Immunohistochemical analysis of MMP-9 and COX-2 expression in carotid atherosclerotic plaques among patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy: A prospective study.

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase-9 protein (MMP-9) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) proteins may have a role in remodelling of atherosclerotic plaques. We analysed and compared the radiological, histological and immunohistochemical characteristics of carotid atherosclerotic plaques between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA).

Methods: This prospective single-blinded study included 31 patients (70 [64-75] years, 58% males, 42% symptomatic) who underwent CEA and a total of 155 carotid plaque sections that were analysed.

Percutaneous Endovascular Treatment for Hepatic Artery Stenosis after Liver Transplantation: The Role of Percutaneous Endovascular Treatment.

Background: To retrospectively analyze the outcomes of interventional radiology treatment of patients with hepatic artery stenosis (HAS) after liver transplantation at our Institution.

Material/methods: Hepatic artery stenosis was diagnosed and treated by endovascular technique in 8 (2.8%) patients, who underwent liver transplantation between July 2007 and July 2011.

Percutaneous embolization of idiopathic renal arteriovenous fistula using Amplatzer vascular plug II.

Renal arteriovenous fistula (AVF) presents a rare but important condition that can be acquired, congenital, or idiopathic. Embolization techniques have recently been considered the first-line therapy in the treatment of these lesions, but they carry a possible high risk of distal migration of embolic agents into the venous and pulmonary circulation. This risk is especially important with large, high-flow fistulas.

The grading model for the assessment of the total amount of epidural fibrosis in postoperative lumbar spine.

Purpose: To present a new model derived from Ross's model for the assessment of the total amount of epidural fibrosis and to present inter- and intravariability study.

Methods: Two readers blinded to each other and blinded to their first and second reading retrospectively evaluated the magnetic resonance examinations in 32 postoperative spine surgery patients using this model.

Results: Paired and unpaired two-sided t tests showed no significant difference between the first and second reading, and interclass correlation coefficient revealed good interobserver reliability.

[Stenting of dissected carotid arteries as a minimally invasive treatment modality].

Aim: The purpose of this paper is to present our experiences with carotid artery stenting in the treatment of dissected carotid arteries, by means of self-expandable stents and selective employment of cerebral protection devices.

Methods: In the period from June 1, 2006 to April 31, 2009, 6 patients with 6 dissected carotid arteries were treated with self-expandable stents (4 internal carotid artery dissections and 2 common carotid artery dissections). Two dissections were of spontaneous origin, 2 were traumatic, and 2 were iatrogenic.

The possibilities and limitations of direct digital radiography, ultrasound and computed tomography in diagnosing pleural mesotelioma.

The goal of this study was to compare the possibilities and limitations of direct digital radiography of the chest (DDR), the use of ultrasound of the chest (US) and single slice computed tomography of the chest (CT) in diagnosing pleural mesothelioma. The study was conducted during the course of one year, on 80 patients who were successively referred to a specialized institution, under clinical suspicion of mesothelioma. The method of investigation was the comparison of findings, obtained by the reviewed methods of examination, with the pathohistologic results of a biopsy performed on each patient.

Embolisation of posttraumatic superior mesenteric artery pseudoaneurysm in a patient with short bowel syndrome preceding bowel transplantation.

Penetrating abdominal trauma often causes bowel injuries which may lead to "short bowel syndrome" which is a potential indication for bowel transplantation. Posttraumatic pseudoaneurysms of abdominal arteries are often a result of penetrating abdominal trauma. We report a successful embolisation of posttraumatic superior mesenteric artery (SMA) branch pseudoaneurysm using microcoil, in a patient with short bowel syndrome who was successfully transplanted three months after embolisation.

Open surgical and endovascular treatment of extracranial internal carotid artery aneurysms.

Internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms are rare. The symptoms are related to cerebral embolization, local compression and rupture. Options for treatment include open surgery or endovascular treatment with a covered stent.

Embolization of a large pancreatic pseudoaneurysm converted from pseudocyst (hemorrhagic pseudocyst).

Context: Bleeding pancreatic pseudoaneurysms are a rare complication of chronic pancreatitis with a severe prognosis and high mortality. Conversion of a pancreatic pseudocyst into a pseudoaneurysm is a potentially lethal complication because, when rupture occurs, there is a high mortality rate.

Case Report: We describe a case of pancreatic pseudoaneurysm converted from a pseudocyst.

Stenotic occlusive lesions of internal carotid artery in diabetic patients.

Diabetes deteriorates atherosclerotic changes in the arteries. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and localization of stenotic atherosclerotic lesions of the internal carotid artery (ICA) in patients with diabetes. A prospective analysis of angiography findings was carried out in 150 diabetic and 150 non-diabetic patients with symptoms of cerebral ischemia using double-blind angiogram readings by two independent investigators.

Atherosclerotic lesions of supra-aortic arteries in diabetic patients.

The aim of this prospective study was to determine the prevalence and localization of stenotic atherosclerotic lesions of supra-aortic arteries in diabetic patients according to age and sex. Angiograms obtained by digital subtraction angiography were analyzed in 150 diabetic patients (study group) and 150 non-diabetic patients (control group) with symptoms of cerebral ischemia. Diabetic patients were found to have a significantly higher prevalence of stenotic atherosclerotic lesions of the internal carotid artery.