PurposeThe authors examined the number of interstitial cells of Cajal-like cells (ICC-LCs) in obstructed ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) in comparison with normal UPJ specimens and age-related changes.Materials and methodsA total of 20 human formalin fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens of intrinsic UPJO from children at the mean age of 8.1 years (age range: 8 months–16.8 years) and 5 control samples from children at the mean age of 2.3 years (range 2.4 months–7.4 years) were investigated immunohistochemically for the expression of c-kit proto-oncogene by light microscopy with computerized image analysis. The results were examined by Fisher’s exact test, Yates’ chi-square test, and t test for Pearson’s correlation coefficient. A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe number of ICC-LCs-dense fields was significantly higher in UPJO specimens in comparison with the normal group (P = 0.0004). The number of ICC-LCs-sparse fields was significantly lowered in UPJO specimens in comparison with the normal group (P = 0.0122). There was no significant difference in the number of ICC-LCs-medium fields in obstructed and normal UPJ specimens. The number of ICC-LCs was decreasing significantly with increasing age of the patients with UPJO (P = 0.0038).ConclusionsThe higher density of c-kit-positive ICC-LCs in UPJ may manifest the compensation of altered peristalsis in UPJO. The number of ICC-LCs-dense fields decreasing with age may show the failure of compensation and regression of the compensatory changes.

Our study suggests that silver-coated prostheses can be as effective as arterial allografts in the treatment of infections of vascular prostheses.

IntroductionOur study was designed to investigate the safety and efficacy of combined autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell (MNC) and gene therapy in comparison to conventional drug therapy in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI).Material and methodsThirty-two patients with CLI persisting for 12–48 months (average time 27.5 months) were randomized into 2 groups, each group consisting of 16 patients. In the first group, administration of autologous bone marrow MNC and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plasmid was performed. The patients from the second group were treated pharmacologically with pentoxifylline. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) was measured and angiography was performed before and finally 3 months after treatment. The pain was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before and after 3 months.ResultsAnkle-brachial index improved significantly from 0.29 ±0.21 to 0.52 ±0.23 (p < 0.001) in 12 patients (75.0%) 3 months after the experimental therapy in group 1. In this group angiography showed the development of collateral vessels. Ischemic ulcers healed completely in 11 patients (68.75%). In group 2 the ABI did not improve in any patient; moreover the complete healing of skin ulcers was not found in any of the patients of this group. Amputation was performed in 4 (25.0%) patients in group 1, and in 8 patients (50%) from group 2.ConclusionsThese data after 3-month follow-up indicate that intramuscular injection of MNC combined with gene therapy in patients with chronic CLI is safe, and a more feasible and effective method of treatment than the conventional therapy. However, both therapies are limited by the degree of microcirculation damage.

Due to its anatomical location the popliteal artery is exposed to injury during surgical procedures in the region of the knee joint, in particular during high-level corrective osteotomies of the proximal tibial epiphysis. Nevertheless, posttraumatic (iatrogenic) pseudoaneurysm constitutes a very rare complication of the procedure. Only few reports of such complication have been published and they were usually connected with lateral tibial osteotomy - the accidents after medial osteotomy are seldom. The complication we report was observed in a 52-year-old female patient after corrective osteotomy of the medial portion of the proximal tibial epiphysis. The complication was diagnosed 7 days after surgery on US-examination and subsequently confirmed by emergently performed angio-CT. The patient was referred for urgent reconstructive surgery. No significant complications were observed, neither postoperatively nor during follow-up visits.

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Iatrogenic CA trauma is one of the most dangerous vascular injuries, connected with hemorrhage and neurological complications. We recommend intravenous administration of 5000 units unfractionated Heparin, anatomical artery preparation, then shunt inserting. Autogenous material should be used if possible. For reconstruction of the initial part of internal carotid artery the transposition of the external carotid artery is useful.

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