Brachial artery aneurysm with "blue finger syndrome" after ligation of a remote brachial artery-cephalic vein fistula.

Upper extremity aneurysms are relatively infrequent when compared to other vessels in the body. However, a combination of factors occurring following arteriovenous fistula (AVF) ligation can lead to dilation of the brachial artery. Periodic follow-up after AVF creation can help prevent complications.

Caval agenesis with a hypoplastic left kidney in a patient with trauma on warfarin for deep vein thrombosis.

Congenital anomalies of the inferior vena cava (IVC) are rare, but recognized, causing deep venous thrombosis. We present a case of a 50-year-old patient with trauma who suffered an intracranial hemorrhage secondary to a fall while on anticoagulation for deep vein thromboses. Venous return from the lower extremities was determined to be through dilated lumbar venous collaterals into the azygous and hemiazygous systems.

Hepatic angioembolization in trauma patients: indications and complications.

Background: Hepatic angiography (HA) and hepatic angioembolization (HAE) are increasingly used to diagnose and treat intrahepatic arterial injuries. This study was performed to review indications, outcomes, and complications of HA/HAE in blunt trauma patients who underwent HAE as adjunct management of hepatic injury.

Methods: A retrospective review of consecutive cases of HA/HAE at a Level I trauma center during an 8-year period.

Impact of cirrhosis on outcomes in trauma.

Background: Cirrhosis as an independent predictor of poor outcomes in trauma patients was identified in 1990. We hypothesized that the degree of preinjury hepatic dysfunction is, by itself, an independent predictor of mortality.

Study Design: The trauma registry at our Level I trauma center was queried for all ICD-9 codes for liver disease from 1999 to 2003, and patients were categorized as having Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) class A, B, or C cirrhosis.

Missile embolism to the pulmonary artery: case report and pitfalls of management.

Missile embolism to the pulmonary artery is a rare event. We present a complicated case of missile embolism from the inferior vena cava to the pulmonary artery. The case illustrates the potential pitfalls in the management of these patients.