Nutcracker Syndrome

Nutcracker syndrome refers to compression of the left renal vein by the superior mesenteric artery. The left renal vein is compressed between the superior mesenteric and the aorta. Clinical manifestations vary and treatment is tailored accordingly. Signs and Symptoms Nutcracker syndrome is actually a misnomer. In many patients the correct term would be ‘nutcracker phenomena’….

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Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency

Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) is a newly described vascular entity. It is characterized by restricted venous outflow from the brain and spinal cord through the internal jugular (IJV) and/or azygos (AZ) veins (Figure 1), or sometimes, through the external vertebral plexuses. (1-5) Clinical Vignette: CCSVI in multiple sclerosis patients A 41 year old woman,…

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Introduction to Genetic Testing in Cardiovascular Medicine

Pharmacogenetics are central to genetic testing in cardiovascular medicine. As different patients metabolize drugs differently, medication prescription should be tailored to patients specific needs. By doing so maximizing benefits to a particular individual can be expected, while minimizing risk. The most well-known use for this kind of genetic testing comes from oncology, where chemotherapy or…

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Non pharmacological ischemic ulcer treatment

Ischemic ulcers can be difficult to treat. Ideally, treatment should result in increased blood flow to the ischemic limb or digits. However, surgery is not always feasible. In these cases alternative therapies are sought. Non-pharmacological ischemic ulcer treatment includes compression, hyperbaric oxygen and various forms of sympathectomy. The following article will outline some of these…

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Vascular Medicine