Percutaneous recanalization of peripheral arterial occlusions.

The aim of this paper is to summarize the current status of percutaneous methods for recanalizing peripheral arterial occlusions. Emphasis is placed on the role of peripheral intraarterial thrombolysis (PIAT) in the treatment of acute lower limb ischemia. Results of three prospective, randomized trials comparing PIAT with surgical revascularization are analyzed in the context of the existing, largely retrospective literature.

Polyarteritis with symptomatic intracerebral aneurysms at initial presentation.

Polyarteritis rarely involves the cerebral vasculature, and has not been reported to have an initial presentation with intracerebral aneurysms. We describe the first case of polyarteritis presenting with symptomatic intracerebral aneurysms. A literature review from 1966 to 1997 identified 5 additional cases with evidence of intracerebral aneurysms and polyarteritis.

Effect of anatomic distribution of pulmonary emboli on interobserver agreement in the interpretation of pulmonary angiography.

Objective: This study examines the anatomic distribution of emboli on pulmonary angiography and attempts to determine the relationship of vessel size to interobserver agreement, two factors having important implications in comparing pulmonary angiography with cross-sectional imaging for pulmonary embolism.

Materials And Methods: One hundred twenty-five consecutive pulmonary angiograms were reviewed retrospectively by three interventional radiologists. Initial interpretations were recorded and compared to determine interobserver agreement on a per-patient and per-embolus basis.

Single institution prospective evaluation of the over-the-wire Greenfield vena caval filter.

Purpose: To assess the technical and clinical success of the over-the-wire (OTW) Greenfield inferior vena caval (IVC) filter.

Materials And Methods: Prospective evaluation of the OTW Greenfield filter in 47 patients was performed during the course of 18 months. Technical success and deployment problems were documented.