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.

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.

OBJETIVO: As espécies ativas de oxigênio (EAO), originadas pela ação da enzima xantina-oxidase, têm importância na fisiopatologia da síndrome isquêmica-reperfusional. Foi nosso objetivo verificar o possível efeito citoprotetor do alopurinol (inibidor da xantina-oxidase) sobre as alterações histológicas decorrentes da isquemia-reperfusão hepática. MÉTODOS: Utilizaram-se 60 ratos Wistar assim divididos: grupo 1(n=20): pré-tratado com alopurinol e submetido à laparotomia e à exposição do pedículo hepático por 45 min.; grupo 2 (n=20): tratado com alopurinol e submetido à isquemia hepática seletiva por 45 min.; e grupo 3 (n=20): submetido apenas à isquemia por 45 min. A cada 24 horas, durante quatro dias, cinco animais de cada grupo foram submetidos a hepatectomias parciais para estudo histopatológico. RESULTADOS: Na análise das 24h, houve aumento significativo da congestão vascular e da necrose nos grupos de animais submetidos à isquemia (2 e 3) quando comparados aos do grupo controle (grupo 1) (p<0,05). Na análise das 48h, os resultados se repetiram em relação à necrose hepática. Não se observaram diferenças significativas nos tempos de 72 e 96h. Além disso, no período das 24h, verificou-se uma diminuição significativa da necrose nos animais submetidos à isquemia e pré-tratados com alopurinol quando comparados ao grupo não tratado. CONCLUSÕES: A isquemia transitória normotérmica hepática causa significativas alterações histopatológicas nos fígados de ratos. Em nosso estudo, o alopurinol exerceu efeito benéfico em relação à necrose hepatocitária, o que reforça o envolvimento da enzima xantina oxidase no dano decorrente da isquemia-reperfusão hepática.

OBJECTIVE: Reactive oxygen species (ROS), origined from the xanthine oxidase activity, have great importance in the ischemia-reperfusion syndrome. Our objective was study the effect of allopurinol (a xanthine oxidase inhibitor) on the histologic alterations in ischemic livers in rats. METHODS: Sixty Wistar rats were utilized and dividided into three groups: Group 1 (n=20): pretreated with allopurinol and submitted to laparatomy and exposition of the hepatic pedicle for 45 minutes; Group 2 (n=20): pretreated with allopurinol and submitted to hepatic ischemia for 45 minutes; and Group 3 (n=20): submitted to hepatic ischemia for 45 minutes. To every 24 hours, during four days, five rats of every group were submitted to partial hepatectomy to study the liver histology. RESULTS: In the analysis of 24h, vascular congestion and hepatic necrosis significantly increase in the ischemic groups (2 and 3) when compared with group 1 (p<0,05). In the 48h, the results repeated in relation to necrosis. We didn’t observe significative difference in the histologic alterations between the groups in the 72 and 96h after the proceedings. Furthermore, in the 24h, we observed a significative decrease of hepatic necrosis on the pretreated ischemic rats when compared with no-treated animals. CONCLUSIONS: The transitory normotermic hepatic ischemia causes significative histopathologic alterations in the livers of rats. In this study, allopurinol exerted a beneficial effect on the hepatic necrosis, emphatyzing the importance of the xanthine oxidase enzyme in the damage induced by hepatic ischemia-reperfusion.

Os autores apresentam um modelo de vídeolaparoscopia experimental para avaliar a hepatotoxicidade induzida pelo tetracloreto de carbono (CCl4) em ratos. Nódulos sobre a superfície hepática e aumento significativo das provas de função hepatobiliar (alanina aminotransferase, aspartato aminotransferase, fosfatase alcalina e g -glutamiltranspeptidase) foram observados nos ratos tratados com CCl4. Além disso, cirrose hepática foi diagnosticada por estudo histopatológico em todos os ratos submetidos à administração de CC1(4). Desta maneira, a vídeolaparoscopia experimental em ratos parece ser um método diagnóstico excelente que merece mais investigação para explorar as conseqüências fisiológicas da cirurgia laparoscópica.

The authors present a model of experimental vídeolaparoscopy to evaluate the hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats. Nodules in hepatic surface and significative increase of hepatobiliar function tests (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphastase, and gammaglutamyltranspeptidase) were observed in rats treated with CCl4. Furthermore, liver cirrhosis was diagnosed by histopathologic study in all rats submitted to administration of CCl4. In this manner, experimental vídeolaparoscopy in rats seems be a excelent diagnostic method that merits further investigation to explore the physiologic consequences of laparoscopic surgery.