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Biomedical subjects

N Doundoulakis

Publications and source records attributed to N Doundoulakis.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

Evidence of apoptosis in human carotid atheroma.

PURPOSE: Apoptosis is a morphologically distinct form of programmed cell death that plays a major role in cellular development and homeostasis. In this study, we examined the role that apoptosis may have in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. METHODS: We examined immunohistochemically 20 normal carotid arteries and the carotid arteries of 86 patients (mean age, 68 years; range, 52 to 80 years) who underwent atherectomy for primary atherosclerosis. The expression of two genes, BCL2, which inhibits apoptosis, and BAX, which induces apoptosis, was examined and correlated to the presence of risk factors that included hypertension, smoking, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus. RESULTS: BAX expression was found in 26 of 86 cases (30%), and no immunoreactivity was found in the normal carotid specimens. BCL2 expression was not seen in any examined tissues (atherosclerotic or normal carotid arteries). Of the 26 patients who expressed the BAX gene, 22 were hypertensive (85%), and hypertension (>160/95 mm Hg) was present in 25 of 60 patients (41%) who did not express the BAX gene (p < 0.01). No significant correlation was found between the expression of the BAX gene and other risk factors (smoking, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus) or presenting symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: In a significant number of stenosed carotid arteries (30%), we found no evidence of apoptosis suggested by the presence of BAX expression. Hypertension was more prevalent in those patients with BAX gene expression than in those patients without BAX gene expression. BCL2 expression, which inhibits apoptosis, was not found. Further study of this phenomenon may contribute to the discovery of new treatments for atherosclerosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Kinking and coiling of internal carotid artery with and without associated stenosis. Surgical considerations and long-term follow-up.

Although incidence of coiling and kinking of internal carotid artery has been estimated to be from 10% to 16% in general population, respective clinical significance still remains the ground of controversy. Cerebrovascular hemodynamic changes mainly from kinking and in a lesser degree from coiling, have been documented with oculoplethysmographic and angiographic differences, accompanying positional changes of the head. The opposite view however, that similar variations represent a benign and incidental finding, has been also expressed. In a 24-year period ending March 1994 and with case material of carotid artery surgery totalling 1123 operations, 59 patients with different type of kinking and coiling underwent surgical reconstruction. There were 31 patients with kinking, 14 with coiling and 14 (22%) with associated occlusive process at the origin of the internal carotid artery. In the later, three cases with abdominal aneurysm are also included. Apart from angiographic evidence, particular value was ascribed to symptomatology and ophthalmodynamographic changes, produced in different head positions. Operative indications with the exception of four cases, were determined on the basis of symptoms compatible with brain ischemia. In all instances of isolated kinking and coiling, straightening was obtained by segmental resection of the common carotid artery and end to end anastomosis. In cases with associated occlusion, transection of internal carotid artery at its origin and re-implantation in the lateral aspect of the common carotid, was the remedy of choice.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Carotid artery surgery and the principle of prophylaxis: recurrence in operated and nonoperated patients.

A total of 700 carotid endarterectomies have been performed over a 24-year period at the authors' institute; of these patients 632 (90.3%) had unilateral and 68 (9.7%) had bilateral disease. Some 71 patients who declined operation were followed-up to obtain the natural history of carotid disease. The operative results were compared against this untreated group of patients. Surgical endarterectomy was recommended for a recovered stroke in 190 patients (27.1%), progressive ischaemia in 20 (2.9%) and transient ischaemic attacks in 410 (58.6%). A group of 100 patients with non-specific symptomatology, who were considered 'symptom-free', were also operated on; none of these died or developed permanent postoperative neurological defects. The mean age of patients was 56 (range 28-86) years. The overall operative mortality rate was 0.8%. Perioperative neurological deficits occurred in 0.5% and temporary cranial nerve injury in 1.8%. The follow-up covered a period of 10 years, but was in several instances extended to 14 years. The incidence of late neurological events in the patients having an endarterectomy was 3%. In the non-operated group, 12% of normotensive and 18% of hypertensive patients developed symptoms. The 10-year postoperative survival rate was 80% in the symptom-free group of patients, 70% in those with transient ischaemic attacks and 60% in those who had a previous stroke.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Abdominal aneurysmectomy and determinants of improved results and late survival. Surgical considerations in 672 operations and 1-15 year follow-up.

The present communication is concerned with 672 abdominal aneurysmectomies performed over a period of 24 years. All aneurysms with diameter 4 cm and above, were considered for surgery. Emphasis is given on factors determining post operative results and late survival. There was an age ranging from 38 to 92 years (mean 68.3). Elective surgery was performed in 434 cases with mortality 2.8%. In 100 symptomatic patients mortality was 4%. In 115 cases emergency undertaking was necessary. From this particular group, 80 cases represent formal rupture with mortality 41%. In the remaining 35 patients with symptomatology compatible with "impending rupture" mortality was 6%. There were 5 cases with inflammatory aneurysm with no incidence of death and 18 with simultaneous renal reconstruction. Mortality in the latter group was 11%. Risk factors including heart disease, hypertension and other associated pathology, were responsible for the majority of early deaths within the period of 30 post operative days and late mortality. Concerning late deaths, cardiac cases were predominant (24%), followed by cerebrovascular insufficiency (8%), cancer (5%) and chronic pulmonary disease (6%). In the overall follow-up, parameters such as hypertension with and/or without associated heart disease, symptomatology due to aneurysm and other associated pathology, were comparatively used in selective group of patients. Late mortality was investigated among three groups of patients and classified according to the 60, 70 and 80 decade of life. An entry form listing pertinent data was constructed and completed on the base of direct information from 489 (72.7%) and indirect from 183 (27.3%) patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1990

The mid-aortic dysplastic syndrome. Surgical considerations with a 2 to 18 year follow-up and selective histopathological study.

Mild-aortic dysplastic syndrome is usually presented with advanced hypertension in young individuals in association with either weak or absent femoral pulses, due to diffuse narrowing of the aorta in its mid thoraco-abdominal course. There is frequent involvement of visceral arterial branches such as renal and superior mesenteric arteries. Although the disease has been popularised by the appealing name of "abdominal coarctation", the term mid-aortic dysplastic syndrome is more appropriate. In spite of the fact that the syndrome was described almost three decades ago, its exact aetiology remains obscure and pathogenesis speculative. Surgical revascularisation remains the only therapeutic remedy, in dealing with this particular group of young hypertensive patients. The clinical presentation, angiographic assessment and long-term outcome, following reconstruction in 11 patients (mean age 24.4 years) with mid-aortic dysplastic syndrome were evaluated, in an effort to determine the effectiveness of surgery. Late follow-up, slightly exceeding 16 years (mean 5.6 years) has shown normal and relief from hypertension in practically all individuals. Furthermore, in order to elucidate at least some aspects of histopathology, studies were undertaken upon specimens from the aortic wall and the renal, carotid, lumbar and brachial arteries. The results suggested predominantly dysplastic features in the media, intima and particularly along the course of internal lamina. Aortography, using different projections, revealed variable patterns of high mid-aortic stenosis with or without associated renal artery disease. All patients were hypertensive (mean blood pressure 170 mmHg) and co-exist renal artery disease, unilateral in three and bilateral in three cases, was detected.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1977

[Bilio-bronchial fistulae caused by rupture of an hydatid cyst of the liver. Experiences with a modified method of operation (author's transl)].

In this study, bilio-bronchial fistulae caused by the rupture of an hydatid cyst of the superior surface of the liver to the bronchi of the middle or lower lobe of the right lung, are discussed. Bilio-bronchial fistulae are treated surgically at one stage, through thorako-abdominal or separate abdominal and thoracic incision in combination. The radical treatment of the hydatid cyst of the liver consists in partial cystectomy and capitonnage, followed by common bile duct drainage. The radical treatment of the thoracic lesions consists in excision of the empyematic sac and lung lobectomy or segmental resection if necessary. The results are compared with those of former surgical management.

Adult↗
PubMed1977

[Treatment of flail chest from the general surgical view. Experience with 20 cases].

Flail chest is a serious complication of multiple fractures of the ribs that needs immediate management in order to avoid its disastrous respiratory and circulatory consequences. The authors present their experience with 20 cases of flail chest injury and discuss especially some practical aspects of its treatment. Skeletal traction was used frequently to stabilize the chest wall, while intermittent positive pressure respiration was reserved only for patients with uncompensated respiratory disturbances. The authors urge that a well-organized surgical unit should be able to provide appropriate management in such cases, since most of these patients have multiple injuries that need general surgical together with more specialized treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1975

Use of the gallbladder neck in the reconstruction of the bifurcation of the main hepatic ducts.

A case of successful resection of an adenocarcinoma of the junction of the right, left and common hepatic ducts is reported. The right hepatic duct was anastomosed to the gallbladder neck and the left hepatic to the common hepatic duct in order to restore the continuity of the biliary tract. This unusual technique offered effective decompression. It may prove, in selected patients with a normal gallbladder and a wide cystic duct, to be a useful alternative to other commonly performed internal drainage procedures.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Aorto-femoral bypass and determinants of early success and late favourable outcome. Experience with 1000 consecutive cases.

Experience with 1000 cases of aorto-(bi)femoral bypass is presented evaluating factors influencing the overall patency rate and late survival, over a period of 25 years. There were 820 cases with bilateral and 180 with a unilateral bypass. Mortality was 3.3% and death rate 39.4%. Re-do procedures have been excluded. Operative indications were for stage I disease (moderate claudication) (17.6%), stage II (advanced claudication) (53.2%), stage III (rest pain and/or pregangrenous changes) (22.7%) and stage IV (gangrenous tissue loss (6.5%). Myocardial infarction was the predominant cause of late death in 192 cases (48.7%), followed by cancer in 48 (13%), cerebrovascular disease in 43 (11%), chronic lung disease with cor pulmonale in 15 (3.8%) and miscellaneous causes in 52 (13.2%) of patients. The cause of death was unknown in 31 (7.8%) cases. Co-existent peripheral arteriopathy (PAD) noted in 377 (37.7%) patients, was found to be a major determinant of late graft patency. Carotid artery disease and renovascular hypertension were corrected surgically, prior to aorto-femoral bypass in the 5.6% and concomitantly in 4.2%. Coronary artery disease in 273 (27.3%) patients and hypertension in 269 (26.9%), had a great influence on late survival as did age and smoking habits. Endarterectomy together with profundaplasty was carried out in 162 (16.2%) instances. It was our policy to extend the graft limb over the profunda femoris and in cases with co-existent superficial femoral artery disease 208 (20.8%). In 630 (63%) instances, the distal anastomosis was performed at the level of common femoral artery. Immediate graft patency was obtained in 99.3% of the cases. Late patency rate for stages I and II at 5, 10 and 15 years was 82%, 76% and 72% respectively. Following secondary operation for graft occlusion, the 15 year patency was increased to 71%. Co-existent superficial femoral disease can be alleviated by appropriate concomitant profundaplasty. Amputation rates were 0.8% for stage II, 1.5% for stage III and 2.4% for stage IV disease. Twenty year life table analysis showed a reduced survival (54%), in comparison with normal population (77%).

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Juxtarenal abdominal aneurysmectomy.

The term juxtarenal abdominal aneurysm is used to describe an aneurysm whose neck is level or adjacent to the origin of one or both renal arteries. Misinterpretation of these appearances could result in the operation being abandoned with the erroneous diagnosis of suprarenal aneurysm. We report 38 patients with a median age of 66 who underwent juxtarenal aneurysm repair, 18 of whom had been diagnosed as having an abdominal aneurysm extending above the renal arteries. Computed tomography, duplex scanning and selective aortography in 7 cases, failed to reveal the true nature of the aneurysm owing to the upper part of the sac lying over the origin of the renal arteries, resulting in aortic tortuosity at this point. The true extent of the aneurysm was best demonstrated by aortography performed in the lateral position. The operations were undertaken through a long midline incision. The aorta is cross-clamped at the supra-renal level and the proximal anastomosis is performed from inside the aneurysm at the level of the renal arteries. The occluding clamp is subsequently re-positioned over the graft ensuring restoration of renal flow and the distal anastomosis is completed in a routine manner. Associated renal artery disease in three hypertensive patients was simultaneously reconstructed. Unfavourable anatomical conditions led to re-implantation of the renal artery in one case and transection with interposition of a vein graft in another. 95% of the patients survived to leave hospital.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Surgical treatment of renovascular hypertension and respective late results. A twenty years experience.

This paper presents the long term results following operative reconstruction for renovascular hypertension in 115 patients operated upon over a period of 20 years. There were 71 (61.7%) males and 44 (38.3%) females with a median age of 46 years (range 16-67). Renal revascularization was unilateral in 96 (83.4%) cases and bilateral in 19 (16.6%). Dacron knitted bypass grafts, were used in 51 and PTFE in 33 instances. Saphenous vein grafts were used in 11 patients. In 15 cases treatment was by local endarterectomy with concomitant angioplasty (12 unilateral and 3 bilateral). Simultaneous aortorenal reconstruction was undertaken in 38 (33%) patients. There were no deaths in the group with isolated renal artery reconstruction. In the group of aortorenal reconstructions, two deaths were encountered (5.7%). Postoperatively, blood pressure was either normal or improved in 83 (72%) patients at a mean follow-up period of 48.3 months (range 1-195 months). The best results were obtained in younger individuals with segmental renal artery lesions. Linear progression analysis, showed age to be a major determinant in the postoperative response to hypertension. There was a greater degree of long term success in patients with fibromuscular dysplasia, as compared to individuals with atherosclerosis. Crude survival probabilities, were 78% and 61% at 5 and 10 years respectively. Late deaths encountered in the present series, were mostly attributable to myocardial infarction (7.8%). In this series, the best results were obtained in individuals younger than 50 years of age, with segmental renal artery lesions.

Blood Pressure↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Simultaneous aorto-renal reconstruction and consideration to the value of combined approach. A 2-16 years follow-up study, with review of the literature.

Thirty five patients who underwent simultaneous aortic and renal artery reconstruction are reviewed, to determine the value of the combined approach. The risk factors determining operative morbidity and mortality are discussed, on the basis of a long term follow-up of more than sixteen years. All patients had a significant renal artery stenosis, in addition to either severe aorto-iliac occlusive disease or an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Twenty seven patients were hypertensive, and eight patients normotensive. Combined aorto-renal reconstruction was carried out prophylactically in eight instances. There were two operative deaths (5.7%). Factors found to be associated with an increased operative risk were advanced age (over 65 years), heart disease with ECG changes, severe hypertension and diabetes. Renal insufficiency with azothaemia and high levels of creatinine, represented a major risk factor. Post operatively, six individuals (24%) were classified as "cured" and thirteen (523) were "improved". Patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis, mild azothemia and moderately elevated creatinine, were found to improve significantly their renal function post operatively. No patient required hemodialysis. Simultaneous aorto-renal reconstruction may be performed with a low mortality and gratifying improvement in hypertensive patients, without evidence of adverse features.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Bilateral aorto-femoral bypass in the presence of aorto-iliac occlusive disease and factors determining results. Experience and long term follow up with 500 consecutive cases.

Late results and respective determinant factors on the basis of 500 consecutive aortic bi-femoral bypass, are presented. Critical analysis of the outcome, in terms of graft patency, limb salvage and death rate, is based upon comparative studies by means of life table evaluation covering a follow up of slightly over 14 years. A favorable outcome was definitely related to the extent of peripheral arterial involvement and associated pathology, mainly coronary artery disease and hypertension. Operative mortality was 3.2%. Immediate graft patency was obtained in a rate of 98.8%, while late patency in 5 and 10 years was found to be 87% and 78% respectively. Amputation rate was 5.6%. Associated carotid and renal artery stenosis, uni and/or bilateral, were corrected surgically in a preliminary operative procedure in the former (9%) and concomitantly in the latter case (5%). Comparative late results according to associated pathology and distal arterial disease, together with complication rate and late mortality, are given in detail in the text by means of statistical data and illustrative curves.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Coarctation of the aorta of unusual morphology.

Three unusual types of coarctation of the aorta are presented together with long-term follow up covering a period of 8-12 years, after successful operative reconstruction. In one case there were two constrictive lesions, one proximal to the left subclavian artery and the other at the typical location, while in another the coarctation was located between two common carotids, with associated congenital hypoplasia of the left subclavian artery, resulting in a steal syndrome. In the last case, there was evidence of a supradiaphragmatic coarctation. In all cases surgical reconstruction was accomplished by means of a Dacron graft. Even unusually located coarctations are highly likely where physical examination reveals, either in one or both limbs hypertension with concomitant weakness of femoral pulsations. However aortography is mandatory for adequate delineation of the disease and precise surgical orientation. All three patients live a normal life today.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Thoraco-abdominal dysplastic aortopathy with and without associated renal artery involvement. Surgical considerations and histopathology.

Nine patients with thoraco-abdominal aortic dysplasia with and without renal artery involvement are reported. All were treated surgically with no early or late mortality. They have been followed up for from 2 to 12 years. The majority of the patients, at the time of writing, are symptomless and normotensive. Hypertension, especially in young people, was the dominant presentation. This is often associated with arterial insufficiency of the lower extremities. Arteriography is essential and provides the correct diagnosis and suggests the appropriate surgical treatment. The aetiology is unknown but evidence points to a congenital process aggravated by secondary changes. Histological studies show a dysplastic process affecting mainly the media and intima.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Successful resection of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm into the inferior vena cava, in the presence of a horseshoe kidney. Case report and review of the literature.

The case of an abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture into the inferior vena cava, in the presence of a horseshoe kidney, with a successful operative outcome, is presented. The critical status due to severe venous hypertension and associated kidney fusion, is particularly emphasized from the point of view of anomalous renal vascular supply and respective major technical problems encountered. Importance of preliminary operative planning and imperative need for inferior vena cava control are particularly stressed with various patterns of anomalous kidney fusion discussed.

Aorta, Abdominal↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Generalized hypoplastic aortopathy, successfully treated by ascending aorta aorto-iliac bypass. Case report with eight years follow-up.

An extremely unusual and possibly unique case of generalized aortopathy is presented, with discussion referring to bizarre features encountered such as extensive involvement of aortic trunk, histopathology observed and operative technique. The latter was performed by means of by pass from ascending aorta down to the level of aorto-iliac bifurcation. Eight years following surgical reconstruction, the patient remains asymptomatic, with the graft functioning well.

Adolescent↗