These guidelines proposed by the French Society of Vascular Medicine define the optimal environment for vascular medicine practice: outpatient clinic; equipment, layout and maintenance of the care center; infection risk...These guidelines proposed by the French Society of Vascular Medicine define the optimal environment for vascular medicine practice: outpatient clinic; equipment, layout and maintenance of the care center; infection risk prevention (hand hygiene, individual protective measures, exposure to blood, ultrasound apparatus, etc.); common interventions and techniques (liquid and foam sclerotherapy, endovenous thermal treatments). These guidelines do not include phlebectomy and use of ultrasound contrast agents.
Apixaban is a direct inhibitor of coagulation factor Xa. Superior efficacy over aspirin and antivitamin K has been shown in the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism during non-valvular atrial fibrillation with a mo...Apixaban is a direct inhibitor of coagulation factor Xa. Superior efficacy over aspirin and antivitamin K has been shown in the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism during non-valvular atrial fibrillation with a more favorable safety profile, even though the risk of hemorrhage cannot be ignored, considering its mechanism of action. The recommended dose is 5mg twice daily which can be reduced to 2.5mg depending on the individual risk. Apixaban is also indicated for the treatment of venous thromboembolism but reimbursement has not yet been accepted in France for this indication. As with all direct oral anticoagulants, no routine biological monitoring is required, nevertheless their use may have an impact on all coagulation tests, eventually hampering interpretation. In particular clinical circumstances where a measure of anticoagulant efficacy is deemed necessary, specific assay of anti-Xa activity is appropriate, the result being expressed as concentration of the anticoagulant used. It is therefore necessary to state the name of the medicine for which the assay is requested. With these new anticoagulants, management of hemorrhagic events can be more difficult due to the lack of a specific antidote. Pro-hemostatic substances have exhibited efficacy in animal models but results are still insufficiently documented in clinical practice. Local or locoregional hemostasis measurements, when possible, are an essential factor in the treatment of hemorrhagic events.
Compression stockings are the major long-term treatment of non-complicated primary varicose veins recommended by international consensus. Nevertheless there are few data concerning the patient compliance to treatment. Hu...Compression stockings are the major long-term treatment of non-complicated primary varicose veins recommended by international consensus. Nevertheless there are few data concerning the patient compliance to treatment. Hundred and forty-four patients with varicose veins of primary origin were prospectively recruited and questioned about their compression therapy: 29.2% patients are wearing compression stockings, and for 10.4% on a daily basis; 32.6% do not wear their compression mainly because it is not well tolerated; 38.2% do not have compression treatment because it is not recommended or not prescribed by the physician.
INTRODUCTION: Diabetic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) of the lower limbs is underdiagnosed. METHODOLOGY: This was a prospective study conducted over a six-month period from November 2012 to April 2013. A total of 308...INTRODUCTION: Diabetic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) of the lower limbs is underdiagnosed. METHODOLOGY: This was a prospective study conducted over a six-month period from November 2012 to April 2013. A total of 308 diabetic patients were included from three diabetes centers in Abidjan (Ivory Coast). AIM: To screen for PAD of the lower limbs in a diabetic population and to identify the determining factors. RESULTS: Among the 308 patients, the ankle-brachial index (ABI) was<0.9 in 68 (22.07%) patients considered to have PAD; the ABI was>1.3 in 56 (18.2%) patients who had suspected mediacalcosis. The average age of the PAD patients was 60.2 years. Female gender predominated (55.9%). The mean duration of diabetes was 9.6 years: 97.1% type 2 diabetes. The other cardiovascular risk factors in this population were hypertension (58.8%) and dyslipidemia (40.9%). Smoking was present in 29.4% of patients and obesity in 23.9%. PAD of the lower limbs was mild in 46 patients (67.6%), moderate in 16 (23.5%) and severe in 6 (8.8%). Duplex Doppler commonly showed lesions of the tibial arteries. Determining factors of diabetic PAD of the lower limbs were hypertension (58.8% vs 36.6%; OR=2.46; 95% CI: 1.13-5.36; P=0.034) and dyslipidemia (40.9% vs 8.3%; OR=7.6; 95% CI: 2.31-25.08; P=0.0009). For mediacalcosis, male gender (71.5% vs 39.7; OR=0.26 95% CI/0.10-0.64. P=0.004) was the only factor identified. CONCLUSION: Hypertension and dyslipidemia were predictive factors for diabetic PAD of the lower limbs in our African population.
INTRODUCTION: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease that typically manifests as a typical crusted ulcer called the oriental sore. Its localization on the lower limbs can be mistaken for a leg ulcer. CASE REPORT:...INTRODUCTION: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease that typically manifests as a typical crusted ulcer called the oriental sore. Its localization on the lower limbs can be mistaken for a leg ulcer. CASE REPORT: An 81-year-old male, native of Algeria, with type 2 diabetes, arterial hypertension and arteriopathy developed a chronic ulceration of the right ankle and foot compatible with the diagnosis of infectious diabetic foot. Non-improvement with antibiotics, local treatment and rest, and the absence of any hemodynamic arteriopathy led to skin biopsies. Polymerase chain reaction performed on biopsy samples for parasitological investigations yielded the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania major. Complete healing was obtained with topical care alone, the patient having declined an etiological treatment. DISCUSSION: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is one of the rare infectious etiologies of chronic leg ulcers. Several therapeutic options, including abstention, can be proposed.
Lasers are increasingly used to treat vascular abnormalities. Indeed, this technique is non-invasive and allows a specific treatment. The aim of this review is to present some biophysical principles of the lasers, to des...Lasers are increasingly used to treat vascular abnormalities. Indeed, this technique is non-invasive and allows a specific treatment. The aim of this review is to present some biophysical principles of the lasers, to describe the different sorts of lasers available for treatment in vascular medicine indications. Three principal lasers exist in vascular medicine: the pulsed-dye laser, for the treatment of superficial pink lesions, the NdYAG-KTP laser for purple and bigger lesions, and the NdYAG long pulse laser for even deeper and bigger vascular lesions. In vascular malformations, port wine stains can also be treated by pulsed-dye laser, KTP or NdYAG when they are old and thick. Telangiectasias are good indications for the three sorts of lasers, depending on their depth, color and size. Microcystic lymphatic malformations can be improved by laser treatment. Arterio-venous malformations constitute a contraindication of laser treatment. In vascular tumors, involuted infantile hemangiomas constitute an excellent indication of pulsed-dye laser treatment. Controlled studies are necessary to evaluate and to compare the efficacy of each laser, in order to determine their optimal indications and optimal parameters for each machine.
Most aneurysms of hand arteries are traumatic. It is a generally rare unrecognized pathology. Complications are serious (embolism and thromboses of interdigital arteries). Two main causes can be recalled: acute trauma, w...Most aneurysms of hand arteries are traumatic. It is a generally rare unrecognized pathology. Complications are serious (embolism and thromboses of interdigital arteries). Two main causes can be recalled: acute trauma, with development of a false aneurysm; repeated microtrauma (hand hammer syndrome), with occurrence of an arterial dysplasic aneurysm. The diagnosis is based on the presence of a pulsatile mass, with finger dysesthesia, unilateral Raynaud's phenomenon. It is confirmed by duplex Doppler. Arteriography is necessary but can be replaced by an angio-MR. We report a case of false traumatic aneurysm of the ulnar artery in a teenager. This case illustrates this rare condition and opens discussion on therapeutic options.
Tijani Y, Mameli A, Chtata H
… +10 more, Taberkant M, Lekehal B, Sefiani Y, Elmesnaoui A, Ammar F, Bensaid Y, Feito B, Bellenot F, Fallouh A, Cheysson E
Marfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder with rheumatoid, ophthalmological, neurological, cutaneous and cardiovascular manifestations. Aneurysmal lesions affecting both the abdominal aorta and the peripheral art...Marfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder with rheumatoid, ophthalmological, neurological, cutaneous and cardiovascular manifestations. Aneurysmal lesions affecting both the abdominal aorta and the peripheral arteries are not often described in the literature. We report a case associating a bilateral popliteal aneurysm and an aneurysm of the infra-renal abdominal aorta.
OBJECTIVE: Lymphedema treatment is based on Decongestive Lymphedema Therapy (DLT) with an intensive phase followed by a long-term maintenance phase. This study aimed to observe volume variation over the intensive phase a...OBJECTIVE: Lymphedema treatment is based on Decongestive Lymphedema Therapy (DLT) with an intensive phase followed by a long-term maintenance phase. This study aimed to observe volume variation over the intensive phase and 6 months later. METHODS: Prospective multicentre observational study of patients with unilateral lymphedema. The primary objective was to assess lymphedema volume variation between baseline, the end of intensive phase and 6 months later. Secondary objectives were to assess the frequency of heaviness limiting limb function and treatments safety predictors for volume reduction. RESULTS: Three hundred and six patients (89.9% women; 59.9±14.3 years old) with upper/lower (n=184/122) limb lymphedema were included. At the end of the intensive phase, median excess lymphedema volume reduction was 31.0% (41.7-19.9) followed by a 16.5% (5.9-42.3) median increase over the 6-month maintenance period phase. Previous intensive treatment was the only significant predictor of this response. As compared to baseline, heaviness limiting limb use was much less frequently reported at the end of the reductive phase (75.5% versus 42.3% respectively), and was more frequent at the end of the maintenance phase (62.6%). The most frequent adverse events reported were skin redness and compression marks (18.4 and 15.7% of patients, respectively). Blisters requiring treatment stoppage were rare (1.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Intensive phase decreases lymphedema volume and heaviness limiting limb function. The benefit is partially abolished after the first 6 months of maintenance. There is a need to consider how to provide optimal patient care for the long-term control of lymphedema.
OBJECTIVES: Illustrate imaging aspects of pulmonary artery involvement in Takayasu's arteritis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of six patients among 28 patients with Takayasu arteritis whose disease involved t...OBJECTIVES: Illustrate imaging aspects of pulmonary artery involvement in Takayasu's arteritis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of six patients among 28 patients with Takayasu arteritis whose disease involved the pulmonary arteries and to review their clinical and computed tomography data. RESULTS: Mean patient age among those with pulmonary artery involvement was 34 years. All patients exhibited extensive lesions of systemic arteries. The most common computed tomography angiography sign was wall thickening. Dilatation of the pulmonary artery trunk was observed in one-third of cases. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary arterial involvement in Takayasu's disease is not uncommon. Computed tomography is a reliable imaging technique to establish the diagnosis.
INTRODUCTION: Multi-component compression, inelastic, short stretched or coated strips bandages, and class 4 stockings have been recommended since 2010 by the French Superior Health Authority as first- and second-line tr...INTRODUCTION: Multi-component compression, inelastic, short stretched or coated strips bandages, and class 4 stockings have been recommended since 2010 by the French Superior Health Authority as first- and second-line treatment for venous leg ulcers. OBJECTIVES: Assess the prescribing habits and knowledge of general practitioners about compression therapy and determine factors predictive of prescriptions consistent with recommendations. METHODS: Evaluation study of professional practices conducted during a six-week period. A questionnaire was sent to 210 general practitioners asking them to report their prescribing practices and the last prescription written for a patient with venous ulcers. RESULTS: The response rate was 36.2% (76 responses). For the last patient seen, long stretched bands were prescribed by 50.8% of responders, stockings by 40% and multi-component compression by 7.7%. Stockings were class 2 for 87.7% of the prescriptions. Knowledge of short stretched bands and multi-component compression was reported by 45.8% and 38.9% of general practitioners respectively. Guidelines were followed by 10.8% of the physicians. No factor related to the general practitioner (age, sex, modalities of exercise, experience and education), to the patients (age, sex, under-nutrition, autonomy) or to the leg ulcer (size, exudates, course, complexity of care), was associated with compliance or not with the guidelines. General practitioner training enabled a non-significant improvement of prescriptions (14.3% vs 4%, P=0.24). CONCLUSION: Compliance with the guidelines for compression therapy is insufficient in general medicine. Better training and knowledge of modalities for compression therapy could be useful to improve prescription practices and encourage use of multi-component compression and short stretched bandages, known to be more effective and better tolerated.