Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation - Volume 83, issue 3

Authors: Yu, Mei-qin | Zhang, Li-li | Jiang, Li-ping | Zhou, Ai-yun

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor in women. Early diagnosis of benign and malignant breast tumors is of great significance. OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyze the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in the diagnosis of Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) 4a breast lesions less than 2 cm in diameter. METHODS: CEUS was performed for 143 breast masses less than 2 cm in diameter that were diagnosed as BI-RADS 4a by ultrasound and reclassified. Considering pathological diagnosis as the gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of reclassified lesions …after CEUS for the diagnosis of benign and malignant masses were analyzed. RESULTS: BI-RADS 4a breast masses with a diameter less than 2 cm (n  = 143) were confirmed by pathology; 103 and 40 were classified as benign and malignant, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of CEUS for the diagnosis were 90%, 86%, 72%, and 95%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of CEUS for the diagnosis of benign and malignant tumors after CEUS was 0.904. CONCLUSION: CEUS can help to improve the diagnostic accuracy of BI-RADS 4a masses with a diameter less than 2 cm. Show more

Keywords: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound, BI-RADS-US 4a, breast, ultrasound

DOI: 10.3233/CH-221460

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 83, no. 3, pp. 195-205, 2023

Authors: Schramm, D. | Wohlgemuth, W.A. | Guntau, M. | Wieprecht, M. | Deistung, A. | Bidakov, O. | Wildgruber, M. | Brill, R. | Cucuruz, B.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Venous malformations tend to retain their slow-flow behavior, even in progressive disease or regression following therapy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to analyze the development of acquired hemodynamic relevant arterio-venous fistulae in patients with slow-flow malformations. METHODS: This study is a retrospective analysis based on a consecutive local registry at a tertiary care Interdisciplinary Center for Vascular Anomalies. Patients with venous malformations and development of secondary arterio-venous fistulae were included. Indications for therapy of the vascular malformation were based on patients’ symptoms and complications. The following endpoints were of clinical interest and were …assessed: origin of development of arteriovenous fistula, development of secondary comorbidities as a result of the vascular malformation. For analysis we focused on descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Out of 1213 consecutive patients with vascular malformations, in 6 patients perfusion changed from slow flow to arterio-venous fast-flow patterns. Four patients developed the fistula after local trauma in the area of the malformation, the other 2 patients developed the fistula due to progression of the disease and recurrent thrombophlebitis. These 2 patients had no trauma or interventions at the time of arterio-venous fistula development. CONCLUSIONS: Acquired arterio-venous fast-flow fistula in patients with slow flow vascular malformation is very rare and might be a result of local trauma or the progression of the disease with recurrent thrombophlebitis. Specific evidence-based treatment options for these patients do not exist. Show more

Keywords: Congenital vascular malformation, arterio-venous fistula, slow flow malformation, fast flow malformation

DOI: 10.3233/CH-221610

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 83, no. 3, pp. 207-215, 2023

Authors: Wagner, Marie | Anzinger, Eveline | Hey, Florian | Reiter, Karl | Wermelt, Julius Z. | Pastor-Villaescusa, Belén | Genzel-Boroviczény, Orsolya | Nussbaum, Claudia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Monitoring of the macrocirculation during surgery provides limited information on the quality of organ perfusion. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the feasibility of perioperative microcirculatory measurements in children. METHODS: Sublingual microvessels were visualized by handheld videomicroscopy in 11 children (19 mo – 10 yrs) undergoing surgery > 120 min at four time points: T0) after induction of anesthesia; T1) before end of anesthesia, T2) 6 h post surgery and T3) 24 h post surgery. RESULTS: Measurements were feasible in all children at T0 and T1. At T2 and T3, imaging was restricted to 6 and 4 infants, respectively, due to …respiratory compromise and missing cooperation. The capillary density was reduced at T1 compared to T0 (8.1 mm/mm2 [4.0-17.0] vs. 10.6 mm/mm2 [5.1-19.3]; p  = 0.01), and inversely related to norepinephrine dose (Pearson r  = -0.65; p  = 0.04). Microvascular flow and serum glycocalyx makers Syndecan-1 and Hyaluronan increased significantly from T0 to T1. CONCLUSION: Perioperative microcirculatory monitoring in children requires a high amount of personal and logistic resources still limiting its routine use. Major surgery is associated with microvascular alterations and glycocalyx perturbation. The possible consequences on patient outcome need further evaluation. Efforts should concentrate on the development of next generation devices designed to facilitate microcirculatory monitoring in children. Show more

Keywords: Microcirculation, child, surgery, microvascular density, glycocalyx, blood flow

DOI: 10.3233/CH-221617

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 83, no. 3, pp. 217-229, 2023

Authors: Antonova, Nadia | Khristov, Khristo | Alexandrova, Anika | Muravyov, Alexei | Velcheva, Irena

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Microfluidics is a useful tool for investigating blood microrheology. The study aimed to present the development of a microfluidic device for assessing the microrheological properties of blood cells’ suspensions and its application in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM). METHODS: A new microfluidic device was elaborated, connected to a system, including a microscope with a digital camera, a pump with a manometer and a computer with specially developed software. Blood cells’ suspensions were investigated in a microchamber between two parallel optical slides within a 100μm distance. The motion of the blood cells in the …microchamber was observed by the microscope and it was recorded and visualized by a digital camera. A method for evaluating the deformability of blood cells and a device for its implementation were used [1 ]. RESULTS: The pressure and flow rate ranges in the microfluidic device were specified by model suspensions of beta-ferroxy-hydroxide and red blood cells (RBC) suspensions. The pressure changes, realized by a pump (micropipette), connected to a manometer were established and the corresponding shear rates in the microfluidic device were determined. Data about the blood microrheological properties like RBC aggregation and deformability, leukocyte adhesion from a group of healthy volunteers and from patients with T2DM were obtained. CONCLUSIONS: The developed device and experimental system is a promising tool for the study of blood microrheology. Show more

Keywords: Microfluidic device, methodology, microrheology, red blood cell (RBC) deformability and aggregation, leukocyte adhesion, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)

DOI: 10.3233/CH-221631

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 83, no. 3, pp. 231-245, 2023

Authors: Koutsiaris, Aristotle G. | Batis, Vasilios | Liakopoulou, Georgia | Tachmitzi, Sophia V. | Detorakis, Efstathios T. | Tsironi, Evangelia E.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) is a relatively new imaging technique in ophthalmology for the visualization of the retinal microcirculation and other tissues of the human eye. This review paper aims to describe the basic definitions and principles of OCT and OCTA in the most straightforward possible language without complex mathematical and engineering analysis. This is done to help health professionals of various disciplines improve their understanding of OCTA and design further clinical research more efficiently. First, the basic technical principles of OCT and OCTA and related terminology are described. Then, a list of OCTA advantages and disadvantages, with a …special reference to blood flow quantification limitations. Finally, an updated list of the basic hardware and software specifications of some of the commercially available OCTA devices is presented. Show more

Keywords: OCTA, eye, basic principles, advantages, disadvantages, pros and cons, microvessels, blood flow, device specifications

DOI: 10.3233/CH-221634

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 83, no. 3, pp. 247-271, 2023

Authors: Chen, Jie | Zhang, Bo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasis (HHT) is an autosomal dominant hereditary disease, which can lead to abnormal angiogenesis. We performed contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in a patient with HHT represented with hemothorax. After targeted embolization, the condition of hemothorax improved. In this case, we explore the use of CEUS to locate the responsible vessel of hemothorax, and found that CEUS could be used as a complementary preoperative method of localization with computed tomography angiography (CTA).

Keywords: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound, hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasis, hemothorax

DOI: 10.3233/CH-221646

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 83, no. 3, pp. 273-278, 2023

Authors: Ptaszek, Bartłomiej | Podsiadło, Szymon | Teległów, Aneta

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: assessment of the effect of a series of 20 whole-body cryotherapy sessions on the morphological and rheological indicators of blood in healthy people. METHODS: The experimental group consisted of 15 women and 15 men who underwent a series of whole-body cryotherapy treatments. The control group consisted of 15 women and 15 men - without intervention. For the analysis of blood biochemical parameters, venous blood was collected twice: Study 1: on the day of the commencement of whole body cryotherapy / from the control group; and Study 2: after a series of 20 cryotherapy sessions / from the …control group (4 weeks). RESULTS: After whole-body cryotherapy a statistically significant decrease in RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, EI 0.30 and an increase in MCHC and EI 2.19–60.30 were observed in women, as well as a decrease in MCV, MCH, AI and an increase in PLT, EI 0.30–60.30, AMP, T1/2 in men. CONCLUSIONS: The use of whole-body cryotherapy causes changes in blood counts in various directions and has a positive effect on the rheological properties of blood in women and men - it increases the elongation index and reduces the aggregation index. Show more

Keywords: whole-body cryotherapy, blood morphology, blood rheology, red blood cell deformability, red blood cell aggregation

DOI: 10.3233/CH-221658

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 83, no. 3, pp. 279-286, 2023

Authors: Lehmann, Christian | Zhou, Juan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Cannabinoids play critical roles in human pathophysiology through the cannabinoid (CB) receptors and non-CB receptors on variety of cells, tissues, and organs. Microvasculature with the inside bloodstream containing the plasmatic and cellular components exerts multiple functions in maintaining tissue and organ physiology through microcirculation. This review focusses on the impact of cannabinoids on the microvasculature, including mechanisms mediated by both CB receptor-related pathways and CB receptor-independent pathways.

Keywords: Cannabinoids, microcirculation, cannabinoid receptors, smooth muscle cells

DOI: 10.3233/CH-221677

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 83, no. 3, pp. 287-292, 2023

Authors: Ebrahimi, Zahra | Farsinejad, Alireza | Mohammadi, Mohammad Hossein | Ahmadizad, Sajad

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Resistance exercise induces thrombocytosis and increases platelet activation and function. These changes might be related to exercise variables including exercise intensity and type. OBJECTIVE: We compared the effects of traditional resistance exercise (TRE) and circuit resistance exercise (CRE) on cellular markers of platelet activation and function. METHODS: In this crossover study ten healthy male (mean±SD: age, 25.6±2.4 years) subjects performed TRE encompassed 3 sets of 10 repetitions at 100% of 10-RM (10 repetition maximum) for 6 exercises, and CRE protocols included 3 sets of 10 repetitions at 100% of 10-RM for all 6 exercises consecutively, …in two separate weeks. To measure platelet indices, PAC1, CD41a, CD42b and CD62P three blood samples were taken before, immediately after exercise, and after 30 min recovery. RESULTS: Lactate concentration, blood pressure, platelet count (PLT), and mean platelet volume (MPV) were significantly (p  < 0.05) increased following both resistance exercise trials. Significant increases in PAC1, and CD62P; and significant reductions for CD42b and CD41a were detected following both REs (p  < 0.05). However, changes in PAC1 and CD62P were significantly different between the two protocols (p  < 0.05), with higher increases detected following CRE. CONCLUSIONS: Acute RE increases platelet indices and platelet activation; and that CRE results in higher platelet activation than TRE, probably due to exercise-induced increases in shear stress. Show more

Keywords: Resistance exercise, weight training, platelet activation, P-selectin, PAC1

DOI: 10.3233/CH-221603

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 83, no. 3, pp. 293-303, 2023

Authors: Shafiee, Neda | Kordi, Negin | Gadruni, Keivan | SalehFard, Ziba | Jung, Friedrich | Heidari, Naser

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Physical training in patients with heart failure can affect hemodynamic, cardiac and angiogenesis parameters. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of traditional moderate-intensity rehabilitation training and interval training on some angiogenesis factors in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients. METHODS: Thirty CABG patients (mean age±SD, 55±3 years) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) or the control group. After the initial assessments, eligible patients in the experimental groups (HIIT and MICT) performed exercise training for 8 weeks, while the …control group did not. Angiogenesis and angiostatic indices, including pro-adrenomedullin (pro-ADM), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and endostatin, were then measured. RESULTS: The results showed no significant difference between pro-ADM in the HIIT and MICT groups (P  = 0.99), but a significant difference was found between MICT and the control group and between HIIT and the control group (P  = 0.001). There is also no significant difference between the bFGF levels in the HIIT and MICT training groups (P  = 1.00), but the changes in this factor between the training groups and the control group were significant (P  = 0.001). There was a significant difference between the levels of endostatin in all three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Two methods of cardiac rehabilitation (HIIT and MICT) may be useful for the recovery of patients with coronary artery bypass grafting. This improvement manifested itself in changes in angiogenesis and angiostatic indices in this study. However, more extensive studies are needed to investigate the effects of these two types of rehabilitation programs on other indicators of angiogenesis and angiostatic. Show more

Keywords: Training, angiogenesis, cardiovascular, endostatin, pro-adrenomedullin

DOI: 10.3233/CH-221605

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 83, no. 3, pp. 305-314, 2023