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ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION The sciatic artery represents the earliest embryological blood supply to the lower extremity. It regresses after the 3rd month of embryologic development. The proximal part of the sciatic artery eventually persists as the inferior gluteal artery. Rarely, however, it persists into adulthood when it is frequently associated with numerous possible complications (aneurysm formation, embolism, nerve compression, rupture, thrombosis). CASE OUTLINE In March 1996, a 48-year-old male was admitted for angiography of the blood vessels of the right inferior extremity, before an elective orthopaedic procedure. Arteriography of the right leg was done in a usual manner through the right common femoral artery in order to get an angiogram of the popliteal trifurcation and crural arteries. However, on the first field we noticed a hypoplastic superficial femoral artery, as well as a huge persistent sciatic artery (PSA) originating from the internal iliac artery running distally and overlapping the deep femoral artery. There were no aneurysm and stenotic changes of PSA. CONCLUSION If clinical condition is stable, follow-ups at 12 months intervals should be done by means of ultrasound. The therapeutic decisions also depend on complete or incomplete PSA.
Srpski Arhiv za Celokupno Lekarstvo. 01/2008;
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ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION Copper and zinc have significant antiatherogenic effect influencing activity of antioxidant enzyms (giutathion-peroxidase i superoxid-dismutase), mechanism of apoptosis and other mechanisms. Few studies showed increased copper and zinc concentration in atherosclerotic plaque in comparison to normal vascular tissue. AIM The aim of the study was to compare copper and zinc concentrations in carotid artery tissue without significant atherosclerotic changes and human ulcered atherosclerotic plaque. MATERIAL AND METHODS Study was conducted on 66 patients. Carotid endarterectomy due to the significant carotid atherosclerotic changes with cerebrovascular disorders was performed in 54 patients (81.8%). Control group consisted of 12 patients (18.2%) without carotid atherosclerotic changes operated due to the symptomatic kinking and coiling of carotid artery. Operated group consisted of 38 man (62.96%) and 16 woman (37.04%). Control group had the same number of patients: six men (50%) and six women (50%). Preoperatively, all patients were examined by vascular surgeon, neurologist and cardiologist. Duplex sonografy of carotid and vertebral arteries was performed by Aloca DSD 630 ultrasound with mechanical and linear transducer 7.7 MHz. Indication for surgical treatment was obtained according to non-invasive diagnostic protocol and neurological symptoms. Copper and zinc concentration in human ulcered atherosclerotic plaque and carotid artery segment were estimated by spectophotometry (Varian AA-5). RESULTS Average age of our patients was 59.8±8.1 years. For males average age was 76.1 ±9.8 years. And for females 42.4±5.8 years. In group with carotid endarterectomy female patients were significantly younger than male patients (p<0.01). In group with carotid endarterectomy clinically determined neurological disorders were found in 47 patients (87.03%)-35 male (74.47%) and 12 female patients (25.53%). Regarding risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, no significant difference among groups was found for blood pressure and smoking. However, patients with carotid endarterectomy had significantly more diabetes mellitus (p<0.05), obesity (p<0.01) and hypercholesterolemia (p<0.01). DISCUSSION Our study showed significantly lower total copper value in the group with human ulcered atherosclerotic plaque in comparison with the control group (p<0.05). We also found significantly lower total zinc value in the group with human ulcered atherosclerotic plaque in comparison with the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Our study revealed significant difference in copper and zinc content between human ulcered atherosclerotic plaque and normal carotid tissue. Closer correlation of these oligoelements and endothelial dysfunction will be established in future investigations.
Srpski Arhiv za Celokupno Lekarstvo. 01/2004;
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ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome was introduced into clinical practice in 1996 in order to describe unique syndrome, clinically expressed during hypertensive and uremic encephalopathy, eclampsia and during immunosuppressive therapy [1 ]. First clinical investigations showed that leucoencephalopathy is major characteristic of the syndrome, but further investigations showed no significant destruction in white cerebral tissue [2, 3,4]. In majority of cases changes are localize in posterior irrigation area of the brain and in the most severe cases anterior region is also involved. Taking into consideration all above mentioned facts, the suggested term was Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) for the syndrome clinically expressed by neurological manifestations derived from cortical and subcortical changes localized in posterior regions of cerebral hemispheres cerebral trunk and cerebellum [5]. CASE REPORT Patient, aged 53 years, was re-hospitalized in Cardiovascular Institute "Dedinje" two months after succesfull aorto-coronary bypass performed in June 2001 due to the chest bone infection. During the treatment of the infection (according to the antibiogram) in September 2001, patient in evening hours developed headache and blurred vision. The recorded blood pressure was 210/120 mmHg so antihypertensive treatment was applied (Nifedipin and Furosemid). After this therapy there was no improvement and intensive headache with fatigue and loss of vision developed. Neurological examination revealed cortical blindness and left hemiparesis. Manitol (20%, 60 ccm every 3 hours) and iv. Nytroglicerin (high blood pressure). Brain CT revealed oedema of parieto-occipital regions of both hemispheres, more emphasized on the right. (Figure 1 a, b, c). There was no sign of focal ischemia even in deeper sections (Figure 1d, e, f). Following three days enormous high blood pressure values were registered. On the fourth day the significant clinical improvement occurred with lowering of blood pressure, better mental state and better vision. There was no sign of left hemiparesis on the 7th day. On the 9th day there were no symptoms or sign of disease. Control brain CT (15th day) was normal. ETHIOPATHOGENESIS Most common causes of PRES are hypertensive encephalopathy [6-8], pre-eclampsia/eclampsia [9-12] cyklosporin A administration [13-22] and uremic encephalopathy [23]. There are several theories about the mechanism for PRES in hypertensive encephalopathy (reversible vasospasm and hyperperfusion) and administration of cyclosporin A (neurotoxic effect). CLINICAL PICTURE Most common symptoms are headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, behavioural changes, changes of conciousnes (from somnolencia to stupor), vision disturbances (blurred vision, haemianopsia, cortical blindness) and epileptic manifestations (mostly focal attacs with secondary generalization). Mental functions are characterised with decreased activity and reactivity, confusion, loss of concentration and mild type of amnesia. Lethargy is often initial sign, sometimes accompanied with phases of agitation. Stupor and coma rarely occurred. DIAGNOSIS In patients with hypertensive ecephalopathy and eclampsia high blood pressure is registered. Neurological examination revealed vision changes and damages of mental function as well as increased reflex activity. Today, brain MRI and CT are considered the most important diagnostic method for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with PRES [6]. Brain MRI better detects smaller focal parenhim abnormalities than brain CT.The most often neuroradiological finding is relatively symetrical oedema of white cerebral tissue in parieto-occipital regions of both cerebral hemispheres. Gray cerebral tissue is sometimes involved, usually in mild form of disease. Diagnosis of this "cortical" form of PRES is possible by MR FLAIR (Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery) technique [5]. TREATMENT Therapeutic strategy depends on the cause of PRES and clinical picture. Most important are blood pressure regulation (labetalol, nitroprusid, diuretici), control of epileptic attacs (phenytoin), anti-oedema therapy. (Manitol), induction of vaginal delivery in eclampsia and discontinuation of cyclosporin therapy. In most cases there are no neurological manifestations after the 7th day but some studies showed normalization of clinical finding after one year and more.
Srpski Arhiv za Celokupno Lekarstvo. 01/2003;
