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This study aimed to investigate whether pulmonary shunt grade on transthoracic contrast echocardiography (TTCE) predicts the size of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) on chest computed tomography (CT) and subsequent feasibility for transcatheter embolotherapy.We prospectively included 772 persons with possible or definite hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia, who underwent both TTCE and chest CT for screening of PAVMs. A quantitative three-point grading scale was used to classify the pulmonary shunt size on TTCE (grade 1-3). Transcatheter embolotherapy was performed for PAVMs deemed large enough for endovascular closure on chest CT.TTCE documented pulmonary shunting in 510 (66.1%) patients. The positive predictive value of a pulmonary shunt grade 1, 2 and 3 on TTCE for presence of PAVMs on chest CT was 13.4%, 45.3% and 92.5%, respectively (p,0.001). None of the 201 persons with a pulmonary shunt grade 1 on TTCE had PAVMs on chest CT large enough for transcatheter embolotherapy, while 38 (25.3%) and 123 (77.4%) individuals with a pulmonary shunt grade 2 and 3 on TTCE, respectively, underwent endovascular closure of PAVMs.Pulmonary shunt grade on TTCE predicts the size of PAVMs on chest CT and their feasibility for subsequent transcatheter embolotherapy. Chest CT can be safely withheld from all persons with a pulmonary shunt grade 1 on TTCE, as any PAVM found in these subjects will be too small for transcatheter embolotherapy. @ERSpublications Chest CT can be safely withheld from persons with pulmonary shunt grade 1 on TTCE

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Background: Venous congestion is a frequent problem in flap surgery. Other than surgical revision, there are a multitude of procedures in the literature to tackle this problem, but their effectiveness is not clear. Through a systematic review, we aimed to identify and evaluate the different interventions available for managing flap venous congestion. Methods: The MEDLINE, PubMed central, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched. The study selection process was adapted from the PRISMA statement. All English and French original articles describing or comparing a method for managing flap venous congestion were included. For each article, a level of evidence was assigned, as defined by the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine. Lastly, we specifically analyzed the effectiveness of postoperative non-surgical methods. No formal analysis was performed. Results: Through literature searches carried out in various databases, we identified 224 articles. Finally, 72 articles were included. The majority of these studies had a low-level evidence. A total of 17 different methods (7 pre- and intraoperative, and 10 postoperative) were found. Concerning non-surgical methods, the most represented were leeches, local subcutaneous injection of heparin with scarification, venocutaneous catheterization, negative pressure therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Conclusions: Risks of venous congestion of flaps must always be present in a surgeon’s mind, at every stage of flap surgery. Apart from studies on the use of leeches, which have a significant follow-up and large enough patient numbers to support their efficacy, the low-level evidence associated with studies of other methods of venous congestion management does not allow us to draw a scientifically valid conclusion about their effectiveness.

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Liver vascular malformations (VMs) in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) are typically diffuse and can evolve from small telangiectasias to large arteriovenous malformations, with various stages of severity. Doppler US is the ideal first-line investigation for the assessment of liver VMs in HHT due to its safety, tolerability, low costs, and accuracy for the detection of liver VMs. The caliber, course, and flow characteristics in the hepatic artery, portal vein, and hepatic vein as determined by Doppler US, together with parenchymal abnormalities, support the diagnosis of liver VMs in HHT and their severity staging. When Doppler US expertise is lacking or an assessment of HHT patients with symptoms/signs suggestive of complicated liver VMs is required, particularly if OLT is considered, multiphase CT or MRI is suitable to investigate symptomatic liver VMs. Liver biopsy is neither necessary for the diagnosis of hepatic VMs related to HHT nor should be considered in HHT patients with liver mass/es suggestive of focal nodular hyperplasia.

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