Carotid Plaque Morphology in Asymptomatic Patients with and without Metabolic Syndrome.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on the morphology of carotid plaques, as evaluated using duplex ultrasound (DUS) with computer-assisted analysis.

Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, we analyzed 148 carotid artery plaques in asymptomatic patients. Data were obtained via clinical and laboratory examinations, and DUS was performed by a single operator.

Clinical efficacy of successful angioplasty in critical ischemia--a cohort study.

Background: To evaluate the impact of percutaneous angioplasty (PA), objectively assessed with duplex-ultrasound, on 3-year clinical outcome.

Methods: Thirty-nine patients with atherosclerotic disease successfully treated by PA were included (40 limbs). All patients had critical ischemia with rest pain and ischemic ulcers due to infrainguinal obstructions alone.

Color Doppler imaging of the superior ophthalmic vein in patients with Graves' orbitopathy before and after treatment of congestive disease.

Objective: To compare superior ophthalmic vein blood flow parameters measured with color Doppler imaging in patients with congestive Graves' orbitopathy before and after treatment and in normal controls.

Methods: Twenty-two orbits from 12 patients with Graves' orbitopathy in the congestive stage and 32 orbits from 16 normal controls underwent color Doppler imaging studies. Color Doppler imaging was repeated after treatment in the group of patients with Graves' orbitopathy, which included orbital decompression in 16 orbits and corticosteroids in six orbits.

Color Doppler imaging of the superior ophthalmic vein in different clinical forms of Graves' orbitopathy.

Purpose: To compare color Doppler imaging (CDI) parameters of the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) in patients with Graves' orbitopathy (GO) and in normal controls.

Methods: Forty-three GO patients and 14 normal controls underwent CDI of the SOV. Patients had either fibrotic (lipogenic or myogenic) or congestive orbitopathy.

Late results of catheter-directed recombinant tissue plasminogen activator fibrinolytic therapy of iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of catheter-directed low-dose recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator infusion in the treatment of iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis and prevention of post-thrombotic syndrome.

Method: Eighteen patients (out of 260 evaluated) with acute iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis and no previous evidence of venous insufficiency were prospectively selected for thrombolytic therapy. Catheter-directed low-dose recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (1 mg/h) was infused into the thrombotic segments.