Abnormal Physical Examination Research Articles

WFDC Protein: A Promising Diagnosis Biomarker of Ovarian Cancer.

An initial diagnosis of cancer is usually based on symptoms, abnormal physical examination and imaging tests. Ovarian cancer is difficult to be diagnosed timely due to the nonspecific symptoms, thus resulting in the high-risk mortality. Despite of the various diagnostic methods, there is still no reliable diagnostic test. Clinically, carbohydrate antigen 125(CA125) is widely recognized as a diagnosis biomarker of ovary cancer. However, CA125 is not sensitive to detect the ovary cancer at the early stage. It is essential to explore other potential biomarkers. Human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) in the whey/four-disulfide core (WFDC) proteins family shows satisfactory sensitivity in the early diagnosis of ovary cancer. In this present review, we summarized the important effects of WFDC family proteins on the proliferation, apoptosis and migration of ovary cancer and intended to provide more evidence to explore the possibility of WFDC protein as a diagnosis biomarker.

Characteristics of Afebrile Infants ≤60 Days of Age With Invasive Bacterial Infections.

To describe the characteristics and outcomes of afebrile infants ≤60 days old with invasive bacterial infection (IBI). We conducted a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study of infants ≤60 days old with IBI presenting to the emergency departments (EDs) of 11 children's hospitals from 2011 to 2016. We classified infants as afebrile if there was absence of a temperature ≥38°C at home, at the referring clinic, or in the ED. Bacteremia and bacterial meningitis were defined as pathogenic bacterial growth from a blood and/or cerebrospinal fluid culture. Of 440 infants with IBI, 78 (18%) were afebrile. Among afebrile infants, 62 (79%) had bacteremia without meningitis and 16 (20%) had bacterial meningitis (10 with concomitant bacteremia). Five infants (6%) died, all with bacteremia. The most common pathogens were Streptococcus agalactiae (35%), Escherichia coli (16%), and Staphylococcus aureus (16%). Sixty infants (77%) had an abnormal triage vital sign (temperature <36°C, heart rate ≥181 beats per minute, or respiratory rate ≥66 breaths per minute) or a physical examination abnormality (ill appearance, full or depressed fontanelle, increased work of breathing, or signs of focal infection). Forty-three infants (55%) had ≥1 of the following laboratory abnormalities: white blood cell count <5000 or >15 000 cells per μL, absolute band count >1500 cells per μl, or positive urinalysis. Presence of an abnormal vital sign, examination finding, or laboratory test result had a sensitivity of 91% (95% confidence interval 82%-96%) for IBI. Most afebrile young infants with an IBI had vital sign, examination, or laboratory abnormalities. Future studies should evaluate the predictive ability of these criteria in afebrile infants undergoing evaluation for IBI.

A Phase I, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Single Ascending Dose, Multiple Ascending Dose and Food Effect Study to Evaluate the Tolerance, Pharmacokinetics of Jaktinib, a New Selective Janus Kinase Inhibitor in Healthy Chinese Volunteers.

Background: Jaktinib is a novel selective janus kinase 1/2 inhibitor. The phase I first-in-human study evaluated the tolerance and pharmacokinetics of jaktinib in healthy Chinese subjects. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study were designed. A total of 126 healthy subjects were enrolled into the single ascending dose, multiple ascending dose and food effect study. Safety endpoints included adverse events, abnormal vital signs, 12-lead ECGs, abdominal ultrasound, chest x-ray, physical examination and clinical laboratory tests. Blood, urine and feces samples were collected at predetermined time points for pharmacokinetic analysis of jaktinib, the metabolites ZG0244 and ZG0245, which are formed by oxidation or hydrolysis metabolic pathway, respectively. Results: Jaktinib was absorbed with a median time to peak plasma concentration of 1.25–3.5 h and was eliminated with a half-life of 2.952–9.040 h. Linear pharmacokinetic characteristic was presented over the dose range from 25 to 400 mg. No obvious accumulation was observed after multiple doses for 10 days. Administration after a high-fat breakfast significantly increased the absorption of jaktinib. The accumulated fraction of jaktinib and the determined metabolites excreted in urine and feces was 19.478%. Jaktinib was well tolerated in all single dose cohorts. In multiple dose cohorts, 200 mg q24 h method was evaluated as maximally tolerated dose. Neutropenia, diarrhea, dizziness and headache were the most frequently reported treatment related adverse events. No deaths, serious or Grade ≥4 adverse events was developed. Conclusion: Jaktinib was well tolerated when single dose ranging from 25 to 400 mg and multiple dose up to 200 mg q24 h. The safety and pharmacokinetic characteristics support the next trial in myelofibrosis patients.

Clinical characteristics of connective tissue disease associated interstitial lung disease in children

Objective: To elucidate the clinical features of connective tissue disease associated interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD) in children. Methods: A total of 24 children diagnosed with CTD-ILD and treated in Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center from January 2010 to December 2019 were included in the study. Their medical data including clinical features, lab test, imaging, pulmonary function test, treatment and outcome were analyzed statistically. Results: In these 24 patients, 4 were males and 20 females. Their main clinical presentations were cough (10/24, 42%), shortness of breath (10/24, 42%), tachycardia in quiet state (8/24, 33%), fatigue with activity (7/24, 29%), and fever (6/24, 25%). The main abnormal physical examination findings were moist rales (4/24, 17%) and acropachy (2/24, 8%). There were various abnormal findings in the patients' lab test. All the patients (100%) had pulmonary interstitial changes on chest CT. Eight patients had spirometry test, and all (100%) showed decreased diffusion capacity. After immunosuppressive treatment, 15 cases (63%) improved, 4 cases (17%) gave up or died, while 5 cases (21%) had no significant improvement on the imaging examination. Conclusions: The onset of pediatric CTD-ILD could be insidious. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment may change the prognosis, but are both difficult and need further studies.

Nerve Conduction Studies in Patients with Lumbosacral Radiculopathy Caused by Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Herniation

Background. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) are electrodiagnostic tests used to evaluate peripheral nerves functions and aid in the assessment of patients with neuromuscular complaints. There is contrasting evidence concerning the use of NCS in the assessment of patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy. Objectives. This study was conducted to evaluate nerve conduction studies abnormalities in patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy and to find out their relation to abnormal physical examination findings. Materials and Methods. Twenty-seven patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy caused by L4/5 or L5/S1 intervertebral disc prolapse confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were recruited in the study. Twenty-five healthy subjects matched in age and sex served as control. Motor nerve conduction study bilaterally for both common peroneal and tibial nerves, F-wave for both nerves, and H-reflex had been conducted. Results. No significant difference was found in the motor nerve conduction study parameters (latency, amplitude, and conduction velocity) between the patients group and the control group. There was significant prolongation in H-reflex latency of both symptomatic and asymptomatic side in the patients group compared to the control group ( P &lt; 0.05 ). Also, F-wave latencies (F minimum, F maximum, and F mean) of the tibial nerve were significantly prolonged ( P &lt; 0.05 ) compared to control. Conclusion. Prolonged H-reflex latency was the commonest encountered abnormality in our study followed by F-wave latencies of the tibial nerve.

Retrospective evaluation of albuterol inhalant exposure in dogs: 36 cases (2007-2017).

To describe the clinical features, clinicopathological features, treatment, and outcome of dogs presented for albuterol exposure. Retrospective case series from January 2007 to December 2017. Tertiary veterinary facility. Thirty-six client-owned dogs presenting for known or suspected albuterol exposure secondary to chewing on albuterol metered-dose inhalers (MDIs). None. All dogs presented with clinical signs attributable to albuterol exposure. The most common physical examination abnormality was sinus tachycardia, noted in 34 of 36 (94%) dogs. Twenty-seven patients (75%) were admitted to the hospital for therapy, with a median length of hospitalization of 20.5hours (16.75-24.5). Thirty-two of 36 dogs had serum electrolytes evaluated at admission, with 22 of 32 (69%) presenting with hypokalemia ([K+]<3.62mmol/L]). Hyperlactatemia ([lactate]>2.80mmol/L) was noted in 23 of 28 (82%) dogs. A negative correlation was found between serum lactate and potassium (r=-0.64, r2 = 0.40, P= 0.0003). Hyperglycemia ([glucose]>6.44mmol/L) was noted in 20 of 30 (67%) dogs. Beta antagonist therapy was utilized in 20 of 36 (56%) of dogs. Although uncommon, albuterol intoxication can lead to significant clinical and electrolyte abnormalities. Albuterol-induced hypokalemia and associated tachyarrhythmias can be successfully managed, and albuterol intoxication has an excellent prognosis for survival to discharge. A minimum database should be evaluated in all dogs presenting for suspected albuterol exposure, with lactate and glucose monitored carefully in dogs with moderate or severe hypokalemia given the correlation found.

Diagnostic Value of Clinical Symptoms and Pulse Oximetry for diagnosis of Congenital Heart Disease in Infants

Background: Infants born with congenital heart disease (CHD) typically present different clinical manifestations which make this condition hard to diagnose. Considering serious complications arising from misdiagnosis, inventing new methods and/or improving traditional diagnostic approaches has always been a research objective. Methods: In this cross-sectional analysis, which took place in Children's Medical Center in Tehran, 150 infants admitted to an intensive care unit were evaluated based on echocardiographic findings from 2015 to 2017. Echocardiography was done due to abnormalities in physical examination and/or oxygen saturation level. Results: The sensitivity of clinical study value was 82% and the negative predictive value was 20%. The sensitivity of arterial oxygen saturation immediately after admission to the neonatal intensive care was 92%, the specificity was 34%, positive predictive value was 56% and negative predictive value was 25%. Conclusion: In terms of high sensitivity, clinical symptom including tachypnea, cyanosis, arrhythmias, respiratory distress, cardiac murmur, or arterial oxygen saturation level in newborns may be useful for screening CHD. Among the clinical manifestations, cyanosis and respiratory distress are more valuable.

California Cardiovascular Screening Tool: Findings from Initial Implementation.

Objective American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recently published the California (CA) cardiovascular disease (CVD) screening algorithm for pregnant and postpartum women. We aim to prospectively determine screen-positive and true-positive rates of CVD among women across two populations. Study Design This is a prospective cohort study of obstetrical patients from April 2018 to July 2019 at academic medical centers in CA and New York (NY). We attempted to screen all patients at least once during their pregnancy care (prenatal or postpartum). Women who screened positive (“Red Flags,” >3–4 moderate risk factors, abnormal physical examination, and persistent symptoms) underwent further testing. The primary outcome was the screen-positive rate. Secondary outcomes included the true-positive rate and the strength of each moderate factor in predicting a positive CVD screen. Results We screened 846 women. The overall screen-positive rate was 8% (5% in CA vs. 19% in NY). The sites differed in ethnicity, that is, African American women (2.7% in CA vs. 35% in NY, p < 0.01) and substance use (2.7 vs. 5.6%, p < 0.04). The true-positive rate was 1.5% at both sites. The percentage of screen-positive patients who did not complete follow-up studies was higher in NY (70%) than in CA (27%). CVD was confirmed in 30% with positive screens with complete follow-up. Combinations of moderate factors were the main driver of screen-positive rates in both populations. Conclusion This is the first data describing the performance of the CVD screening algorithm in a general obstetric population. Factors, such as proportion of African American women affect the likelihood of a positive screen. The screening algorithm highlights patients at higher lifetime risk of CVD and may identify a group that could be targeted for more direct care transitions postpartum. Data may be used to design a larger validation study.

Efficiency of pre-pregnancy health check for eugenics on prevention and control of birth defects in Guangdong province

Objective To evaluate the effect of pre-pregnancy health check for eugenics on prevention and control of adverse pregnancy outcome including birth defects in Guangdong province. Methods Surveillance data on 1 953 746 childbearing couples participating in the pre-pregnancy health checkup for eugenics in various regions of Guangdong province from 2014 through 2017 were collected for a retrospective analysis. Results Of all the participants surveyed during the period, 37.36% were assessed with risk factors for having abnormal fetuses. The top five identified risk factors for birth defect among the childbearing women included not taking supplemental folic acid during early pregnancy (40.28%), common reproductive tract infection (17.26%), abnormality in urine test (16.61%), abnormality of reproductive tract (14.12%), and at elder age (10.29%); while, the top three risk factors for the men at childbearing age were at elder age (17.11%), abnormality in physical examination (10.95%), and abnormality in reproductive system (9.45%). A total of 779 722 childbearing women were followed-up to their deliveries or pregnancy terminations. The incidence of total adverse pregnancy outcome was 7.10%, and the incidence of total birth defects was 15.69 per 10 000 perinatal infants. Conclusion Pre-pregnancy health checkup for eugenics has significant effects on prevention and control of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as birth defects and the checkup should be carried out among childbearing couples continuously to reduce the incidence of birth defects.

Fever of unknown origin

Fever of unknown origin (FUO) is a diagnosis that describes a prolonged febrile illness without an established cause, despite investigations. From the first definition of the medical condition (given by Petersdorf and Beeson in 1961) the diagnostic criteria have changed over time, intending to improve the management and outcome of these patients. The main causes of FUO fall into 4 categories: infectious, non-infectious (inflammatory), neoplastic and diverse causes. The etiology of FUO has changed over time, due to ever-changing disease patterns and the development of diagnostic techniques. A significant percentage of patients with FUO remain without an etiologic diagnosis, despite advanced diagnostic tests. Gathering potentially diagnostic clues through history, physical examination and nonspecific key paraclinical abnormalities is the basis for the diagnosis of FUO.

Early variation of ultrasound halo sign with treatment and relation with clinical features in patients with giant cell arteritis

To compare the ultrasound characteristics with clinical features, final diagnosis and outcome; and to evaluate the halo size following glucocorticoid treatment in patients with newly diagnosed GCA. Patients with suspected GCA, recruited from an international cohort, had an ultrasound of temporal (TA) and axillary (AX) arteries performed within 7 days of commencing glucocorticoids. We compared differences in clinical features at disease presentation, after 2 weeks and after 6 months, according to the presence or absence of halo sign. We undertook a cross-sectional analysis of the differences in halo thickness using Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). A total of 345 patients with 6 months follow-up data were included; 226 (65.5%) had a diagnosis of GCA. Jaw claudication and visual symptoms were more frequent in patients with halo sign (P=0.018 and P=0.003, respectively). Physical examination abnormalities were significantly associated with the presence of ipsilateral halo (P<0.05). Stenosis or occlusion on ultrasound failed to contribute to the diagnosis of GCA. During 7 days of glucocorticoid treatment, there was a consistent reduction in halo size in the TA (maximum halo size per patient: r=-0.30, P=0.001; and all halos r=-0.23, P<0.001), but not in the AX (P>0.05). However, the presence of halo at baseline failed to predict future ischaemic events occurring during follow-up. In newly diagnosed GCA, TA halo is associated with the presence of ischaemic features and its size decreases following glucocorticoid treatment, supporting its early use as a marker of disease activity, in addition to its diagnostic role.

Surveillance and outcomes after curative resection for gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma

BackgroundThe goal of surveillance testing is to enable curative salvage therapy through early disease detection, however supporting evidence in gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma is limited. We evaluated frequency of successful salvage therapy and outcomes in patients who underwent surveillance.MethodsA single‐site, retrospective cohort study was conducted to identify all patients who received curative resection for gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma. Surveillance testing were those investigations not triggered by abnormal symptoms, physical examination, or blood tests. Successful salvage therapy was any potentially curative therapy for disease recurrence which resulted in postrecurrence disease‐free survival ≥2 years. Time‐to‐event data were analyzed using the Kaplan‐Meier method and log rank tests.ResultsBetween 2011 and 2016, 210 consecutive patients were reviewed. Esophageal (14%), gastroesophageal junction (40%), and gastric adenocarcinomas (45%) were treated with surgery alone (29%) or multimodality therapy (71%). Adjuvant therapy was administered in 35%. At median follow‐up of 38.3 months, 5‐year overall survival (OS) rate was 56%. Among 97 recurrences, 53% were surveillance‐detected, and 46% were symptomatic. None was detected by surveillance endoscopy. Median time‐to‐recurrence (TTR) was 14.8 months. Recurrences included locoregional only (4%), distant (86%), and both (10%). Salvage therapy was attempted in 15 patients, 4 were successful. Compared to symptomatic recurrences, patients with surveillance‐detected recurrences had longer median OS (36.2 vs 23.7 months, P = .004) and postrecurrence survival (PRS, 16.5 vs 4.6 months, P < .001), but similar TTR (16.2 vs 13.3 months, P = .40) and duration of palliative chemotherapy (3.9 vs 3.3 months, P = .64).ConclusionsAmong patients surveyed, 96% of recurrences were distant, and salvage therapy was successful in only 1.9% of patients. Longer OS in patients with surveillance‐detected compared to symptomatic recurrences was not associated with significant earlier disease detection, and may be contributed by differences in disease biology. Further prospective data are warranted to establish the benefit of surveillance testing in gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma.

The foreign bodies in lower respiratory tract in pediatric patients treated in referral academic department of pediatric otolaryngology

Introduction. Foreign bodies in lower respiratory tract for many years are big challenge for otolaryngologists. These objects could present variability of clinical symptoms. Increase of infection and mortality due to delay of accurate diagnosis. Interview is the most important part of examination of patient with suspected foreign body in airways. Any suspicion of aspiration is qualification to diagnostic bronchoscopy. Aim. This paper refers occurrence assessment, clinical course, diagnostic process and treatment of the pediatric patients with suspected foreign body in lower respiratory tract hospitalized in referral Academic Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology. Material and methods. Retrospective analysis of 74 patients with suspected foreign body in lower respiratory tract, who were hospitalized in Clinical Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology in Warsaw Medical University in 2016-2018. Analysis includes demographic data, occurrence frequency, localization and the type of foreign body, diagnostic process and treatment. Results. This study includes 42 boys (57%) and 32 girls (43%) in age of 8 months to 16-year-old. The episode of choking occurs in interview in 71 patients (96%). Foreign bodies in lower respiratory tract were confirmed and evacuated in bronchoscopy procedure in 44 cases (59.5%). In 30 cases (40.5%) there were any foreign body in airways. The most common group of patients admitted to Clinic with suspected foreign body in airways was children in age between 1 to 3-year-old, which accounted for 22 cases (50%). Coughing was the most commonly reported symptom (54.5%), wheezing (27.5%) and dyspnea (15.9%). Twenty-three patients were presenting wheezing and whirring in physical examination. Air trap found in thorax x-ray were in 22 patients (45%). The right main bronchus was the most common place of foreign body retention – 22 patients (50%). The organic foreign bodies were in 32 cases (72.7%) and non-organic in 12 (27.3%). The nuts were the most common foreign body aspirated to airways. Conclusions. Foreign body aspiration should be suspected in every patient, not only those with choking episode but also with patients who presents ambiguous change in physical examination and x-ray scan. In pediatric patient with suspected foreign body in lower respiratory tract, in every time the bronchoscopy is needed to be done, even in patients with no abnormalities in physical examination and x-ray scan.

Correlation between Findings in Physical Examination, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and Nerve Conduction Studies in Lumbosacral Radiculopathy Caused by Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Herniation.

Purpose The aim of this study was to find out the correlation between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nerve conduction studies' (NCS) findings in patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy caused by lumbar intervertebral disc herniation. In addition, the study aimed at finding the correlation between the clinical manifestations of lumbosacral radiculopathy and both MRI and NCS. Patients and Methods. The study was a cross-sectional analytic study which included thirty patients with a history suggestive of lumbosacral radiculopathy. Inclusion criteria were as follows: patients who had an MRI confirmed L4/5 and/or L5/S1 intervertebral disc prolapse in addition to one or more of the following (dermatomal distribution of symptoms appropriate with MRI level, presence of motor weakness, sensory impairment, absent ankle jerk, or positive straight leg raising test). All patients underwent clinical assessment and NCS, and their MRI examination was reviewed. The Chi-Squared/Fisher's exact test was used to test the correlation. Results There was a statistically significant correlation between abnormal physical findings and nerve root compression in MRI. Statistically significant correlation was neither found between abnormal physical examination findings and abnormal NCS nor between nerve root compression in MRI and abnormal NCS findings. Conclusion Abnormal neurological examination findings can be used to predict nerve root compression in MRI examination. On the contrary, positive findings of physical examination do not predict abnormal NCS, as well as negative findings do not exclude abnormal NCS; therefore, it is useful to add NCS when MRI findings do not match clinical examination findings or when no neuroimaging abnormalities can be identified.

MRI/TRUS FUSION guided biopsy as first approach in ambulatory setting: Feasibility and performance of a new fusion device.

To evaluate the detection rate of Magnetic Resonance Imaging/Transrectal Ultrasound (MRI/TRUS) Fusion Biopsy performed in a series of patients with suspicious prostate cancer in an ambulatory setting. Between March 2018 and January 2019 a series of 155 patients undergoing MRI/TRUS fusionguided biopsy were prospectively enrolled. All patients presented a suspected diagnosis for prostate cancer because of raised Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) serum level and/or abnormal physical examination (digital rectal examination), and showed at least one suspicious area at the multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging (mpMRI). Of 155 patients, 58 (37.4%) were biopsy-naïve, 97 (62.6%) had at least 1 previous negative TRUS-guided biopsy. The median age of the patient cohort was 66 years (IQR, 61- 69); the median prebiopsy PSA value was 7.1 ng/ml (IQR, 5- 8.9). Overall, the Fusion-TB findings were positive in 94 of 155 patients with a detection rate (DR) of 60%; a significantly high DR was obtained in terms of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) by Fusion-TB (61 pts; 41.9%). The overall DR in the 121 biopsy-naive patients was 60.6%. In the subgroup of the 34 patients with at least 1 previous set of TRUS-GB, overall DR was 39.3% (35/50). The targeted MRI/TRUS fusion-guided biopsy represents a safe and accurate approach for diagnosis of csPCa, especially in patient with previous TRUS guided biopsy negative and suspicious prostate cancer.

DYSPNOEA AS THE FIRST SYMPTOM OF COLON CANCER

Introduction: Colorectal cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide. Abdominal pain, alteration of chronic bowel habits, changes in bowel movements and involuntary weight loss belong to typical symptoms. It is important to diagnose the disease in early stage to improve effectiveness of treatment. The aim: To present a case report of exertional dyspnoea in patient with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer without any symptoms and abnormalities in physical examination suggesting malignant process of digestive tract. Case report: We present a 71-year-old male who has been admitted to the Department of Internal Medicine, Angiology and Physical Medicine under emergency care, where was aimed at by general practitioner to diagnose exertional dyspnoea ongoing last few weeks, which appearing after two hundred meters walk on flat surface. In the course of the diagnostic process, it turned out that the cause of dyspnoea was colorectal cancer. Conclusions: This case report shows that initial symptoms of cancer may be nonspecific and it confirms how important it is for doctors to remain vigilant in the diagnostic process.

P1301 Opposite outcomes of two equally destructive forms of infective endocarditis

Abstract Introduction Infective Endocarditis is a complex entity with great variability of clinical manifestations and a broad spectrum of complications. The prognosis depends not only on the baseline characteristics of the patient, but also on the agent and the complications, both local and systemic, with clinical repercussion. Two clinical cases are presented. A 67-year-old woman with history of uncharacterized aortic valve disease, presented in the emergency department with a 3-month evolution of asthenia and anorexia, and ocasional fever. She presented pallor, with a systolic murmur II/VI audible throughout the precordium and no other abnormalities in physical examination. Blood tests showed Hb 9g/dL with normal MCV and MCH, no leucocytosis, CRP 132mg/L, mild elevation of troponin I (0.32ng/ml; N &amp;lt;0.04ng / ml) and erythrocyturia. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiograms (TTE and TEE) showed a mass on the aortic valve suggestive of vegetation, conditioning a moderate aortic regurgitation (AoR) and mitroaortic pseudoaneurysm. Another 49-year-old female patient, submitted during childhood to a subaortic aneurysm, intraventricular comunication, AoR and aortic coarctation repair, presented with deterioration of functional and neurological status, associated with fever and lower limb edema. At examination she had tachypnea, tachycardia, pallor, aortic systolic murmur and signs of pulmonary congestion. Blood tests had leukocytosis and neutrophilia, CRP 174mg/L, Hb 9.6g/dL, elevation of liver enzymes, spontaneous INR 1.4 and no renal damage. TTE and TEE showed a mobile vegetation attached to the ventricular face of the aortic valve with major AoR and perivalvular abscess fistulized to the left ventricle. Both patients were treated with empirical therapy with gentamicin, ampicillin, and flucloxacillin. The first case evolved with hemodynamic stability, without heart failure or distant embolization. It was isolated a multisensitive Strept. gordonii and antibiotic therapy was de-escalated to ampicillin alone. In the second case, the patient showed rapidly progressive clinical deterioration with hypoxemic respiratory failure and cardiogenic shock requiring vasopressor support, and was urgently presented to a surgical center. No microorganism was isolated and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy was maintained. She eventually died before she underwent valve surgery. On the other hand, in the first case, 6 weeks of antibiotic therapy were completed and aortic valve replacement surgery was performed without complications. She was discharged without cardiovascular symptoms and has an unremarkable follow-up of 6 months. With these cases it was possible to demonstrate the variability of presentations and prognosis of the same entity, even if ab initio with equally severe local complications. The initial stratification of the prognosis, the initiation of early treatment and the adequacy of the surgical time for intervention are of importance. Abstract P1301 Figure. Imaging study of endocarditis

Evaluation Value of Portable Color Doppler Ultrasound for Arteriovenous Fistula Stenosis in Patients with Maintenance Hemodialysis

Objective: By comparing the evaluation effect of traditional physical examination (PE) and portable color Doppler ultrasound on arteriovenous fistula (AVF), to explore the value of portable ultrasound in the diagnosis of abnormal fistula lesions in patients with maintenance hemodialysis (HD). Methods: 57 patients with maintenance HD from Dongpu HD center, the first affiliated hospital of Jinan university from September 2019 to March 2020 were selected. The PE was performed by specialist nurses, and AVF was evaluated by portable ultrasound, and the general data of the patients were collected. Results: The average age of the HD patients was 58.98 years, including 31 males (54.39%). The median of HD duration was 56 months, and 22 patients (28.60%) had diabetes mellitus. The prevalence of fistula stenosis was 17.54%. 50% PE was abnormal in fistula stenosis group, which was higher than that in non-fistula stenosis group (10.64%, P=0.012). The κ index was 0.394 in the consistency assessment between PE and portable ultrasound for evaluating the fistula stenosis (P=0.003). The incidence of fistula sound reduction, blood flow less than 200mL/min during treatment and abnormal arm lifting test in patients with fistula stenosis were all higher than those without fistula stenosis (all P<0.05). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that abnormal PE was closely related to fistula stenosis (OR=8.400, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.786-39.498, P=0.007). Conclusion: Portable color Doppler ultrasound could effectively diagnose AVF stenosis in maintenance HD patients, especially when the traditional PE was abnormal, timely portable ultrasound evaluation was conducive to early intervention and extend the life of AVF.

Preoperative pulmonary function tests do not predict the development of pulmonary complications after elective major abdominal surgery: A prospective cohort study.

Data describing the association of preoperative pulmonary function testing (PFT) with postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) are inconsistent. We conducted this prospective study to determine the ability of PFT to predict PPC. Data were prospectively collected from 676 patients who underwent elective abdominal surgery (emergency and thoracic operations excluded). The primary outcome was the occurrence of PPC within 30 days. Patient and procedure-related factors were examined as risk factors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed using risk factors identified with univariate analysis and area under the curve (AUC) analysis performed. PPC occurred in 29 patients (4.9%). History of smoking or abnormal physical examination were not significantly associated. Multivariate analysis identified age (p=0.03), operative time (p=0.02), blood transfusions (p=0.002), and %VC (p=0.001) as significant risk factors. AUC with a model including age, operative time, and blood transfusion was 0.83. The addition of %VC to these three variables increased the AUC to 0.89 (p=0.1). Age, operative time, blood transfusion, and %VC are significantly associated with an increased risk of PPC. The addition of %VC to other risk factors did not significantly improve the ability to predict PPC, showing that preoperative PFT is not helpful to predict PPC.

Progressive Elbow Magnetic Resonance Imaging Abnormalities in Little League Baseball Players Are Common: A 3-Year Longitudinal Evaluation

Background: Prior studies have revealed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of elbow pathology in single-season evaluation of competitive youth baseball players. The natural history of these findings and risk factors for progression have not been reported. Purpose: To characterize the natural history of bilateral elbow MRI findings in a 3-year longitudinal study and to correlate abnormalities with prior MRI findings, throwing history, playing status, and physical examination. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A prospective study of Little League players aged 12 to 15 years was performed. All players had preseason and postseason bilateral elbow MRI performed 3 years before this study. Players underwent repeat bilateral elbow MRI, physical examination, and detailed assessment of throwing history, playing status, and arm pain. Imaging was read by a blinded musculoskeletal radiologist and compared with prior MR images to assess for progression or resolution of previously identified pathology. Results: All 26 players who participated in the previous single-season study returned for a 3-year assessment. At the completion of the study, 15 players (58%) had dominant arm MRI pathology. Eighty percent (12/15 players) of MRI findings were new or progressive lesions. Players with postseason MRI pathology at the beginning of the study were more likely to have MRI pathology at the 3-year follow-up than players with previously normal postseason MRI (P < .05), although 6 of the 14 players (43%) with previously normal MRI developed new pathology. Year-round play was a significant predictor of tenderness to elbow palpation (P = .027) and positive MRI findings at 3 years (P = .047). At the 3-year follow-up, 7 players (27%) reported having throwing elbow pain and 3 had required casting. Additionally, differences were noted in the dominant arm’s internal and external rotation in those that continued to play baseball (P < .05). Conclusion: Dominant elbow MRI abnormalities are common in competitive Little League Baseball players. Year-round play imparts significant risk for progression of MRI pathology and physical examination abnormalities.