Upper Tract Treatment of Urogenital Fistulas at the National Fistula Treatment Center (CNTF)

Introduction: Urogenital fistula is the existence of an abnormal pathway between a urinary organ and a genital organ. It is a public health problem because of its frequency and social aspect. The aim of this study was to analyse the management of urogenital fistulas by the upper route at the National Fistula Treatment Centre in N’Djamena. Material and Methods: This was a 10-year retrospective descriptive and analytical study from May 2011 to April 2021. The records of all patients who had received fistula treatment during this period were identified and analysed. Results: During the study period 2369 patients were managed for cure of urogenital fistula including 84 by the upper route, i.e. 3.5%. The mean age was 28.5 ± 8.13 years. Loss of urine was the most common reason for consultation (71.4%). Primigravida were represented in 50% (n = 42). The average gestational age was 3.2 ± 2.8 with extremes of 0 to 9 pregnancies. Obstetric aetiology was the most common (92.8%). Ureterovaginal fistulas were the most common anatomoclinical type (36.9%). Uretero-vesical reimplantation was the main surgical procedure (41.7%). Late postoperative follow-up was successful in 85.7% of cases. Conclusion: Urogenital fistulas are common in our practice. The only way to combat this scourge is through prevention through information, education and communication.

Choosing the best endoscopic approach for post-bariatric surgical leaks and fistulas:Basic principles and recommendations

Post-surgical leaks and fistulas are the most feared complication of bariatric surgery.They have become more common in clinical practice given the increasing number of these procedures and can be very difficult to treat.These two related conditions must be distinguished and characterized to guide the appropriate treatment.Leak is defined as a transmural defect with communication between the intra and extraluminal compartments,while fistula is defined as an abnormal communication between two epithelialized surfaces.Traditionally,surgical treatment was the preferred approach for leaks and fistulas and was associated with high morbidity with significant mortality rates.However,with the development of novel devices and techniques,endoscopic therapy plays an increasingly essential role in managing these conditions.Early diagnosis and endoscopic therapy initiation after clinical stabilization are crucial to success since clinical success rates are higher for acute leaks and fistulas when compared to late and chronic leaks and fistulas.Several endoscopic techniques are available with different mechanisms of action,including direct closure,covering/diverting or draining.The treatment should be individualized by considering the characteristics of both the patient and the defect.Although there is a lack of high-quality studies to provide standardized treatment algorithms,this narrative review aims to provide a summary of the current scientific evidence and,based on this data and our extensive experience,make recommendations to help choose the best endoscopic approach for the management of post-bariatric surgical leaks and fistulas.

Intermediate and Long-Term Follow-Up of Transcatheter Closure of Congenital Coronary Cameral Fistulas in Infants and Children:Experience from a Single Center

Background:Limited data are available regarding intermediate and long-term outcomes of transcatheter closure(TCC)of coronary cameral fistulas(CCFs)in the pediatric patients.Methods:All pediatric patients diagnosed with CCFs who were scheduled to undergo TCC between 2005 and 2019 were retrospectively enrolled in the study.Results:A total of 66 patients(median age:3.93 years,median weight:15 kg)underwent attempted TCC of CCFs.Immediate successful device implantation was achieved in 62 patients,and immediate complete occlusion was achieved in 44 patients(44/62%,71.0%).The closure procedure was waived in 2 patients due to anatomical factors.A total of 6 periprocedural complications occurred in 5 patients,including acute myocardial infarction(n=3),procedure-related death(n=1),device embolization(n=1),and rupture of tricuspid chordae tendineae(n=1).The acute procedural success rate was 89.4%(59/66),while the acute complication rate was 9.1%(6/66).Follow-up data were collected for 58(93.5%)out of 62 patients at a median of 9.3 years(range:3.0–15.7 years).10 adverse events occurred in 9 patients,including 5 follow-up complications(1 aortic valve perforation,1 coronary thrombosis,1 progressive aneurysmal dilation after reintervention,and 2 cases of new-onset tricuspid valve prolapse with significant regurgitation),and 5 closure failure with large residual shunts.The intermediate and long-term adverse event rate was 17.2%(10/58).The anatomical features associated with both acute and follow-up adverse events were large CCFs(p=0.005),and giant coronary artery aneurysms(CAAs)(p=0.029).Conclusions:TCC of CCFs in infants and children appears to be effective and is associated with a relatively low complication rate.Large CCFs and giant CAAs represent a higher risk of both acute and intermediate and long-term adverse events after closure.

Multi-national observational study to assess quality of life and treatment preferences in patients with Crohn’s perianal fistulas

BACKGROUND Patients with Crohn’s disease(CD)are at risk of developing complications such as perianal fistulas.Patients with Crohn’s perianal fistulas(CPF)are affected by fecal incontinence(FI),bleeding,pain,swelling,and purulent perianal discharge,and METHODS This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in patients with CD aged 21-90 years via a web-enabled questionnaire in seven countries(April-August 2021).Patients were recruited into three cohorts:Cohort 1 included patients without perianal fistulas;cohort 2 included patients with perianal fistulas without fistula-related surgery;and cohort 3 included patients with perianal fistulas and fistula-related surgery.Validated patient-reported outcome measures were used to assess quality of life.Drivers of treatment preferences were measured using a discrete choice experiment(DCE).RESULTS In total,929 patients were recruited(cohort 1,n=620;cohort 2,n=174;cohort 3,n=135).Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire scores were worse for patients with CPF(cohorts 2 and 3)than for those with CD without CPF(cohort 1):Mean score 3.8 and 3.7 vs 4.1,respectively,(P<0.001).Similarly,mean Revised FI and FI Quality of Life scores were worse for patients with CPF than for those with CD without CPF.Quality of Life with Anal Fistula scores were similar in patients with CPF with or without CPF-related surgery(cohorts 2 and 3):Mean score 41 and 42,respectively.In the DCE,postoperative discomfort and fistula healing rate were the most important treatment attributes influencing treatment choice:Mean relative importance 35.7 and 24.7,respectively.CONCLUSION The burden of illness in CD is significantly higher for patients with CPF and patients rate lower postoperative discomfort and higher healing rates as the most desirable treatment attributes.

Comparison of ethanol-soaked gelatin sponge and microspheres for hepatic arterioportal fistulas embolization in hepatic cellular carcinoma

Hepatic arterioportal fistulas(APFs)are common in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Moreover,correlated with poor prognosis,APFs often complicate antitumor treatments,including transarterial chemoembolization(TACE).AIM To compare the efficacy of ethanol-soaked gelatin sponges(ESG)and microspheres in the management of APFs and their impact on the prognosis of HCC.METHODS Data from patients diagnosed with HCC or hepatic APFs between June 2016 and December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.Furthermore,APFs were embolized with ESG(group E)or microspheres(group M)during TACE.The primary outcomes were disease control rate(DCR)and objective response rate(ORR).The secondary outcomes included immediate and first follow-up APF improvement,overall survival(OS),and progression-free survival(PFS).RESULTS Altogether,91 participants were enrolled in the study,comprising 46 in group E and 45 in group M.The DCR was 93.5%and 91.1%in groups E and M,respectively(P=0.714).The ORRs were 91.3%and 66.7%in groups E and M,respectively(P=0.004).The APFs improved immediately after the procedure in 43(93.5%)patients in group E and 40(88.9%)patients in group M(P=0.485).After 2 mo,APF improvement was achieved in 37(80.4%)and 33(73.3%)participants in groups E and M,respectively(P=0.421).The OS was 26.2±1.4 and 20.6±1.1 mo in groups E and M,respectively(P=0.004),whereas the PFS was 16.6±1.0 and 13.8±0.7 mo in groups E and M,respectively(P=0.012).CONCLUSION Compared with microspheres,ESG embolization demonstrated a higher ORR and longer OS and PFS in patients of HCC with hepatic APFs.

Open surgery:Still a great option to treat patients with posttraumatic arteriovenous fistulas:A case report

BACKGROUND In the modern era of endovascular surgery percutaneous interventions are being widely used to treat a number of vascular disorders including arteriovenous fistulas(AVF).Still,patients with hostile anatomy or complicated cases such as large post-traumatic AVFs may be successfully treated using conventional vascular surgery.CASE SUMMARY This paper presents state-of-the-art treatment options in subjects with posttraumatic AVFs and a case-report of a successful open surgical approach in a patient with a 25 year old history of a post-traumatic AVF between the common femoral artery and common femoral vein.CONCLUSION Open surgery is still a great option to treat patients with post-traumatic arteriovenous fistulas with hostile anatomy or in complicated cases.Concomitant conditions and complications should be addressed promptly.

High-flow priapism due to bilateral cavernous artery fistulas treated by unilateral embolization:A case report

BACKGROUND High flow priapism(HFP)is a rare type of priapism.Perineal trauma is the most common cause of HFP.Trauma-induced penile artery injury may lead to an arterial-cavernosal fistula,whereas persistent irregular arterial blood flow entering the corpora cavernosum can cause a persistent penile erection.The routine treatment of HFP focuses on addressing the abnormal penile erectile status and avoiding post-treatment erectile dysfunction.Interventional embolization is an important therapeutic modality for HFP,and bilateral embolization therapy is currently the most commonly used technique for patients with bilateral cavernous artery fistulas;however,unilateral embolization therapy has yet to be reported.CASE SUMMARY Herein,we report of the case of a 26-year-old Chinese male who presented with a persistent abnormal erection for 12 h after perineal impact injury.Medical history,cavernous arterial blood gas analysis and radiological examinations led to a diagnosis of HFP caused by bilateral cavernous artery fistulas.We performed routine conservative treatment(compression therapy and ice application)for the patient after admission;however,10 d later,his symptoms had not been relieved.After completion of the preoperative workup,right(severe side)selective perineal artery embolization was performed;the left cavernous artery fistula was left untreated.After postoperative continuation of conservative treatment for 72 h,the patient experienced complete penile thinning.The patient had no symptoms of erectile dysfunction over a follow-up period of 12 mo.CONCLUSION Compared with bilateral cavernous artery fistula embolization,we believe that unilateral cavernous artery fistula embolization can achieve positive clinical efficacy and reduce the risk of postoperative erectile dysfunction secondary to penile ischemia.

Prevalence, Management and Outcomes of Enterocutaneous Fistulas in Buea Regional Hospital and Laquintinie Hospital of Douala. A Five Years Retrospective Study

Background: An Enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) is an abnormal connection between the intestinal tracts or stomach and the skin. They are a major catastrophe to the patient and surgeons and still have a high incidence of morbidity and mortality which varies between 6% - 33%;their management remains a big challenge. These patients frequently face complications, and a well-organized multidisciplinary approach must be implemented in their management to improve outcomes. Objectives: Our study aims to assess the prevalence, management and outcomes of enterocutaneous fistulas in Buea regional hospital and Laquintinie hospital of Douala over the past 5 years. Methods: This was a hospital-based retrospective study in Buea regional hospital and Laquintinie hospital of Douala. Records of patients who had enterocutaneous fistulas within the period of 1st January 2017 to 31st December 2020 in the surgical departments. Data included demographics, pre-operative diagnosis, comorbidities, type of fistula, management modality and means, the indication of operative treatment, length of stay in the hospital and outcomes. Data was analysed using SPSSv26. Results: The study constituted 1343 medical records of which 83 medical records of patients with enterocutaneous fistulas, giving a prevalence of 6.2%, female predominance at 59% (n = 49), 42.2% (n = 35) were referred cases from the periphery for better management. A vast majority (96.4%) occurred as post-operative complications with appendectomy the most common indication (18.8%). High output fistulas were predominant (43.4%). 59% (n = 47) were managed medically, 6% (n = 5) received both conservative and surgical modalities while 35% (n = 5) were managed surgically. 64.1% (n = 50) were placed on enteral nutrition while 35.9% (n = 28) were placed on parenteral nutrition. Peritonitis/infection 50% (n = 18) was the commonest indication of surgical treatment, followed by failure of medical treatment 25% (n = 9) then high output fistulas 16.7% (n = 6). Resection with end-to-end anastomosis was the preferred repaired work at 61% (n = 22). The mortality rate was 38.5% (n = 32), 29% (n = 24) healed after conservative treatment, 21.7% (n = 18) healed after surgery, 7.2% (n = 6) persisted after surgery while 3.6% (n = 3) persisted after conservative treatment. Anaemia, sepsis, electrolyte imbalance, dehydration and malnutrition were the commonest complications. Conclusion: The prevalence of enterocutaneous fistulas was high, with a female predominance and a mean age of 38 years. Most cases were seen as a referral from the periphery for better management. The greatest majority of fistulas occurred as a postoperative complications. Conservative management with enteral feedings was preferred, they had better outcomes and gave more chances of healing. The commonest indication of surgical treatment was an infection. Resection with end-to-end anastomosis was the preferred repaired work. The mortality rate was high, and anaemia, sepsis and electrolyte imbalance were the commonest complications.

Coronary-cameral fistulas in adults(first of two parts)

This is a case series and review of the literature adding11 new cases.Coronary-cameral fistulas(CCFs)are infrequent anomalies which are in general co-incidentally found during diagnostic coronary angiography(CAG).To delineate the characteristics of congenital and acquired CCFs in adults,we performed a PubMed search for papers dealing with congenital or acquired CCFs in adults.Publications on coronary-vascular fistulas or paediatric subjects were not included.From the world literature,a total of 243 adult patients were identified who had congenital(65%)or acquired(35%)CCFs.In this review,which is part one of a two-part series on CCFs,we describe and discuss the congenital fistulas,give an overview on the published literature and report details of our own series of 11 patients with MMFs and solitary macro CCFs.Of the congenital group,56%were small or large solitary macro CCFs(cut-off 1.5mm)and 9%were coronary artery-ventricular multiple micro-fistulas(MMFs).Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was reported in some of the reviewed subjects with MMFs(3/24=13%)but not was seen in our own series.Conservative medical management was generally the treatment of choice in congenital MMFs;prophylactic implantable cardioverter defibrillators(ICD)were implanted in 2/24(8%)of subjects,especially when extensive micro-fistulisations were involved.None of the patients of our own series required an ICD,as the MMFs were of limited size.Congenital or acquired CCFs in adults are infrequent anomalies having a wide spectrum of clinical presentation may varies from asymptomatic to severely devastating states requiring different treatment modalities.

Current characteristics of congenital coronary artery fistulas in adults:A decade of global experience

AIM:To describe the characteristics of coronary artery fistulas(CAFs) in adults,including donor vessels and whether termination was cameral or vascular. METHODS:A PubMed search was performed for articles between 2000 and 2010 to describe the current characteristics of congenital CAFs in adults.A group of 304 adults was collected.Clinical data,presentations,diagnostic modalities,angiographic fistula findings and treatment strategies were gathered and analyzed.With regard to CAF origin,the subjects were tabulated into unilateral,bilateral or multilateral fistulas and compared.The group was stratified into two major subsets according to the mode of termination;coronary-cameral fistulas(CCFs) and coronary-vascular fistulas(CVFs) . A comparison was made between the two subsets. Fistula-related major complications[aneurysm formation,infective endocarditis(IE) ,myocardial infarction(MI) ,rupture,pericardial effusion(PE) and tamponade] were described.Coronary artery-ventricular multiple micro-fistulas and acquired CAFs were excluded as well as anomalous origin of the coronary arteries from the pulmonary artery(PA) . RESULTS:A total of 304 adult subjects(47%male) with congenital CAFs were included.The mean age was51.4 years(range,18-86 years) ,with 20%older than 65 years of age.Dyspnea(31%) ,chest pain(23%) and angina pectoris(21%) were the prevalent clinical presentations.Continuous cardiac murmur was heard in 82%of the subjects.Of the applied diagnostic modalities,chest X-ray showed an abnormal shadow in 4%of the subjects.The cornerstone in establishing the diagnosis was echocardiography(68%) ,and conventional contrast coronary angiography(97%) .However,multislice detector computed tomography was performed in 16%.The unilateral fistula originated from the left in 69%and from the right coronary artery in 31%of the subjects.Most patients(80%) had unilateral fistulas,18%presented with bilateral fistulas and 2%with multilateral fistulas.Termination into the PA was reported in unilateral(44%) ,bilateral(73%) and multilateral(75%) fistulas.Fistulas with multiple origins(bilateral and multilateral) terminated more frequently into the PA(29%) than into other sites(10.6%)(P=0.000) . Aneurysmal formation was found in 14%of all subjects.Spontaneous rupture,PE and tamponade were reported in 2%of all subjects.In CCFs,the mean age was 46.2 years whereas in CVFs mean age was 55.6 years(P=0.003) .IE(4%) was exclusively associated with CCFs,while MI(2%) was only found in subjects with CVFs.Surgical ligation was frequently chosen for unilateral(57%) ,bilateral(51%) and multilateral fistulas(66%) ,but percutaneous therapeutic embolization(PTE) was increasingly reported(23%,17%and 17%,respectively) . CONCLUSION:Congenital CAFs are currently detected in elderly patients.Bilateral fistulas are more frequently reported and PTE is more frequently applied as a therapeutic strategy in adults.

Congenital solitary coronary artery fistulas characterized by their drainage sites

Last centuries have witnessed tremendous sophistication and progress in the detection,diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery fistulas(CAFs).In many countries,CAFs were reported to be visualized and treated using several imaging techniques and different management strategies.Reports from nearly all continents of the globe have contributed to the description of CAFs,not only in Asia and Europe but also throughout North and Latin America.However,these reports have to be cautiously analyzed as many of them were published as a case report and careful interpretation is warranted due to possible publication bias.A literature search was performed using PubMed search interface to select papers dealing with congenital CAFs in adult population between 2000-2009.A total of 233 subjects were collected,and analysed according to their drainage site and treatment modality.They were divided into two subgroups:percutaneous transluminal embolization group(PTE group,n=122)and surgical ligation group(SL group,n=111).In the SL group,atherosclerotic coronary artery disease(19%)and associated congenital lesions(23%)were more prevalent compared with the PTE group(9%and 8%),respectively.Infective endocarditis was more frequently seen in the SL group besides syncope,congestive heart failure and hemopericardium.In both groups multimodality diagnostic workup composed of several non-invasive and invasive imaging techniques for fistula visualization were performed and drainage sites into the different cardiac chambers and intrathoracic great vessels were similarly distributed in the two groups.

Reduction of the closure time of postoperative enterocutaneous fistulas with fibrin sealant

AIM: To assess whether the use of fibrin sealantshortens the closure time of postoperative enterocutaneous fistulas (ECFs). METHODS: The prospective case-control study included 70 patients with postoperative ECFs with an output of < 500 mL/d, a fistulous tract of > 2 cm and without any local complication. They were divided into study (n = 23) and control groups (n = 47). Esophageal, gastric and colocutaneous fistulas were monitored under endoscopic visualization, which also allowed fibrin glue application directly through the external hole. Outcome variables included closure time, time to resume oral feeding and morbidity related to nutritional support. RESULTS: There were no differences in mean age, fistula output, and follow-up. Closure-time for all patients of the study group was 12.5 ± 14.2 d and 32.5 ± 17.9 d for the control group (P < 0.001), and morbidity related to nutritional support was 8.6% and 42.5%, respectively (P < 0.01). In patients with colonic fistulas, complete closure occurred 23.5 ± 19.5 d after the first application of fibrin glue, and spontaneous closure was observed after 36.2 ± 22.8 d in the control group (P = 0.36). Recurrences were observed in 2 patients because of residual disease. One patient of each group died during follow-up as a consequence of septic complications related to parenteral nutrition. CONCLUSION: Closure time was significantly reduced with the use of fibrin sealant, and oral feeding was resumed faster. We suggest the use of fibrin sealant for the management of stable enterocutaneous fistulas.

Operative considerations for rectovaginal fistulas

To describe the etiology, anatomy and pathophysiology of rectovaginal fistulas(RVFs); and to describe a systematic surgical approach to help achieve optimal outcomes. A current review of the literature was performed to identify the most up-to-date techniques and outcomes for repair of RVFs. RVFs present a difficult problem that is frustrating for patients and surgeons alike. Multiple trips to the operating room are generally needed to resolve the fistula, and the recurrence rate approaches40% when considering all of the surgical options. At present, surgical options range from collagen plugs and endorectal advancement flaps to sphincter repairs or resection with colo-anal reconstruction. There are general principles that will allow the best chance for resolution of the fistula with the least morbidity to the patient. These principles include: resolving the sepsis, identifying the anatomy, starting with least invasive surgical options, and interposing healthy tissue for complex or recurrent fistulas.

Burden and outcomes for complex perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease:Systematic review

AIM To systematically review the literature on epidemiology,disease burden, and treatment outcomes for Crohn's disease(CD) patients with complex perianal fistulas.METHODS PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane were searched for relevant articles(published 2000-November 2016) and congress abstracts(published 2011-November 2016).RESULTS Of 535 records reviewed, 62 relevant sources were identified(mostly small observational studies). The cumulative incidence of complex perianal fistulas in CD from two referral-centre studies was 12%-14%(follow-up time, 12 years in one study; not reported in the second study). Complex perianal fistulas result in greatly diminished quality of life; up to 59% of patients are at risk of faecal incontinence. Treatments include combinations of medical and surgical interventions and expanded allogeneic adipose-derived stem cells. High proportions of patients experience lack of or inadequate response to treatment(failure and relapse rates,respectively: medical, 12%-73% and 0%-41%; surgical:0%-100% and 11%.20%; combined medical/surgical:0%-80% and 0%-50%; stem cells: 29%-47% and not reported). Few studies(1 of infliximab; 3 of surgical interventions)have been conducted in treatment-refractory patients, a population with high unmet needs. Limited data exist on the clinical value of anti-tumour necrosis factor-α dose escalation in patients with complex perianal fistulas in CD.CONCLUSION Complex perianal fistulas in CD pose substantial clinical and humanistic burden. There is a need for effective treatments, especially for patients refractory to antitumour necrosis factor-α agents, as evidenced by high failure and relapse rates.

Coronary-cameral fistulas in adults: Acquired types(second of two parts)

Acquired coronary artery fistulas(CCFs)are infrequently detected during conventional coronary angiography.To delineate the characteristics of congenital(first part)and acquired(second part)CCFs in adults,a PubMed search was conducted for papers dealing with congenital or acquired CCFs.None of the publications describing patients with coronary-vascular fistulas were included.Papers dealing with pediatric subjects were excluded.From the world literature,a total of 243adult patients were selected who had congenital(n=159/243,65%)and acquired(n=84/243,35%)CCFs.Among the acquired types(n=72,85.7%)were traumatic(iatrogenic(n=65/72,90%),accidental(n=7/72,10%)and(n=12,14.3%)spontaneously developing in relation to severe coronary atherosclerosis or myocardial infarction.A high incidence of spontaneousresolution of iatrogenic CCFs resulting from endomyocardial biopsy or following post-septal myectomy was reported.Spontaneous CCFs associated with myocardial ischemia or infarction resolved completely in 8%of the subjects.Early surgical intervention was the treatment of choice in acquired traumatic accidental CCFs.The congenital types are addressed in a previous issue of this journal(first part).In this review(second of two parts,partⅡ),we describe the acquired coronarycameral fistulas.

Incidental congenital coronary artery vascular fistulas in adults:Evaluation with adenosine-13N-ammonia PET-CT

AIM To assess the functionality of congenital coronary artery fistulas(CAFs) using adenosine stress ^(13)N-ammonia positron emission tomography computed tomography(PET-CT).METHODS Congenital CAFs were incidentally detected during coronary angiography(CAG) procedures in 11 adult patients(six males and five females) with a mean age of 64.3 years(range 41-81). Patients were collected from three institutes in the Netherlands. The characteristics of the fistulas(origin, pathway and termination), multiplicity of the origins and pathways of the fistulous vessels were assessed by CAG. Five patients underwent adenosine pharmacologic stress ^(13)N-ammonia PET-CT to assess myocardial perfusion and the functional behavior of the fistula. RESULTS Eleven patients with 12 CAFs, 10 unilateral and one bilateral, originating from the left anterior descending coronary artery(n = 8), right coronary artery(n = 2) and circumflex(n = 2). All fistulas were of the vascular type, terminating into either the pulmonary artery(n = 11) or coronary sinus(n = 1). The CAG delineated the characteristics of the fistula(origin, pathway and termination). Multiplicity of the origins and pathways of the fistulous vessels were common in most fistulas(8/12, 67% and 9/12, 75%, respectively). Multiplicity was common among the different fistula components(23/36, 64%). Adenosine pharmacologic stress ^(13)N-ammonia PET-CT revealed normal myocardial perfusion and ejection fraction in all but one patient, who showed a reduced ejection fraction.CONCLUSION PET-CT may be helpful for assessing the functional status of congenital CAFs in selected patients regarding clinical decision-making. Studies with a larger patient series are warranted.

Color Doppler Imaging in the Diagnosis and Follow-up of Carotid Cavernous Sinus Fistulas

This report describes color doppler imaging (CDI) in theevaluation and follow-up of nine patients with carotid cavernous sinusfistulas.The orbits and carotid arteries were examined with CDI.In allcases,the diagnosis was confirmed by angiography.CDI clearlydemonstrated the dilated superior ophthalmic veins (SOVs) with retrogradeflow and low resistance arterial doppler waveform in all nine patients (10eyes).After the study of quantitative hemodynamics,we found that directcarotid cavernous sinus fistulas s...

Overview of multimodal MRI of intracranial Dural arteriovenous fistulas

Dural arteriovenous fistulas(DAVFs)include a wide range of pathological conditions that are associated with intracranial vessel abnormalities.While some types of DAVFs present with typical neuroimaging characteristics,others share overlapping pathological and neuroimaging features that can hinder accurate differentiation.Hence,misclassification of the various types of DAVFs is common.Thorough knowledge of DAVF imaging findings is essential to avoid such misinterpretations.Traditional digital subtraction angiography(DSA)is considered the gold standard for diagnosing and evaluating DAVFs.However,angiography cannot detect changes in a patient’s brain structure.Conventional magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)sequences,including MR angiography(MRA),allow the evaluation of DAVFs without ionizing radiation or invasiveness.Advanced MRI techniques,such as susceptibility-weighted imaging(SWI)and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRA,provide added value to real-time physio-pathological data regarding the hemodynamics of DAVFs.Beyond these techniques,new insights using high-resolution vascular wall MRI are incorporated for the noninvasive evaluation of DAVFs.This article reviews the pathophysiology of DAVFs,focusing on the specifics of MRI findings that facilitate their classification.The role of conventional and advanced MRI sequences for DAVFs was assessed using insights derived from the data provided by structured reports of multimodal MRIs to evaluate DAVFs.

Vesicovaginal Fistulas: Anatomical Clinical and Surgical Aspects in the Conakry University Hospital Center

Objective: To analyze the management of VVF in the Service of Urology-Andrology Obstetrics and Gynecology of the University Hospital in Conakry. Materials and Methods: From January 2012 to December 2013, 152 patients with a mean age of 30 years (14 - 80 years) were hospitalized in the Departments of Urology-Andrology and Gynecology-Obstetrics of the Conakry University Hospital Center. Clinically fistulas were divided according to the classification of Benchekroun as single, complex and complicated. The fistulas were diagnosed after a minimum period of three months and the results were assessed with a mean follow-up of 7 months (range 3 to 10 months) according to the following criteria: complete healing, intermediate healing and failure. Results: Fistulas occur mainly in young multiparous women. The obstetric etiology was dominant (98%). Clinically, there were 30% simple fistulas, 46% complex fistulas and 24% of complicated fistulas. From a therapeutic standpoint, the treatment consisted of a single fistulorraphie (Chassar Moir) in 82% of cases and a fistulorraphie with interposition of healthy tissue in 18% of cases. After a mean follow-up of 7 months we obtained a healing in 62% of cases, a failure in 31% of cases and the results were intermediate in 7% of cases. Conclusion: It appears that the VVF represents a public health concern in Guinea and surgical treatment is technical difficult due to the higher frequency of complex fistulas.

Application of intraoperative indocyanine green videoangiography in the surgical treatment of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas

Objective To evaluate the clinical significance of intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) videoangiography in surgical management of spinal dural ateriovenots fistulae (dAVFs) . Methods In this retrospective analysis we examined nine cases of dAVFs,diagnosed by complete spinal angiography,in which laminoplasty were performed through posterior approach. An operating microscope-integrated light