Unroofed coronary sinus,left-sided superior vena cava and mitral insufficiency:A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Unroofed coronary sinus(UCS)is a rare subtype of atrial septal defect.It is frequently associated with a persistent left superior vena cava and is often part of a more intricate cardiac malformation.CASE SUMMARY This report describes a rare case of an adolescent patient with UCS featuring atrial situs solitus,absence of the right superior vena cava and a persistent left superior vena cava draining into the left atrium consistent with total unroofing of the coronary sinus.This was associated with concurrent severe mitral insufficiency secondary to redundant and prolapsing leaflets,and a substantial left-to-right shunt across the coronary sinus orifice.A comprehensive examination of the existing literature is included,shedding light on the diagnostic challenges of UCS and describing the available surgical options within the context of mitral valve surgery.CONCLUSION UCS is a complex condition requiring careful consideration of associated anomalies and a tailored surgical approach.

Inferior vena cava reconstruction in extended right hepatectomy

To the Editor : Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer(BCLC) Stage C hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) with vascular invasion has been considered unresectable. However, the curative rate from systemic treatment is rather dismal. Even with the use of immunotherapy, complete remission is less than 10% [ 1 ]. On the contrary, recent advances in transplant oncology, especially in the application of liver transplant-related surgical techniques in complex liver resections, make the operation possible for patients with locally advanced HCC who were previously considered to be unresectable [ 2 ]. We hereby present the surgical management of a patient with giant HCC in right liver lobe with inferior vena cava(IVC) invasion.

Development of a prognostic scoring system for hepatic vena cava Budd-Chiari syndrome with hepatocellular carcinoma

Background:Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is a serious complication of hepatic vena cava Budd-Chiari syndrome(HVC-BCS)that significantly reduces the survival time of patients.Our study aimed to analyze the prognostic factors influencing the survival of HVC-BCS patients with HCC and to develop a prognostic scoring system.Methods:The clinical and follow-up data of 64 HVC-BCS patients with HCC who received invasive treatment at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between January 2015 and December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests were used to analyze the survival curve of patients and the difference in prognoses between the groups.Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to analyze the influence of biochemical,tumor,and etiological characteristics on the total survival time of patients,and a new prognostic scoring system was developed according to the regression coefficients of the independent predictors in the statistical model.The prediction efficiency was evaluated using the time-dependent receiver operating characteristics curve and concordance index.Results:Multivariate analysis showed that serum albumin level<34 g/L[hazard ratio(HR)=4.207,95%confidence interval(CI):1.816-8.932,P=0.001],maximum tumor diameter>7 cm(HR=8.623,95%CI:3.771-19.715,P<0.001),and inferior vena cava stenosis(HR=3.612,95%CI:1.646-7.928,P=0.001)were independent predictors of survival.A prognostic scoring system was developed according to the above-mentioned independent predictors,and patients were classified into grades A,B,C and D.Significant differences in survival were found among the four groups.Conclusions:This study successfully developed a prognostic scoring system for HVC-BCS patients with HCC,which is helpful for clinical evaluation of patient prognosis.

Accidental placement of venous return catheter in the superior vena cava during venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for severe pneumonia: A case report

BACKGROUND Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(V-V ECMO)has become an important treatment for severe pneumonia,but there are various complications during the treatment.This article describes a case with severe pneumonia success-fully treated by V-V ECMO,but during treatment,the retrovenous catheter,which was supposed to be in the right internal vein,entered the superior vena cava directly in the mediastinum.The ECMO was safely withdrawn after multidiscip-linary consultation.Our experience with this case is expected to provide a reference for colleagues who will encounter similar situations.CASE SUMMARY A 64-year-old man had severe pulmonary infection and respiratory failure.He was admitted to our hospital and was given ventilation support(fraction of inspired oxygen 100%).The respiratory failure was not improved and he was treated by V-V ECMO,during which the venous return catheter,which was supposed to be in the right internal vein,entered the superior vena cava directly in the mediastinum.There was a risk of massive mediastinal bleeding if the catheter was removed directly when the ECMO was withdrawn.Finally,the patient underwent vena cava angiography+balloon attachment+ECMO with-drawal in the operating room(prepared for conversion to thoracotomy for vascular exploration and repair at any time during surgery)after multidiscip-linary consultation.ECMO was safely withdrawn,and the patient recovered and was discharged.CONCLUSION Patients may have different vascular conditions.Multidisciplinary cooperation can ensure patient safety.Our experience will provide a reference for similar cases.

Surgical treatment of left-sided renal carcinoma with grade II inferior vena cava tumour thrombus: a report and review of the literature

The surgical removal of renal cancer,along with the thrombectomy of the inferior vena cava tumour thrombus,represents a remarkable milestone in urological surgery.This procedure is not only technically demanding but also requires a high level of surgical expertise.Managing renal cancer combined with a vena cava tumour thrombus poses significant challenges,especially when dealing with combined grade Ⅱ-Ⅳ inferior vena cava tumour thrombus.The complexity of these cases is further exacerbated by the delicate anatomical structures involved and the need to preserve critical vessels while effectively removing the tumour.The Upper Urethral Tumour Treatment Centre of Weifang People's Hospital successfully treated a challenging case of left renal tumour combined with grade II inferior vena cava tumour thrombus.The surgical team,led by experienced urological surgeons,meticulously planned and executed the procedure,ensuring minimal trauma to the patient and complete removal of the tumour.This achievement not only demonstrates the hospital's commitment to providing state-of-the-art surgical care but also highlights the importance of continued research and training in urological oncology.The successful outcome of this case is a testament to the expertise and dedication of the medical team and offers hope to patients facing similar complex surgical challenges.

Zilver vena静脉支架治疗髂静脉狭窄或闭塞7例

目的研究Zilver vena支架治疗髂静脉狭窄或闭塞的介入治疗。方法纳入2016年10月至2017年2月本院收治的7例左侧髂静脉狭窄患者,均给予Zilver vena支架球囊扩张、支架植入。结果 7例患者手术均成功,患者左侧下肢肿胀消退,随访3~6个月,髂静脉通畅。结论 Zilver vena支架治疗髂静脉狭窄,安全有效。

Zilver Vena支架置入治疗中心静脉闭塞临床疗效分析

目的探讨Zilver Vena支架置入用于治疗中心静脉闭塞的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2017年1月至2019年10月清华大学附属垂杨柳医院收治的中心静脉闭塞的86例患者临床资料,分别给予经皮腔内球囊扩张成形术(percutaneous transluminal angioplasty,PTA)或经皮腔内球囊扩张支架置入术(percutaneous transluminal angioplasty stenting,PTAS)治疗,根据治疗方法分为PTA组(仅行病变血管球囊扩张成形术治疗)59例和PTAS组(病变血管治疗后短期内再闭塞或血管扩张后明显弹性回缩、残余狭窄大于40%并影响血流,进行球囊扩张后置入静脉支架治疗)27例,比较观察两组患者6、12、18个月的血管通畅率。结果两组患者均治疗成功,PTAS组患者在6、12、18个月的血管通畅率均高于PTA组,差异有显著性(P<0.05)。结论Zilver Vena静脉支架定位准确、支撑力强,可显著提高术后血管通畅率。

Surgical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus: a new classification for surgical guidance

BACKGROUND: Hepatic resection is the main treatment modality for hepatic tumors. Advances in diagnostic technique, preoperative preparation, surgical technique, and postoperative management increased the success rate. The present study aimed to evaluate hepatectomy and resection of inferior vena cava tumor thrombus (IVCTT) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, and the relationship between IVCTT classification and selection of surgical technique. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 13 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who had undergone hepatectomy with IVCTT resection between May 1997 and August 2009. Age, gender, diagnosis, findings of physical examination, results of preoperative laboratory investigations, radiological examination, criteria for resection, postoperative pathological results, incisions, operative technique, intraoperative transfusion, drains, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were evaluated for all patients. RESULTS: Type Ⅰ IVCTT (10 patients) was posterior to the liver and below the diaphragm; type Ⅱ IVCTT (2 patients) was above the diaphragm but still outside the atrium; and type Ⅲ IVCTT (1 patient) was above the diaphragm and in the right atrium. Type Ⅰ was treated by radical hepatectomy and removal of IVCTT with total hepatic vascular exclusion. Type Ⅱ was treated by radical hepatectomy and removal of IVCTT by incision of the diaphragm. Type Ⅲ was treated by hepatectomy and resection of the thrombus from the right atrium under cardiopulmonary bypass. There were no surgical complications and one patient has been survived for 4 years with cancer-free status. The median survival time was 18.2 months, and the 1-and 2-year survival rates were 53.8% and 15.4%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment is safe and feasible for treatment of IVCTT in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, and surgical resectability can be judged according to the classification of tumor thrombus.

A caval homograft for Budd-Chiari syndrome due to inferior vena cava obstruction

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is the standard treatment of Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) non responsive to medical therapy. However, patients with inferior vena cava (IVC) obstruction proximal to the atrium do not benefit from TIPS and a surgical approach is mandatory. We report the case of BCS due to intrapericardial IVC obstruction. We describe a novel surgical approach using a fresh caval homograft. An attempt to balloon dilatation of the IVC obstruction was complicated by right atrial disruption with tamponade and ventricular fibrillation. Lately, the patient successfully underwent a reconstruction of the cavo-atrial continuity by the interposition of a fresh caval homograft, a novel surgical approach never described before for BCS. Further follow-up revealed progressive reduction and resolution of ascites, and overall clinical improvement. IVC obstruction near to the atrium can be surgically approached with a new technique consisting in inferior vena cava resection and replacement with a caval homograft.

Manual aspiration thrombectomy for acute and subacute inferior vena cava thrombosis and lower extremity deep venous thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis(DVT), which can lead to pulmonary embolism(PE), is a major contributor to the global disease burden and is the third most common cardiovascular pathology after coronary artery disease and stroke. Venous thromboembolic disease, which encompasses the disease entities of DVT and PE, affects up to 10 million cases every year and represents a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Standard anticoagulation therapy alone is ineffective at promoting deep venous system thrombus removal. Many patients develop postthrombotic syndrome(PTS) despite being on adequate anticoagulation therapy. Aggressive therapy for rapid thrombus removal is important to prevent the development of PTS. Besides impeding the onset of PTS, rapid clearance of the thrombus is also required in the treatment of phlegmasia cerulea dolens, an uncommon but life-threatening complication of acute DVT that can lead to arterial insufficiency, compartment syndrome, venous gangrene, and limb amputation. Manual aspiration thrombectomy(MAT) can provide rapid and effective therapy that could be compared to the open surgical thrombectomy approach with minimal risk of morbidity, mortality, or recurrence after surgery. Though many devices have been developed to date for pharmacomechanical thrombolysis, the cost of the treatment using these devices is very expensive. MAT is simple to perform, easy to learn, inexpensive, and rapid. This review will outline and dissect several studies and case reports, sourced from the Pub Med database, on the subject of the use of MAT in treating inferior vena cava thrombosis and lower extremity DVT, including in patients with compression of the iliac vein and phlegmasia cerulea dolens.

A first attempt of inferior vena cava filter successfully guided by a mixed-reality system: a case report

Pulmonary embolism(PE)is one of the fatal heart attacks,and lower limbs deep vein thrombosis(DVT)is the most common reason for PE.Inferior vena cava filter(IVCF)implantation is a most prevention for PE.But it may carry a high risk of injury because of the radiation and contrast agent.Patients with nephrotic syndrome(NS)or some other renal diseases may prone to thrombosis due to the excretion of protein C and protein S overmuch.So,it is necessary to develop a new therapy without contrast agent.Mixed-reality(MR)is a new technology as a guidance of inferior vena cava filter implantation exposed under no X-ray and required no contrast agent.

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome with gastrointestinal bleeding,splenic hemangiomas and left inferior vena cava

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome is a congenital vascular anomaly characterized by a triad of varicose veins,cutaneous capillary malformation,and hypertrophy of bone and(or)soft tissue.Gastrointestinal vascular malformations in Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome may present with gastrointestinal bleeding.The majority of patients with spleenic hemangiomatosis and/or left inferior vena cava are asymptomatic.We herein report a case admitted to the gastroenterology clinic with life-threatening hematochezia and symptomatic iron deficiency anemia.Due to the asymptomatic mild intermittent hematochezia,splenic hemangiomas and left inferior vena cava,the patient did not seek any help for gastrointestinal bleeding until his admittance to our department for evaluation of massive gastrointestinal bleeding.He was referred to angiography because of his serious pathogenetic condition and inefficiency of medical therapy.The method showed that hemostasis was successfully achieved in the hemorrhage site by embolism of corresponding vessels.Further endoscopy revealed vascular malformations starting from the stomach to the descending colon.On the other hand,computed tomography revealed splenic hemangiomas and left inferior vena cava.To the best of our knowledge,this is the first Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome case presenting with gastrointestinal bleeding,splenic hemangiomas and left inferior vena cava.The literature on the evaluation and management of this case is reviewed.

Inferior vena cava obstruction and collateral circulation as unusual manifestations of hepatobiliary cystadenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND: Hepatobiliary cystadenocarcinoma represents a rare epithelial malignant tumor derived from the intrahepatic bile duct. METHODS: A 71-year-old woman, who had undergone laparoscopic drainage of a cystic lesion of the right hepatic lobe, was misdiagnosed as having hepatic echinococcal disease, and received intracystic infusion of 95% ethanol four years ago. She was admitted to our hospital for further treatment. RESULTS: Physical examination revealed dilated superficial veins across the right abdominal wall. After mapping the direction of blood flow in these vessels, we assumed that this was a sign of inferior vena cava obstruction. Abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging combined with magnetic resonance angiography showed a large cystic mass in the right upper quadrant and epigastrium, displacing the adjacent structures, adherent to the inferior vena cava, which was not patent, resulting in dilation of superficial epigastric veins. The patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy. Total excision of the huge mass measuring 16×15 cm was possible under selective vascular exclusion of the liver. Removal of the tumor resulted in immediate restoration of flow in the inferior vena cava. On the basis of the pathology and findings of immunohistochemical analysis, a hepatobiliary cystadenocarcinoma was diagnosed.CONCLUSIONS: In the present case, hepatobiliary cystadenocar-cinoma was accompanied by dilated superficial venous collaterals due to inferior vena cava obstruction. Selective vascular exclusion of the liver allowed a safe oncological resection of the tumor.

高声强下微圆孔声学非线性效应vena收缩系数的研究

在研究高声强下微圆孔声学非线性效应时,准定常模型的一个明显不足是采用固定不变的 vena收缩系数,因而影响了预测精度。本文联合一种准定常方法和离散涡方法,给出了 vena收缩系数随入射声强的变化曲线,并与实验结果符合得较好。将本文准定常方法与 vena收缩系数曲线相结合来预测非线性声阻,不仅预测精度高,而且十分简便,适用于高声强条件下穿孔板共振吸声结构的工程设计。

Vena cava thrombosis after vena cava filter placement： Incidence and risk factors

Background The objective of this study was to assess the clinical safety and efficacy of vena cava filter （VCF） placement, with particular emphasis on the incidence and risk factors of inferior vena cava thrombosis （VCT） after VCF placement. Methods Clinical data of patients with venous thromboembolism （VTE）, with or without placement of VCF, were analyzed in a retrospective single-center audit of medical records from January 2005 to June 2009. The collected data included demographics, procedural details, filter type, indications, and complications. Results A total of 168 cases of VTE （82 with VCF; 86 without VCF） were examined. Over a median follow-up of 24.2 months, VCT occurred in 18 of 82 patients with VCFs （11 males, 7 females, mean age 55.4 years）. In 86 patients without VCFs, VCT occurred in only 6 individuals （4 males, 2 females） during the study period. VCT was observed more frequently in patients fitted with VCFs than in those without VCFs （22% vs. 7.0%）. Conclusions The incidence of VCT in patients with VTE after VCF implantation was 22% approximately. Anticoagulation therapy should be continued for all patients with VCF placement, unless there is a specific contraindication. Almost all instances of VCT in patients with VCF implants in our study occurred after stopping anticoagulation treatment. The use of VCFs is increasing, and more trials are needed to confirm their benefit and accurately assess their safety.

Sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma of the liver infiltrating the inferior vena cava

Sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma （SEF） is a rare and distinct variant of fibrosarcoma, composed of epithelioid tumor cells arranged in strands, nests, cords, or sheets embedded within a sclerotic collagenous matrix. We report a 39-year-old man with SEF of the liver, which infiltrated the inferior vena cava （IVC）. The SEF of the liver was successfully resected, and the infiltrated IVC was also removed together with the liver tumor. Histopathological examination of the tumor showed typical histopathology of SEE Immunohistochemically, the tumor was positive for vimentin. Recurrence was noted 7 mo after surgery. After chemotherapy, the recurrent tumor was resected surgically, and histopathological examination showed similar findings to those of the primary tumor. To our knowledge, this is the first report of SEF of the liver with tumor invasion of the IVC.

Liver cirrhosis in hepatic vena cava syndrome(or membranous obstruction of inferior vena cava)

Hepatic vena cava syndrome(HVCS) also known as membranous obstruction of inferior vena cava reported mainly from Asia and Africa is an important cause of hepatic venous outflow obstruction(HVOO) that is complicated by high incidence of liver cirrhosis(LC) and moderate to high incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). In the past the disease was considered congenital and was included under Budd-Chiari syndrome(BCS). HVCS is a chronic disease common in developing countries, the onset of which is related to poor hygienic living condition. The initial lesion in the disease is a bacterial infection induced localized thrombophlebitis in hepatic portion of inferior vena cava at the site where hepatic veins open which on resolution transforms into stenosis, membrane or thick obstruction,and is followed by development of cavo-caval collateral anastomosis. The disease is characterized by long asymptomatic period and recurrent acute exacerbations(AE) precipitated by clinical or subclinical bacterial infection. AE is managed with prolonged oral antibiotic. Development of LC and HCC in HVCS is related to the severity and frequency of AEs and not to the duration of the disease or the type or severity of the caval obstruction. HVOO that develops during severe acute stage or AE is a pre-cirrhotic condition. Primary BCS on the other hand is a rare disease related to prothrombotic disorders reported mainly among Caucasians that clinically manifest as acute, subacute disease or as fulminant hepatic failure; and is managed with life-long anticoagulation, portosystemic shunt/endovascular angioplasty and stent or liver transplantation. As epidemiology, etiology and natural history of HVCS are different from classical BCS, it is here, recognized as a separate disease entity, a third primary cause of HVOO after sinusoidal obstruction syndrome and BCS. Understanding of the natural history has made early diagnosis of HVCS possible. This paper describes epidemiology, natural history and diagnosis of HVCS and discusses the pathogenesis of LC in the disease and mentions distinctive clinical features of HVCS related LC.

Giant saphenous vein graft pseudoaneurysm to right posterior descending artery presenting with superior vena cava syndrome

Saphenous vein grafts(SVG) pseudoaneurysms,especially giant ones,are rare and occur as a late complication of coronary artery bypass grafting. This condition affects both genders and typically occurs within the sixth decade of life. The clinical presentation ranges from an asymptomatic incidental finding on imaging studies to new onset angina,dyspnea,myocardial infarction or symptoms related to compression of neighboring structures. An 82-year-old woman presented with acute onset back pain,dyspnea and was noted to have significantly engorged neck veins. In the emergency department,a chest computed tomographic angiogram with intravenous contrast revealed a ruptured giant bilobed SVG pseudoaneurysm to the right posterior descending artery(RPDA). This imaging modality also demonstrated compression of the superior vena cava(SVC) by the SVG pseudoaneurysm. Coronary angiogram with bypass study was performed to establish the patency of this graft. Endovascular coiling and embolization of the SVG to RPDA was initially considered but disfavored after the coronary angiogram revealed preserved flow from the graft to this arterial branch. After reviewing the angiogram films,a surgical strategy was favored over a percutaneous intervention with a Nitinol self-expanding stent since the latter would have not addressed the superior vena cava compression caused by the giant pseudoaneurysm. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiogram demonstrated SVCcompression by the giant pseudoaneurysm cranial lobe. Our patient underwent surgical ligation and excision of the giant pseudoaneurysm and the RPDA was regrafted successfully. In summary,saphenous vein grafts pseudoaneurysms can be life-threatening and its therapy should be guided based on the presence of mechanical complications,the patency of the affected vein graft and the involved myocardial territory viability.

Retroperitoneal hematoma after implantation of double inferior vena cava filters

A 55-year-old man developed deep venous thrombosis and inferior vena cava(IVC) thrombosis 7 years earlier and was treated by placement of a permanent IVC filter. One week ago, he was admitted with bilateral lower limb swelling and pain. Digital subtraction angiography showed a filling defect above the original filter. A retrievable Tulip filter was placed and catheter-directed thrombolysis was performed. Six days later, the patient experienced sudden, persistent upper right abdominal pain, and a computed tomography scan revealed the formation of retroperitoneal hematoma. Symptomatic treatments were administered, and the hematoma gradually resolved during follow-up.

Gallbladder cancer with tumor thrombus in the superior vena cava

BACKGROUND:Gastrointestinal cancers,especially pancreatobiliary cancers,are frequently associated with or are complicated by thromboembolic phenomena due to hypercoagulability and/or altered venous drainage,especially of the abdomen and lower limbs.This report describes an unusual and interesting case of gallbladder carcinoma developing a viable tumor thrombus in the superior vena cava(SVC)with resultant SVC obstruction,while on gefitinibbased anti-epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)therapy.METHODS:A 60-year-old woman was incidentally diagnosed to have gallbladder cancer on cholecystectomy.She had disease recurrence and received systemic chemotherapy followed by gefitinib-based anti-EGFR therapy.Subsequently,while on gefitinib-based therapy,she presented with clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of SVC thrombosis.RESULTS:A whole body PET scan revealed a metabolically active tumor thrombus in the SVC,besides other sites of metabolically active disease inclusive of the lung parenchyma, lymph nodes and abdomen.She was treated with antithrombotics and external beam radiotherapy directed to the SVC thrombus leading to symptomatic relief.She continues to survive on the day of writing this report.CONCLUSIONS:This rare complication,though theoretically possible,is unreported because of the short overall survival of advanced gallbladder cancer patients.This highlights that with the availability of better chemotherapeutic/biotherapeutic agents for increasing in the lifespan of cancer patients,we may come across such cases more frequently in the future.