Myopathy in CRPS-I: Disuse or neurogenic?

The diagnosis Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type I (CRPS-I) is based on clinical symptoms, including motor symptoms. Histological changes in muscle tissue may be present in the chronic phase of CRPS-I. Aim of this study was to analyze skeletal muscle tissue from amputated limbs of patients with CRPS-I, in order to gain more insight in factors that may play a role in changes in muscles in CRPS-I. These changes may be helpful in clarifying the pathophysiology of CRPS-I. Fourteen patients with therapy resistant and longstanding CRPS-I, underwent an amputation of the affected limb. In all patients histological analysis showed extensive changes in muscle tissue, such as fatty degeneration, fibre atrophy and nuclear clumping, which was not related to duration of CRPS-I prior to amputation. In all muscles affected, both type 1 and type 2 fibre atrophy was found, without selective type 2 fibre atrophy. In four patients, type grouping was observed, indicating a sequence of denervation and reinnervation of muscle tissue. In two patients even large group atrophy was present, suggesting new denervation after reinnervation. Comparison between subgroups in arms and legs showed no difference in the number of changes in muscle tissue. Intrinsic and extrinsic muscles were affected equally. Our findings show that in the chronic phase of CRPS-I extensive changes can be seen in muscle tissue, not related to duration of CRPS-I symptoms. Signs of neurogenic myopathy were present in five patients

Mortality of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm treated with open or endovascular repair

OBJECTIVES: The study defined the selection criteria used for treatment of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (RAAAs) and reviewed results during a 5-year period. METHODS: From 2002 on, our tertiary referral center adopted a protocol of selective use of endovascular repair for RAAAs. The study included all patients with a proven RAAA who were admitted to our hospital from 2002 to 2006. The primary outcome measure was surgical mortality. RESULTS: A total of 187 patients were admitted with an acute AAA, and an RAAA was confirmed 135 (72%) by computed tomography scanning or at laparotomy, and 125 (93%) were treated, 89 by open means and 36 by endovascular means. The overall mortality rate was 24% and the mortality rate was 13.9% for endovascular repair. Endovascular repair was consistently used more often in patients with favorable anatomy and in patients who were hemodynamically more stable. There were considerable differences in approach between the four consultant vascular surgeons. The overall evaluation and inclusion for endovascular treatment increased during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: A strict protocol for admission, evaluation, and treatment of RAAA, with selective use of endovascular repair, resulted in low mortality rates in our center

Biomaterial-associated infection: locating the finish line in the race for the surface

Biomaterial-associated infections occur on both permanent implants and temporary devices for restoration or support of human functions. Despite increasing use of biomaterials in an aging society, comparatively few biomaterials have been designed that effectively reduce the incidence of biomaterial-associated infections. This review provides design guidelines for infection-reducing strategies based on the concept that the fate of biomaterial implants or devices is a competition between host tissue cell integration and bacterial colonization at their surfaces

Fenestrated and branched stent-grafting after previous surgery provides a good alternative to open redo surgery.

ObjectiveTo present our experience using fenestrated and branched endoluminal grafts for Para-anastomotic aneurysms (PAA) following prior open aneurysm surgery, and after previous endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) complicated by proximal type I endoleak.MethodsFenestrated and/or branched EVAR was performed on eleven patients. Indications included proximal type I endoleak after EVAR and short infrarenal neck (n=4), suprarenal aneurysm after open AAA (n=4), distal type I endoleak after endovascular TAA (n=1), proximal anastomotic aneurysm after open AAA (n=1), and an aborted open AAA repair due to bleeding around a short infrarenal neck.ResultsThe operative target vessel success rate was 100% (28/28) with aneurysm exclusion in all patients. Mean hospital stay was 6.0 days (range 2–12 days, SD 3.5 days). Thirty day mortality was 0%. All cause mortality during 18 months mean follow-up (range 5–44 months, SD 16.7 months) was 18% (2/11) with no deaths from aneurysm rupture. Cumulative visceral branch patency was 96% (27/28) at 42 months. Average renal function remained unchanged during the follow-up period.ConclusionsOur report highlights the potential of fenestrated and branched technology to improve re-operative aortic surgical outcomes. The unique difficulties of increased graft on graft friction hindering placement, short working distance, and increased patient co-morbidities should be recognized