac occlusion group when compared to the control group (3.81±1.7 versus 1.05±0.31 µmol/min.mg protein; P<0.05). Furthermore, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were significantly higher in the severe aortoiliac stenosis and total aortoiliac occlusion groups when compared to the control cases (P<0.05). Nitrite concentration was smaller in the severe aortoiliac stenosis group in comparing to the other groups. Conclusion: Our results indicated an increase of reactive oxygen species levels and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-oxidase activity in human aortic samples of patients with advanced aortoiliac occlusive disease. The increase of antioxidant enzymes activities may be due to a compensative phenomenon to reactive oxygen species production mediated by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase. This preliminary study offers us a more comprehensive knowledge about the role of oxidative stress in advanced aortoiliac occlusive disease in human beings.

RESUMO Relatamos o caso de um aneurisma roto do tronco celíaco em um paciente de 32 anos, do sexo masculino, portador de Doença de Behçet (DB). A ressecção do aneurisma foi realizada e o paciente está bem, com acompanhamento de 32 meses. Até onde sabemos, este é o primeiro caso relatado de um aneurisma do tronco celíaco roto tratado com sucesso em um paciente com DB.

ABSTRACT We report a case of a ruptured aneurysm of the celiac trunk in a 32-year-old, male patient with Behçet Disease (BD). Aneurysm resection was performed and the patient is well during a follow up of 32 months. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a ruptured celiac trunk aneurysm successfully treated in a patient with BD.

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To evaluated the role of oxidative stress on aging process in patients submitted to carotid endarterectomy. METHODS: Twenty patients were divided into two groups: older group (≥ 70 years old); and the younger group (< 70 years old). We evaluated the reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-oxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities as so as nitrite levels in fragments of carotid arteries harvested during carotid endarterectomy for treatment of high grade carotid stenosis. RESULTS: We observed a higher levels of ROS and NADPH oxidase activity in the older group (p<0.05). Furthermore, the nitrite concentration was lower in the older group (14.55 ± 5.61 x 10-3 versus 26.42 ± 8.14 x 10-3 µM; p=0.0123). However, the activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT and SOD) were similar in both the groups. CONCLUSIONS : Arterial aging is associated with increased concentrations of oxygen species and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity as so as nitrite reduction in human carotid artery specimens. Maybe therapies that block NADPH oxidase activity and enhance nitrite stores would be a good strategy to reduce the effect of oxidative stress in arterial aging.

ResumoAneurismas primários da veia ilíaca são extremamente raros e podem complicar com trombose, embolia pulmonar ou ruptura. Acredita-se que existam apenas 14 casos descritos na literatura. Neste artigo, descrevemos um caso de um jovem de 25 anos, que apresentava edema e cianose do membro inferior esquerdo. A ecografia vascular revelou uma massa cística em fossa ilíaca esquerda. A angiotomografia confirmou o diagnóstico de um aneurisma da veia ilíaca externa esquerda de 3,8 cm, no maior diâmetro. O paciente foi submetido ao tratamento cirúrgico através da ressecção do aneurisma seguida de venorrafia longitudinal. Teve boa evolução pós-operatória, com um seguimento clínico de 44 meses. Houve uma melhora do edema no membro inferior esquerdo, sem complicações tardias.

AbstractPrimary external iliac vein aneurysms are rare and can be complicated by thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or rupture. To date, there are only 14 cases reported in the literature. In this paper we report a case of a 25-year-old man who presented with left lower limb edema and cyanosis. Vascular ultrasonography revealed a cystic tumor in the left iliac fossa. Computed tomography angiography confirmed that the finding was an external iliac vein aneurysm, measuring 3.8 cm at its largest diameter. The patient underwent surgical treatment with resection followed by longitudinal venorrhaphy, with no complications. After the procedure left limb symptoms improved. The patient has exhibited no late complications over 44 months of follow-up.

PURPOSE: To evaluated the effects of L-arginine (a NO donor) and L-NAME (Nw-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester - a NOS inhibitor) on ischemia-reperfusion in rat livers.METHODS: One hundred fifty two male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control (simulated surgery); hepatic IR; pretreatment with L-arginine plus hepatic IR; and L-NAME plus hepatic IR. The hepatocellular damage was evaluated at the first, third and seventh days after the procedures through the alanine-aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate-aminotransaminase (AST) levels, as well as histopathological features: vascular congestion (VC); steatosis (STE); necrosis (NEC); and inflammatory infiltration (INF). The mortality rate was also evaluated.RESULTS: The pretreatment with L-NAME significantly worsened the AST levels after hepatic IR (p<0.05) at first day and L-arginine demonstrated an attenuating effect on ALT levels at seventh day (p<0.05). Furthermore, the administration of L-arginine was able to reduce the VC and STE in the seventh day after hepatic IR (p<0.05). The analysis of the mortality rates did not demonstrate any difference between the groups. Nevertheless, there was not effect of L-arginine and L-NAME on the mortality of the animals.CONCLUSION: L-arginine/NO pathway has a role in the hepatic IR because the pretreatment with L-arginine partially had attenuated the hepatocellular damage induced by hepatic IR in rats.

CONTEXTO: A oclusão crônica aorto-ilíaca (OCAI) é uma importante causa de isquemia dos membros inferiores e é frequentemente encontrada em pacientes jovens e tabagistas. OBJETIVO: Revisar os resultados recentes da cirurgia aberta em pacientes com OCAI. MÉTODOS: Entre novembro de 2011 e abril de 2014, 21 pacientes com OCAI foram tratados na Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre. Foram analisados dados demográficos, comorbidades, apresentação clínica e resultados cirúrgicos. RESULTADOS: Onze mulheres e dez homens foram tratados com derivação aórtica direta (DAD; n=18) ou com derivação extra-anatômica (DEA; n=3). A média de idade foi 53,7 ± 7,3 anos (variação 43-79 anos), sendo todos os pacientes tabagistas. Treze pacientes (62%) apresentavam isquemia crítica. Dos pacientes submetidos à DAD, seis (33,4%) necessitaram de revascularização associada (3 renais e 3 fêmoro-poplíteas). A mortalidade perioperatória foi nula. Quatro pacientes (22,2%) desenvolveram disfunção renal transitória, mas apenas um paciente (5,6%) necessitou de hemodiálise. O tempo mediano de seguimento foi de 17 meses (variação 2-29 meses), havendo apenas um óbito tardio, por cardiopatia isquêmica, sete meses após a cirurgia da aorta abdominal. CONCLUSÃO: A reconstrução aórtica é um método seguro para o tratamento de pacientes com OCAI, com baixas taxas de morbidade e mortalidade perioperatórias.

BACKGROUND: Chronic aortoiliac occlusion (CAIO) is a significant cause of lower limb ischemia and is often found in young patients who smoke. OBJECTIVE: To review recent results achieved treating CAIO patients with open surgery. METHODS: From November 2011 to April 2014, 21 patients with CAIO were treated at the Santa Casa de Misericórdia, Porto Alegre, Brazil. Demographic data, comorbidities, clinical presentation and surgical results were analyzed. RESULTS: Eleven women and ten men were treated with direct aortic bypass (DAB; n=18) or with extra-anatomic bypass (EAD; n=3). Mean age was 53.7 ± 7.3 years (range: 43-79 years) and all patients smoked. Thirteen patients (62%) had critical ischemia. Six of the patients treated with DAB (33.4%) also required additional revascularization (3 renal and 3 femoropopliteal procedures). Perioperative mortality was zero. Four patients (22.2%) suffered transitory renal dysfunction, but only one patient (5.6%) required hemodialysis. Median follow-up time was 17 months (range: 2-29 months) and there was just one late death, from ischemic heart disease, 7 months after the surgery on the abdominal aorta. CONCLUSIONS: Aortic reconstruction is a safe method for treating patients with CAIO, with low perioperative morbidity and mortality rates.

CONTEXTO: A presença de aneurisma da aorta abdominal (AAA) é rara em pacientes jovens. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os resultados da cirurgia do AAA em pacientes com idade < 50 anos. MÉTODOS: De junho de 1979 a janeiro de 2008, 946 pacientes foram operados eletivamente do AAA infrarrenal pelo primeiro autor. Desses, 13 pacientes (1,4%) tinham idade < 50 anos no momento da cirurgia. Foram analisadas as características demográficas e cirúrgicas bem como os resultados precoces e tardios da cirurgia nesses pacientes. RESULTADOS: A média de idade foi 46±3,4 anos (variando de 43 a 50 anos), sendo a maioria homens (76,9%), hipertensos (76,9%) e tabagistas (61,5%). Não ocorreu nenhum óbito perioperatório, e a morbidade cirúrgica atingiu dois pacientes (15,4%) (um paciente com infecção respiratória e outro com angina instável). O seguimento mediano foi de 85,5 meses, ocorrendo dois óbitos devido a cardiopatia isquêmica em um paciente e acidente vascular cerebral em outro, durante o seguimento. CONCLUSÃO: A cirurgia do AAA é um procedimento seguro com bons resultados a longo prazo, pois, em nosso estudo, apresentou mortalidade perioperatória nula e boa sobrevida a longo prazo.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are rare in young patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate outcomes after AAA repair in patients aged < 50 years. METHODS: Between June 1979 and January 2008, 946 patients underwent elective repair for an infrarenal AAA performed by the first author. Of these, 13 patients (1.4%) were < 50 years old at surgery. Demographic characteristics and surgical data were analyzed, as well as early and late outcomes after surgical intervention. RESULTS: Mean age was 46±3.4 years (ranging from 43 to 50 years). Most patients were men (76.9%), hypertensive (76.9%) and smokers (61.5%). Perioperative morbidity and mortality rates were low (15.4% and 0%, respectively); one patient had respiratory infection and another patient had unstable angina. Median follow-up was 85.5 months, and two patients died due to ischemic cardiopathy and cerebrovascular accident during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: AAA repair in young patients is a safe procedure, with good long-term results. In our study, there were no perioperative deaths, and a good long-term survival was observed.

O tratamento da doença carotídea tem ganhado enfoque nos últimos anos, principalmente com o advento da técnica endovascular, que defende o emprego da angioplastia e stent de carótida (CAS), principalmente em pacientes considerados de "alto risco" para a endarterectomia carotídea (ECA). Através da revisão bibliográfica, analisamos os resultados do tratamento da lesão carotídea em ambas as técnicas, realizando comentários embasados na experiência pessoal e nos dados da literatura, sobretudo nos pacientes de alto risco. Até o presente momento, não há evidência e justificativa para o emprego da CAS em larga escala nos pacientes com doença carotídea, inclusive nas situações de alto risco, tais como nos octogenários. No entanto, acreditamos que a CAS possa ser um coadjuvante no tratamento de pequeno número de pacientes com lesão carotídea (até 4% dos casos), como na presença de pescoço hostil, radioterapia prévia e alguns casos de estenose carotídea alta. Quando realizada com os cuidados técnicos necessários, a ECA ainda continua a melhor opção terapêutica aos doentes com lesão carotídea.

Treatment of carotid disease has been in focus over the past years, especially with the advent of the endovascular technique, which supports use of carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) in "high-risk" patients for carotid endarterectomy (CAE). We analyzed current outcomes of the treatment for carotid disease using both techniques. Furthermore, we performed some comments based on data from the literature, particularly in high-risk patients. We conclude that, up to the present moment, there is no evidence and justification for large use of CAS in patients with carotid disease, even in high-risk patients, such as in octogenarians. However, we believe that CAS could be useful in the treatment of a small number of patients with carotid disease (less than 4%), such as those with hostile neck, previous cervical radiation and in some cases of high carotid stenosis. When performed using the required technical skills, CAE is still the best choice for patients with carotid disease.

Nas cirurgias vasculares periféricas, as cefalosporinas têm seu uso consagrado como agente antimicrobiano profilático de escolha. Recentemente, observamos uma mudança nos padrões de colonização, prevalência de patógenos e suscetibilidade geral aos antimicrobianos. Os patógenos multirresistentes vêm se tornando cada vez mais freqüentes nas infecções de ferida cirúrgica vascular, demonstrando variações regionais e locais quanto à suscetibilidade aos antimicrobianos profiláticos utilizados na rotina cirúrgica. Os dados e a literatura disponível até o momento demonstram que não existe evidência suficiente para uma mudança na rotina profilática perioperatória. Entretanto, devemos levar em consideração os padrões regionais e institucionais de prevalência de patógenos resistentes e padrões de suscetibilidade aos antimicrobianos para estabelecer guias e orientações específicas para a utilização de antimicrobianos profiláticos alternativos.

In peripheral vascular surgery, cephalosporins are nowadays regarded as the first choice for operative antibiotic prophylaxis. We have recently observed changes in colonizing patterns, pathogen prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility to antimicrobials. Multiresistant pathogens are becoming more frequent in vascular surgical wound infections, showing regional and local variations as to prophylactic antibiotic susceptibility. Data from the available literature so far have shown no strong evidence for a change in routine surgical antibiotic prophylaxis. We must consider regional and institutional prevalence of pathogen resistance and patterns of antibiotic susceptibility to establish specific guidelines for the use of alternative antibiotics.

Este estudo tem por objetivo relatar um caso de isquemia crítica de membro inferior associada a quimioterapia com gemcitabina. O relato descreve o caso de um paciente de 68 anos submetido a duodenopancreatectomia devido a tumor no pâncreas. Um mês depois da operação, o paciente realizou quatro sessões de quimioterapia com gemcitabina, durante um mês. Após 30 dias, o paciente desenvolveu sintomas de doença arterial obstrutiva periférica, e duas semanas depois, isquemia crítica do membro inferior direito. O exame por imagem demonstrou doença arterial difusa associada à oclusão femoropoplítea com reenchimento distal precário. O paciente foi submetido a uma tentativa de revascularização que, devido às condições locais, foi malsucedida, resultando na amputação do membro no nível da coxa.

We report a case of lower limb critical ischemia associated with chemotherapy with gemcitabine. This report presents a case of a 68-year-old man who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy due to pancreas tumor. One month later, the patient was submitted to four chemotherapy sessions with gemcitabine for 1 month. In addition, 30 days later he developed symptoms of peripheral arterial obstructive disease, and critical ischemia of the right lower limb 2 weeks later. An imaging study showed diffuse arterial disease associated with femoropopliteal occlusion and poor distal bed. The patient was submitted to a revascularization procedure, which was unsuccessful due to local conditions, resulting in above-knee amputation.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os resultados cirúrgicos após o tratamento convencional e eletivo do aneurisma da aorta abdominal, verificando se existe diferença entre homens e mulheres na mortalidade e morbidade cirúrgicas, bem como nos resultados a longo prazo. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Entre dezembro de 1983 e dezembro de 2003, 675 pacientes foram submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico do aneurisma da aorta abdominal infra-renal, sendo divididos em dois grupos: homens (n = 575) e mulheres (n = 100). Os dados demográficos e aqueles relacionados ao procedimento cirúrgico, bem como os resultados perioperatórios, foram coletados pela revisão dos prontuários. Os pacientes com alta hospitalar formaram uma coorte retrospectiva, onde foram avaliadas as causas tardias de óbito e a sobrevida. RESULTADOS: A média das idades foi similar, sem diferença estatística entre mulheres e homens (68,9 ± 9,1 versus 67,4 ± 7,1 anos; P = 0,089). A presença de hipertensão arterial foi significativamente superior nas mulheres (73 versus 62,4%; P = 0,042), e a cardiopatia isquêmica e história de tabagismo foram mais freqüentes nos homens (P <0,05). A mortalidade operatória total foi de 2,8%, não havendo diferença significativa entre mulheres e homens (4 versus 2,6%, respectivamente; P = 0,43). A morbidade cirúrgica envolveu 14% dos pacientes femininos e 18,4% dos masculinos (P 0,05). A taxa de sobrevida global em 1, 3, 5 e 10 anos não diferiu entre os grupos, sendo a sobrevida em 5 anos de 71% para as mulheres e 72% para os homens (P 0,05). A principal causa de morte tardia foi de origem cardiovascular, seguida de complicações renais nas mulheres e neoplasia nos homens. CONCLUSÂO: A taxa de mortalidade e morbidade cirúrgicas não aumentou significativamente nas mulheres após a correção eletiva do aneurisma da aorta abdominal infra-renal. Além disso, os resultados a longo prazo são semelhantes entre os dois gêneros.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate perioperative results in patients submitted to elective conventional open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm, comparing the results between women and men in relation to perioperative mortality and morbidity, as well as long term outcomes. PATIENTES AND METHODS: Between December 1983 and December 2003, 675 patients were submitted to infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. We divided these patients into two groups: men (n = 575) and women (n = 100). Demographic and operative data, as well as perioperative outcomes were obtained from chart review. Discharged patients formed a retrospective cohort, in which the late causes of death and survival were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age was similar, but no statistical difference was observed between men and women (68.9 ± 9.1 versus. 67.4 ± 7.1 years; P = 0.089). The presence of hypertension was significantly higher in women (73 versus 62.4%; P = 0.042), and coronary artery disease and history of smoking were more prevalent in men (P <0.05). The overall mortality rate was 2.8%, without any significant difference between women and men (4 versus 2.6%, respectively; P = 0.43). Perioperative morbidity was similar in both groups (14% for women; 18.4% for men; P 0.05). The survival rates in 1, 3, 5, and 10 years were similar in the groups, with a 5-year survival of 71% for women and 72% for men (P 0.05). Cardiovascular disease was the main late death cause in both groups, followed by renal complications in women and neoplasia in men. CONCLUSION: Perioperative mortality and morbidity rates did not significantly increase in women after conventional infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Furthermore, long term results were similar in both genders.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os resultados da cirurgia combinada (endarterectomia carotídea e cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio) em pacientes com doença carotídea e coronária concomitante. MÉTODOS: Os autores revisam 49 trabalhos que descrevem vários aspectos sobre a cirurgia combinada em um total de 4.788 pacientes, analisando eventos precoces no período peri-operatório. RESULTADOS: As taxas globais de acidente vascular cerebral (AVC), infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM) e mortalidade foram, respectivamente, de 4,3%; 2,2%; e 4,2%. Para os trabalhos mais recentes (entre 1990-2000), a ocorrência de AVC foi significativamente inferior àquela obtida por trabalhos publicados anteriormente (entre 1972-1989) (4,1% x 10,2%; p < 0,05). Neste mesmo levantamento, os índices de AVC pós-operatórios foram maiores nos artigos que continham uma amostra pequena (n < 50) que naqueles trabalhos com uma população maior (n > 100) (7,2% x 3,9%; p < 0,05), denotando o impacto da experiência dos cirurgiões sobre os resultados pós-operatórios. CONCLUSÃO: Em suma, acreditamos que a cirurgia combinada é um procedimento seguro e eficaz quando realizado por cirurgiões experientes e qualificados.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of combined surgery (carotid endarterectomy and coronary artery bypass grafting) in patients with concomitant carotid and coronary artery disease. METHODS: The authors reviewed 49 different reports describing several aspects of the combined surgery in 4788 patients to analyze early events in the perioperative period. RESULTS: Overall stroke, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and mortality rates were 4.3%, 2.2%, and 4.2%, respectively. Most recent papers (1990 to 2000) show significant lower incidence of strokes compared to those published earlier (1972 to 1989) (4.1% x 10.2%; p < 0.05). In this same survey, the incidence of postoperative stroke was higher in the series with a small sample (n < 50) than in those with a larger population (n > 100) (7.2% x 3.9%; p < 0.05), denoting the impact of surgeons' experience on postoperative results. CONCLUSION: In sum, we believe that combined carotid endarterectomy and coronary artery bypass grafting is a safe and effective procedure when performed by experienced and qualified surgeons.