Fabrication of Tβ4-Exosome-releasing artificial stem cells for myocardial infarction therapy by improving coronary collateralization

Currently,stem cell transplantations in cardiac repair are limited owing to disadvantages,such as immunological rejection and poor cell viability.Although direct injection of exosomes can have a curative effect similar to that of stem cell transplantation,high clearance hinders its application in clinical practice.Previous reports suggested that induction of coronary collateralization can be a desired method of adjunctive therapy for someone who had missed the optimal operation time to attenuate myocardial ischemia.In this study,to mimic the paracrine and biological activity of stem cells,we developed artificial stem cells that can continuously release Tβ4-exosomes(Tβ4-ASCs)by encapsulating specific exosomes within microspheres using microfluidics technology.The results show that Tβ4-ASCs can greatly promote coronary collateralization in the periphery of the myocardial infarcted area,and its therapeutic effect is superior to that of directly injecting the exosomes.In addition,to better understand how it works,we demonstrated that the Tβ4-ASC-derived exosomes can enhance the angiogenic capacity of coronary endothelial cells(CAECs)via the miR-17-5p/PHD3/Hif-1αpathway.In brief,as artificial stem cells,Tβ4-ASCs can constantly release functional exosomes and stimulate the formation of collateral circulation after myocardial infarction,providing a feasible and alternative method for clinical revascularization.

The prognostic value of collateral circulation in coronary chronic total occlusion underwent percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND The prognostic value of coronary collateral circulation(CC)in patients undergoing chronic total occlusion(CTO)percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)is underdetermined.The purpose of the study was to assess the prognostic value of current two CC grading systems and their association with long-term outcomes in patients with CTO underwent PCI.METHODS We consecutively enrolled patients with single-vessel CTO underwent PCI between January 2010 and December2013.All patients were categorized into well-developed or poor-developed collaterals group according to angiographic Werner's CC(grade 2 vs.grade 0–1)or Rentrop(grade 3 vs.grade 0–2)grading system.The primary endpoint was 5-year cardiac death.RESULTS Of 2452 enrolled patients,the overall technical success rate was 74.1%.Well-developed collaterals were present in686 patients(28.0%)defined by Werner's CC grade 2,and in 1145 patients(46.7%)by Rentrop grade 3.According to Werner's CC grading system,patients with well-developed collaterals had a lower rate of 5-year cardiac death compared with those with poordeveloped collaterals(1.6%vs.3.3%,P=0.02),those with suboptimal recanalization was associated with higher rate of 5-year cardiac death compared with optimal recanalization(4.7%vs.0.8%,P=0.01)and failure patients(4.7%vs.1.6%,P=0.12).However,the similar effect was not shown in Rentrop grading system.CONCLUSIONS In patients with the single-vessel CTO underwent PCI,well-developed collaterals by Werner's CC definition were associated with lower rate of 5-year cardiac death.Werner's CC grading system had a greater prognostic value than Rentrop grading system in patients with CTO underwent PCI.

Mimicking aneurysm in a patient with chronic occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery:A case report

BACKGROUND With the popularization of various cerebrovascular imaging methods and increased attention to the field,more cerebrovascular diseases are being detected in asymptomatic patients.Different cerebrovascular diseases are typically isolated but occasionally occur simultaneously,causing difficulties in diagnosis and treatment.Morphological changes in the collateral circulation of blood vessels in chronic cerebral artery occlusion patients are slow and dynamic,intercepting morphological development at a specific moment.Excessive reliance on single imaging tests such as digital subtraction cerebral angiography(DSA)can lead to misdiagnosis.CASE SUMMARY We report a 52-year-old male who was admitted to our department for treatment of an unruptured aneurysm during a follow-up examination for brain trauma after 1 mo.Computed tomography(CT)scan was negative,but CT angiography(CTA)revealed a sac-like bulge at the bifurcation of the left middle cerebral artery.DSA revealed an unruptured aneurysm with unique scapular morphology.The stump of a middle cerebral artery occlusion was observed during exposure during aneurysm clipping surgery,and the diagnosis of chronic cerebral artery occlusion was confirmed intraoperatively.This case was confusing because of the peculiar morphology of the arterial stump and compensatory angiogenesis due to multiple cerebral artery stenoses observed on preoperative CTA and DSA.The surgery did not cause secondary damage to the patient,and medical treatment for risk factors was continued postoperatively.CONCLUSION Multiple cerebral arterial stenoses can occur in conjunction with aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations,and their unique morphology can lead to misdiagnosis.

Clinical Nursing Intervention of Moxibustion on Abdominal Distension Symptoms in Heart Failure (Heart and Kidney Yang Deficiency and Blood Stasis Blocking Collaterals Syndrome)

Objective:To investigate the clinical nursing intervention effect of moxibustion on abdominal distension symptoms in heart failure(heart and kidney yang deficiency and blood stasis blocking collaterals syndrome).Methods:62 patients with heart failure(heart and kidney yang deficiency and blood stasis blocking collaterals syndrome)admitted to our hospital from February 2023 to February 2024 were selected and divided into the observation group(n=31)and the control group(n=31)by using the random numerical table method.The control group adopted conventional nursing interventions,and the observation group received the nursing program of the control group with the addition of moxibustion nursing interventions.The nursing effectiveness,quality of life scores,and nursing satisfaction were compared between the two groups.Results:The nursing effectiveness of the observation group was significantly higher than the control group(P<0.05);the quality of life score of the observation group was significantly higher than the control group(P<0.05);the nursing satisfaction of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The use of moxibustion nursing intervention in patients with heart failure(heart and kidney yang deficiency and blood stasis blocking collaterals syndrome)can effectively relieve the symptoms of abdominal distension,improve patients'quality of life,and increase nursing satisfaction,which has promotion and application values.

Promotion effect of TGF-β-Zfp423-ApoD pathway on lip sensory recovery after nerve sacrifice caused by nerve collateral compensation

Resection of oral and maxillofacial tumors is often accompanied by the inferior alveolar nerve neurectomy,resulting in abnormal sensation in lower lip.It is generally believed that spontaneous sensory recovery in this nerve injury is difficult.However,during our follow-up,patients with inferior alveolar nerve sacrifice showed different degrees of lower lip sensory recovery.In this study,a prospective cohort study was conducted to demonstrate this phenomenon and analyze the factors influencing sensory recovery.

Idiopathic steno-occlusive disease with bilateral internal carotid artery occlusion:A Case Report

BACKGROUND Moyamoya disease(MMD)is a rare cause of acute stroke and transient ischemic attacks in children.We described clinical,diagnostic features and follow-ups of a young child with acute stroke.CASE SUMMARY We report a 4-year-old girl with left hemiparesis after an acute ischemic stroke.Her history was also significant for repeated left or right focal motor seizures,generalized tonic-clonic convulsions and transient ischemic attacks.Her magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography(CT)of the brain and magnetic resonance angiography,CT angiography and venography on the cerebral vessels revealed evidence of bilateral fronto-parietal ischemic infarctions,occlusion of the right and left internal carotid arteries started at its bifurcation and non-visualization of right and left anterior and middle cerebral arteries.There was evidence of progression in angiography manifested as development of collaterals from the basal perforating vessels,increase in the extent of large intracranial arterial stenosis/occlusion and extensive collateral circulation with predominance from the posterior circulation.Physical and neurological evaluation and comprehensive laboratory investigations excluded an obvious comorbid disease or risk factor for the child’s condition.The diagnosis of MMD was highly suggested as a cause of the child’s steno-occlusive condition.She was treated symptomatically with levetiracetam,an antiepileptic medication.Aspirin was prescribed for secondary prevention.Her clinical manifestations were improved during the three years of follow-up.Revascularization surgery was postponed.CONCLUSION Up to our knowledge,this is the first report for MMD in a child in our country.The clinical improvement and the stabilization of the child’s condition over the 3 years of follow-up could be attributed to the rapid and extensive recruitment of collaterals and absence of risk factors or comorbidities.Revascularization surgery is highly recommended.

Advances in Research of Treatment of Angina Pectoris in Coronary Heart Disease from the Method of Dredging Collaterals with Pungent

The angina pectoris in coronary heart disease belongs to the category of"chest impediment"in traditional Chinese medicine,and belongs to the syndrome of root deficiency with tip excess.Its main pathogenesis is obstruction of the heart collaterals,and treatment mainly adopts dredging collaterals and relieving pain.Based on the treatment principles of dredging collaterals with pungent,aiming at the etiology,pathogenesis and disease characteristics of angina pectoris in coronary heart disease,this article systematically analyzes the Method of Dredging Collaterals with Pungent including the methods of dredging collaterals with pungent moisture,dredging collaterals with pungent warm,dredging collaterals with pungent aroma,and dredging collaterals with insect type drugs,to provide ideas for the treatment of angina pectoris in coronary heart disease.

Unhappy triad of the knee:What are the current concepts and opinions?

The association between injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament,medial collateral ligament,and medial meniscus(MM)has been known to orthopedic surgeons since 1936;O’Donoghue first used the term"unhappy triad"of the knee to describe this condition in 1950.Later studies revealed that involvement of the lateral meniscus is more common than MM in these cases,leading to a change in the definition.Recent studies have revealed that this triad may be primarily linked to knee anterolateral complex injuries.Although there is not a definite management protocol for this triad,we try to mention the most recent concepts about it in addition to expert opinions.

Pulmonary Hypertension Crisis in Patient with Tetralogy of Fallot and Mixed Total Anomalous Pulmonary Vein Connection after the Primary Correction:A Rare Case Report

Tetralogy of Fallot(TOF)with total anomalous pulmonary vein connections(TAPVC)is a rare type of complex congenital heart disease among all TOF cases.Co-presentation of major aortopulmonary collateral arteries(MAPCAs)compensates for the lack of central pulmonary bloodflow and decreases the severity of right-to-left shunting in TOF.We present a case of a 2-year-old child with complex diagnoses of TOF,TAPVC,a large secun-dum atrial septal defect(ASD),and intraoperatively identified MAPCAs.She underwent surgery to repair the TAPVC,valve-sparing reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract,interventricular defect closure,and the creation of patent foramen ovale(PFO).After the operation,hemodynamic instability happened along with sudden blood pressure drop,desaturation,and increased central venous pressure,which subsided after adminis-tering inhalational nitric oxide(NO).A postoperative pulmonary hypertension crisis was suggested when the patient experienced recurrent symptoms after the termination of NO.Echocardiographicfindings of a D-shaped left ventricle(LV),right-to-left PFO shunt and high tricuspid valve gradientfirmly established the diagnosis.It was subsequently managed with continuous NO inhalation and sildenafil,which rendered a satisfactory outcome.Repaired TOF and TAPVC could be at particular risk of developing pulmonary hypertension crisis,especially in the presence of MAPCAs due to possible remodeling of the pulmonary vasculature.Furthermore,a relatively non-compliant LV function and small left atrial size may exacerbate the risk of developing postcapillary pulmonary hypertension after TAPVC repair.A successful postoperative outcome calls for a meticulous preoperative analysis of the anatomical lesions,as well as careful monitoring.

Hepatic venous pressure gradient: Inaccurately estimates portal venous pressure gradient in alcoholic cirrhosis and portal hypertension

BACKGROUND Portal hypertension(PHT)in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis causes a range of clinical symptoms,including gastroesophageal varices and ascites.The hepatic venous pressure gradient(HVPG),which is easier to measure,has replaced the portal venous pressure gradient(PPG)as the gold standard for diagnosing PHT in clinical practice.Therefore,attention should be paid to the correlation between HVPG and PPG.METHODS Between January 2017 and June 2020,134 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis and PHT who met the inclusion criteria underwent various pressure measurements during transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedures.Correlations were assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient to estimate the correlation coefficient(r)and determination coefficient(R^(2)).Bland-Altman plots were constructed to further analyze the agreement between the measurements.Disagreements were analyzed using paired t tests,and P values<0.05 were considered statistically significant.RESULTS In this study,the correlation coefficient(r)and determination coefficient(R2)between HVPG and PPG were 0.201 and 0.040,respectively(P=0.020).In the 108 patients with no collateral branch,the average wedged hepatic venous pressure was lower than the average portal venous pressure(30.65±8.17 vs.33.25±6.60 mmHg,P=0.002).Hepatic collaterals were identified in 26 cases with balloon occlusion hepatic venography(19.4%),while the average PPG was significantly higher than the average HVPG(25.94±7.42 mmHg vs 9.86±7.44 mmHg;P<0.001).The differences between HVPG and PPG<5 mmHg in the collateral vs no collateral branch groups were three cases(11.54%)and 44 cases(40.74%),respectively.CONCLUSION In most patients,HVPG cannot accurately represent PPG.The formation of hepatic collaterals is a vital reason for the strong underestimation of HVPG.

Discussion on reprogramming of tumor energy metabolism and intervention of traditional Chinese medicine based on the theory of“collateral Q i stagnation”

The theory of stagnation of collateral Qi(Chinese medicine refers to the most fundamental and subtle substances thatconstitute the human body and maintain life activities,and also has the meaning of physiological functions)originates from the theory of collateral disease,which refers to the deficiency of Qi in the body’s collaterals,the loss of Qi and blood,and the failure of stagnation of collateral Qi,which leads to the loss of Qi,blood and body fluid,and the formation of pathological products such as deficiency,depression,phlegm,blood stasis in the local area,and ultimately damage the pathological process of collaterals.Based on the in-depth study of the pathogenesis of collateral Qi stagnation and the previous study of meridian channels,we believe that the key pathogenesis of the formation,evolution and spread of malignant tumors is“collateral Qi deficiency stagnation,collateral Qi stagnation and collateral Qi decay”.As an important energy resonance channel of the body,meridians play a key role in the process of material transformation and energy metabolism.It is believed that the small focus caused by the pathogenesis of stagnation is the cause of malignant transformation of tumor,the reprogramming of energy metabolism induced by the lesion of collateral Qi is the basis of the progress of tumor pathogenesis,and the formation of tumor microenvironment regulated by the tumor toxin vena is the root of alienation of tumor development.Guided by this theory,focusing on the correlation between collateral Qi and tumor energy metabolism,using Professor Hua Baojin's treatment method of“Regulating Qi and detoxifying”to prescribe drugs can adjust collateral Qi function,achieve the relative balance of internal environment,and then inhibit the progress of tumor.Based on the above understanding,this study tries to enlighten new diagnosis and treatment ideas under the guidance of“stagnation of collateral Qi”in traditional Chinese medicine,in order to provide some theoretical support for the intervention of traditional Chinese medicine in the process of tumor development.

Isolated Major Aortopulmonary Collateral Artery Causing Heart Failure: Transcatheter Occlusion of Mapcas Using Amplatzer Vascular Plugs and Amplatzer Piccolo Occluders

Major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs) are congenital vessels that arise from the aorta or its first-order branches and are distally connected to the pulmonary arterial vasculature, thereby providing pulmonary blood flow. MAPCAs are often associated with cyanotic congenital heart disease with decreased pulmonary blood flow. Isolated MAPCAs are rare in patients without congenital heart disease with structurally normal hearts. Sometimes, isolated congenital MAPCAs can occur without any lung disease. Isolated MAPCAs represent the occurrence of collaterals in the absence of underlying heart disease, which commonly presents as heart failure, recurrent respiratory tract infection, and pulmonary artery hypertension. We report a rare case of congestive heart failure in a 6-year-old patient with dual arterial supply to an otherwise normal right lung, with a normal bronchial tree, and a structurally normal heart. The patient was successfully managed by the closure of collaterals by Amplatzer vascular plugs II (AVPII) and Amplatzer Piccolo Occluders.

Simple lateral elbow dislocation:A case report

BACKGROUND Simple lateral elbow dislocation(SLED)is a rare type of elbow dislocation;however,its treatment may be complicated by accompanying soft tissue or neurovascular damage.Herein,we report a rare case of SLED managed secondarily with open reduction and soft tissue repair following failure of closed reduction.CASE SUMMARY A 67-year-old woman suffered SLED after falling on her outstretched left hand with her elbow extended.She developed pain,swelling,and movement restriction in the elbow;there were no neurovascular symptoms,except for numbness in the 4th and 5th digits.Radiologic investigation confirmed the SLED,and a closed reduction under anesthesia was performed.The follow-up radiographs at 1-wk revealed failure of reduction;accordingly,open reduction with lateral collateral ligament and common extensor origin repair were carried out.The patient regained full elbow range of motion by six weeks.CONCLUSION Adequate concentric reduction for SLED,conservatively or surgically,reduces complications and provides a more functional joint.

Right Sub-Axillary Incision for Right Pulmonary Vein Atresia in a Child:A Case Report and Literature Review

Unilateral pulmonary vein atresia(UPVA)in children is a rare disease that is characterized by a recurrent pulmonary infection and hemoptysis in childhood.This paper is a report of a case of pulmonary venous atresia treated by a right sub-axillary incision.Hopefully,more literature can be produced to improve the awareness and treatment level of pulmonary vein atresia.

Doctor Song Fuyin's Experience in Treating Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Based on Qi,Blood Essence and Spirit Syndrome Differentiation Stage Classification

The paper systematically summarizes the experience of Director Song Fuyin in treating Hashimoto's thyroiditis which is a typical emotional disease that causes obvious changes in organ morphology and endocrine and body fluid metabolism.It belongs to the category of psychosomatic diseases,and is the embodiment of a series of pathogenesis processes of qi disease,blood disease,essence disease and deformation in TCM theory.The whole course of the disease is dominated by the dialectical relationship of mutual influence,mutual control,mutual root and mutual use among the deity disease,qi disease,blood disease,essence and spiritual disease.Therefore,the treatment emphasizes the dialectical relationship based on qi,blood,essence and spirit.At the beginning,the treatment focuses on regulating qi and clearing heat and eliminating phlegm;at the middle stage,the treatment focuses on replenishing essence and promoting yang and eliminating wind and calming the deity;at the late stage,the treatment focuses on replenishing qi and eliminating phlegm and promoting collages.Flexible use of calming the spirits,regulating qi,dispersing essence,eliminating phlegm,promoting blood and other methods of stage classification treatment,can be targeted,improve the cure rate of the disease.This article aims to clarify the experience of Director Song Fuyin in treating Hashimoto's thyroiditis based on syndrome differentiation of qi,blood essence and spirit.

前外侧韧带对膝关节旋转稳定作用的研究进展

膝关节的肌肉、韧带及关节囊共同维持着膝关节的动、静态稳定,其动态稳定结构主要包括前交叉韧带（anterior cruciate ligament,ACL）和后交叉韧带（posterior cruciate ligament,PCL）,而静态稳定结构主要包括内侧副韧带（medial collateral ligament,MCL）和外侧副韧带（lateral collateral liga-ment,LCL）.

64-row multidetector computed tomography portal venography of gastric variceal collateral circulation

AIM:To study characteristics of collateral circulation of gastric varices (GVs) with 64-row multidetector computer tomography portal venography (MDCTPV).METHODS:64-row MDCTPV with a slice thickness of 0.625 mm and a scanning field from 2 cm above the tracheal bifurcation to the lower edge of the kidney was performed in 86 patients with GVS diagnosed by endoscopy. The computed tomography protocol included unenhanced,arterial and portal vein phases. The MDCTPV was performed on an AW4.3 workstation. GVs were classified into three types according to Sarin's Classification. The afferent and efferent veins of each type of GV were observed.RESULTS:The afferent venous drainage originated mostly from the left gastric vein alone (LGV) (28/86,32.59%),or the LGV more than the posterior gastric vein/short gastric vein [LGV > posterior gastric vein/short gastric vein (PGV/SGV)] (22/86,25.58%),as seen by MDCTPV. The most common efferent venousdrainage was via the azygos vein to the superior vena cava (53/86,61.63%),or via the gastric/splenorenal shunt (37/86,43.02%) or inferior phrenic vein (8/86,9.30%) to the inferior vena cava. In patients with gastroesophageal varices type 1,the afferent venous drainage of GV mainly originated from the LGV or LGV > PGV/SGV (43/48,89.58%),and the efferent venous drainage was mainly via the azygos vein to the super vena cava (43/48,89.58%),as well as via the gastric/splenorenal shunt (8/48,16.67%) or inferior phrenic vein (3/48,6.25%) to the inferior vena cava. In patients with gastroesophageal varices type 2,the afferent venous drainage of the GV mostly came from the PGV/SGV more than the LGV (PGV/SGV > LGV) (8/16,50%),and the efferent venous drainage was via the azygos vein (10/16,62.50%) and gastric/splenorenal shunt (9/16,56.25%). In patients with isolated gastric varices,the main afferent venous drainage was via the PGV/SGV alone (16/22,72.73%),and the efferent venous drainage was mainly via the gastric/splenorenal shunt (20/22,90.91%),as well as the inferior phrenic vein (3/23) to the inferior vena cava. CONCLUSION:MDCTPV can clearly display the afferent and efferent veins of all types of GV,and it could provide useful reference information for the clinical management of GV bleeding.

Electroacupuncture improves neurovascular unit reconstruction by promoting collateral circulation and angiogenesis

Acupuncture at Shuigou（GV26） shows good clinical efficacy for treating stroke, but its mechanism remains poorly understood. In this study, a cerebral infarction model of ischemia/reperfusion injury received electroacupuncture at GV26（15 Hz and 1 m A, continuous wave [biphasic pulses], for 5 minutes）. Electroacupuncture effectively promoted regional cerebral blood flow on the infarct and non-infarct sides, increased infarct lesions, lectin, and number of blood vessels, upregulated von Willebrand factor and cell proliferation marker Ki67 expression, and diminished neurological severity score. These findings confirm that electroacupuncture at GV26 promotes establishment of collateral circulation and angiogenesis, and improves neurological function.

Contralateral needling at unblocked collaterals for hemiplegia following acute ischemic stroke

Hemiplegia caused by stroke indicates dysfunction of the network between the brain and limbs, namely collateral shock in the brain. Contralateral needling is the insertion of needles into acupoints on the relative healthy side of the body to treat diseases such as apoplexy. However, there is little well-designed and controlled clinical evidence for this practice. This study investigated whether contralateral needling could treat hemiplegia after acute ischemic stroke in 106 randomly selected patients with acute ischemic stroke. These patients were randomly assigned to three groups： 45 in the contralateral needling group, receiving acupuncture on the unaffected limbs; 45 in the conven- tional acupuncture group, receiving acupuncture on the hemiplegic limbs; and 16 in the control group, receiving routine treatments without acupuncture. Acupuncture at acupoints Chize （LU5） in the upper limb and Jianliao （TEl4） in the lower limb was performed for 45 minutes daily for 30 consecutive days. The therapeutic effective rate, Neurological Deficit Score, Modified Barthel Index and FugI-Meyer Assessment were evaluated. The therapeutic effective rate of contralateral nee- dling was higher than that of conventional acupuncture （46.67% vs. 31.11%, P 〈 0.05）. The neuro- logical deficit score of contralateral needling was significantly decreased compared with conven- tional acupuncture （P 〈 0.01）. The Modified Barthel Index and FugI-Meyer Assessment score of contralateral needling increased more significantly than those of conventional acupuncture （both P 〈 0.01）. The present findings suggest that contralateral needling unblocks collaterals and might be more effective than conventional acupuncture in the treatment of hemiplegia following acute ischemic stroke.

Necessity and indications of invasive treatment for Budd-Chiari syndrome

BACKGROUND:The development of collaterals in Budd-Chiari syndrome has been described and these collaterals play an important role in the presentation of this disease.These collaterals are diagnostic and their use in management strategy has never been evaluated.This study aimed to investigate the indications,feasibility and necessity of invasive treatment for patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome and to determine whether such a strategy is necessary for optimal management.METHODS:Twenty-nine patients who had been treated at our unit were enrolled in this study.Based on physical and biochemical examination,and hemodynamic compensation by collaterals,18 patients underwent radiological intervention (group A),while the other 11 had no invasive treatment (group B).The related hemodynamic parameters were acquired when percutaneous angiography was performed.RESULTS:In group A,all patients underwent successfully inferior vena cava (IVC) balloon angioplasty with or without stenting.Four patients also underwent hepatic vein angioplasty.In these patients,the mean IVC pressure before and after treatment was statistically different (29.3±9.2 vs 15.1±4.6 mmHg,P<0.01).The mean IVC pressure was much lower in group B than in group A (12.9±2.4 vs 29.3±9.2 mmHg,P<0.01),but there was no difference from that of the patients after radiological treatment (12.9±2.4 vs 15.1±4.6 mmHg,P>0.05).Median follow-up was 32.3 months (mean 21.3 months;range 3-61 months).In the course of follow-up,the patients in group A survived with good systemic status except for re-stenosis in one patient who underwent re-canalization of the IVC.In group B,10 patients had good systemic status except one patient who had a meso-caval shunt because of deterioration.CONCLUSIONS:The rationale of 'early diagnosis and early treatment' is not suitable for all patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome.Satisfactory survival can be achieved in some patients without invasive treatment,who are completely compensated by rich collaterals.Nonetheless,a positive treatment procedure should be performed if the patient's situation worsens in the course of regular follow-up.