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Cureus Aug 2023Duodenal varices usually occur due to portal hypertension and are rare causes of gastrointestinal tract bleeding. We report a unique case of a previously fit patient who...
Duodenal varices usually occur due to portal hypertension and are rare causes of gastrointestinal tract bleeding. We report a unique case of a previously fit patient who presented with melena and was found to have isolated duodenal varices (DV) in the third part on esophagogastroduodenoscopy. No esophageal or gastric varices were noticed. The duodenal varices were successfully managed by endoscopic banding. A computerized tomography scan of the abdomen to further investigate the cause confirmed duodenal varices and revealed superior mesenteric vein thrombosis. The liver was normal with patent hepatic and portal veins. No evidence of thrombophilia was found. Apixaban was prescribed for superior mesenteric vein thrombosis and on follow-up. no further bleeding was reported.
PubMed: 37731413
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43783 -
Basic Research in Cardiology Sep 2023The ketone body 3-hydroxybutyrate (3-OHB) increases cardiac output and myocardial perfusion without affecting blood pressure in humans, but the cardiovascular sites of...
The ketone body 3-hydroxybutyrate (3-OHB) increases cardiac output and myocardial perfusion without affecting blood pressure in humans, but the cardiovascular sites of action remain obscure. Here, we test the hypothesis in rats that 3-OHB acts directly on the heart to increase cardiac contractility and directly on blood vessels to lower systemic vascular resistance. We investigate effects of 3-OHB on (a) in vivo hemodynamics using echocardiography and invasive blood pressure measurements, (b) isolated perfused hearts in Langendorff systems, and (c) isolated arteries and veins in isometric myographs. We compare Na-3-OHB to equimolar NaCl added to physiological buffers or injection solutions. At plasma concentrations of 2-4 mM in vivo, 3-OHB increases cardiac output (by 28.3±7.8%), stroke volume (by 22.4±6.0%), left ventricular ejection fraction (by 13.3±4.6%), and arterial dP/dt (by 31.9±11.2%) and lowers systemic vascular resistance (by 30.6±11.2%) without substantially affecting heart rate or blood pressure. Applied to isolated perfused hearts at 3-10 mM, 3-OHB increases left ventricular developed pressure by up to 26.3±7.4 mmHg and coronary perfusion by up to 20.2±9.5%. Beginning at 1-3 mM, 3-OHB relaxes isolated coronary (EC=12.4 mM), cerebral, femoral, mesenteric, and renal arteries as well as brachial, femoral, and mesenteric veins by up to 60% of pre-contraction within the pathophysiological concentration range. Of the two enantiomers that constitute racemic 3-OHB, D-3-OHB dominates endogenously; but tested separately, the enantiomers induce similar vasorelaxation. We conclude that increased cardiac contractility and generalized systemic vasorelaxation can explain the elevated cardiac output during 3-OHB administration. These actions strengthen the therapeutic rationale for 3-OHB in heart failure management.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Rats; Stroke Volume; 3-Hydroxybutyric Acid; Vasodilation; Ventricular Function, Left; Cardiac Output; Hydroxybutyrates; Ketone Bodies
PubMed: 37688627
DOI: 10.1007/s00395-023-01008-y -
Radiology Case Reports Nov 2023Pylephlebitis, a septic thrombophlebitis of the portal vein, is an uncommon but serious complication following an abdominal site of infection, most frequently...
Pylephlebitis, a septic thrombophlebitis of the portal vein, is an uncommon but serious complication following an abdominal site of infection, most frequently diverticulitis or appendicitis. It has a high mortality rate, yet it commonly presents with unspecific abdominal complaints and fever, making diagnosis by clinical and laboratory examinations alone, impossible. This report highlights the extensive computed tomography (CT) findings of pylephlebitis with multiple hepatic abscesses thought to be secondary to diverticulitis, in a patient presenting with septic shock. Radiological characteristics differentiating the liver lesions from malignancy, and showing the ascending pathway of vascular involvement from the inferior mesenteric vein to portal veins is presented, as well as the search for the primary site of infection. Recognizing and understanding the imaging findings in pylephlebitis is crucial for diagnosis and avoiding delay of appropriate treatment for this otherwise often fatal condition.
PubMed: 37663570
DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2023.08.054 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery. Venous and... Jan 2024We evaluated the effect of left renal vein (LRV) compression stenosis on the functional state of the left kidney in patients with pelvic venous disorders (PeVDs).
OBJECTIVE
We evaluated the effect of left renal vein (LRV) compression stenosis on the functional state of the left kidney in patients with pelvic venous disorders (PeVDs).
METHODS
We examined 162 female patients with PeVD and diagnosed LVR compression stenosis using duplex ultrasound (DUS) in 40. Patients with clinical manifestations of PeVD (n = 26) had symptoms and signs of pelvic venous congestion but without pain in the left flank of the abdomen, typical for nutcracker syndrome (NS). The remaining patients were asymptomatic (n = 14). The parameters measured with DUS included the angle of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) with the aorta, the LRV diameter (D/D) ratio, and LRV velocity (V/V) ratio. All the patients underwent laboratory testing (complete blood count, urinalysis, and biochemical blood testing) and dynamic renal scintigraphy to assess the secretory and evacuation functions of the renal tubular system.
RESULTS
The laboratory tests revealed no abnormalities, including no hematuria or proteinuria, in either group. The D/D and V/V ratios varied from 2.8 to 5.2 and from 2.9 to 8.3, respectively, and did not differ between the symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. All 40 patients with LRV compression stenosis were diagnosed with left gonadal vein reflux with a mean duration of 4.7 ± 0.6 seconds and 2.2 ± 0.6 seconds in the symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, respectively (P = .005). Eight patients had signs of NS on DUS, including five in the symptomatic group (SMA angle, 34.8° ± 2.7°; D/D ratio, 5.2 ± 0.2; and V/V ratio, 5.7 ± 0.4) and three in the asymptomatic group (SMA angle, 35° ± 2.8°; D/D ratio, 5; and V/V ratio, 5 ± 0.5). The groups did not differ significantly in the DUS parameters. Scintigraphy did not reveal any cases of secretory or evacuation dysfunction of the left kidney, including in the patients with DUS signs of NS. The maximum uptake time, elimination half-life, and effective renal plasma flow were within the normal ranges.
CONCLUSIONS
LRV compression stenosis without hematuria has no significant effects on the functional state of the left kidney, irrespective of the disease severity. In patients with PeVDs, dynamic renal scintigraphy provides an objective assessment of left kidney function.
Topics: Humans; Female; Renal Veins; Constriction, Pathologic; Functional Status; Vascular Diseases; Kidney; Pelvic Pain; Hematuria
PubMed: 37625506
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2023.08.009 -
World Journal of Clinical Cases Jul 2023Ischemic colitis (IC) is common, rising in incidence and associated with high mortality. Its presentation, disease behavior and severity vary widely, and there is...
BACKGROUND
Ischemic colitis (IC) is common, rising in incidence and associated with high mortality. Its presentation, disease behavior and severity vary widely, and there is significant heterogeneity in therapeutic strategies and prognosis. The common causes of IC include thromboembolism, hemodynamic insufficiency, iatrogenic factors and drug-induced. However, contrast-induced IC, especially isolated right colon ischemia is rarely reported.
CASE SUMMARY
A 52-year-old man was admitted to the hospital due to intermittent chest distress accompanied by palpitation. Coronary angiography was performed using 60 mL of the iodinated contrast agent iohexol (Omnipaque 300), and revealed moderate stenosis of the left anterior descending artery and right coronary artery. At 3 h post-procedure, he complained of epigastric pain without fever, diarrhea and vomiting. Vital signs remained normal. An iodixanol-enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan revealed thickening, edema of the ascending and right transverse colonic wall and inflammatory exudate, without thrombus in mesenteric arteries and veins. Following 4 days of treatment with antibiotic and supportive management, the patient had a quick and excellent recovery with disappearance of abdominal pain, normalization of leucocyte count and a significant decrease in C reactive protein. There was no recurrence of abdominal pain during the patient's two-year follow-up.
CONCLUSION
This case emphasizes that contrast-induced IC should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained abdominal pain after a cardiovascular interventional procedure with the administration of contrast media. Timely imaging evaluation by CT and early diagnosis help to improve the prognosis of IC.
PubMed: 37583990
DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i20.4937 -
ACG Case Reports Journal Aug 2023Idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of the mesenteric veins (IMHMV) is a rare and poorly understood noninflammatory ischemic colitis. First reported by Genta and Haggitt...
Idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of the mesenteric veins (IMHMV) is a rare and poorly understood noninflammatory ischemic colitis. First reported by Genta and Haggitt in 1991, the disease typically presents with chronic abdominal pain, weight loss, and diarrhea with or without hematochezia in middle-aged men. IMHMV is frequently misdiagnosed as an inflammatory bowel disease. The pathophysiology of IMHMV involves the proliferation of the intimal smooth muscle in mesenteric veins leading to bowel ischemia. The etiology of this process remains unknown. There are no good medical therapies for IMHMV, and surgical resection, a curative intervention, is typically required to make the diagnosis. We present the case of a 66-year-old man with IMHMV diagnosed with endoscopic biopsies.
PubMed: 37575488
DOI: 10.14309/crj.0000000000001125 -
Medicine Aug 2023Acute mesenteric ischemia due to superior mesenteric vein (SMV) thrombosis is a rare yet potentially life-threatening emergency. Our case report explores this condition...
RATIONALE
Acute mesenteric ischemia due to superior mesenteric vein (SMV) thrombosis is a rare yet potentially life-threatening emergency. Our case report explores this condition in the context of a patient with liver cirrhosis due to Wilson disease. We specifically highlight the complex derangement of the coagulative balance in liver cirrhosis.
PATIENT CONCERNS
A 34-year-old female with Wilson disease-related cirrhosis presented with intractable abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting that showed no response to antispasmodic medication.
DIAGNOSES
A contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography scan and Doppler ultrasound confirmed an intraluminal filling defect in the SMV, leading to the diagnosis of SMV thrombosis.
INTERVENTIONS
Prompt anticoagulation, intravenous fluids, and an antibiotic were initiated. Surgical consultation recommended conservative therapy with close monitoring.
OUTCOMES
Over the following 2 days, the patient's condition improved considerably, with almost complete resolution of her symptoms. Genetic testing identified a 4G/4G homozygous genotype of the plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 gene, associated with a higher risk of thrombosis in the vessels of internal organs. After 2 months of sustained anticoagulant therapy, a follow-up contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan revealed near-complete recanalization of the SMV, and the patient remained symptom-free.
LESSONS
This case underscores the importance of early detection and treatment of acute mesenteric ischemia in patients with liver cirrhosis, as well as the potential role of genetic factors in thrombosis.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Mesenteric Ischemia; Venous Thrombosis; Hepatolenticular Degeneration; Mesenteric Veins; Treatment Outcome; Thrombosis; Liver Cirrhosis
PubMed: 37565896
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034549 -
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2023We focused on the first demonstration that antiarrhythmics, particularly class II and class III antiarrhythmic and beta-blocker sotalol can induce severe...
We focused on the first demonstration that antiarrhythmics, particularly class II and class III antiarrhythmic and beta-blocker sotalol can induce severe occlusion/occlusion-like syndrome in rats. In this syndrome, as in similar syndromes with permanent occlusion of major vessels, peripheral and central, and other similar noxious procedures that severely disable endothelium function, the stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157-collateral pathways activation, was a resolving therapy. After a high dose of sotalol (80 mg/kg intragastrically) in 180 min study, there were cause-consequence lesions in the brain (swelling, intracerebral hemorrhage), congestion in the heart, lung, liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract, severe bradycardia, and intracranial (superior sagittal sinus), portal and caval hypertension, and aortal hypotension, and widespread thrombosis, peripherally and centrally. Major vessels failed (congested inferior caval and superior mesenteric vein, collapsed azygos vein). BPC 157 therapy (10 µg, 10 ng/kg given intragastrically at 5 min or 90 min sotalol-time) effectively counteracted sotalol-occlusion/occlusion-like syndrome. In particular, eliminated were heart dilatation, and myocardial congestion affecting coronary veins and arteries, as well as myocardial vessels; eliminated were portal and caval hypertension, lung parenchyma congestion, venous and arterial thrombosis, attenuated aortal hypotension, and centrally, attenuated intracranial (superior sagittal sinus) hypertension, brain lesions and pronounced intracerebral hemorrhage. Further, BPC 157 eliminated and/or markedly attenuated liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract congestion and major veins congestion. Therefore, azygos vein activation and direct blood delivery were essential for particular BPC 157 effects. Thus, preventing such and similar events, and responding adequately when that event is at risk, strongly advocates for further BPC 157 therapy.
PubMed: 37513889
DOI: 10.3390/ph16070977 -
Radiology Case Reports Oct 2023Contrast-enhanced abdominal CT is the gold standard for the diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI). CT findings include several anomalies like bowel wall...
Contrast-enhanced abdominal CT is the gold standard for the diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI). CT findings include several anomalies like bowel wall thickening, thinning, attenuation, decreased enhancement, dilated fluid-filled loops, pneumatosis, and portal venous gas. A rare case of gas found only in the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is presented. A contrast-enhanced CT scan was performed in emergency on an 80-year-old man with vague and diffuse abdominal pain, which showed findings of occlusive AMI. Gas was found in the context of the SMA and its branches, but not in the mesenteric and portal veins. The patient underwent emergency surgery but he died the next day in the intensive care unit for complications. The rare CT finding of gas in SMA during an AMI should be considered a radiological sign of irreversible intestinal damage: surgical prompt intervention is needed, even if the mortality rate is high.
PubMed: 37502477
DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2023.06.064