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Biomedical subjects

Constantine C Phatouros

Publications and source records attributed to Constantine C Phatouros.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

Vertebrobasilar insufficiency.

Vertebrobasilar insufficiency presents with characteristic symptoms and signs due to impaired perfusion of the cerebellum, the brain stem, and the occipital cortex. This may be due to reduced perfusion usually due to atherosclerosis or thromboembolism. Choice of treatment depends on understanding the different underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms. Antiplatelet therapy; reduction of risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and cigarette smoking; and a healthy lifestyle form the first line of management. Systemic anticoagulation in the short term also has a key role in selected cases. In patients with refractory symptoms on maximal medical therapy and underlying focal stenotic lesions, endovascular revascularization using stents and balloon angioplasty may be indicated. Bypass surgery is another option if there are factors that render endovascular therapy unsuitable.

Journal Article↗

Dural carotid cavernous fistula: definitive endovascular management and long-term follow-up.

PURPOSE: To describe the endovascular treatment and clinical outcome in patients with indirect carotid cavernous fistulas (CCFs) over a 15-year period. To our knowledge, this is the largest series in the medical literature. DESIGN: Interventional case series. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of 135 consecutive patients who underwent examination and treatment for indirect CCF was performed. Patients received independent evaluations by ophthalmologists, neurologists, or neuro-ophthalmologists before, during, and after endovascular treatment. Patients initially received noninvasive imaging followed by cerebral arteriography for definitive diagnosis and stratification by angiographic risk factors. Endovascular treatment was performed in 133 (98%) patients and clinical follow-up was achieved in 135 (100%) patients on an average of 56 +/- 4.3 months (range: 2 months-14 years). Angiographic follow-up was performed in 72 (54%) patients with ongoing symptoms or a history of fistula with high-risk angiographic features. Arteriographic cure with long-term clinical outcome is summarized by modified Rankin scale (mRS) and Barthel index (BI). RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 56 months, 121 (90%) patients were clinically cured. At latest clinical follow-up, 131 (97%) patients showed good recovery (mRS, 1-2; BI 90-100), one (1%) had moderate disability (mRS, 3; BI, 50-60), and three (2%) (mRS, 4; BI, 40-50) were severely disabled. Procedure-related permanent morbidity was 2.3%. There was no operative mortality. CONCLUSIONS: With the observed favorable outcomes and low rate of procedural morbidity in this patient population with long-term angiographic and clinical follow-up, endovascular therapy should be the primary treatment for patients with indirect (dural) fistulas of the cavernous sinus.

Adolescent↗

Basilar trunk occlusion during endovascular treatment of giant and fusiform aneurysms of the basilar artery.

Giant and fusiform aneurysms of the basilar artery (BA) are difficult to manage surgically, and they still present a challenge for the neurosurgeon despite progress in posterior fossa surgery. Guglielmi detachable coils have provided an alternative approach to treatment, but they have their own difficulties. We present a series of three patients with BA aneurysms treated with endovascular occlusion of the aneurysm and basilar trunk. Our experience suggests that, in select cases, BA occlusion may be not only safe but also necessary for the effective treatment of these aneurysms.

Adolescent↗