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Wstęp: Liczba chorych z tętniakami aorty brzusznej leczonych metodą wewnątrznaczyniową stale wzrasta. Wynika to zarówno z częstszego wykrywania tętniaków u chorych bezobjawowych w badaniu USG wykonywanym z innego powodu jak również z doskonalenia stentgraftów i techniki zabiegów. Przyjęte w latach 90. kryteria naczyniowych warunków anatomicznych kwalifikujące chorych z tętniakami aorty brzusznej do leczenia przy użyciu stentgraftów ulegają zmianom, co także powiększa liczbę leczonych chorych. Celem pracy była ocena wyników leczenia chorych z tętniakami aorty brzusznej, u których bliższa szyja tętniaka była zagięta pod katem większym niż 60°. Materiał i metody: W latach 2004-2006 leczono 173 chorych z tętniakami aorty brzusznej metodą wewnątrznaczyniową. U 21 chorych (12%) bliższa szyja tętniaka była zagięta pod kątem większym niż 60°. Wśród tych chorych było 19 mężczyzn i 2 kobiety. Największa średnica worka tętniaka wynosiła 57-82 mm, a długość szyi bliższej 11-34 mm. Tętniaki zostały zaopatrzone stentgraftem Zenith w 12 przypadkach, Excluder w 5 przypadkach, a u 4 chorych stentgraftem Aorfix. Przy wyborze stentgraftu kierowano się długością szyi, jej kształtem oraz stanem i miejscem odejścia tętnic nerkowych. Chorzy są kontrolowani w badaniu USG co 6 miesięcy i KT raz w roku. Wyniki: We wszystkich przypadkach zabieg umiejscowienia stentgraftu tuż poniżej odejścia tętnic nerkowych zakończył się powodzeniem. U jednego chorego stwierdzono objawy niewielkiego przecieku typu I do worka tętniaka w kontrolnej angiografii wykonywanej bezpośrednio po zabiegu. Również u jednego chorego obserwowano przeciek typu II od strony tętnicy lędźwiowej, który nie był widoczny w kontrolnym badaniu USG po 6 miesiącach. W badaniu KT wykonanym u 19 chorych 12 miesięcy i u 8 chorych 24 miesiące po zabiegu nie stwierdzono przemieszczenia stentgraftu. Nie stwierdzono również objawów późnego przecieku typu I. Wnioski: Wyniki leczenia chorych z tętniakami aorty brzusznej i zagięciem bliższej szyi tętniaka pod kątem większym niż 60° mogą być pomyślne przy właściwym doborze typu stentgraftu i jego wymiarów. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: Although renal stenting is the standard revascularization method for atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (RAS) (FMD-RAS), stenting in fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) RAS is usually limited to periprocedural complications of angioplasty and primary arterial dissection. The main aim of the study was to retrospectively analyze the immediate and long-term results of renal stenting versus angioplasty in patients with FMD., Methods: Of 343 patients in the ARCADIA-POL registry, 58 patients underwent percutaneous treatment due to FMD-RAS (in 70 arteries). Percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA) was performed as an initial treatment in 61 arteries (PTRA-group), whereas primary stenting was undertaken in nine arteries (stent-group). Stent-related complications were defined as: in-stent restenosis > 50% (ISR); stent fracture; under-expansion; or migration., Results: In the PTRA-group, the initial restenosis rate was 50.8%. A second procedure was then performed in 22 arteries: re-PTRA (12 arteries) or stenting (10 arteries). The incidence of recurrent restenosis after re-PTRA was 41.7%. Complications occurred in seven of 10 (70%) arteries secondarily treated by stenting: two with under-expansion and five with ISR. In the stent-group, stent under-expansion occurred in one case (11.1%) and ISR in three of nine stents (33.3%). In combined analysis of stented arteries, either primarily or secondarily, stent-related complications occurred in 11/19 stenting procedures (57.9%): three due to under-expansion and eight due to ISRs. Finally, despite several revascularization attempts, four of 19 (21%) stented arteries were totally occluded and one was significantly stenosed at follow-up imaging., Conclusion: Our study indicates that renal stenting in FMD-RAS may carry a high risk of late complications, including stent occlusion. Further observational data from large-scale registries are required., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

This history page in the series "Leaders in MSK Radiology" is dedicated to the memory and achievements of Zygmunt Grudziński, Polish radiologist at the University of Warsaw and founder of the Polish Society of Radiology and Polish Radiological Review, the first radiology journal., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD), regarded as a generalized vascular disease, may affect all vascular beds and may result in arterial stenosis, occlusion, aneurysm, or dissection. It has been proposed to systematically evaluate all vascular beds in patients with FMD, regardless of initial FMD involvement. However, the impact of this approach on clinical decisions and on management is unknown. Within the prospective ARCADIA-POL study (Assessment of Renal and Cervical Artery Dysplasia-Poland), we evaluated 232 patients with FMD lesions confirmed in at least one vascular bed, out of 343 patients included in the registry. All patients underwent a detailed clinical evaluation including computed tomography angiography of intracranial and cervical arteries, as well as computed tomography angiography of the abdominal aorta, its branches, and upper and lower extremity arteries. In the study group, FMD lesions were most frequently found in renal arteries (87.5%). FMD was also found in cerebrovascular (24.6%), mesenteric (13.8%), and upper (3.0%) and lower extremity (9.9 %) arteries. Newly diagnosed FMD lesions were found in 34.1% of the patients, and previously undetected vascular complications were found in 25% of the patients. Among all FMD patients included in the study, one out of every 4 evaluated patients qualified for interventional treatment due to newly diagnosed FMD lesions or vascular complications. The ARCADIA-POL study shows for the first time that the systematic and multidisciplinary evaluation of patients with FMD based on a whole-body computed tomography angiography scan has an impact on their clinical management. This proved the necessity of the systematic evaluation of all vascular beds in patients with FMD, regardless of initial FMD involvement.

Objective: Visceral artery fibromuscular dysplasia (VA FMD) manifestations range from asymptomatic to life-threatening. The aim of the study is to evaluate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of VA FMD., Methods: A total of 232 FMD patients enrolled into ongoing ARCADIA-POL study were included in this analysis. All patients underwent detailed clinical evaluation including ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, biobanking, duplex Doppler of carotid and abdominal arteries and whole body angio-computed tomography. Three control groups (patients with renal FMD without visceral involvement, healthy normotensive patients and resistant hypertensive patients) matched for age and sex were included., Results: VA FMD was present in 32 patients (13.8%). Among these patients (women: 84.4%), FMD lesions were more frequent in celiac trunk (83.1%), 62.5% of patients showed at least one visceral aneurysm, and five patients presented with severe complications related to VA FMD. No demographic differences were found between patients with VA FMD and individuals from the three control groups, with the exception of lower weight (P < 0.001) and BMI (P < 0.001) in VA FMD patients. Patients with FMD (with or without visceral artery involvement) showed significantly smaller visceral arterial diameters compared with controls without FMD., Conclusion: Patients with FMD showed smaller visceral arterial diameters when compared with patients without FMD. This may reflect a new phenotype of FMD, as a generalized arteriopathy, what needs further investigation. Lower BMI in patients with VA FMD might be explained by chronic mesenteric ischemia resulting from FMD lesions. FMD visceral involvement and visceral arterial aneurysms in patients with renal FMD are far to be rare. This strengthens the need for a systematic evaluation of all vascular beds, including visceral arteries, regardless of initial FMD involvement.

INTRODUCTION Data on the assessment of intrarenal blood flow parameters in patients with renal fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) are scarce. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to evaluate intrarenal blood flow parameters in patients with FMD and significant or nonsignificant renal artery stenosis (RAS). PATIENTS AND METHODS We evaluated intrarenal blood flow parameters by Doppler ultrasonography in 153 patients with renal FMD enrolled in the ARCADIA‑POL study: 32 and 121 patients with and without significant RAS, respectively, compared with 60 matched patients with essential hypertension and 60 healthy controls. RESULTS Patients with FMD and significant RAS had a lower renal resistive index (RRI) compared with patients with FMD without significant RAS, patients with essential hypertension, and normotensive controls (mean [SD], 0.51 [0.08] vs 0.60 [0.07], 0.62 [0.06], and 0.61 [0.06], respectively; P <0.001). In patients with nonsignificant RAS, RRI correlated significantly with carotid intima-media thickness, 24‑hour diastolic blood pressure, 24‑hour pulse pressure, left ventricular diastolic function, known duration time of hypertension, and age. In patients with significant RAS, there was a significant correlation between RRI and known duration time of hypertension, left ventricular diastolic function, and age. In a separate, "per‑kidney" analysis, renal arteries with FMD and significant RAS were characterized by lower RRI values, higher maximal blood flow velocity, higher renal aortic ratio, and longer acceleration time compared with renal arteries with FMD and nonsignificant RAS as well as renal arteries without FMD. CONCLUSIONS In contrast to atherosclerotic RAS, intrarenal blood flow in patients with FMD and RAS is preserved, confirming that renal vasculature is relatively intact in these patients.

The association between fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) and spontaneous cervical artery dissection (SCeAD) has been recognized, but the available evidence on this relationship is scant. Therefore, the main goal of our study was to systematically evaluate FMD frequency, clinical characteristics and vascular bed involvement in patients with SCeAD. Among 230 patients referred to the ARCADIA-POL study, 43 patients (mean age 44.1 ± 8.9 years; 15 men and 28 women) with SCeAD were referred. Also, 135 patients with FMD were compared to patients with and without SCeAD. Patients underwent: ambulatory blood pressure measurements, biochemical evaluation, echocardiographic examination, and whole body computed tomographic angiography. FMD changes were found in 39.5% of patients with SCeAD. There were no differences in clinical characteristics between patients with SCeAD and FMD and those without FMD, except for a tendency towards a higher female ratio in SCeAD patients with FMD. There were no differences in other parameters describing target organ and SCeAD characteristics. Patients with SCeAD and FMD compared to those without SCeAD were characterized by a lower frequency of hypertension and a higher frequency of hyperlipidemia and history of contraceptive hormone use. Our study indicates a high incidence (39.5%) of FMD in subjects with SCeAD. Since there are no distinctive discriminating factors between patients with SCeAD and FMD and those without FMD, FMD should be suspected in all patients with SCeAD.

BACKGROUND Catheter ablation is a routine procedure in patients with WPW syndrome. Silent cerebral infarcts (SCI) detected in magnetic resonance imaging may be a complication of the ablation procedure, but it is well documented only in atrial fibrillation ablation. Ablation of left-sided accessory pathways (L-AP) has a similar target area, but WPW patients differ from those with atrial fibrillation, due to lower initial risk of cerebral embolic events. The aim of this study was to determine whether the ablation of left-sided accessory pathways carries the risk of SCI. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty consecutive patients with overt L-AP referred for RF ablation in our center were included in the study. An irrigated ablation catheter was used in 8 patients, and a non-irrigated ablation catheter was used in 12 patients. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging was performed pre-procedurally and on the next day after the ablation in all patients. RESULTS Ablation procedures were completed without complications and there were no neurological symptoms following the procedure, although in 2 patients (10%), post-procedural diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance revealed new acute silent cerebral infarcts. Both patients with new cerebral lesions were female, and a non-irrigated catheter was used in both cases. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study documenting the presence of silent cerebral infarcts after WPW ablation. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the risk of silent cerebral infarcts associated with L-AP ablation.

Purpose: Smoking was identified as a potential factor contributing to fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD). To evaluate the prevalence of smoking and clinical characteristics in FMD subjects., Material and Methods: We analysed 190 patients with confirmed FMD in at least one vascular bed. The rate of smokers in FMD patients was compared to that in two control groups selected from a nationwide survey., Results: The rate of smokers in FMD patients was 42.6%. There were no differences in frequency of smokers between FMD patients and: a group of 994 matched control subjects from general population and a group of matched hypertensive subjects. There were no differences in the characteristics of FMD (including rates of multisite FMD and significant renal artery stenosis) and its complications (including rates of dissections and aneurysms) between smokers and non-smokers. Smokers as compared with non-smokers were characterized by higher left ventricle mass index., Conclusions: There is no difference in the rate of smokers between FMD patients and subjects from the general population. Moreover, we did not find any association between smoking and clinical characteristics of FMD patients nor its extent and vascular complications. Our results do not support the hypothesis that smoking is involved in the pathophysiology of FMD.

Objective: To provide a comprehensive assessment of left ventricle (LV) structure, and function and to detect alterations in cardiac properties in relationship to presence, subtypes and extent of fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD)., Methods: We studied 144 patients with FMD. The control group consisted of 50 matched individuals. Office and ambulatory blood pressure levels were evaluated. Echocardiography was employed to assess: left ventricular mass index (LVMI), systolic function including speckle tracking echocardiography and diastolic function assessed by mitral flow and tissue Doppler imaging., Results: There were no differences in LV morphology and function between patients with FMD and the control group. Among 128 patients with renal FMD, there were no differences in LVMI and LV systolic function between patients with unifocal and multifocal FMD. The patients with multifocal FMD were characterized by lower early diastolic velocity (e') as compared with unifocal FMD and control groups. However, in a multivariate regression model, e' was not independently correlated with FMD. There were no associations between echocardiographic indexes and vascular involvement of FMD. Also, there were no differences in LV morphology and function in patients with significant renal artery stenosis (RAS) compared with patients with history of significant RAS and patients with nonsignificant RAS., Conclusion: Our study in contrast to those with atherosclerotic RAS, did not show differences in LV morphology and function between FMD patients and matched controls. Although FMD can result in hypertension and serious vascular complications, there is no proof that it can alter LV regardless of FMD type and its extent.

Aim of the Study: The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and evolution of perirenal fluid collections in a group of 488 patients who have undergone kidney transplantation., Material and Methods: Sonographic documentation of 488 deceased-donor kidney recipients was evaluated for the prevalence of perirenal fluid collections and their evolution in time, depending on selected demographic features of the patients, time of detection, initial dimensions and precise position of the collection relative to the kidney and the location of the transplanted organ in the right or left iliac fossa. The collected data were used for statistical analysis to determine the strength of the potential relationships., Results: In 146 out of 488 subjects perirenal fluid collections were found. In 1/3 of the patients more than one fluid collection was diagnosed. Over 40% of fluid collections were detected within 10 days from the date of the first scan and 24.11% were detected within 10-20 days from the date of the first scan. The majority of fluid collections were located near the lower pole of the kidney. Perihilar collections were the least common. Collections encapsulating the kidney and subcutaneous collections were the largest in size on average. A statistically significant difference between the size of collections located on the surface and the size of those located near the upper pole of the transplanted kidney was demonstrated. However, no correlation was proven to exist between the persistence of the fluid collection and its position relative to the transplanted kidney and its initial size., Conclusions: The correct evaluation of a fluid collection's dynamics of development and nature requires periodic follow-up of the recipient, preferably in a single clinical center. Ultrasonography is an inexpensive, non-invasive and repeatable method for the determination of the presence of fluid collections. However, the decision whether treatment is necessary requires the sonographic image to be compared with the laboratory signs of inflammation and biochemical analysis of the contents of fluid collections., (© Polish Ultrasound Society.)

Renal artery pseudoaneurysms and arteriovenous fistulae most often occur as an iatrogenic complication. The article discusses a case of a patient diagnosed with an arteriovenous fistula and a pseudoaneurysm. A 64-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital due to nonspecific pain in the lumbar region. Imaging showed a typical picture of clear cell renal carcinoma. The patient was qualified for surgical treatment. After tumor resection, the patient developed microhematuria. Arteriovenous fistula and renal pseudoaneurysm were diagnosed using Doppler and computed tomography scans. The patient was qualified for arteriography with simultaneous embolization of the lesion. A follow-up evaluation confirmed the exclusion of aneurysm and fistula. Treatment outcomes were monitored using Doppler ultrasound. Doppler ultrasonography is the first method of choice in detecting and monitoring renal artery irregularities. Safety, non-invasiveness and easy access to this tool make it play a key role in the diagnosis of renal artery fistulas and pseudoaneurysms., (© Polish Ultrasound Society.)

Introduction: Atherosclerosis (arteriosclerosis) is a chronic arterial disease of the arteries with chronic inflammatory. The pathology of atherosclerosis is complex, and the atherosclerotic process is multi-factorial, not fully understood. Risk factors of atherosclerotic lesions may include: lipid disorders, hypertension or diabetes. One of the diagnostic methods of discovering atherosclerosis covers the assessment of the intima-media complex thickness by Doppler ultrasonography., Aim: The aim of this report was an evaluation of the relationships between intima-media complex thickness in the right and left carotid arteries and the occurrence of atheromatous plaque in the Lublin population with respect to three possible concomitant medical conditions, mentioned above., Material and Methods: A group of 121 subjects was included into the study, all of the participants being residential inhabitants of the Lublin Voivodship. All the participating patients were requested to fill in a questionnaire. After that, the patients were submitted to Doppler sonography concentrated on intima-media complex thickness evaluation. The occurrence of atheromatous plaque was also assessed in obtained sonographic images., Results: There were statistically significant differences for the intima-media complex thickness and for the atheromatous plaque according to all of the reported diseases: hypocholesterolaemia, hypertension and diabetes. Conclusions: The present study confirms that there is a relationship between the thickness of the intima-media complex in the right and left carotid arteries as well as the occurrence of the atherosclerotic plaque regarding the coexistence of specific disease entities in the subjects of the Lublin population., (© Polish Ultrasound Society.)

Objectives: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is not reimbursed by the Polish public health system. We present a description of 5 years of experience with MT in acute stroke in Comprehensive Stroke Centers (CSCs) in Poland., Methods and Results: We retrospectively analyzed the results of a structured questionnaire from 23 out of 25 identified CSCs and 22 data sets that include 61 clinical, radiological and outcome measures., Results: Most of the CSCs (74%) were founded at University Hospitals and most (65.2%) work round the clock. In 78.3% of them, the working teams are composed of neurologists and neuro-radiologists. All CSCs perform CT and angio-CT before MT. In total 586 patients were subjected to MT and data from 531 of them were analyzed. Mean time laps from stroke onset to groin puncture was 250±99min. 90.3% of the studied patients had MT within 6h from stroke onset; 59.3% of them were treated with IV rt-PA prior to MT; 15.1% had IA rt-PA during MT and 4.7% - emergent stenting of a large vessel. M1 of MCA was occluded in 47.8% of cases. The Solitaire device was used in 53% of cases. Successful recanalization (TICI2b-TICI3) was achieved in 64.6% of cases and 53.4% of patients did not experience hemorrhagic transformation. Clinical improvement on discharge was noticed in 53.7% of cases, futile recanalization - in 30.7%, mRS of 0-2 - in 31.4% and mRS of 6 in 22% of cases., Conclusion: Our results can help harmonize standards for MT in Poland according to international guidelines., (Copyright © 2017 Polish Neurological Society. Published by Elsevier Urban & Partner Sp. z o.o. All rights reserved.)

Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Paragangliomas (PGs) are slowly growing, usually benign neoplasms. The aim of the study was to analyze the incidence, diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients with multiple paragangliomas of the head and neck. A retrospective review of the records of 84 patients with head and neck PGs, diagnosed and treated in our institution was performed for the years 1983-2013 to identify patients with multiple tumors. Fourteen (16.6 %) patients developed multiple PGs, synchronous or metachronous, within 4-21 years of follow-up. Clinical data of these patients were reviewed to evaluate the diagnosis, location, stage and management strategy. There was a total number of 37 tumors in 14 patients. There were 20/37 (54.0 %) carotid PGs, 9/37 (24.3 %) jugular PGs and 8/37 (21.7 %) vagal PGs. Carotid PGs were observed in 12/14 (86 %) patients and in 8/14 (57 %) cases bilateral tumors occurred. Vagal PGs developed in 7/14 (50 %) patients and bilateral tumors were found in 1/14 (7 %) case. Jugular PGs occurred in 9/14 (64 %) patients. There were 30 synchronous tumors and seven metachronous PGs diagnosed 2-18 years after removal of the first tumor. Single metachronous mediastinal PG occurred. All patients had at least one tumor removed, with histopathological confirmation of the diagnosis. One patient had positive history of familial PGs. Carotid PGs are most common multiple paragangliomas. Radiological survey of the head and neck is required to detect multicentric tumors. Metachronous mediastinal and abdominal tumors may occur. Regular, prolonged follow-up is essential to identify metachronous PGs and possible postoperative gradual ICA occlusion.

Background: Formation or pre-existence of collateral gonadal veins in varicocele patients has been reported as the main cause of surgical treatment failure., Purpose: To describe venographic findings in patients with postsurgical recurrent varicoceles and to assess the efficacy of the following minimally invasive endovascular treatment., Material and Methods: Thirty-three men with failed surgical treatment of left-sided varicocele were examined between 2006 and 2013, using retrograde venography to assess the anatomy of varicocele draining veins before the attempted transcatheter embolization. Anatomic variants of gonadal veins were categorized according to the classification modified for the purpose of the present study. 3% polidocanol was used as an embolic agent together with pushable fibered coils., Results: In 31 (93%) out of 33 patients venography demonstrated incompetence of the gonadal vein or veins draining varicoceles after failed surgical treatment. The most frequent venographic finding was gonadal vein duplication - 66% of cases (39% in its mid-portion). Technical success of embolization was achieved in all 31 patients. No major complications were observed., Conclusion: Retrograde varicocele embolization may be superior to surgery because of its ability to detect gonadal vein variants. In our study group, transcatheter embolization with 3% polidocanol and fibered coils allowed successful, minimally invasive treatment of postsurgical varicoceles., (© The Foundation Acta Radiologica 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.)

Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is a benign, locally aggressive nasopharyngeal tumor. Apart from anterior lateral extension to the pterygopalatine fossa, it may spread laterally posterior to the pterygoid process, showing posterior lateral growth pattern, which is less common and more difficult to identify during surgery. We analyzed the routes of lateral spread, modalities useful in its diagnosis, the incidence of lateral extension and its influence on outcomes of surgical treatment. The records of 37 patients with laterally extending JNA treated at our institution between 1987 and 2011 were retrospectively evaluated. Computed tomography was performed in all patients and magnetic resonance imaging in 17 (46 %) patients. CT and MRI were evaluated to determine routes and extension of JNA lateral spread. Anterior lateral extension to the pterygopalatine fossa occurred in 36 (97 %) patients and further to the infratemporal fossa in 20 (54 %) patients. In 16 (43 %) cases posterior lateral spread was observed: posterior to the pterygoid process and/or between its plates. The recurrence rate was 29.7 % (11/37). The majority of residual lesions was located behind the pterygoid process (7/11). Recurrent disease occurred in 3/21 patients with anterior lateral extension, in 7/15 patients with both types of lateral extensions and in 1 patient with posterior lateral extension. JNA posterior lateral extension may spread behind the pterygoid process or between its plates. The recurrence rate in patients with anterior and/or posterior lateral extension is significantly higher than in patients with anterior lateral extension only. Both CT and MRI allow identification of the anterior and posterior lateral extensions.

Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is a benign lesion with locally aggressive nature. Knowledge of its typical growth patterns is crucial for precise preoperative staging and adequate preoperative patient counseling. This pictorial essay focuses on characteristic radiological features and paths of invasive growth of this rare tumor. Also, the impact of accurate preoperative evaluation of tumor extensions on surgical planning and results of treatment are discussed., (© The Foundation Acta Radiologica 2013 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.)

We report the case of successful endovascular treatment of large saccular aneurysm of SVC in a patient with vascular malformation of right hand and chest. Considering the high risk of surgery, the patient was referred for percutaneous intervention. Venography showed communication between the aneurysm and SVC, just below brachiocephalic confluence. That is why the decision of balloon-protected transcatheter thrombin injection was made. Selective catheter was placed in the aneurysm and balloon occlusion catheter in SVC. Both catheters were withdrawn right after thrombin injection. During follow-up, aneurysm slightly enlarged in early observation and after a year shrinkage was observed.

Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an abnormal connection between arteries and veins, bypassing the capillary system. In most cases, the disorder may be asymptomatic. The objective of endovascular AVM treatment is set individually for each case upon consultations with a neurosurgeon and a neurologist. The endpoint of the treatment should consist in prevention of AVM bleeding in a management procedure characterized by a significantly lower risk of complications as compared to the natural history of AVM. Endovascular interventions within AVM may include curative exclusion of AVM from circulation, embolization adjuvant to resection or radiation therapy, targeted closure of a previously identified bleeding site as well as palliative embolization. Onyx was first described in the 1990s. It is a non-adhesive and radiolucent compound. Onyx-based closure of the lumen of the targeted vessel is obtained by means of precipitation. The process is enhanced peripherally to the main flux of the injected mixture. This facilitates angiographic monitoring of embolization at any stage. The degree of lumen closure is associated with the location of the vessel. Supratentorial and cortical locations are most advantageous. Dense and plexiform structure of AVM nidus as well as a low number of supplying vessels and a single superficial drainage vein are usually advantageous for Onyx administration. Unfavorable factors include nidus drainage into multiple compartments as well as multiarterial supply of the AVM, particularly from meningeal arteries, en-passant arteries or perforating feeders. Onyx appears to be a safe and efficient material for embolization of cerebral AVMs, also in cases of intracranial bleeding associated with AVM. Curative embolization of small cerebral AVMs is an efficient and safe alternative to neurosurgical and radiosurgical methods. Careful angiographic assessment of individual arteriovenous malformations should be performed before each Onyx administration.

Internal carotid stenosis constitutes a significant clinical challenge, since it is the cause of 20-25% of ischemic brain strokes. The management of the internal carotid stenosis for many years has been raising controversies amongst neurologists, vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists mainly due to the introduction of endovascular stenting as an alternative to surgical treatment. Its application, however, requires knowledge of specific selection criteria for this kind of treatment as well as of the methods of monitoring patients after stent implantation into the internal carotid artery. Duplex Doppler ultrasound examination is currently a basis for the diagnosis of the arterial stenosis of precranial segments of the carotid arteries. It allows a reliable assessment of not only the course and morphology of the walls, but also of the hemodynamics of blood flow. Interventional treatment is applicable in patients with internal carotid stenosis of ≥70%, which is accompanied by an increase of the systolic flow velocity above 200 cm/s and the end-diastolic velocity above 50-60 cm/s in the stenotic lumen. In most cases, such a diagnosis in duplex Doppler ultrasound examination does not require any confirmation by additional diagnostic methods and if neurological symptoms are also present, it constitutes a single indication for interventional treatment. When deciding about choice of surgical or endovascular method of treatment, the following factors are of crucial importance: morphology of atherosclerotic plaque, its size, echogenicity, homogeneity of its structure, its surface and outlines. By means of ultrasound examinations, patients can be monitored after endovascular stent implantation. They enable evaluation of the degree of stent patency and allow for an early detection of symptoms indicating stenosis recurrence or presence of in-stent thrombosis. When interpreting the findings of the US checkup, it is essential to refer to the initial examination performed in the first days after the procedure and the next ones conducted during the monitoring period.

Nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (NA) is a rare, vascular tumor affecting adolescent males. Due to aggressive local growth, skull base location and risk of profound hemorrhage, NA is a challenge for surgeons. Angiofibromas have been sporadically described in extanasopharyngeal locations. We review ten cases of extranasopharyngeal angiofibroma (ENA) and discuss the incidence, clinical presentation and management of this pathology. The group consisted of 4 males and 5 females aged 8-49. There were 7 patients with nasal angiofibroma, 1 patient with laryngeal angiofibroma, 1 patient with oral angiofibroma and another patient with infratemporal fossa tumor. In patients with nasal angiofibroma most common presenting symptoms were nasal obstruction and epistaxis. Patients with laryngeal angiofibroma suffered from mild dysphagia and patients with the infratemporal fossa tumor had painless cheek swelling. In four patients with nasal tumor computed tomography (CT) demonstrated mass with strong to intermediate contrast enhancement. In one patient with nasal tumor carotid angiography demonstrated pathological vessels without intensive tumor blush. Infratemporal fossa tumor showed intensive contrast enhancement on CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and abundant vascularity on angiography. Laryngeal and oral angiofibroma required no radiological imaging. Three nasal tumors were evaluated before introduction of CT to clinical practice. All patients underwent surgery. No recurrences developed. ENAs differ significantly from NAs regarding clinical and radiological presentations. They lack typical clinical and radiological features as they develop in all age groups and in females, may be less vascularised, arise from various sites and produce a variety of symptoms.

We present the case of 28 years old patient hospitalized at the Regional Center of Clinical Toxicology in Lublin after carbon monoxide poisoning. The level of carboxyhemoglobin was 33.3%. Because of neurological symptoms MR of brain was performed with normal result. During hospitalization the progression of clinical symptoms was observed and the patient underwent control MR of brain. The result was abnormal and show changes bilaterally in white matter.

Introduction: Tau protein is a potential marker of neuronal damage. The aim of the study is to investigate its potential role as a marker of brain atrophy in multiple sclerosis (MS)., Materials and Methods: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood samples were collected from 48 patients with multiple sclerosis. Total-tau (t-tau) and phospho(181Thr)-tau (p-tau) concentrations were assayed with commercially available INNOTEST® hTAU Ag and INNOTEST® phospho181Thr-tau((181P)) and correlated with indices of brain atrophy in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical characteristics of the study population., Results: T-tau concentration in CSF was significantly higher in relapsing-remitting (RR) compared to secondary progressive (SP) MS patients (P = 0.01). Brain parenchymal fraction (BPF) was significantly decreased in SP patients (P = 0.002). BPF in the whole study population correlated inversely with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) (r = -0.51, P = 0.0002) and Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (MSSS) (r = -0.42, P = 0.002). T-tau in CSF in the whole patient group correlated inversely with EDSS (r = -0.58, P = 0.0006)., Conclusions: The results of our study suggest that total-tau concentration in CSF in a MS population decreases in the course of disease and reflects degree of parenchymal brain loss.

This study was performed to investigate the relationship between left atrium (LA) volume index (LAVI) and left ventricle electrical activity presumably repolarization in end-stage renal disease patients. Study group was consisted of 120 dialyzed patients divided into two subgroups: 57 (age 50.7 ± 7.1) were on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and 73 (age 51.6 ± 7.6) were hemodialyzed (HD). All patients were undergoing three-dimensional vectorcardiographic (VCG) monitoring to assess parameters concerning T vector: QRS-T angle, Tel, and Taz. Standard echocardiography was performed to assess: LAmax, LAshort, LAlong. LAVI was calculated due to formula: LAVI = (π/6X [LAmax × LAshort × LAlong])/m2. LAVI in HD as well as in CAPD patients was significantly higher compared with controls (respectively: 36.29 ± 10.92; 36.41 ± 11.06; 20.64 ± 6.77 mL/m2). The calculated cutoff value of LAVI was 36.32 mL/m2. In HD patients, the strong correlations between LAVI and QRS-T angle and Tel were determined (respectively: r = 0.407, P < 0.001 and r = 0.359, P = 0.006). Similarly in CAPD group were significant associations between LAVI and QRS-T angle and Tel (respectively: r = 0.423, P < 0.001 and r = 0.374, P = 0.004). The QRS-T angle, Tel and Taz are independently and markedly associated with LAVI in both HD and CAPD patients. LAVI and VCG indices are higher in both HD and CAPD patients. Correlation between QRS-T angle and LAVI may reflect unfavorable influence on the electrical activity of the heart in dialyzed patients with left ventricle diastolic dysfunction. LAVI cutoff value is useful biomarker for stratification of ventricle repolarization disturbances in those patients.

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), known as well as Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome (ORW disease) is autosomal dominant inheritance disease with the worldwide prevalence of 1 case per 5000-10000 population. The pathophysiology of the disease consists of disorders in the growth and migration of endothelial cells, which leads to telangiectasias and arterio-venous malformations (AVM) development. Vascular abnormalities can form in various organs. The most frequent locations are nose and mouth mucous membranes, as well as the rest of GI tract, skin, lungs, urinary system and central nervous system. The most common symptom is reccurent epistaxis (80-90% of patients). Advanced stage disease can result in extensive bleeding with dicrease in hemoglobin levels. Unfortunately, the only available treatment options for Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrom fight the symptoms, not the essential cause, and because of the rarity of the disease there are no guidelines for effective therapy. We are presenting a case of a patient suffering from recurrent episodes of nose bleeding due to hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, who was successfully treated using low-invasive, intravascular arterial embolisation in interventional radiology department.

Vein of galen malformation (VOGM) is a very rare disease which affects blood vessels of the brain. In general population the incidence is estimated at 1%. Treatment of choice is transluminal embolization. We present the case of five-month-old child with low degree heart failure, hydrocephalus and significantly delayed psychomotor development. MR examination reveals a vein of Galen malformations, wall type (type I according to Yasargil) 6 cm in diameter, with venous drainage to the sinus rectus. The enlarged vein filled with thrombus. It causes brain stem compression. Angiography shows one feeder leading to the VOGM, from right posterior brain artery. Lesion was treated with two embolic materials: 5 coils and 2 ml of ONYX. Angiography confirmed total exclusion of the fistula and the circulation in the vein of Galen. One of the most important elements of treatment is to perform a proper diagnosis and evaluation of lesions morphology. With proper technique, high skills and proper equipment, intravascular embolization of vein of Galen malformation is an effective treatment.

Since the last decade, the use of external pacing systems became very popular and this means more frequent need for lead extraction or exchange. The extraction of "old", indwelling pacemaker or defibrillator leads is a standard procedure, done in many electrophysiology labs using many modern techniques. However, when a lead is torn off, and stays intravenous --its extraction is difficult. First, it must be caught endovascular, withdrawn out of a body and then extracted. Below, we present the case of successful extraction of torn off lead in a 25-year-old male by means of interventional radiology endovascular techniques.

Ureteric stricture is the cause of urinary retention above the stricture level and obstructive nephropathy development with progressive renal parenchyma destruction leading to the renal failure. In the management of ureteric stricture, apart from surgery, less-invasive methods of recanalization are applied: transurethral (retrograde) double J stent implantation or, if the above method is unsuccessful, percutaneous (antegrade) double J stent implantation. In this paper we present 2 cases of percutaneous double J stent implantation: in patient after cystoprostatectomy with ureteric stricture at the level of uretero-ileostomy and in patient after renal transplantation with ureteric stricture at the level of ureterovesicostomy.

Increasing number of complications of cardiac pacemaker implantations is related to increasing number of this procedures due to the aging of the population. A rare complication after pacemaker implantation is subclavian fistula. We present endovascular treatment of subclavian fistula with a covered stent after implantation of cardiac pacemaker.

Aim: Study was designed to assess relationship between aortic compliance and homogeneity of heart electrical activity in dialysis patients., Methods: Study group was consisted of 120 dialyzed patients; 57 (age 50,7 ± 7,1) were on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and 73 (age 51,6 ± 7,6) were hemodialyzed (HD). Three-dimensional vectorocardiographic (VCG) monitoring was done to assess: QRS-T(angle), T(el) and T(az). Echocardiography was performed to assess: Ao(max), Ao(min), ASI (aortic siffness index)., Results: ASI in HD as well as in CAPD patients was significantly higher compared to controls [resp., 5,51 (±1,32), 5,83 (±1,41), 3,07 (±1,09)]. Cut-off value of ASI was 5,67. In HD patients strong correlations between ASI and QRS-T(angle), T(el) and T(az) were determined (resp., r = 0,429, P < 0,001; r = 0,432, P ≤ 0,001 and r = 0,387, P = 0,001). In CAPD group were significant association between ASI and QRS-T(angle), T(el) and T(az) (resp., r = 0,452, P < 0,001; r = 0,417, P < 0,001 and r = 0,390, P = 0,001). ASI was independently and markedly associated with: QRS-T(angle), T(elev), T(az), ADMA, cTnT, CRP, Total-chol, LDL-chol in HD and CAPD patients., Conclusions: ASI and VCG indices are higher in HD and CAPD patients. Correlation between ASI and VCG parameters may reflect unfavourable influence of poor aortic compliance on the electrical activity of the heart in dialyzed patients. Hypertrophy aggravates repolarization disturbances in hemodialyzed patients.

Proximal fixation is often limiting for endovascular thoracic aortic aneu. rysm repair and the stentgraft may need to cover the origin of the arch branch vessels. Chimney technique have been proposed to preserve flow into over stented branches during or after stent graft implantation. The aim of this report is to share our initial experience of this technique.

Implantation of the ovum within the scar after cesarean section is the rarest form of ectopic pregnancy. We present the case of 32-year-old patient with vaginal bleeding in 10th week of pregnancy. Missed abortion was diagnosed. Previous pregnancy was terminated by caesarean section. During hospitalization spontaneous abortion had place. The patient was qualified to curettage after which massive vaginal bleeding occurred. Ectopic pregnancy in the scar after cesarean section was diagnosed. Because of the patients age and desire to preserve fertility, embolization of the uterine artery was performed. Gelatine sponge, unstable embolic material was used. The procedure successfully stopped the bleeding. Six months after embolization patient feels well and menstruates regularly. Embolization could be a lifesaving procedure, moreover it could be an alternative for surgical treatment in young patients, who wants to save their fertility.

Despite, new diagnostic and treatment techniques, the wide majority of patients are still diagnosed too late and only from 5% to 10% of patients are qualified for tumour surgical resection. Up to date, treatment for advanced, inoperable liver tumors includes systemic chemotherapy, sorafenib therapy and selective, local arterial injection of chemotherapeutic drug into tumour vessels with simultaneous vessel closure - transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE). Beceause of recent development of palliative treatment techniques, the treatment guidelines are changed, especially in advanced stage disease with HCC. Unfortunately, too low percentage of patients is qualified for this type of treatment. We present a case of a patient suffering from advenced stage hepatocellular cancer treated with palliative chemoembolisation using microspheres. In whom, after treatment, regression of the tumor was observed and patient was referred to radical surgery.

Background: Only 10 to 20% of patients with hepatic metastases qualify for radical resection of their lesions. The treatment issue among the rest of patients is a small clinical response to overall chemiotherapy and the frequent inability to treat patients with percutaneous thermoablation. In the latter circumstance, parallel to the radical surgery, the reason is the size of the lesion or lack of access to it., Material/methods: 15 patients with hepatic metastases, who had been rejected from consideration of radical resection and thermoablation were subjected to chemoembolization of the proper hepatic artery branches. The procedure was performed using Hepasphere 50-100 μm impregnated with 100 mg of Doxorubicine. The primary tumor sites included: colorectal ca, cholangiocarcinoma, gastrinoma, gallbladder ca, pancreatic ca, GIST, lung ca, kidney ca, breast ca and larynx ca. The evolution of the disease was monitored by MRI scanning, which was performed after a mean time of 7.6 weeks from the chemoembolization. During the study, we compared patients' quality of life (using Edmonton Evaluating System); length of hospital stay, chemoembolization side effects, and remission or progression of the disease by the RECIST 1.1 scale., Results: 26.7% of patients had remission of the metastatic disease, 33.4% experienced stable desease and 26,7% suffered lesion progression. Two patients did not report to the MRI examination. Chemoembolzation's side effects were small and the quality of patients' live improved. Effectiveness depended on the overal condition of the patient, and the stage of the primary disease., Conclusions: Chemoembolization is a minimally invasive, safe and possibly effective palliative procedure in patients with hepatic metastases. Further investigation on a larger group of patients is required and will be continued.