Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome: Are anatomical anomalies significant?

Background: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is one of the most poorly understood syndromes. Neurogenic TOS is found in 95% of cases. The described anatomical spaces transform and evolve into 'entrapment spaces'.

The influence of diabetes mellitus on early outcome following carotid endarterectomy.

Background: There are few studies that look at the influence of diabetes mellitus on early outcome following carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Those available have reported conflicting results, with some showing poor outcome and others similar outcome to those without diabetes mellitus.

Objective: To assess the influence of diabetes mellitus on early outcome following CEA.

Carotid artery aneurysms in patients with human immunodeficiency virus.

Objectives: Carotid artery aneurysms, although rare, are increasing in frequency due to their association with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease. Our institution serves a population with a high HIV prevalence and we wished to document our growing experience with this aneurysmal pathology in a setting of an ever-increasing burden of HIV disease.

Methods: Data on all patients managed at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital in Durban, South Africa, from July 2003 to December 2009 with HIV carotid aneurysms were extracted from a prospective vascular database and their case records were examined.

Surgical management of Takayasu's arteritis in children and adolescents.

Unlabelled: There is little information on the surgical management of Takayasu's arteritis in children and adolescents. Information on 30 patients aged between eight and 17 years was culled from a prospectively maintained database on the Vascular Service of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. Twenty-one patients had involvement of the descending aorta; in 19, this was confined to the aorta (type 2 disease).

Aortic arch branch variations--case report and arteriographic analysis.

Objectives: Non-recognition of a critical aortic arch branch variation at surgery, with fatal consequences, prompted a retrospective analysis of the prevalence of aortic arch branch variations in the South African population.

Methods: Three hundred and twenty aortic arch angiograms were analysed from existing records (January 1988--March 1998) of the vascular unit, Department of Surgery, University of Natal.

Results: Aortic arch branch variations were observed in 17 cases (5.

Sympathectomy for complex regional pain syndrome.

Background: With the easier and earlier recognition of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a reappraisal of its therapy, particularly the role and timing of sympathectomy, is warranted.

Patients And Methods: Over a 9-year period, 42 patients with CRPS type II of the upper extremity were referred for sympathectomy. Patients were categorized according to the duration of the symptoms (group I, <3 months; group II, >3 months).