Reliability of Ultrasound Diameter Measurements in Patients with a Small Asymptomatic Popliteal Artery Aneurysm: An Intra- and Inter-observer Agreement Study.

Background: In this study the intra- and inter-observer variability of ultrasound measurements of the diameter of the popliteal artery were tested in a group of patients under surveillance for a small (diameter 10-20 mm), asymptomatic popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA).

Methods: From a group of patients under ultrasound surveillance for bilateral, asymptomatic PAAs, 13 consecutive patients agreed to participate in the study and provided informed consent. The maximum diameter of the popliteal arteries was assessed by a vascular technologist.

Small popliteal artery aneurysms: important clinical consequences and contralateral survey in daily vascular surgery practice.

Objective: The management of small popliteal artery aneurysms remains a matter of debate. The goal of this study was to gain additional knowledge about this pathology, focusing specifically on popliteal arteries smaller than 20 mm in diameter. Furthermore, the need for surveillance of the contralateral popliteal artery in patients with a small aneurysm was studied.

Long-term outcome of popliteal artery aneurysms after ligation and bypass.

Objectives: After exclusion of popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) through bypass surgery, there is a risk of persistent flow through collaterals and growth of the excluded aneurysmal sac. This study was conducted to evaluate this risk at long-term follow-up.

Methods: Sixty-five PAAs treated by proximal and distal ligation and bypass grafting with reversed autologous vein in 52 patients (1998-2010) were retrospectively reviewed.

Predictors of the post-thrombotic syndrome with non-invasive venous examinations in patients 6 weeks after a first episode of deep vein thrombosis.

Background: Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a chronic complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) affecting a large number of patients. Because of its potential debilitating effects, identification of patients at high risk for the development of this syndrome is relevant, and only a few predictors are known.

Objectives: To assess the incidence and potential predictors of PTS.

Non-invasive cardiac assessment in high risk patients (The GROUND study): rationale, objectives and design of a multi-center randomized controlled clinical trial.

Background: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common disease associated with a considerably increased risk of future cardiovascular events and most of these patients will die from coronary artery disease (CAD). Screening for silent CAD has become an option with recent non-invasive developments in CT (computed tomography)-angiography and MR (magnetic resonance) stress testing. Screening in combination with more aggressive treatment may improve prognosis.