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Objective: To highlight current practice patterns in management of superficial vein thrombosis. Methods: An electronic survey was conducted using the mailing lists of the Mediterranean League of Angiology and Vascular Surgery and European Venous Forum regarding superficial vein thrombosis diagnosis, investigation, and treatment. Results: The response rate was 41% (175/430) and the majority of the participants were vascular surgeons practicing in a hospital. More experienced physicians considered superficial vein thrombosis as a medical issue of moderate seriousness and performed duplex ultrasound for confirmation of diagnosis. Elastic stockings were recommended by 87% of the physicians, while 57% prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Eighty six percent advised anticoagulation, although a large disparity was shown regarding regime, dose, and duration. Thrombophilia test was regularly suggested by 19% of the physicians. Ligation of the saphenofemoral junction was the treatment of choice by those who suggested intervention in the acute phase of superficial vein thrombosis. Conclusions: A great disparity exists in the management of superficial vein thrombosis. Current guidelines have not been adopted by physicians; more focused training is needed for those involved in the management of venous diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We validated the association of simple renal cysts with abdominal aortic aneurysm and other cardiovascular factors and assessed simple renal cysts' impact on renal function before and after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was conducted. Computed tomography angiograms of 100 consecutive male patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm who underwent endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (Group 1) were reviewed and compared with 100 computed tomography angiogram of aged-matched male patients without abdominal aortic aneurysm (Group 2). Patients' demographic data, risk factors, abdominal aortic aneurysm diameter, the presence of simple renal cyst and laboratory tests were recorded. No difference was observed between the two groups in respect to other cardiovascular risk factors except hyperlipidemia with higher prevalence in Group 1 (p < 0.05). Presence of simple renal cysts was independently associated with age (p < 0.05) and abdominal aortic aneurysm (p = 0.0157). There was no correlation between simple renal cysts and abdominal aortic aneurysm size or pre-operative creatinine and urea levels. No difference was observed in post-operative creatinine and urea levels either immediately after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair or in 12-month follow-up. In male patients, the presence of simple renal cysts is associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm and is increasing with age. However, their presence is neither associated with impaired renal function pre-endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair and post-endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair nor after 12-month follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the commonest source of arterial embolization causing acute limb ischemia (ALI). The aim of this study was to assess the adherence of anticoagulation in AF patients and the treatment of underdiagnosed AF patients, presenting with ALI in our service and to evaluate the risk factors associated with morbidity and mortality., Methods: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was carried out from 115 limbs of 112 consecutive patients presenting with ALI of AF origin from 2008 until 2012 to a tertiary vascular service., Results: The mean transfer time to hospital was 12±8.5 h. On admission, only half of the patients were aware of having AF and only 67% of those patients were receiving oral anticoagulants at the time of their admission. Nearly all patients who were on Vitamin K Antagonists (VKA) had sub-therapeutic levels preoperatively on admission (92%). The 30-day postoperative mortality and morbidity rates were 1.7% and 47% respectively. The lower limb amputation rate was 4.4% and was only associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) (P=0.009553). Reversible renal impairment was correlated with increased creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) blood levels on admission (P=0.038)., Conclusions: A considerable number of patients with AF might still remain without proper anticoagulation. DM increases the risk of lower limb loss after ALI. Development of renal impairment after thromboembolectomy for ALI is more likely in the presence of elevated CPK blood levels on admission.