Spinal Epidural Lipomatosis Associated with Intrathecal Flow Voids: Demonstration of Engorged Veins Using Flat Panel Catheter Angiotomography

We present a case of a 54-year-old male with spinal epidural lipomatosis who had associated flow voids on magnetic resonance imaging with dilated intrathecal vessels. During spinal angiogram, 20s DynaCT (flat panel catheter angiotomography) was utilized to demonstrate the intrathecal engorged veins. Venous engorgement of epidural venous plexus has been previously described in epidural lipomatosis; however, dilated intrathecal perimedullary veins have not been demonstrated by imaging. We have described the utility of flat panel catheter angiotomography in understanding venous disorders in such patients.

Venous leg symptoms in patients with migraine: a potential clue on the pathophysiology of migraine (Vein-Migraine study)

Background Chronic venous disorders (CVD) that conventionally refers to disease of lower and upper extremity venous system encompass a large spectrum of abnormalities in the venous system. Recently, various venous disorders such as hemorrhoids, varicocele and lower extremity varicose veins have been gathered under the term of dilating venous disease (DVeD). So, vascular wall pathology itself has been supposed to be the underlying mechanism of DVeD in different vascular systems. Migraine is a neurovascular disorder which cerebral venous congestion might have role in pathogenesis. Both vascular and neurogenic theories have been postulated for the pathophysiology of migraine. We hypothesized that pathophysiology of migraine might related with DVeD due to vascular theory. Purpose The objective was to assess the association between venous disease and migraine by using the Venous Insufficiency Epidemiological and Economic Study-Quality of Life/Symptoms (VEINES-QoL/Sym) questionnaire in migraineurs and non-migraineurs. Methods The study was designed as a non-randomized, prospective cohort study and consisted of patients diagnosed with migraine. The control group included age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. All participants were examined for the presence of CVD. Presence of lower extremity venous system disease and subsequent classification has been assessed and categorized according to clinical component of clinical, etiological, anatomical and pathological (CEAP) classification. VEINES-Sym questionnaire was applied to assess venous symptoms. The Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) questionnaire was used to assess the severity of disease in migraineurs. Results Participants were classified into two groups as migraine (+) group (n=130) and migraine (−) group (n=130) (Figure 1). Migraine patients and control group were comparable in terms of clinical status and demographic parameters. The mean score of night cramps, burnings, itching, tingling and throbbing were found to be lower in migraineurs than those of non-migraineurs. In addition, the presence of venous symptoms, aching legs, night cramps, heat/burning sensation, throbbing and tingling were found to be significantly higher in patients with migraine compared with those without migraine (Figure 2). Also, total VEINES-Sym score was lower in patients with migraine compared to control group (34.4±8.7, 37.6±8.12, p=0.003, respectively). Additionally, there was a significant negative correlation between VEINES-Sym score and total MIDAS disability score (r=−0.33, p<0.001) and MIDAS severity levels (r=−0.266, p=0.003) of the migraineurs. Logistic regression analysis revealed that VEINES-Sym score is an independent and statistically significant associate of migraine (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92–0.98, p=0.001). Conclusions We have documented an independent association between migraine and VEINES-Sym score indicating possible pathophysiological link between migraine and CVD. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Poorly Understood Pelvic Venous Disorders Require a Multidisciplinary Approach

Pelvic venous diseases encompasses all chronic pathologies of pelvic veins caused by venous hypertension and retrograde flow in pelvic veins. It is commonly unexplained and often underdiagnosed cause of chronic pelvic pain in women of productive age. Pelvic venous pathologies are a part of multidisciplinary problem that should be considered in a holistic approach. Newly offered SVP classification may help correctly classifying patients and using the same nomenclature. Endovascular treatment options are highly effective with good long-term results. Patients with inconclusive gynecologists examinations should be referred to a specialist for the investigation of pelvic venous disorders.

Evaluation and Management of Patients with Leg Swelling: Therapeutic Options for Venous Disease and Lymphedema

Lower extremity swelling is a common condition which has a variety of etiologies and can be challenging to diagnose and manage. Swelling is usually the result of the accumulation of interstitial fluid in the subcutaneous tissues. Common etiologies include systemic, superficial, and deep venous, and lymphatic disorders. Leg swelling can occur bilaterally or unilaterally, with venous disorders being one of the most common causes of unilateral lower extremity edema.