Catastrophic Complication Research Articles

FACTFINDERS FOR PATIENT SAFETY: Minimizing risks with cervical epidural injections

This series of FactFinders presents a brief summary of the evidence and outlines recommendations to minimize risks associated with cervical epidural injections.Evidence in support of the following facts is presented.Minimizing Risks with Cervical Interlaminar Epidural Steroid Injections – 1) CILESIs should be performed at C6-C7 or below, with C7-T1 as the preferred access point due to the more generous dorsal epidural space at this level compared to the more cephalad interlaminar segments. This reduces the risk of the minor complication of dural puncture and the major complication of spinal cord injury due to inadvertent needle placement. 2) LF gaps are most prevalent in the midline cervical spine. This can result in diminished tactile feedback with loss of resistance (LOR), increasing the risk for inadvertent dural puncture or spinal cord injury. Based on current evidence, needle placement in the paramedian portion of the interlaminar space is safest to avoid LF gaps. 3) An optimal AP trajectory view and the physician's ability to discern engagement in the LF and subsequent LOR are crucial. Confirmation of minimal needle insertion depth relative to the ventral margin of the lamina with either a lateral or contralateral oblique (CLO) safety view is critical to minimize the risk of inadvertently inserting the needle too ventral. 4) There have been closed claims and case reports of patients who have suffered catastrophic neurologic injuries while receiving CILESIs under deep sedation. If sedation is administered, the least amount necessary should be utilized to ensure the patient can provide verbal feedback during the procedure. 5) CILESIs are an elective procedure; therefore, necessity and likelihood of benefit must be foremost considerations. Current guidelines recommend holding ACAP therapy before CILESIs due to the potentially catastrophic complications associated with epidural hematoma (EH) formation. However, there is also a risk of severe systemic complications with ceasing ACAP in specific clinical scenarios. The treating physician is obligated to determine if the procedure is indicated and can ultimately decide to delay the intervention or not perform the procedure if the benefit does not outweigh the risks.Minimizing Risks with Cervical Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections – the Role of Preprocedural Review of Advanced Imaging -- Variations in vascular anatomy may warrant a modified approach to CTFESI. Preprocedural review of cross-sectional imaging can provide critical information for safe injection angle planning specific to individual patients and may help to decrease the risk of unintended vascular events with potentially catastrophic outcomes.Safety of Multi-level or Bilateral Fluoroscopically-Guided Cervical Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections -- Safe performance of a CTFESI procedure requires the ability to detect inadvertent arterial injection. Contrast medium placed into the epidural space and/or along the exiting spinal nerves during an initial CTFESI may obscure the detection of inadvertent cannulation of a radiculomedullary artery by a subsequent CTFESI. While no available literature directly addresses the potential risk that exists with a multi-level or bilateral CTFESI, caution is still warranted.

Prevention and treatment of coronary catheter kinking.

Coronary catheter kinking is an uncommon but potentially catastrophic complication of cardiac catheterization. Although simple maneuvers can often result in resolution of a kink, tighter knots may not respond to such measures. We provide a systematic, stepwise approach to the prevention and treatment of catheter kinking.

The medicolegal challenges in spine care of professional athletes

Professional athletes are prone to spinal injuries, and the treatment of this distinct patient population involves additional medicolegal challenges that must be considered. Catastrophic complications and delay in treatment of complications are linked with plaintiff verdicts in legal claims. Clear communication, thorough informed consent, and prompt disclosure of errors or complications can mitigate litigation risks. Effective collaboration with the athletic team is important in optimizing a safe return to competitive play.

Severe Intraprosthetic Aortic Insufficiency Immediately After Implantation of an SAPIEN 3 Ultra RESILIA Valve with Spontaneous Resolution: Case Report

Abstract Background Aortic insufficiency(AI) is often encountered in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement(TAVR) but is only rarely hemodynamically significant. Even more uncommon is the occurrence of intraprosthetic AI which often leads to hemodynamic compromise requiring additional therapeutic intervention. Case Summary An 85 year old female with severe aortic stenosis underwent elective TAVR with a size 23mm SAPIEN 3 Ultra RESILIA(S3UR) valve. After implantation, the patient developed hypotension. Transthoracic as well as transesophageal echocardiogram identified significant transvalvular AI. Persistence of AI led the team to consider a TAV-in-TAV strategy. Before a second valve system could be inserted, the patient’s blood pressure improved and AI resolved spontaneously. The patient was discharged recovered with no AI on follow up imaging studies. Discussion This is the first reported case of significant intraprosthetic AI with the new S3UR in our literature search as of writing. The new S3UR valve has several improvements from previous generations designed to increase valve area and durability as well as decreasing the incidence of paravalvular and intraprosthetic leaks. A stuck leaflet was inferred as the cause of the intraprosthetic AI and the improved design with excessive expansion may have led to this. Unlike previous case reports, intraprosthetic AI resolved without further intervention likely due to the turbulence of flow releasing the stuck leaflet. Cautious observation prevented the need for a TAV-in TAV for a rare and possibly catastrophic complication.

The Silent Threat: Unraveling the Rare Catastrophic Complication after Elective Cranioplasty

AbstractAlthough cranioplasty seems to be a simple procedure, fatal complication of development of diffuse severe cerebral edema following cranioplasty although unusual have been reported in a few cases. The mechanism for this occurrence is still speculative. A 38-year-old male patient presented with a history of having undergone left decompressive hemicraniectomy following a road traffic accident with traumatic left intracranial internal carotid artery dissection leading to anterior cerebral artery and middle cerebral artery territory infarct and endovascular embolization of traumatic type 1 left caroticocavernous fistula. The preoperative computed tomography scan of the brain revealed left frontotemperoparietal craniectomy defect with sunken flap and diffuse encephalomalacia with gliosis of the entire left cerebral hemisphere. Immediately following an uneventful cranioplasty surgery with titanium mesh, the patient developed severe hypotension and dilated fixed pupils. Postoperative imaging revealed diffuse severe cerebral edema in bilateral hemispheres with a significant midline shift toward the ipsilateral (left) side, that is, toward the side of cranioplasty. The patient immediately underwent removal of the titanium mesh, and despite all efforts, the patient had a fatal outcome on postoperative day 5. Although this type of fatal complication of diffuse severe cerebral edema is rare in postcranioplasty patients, neurosurgeons must be aware of this complication and close monitoring postprocedure is important, especially in patients with a large craniectomy defect and sunken skin flap.

Thoracic and Lumbar Spinal Fractures and Luxations in 26 Dogs and 2 Cats—Stabilization by String of Pearls Locking Plates

Abstract Objective To evaluate the use of String of Pearls (SOP) locking plates in thoracolumbar vertebral fractures and luxations in dogs and cats. Study design Retrospective case series study. Methods Clinical records of dogs and cats with thoracic and lumbar fractures treated in four veterinary surgical facilities were reviewed. Results A total of 26 dogs and 2 cats were included. Median weight of dogs at surgery was 12.1 kg (range: 2.7–37.2 kg) and the median weight of cats was 6.0 kg (range: 3.0–8.9 kg). Deep pain perception was negative in 25% (7/28) of animals at presentation, and 85.7% (6/7) regained deep pain sensation at discharge. Neurological status at discharge (p < 0.05) was significantly improved compared to neurological status at presentation. Complications were observed in 28.6% (8/28) of cases. Catastrophic and major complication rates were both 3.6% (1/28). Conclusion In the reported cohort of 28 dogs and cats, SOP locking plates successfully stabilized traumatic thoracic and lumbar fractures or luxations, and the rate of complications was similar to those reported using other fixation methods.

Two-stage hybrid surgical repair for aortic arch pathology with a shaggy aorta: a case report

BackgroundThe surgical treatment strategy for aortic arch pathology with a shaggy aorta must be determined on a case-by-case basis because of the risk of catastrophic complications, such as brain infarction and spinal cord injury.Case presentationThis report describes the surgical case of two saccular aneurysms of the arch and abdominal aorta associated with a shaggy aorta in a 63-year-old man who underwent total arch replacement and secondary thoracic endovascular aortic repair. Considering the risk of embolization during endovascular therapy, graft replacement for the abdominal aortic aneurysm was initially performed. On postoperative day 28, total arch replacement with the conventional elephant trunk was performed using the functional brain isolation technique, which involves manipulating places far from the atherosclerotic burden, such as arterial inflow for cardiopulmonary bypass and unclamping of neck vessels. On postoperative day 7 after total arch replacement, thoracic endovascular aortic repair was performed across the conventional elephant trunk in the nondiseased descending aorta. No postoperative complications, such as cerebrovascular failure, paraplegia, or embolization to abdominal viscera or lower extremities, occurred. The patient remained asymptomatic.ConclusionsThe present case suggests that total arch replacement with the conventional elephant trunk and secondary thoracic endovascular aortic repair may be an effective alternative for aortic arch pathology with a shaggy aorta. The strategy for surgical treatment in patients with aortic arch pathologies with a shaggy aorta must be judged on a case-by-case basis, considering patient characteristics, comorbidities, and preoperative evaluation using transesophageal echocardiography and computed tomography angiography, to eliminate potential determinants of intraoperative stroke.

Rapid differential diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection by microdroplet reaction on portable biochip and indicator

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a catastrophic complication after joint arthroplasty. A key step to treat PJI is accurate diagnosis. However, according to the existing guidelines, no biomarker has been used to diagnose PJI alone and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often interfere with the diagnosis. Patients with PJI often still face issues such as misdiagnosis and delayed treatment after a comprehensive scoring diagnosis. Thus, a rapid quantitative detection method based on excellent biomarker is needed. Here, an all-printed photonic crystal (PC) biochip is reported. Through the fluorescence enhancement effect of the photonic crystals and the design of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic patterning structure, trace detection of lactoferrin (LTF) in a drop of viscous synovial fluid can be achieved within 10 min by the biochip. The detection limit is as low as 4.6 ng/mL. For more intuitive results, portable testing equipment is developed with indicator light displays of three colors (green = NPJI, yellow = RA, and red = PJI) to indicate the diagnosis depending on the biochip’s fluorescence intensity. Furthermore, 79 clinical synovial fluid samples are tested with PC biochips, and the PC results are in good agreement with the ELISA results. Due to the microdroplet reaction on PCs, biochips are suitable for the detection of the selected markers in the synovial fluid. The use of the three-color portable testing equipment avoids the need for professional testing devices. Overall, this strategy provides a new paradigm for the early and differential diagnoses of PJI.

Efficacity of CT-guided intra-articular cervical facet steroid injection for cervical radiculopathy

BackgroundTraditionally, transforaminal steroid injection is performed in the management of cervical radiculopathy in medical failure treatment but carried a true risk of catastrophic complication. Another approach currently used is to perform intra-articular facet steroid injection to reach the epidural space. PurposeThe aim of this study was to describe the evolution of symptoms following intra-articular facet steroid injection in cervical radiculopathy. Material and methodsWe conducted a retrospective study. We assessed all patients who had a CT-guided intra-articular facet steroid injection in our center (xx, xx, xx) from December 2015 to February 2021. Cervical MR pretherapeutic images were analyzed and classified according to cervical pain etiology: uncodiscarthrosis, disk herniation or congestive cervical posterior osteo-arthritis. All patients had clinical initial evaluation and then follow-up at 1 and 6 months. Pain severity was rated on a visual analog scale and expressed as a percentage of improvement. ResultsNinety-three patients were included. There were 56 patients with uncodiscarthrosis, 29 with a disk herniation and 8 with a cervical posterior congestive osteoarthritis. A significant improvement of the visual analog scale percentage was found for all patient at 1 and 6 months (p < 0.01). Visual analog scale percentage improvement was about 50 % for all etiologies. For all patients, no severe complications were reported. ConclusionIntra-articular facet steroid injection may be considered for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy when other medical treatments have failed.

Safety of cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injections

BackgroundIn 2014 the FDA issued a drug safety warning that steroids in the epidural space may result in rare but serious neurological adverse events. The FDA identified 131 cases of neurological adverse events and most complications were related to cervical transforaminal epidural injections (TFESIs). These complications occurred before the standard use of non-particulate steroids. Many still consider cervical TFSEIs to be unsafe. ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to evaluate the safety of cervical TFESIs with non-particulate steroids. MethodsA review was done of all cervical TFESIs from 2004 to 2021 at an academic institution when non-particulate steroids became more commonly used by reviewing CPT code 64479 linked to the performing physician. All treating physicians and department directors were queried about catastrophic complications (stroke, spinal cord injury, death or other). A secondary analysis was done on 200 consecutive cervical TFESIs looking at immediate and delayed side-effects documented by the nurse in recovery, day-after phone calls and clinic follow-up notes. ResultsFrom 2004 to 2021 the CPT code 64479 was used 6967 times, with 6241 cervical TFESIs and 726 thoracic TFESIs. No catastrophic complications occurred. In the subset analysis of 200 consecutive cervical TFESIs, 7 patients (3.5 %, 95 % CI 1.0–6.0) had a transient increase in pain, 18 (9 %, 95 % CI 5.0–13.0) had no change in pain and 171 (85.5 %, 95 % CI 80.6–90.4) had a decrease in pain. The average pain score among all participants dropped 3.7 (95 % 3.0–4.4) points. A 2-point drop was seen in 75.5 % (95 % CI 69.5–81.5) and a 3-point drop was seen in 62.5 % (95 % CI 59.1–65.9). Five of the seven patients with transient increased pain had an increase of ≥ 3 points on numerical rating scale. There was one of each of the following reported: insomnia, glucose >500, transient thumb numbness with pain, and hypertension. Two cases of headaches were reported. ConclusionThis study supports the safety of cervical TFESIs with non-particulate steroids as recommended by consensus opinions from medical societies.

Current Status and Perspectives of Diagnosis and Treatment of Periprosthetic Joint Infection.

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a catastrophic complication following joint replacement surgery, posing significant challenges to orthopedic surgeons. Due to the lack of a definitive diagnostic gold standard, timely treatment initiation is problematic, resulting in substantial economic burdens on patients and society. In this review, we thoroughly analyze the complexities of PJI and emphasize the importance of accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. The article specifically focuses on the advancements in diagnostic techniques, ranging from traditional pathogen culture to advanced molecular diagnostics, and discusses their role in enhancing diagnostic accuracy. Additionally, we review the latest surgical management strategies, including everything from debridement to revision surgeries. Our summary aims to provide practical information for the diagnosis and treatment of PJI and encourages further research to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes.

What is the weakest point of a secured aortic cannula in central extracorporeal membrane oxygenation?

The purpose of this study was to compare techniques for securing the aortic extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) cannula, using in vitro models. Two models were studied: a tissue model using porcine aortas and a stand model replacing the aorta with a metal stand to study the system independent of the tissue. Interventions in each model were divided into three experimental groups: Group 1 (3-0 Prolene® + 20-French Medtronic Arterial Cannula EOPA™), Group 2 (4-0 Prolene® + 16-French Medtronic Arterial Cannula DLP Pediatric), and Group 3 (5-0 Prolene® + 8-French Medtronic Arterial Cannula DLP Pediatric). In separate experiments, both gradual and rapid forces were applied to the cannulas, starting with 9.8 Newtons and increasing exponentially if the cannula remained secured. Additionally, the method of securing the tourniquet and the number of ties securing the tourniquet to the cannula were evaluated. In the tissue model, even with a minimum force of 9.8 Newtons, the suture pulled through the aortic tissue, leaving sutures and ties intact. In the stand model, two purse-string sutures secured by two ligaclips held the cannula reliably and withstood higher total force. Dislodgement was prevented at forces close to 60 Newtons with only two hemostatic clips included in cannulation. The weakest part of the aortic ECMO cannulation system using in vitro experiments was the tissue. Assuming that these experiments translate in vivo, it is therefore critical to prevent any pull on the cannulas by securing ECMO cannulas and ECMO tubing to both the patient and the patient's bed. Sutures with a larger diameter withstand more force. Two medium hemostatic clips can secure Prolene® sutures within snares as safely as a mosquito hemostat. Two polypropylene purse-string sutures secured by two hemostatic clips were most reliable at greater forces. The rationale for publishing our experiments in this manuscript is to (1) communicate our quantification of possible contributing factors to this rare and likely catastrophic complication of unintended decannulation, (2) increase awareness about this potential complication, and (3) increase vigilance to assure prevention of this dreaded complication.

#2781 Renal cortical necrosis—a rare cause of acute kidney injury

Abstract Background and Aims Renal cortical necrosis (RCN) is a rare and catastrophic cause of acute kidney injury (AKI). It is characterized by ischemic destruction of all the elements of renal cortex due to marked reduction in renal arterial perfusion of renal cortex due to vascular spasm and microvascular injury. It can be patchy or diffuse depending upon the cause and extent of hypoperfusion. Snake bite is rare cause of RCN. Incidence of RCN following snake bite has been reported to be as high as in 25% of the bitten patients to &amp;lt;1%. Lack or delay in receiving anti snake venom (ASV) has been observed to be a contributing factor in development of RCN following snake bite. Method A 45-year-old female had an unknown bite on foot while returning to home at twilight. She had intense pain at site of bite with slight ooze of blood. Overnight she had vomiting and pain abdomen. Subsequently she developed progressive fall in urine output and dyspnoea. After about 36 hours of bite at the time of admission in hospital she had anuria, prolonged whole blood clotting time, tachypnoea, hypoxemia and required oxygen (O2) to maintain normal O2 saturation. She was given two doses of polyvalent ASV 6 hours apart which corrected her coagulation defect. Investigations showed: haemoglobin—9 gm/dl, total leucocyte count—18700/mcl, platelet—1.15 lakh/mcl, blood urea—88 mg/dl and serum creatinine—10.5 mg/dl. She was managed with haemodialysis and supportive care. Even after 3 weeks of onset of AKI, she had anuria so a kidney biopsy was done. Results kidney biopsy on light microscopy examination showed 9 glomeruli; 8 revealing global tuft necrosis along with necrosis of adjacent tubules and vasculature and necrotic process affected around 60% of sampled cortical area consistent with cortical necrosis (Fig. 1). She was continued with haemodialysis support and urine output and pre-dialysis serum creatinine were monitored. Her urine output after 3 months of onset of AKI is around one litre per day but her pre-dialysis serum creatinine stays in the range of 9-10 mg/dl and so she continues to receive biweekly haemodialysis. Conclusion In our index case, there was delay in getting ASV which may have contributed to development of RCN. So, early treatment of snake bite is important to prevent this catastrophic complication.

#959 Developing and validating a risk score model for prediction of AKI in non-ICU hospitalized patients

Abstract Background and aim : Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an increasingly common and potentially catastrophic complication in hospitalized patients. Several risk score models have been designed for intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Aim in this work was to establish a new risk prediction score for AKI patients in general wards. Methods All hospitalized ward patients from the first of July 2019 to 31st of December 2019 who developed AKI 24 hours after admission were included. To create a new prediction score model of AKI in hospitalized patients we used the data collected from 107 patients who developed AKI. We used our prospective cohort to develop and validate this prediction score model of AKI in patients admitted to general wards. Results Only 107 patients of 10,243 (1%) developed AKI 24 hours after admission to the general wards. Mortality rate was 26.2%. A score model of 15 points, based on a combination of clinical and laboratory data, was developed for prediction of AKI. We demonstrated that a cutoff value ≥ 4 out of 15 was a predictor of Acute Kidney Injury in non-ICU hospitalized patients. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC ROC) value of the score model was 0.950, 95% CI (confidence interval) 0.922–0.978 and the P-value &amp;lt;0.001 with sensitivity of 94.39 and specificity of 81.43. Applying the score model in another group of patients (validation group n = 122) showed that the AUC ROC value in the validation group was 0.826. Conclusion We developed and validated a new risk score model with a cutoff value ≥ 4 out of 15 for prediction of Acute Kidney Injury in non-ICU hospitalized patients with a good sensitivity and specificity. It will help the early prediction of Acute Kidney Injury in non-ICU patients.

IATROGENIC ACUTE MITRAL INSUFFICIENCY FOLLOWING IMPELLA–ASSISTED INTERVENTIONAL PROCEDURE

Abstract Background Short–term left ventricle mechanical assistance device could be useful in assist interventional cardiologist during high–risk procedures. Abiomed Impella is one of the most frequently used device in this respect due to the high flow available with a low rate of reported complications. Here we report a rare but potentially catastrophic complication related to the Impella device. Case Description A 78 years old patient was referred to our Division by a peripheral hospital for a severe, symptomatic (NYHA III) mitral regurgitation (MR) due to posterior mitral leaflet prolapse (with focal eversion of P3) and chordal rupture (Fig 1a). Medical history included a previous admission in the some hospital due to a scheduled Impella–assisted PTCA (left main/left anterior descending artery) . Pre–procedural trans–thoracic ECHO (TTE) did not show significant MR (Fig 1b). Results Patient underwent urgent surgical procedure. At operation postero–medial mitral commissure was seen to be completely everted with multiple rupture of P3 and A3 chordae. Surgical procedure (Fig 1c) included: P3 plication + posterior–medial commissure edge–to–edge plasty + complete mitral semi–rigid ring (Simulus) n.30. Left atrial appendage was also closed using an external Atriclip. Postoperative course was without significant complications except a superficial wound dehiscence which delayed hospital discharge till 20th postoperative day. Conclusion Despite being a feasible and attractive option for short–term mechanical circulation assistance during high–risk interventional procedure, Impella device insertion could cause significant mitral valve damage leading to clinical deterioration. Such potentially catastrophic complication should be, therefore, mandatory excluded before patient discharge following interventional procedure.

Conservative management of complicated retropharyngeal abscess with Antitubercular Therapy

Retropharyngeal abscess, the infection of deep neck spaces, extends from the base of the skull to the posterior mediastinum. It develops as a sequela of dental infection, upper respiratory tract infection, or any interventional procedure like laryngoscopy, endotracheal intubation, etc. Retropharyngeal abscess is a rare presentation of Tuberculosis (TB), with an annual incidence rate of 2.64 per 100,000 population, and gender-based incidence rates of 3.34 for males, and 1.94 for females per 100,000 population.1 It, as a part of head and neck TB, has a prevalence of 0.1-1% among all forms of TB. If not managed timely, it may lead to the spread of its infection to the mediastinum, which can be life-threatening at times, owing to airway compromission and other catastrophic complications like mediastinitis, mediastinal abscess, pericarditis, pyopneumothorax pleuritis and empyema. We hereby present a case of a middle-aged woman diagnosed with a complicated retropharyngeal abscess but managed conservatively with Antitubercular Therapy (ATT).

Comparison of Postoperative Opioid Consumption of Paravertebral Block and Erector Spinae Plane Block After Thoracotomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background Thoracotomy is associated with severe postoperative pain. Pain developing after thoracotomy causes lung infections, inability to expel secretions, and atelectasis as a result of deep breathing. Effective management of acute pain after thoracotomy may prevent these complications. A multimodal approach to analgesia is widely employed by thoracic anesthetists using a combination of regional anesthetic blockade and systemic analgesia, with both non-opioid and opioid medications and local anesthesia blockade. Nowadays, regional anesthesia techniques such as thoracic epidural paravertebral block (PVB), erector spinae plane block (ESPB), and serratus plane block are frequently used to prevent pain after thoracotomy. In this study, we compared paravertebral block with erector spinae block for pain relief after thoracotomy. Our primary aim was to determine whether there was a difference between postoperative opioid consumption and pain scores. We also compared the two regional anesthesia techniques in terms of intraoperative hemodynamic data and postoperative complications. Methodology Patients aged between 18 and 75 years with an American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) physical status I-III and scheduled for elective thoracotomy were included in the study. Using www.randomizer.org, patients were divided into two different groups, namely, ESPB and PVB.All patients were provided with a patient-controlled analgesia device preloaded with morphine. Postoperative 24-hour morphine consumptions were recorded. Results Data from 45 patients were used in the final analyses. Morphine consumption was higher in the ESPB group than in the PVB group at 24 hours postoperatively (19.2 ± 4.26 mg and 16.2 ± 2.64 mg, respectively; p < 0.05).There was no significant difference in numerical rating scale scores both at rest and with coughing (p > 0.05). Intraoperative heart rates were similar between groups. However, mean intraoperative blood pressure was significantly lower in the PVB group at 30 minutes (p < 0.05). Nausea and vomiting were observed in two patients in the ESPB group and one patient in the PVB group. The complication of nausea and vomiting was not statistically significant between the two groups (p > 0.05). Catastrophic complications such as hematoma, pneumothorax, and local anesthetic systemic toxicity were not observed in either group. Conclusions We found that patients who underwent PVB consumed less morphine postoperatively than patients who underwent ESPB. However, we did not observe any difference in pain scores between both groups. We think that ESPB can be considered a reliable method in thoracotomy surgery due to its ease of application and the fact that the place where the block is technically performed is farther from the central structures compared to PVB.In light of the results of our study, ESPB can be used as an alternative to PVB, which has been proven as postoperative analgesia in thoracic surgery.

Abstract 3096: Role Of Circulating Phosphatidylserine In The Procoagulant Activity Of Amniotic Fluid

Background: Amniotic fluid (AF) embolism is one of the most catastrophic complications during pregnancy. While studies primarily attributed the procoagulability of AF to circulating tissue factor (TF), the exact mechanism remains unclear. Aims: Define the procoagulant mechanisms of AF. Methods: Clotting time assays were performed using normal human plasma or plasma depleted of factor (F)XII, XI, X, IX, VII, V, or prekallikrein (PK). Chromogenic substrate assays were used to quantify FX activation by the TF/FVIIa complex and prothrombin activation by FXa. Phosphatidylserine (PS) levels were quantified using a fluorometric kit. Results: AF shortened the clotting time of normal plasma from 572±83 to 160±2 seconds; AF-induced clotting times were equivalent for FXII, PK, FXI, FX, FIX, or FV-depleted plasma or in the presence of contact pathway inhibitors as compared to normal plasma. In contrast, the procoagulant effects of AF were diminished or absent for FVII-depleted plasma or in the presence of a blocking anti-TF antibody or low-molecular-weight heparin. In a purified system, AF reduced FX activation by the TF/FVIIa complex. The addition of a blocking anti-tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) antibody reversed the effect of AF on FX activation. Western blotting confirmed the existence of both TF and TFPI in AF. AF enhanced prothrombin activation by FXa. The addition of annexin V, or lactadherin, which bind to PS, or the use of Gla-domainless prothrombin mitigated the effect of AF on prothrombin activation. PS levels in AF and normal plasma were 811±376 and 10.4±3.8 μM, respectively. Conclusions: The procoagulability of AF is independent of the contact pathway while being sensitive to both TF and TFPI levels. Furthermore, PS in AF significantly contributes to its procoagulability. This knowledge is important when developing strategies to lessen the procoagulability of AF without compromising hemostasis in the setting of AF embolism-associated coagulopathy.

Anterior Ethmoid Roof Configuration: A Computed Tomography Scan Analysis of Adult Nigerians with Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Abstract Context: The anterior skull base has been adjudged a high-risk area in endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery. Hence, an understanding of its complex anatomy is crucial if catastrophic intra-operative complications must be avoided. Aims: To identify the anatomical configurations of the anterior skull base by radiological analysis, and to determine the prevalence of its variations among adults with chronic rhinosinusitis. Settings and Design: A retrospective study of 99 adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis who attended the Ear Nose and Throat clinic of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital from July 2022 to June 2023. Methods and Materials: The patient’s records were retrieved, and the basic demographic data, clinical history, and examination findings were extracted. All patients had diagnostic nasal endoscopy, and computed tomography scans of the nose and paranasal sinuses which were analyzed using a computer software program. Statistical Analysis Used: The data was analyzed with SPSS version 22.0 using frequency, mean, Pearson Chi-square tests and the results were presented in tables and figures. Results: A total of 99 patients’ CT scans were analyzed. There were 61 males (61.6%) and 38 females 38.4%) with a mean age of 31.7 years. 37 (37.4%) and 62 (62.6%) of patients had asymmetry and symmetry in the fovea ethmoidalis respectively. The anterior ethmoid artery was found coursing through the anterior ethmoidal air cells in 73 (36.9%) and along the anterior skull base in 125 patients (63.1%). Kero’s classification showed types I in 140 (70.7%), type II in 54 (27.3%) and type III in 4 (2.0%). Conclusion: This study found that a significant proportion of the study population had ethmoid roof asymmetry and the anterior ethmoid artery was found coursing through the anterior ethmoidal air cells respectively.

Acute superior mesenteric artery thrombosis in a 34-year-old male with thrombophilia: a case report

Introduction: Thrombophilic state, marked by extensive formation of blood clots within the vascular system poses a formidable peril, leading to loss of circulatory integrity and systemic well-being. Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) thrombosis is a serious medical disorder characterized by the obstruction of the arterial blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract, which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The condition has a plethora of etiological causes. Vague abdominal pain is a common clinical manifestation, and there is a very high mortality rate.Case Presentation: A 34-year-old Pakistani male presented with rapidly worsening acute abdominal pain over a 10-hour period. Clinical examination revealed elevated blood pressure, while other vital signs remained within normal limits. Abdominal examination findings were inconclusive compared to the patient's severe abdominal pain complaint. Contrast-enhanced CT scan indicated a large thrombus in the superior mesenteric artery with radiological features suggestive of intestinal ischemia, extending from the duodeno-jejunal flexure to the mid-transverse colon. Subsequently, the patient underwent exploratory laparotomy with extensive bowel resection and received anticoagulant therapy. He subsequently experienced compensated right lower limb ischemia, treated conservatively with high-dose anticoagulant therapy. Within days, bowel anastomotic leak developed, requiring multiple surgeries. Eventually, the patient progressed to septic shock, followed by multiorgan failure, culminating in a fatal cardiac arrest.Conclusion: Acute mesenteric ischemia, a rare abdominal emergency with an incidence of 6 per 100,000, is associated with a substantial mortality rate, ranging from 58% to 93% among diagnosed cases. The challenges posed by SMA thrombosis include diagnostic complexities, as it frequently manifests with symptoms disproportionate to clinical signs, and results in catastrophic complications, necessitating high suspicion index and prompt intervention.