Circulating IL-6 is elevated within the aorta in patients with aneurysms and corresponds to aneurysm position. Furthermore, aneurysm surface area and mean plasma IL-6 are correlated. In the absence of any evidence of systemic inflammation in the form of elevated hs-CRP, these data support the hypothesis that aneurysms secrete IL-6 into the circulation. This may contribute to the high cardiovascular mortality observed in patients with aneurysms.

Infrapopliteal percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is currently indicated in patients with critical limb ischaemia (CLI). It may be performed after femoral angioplasty or bypass surgery, to improve outflow and hence patency of the proximally treated segment. Patients with CLI are typically elderly with multiple co-morbidities and limited life expectancy and therefore, a procedure, which is minimally invasive with reduced morbidity and mortality but lesser long-term patency, may be more appropriate than a more invasive procedure with better long-term patency. Clinical success is superior to angiographic patency, because once healing has occurred, should the artery restenose or occlude, collateral flow can be sufficient to preserve tissue integrity if there is no further injury. Although no prospective randomized trials have been performed, the reported limb-salvage rates of PTA are comparable with surgery. As PTA carries a lower morbidity and mortality, shorter hospital stay and does not preclude surgery, it is ideal for this group of patients who are high-risk surgical candidates. Improvements in guide-wire and catheter technology and recanalization techniques mean that very long stenoses or occlusions, and multiple lesions can be treated successfully. At the current time, PTA is the treatment of choice for infrapopliteal occlusive disease; experience with the use of stents in this territory is increasing but currently insufficient to justify their primary use.

ABSTRACT

Obstetric hemorrhage remains a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Traditionally, in cases of obstetric hemorrhage refractory to conservative treatment, obstetricians have resorted to major surgery with the associated risks of general anesthesia, laparotomy, and, in the case of hysterectomy, loss of fertility. Over the past two decades, the role of pelvic arterial embolization has evolved from a novel treatment option to playing a key role in the management of obstetric hemorrhage. To date, interventional radiology offers a minimally invasive, fertility-preserving alternative to conventional surgical treatment. We review current literature regarding the role of interventional radiology in postpartum hemorrhage, abnormal placentation, abortion, and cervical ectopic pregnancy. We discuss techniques, success rates, and complications.

No abstract