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Purpose: Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vvECMO) is indicated in patients with refractory severe acute respiratory failure. Although venous thrombosis due to indwelling catheters is a frequent complication, little is known about the incidence after ECMO. The aim of the study was to analyze the incidence of thrombosis and its risk factors after vvECMO. Methods: We analyzed 251 consecutive patients of the prospective Regensburg ECMO registry, who were treated with vvECMO in a medical ICU between 2010 and 2017. After weaning from ECMO, duplex sonography or computer tomography examinations were conducted to detect thrombosis. Vein occlusion >50% was classified as clinically relevant. The incidence of thrombosis was correlated with coagulation parameters (aPTT, D-dimers, INR, fibrinogen, plasma free hemoglobin and platelets), cannula size, time on vvECMO, renal failure, and underlying malignant disease. Results: 172/197 (87%) patients were screened after weaning. 106 patients (62%) showed thrombosis, that was considered clinically relevant in 48/172 (28%). The incidence of thrombosis was higher in patients with mean aPTT of ≤50s (p=0.028) and in patients with a decline in D-dimers ≤50% (p=0.027) the day after decannulation after adjustment for risk factors. Conclusion: The incidence of venous thrombosis after vvECMO is high. Reduced systemic anticoagulation, which is currently increasingly suggested for ECMO, seems to enhance the risk. Sustained elevation of D-dimers after decannulation may indicate thrombosis. All patients should undergo routine duplex sonography after ECMO to evaluated the need of prolonged anticoagulation.

Emine Dogan,1 Ozkan Sever,2 Burcin Köklü Çakir,1 Erkan Celik1 1Department of Ophthalmology, Sakarya University Medical Education and Research Hospital, Sakarya, Turkey; 2Department of Ophthalmology, Namik Kemal University School of Medicine, Namik Kemal University, Tekirdag, Turkey Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of initial intravitreal ranibizumab injection on visual acuity (VA) and central macular thickness (CMT) for the treatment of macular edema (ME) with and without serous retinal detachment (SRD) secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Materials and methods: Fifty-two BRVO eyes, treated with intravitreal ranibizumab injection for ME with and without SRD, were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups according to spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). The efficacy of intravitreal ranibizumab injection at first month was assessed by analyzing the change in best-corrected VA and reduction in CMT with SD-OCT. Results: There were 21 patients with SRD and 31 patients with only CME (no-SRD). CMT was significantly greater in the SRD group than in the CME group (451±62.2 µm vs 383.5±37.2 µm, respectively, P

Ocular emergencies contribute to a large proportion of ocular pathologies. These may even be organ-threatening diseases such as central retinal artery and vein occlusion or globe rupture. Conventional physical examination may not always be feasible in emergency situations but decision-making in time is critical in the interest of patient in few of these conditions. Sonography in this setting plays an important role, allowing real-time, quick and dynamic evaluation. Common acute ocular pathologies such as retinal detachment, lens dislocation and globe rupture can be easily diagnosed by ultrasound. Vascular lesions can be identified using Doppler. This article illustrates the sonographic appearance in traumatic and non-traumatic acute ocular pathologies.

Hemangioendothelioma is rarely encountered in the orbit. We present a patient with a growing orbital mass for whom surgical excision was planned. Two previous attempts at removing the mass failed due to profuse bleeding. Endovascular embolization was performed before surgery to prevent massive hemorrhage. After embolization, retinal vascular accident (combined central retinal artery and vein occlusion) occurred. However, surgical excision (lateral orbitotomy and transcoronal craniotomy) was successful, and the vision improved postoperatively. Histopathologic examination and immunohistochemistry study confirmed the diagnosis of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma. The combined approach by a team of specialists, including an interventional radiologist performing preoperative embolization of the feeding vessel and joint surgery by a neurosurgeon and oculoplastic surgeon, was the key to the effective treatment of this vascular orbital neoplasm.

New findings What is central question of this study What are the differences between a traditional renal pedicle-clamping model of acute kidney injury and models with occluded renal artery or vein alone in rats? What is main finding and its importance? During renal venous occlusion, transmission of high arterial pressure into renal capillaries is likely to have caused the rupture of their walls and the occurrence of haemorrhagic congestion that led to higher kidney tissue damage and dysfunction than with pedicle and artery clamping. Abstract Animal models of ischaemic acute kidney injury (AKI) are valuable tools, but their therapeutic outcomes are not usually translated to humans. Ischaemic AKI in murines is mostly induced via renal pedicle clamping, which is different from patients with AKI that is due to renal artery hypoperfusion or vein thrombosis. This study was designed to compare the traditional pedicle-clamping with artery or vein occlusion alone in rat models of bilateral renal ischaemia-reperfusion (BIR). Twenty-eight anaesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups, a sham-operation group and groups that underwent 2 h reperfusion following 30 min clamping of renal arteries (BIR-A group), veins (BIR-V group) or pedicles (BIR-P group). The levels of epithelial injury in proximal tubules and thick ascending limb, intratubular casts and vascular congestion as well as renal malondialdehyde were moderately lower in the BIR-A than BIR-P group, while the BIR-V group showed much higher degrees of these damages than both these groups along with massive haemorrhagic congestion. Accordingly, renal blood flow, glomerular filtration, Na+ reabsorption, K+ and urea excretion, free water reabsorption and urine osmolality were lower in the BIR-V group than in the BIR-A and BIR-P groups, while the BIR-P group had slightly worse renal functional disorders than the BIR-A group. It seems that transmission of high arterial pressure into renal microvessels during venous occlusion causes rupture of capillary walls and haemorrhagic congestion, which leads to intensive kidney injury. In conclusion, the differences in renal disturbances induced by artery, vein and pedicle clamping strongly suggest use of a proper experimental model for each type of human ischaemic AKI.

AIM: To determine acute and chronic choroidal vascular changes after vortex vein occlusion in monkeys. METHODS: One or two temporal vortex veins were occluded in 8 cynomolgus monkeys. Fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine green angiogram (ICGA), and enhanced-depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) were performed preoperatively and at 1d, 1, 4, 8 and 12wk after occlusion. EDI-OCT images were binarized to calculate the choroid vascular index (CVI). RESULTS: ICGA showed delayed filling of choroidal arteries in occluded quadrants in eyes with two occluded temporal vortex veins within 1wk. The thickness of the superotemporal choroid increased 1d and 4wk after occlusion, the thickness of the superonasal and inferonasal choroid increased 12wk after occlusion, and the CVI of the superonasal quadrant increased 8wk after occlusion in eyes with 2 occluded vortex veins. CONCLUSION: Occlusion of two vortex veins leads to hemodynamic and structural changes in choroidal layers in the acute phase, while autoregulation may play the main role in the long term. Occlusion of one vortex vein has little influence on the hemodynamic and structural status of the choroid.

Aims and Objective - The aim of the present study is to identify risk factors associated with different retinal vascular occlusive diseases (RVOD), such as central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO), hemi-retinal artery occlusion (HRAO), branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO), cilioretinal artery occlusion (Cilio-RAO), central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO), and hemi-retinal vein occlusion (HRVO). Patients and Method - A cross-sectional study on 114 consecutive subjects, aged 24-96 years who have attended at the outpatient department of ophthalmology at Shyam Shah Medical College, Rewa, MP, were included in the study. The Duration of study was January 2016 to December 2017. Only patients with CRAO, BRAO, HRAO, Cilio-RAO, CRVO, BRVO, and HRVO were included in the study. Other retinal vascular disorders such as diabetic vaso-occlusive disease, anterior and posterior ischemic and non-ischemic neuropathy, hypertensive retinopathy, sickle cell retinopathy, retinal telangiectasia, retinopathy of prematurity, were excluded from study. Results - We have included 114 patients, 64 cases (56.14%) males, 50 (43.85%) females, aged 56+/-8 years (range 24-96 years). Bilateral retinal vascular occlusive disorders were seen in only 4 cases (3.5%). Two patients have bilateral CRVO followed by one case of bilateral BRVO and one case of bilateral CRAO. Out of 114 patients, branch retinal vein occlusion was seen in 62 cases (54.38%), followed by central retinal vein occlusion in 36 cases (31.57%), CRAO in 8 cases (7.01%), and hemi- retinal vein occlusion in 4 cases (3.50%). Hypertension was the most common, (40 cases, 35.08%) risk factor identified for retinal vascular occlusive disorders followed by diabetes 24 cases (21.05%), combined diabetes and hypertension in 22 cases (19.29%), and atherosclerosis in 18 cases (15.78%). Conclusions - Retinal vascular occlusive diseases have systemic as well as ocular risk factors. Understanding of these risk factors is essential for proper treatment of RVOD. Timely identification of risk factors for RVOD may helpful in decreasing ocular and systemic morbidity in these patients.

Patients on haemodialysis are susceptible for central vein occlusions, which can result in debilitating clinical consequences. These may be resistant to conventional revascularization with guidewire and catheter technique. Value-driven sharp recanalization of central vein occlusion is depicted as a safe and affordable option.

Introduction Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is now widely performed using cryoballoon technology. Despite technological improvements (second generation of cryoballoon), atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrences are observed in roughly 20% of the patients. Purpose The aim of the study was to look for predictive factors of AF recurrences during follow-up regarding parameters of PVI using 2nd generation cryoballoon therapy. Methods It was an observational, retrospective and monocentric study. Between June 2012 and April 2017, all patients undergone PVI using 2nd generation cryoballoon therapy at Rouen University Hospital were included. The primary endpoint was AF recurrences during follow-up. The secondary endpoints were the parameters of the procedure (for each vein: disconnection time, balloon application number, minimal balloon temperature, and level of vein occlusion), the occurrence of a redo-procedure and adverse events. Results In total, 320 patients were included. Among them, 233 patients were analysed (87 patients were excluded for lack of data). AF recurrence rate was 36.9% (N = 86) for a mean follow-up of 25 ± 14 months. The mean delay of recurrences was 10 ± 12 months. No procedure parameters of PVI using 2nd generation cryoballoon therapy were predictive of AF recurrences. Only left atrial enlargement was predictive of AF recurrences (OR = 2.70; CI95% [1.54–4.72], P = 0.001). The redo procedure rate was 17.9% (N = 42). Among these 42 patients, 32 (75.6%) had at least one pulmonary vein reconnected, mainly the right inferior pulmonary vein. No parameters were predictive of pulmonary vein reconnection. Conclusion In patients undergone PVI using 2nd generation cryoballoon, no procedure parameters seem to be predictive of AF recurrences during follow-up.

Retinal vein occlusions may decrease visual acuity. There is no known therapy to treat ocular thrombosis. The authors used fondaparinux, an ultra-low-molecular-weight heparin, to treat 13 consecutive cases of recent-onset retinal vein occlusions. Two patients with renal insufficiency were not included. Eight central retinal vein occlusions and 5 branch retinal vein occlusions in 13 patients were treated with subcutaneous fondaparinux 2.5 mg once a day. The patients were seen every 2 weeks. Macular edema was treated with intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor or steroids. Two patients elected to discontinue treatment. Of the remaining 11, 9 occlusions resolved in 1.5 to 13.5 months with rapid resolution of retinal edema and hemorrhage as soon as the occlusions resolved. One patient had a retinal vein that was still occluded after 8 months of therapy and 1 had retinal vein occlusion that partially resolved after 15 months of treatment. Of the 9 eyes with occlusions that resolved, visual acuity improved in 7. In 2, visual acuity decreased due to macular ischemia. Occlusion recurred in 1 2.5 months after the suspension of initial treatment. This patient is again being treated with fondaparinux 2.5 mg. No hemorrhaging occurred. Fondaparinux 2.5 mg can be given subcutaneously once a day to patients with recent-onset retinal vein occlusions without renal insufficiency. An occlusion may take a number of months to resolve. Once the vein occlusion has resolved, retinal edema and hemorrhage rapidly resolve and vision improves. Macular edema should be treated while waiting for the vein occlusion to resolve.

Background/Aims: Mast cells are sparsely distributed in the kidneys under normal conditions; however, the number of mast cells increases dramatically during renal ischemia/reperfusion injury (RI/RI). When mast cells are stimulated, numerous mediators are released, and under pathological conditions, they produce a wide range of biological effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of intervention in mast cell function before reperfusion on RI/RI. Methods: Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (n=50) were randomized into five groups: sham group, ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) group, cromolyn sodium treatment group (CS+I/R group), ketotifen treatment group (K+I/Rgroup), and compound 48/80 treatment group (C+I/R group). I/R injury was induced by bilateral renal artery and vein occlusion for 45 min followed by 24 h of reperfusion. The agents were intravenously administered 5 min before reperfusion through the tail vein. The serum levels of blood urea nitrogen(BUN), serum creatinine (Scr) and histamine and the kidney levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were assessed. The expression of intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in renal tissue was also measured. Results: I/R injury resulted in severe renal injury, as demonstrated by a large increase in injury scores; serum levels of BUN, Scr and histamine; and kidney levels of MDA, TNF-α, and IL-6; this was accompanied by reduced SOD activity and upregulated ICAM-1 expression. Treatment with cromolyn sodium or ketotifen markedly alleviated I/R-mediated kidney injury, whereas compound 48/80 further aggravated kidney injury. Conclusion: Intervention in mast cell activity prior to reperfusionhas a strong effect on RI/RI.

Background: Combined central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) and central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is an uncommon retinal vascular disease which causes sudden visual acuity loss and is associated with poor prognosis and the development of severe complications. We report a very rare case of combined CRAO and CRVO in a patient with factor V Leiden (FVL) mutation (only 3 cases published). To our knowledge, this is the first case of combined CRAO and CRVO treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Case and Results: A 49-year-old woman presented with complaints of sudden loss of vision in her left eye (LE), with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 1/20. A complete ophthalmic evaluation with fundus angiography showed combined CRAO and CRVO. The patient was urgently treated with HBOT (she completed a total of 9 sessions in 7 days), with marked visual acuity and angiographic improvement (BCVA of 10/10). Forty-five days later, she developed a new LE CRVO, and BCVA decreased to 5/10 and later to Conclusions: Combined CRAO and CRVO in young adults should be investigated thoroughly for embolic sources, thrombophilic disorders and local ocular conditions. This is the first case of this severe disease that was treated with HBOT, and the visual result was very good.

The objective was to investigate factors influencing internal jugular vein stenosis or occlusion after neck dissection, including the reconstructive procedure. The subjects were 73 patients (81 veins) who underwent a modified radical neck dissection, in which the internal jugular vein was preserved, or an extended supraomohyoid neck dissection (E-SOHND). All procedures were performed by the same surgeon. Internal jugular vein patency was evaluated by contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Patency was evaluated in relation to gender, side of dissection, number of pathological lymph node metastases, extracapsular spread of lymph node metastases, radiotherapy, and the reconstruction method (no reconstruction, free flap, or pedicle flap). All internal jugular vein occlusions were on the left side and all except one of these patients underwent radiotherapy. Thus, radiotherapy and left side dissection were significant risk factors for occlusion. Free flap reconstruction was not a risk factor for vein stenosis or occlusion. Patients undergoing reconstruction with pedicled musculocutaneous flaps or E-SOHND were less likely to have vein occlusion. Particular care is required for left neck dissection in patients who have undergone radical neck dissection on the right side. This study suggests that covering the internal jugular vein with the muscle might prevent vein occlusion.

Prescription of thromboprophylaxis is not a common practice in pediatric intensive care units. Most thrombi are catheter-related and asymptomatic, without causing acute complications. However, chronic complications of these (a)symptomatic catheter-related thrombi, that is, postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) and residual thrombosis have not been studied. To investigate these complications, critically ill children of 1 tertiary center with percutaneous inserted femoral central venous catheters (FCVCs) were prospectively followed. Symptomatic FCVC-thrombosis occurred in 10 of the 134 children (7.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.4-9.5). Only FCVC-infection appeared to be independently associated (P=0.001) with FCVC-thrombosis. At follow-up 2 of the 5 survivors diagnosed with symptomatic thrombosis developed mild PTS; one of them had an occluded vein on ultrasonography. A survivor without PTS had a partial occluded vein at follow-up. Asymptomatic FCVC-thrombosis occurred in 3 of the 42 children (7.1%; 95% CI, 0.0-16.7) screened by ultrasonography within 72 hours after catheter removal. At follow-up, mild PTS was present in 6 of the 33 (18.2%; 95% CI, 6.1-30.3) screened children. Partial and total vein occlusion was present in 1 (3%) and 4 (12%) children, respectively. In conclusion, children on pediatric intensive care units are at risk for (a)symptomatic FCVC-thrombosis, especially children with FCVC-infection. Chronic complications of FCVC-thrombosis are common. Therefore, thromboprophylaxis guidelines are warranted in pediatric intensive care units to minimize morbidity as a result of FCVC-thrombosis.

Background: This prospective study focuses on factors associated with arterial damage in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Materials and Methods: Eighty children and adolescents with T1D (mean age 15, range: 8-20 yrs; mean diabetes duration 7, range: 0.5 to 19 years) were investigated twice, approximately 2 years apart, for carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) and compliance (CAC), flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery, and plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8. HLA genotypes were determined in dried spots of peripheral blood by polymerase chain reaction followed by hybridization assay. The number of respiratory tract infections (RTI) during the past year was obtained by a questionnaire in 56 patients. Results: cIMT progression (% change of cIMT from baseline) correlated inversely with the % changes of both CAC (p = 0.04, r=−0.3, n=62) and FMD (p=0.03, r=−0.3, n=67). RTI frequency correlated significantly with cIMT progression irre- spective of age, diabetes duration, BMI, and HbA1c (p=0.03, r=0.3, in multivariate analysis). When patients were divided in relation to DQ2/8 genotype and RTI, the association of DQ2/8 with cIMT progression remained significant in patients with over three infections/year (p = 0.04, r = 0.3). During follow-up, the group of DQ2/8 patients with CRP > 1 mg/l showed significantly higher levels of plasma MMP-8 than the non-DQ2/8 group. Conclusions: Diabetes-risk genotype DQ2/8 and inflammation con- tribute to vascular changes in children and adolescents with T1D. (Less)

Retinal vein occlusion is the second most common cause of visual loss due to retinal vascular disease after diabetic retinopathy.1 Among the risk factors described, it is well known that the hypercoagulable state present in neoplasias can culminate in vein occlusion. It is described that any ocular structure may be involved in acute leukemia2; involvement of the choroid and retina is the most common. However, leukemic cells can infiltrate the conjunctiva and lacrimal glands, producing obvious masses. Karesh et al. published a two year prospective study of newly diagnosed adults with acute myeloid leukemia; 64% of patients had retinal or optic nerve abnormalities where hemorrhages and cotton wool spots (a consequence of nerve fiber ischemia) were the most frequent findings.3 The association between central retinal vein occlusion and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) relapse has rarely been described though.4–6 We hereby report

A 65-year-old woman with left hemiparesis and sudden loss of visual acuity in her right eye presented a few hours after cosmetic injection of autologous fat to her forehead. Right eye visual acuity was no light perception. Funduscopy revealed widespread retinal whitening and multibranch retinal vessel occlusion. Fluorescein angiography showed markedly delayed choroidal and retinal filling together with occlusion of multiple branches of retinal arteries and veins. On magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, multiple lesions compatible with recent infarction were detected. The authors diagnosed multibranch retinal artery and vein occlusion in the right ophthalmic and middle cerebral arteries due to fat emboli. This case emphasizes the need to reevaluate the safety of such aesthetic procedures, particularly in the facial zone to prevent devastating complications. [ Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina . 2015;46:593–596.]

Background: Macular edema resulting from central retinal vein occlusion is effectively treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections. However, some patients need monthly retreatment and still show frequent recurrences. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the visual and anatomic outcomes of refractory macular edema resulting from ischemic central retinal vein occlusion in patients switched from ranibizumab to aflibercept intravitreal injections. Patients and Methods: We describe a retrospective series of patients followed in the Medical Retina Unit of the Jules Gonin Eye Hospital for macular edema due to ischemic central retinal vein occlusion, refractory to monthly retreatment with ranibizumab, and changed to aflibercept. Refractory macular edema was defined as persistence of any fluid at each visit one month after last injection during at least 6 months. All patients had to have undergone pan-retinal laser scan. Results: Six patients were identified, one of whom had a very short-term follow-up (excluded from statistics). Mean age was 57 ± 12 years. The mean changes in visual acuity and central macular thickness from baseline to switch were + 20.6 ± 20.3 ETDRS letters and − 316.4 ± 276.6 µm, respectively. The additional changes from before to after the switch were + 9.2 ± 9.5 ETDRS letters and − 248.0 ± 248.7 µm, respectively. The injection intervals could often be lengthened after the switch. Conclusions: Intravitreal aflibercept seems to be a promising alternative treatment for macular edema refractory to ranibizumab in ischemic central retinal vein occlusion.

The review presents the actual questions of the etiopathogenesis of central retinal vein occlusion and its branches. It was found that predictors of disease is a pathology of haemostasis, including asymptomatic gene mutations of coagulation factors and platelet receptors, chronic viral infections, rheumatological and oncological diseases, hypertension, metabolic disorders, smoking, physical inactivity, inflammatory diseases of the retinal and optic nerve, congenital and acquired abnormalities of retinal vascular, glaucoma.The article also focused on the reasons for the formation of a blood clot. This is damage to the vascular wall, slowing the speed of blood flow in the vessel, hypercoagulation and hypofibrinolysis. Prevailing theories of the pathogenesis of retinal vein occlusion are analyzed. This is mechanical and theory “coag- ulopathy” whose arguments and counterarguments are discussed in detail. In addition, patients with reti- nal vein occlusion are needed in a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of this disease. It is to im- prove the clinical and functional results of therapy and prevent the case of retrombosis.

Introduction. Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) is a severe chronic connective tissue disease, which results in involvement of numerous internal organs. Changes in the eye are the consequences of organ-specific manifestations of scleroderma or adverse effects of immunosuppressive treatment applied. Case report. We reported a 42-year-old woman with systemic sclerosis and acute deterioration of vision in the left eye, with visual acuity 0.9. After thorough clinical examination, including fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography, the diagnosis of nonischemic central retinal vein occlusion was made. Further biochemical, rheumatological and immunological investigation, apart from inactive systemic sclerosis, showed normal findings. Therefore, the cause of central retinal vein occlusion could only be attributed to the microvascular changes in systemic sclerosis. After three months, visual acuity deteriorated to 0.6 due to the development of cystoid macular edema. The patient received intravitreal injection of bevacizumab and after a single dose visual acuity improved to 0.9. After a 6- month follow-up, macular edema resolved and visual acuity stabilized. Conclusion. According to our knowledge and current data from the literature, central retinal vein occlusion is a rare vision threatening manifestation of scleroderma. There are only few published case reports on central vein occlusion in scleroderma patients. Examination of the ocular fundus is recommended for evaluation of vascular disease in patients with systemic sclerosis.

To review the clinical applications and diagnostic value of the retinal function imager (RFI), briefly compare RFI to other optical imaging devices, and to describe recent developments.The search words "Retinal Functional Imager," "optical imaging," "retina angiography," "avascular zone," "foveal avascular zone," and other closely related terms were used in PubMed to review current literature involving the RFI.The functions of the RFI were utilized in over 44 microvascular studies, which reported that the microvasculature may alter in velocity, morphology, and oximetry when affected by a number of ocular, neurological, or systemic diseases. Recently developed automatic algorithms for noninvasive angiography of large retinal regions, segmenting vessels, measuring blood flow, blood velocity, vessel diameter, and oximetry may enhance the clinical applications of the RFI.The RFI has been used to characterize the retinal microvasculature under various conditions of all prevalent retinal diseases in addition to some central nerve system (CNS) and systemic diseases. Applying the RFI in research and clinical settings should help earlier diagnosis, support disease prevention, and improve treatment management.

Years ago, we revealed a novel cytoprotective mediator, stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157, particular anti-ulcer peptide that heals different organs lesions when given as a therapy, native in human gastric juice while maintaining GI-tract mucosal integrity, already tested in trials (ulcerative colitis and now multiple sclerosis). The stomach cytoprotection is the most fundamental concept, stomach cell protection and endothelium protection are largely elaborated, but so far cell, protection and endothelium protection outside of the stomach were not implemented in the therapy. However, having managed these two points, stomach cell protection and endothelium protection, either one or together, even much more than standard cytoprotective agents do, BPC 157 employed large scale of its beneficial effects seen in various organs. Providing endothelium protection, BPC 157 was shown to prevent formation and reverse established thrombosis in anastomosed abdominal aorta as well as venous thrombosis after inferior caval vein occlusion, and attenuate bleeding prolongation and thrombocytopenia after amputation, without or with anticoagulants, or venous occlusion, and finally counteract effect of L-NAME and/or L- arginine. Now, with BPC 157 application, we reveal the third most important part of the cytoprotection concept: with the stomach cell and endothelium protection to recover mucosal integrity, BPC 157 as prototype cytoprotective agent should also control blood vessel function, depending upon injury, perforated defect or vessel obstruction. After a perforated injury (i.e., stomach), BPC 157 therapy activates blood vessels “running” towards defect. After obstruction (i.e., inferior caval vein), BPC 157 activates vessels “running” towards bypassing defect, collaterals functioning. Reestablished blood flow, and largely reversed injurious course may practically implement the cytoprotection concept.

and methods: Twenty rats were used in this study. The 3 3 3c m 2 epigastric skin island flaps were elevated on either side. The animals were randomly assigned to two groups; an arterial occlusion group (n 510) and a venous occlusion group (n 510). The StO2 values of the flaps were observed for over 30 min for the pedicle artery or venous occlusion, followed by an additional 30 min release. Results: The baseline StO2 value was 78.4% 63.2% in the arterial occlusion group, compared to 78.5% 65.8% in the venous occlusion group, with no significant differences (P >0.05). The StO2 values decreased immediately after arterial occlusion, whereas a temporal StO2 increase was initially observed after venous occlusion, followed by a StO2 decrease. The StO2 values decreased 27.3% 67.1% after arterial occlusion and 28.4% 619.1% after venous occlusion at 30 min after pedicle vessel clamping (P >0.05). The StO2 values were 0.4% 65.8% lower than baseline 30 min after arterial release (P >0.05), while 18.9% 611.3% lower than baseline 30 min after venous release (P

BackgroundThis was a prospective study of radiofrequency segmental thermal ablation (RFA) for the treatment of incompetent varicose great saphenous veins (GSVs). The present report describes long-term follow-up at 5 years.MethodsThe 5-year follow-up of this multicentre European study included assessment of the Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), and GSV occlusion and reflux on duplex imaging.ResultsA total of 225 patients had 295 GSVs treated by RFA, achieving an initial vein occlusion rate of 100 per cent. With 80·0 per cent compliance, Kaplan–Meier analyses showed a GSV occlusion rate of 91·9 per cent and a reflux-free rate of 94·9 per cent at 5 years. Among the 15 GSVs noted with reflux during follow-up, only three showed full recanalization of the GSV at 1 week, 6 months and 3 years. Of the 12 legs with partial recanalization, reflux originated at the saphenofemoral junction in ten, with a mean length of the patent segment of 5·8 (range 3·2–10) cm; only six patients were symptomatic. Mean(s.d.) VCSS scores improved from 3·9(2·1) at baseline to 0·6(1·2), 0·9(1·3) and 1·3(1·7) at 1, 3 and 5 years.ConclusionAt 5 years RFA proved to be an efficient endovenous treatment for incompetent GSVs in terms of sustained clinical and anatomical success for the vast majority of treated patients.

Purpose Retina vein occlusion (RVO) is a visual-threatening retinal disease that causes irreversible impaired quality of life. The contribution of oxidative stress behind clinical course of RVO was rarely investigated. The study aimed to measure the serum oxidative biomarker in patients with RVO to investigate further physical response. Methods We measured the serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG), Sirutin 1 (SIRT1), peroxisome proliferator- activated receptor gamma (PPAR-r), Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), orkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1), orkhead box protein O3 (FOXO3), catalase, (SOD) and hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) among 19 patients with cataract as control group and 36 patients with RVO, respectively. Results The mean MDA, 8OHdG and hydrogen peroxide in the serum were significantly higher in patients with RVO compared with the results in control group subjects. Whereas SIRT1, PPAR-r, PGC-1, FOXO1, FOXO3, catalase and SOD levels in serum were significantly decreased in patients with RVO compared with control group. Conclusion We demonstrated that the serum level of MDA, 8OHdG and hydrogen peroxide is increased in patients with RVO. Among these, the elevation of MDA, 8OHdG and hydrogen peroxide suggests the increasing of serum oxidative stress in RVO patients. All enzymes related reactive oxygen species scavenge were decreased. Thus, focal RVO may increase systemic oxidative stress within serum.

A 15-year-old healthy boy developed acute, rapidly progressing visual loss in left eye following herpes zoster dermatitis, with a combined central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) and central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), along with optic perineuritis. Laboratory tests were negative. Despite an empirical, intensive antiviral treatment with systemic corticosteroids, and vision could not be restored in the affected eye. Herpes zoster dermatitis, in an immunocompetent individual, may be associated with a combined CRAO and CRVO along with optic perineuritis, leading to profound visual loss.

This study evaluated the incidence of central vein occlusion (CVO) and analyzed the interventional management for CVO during peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement to suggest an adequate management protocol to ensure the success and patency of PICCs.We retrospectively reviewed the records of 2568 PICCs to identify CVO in two medical centers between January 2016 and June 2017. Procedural images were reviewed for the following items: date and indication for the PICC; type of catheter; accessed vein and arm; characteristics of CVO on ascending arm venography; PICC placement technique; indwelling period of the PICC; and follow-up records. A guidewire passage trial was performed to the CVO, as follows: a trial with a 0.018-inch single or double guidewire through the pretrimmed PICC lumen; and a trial with a combination of a 0.035-inch guidewire and a curved 5F diagnostic catheter through the PICC introducer sheath.The incidence of CVO was 3.2% (71/2232), and 59 patients were analyzed (23 men; mean age, 69 ± 11 years; median age, 80 years; age range, 31-92 years). Forty-four patients had thrombotic CVO, and 12 patients had acute thrombotic CVO. Thirty-six patients had occlusion of the left innominate vein, and six patients had contiguous involvement of the adjacent central vein. Forty-two patients had obtuse stump morphology of CVO, and 28 patients had gradeIII collateral development. The PICC indwelling time was statistically different between the group with successful catheter advancement (n = 36, success group) and the group with failed catheter advancement (n = 18, failure group; P = .007) with ipsilateral trimmed PICCs. Eight patients had a symptomatic catheter associated with upper extremity deep venous thrombosis (UEDVT; 30 days), one in the success group and seven in the failure group. The incidence of catheter-associated UEDVT after primary PICC placement on each arm was statistically different between the success and failure groups (P = .004).A PICC passage trial for ipsilateral CVO is challenging but frequently successful with a simple guidewire technique, which can preserve catheter patency, decrease contralateral arm access, and prevent the development of new catheter-associated UEDVT.

Objective In this study, the clinical results of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and n-butyl-cyanoacrylate embolization (CAE) methods were compared in the treatment of incompetent great saphenous veins (GSVs). Methods We analyzed retrospectively 244 patients (128 patients in the RFA group, 116 patients in the CAE group) with incompetent GSVs who were treated with RFA and CAE according to the patients' choice between June 2013 and June 2016. All patients were thoroughly examined preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the operation, and the clinical results and the quality of life were evaluated. Color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) results were compared between two groups after the operation and at 12 months. Complete vein occlusion was defined as the success of the treatment. Results There was no significant difference between patients treated with RFA or CAE in terms of demographic and clinical features. In CDUS after operation, total occlusion was detected in the saphenous vein in both groups. At the 12-month CDUS, complete occlusion of the GSV was observed in 99.5% of the CAE group and 96.6% of the RFA group (P = .072). Skin burn, which we consider a major complication, occurred only in one patient. No other major complications were seen in either group. Severe pain, ecchymosis, and sensitivity were the most common of the side effects, and these were significantly higher in RFA group than in CAE group. Severe pain occurred in 12.5% of the RFA patients and 4.3% of the CAE patients (P = .042), ecchymosis occurred in 20.3% of the RFA patients and 12% of the CAE patients (P = .044), and sensitivity occurred in 21.9% of the RFA patients and 12.1% of the CAE patients (P = .038), respectively. Conclusions Based on the present data, our findings suggest that CAE is as effective as RFA ablation with similar rates of successful occlusion and can be associated with less pain and fewer complications than RFA; it also may yield better patient comfort. The current results should be verified with further randomized, controlled trials with longer term follow-up and larger patient groups.

Background and Objectives: Concomitant neurologic manifestations and positive antiphospholipid antibodies (APAs) have been investigated in different manners. The present study aimed to investigate the association between neurologic manifestations and APAs. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 100 consecutive patients with selected neurological manifestations and at least one positive APAs within the age range of 20-50 years, referred to the Rheumatic Diseases Research Center from the Northeast Central Neurology Department of Iran during August 2012 to March 2014. Results: According to the results, 89% of the participants were persistently positive for APAs, including lupus anticoagulant, IgG anticardiolipin (aCL), IgM aCL, IgG β-2 glycoprotein 1 (β2- GP1), and IgM β2-GP1, observed in 16%, 41%, 42%, 17%, and 15% of the patients, respectively. Furthermore, 10% of the patients had concomitant lupus manifestations, and 37% of them showed anti-DNA. The IgG and IgM aCL were the most prevalent antibodies. Cerebral vascular accident (33%), retinal artery/vein occlusion (21%), and seizure (20%) were the most frequent presentations among the patients. In addition, the patients with multiple sclerosis (composing 3% of the subjects) were 100% positive for IgG and IgM aCL, as well as lupus anticoagulant. In addition, IgM anti-β2- GP1 was 100% positive in optic neuritis patients (composing 5% of the subjects) and was significantly associated with this neurologic disorder. IgM anti-β2-GP1 was also prevalent in the cases with Guillain-Barré syndrome. The most prevalent persistently positive antibody in the patients with cerebrovascular accident was IgM aCL. Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed some associations between the subtypes of APAs and incidence of neurologic disorders. However, the exact correlation between those symptoms and APAs needs further investigations.

We report a case of combined central retinal vein occlusion and branch retinal artery occlusion. A previously healthy 47-year-old male presented with decreased vision in the right eye after completing a half marathon. A fundus exam and retinal imaging revealed a combined central retinal vein and branch retinal artery occlusion. In the present report, we review the literature and discuss the possible mechanisms behind combined retinal vessel occlusions. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of combined central retinal vein occlusion and branch retinal artery occlusion following intense exercise.

Background Phlegmasia cerulea dolens (PCD) is a severe complication of deep veions thrombosis, and there are several treatment methods. This study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of surgical thrombectomy and simultaneous iliac vein stent implantation for the treatment of PCD caused by iliac vein occlusion. Purpose This study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of surgical thrombectomy and simultaneous iliac vein stent implantation for the treatment of phlegmasia cerulea dolens (PCD) caused by iliac vein occlusion. Methods From February 2014 to December 2016, 5 patients with secondary PCD complicated with iliac vein occlusion were treated in our center. Thrombectomy by venous incision was performed with simultaneous iliac vein balloon dilatation and stents implantation. Efficacy and stents patency were assessed. Iliac vein occlusions were confirmed in all 5 patients by angiography after the thrombectomy. Stents implantation were performed after balloon dilatation. Three stents were implanted in 1 case of iliac vein and inferior vena cava (IVC) occlusion, whereas 1 stent was implanted in each of the other 4 cases. Results Symptoms were significantly relieved after surgery, with no complications. Patients were followed up for 6–24 months, and minor swelling of the affected limb was found in 1 case, with no thrombosis recurrence in all cases and vascular stent patency. Conclusions Thrombectomy by venous incision and simultaneous iliac vein stent implantation for the treatment of PCD caused by iliac vein occlusion can quickly relieve symptoms, is easily implemented, is associated with fewer complications, and has good midterm efficacy and a high patency rate, making this technique a good treatment method.

Background This study evaluated the risk of thromboembolism during endovascular interventions in patients with symptomatic lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) Methods Clinical records of all patients who underwent endovascular interventions for symptomatic lower extremity DVT from 2001 to 2017 were retrospectively analyzed using a prospectively maintained database. Only patients who received an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter were included in the analysis. Trapped intrafilter thrombus was assessed for procedure-related thromboembolism. Clinical outcomes of thrombus management and thromboembolism risk were analyzed. Results A total 172 patients (mean age 57.4 years, 98 females) who underwent 174 endovascular DVT interventions were included in the analysis. Treatment strategies included thrombolytic therapy (64%), mechanical thrombectomy (n = 86%), pharmacomechanical thrombolysis (51%), balloon angioplasty (98%), and stent placement (28%). Thrombectomy device used included AngioJet (56%), Trellis (19%), and Aspire (11%). Trapped IVC filter thrombus was identified in 58 patients (38%) based on the IVC venogram. No patient developed clinically evident pulmonary embolism (PE). IVC filter retrieval was performed in 98 patients (56%, mean 11.8 months after implantation). Multivariate analysis showed that iliac vein occlusion (P = 0.04) was predictive for procedure-related thromboembolism. Conclusions Iliac vein thrombotic occlusion is associated with an increased thromboembolic risk in DVT intervention. Retrievable IVC filter should be considered when performing percutaneous thrombectomy in patients with iliac venous occlusion to prevent PE.

Purpose: Biomarkers for several eye and brain diseases are reviewed, where retinal oximetry may help confirm diagnosis or measure severity of disease. These include diabetic retinopathy, central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, and Alzheimer's disease.Methods: Retinal oximetry is based on spectrophotometric fundus imaging and measures oxygen saturation in retinal arterioles and venules in a noninvasive, quick, safe manner. Retinal oximetry detects changes in oxygen metabolism, including those that result from ischemia or atrophy.Results: In diabetic retinopathy, venous oxygen saturation increases and arteriovenous difference decreases. Both correlate with diabetic retinopathy severity as conventionally classified on fundus photographs. In CRVO, vein occlusion causes hypoxia, which is measured directly by retinal oximetry to confirm the diagnosis and measure severity. In both diseases, the change in oxygen levels is a consequence of disturbed blood flow with resulting tissue hypoxia and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production. In atrophic diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa and glaucoma, retinal oxygen consumption is reduced and this is detected by retinal oximetry. Retinal oximetry correlates with visual field damage and retinal atrophy. It is an objective metabolic measure of the degree of retinal atrophy. Finally, the retina is part of the central nervous system tissue and reflects central nervous system diseases. In Alzheimer's disease, a change in retinal oxygen metabolism has been discovered.Conclusions: Retinal oximetry is a novel, noninvasive technology that opens the field of metabolic imaging of the retina. Biomarkers in metabolic, ischemic, and atrophic diseases of the retina and central nervous system have been discovered.

Saphenous vein segments are frequently used as aortocoronary bypass grafts, particularly in patients over 65 years of age. In the majority of patients, venous grafts maintain their patency for 5–6 years; however, some become occluded within 12 months after surgery. There are some defined predictive biological factors used to assess saphenous vein graft long-term patency rates, but little is known about molecular parameters for estimating the risk of early vein occlusion. The pathogenesis of this process involves the proliferation of stem cells, as well as progenitor cells, in the graft wall. Histologically, this is reflected by CD34 and CD133 expression in endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Thus, the aim of present work was to perform a multivariate analysis of stem cell and progenitor cell markers in saphenous vein graft walls before transplantation to arterial circulation and correlate these results with early graft occlusion. A total of 718 patients, who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting using a saphenous vein graft, were enrolled in this prospective study. CD34, CD133 and von Willebrand factor expression was evaluated via immunohistochemistry. A multivariate analysis revealed that strong CD133 expression in smooth muscle cells can be considered a risk factor for early graft failure. Our findings suggest that CD133 expression in smooth muscle cells of the tunica media in saphenous vein grafts obtained from coronary artery bypass graft patients before graft transplantation to coronary circulation might predict the possibility of early graft occlusion.

Background. Ocular vascular occlusions following intraocular procedures are a rare complication. We report a case series of patients with retinal vascular occlusions or anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) after anterior and posterior segment surgery and demonstrate possible risk factors.Methods. Observational case series.Results. In ten patients, vascular occlusions were observed within ten weeks after intraocular surgery: branch retinal arterial occlusion (BRAO) (n=2), central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) (n=2), central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) (n=1), branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) (n=1), anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) (n=3), and combined central artery and vein occlusion (n=1). AION occurred later (27–69 d) than arterial occlusions (14–60 d) or venous occlusions (1-2 d). In all cases, either specific surgical manipulations or general vascular disorders were identified as risk factors. In addition to general cardiovascular risk factors (arterial hypertensionn=6, diabetes mellitusn=4), internal workup disclosed bilateral stenosis of the carotid arteries (n=1) and myeloproliferative syndrome (n=1).Conclusion. Vascular occlusions after surgical ocular procedures seem to be more frequent when cardiovascular diseases coexist. Surgical maneuvers and intra- or postoperative pressure changes may act as a triggering mechanism in patients with underlying systemic cardiovascular disorders. Affected patients should undergo thorough internal examination to identify possible underlying diseases.

Objectives High-flow arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) with a dominant outflow vein (DOV) remain difficult for ethanol embolotherapy, but improved technology and experience of detachable coils allows for the treatment of some of these AVMs with satisfactory results. A single-center experience and evaluation of technical and clinical safety, and effectiveness of electrolytically detachable coil (EDC)-assisted DOV occlusion for ethanol embolization of high-flow auricular AVMs, which has some advantages over conventional coils because of its controlled deployment, reposition, and removal is reported. Methods From November 2010 to June 2013, 40 consecutive patients with auricular AVMs underwent staged ethanol embolizations, of which nine patients' auricular AVMs with a DOV who had undergone ethanol embolization of high-flow auricular AVMs in combination with EDCs-assisted DOV occlusion were retrospectively evaluated. Clinical follow-up (range, 5–29 months; mean, 15.1 months) was completed in all patients, and results from imaging follow-up (range, 7–25 months; mean, 14.7 months) were available from the last treatment session in six patients. Therapeutic outcomes were determined by evaluating the clinical outcome of symptoms and signs, as well as the degree of devascularization at follow-up arteriography. Results Twenty-eight ethanol embolizations and nine EDC-assisted DOV occlusions were performed in nine patients. Seventeen EDCs were used in nine patients. Five (55.6%) of the nine patients were cured, and four (44.4%) had partial palliation. One minor complication occurred in one of the nine patients. Transient hemoglobinuria occurred in six of nine patients in a total nine of the 28 procedures. There were no major complications. Conclusions Ethanol embolization has the potential for cure in the management of high-flow auricular AVMs with the aid of occlusion DOV by EDCs with acceptable risk of minor and major complications.

Intravitreal injection (IVT) is one of the most common vitreoretinal procedures, a large majority are performed with local anesthesia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety to the cornea and anesthetic efficacy of five concentrations of lidocaine gel.A prospective clinical trial was conducted testing lidocaine gel in five preparations: 2, 3.5, 5, 8 and 12%. Patients with macular degeneration, diabetic edema or retina vein occlusion were scheduled for intravitreal treatment received topical anesthesia with lidocaine gel 5 and 10 min before the procedure. Patients answered the visual analog scale for pain during the procedure. Corneal and conjunctival was evaluated using the Oxford scale.In total, 260 patients were randomized into five groups. The mean pain scores (± standard deviation) were 2.63 (± 1.68) in the 2% group, 2.08 (± 1.35) in the 3.5%; 2.00 (± 1.65) in the 5%, 1.93 (± 1.40) in the 8% and 1.83 (± 1.35) in the 12% group. Mean pain score among all groups was similar (p = 0.077). There was no significant difference between groups in regard to keratitis mean score (p = 0.897).Lidocaine gel at concentrations from 2 to 12% induced similar anesthetic effect for IVTs, without adverse effects on cornea and conjunctiva.

Blood cell aggregation is known to influence significantly a blood rheology in animals, particularly in cattle, during each period of ontogenesis, of which the milk feeding is important for development of a number of physiological mechanisms, including effective vascular control of gemostasis. Here we report the results of studying effect of vascular walls to blood cell aggregation in 39 Black-and-White calves. Blood samples were analyzed in 11, 15, 20 25 and 30 day old animals. A lipid peroxidation was estimated based on thiobarbiturate concentration (TB), the parameters of antioxidation activity in blood plasma were assessed, and antiaggregation properties of the blood vessels were investigated in the test of vein occlusion. Erythrocyte aggregations, free erythrocytes and the number of erythrocytes per aggregation were counted. Also the formation of platelet and neutrophil aggregations was considered. There were calculated the indexes of vascular control of erythrocyte number per aggregation, aggregation number, and free erythrocyte number. Also the antiaggregation activity of blood vessel wall and an inhibition of neutrophil aggregation by vascular wall were indexed. During investigation the lipid peroxidation in calves’ blood plasma was low, the acyl hydro-peroxide level varied from 1.44±0.17 to 1.47±0.25 D 233/ml, and the concentration of TB-active compounds changed from 3.59±0.15 to 3.64±0.28 mmol/l, with an antioxidation activity changed slightly too. An increase was shown of blood cell aggregating coupled with a gradually growing antiaggregation effect of vascular wall due to activated N-oxide and prostacyclin production in the endothelium. A balance of observed proand antiaggregation activity provides optimal rheological blood parameters in milk-fed calves resulting in adaptation to the environmental factors.

Background Venous thromboembolism (VTE) develops via a multicellular process on the endothelial surface. Although widely recognized, the relationship between inflammation and thrombosis, this relationship has been mostly explored in clinical studies by measuring circulating levels of inflammatory cytokines. However, the role of inflammatory cells, such as neutrophils, in the pathogenesis of VTE is not clear in humans. Aims To evaluate the adhesive properties of neutrophils, erythrocytes and platelets in VTE patients and to correlate findings with inflammatory and hypercoagulability marker levels. Methods Study group consisted of twenty-nine VTE patients and controls matched according to age, gender and ethnic background. Adhesive properties of neutrophils, erythrocytes and platelets were determined using a static adhesion assay. Neutrophil adhesion molecules expressions were evaluated by flow cytometry. Inflammatory and hypercoagulability marker levels were evaluated by standard methods. Residual vein occlusion (RVO) was evaluated by Doppler ultrasound. Results No significant difference could be observed in platelet and erythrocyte adhesion between VTE patients and controls. Interestingly, VTE patients with high levels of D-dimer and RVO, demonstrated a significant increase in neutrophil adhesion, compared to controls and remaining patients. Inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α) were also significantly elevated in this subgroup, compared to other VTE patients. Adhesive properties of neutrophils correlated with IL-6 and D-dimer levels. Neutrophils adhesion molecules (CD11a, CD11b and CD18) were not altered in any of the groups. Conclusion These findings not only support the hypothesis of an association between inflammation and hypercoagulability, but more importantly, highlight the role of neutrophils in this process.

Case report A 72-year-old woman referred for cataract surgery in her right eye. Biomicroscopy revealed a retrocapsular fibrotic tissue in communication with the optic nerve, suggesting a persistent hyaloid artery (PAH). A posterior capsule rupture unexpectedly occurred during lens hydrodissection. One day after surgery, fundus examination showed a combined central retinal artery and vein occlusion. Conclusion PAH is uncommon, but its presence may alert us of this possible complication during cataract surgery.

It is known that stenosis or central venous obstruction affects 20 to 50% of patients who undergo placement of catheters in central veins. For patients who are given hemodialysis via upper limbs, this problem causes debilitating symptoms and increases the risk of loss of hemodialysis access. We report an atypical case of treatment of a dialysis patient with multiple comorbidities, severe swelling and pain in the right upper limb (RUL), few alternative sites for hemodialysis vascular access, a functioning brachiobasilic fistula in the RUL and severe venous hypertension in the same limb, secondary to central vein occlusion of the internal jugular vein and right brachiocephalic trunk. The alternative surgical treatment chosen was to transpose the RUL cephalic vein, forming a venous necklace at the anterior cervical region, bypassing the site of venous occlusion. In order to achieve this, we dissected the cephalic vein in the right arm to its junction with the axillary vein, devalved the cephalic vein and anastomosed it to the contralateral external jugular vein, providing venous drainage to the RUL, alleviating symptoms of venous hypertension and preserving function of the brachiobasilic fistula.

To determine the influence of diabetes and diabetes type on ocular outcomes following central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).Retrospective chart review of all patients evaluated over a 4-year period in a tertiary diabetes eye care center. Ophthalmic findings were recorded including visual acuity and the presence of retinal neovascularization at presentation, after 3-6 months, and at last follow-up.The records of 19,648 patients (13,571 diabetic; 6077 nondiabetic) were reviewed. The prevalence of CRVO in diabetic patients (N=72) and nondiabetic patients (N=27) were 0.5 and 0.4%, respectively. Disc neovascularization (21.3 vs 0.0%, P=0.05) and panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) (48.7 vs 21.4%, P=0.01) were more common in diabetic patients compared with nondiabetic patients. Compared with type 2 diabetic patients, retinal neovascularization (28.6 vs 3.7%, P=0.004) and subsequent PRP (78.6 vs 41.9%, P=0.01) were more likely in type 1 patients. Optic nerve head collateral vessels (CVs) were observed less than half as often (21.4 vs 56.5%, P=0.04) in patients with type 1 diabetes. Presence of optic nerve head CVs at baseline was associated with less likelihood of PRP (14.3 vs 46.1%, P=0.03).In this cohort, the rates of CRVO in diabetic and nondiabetic patients were similar to previously published population-based studies. Following CRVO, diabetic patients had higher rates of disc neovascularization and were more likely to require subsequent PRP than nondiabetic patients. As compared with CRVO patients with type 2 diabetes, patients with type 1 diabetes and CRVO had worse anatomic outcomes with substantially increased risks of retinal neovascularization and PRP; however, final visual acuity outcomes were similar.