Anatomical Lesions Research Articles

Comparison among different flushing media for intracoronary imaging with optical coherence tomography

Objective: To explore the effects and safety of saline mixed 1∶1 with contrast medium (mixed medium) and pure heparinized saline as alternative media for optimal Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: This single-center, prospective cohort study enrolled patients who underwent PCI with OCT guidance for chronic stable angina or acute coronary syndrome at the Department of Cardiology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University from October 2021 to August 2022. The target vessels were examined using OCT with three different flushing media at the same anatomical positions: contrast agent, mixed medium, and pure heparinized saline. An independent observer analyzed all imaging results and evaluated the lumen imaging quality, using the proportion of the clear imaging field (CIF%) as a quantitative measure for analysis. The average luminal diameter was compared among different flushing media. The study also assessed the image quality of the luminal anatomical structures, lesion pathologies, and stents. Results: A total of 105 patients were enrolled in the study, including 110 target vessels. The age of the enrolled patients was (60.5±8.4) years, with 60 male patients (57.1%). OCT examinations were successfully completed using all three media, and no related complications were observed in any groups. The three flushing media presented with the same image quality in terms of depicting the lumen anatomical structures, lesion characteristics, and stent-related features. The mixed medium group achieved a comparable CIF% to the contrast group with both right and left coronary arteries (right coronary 100.0% (100.0%, 100.0%) vs. 100.0% (100.0%, 100.0%), P>0.05; left coronary 100.0% (95.9%, 100.0%) vs. 100.0% (100.0%, 100.0%), P>0.05). While the saline group reached a comparable CIF% to the contrast group with right coronary arteries (100.0% (97.6%, 100.0%) vs. 100.0% (95.9%, 100.0%), P>0.05) but showed a significantly lower CIF% with left coronary arteries (84.9% (75.9%, 93.4%) vs. 100.0% (100.0%, 100.0%), P<0.05). For the average diameter of the coronary lumen, there was no statistically significant difference between the mixed medium group and the saline group compared to the contrast group with both right and left coronary arteries (P>0.05). Conclusions: A 1∶1 heparinized saline and contrast mixture can serve as a substitute flushing medium for OCT examination during PCI procedure. Pure saline can also yield good results in OCT examination of the right coronary artery, and both alternatives are safe for use as flushing medium in OCT imaging.

A134 ENDOSCOPIC RESECTION IS EFFECTIVE FOR COMPLEX LARGE NON-PEDUNCULATED COLORECTAL POLYPS

Abstract Background Endoscopic resection is preferred for most large (≥20 mm) non-pedunculated colorectal polyps (LNPCPs) due to superior efficacy, safety, and cost-efficiency compared to surgery. However, endoscopic resection can be challenging due to anatomical location, lesion characteristics, and concomitant colonic disease; these complex LNPCPs (C-LNPCPs) historically have suboptimal outcomes compared to uncomplicated LNPCPs (UC-LNPCPs). Aims To compare the outcomes of C-LNPCPs to UC-LNPCPs following endoscopic resection. Methods Consecutive patients ampersand:003E 18 years of age who underwent endoscopic resection of a LNPCP were enrolled in a prospective single center observation cohort study (clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT05402696). C-LNPCP were defined by at least one of the following criteria: involvement of the appendiceal orifice, ileocecal valve, or anorectal junction; previous resection attempt; ≥ 90% circumferential involvement; concomitant inflammatory bowel disease. All other lesions were classified as UC-LNPCPs. Performance was evaluated by technical success (all neoplastic tissue removed at index procedure), procedure-related adverse events (intra-procedural perforation, clinically significant post-endoscopic resection bleeding (CSPEB), delayed perforation, serositis), referral to surgery, and recurrence at first surveillance colonoscopy (SC1). Results From 06/2022-09/2023, 350 LNPCPs were referred for endoscopic resection and 335 were attempted (91 C-LNPCPs, 244 UC-LNPCPs). Median age was 68 years (IQR 62-74 years) and 144 (54.1%) were male. Median size was 30mm (IQR 20-40mm). Most lesions were adenomatous (63.7% C-LNPCPs, 64.8% UC-LNPCPs), with cancer identified in 3.3% and 4.9% of C-LNPCPs and UC-LNPCPs, respectively. EMR was the most common resection modality (62.6% C-LNPCPs vs. 64.8% UC-LNPCPs) with C-LNPCPs undergoing more ESD (17.6% vs. 7.0%) and less CSR (19.8% vs. 28.3%; p=0.011). Auxiliary modalities were more frequently used in C-LNPCPs (6.6% vs. 1.2% UC-LNPCPs; p=0.004). Technical success was 95.6% in C-LNPCPs compared to 99.2% in UC-LNPCPs (p=0.049). There was no significant difference between groups in the frequencies of adverse events. 17 LNPCPs (5.1%; 4 C-LNPCP, 13 UC-LNPCPs) underwent surgery (p=1.000). Of those LNPCPs assessed at SC1, there was 1 recurrence (1.0%) in the UC-LNPCP subgroup. Conclusions With site-specific technical modifications and mitigating strategies for procedural-related adverse events, endoscopic resection outcomes for C-LNPCPs are comparable to UC-LNPCPs. Funding Agencies None

Abnormal lesion that can be confused with medial meniscal tears, medial meniscocapsular band: a rare presentation

This case report describes a medial meniscocapsular band, a structure extending from the medial capsule of the knee joint to the corpus of the medial meniscus, observed during arthroscopy in a 48-year-old woman. Preoperative physical examination findings were compatible with medial meniscal pathology only; magnetic resonance imaging showed an abnormal medial meniscus and was interpreted in favor of a tear. Arthroscopic examination showed an abnormal band inside the knee. This anatomical lesion is quite rare and similar lesions have been reported in the literature, but the extension of the band in our case is different from the extension in the cases seen in the literature. We believe that the identification of abnormal meniscal types or intra-articular bands is necessary to provide greater accuracy in MR imaging reporting.

Case report: Nonsimultaneous bilateral triceps tendon rupture and surgical repair in a healthy dog

A 7-year-old female spayed Australian shepherd dog was presented for an acute onset of inability to stand. On physical examination, the dog was unable to support weight on the thoracic limbs. On neurological examination, the thoracic limbs had absent hopping and paw placement and reduced withdrawal reflexes bilaterally. The remainder of the neurological examination was normal. The anatomic lesion localized to the C6-T2 spinal nerve roots, spinal nerves, or the named nerves of the thoracic limb, bilaterally. A lesion affecting the ventral gray column of the C6 through T2 spinal cord segments was considered less likely. In an effort to exclude an orthopedic disorder from consideration, radiographs of the shoulders, elbows, and manus were normal. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical and cranial thoracic vertebral column was normal. Analysis of synovial fluid from the carpi, elbows, and shoulders were normal. Ultrasonography of the triceps muscle and tendon of insertion revealed bilateral, acute-subacute tears of the tendon at insertion of the triceps muscles, bilaterally. Magnetic resonance imaging of both elbows revealed complete avulsion of the triceps tendons bilaterally. Surgical repair of both tendons was performed using the Arthrex FiberLoop system combined with autologous conditioned plasma soaked in a collagen sponge. Postoperatively, external coaptation was provided using Spica splints for 6 weeks followed by the use of soft padded orthotic braces for an additional 6 weeks. Concurrently, a front support wheelchair was used for 10 weeks postoperative. By 10 weeks postoperative, the dog was able to ambulate without support. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of bilateral triceps tendon avulsion in a dog. Tendon avulsion occurred without a known history of trauma or predisposing metabolic abnormalities. Magnetic resonance imaging provided excellent anatomical detail that aided in surgical repair.

Cerebral small vessel disease and stroke: Linked by stroke aetiology, but not stroke lesion location or size

BackgroundCerebral small vessel disease (SVD) has previously been associated with worse stroke outcome, vascular dementia, and specific post-stroke cognitive deficits. The underlying causal mechanisms of these associations are not yet fully understood. We investigated whether a relationship between SVD and certain stroke aetiologies or a specific stroke lesion anatomy provides a potential explanation. MethodsIn a retrospective observational study, we examined 859 patients with first-ever, non-SVD anterior circulation ischemic stroke (age = 69.0±15.2). We evaluated MRI imaging markers to assess an SVD burden score and mapped stroke lesions on diffusion-weighted MRI. We investigated the association of SVD burden with i) stroke aetiology, and ii) lesion anatomy using topographical statistical mapping. ResultsWith increasing SVD burden, stroke of cardioembolic aetiology was more frequent (ρ = 0.175; 95 %-CI = 0.103;0.244), whereas cervical artery dissection (ρ = -0.143; 95 %-CI = -0.198;-0.087) and a patent foramen ovale (ρ = -0.165; 95 %-CI = -0.220;-0.104) were less frequent stroke etiologies. However, no significant associations between SVD burden and stroke aetiology remained after additionally controlling for age (all p>0.125). Lesion-symptom-mapping and Bayesian statistics showed that SVD burden was not associated with a specific stroke lesion anatomy or size. ConclusionsIn patients with a high burden of SVD, non-SVD stroke is more likely to be caused by cardioembolic aetiology. The common risk factor of advanced age may link both pathologies and explain some of the existing associations between SVD and stroke. The SVD burden is not related to a specific stroke lesion location.

Revisiting the two rhythm generators for respiration in lampreys.

In lampreys, respiration consists of a fast and a slow rhythm. This study was aimed at characterizing both anatomically and physiologically the brainstem regions involved in generating the two rhythms. The fast rhythm generator has been located by us and others in the rostral hindbrain, rostro-lateral to the trigeminal motor nucleus. More recently, this was challenged by researchers reporting that the fast rhythm generator was located more rostrally and dorsomedially, in a region corresponding to the mesencephalic locomotor region. These contradictory observations made us re-examine the location of the fast rhythm generator using anatomical lesions and physiological recordings. We now confirm that the fast respiratory rhythm generator is in the rostro-lateral hindbrain as originally described. The slow rhythm generator has received less attention. Previous studies suggested that it was composed of bilateral, interconnected rhythm generating regions located in the caudal hindbrain, with ascending projections to the fast rhythm generator. We used anatomical and physiological approaches to locate neurons that could be part of this slow rhythm generator. Combinations of unilateral injections of anatomical tracers, one in the fast rhythm generator area and another in the lateral tegmentum of the caudal hindbrain, were performed to label candidate neurons on the non-injected side of the lateral tegmentum. We found a population of neurons extending from the facial to the caudal vagal motor nuclei, with no clear clustering in the cell distribution. We examined the effects of stimulating different portions of the labeled population on the respiratory activity. The rostro-caudal extent of the population was arbitrarily divided in three portions that were each stimulated electrically or chemically. Stimulation of either of the three sites triggered bursts of discharge characteristic of the slow rhythm, whereas inactivating any of them stopped the slow rhythm. Substance P injected locally in the lateral tegmentum accelerated the slow respiratory rhythm in a caudal hindbrain preparation. Our results show that the fast respiratory rhythm generator consists mostly of a population of neurons rostro-lateral to the trigeminal motor nucleus, whereas the slow rhythm generator is distributed in the lateral tegmentum of the caudal hindbrain.

Long-range white matter fibres and post-stroke verbal and non-verbal cognition.

Among stroke survivors, linguistic and non-linguistic impairments exhibit substantial inter-individual variability. Stroke lesion volume and location do not sufficiently explain outcomes, and the neural mechanisms underlying the severity of aphasia or non-verbal cognitive deficits remain inadequately understood. Converging evidence supports the idea that white matter is particularly susceptible to ischaemic injury, and long-range fibres are commonly associated with verbal and non-verbal function. Here, we investigated the relationship among post-stroke aphasia severity, cognition, and white matter integrity. Eighty-seven individuals in the chronic stage of stroke underwent diffusion MRI and behavioural testing, including language and cognitive measures. We used whole-brain structural connectomes from each participant to calculate the ratio of long-range fibres to short-range fibres. We found that a higher proportion of long-range fibres was associated with lower aphasia severity, more accurate picture naming, and increased performance on non-verbal semantic memory/processing and non-verbal reasoning while controlling for lesion volume, key damage areas, age, and years post stroke. Our findings corroborate the hypothesis that, after accounting for age and lesion anatomy, inter-individual differences in post-stroke aphasia severity, verbal, and non-verbal cognitive outcomes are related to the preservation of long-range white matter fibres beyond the lesion.

Anatomy of stem lesions caused by Citrus leprosis

Abstract The citrus leprosis is responsible for causing major damage in fruit production. The disease, in the stems, is characterized by caused “scaly bark” lesions of reddish tone, depending on the stage they can be called blisters and make ruptures in the longitudinal direction. The aim of this study was to analyze the evolution of leprosis lesions of type CiLV-C and the anatomical alterations in the twigs of field-collected plants in order to compare to the evolution of the foliar and twigs lesions of inoculated plants already described in literature. For anatomical analysis, the samples were fixed in Karnovsky solution, dehydrated in a graded ethylic series, embedded in hidroxy-ethyl methacrylate resin (Leica Historesin), sectioned (5-7 μm thick), and stained with Toluidine blue for usual histological analysis. Histochemical tests were also carried out. The digital images were capture in a microscope with video camera. The analyzed lesion followed the same pattern as described to foliar lesions, i.e., there was a necrotic center surrounded by a halo also necrotic. In the necrotic region there was the accumulation of lipid compounds. The cortical and, or phloematic parenchyma exhibited hyperplasia. In both lesions it was verified the decrease of starch amount and the increase of quantity of prismatic calcium oxalate crystals, and the presence of gummosis traumatic ducts.

Chapter 5 - Other median neuropathies

Median mononeuropathy is common, with carpal tunnel syndrome the most frequently encountered acquired mononeuropathy in clinical practice. However, other disorders of the median nerve and many known anatomical variants can lead to misdiagnosis and unexpected surgical complications if their presence is not correctly identified. A number of inherited and acquired disorders can affect the median nerve proximal to the wrist, alone or accompanied by other affected peripheral nerves. Recognizing other disorders that can masquerade as median mononeuropathies can avoid misdiagnosis and misguided management. This chapter explores median nerve anatomical variants, disorders, and lesions, emphasizing the need for careful examination and electrodiagnostic study in the localization of median neuropathy.

Evaluation of anatomical variants and pathological findings of the maxillary sinus prior to sinus floor elevation: A Cone Beam CT retrospective study in 660 patients.

Maxillary sinuses may present a wide spectrum of anatomical variations and pathological lesions whose recognition is mandatory for the clinician, especially prior to any surgical intervention in the area, such as in cases of sinus floor elevation. The goal of this study was the evaluation, mapping and prevalence of sinus anatomical variants and pathoses in Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans of dental patients. 660 CBCT examinations of adult patients involving both sinuses were obtained (between 2017 and 2023) and analyzed. The following anatomic variants and pathologic findings were evaluated: antral septa (AS), posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA), sinus hypoplasia, sinusitis, odontogenic cysts, retention cysts, antroliths, and various less common lesions (e.g.: benign fibro-osseous dysplastic lesions, neoplasms etc.). Investigation of the association of the findings with patients' age and gender was performed using the Chi-square test (X2), Fisher's exact test, t-test, and ANOVA (P<0.05). Differences in prevalence between findings, based on their location (right and/or left sinus), were investigated using z-test and t-test. AS were found in 38.6%, and PSAA was identifiable in 90.2% (mean distance from the sinus floor=6.44 mm) of the patients respectively. 3% of patients had hypoplasia, 15.6% sinusitis, 2.7% odontogenic cysts, 16.1% retention cysts, 8.6% antroliths, and 1.7% uncommon lesions (e.g. malignant neoplasms and fibrous dysplasia). A statistically significant association was found between gender and PSAA diameter, PSAA distance from the sinus floor, hypoplasia, sinusitis, and retention cysts, as well as a statistically significant association between age and PSSA diameter and sinusitis. The prevalence of various anatomical variants and pathologic findings of the maxillary sinus did not differ based on their location. However, some of these findings appear to be related to either gender or age. CBCT is a valuable diagnostic tool to identify various anatomical variants and pathological findings of the maxillary sinus. Key words:Sinus, anatomy, pathology, CBCT.

DPI-MoCo: Deep Prior Image Constrained Motion Compensation Reconstruction for 4D CBCT.

4D cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) plays a critical role in adaptive radiation therapy for lung cancer. However, extremely sparse sampling projection data will cause severe streak artifacts in 4D CBCT images. Existing deep learning (DL) methods heavily rely on large labeled training datasets which are difficult to obtain in practical scenarios. Restricted by this dilemma, DL models often struggle with simultaneously retaining dynamic motions, removing streak degradations, and recovering fine details. To address the above challenging problem, we introduce a Deep Prior Image Constrained Motion Compensation framework (DPI-MoCo) that decouples the 4D CBCT reconstruction into two sub-tasks including coarse image restoration and structural detail fine-tuning. In the first stage, the proposed DPI-MoCo combines the prior image guidance, generative adversarial network, and contrastive learning to globally suppress the artifacts while maintaining the respiratory movements. After that, to further enhance the local anatomical structures, the motion estimation and compensation technique is adopted. Notably, our framework is performed without the need for paired datasets, ensuring practicality in clinical cases. In the Monte Carlo simulation dataset, the DPI-MoCo achieves competitive quantitative performance compared to the state-of-the-art (SOTA) methods. Furthermore, we test DPI-MoCo in clinical lung cancer datasets, and experiments validate that DPI-MoCo not only restores small anatomical structures and lesions but also preserves motion information.

Comprehensive Integration of Multiple Single-Cell Transcriptomic Data Sets Defines Distinct Cell Populations and Their Phenotypic Changes in Murine Atherosclerosis.

The application of single-cell transcriptomic (single-cell RNA sequencing) analysis to the study of atherosclerosis has provided unique insights into the molecular and genetic mechanisms that mediate disease risk and pathophysiology. However, nonstandardized methodologies and relatively high costs associated with the technique have limited the size and replication of existing data sets and created disparate or contradictory findings that have fostered misunderstanding and controversy. To address these uncertainties, we have performed a conservative integration of multiple published single-cell RNA sequencing data sets into a single meta-analysis, performed extended analysis of native resident vascular cells, and used in situ hybridization to map the disease anatomic location of the identified cluster cells. To investigate the transdifferentiation of smooth muscle cells to macrophage phenotype, we have developed a classifying algorithm based on the quantification of reporter transgene expression. The reporter gene expression tool indicates that within the experimental limits of the examined studies, transdifferentiation of smooth muscle cell to the macrophage lineage is extremely rare. Validated transition smooth muscle cell phenotypes were defined by clustering, and the location of these cells was mapped to lesion anatomy with in situ hybridization. We have also characterized 5 endothelial cell phenotypes and linked these cellular species to different vascular structures and functions. Finally, we have identified a transcriptomically unique cellular phenotype that constitutes the aortic valve. Taken together, these analyses resolve a number of outstanding issues related to differing results reported with vascular disease single-cell RNA sequencing studies, and significantly extend our understanding of the role of resident vascular cells in anatomy and disease.

Motor function outcomes in children with open prenatal repair of Spina Bifida Aperta at 36-month follow-up: The Zurich cohort.

This study aimed to describe outcomes of motor function with a special focus on ambulation ability at 36 months among children with open prenatal repair of spina bifida aperta (SB). A prospective cohort study was conducted including 87 patients with open prenatal repair of SB at the investigating center born between 2010 and 2018. Anatomic lesion level and motor function level in the neonatal period, as well as motor function level, ambulation status, and use of orthotics and assistive devices at 36 months were assessed. At 36 months, ambulation was assessed in 86 children; of those, 86% (n = 74) were ambulating. Independent of ambulation, orthotics were worn in 81.6% (71/87) and assistive devices in 47.1% (41/87). Children with a lower lumbar or sacral motor function level were the first to reach independent ambulation and were more likely to ambulate at 36 months than children with higher motor function levels (p = < .001). The anatomic lesion level determined on the neonatal MRI correlated with ambulation status at 36 months (p = < 0.001). At 36 months, most children with open prenatal repair for SB showed favourable ambulation status. However, most still used assistive devices or orthotics. Anatomic lesion level on neonatal MRI, motor function level during the neonatal period, and motor function level at 36 months were associated with ambulation status at 36 months.

Intra-individual comparison of coronary CT angiography-based FFR between energy-integrating and photon-counting detector CT systems

BackgroundCoronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA)-based fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) allows for noninvasive determination of the functional severity of anatomic lesions in patients with coronary artery disease. The aim of this study was to intra-individually compare CT-FFR between photon-counting detector (PCD) and conventional energy-integrating detector (EID) CT systems. MethodsIn this single-center prospective study, subjects who underwent clinically indicated CCTA on an EID-CT system were recruited for a research CCTA on PCD-CT within 30 days. Image reconstruction settings were matched as closely as possible between EID-CT (Bv36 kernel, iterative reconstruction strength level 3, slice thickness 0.5 mm) and PCD-CT (Bv36 kernel, quantum iterative reconstruction level 3, virtual monoenergetic level 55 keV, slice thickness 0.6 mm). CT-FFR was measured semi-automatically using a prototype on-site machine learning algorithm by two readers. CT-FFR analysis was performed per-patient and per-vessel, and a CT-FFR ≤ 0.75 was considered hemodynamically significant. ResultsA total of 22 patients (63.3 ± 9.2 years; 7 women) were included. Median time between EID-CT and PCD-CT was 5.5 days. Comparison of CT-FFR values showed no significant difference and strong agreement between EID-CT and PCD-CT in the per-vessel analysis (0.88 [0.74–0.94] vs. 0.87 [0.76–0.93], P = 0.096, mean bias 0.02, limits of agreement [LoA] −0.14/0.19, r = 0.83, ICC = 0.92), and in the per-patient analysis (0.81 [0.60–0.86] vs. 0.76 [0.64–0.86], P = 0.768, mean bias 0.02, LoA −0.15/0.19, r = 0.90, ICC = 0.93). All included patients were classified into the same category (CT-FFR > 0.75 vs ≤0.75) with both CT systems. ConclusionsCT-FFR evaluation is feasible with PCD-CT and it shows a strong agreement with EID-CT-based evaluation when images are similarly reconstructed.

Remote Surgical Discussion of Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease Patients without Surgery on Site-Retrospective Insights.

The heart team approach is highly advocated for in treatment decision making in patients with multivessel disease (MVD). Nevertheless, many centers lack on-site cardiac surgical services (CSS)/formal heart team. Our local alternative is of remote surgical consultation without a structured image sharing platform. In our understanding, the incidence of anatomical complete revascularization (ACR) under this daily practice, and its clinical impact, has not been discussed before. We analyzed 477 consecutive patients who were surgically revascularized between January 2009 and March 2018 for MVD, after remote surgical consultation. Unstable, late arrival, and ST elevation patients were excluded (n = 163). ACR was considered grafting all anatomic lesions > 50%. Syntax score (SS) calculation and ACR categorization were determined by an independent interventionalist using diagnostic angiograms and available operative reports (n = 267). Patients' outcomes were assessed in relation to multiple clinical variables including troponin result and the revascularization status. Three hundred and fourteen patients were included. Mean age was 64 years, and mean SS-II was 27.3 ± 11. At the 4-year follow-up, the observed mortality (11.8% and 12.9%, with troponin-positive and -negative groups, respectively), myocardial infarction (11.8%), and repeat revascularization (9.8%) were higher than those predicted using a nomogram depicting the predicted 4-year mortality as a function of the SYNTAX II Score (5.3%, 8.8%, and 3.5%, respectively, p = 0.02). ACR was reported in 33% of 267 available patients' reports. After multivariate adjustment ACR was the only variable associated with a significant increase in 4-year mortality (12.3% vs. 6.7%, p < 0.05). Partial revascularization in the absence of on-site CSS and a structured heart team platform is a frequent occurrence. Not surprisingly, this occurrence was associated with a higher risk for mid-term mortality. An upfront, structured, virtual, heart team interface is mandatory to particularly prioritize the completeness of revascularization when considering the optimal revascularization mode.

A women-centred exploration of postpartum perineal pain when the perineum is diagnosed as intact: A French Gadamerian research study

BackgroundPostpartum perineal pain is a frequent symptom (90%) with consequences on postnatal health regardless of whether the perineum remains intact. The impact of that pain on both short and long-term health has been studied and literature suggests midwives have a role to play in addressing this issue. However, the determinants of perineal pain when no lesions are identified are under researched and there is little understanding of women's views on this topic. Aim and objectivesThe aim of the study was to gain an understanding of postpartum perineal pain when the perineum is considered to be intact. The objectives were•To gain an understanding of postpartum pain and its consequences on health and well-being•To explore women's views and understanding of perineal pain postpartum•To gain an understanding of the determinants of postpartum perineal pain when no anatomic lesion is diagnosed. MethodsA Gadamerian hermeneutic approach was used to achieve a shared understanding of the issue. Participants were recruited from two maternity hospitals in the French area of Vaucluse. All women aged 18 to 45 years old, having given birth vaginally to a single live child and diagnosed with an intact perineum, were invited to participate in face-to-face interviews. Eleven participants were interviewed once, six of whom agreed to a second interview which took place over the telephone due to Covid lockdown. FindingsThe findings identified three major themes 1. Can't honestly call it pain, 2. Reassurance in normality, 3. Managing the unexpected. The use of the word pain to describe perineal sensations in postpartum was questioned by the participants, who used inner resources to deal with these sensations. Fostering self-confidence, having the possibility to explain the sensations and qualifying them as normal were some approaches women usedto manage their postpartum perineal sensations in a positive manner.

Can three-dimensional models enhance understanding and knowledge of rotator cuff tears?

ObjectivesMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is currently the standard diagnostic tool for rotator cuff tears. However, its two-dimensional (2D) output, displayed on a monitor, can complicate the interpretation of anatomy. Three-dimensional (3D) imaging may offer a solution to this issue. This study aimed to demonstrate the diagnostic and interpretive value of a 3D model in assessing lesion anatomy. The hypothesis was that 3D models, compared to 2D MRI, can enhance the comprehension and knowledge of rotator cuff injuries, improve the application of classifications for total tears, and provide a more precise definition of the size and type of tear. MethodsA prospective single-centre study was conducted. 3D models for rotator cuff tears were created and analysed in conjunction with preoperative MRI for each patient up to 2 months before surgery. The 3D models were based on the preoperative MRI. Collected data included 2D plane measurements by MRI in coronal and sagittal planes, descriptions of 3D lesion geometry (new shapes), 3D measurements in coronal and sagittal planes, arthroscopic classifications of rotator cuff injuries, and arthroscopic measurements in coronal and sagittal planes. ResultsAfter examining 25 cases, 3D imaging demonstrated similar arthroscopic values post-bursectomy in the sagittal plane (16.70 ​mm for 3D and 18.28 ​mm for post-bursectomy, p-value ​= ​0.189), although these measurements did not align with those of MRI (which underestimated measurements, p-value ​= ​0.010). Both MRI measurement and 3D imaging showed similar measurement accuracy in the coronal plane when compared to arthroscopic measurements taken before and after bursectomy. The creation of 3D objects enabled the analysis of new geometries, including the length, width, and depth of each lesion. These geometries included the rectangle, rectangular trapezoid, scalene trapezoid, irregular pentagon, and irregular hexagon. Conclusions3D models can enhance the understanding and knowledge of rotator cuff injuries. They can be a promising tool for diagnosing and interpreting the anatomy of the injury, particularly in the sagittal plane. The new 3D understanding of the pathological process has led to the description of new geometric features not visible in conventional 2D MRI. Level of evidenceII – Development of diagnostic criteria on consecutive patients (all compared to “gold” standard).

Predicting cardiac and pregnancy outcomes in women with adult congenital heart disease using the Anatomic and Physiological (AP) Classification System: How much does physiology matter?

BackgroundPregnancy in women with congenital heart disease (CHD) is associated with an increased risk of adverse maternal and fetal events. Despite the physiological impact of CHD on pregnancy, current risk stratification scores primarily consider anatomical lesions. We assessed the performance of the novel American Heart Association Anatomic and Physiological (AP) classification system in predicting adverse maternal cardiac, obstetric and fetal events, and compared it with established risk models. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study enrolled pregnant women with CHD managed by the Westmead Hospital high-risk pregnancy team. Preconception risk stratification scores (AP classification, mWHO classification, CARPREG II and ZAHARA scores) were retrospectively assigned to each pregnancy by an adult CHD cardiologist and compared with the primary outcome measures, which were maternal cardiac, obstetric and fetal complications. ResultsWe analysed 176 pregnancies in 120 women with CHD. Maternal cardiac risk significantly increased between AP class 2 and 3 (p = 0.001). Within class 3, higher physiological status correlated with maternal cardiac events (p < 0.001). Increasing AP severity correlated with lower fetal birthweight percentiles (p = 0.003). The AP classification was similar to mWHO at predicting maternal cardiac outcomes (AUC 0.787 vs 0.777, p < 0.001), but the CARPREG II (AUC 0.852, p < 0.001) and ZAHARA scores (AUC 0.864, p < 0.001) had higher discriminatory ability within our cohort. ConclusionThe AP classification system shows non-inferior preconception maternal cardiac risk prediction compared to current validated scores. Consideration of physiological status has additive predictive value in the most complex patients (Stage III). Prospective, multicenter studies are required for further validation for preconception risk estimation.

Patient reported outcome measures (PROMS) and patient reported experience measures (PREMS): Measuring outcomes in pelvic venous disorders

Pelvic venous disorders (PeVD) present with a range of heterogenous symptoms that arise from altered venous hemodynamics in the pelvis. Many of these symptoms lead to mental health and quality of life issues and are not limited to the pelvic region. The nutcracker phenomenon causing left renal vein compression and left ovarian venous hypertension as well as the compression of the left common iliac vein by the overlying right common iliac artery are often stated as the common underlying pathologies. As a result, there has been a sudden increase in the number of ovarian vein coil embolizations and iliac vein stents placed. In truth however, the altered venous hemodynamics in PeVD is more complex. There appears to be little correlation between the symptoms patients experience and the obvious image detected anatomical lesions being treated. In addition, these anatomical lesions are very commonly seen in asymptomatic and especially muti-parous women as well. To compare outcomes of these and other more extensive procedures being performed for these commonly seen anatomical changes in the pelvic veins, objective assessments of the outcomes as seen from the symptom relief they bring to patients treated is essential. Validated Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) can be an important tool to compare outcomes across interventions for PeVD. However, as the impact of similar symptoms on different patients’ quality of life (QoL) can vary, developing a validated PROM that can be used to compare procedural outcomes in PeVD is a challenge. On the other hand, complications and procedural success as reported by physician do not assess the effect on a patient’s QoL. This paper provides a narrative review of PROMs, patient reported experience measures (PREMs) and individualized-PROMs. It also suggests a process for how a validated PROM for comparing procedural outcomes in PeVD may be developed. This could provide a framework that incorporates the recently adopted Symptoms-Varices-Pathophysiology (SVP) classification of pelvic venous disorders into the PROM development process to ensure that a like-for-like comparison is made between procedures being performed on a very heterogenous, but long-suffering group of patients.

Unsupervised Local Discrimination for Medical Images.

Contrastive learning, which aims to capture general representation from unlabeled images to initialize the medical analysis models, has been proven effective in alleviating the high demand for expensive annotations. Current methods mainly focus on instance-wise comparisons to learn the global discriminative features, however, pretermitting the local details to distinguish tiny anatomical structures, lesions, and tissues. To address this challenge, in this paper, we propose a general unsupervised representation learning framework, named local discrimination (LD), to learn local discriminative features for medical images by closely embedding semantically similar pixels and identifying regions of similar structures across different images. Specifically, this model is equipped with an embedding module for pixel-wise embedding and a clustering module for generating segmentation. And these two modules are unified by optimizing our novel region discrimination loss function in a mutually beneficial mechanism, which enables our model to reflect structure information as well as measure pixel-wise and region-wise similarity. Furthermore, based on LD, we propose a center-sensitive one-shot landmark localization algorithm and a shape-guided cross-modality segmentation model to foster the generalizability of our model. When transferred to downstream tasks, the learned representation by our method shows a better generalization, outperforming representation from 18 state-of-the-art (SOTA) methods and winning 9 out of all 12 downstream tasks. Especially for the challenging lesion segmentation tasks, the proposed method achieves significantly better performance. The source codes are publicly available at https://github.com/HuaiChen-1994/LDLearning.