Complex Lesions Research Articles

Diagnostic Value of Serum TSH, Ultrasound, and Enhanced CT in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma with Lymph Node Metastasis

Objective: To explore the diagnostic value of serum TSH, ultrasound, and enhanced CT in papillary thyroid carcinoma with lymph node metastasis. Methods: 168 patients who underwent thyroidectomy in Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital from January 2020 to December 2021 were selected as the research subjects. Based on the pathological nature (benign or malignant), they were divided into two groups, with 86 patients in the control group and 82 patients in the study group. Based on whether the pathology was accompanied with lymph node metastasis, the PTC group was divided into a lymph node metastasis group and a non-lymph node metastasis group, with 51 and 31 patients in the respective groups. Retrospective analysis was conducted to observe and analyze the pathological results of the thyroid nodules’ thyroid ultrasound results, neck enhanced CT results, and thyroid function test serology results. Results: Compared with the PTC group, there were significant differences in TR classification, ultrasonic lymph nodes, and enhanced CT lymph nodes, but no significant differences in the course of disease, nodule distribution, and the number of nodules between the benign nodule group and PTC group; in the comparison of lymph node metastasis using ultrasound and enhanced CT, the number of patients with ultrasound lymph nodes without abnormal metastasis in the non-metastasis group was 28, while that of the metastasis group was 21; the number of patients with abnormal metastasis in the non-metastasis group was 3, while that of the metastasis group was 30. The number of patients with a single node without metastasis and metastasis was 14 and 8, respectively, whereas the number of patients with multiple nodes without metastasis and metastasis was 17 and 43, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in the number of ultrasound lymph nodes and nodules, but no statistically significant differences in TR classification, enhanced CT lymph nodes, nodules distribution, and disease course. Conclusion: Serum TSH can be used to identify the nature (benign and malignant) of thyroid nodules, and enhanced CT is better than ultrasound when evaluating complex lesions. It can be used as a supplement to ultrasound based on clinical context.

Efficacy of intravascular imaging-guided drug-eluting stent implantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

BackgroundTraditional angiography only displays two-dimensional images of the coronary arteries during stent implantation. However, intravascular imaging can show the structure of the vascular wall, plaque characteristics. This article aims to evaluate the efficacy of intravascular imaging-guided drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation.MethodWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of intravascular imaging-guided, including patients with DES implantation guided by intravascular ultrasound or optical coherence tomography and traditional angiography. The databases of PubMed, EMBASE, web of science, and Cochrane Library were searched. The primary outcome was target lesion revascularization (TLR). The secondary outcomes included the target vessel revascularization (TVR), myocardial infarction (MI), stent thrombosis (ST), cardiac death, all-cause death, and the major adverse cardiac events (MACE) during the 6–24 months follow-up. The fixed-effects model was used to calculate the relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval of the outcome event. Meanwhile, the trial sequence analysis was employed to evaluate the results.ResultThis meta-analysis included fourteen randomized controlled trials with 7307 patients. Compared with angiography-guided, intravascular imaging-guided DES implantation can significantly reduce the risk of TLR (RR 0.63, 0.49–0.82, P = 0.0004), TVR (RR 0.66, 0.52–0.85, P = 0.001), cardiac death (RR 0.58; 0.38–0.89; P = 0.01), MACE (RR 0.67, 0.57–0.79; P < 0.00001) and ST (RR 0.43, 0.24–0.78; P = 0.005). While there was no significant difference regarding MI (RR 0.77, 0.57–1.05, P = 0.10) and all-cause death (RR 0.87, 0.58–1.30, P = 0.50).ConclusionsCompared with angiography, intravascular imaging-guided DES implantation is associated with better clinical outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease, especially complex lesions (Registered by PROSPERO, CRD 42021289205).

Long-Term Outcomes of the 150 mm Drug-Coated Balloon Cohort from the IN.PACT Global Study

PurposeData on the long-term safety and effectiveness of drug-coated balloons (DCBs) for the treatment of long femoropopliteal atherosclerotic lesions in the real-world setting are rare. This study reports 3 year and 5 year outcomes of the pre-specified 150 mm balloon sub-cohort of the IN.PACT Global Study.MethodsThe IN.PACT Global Study was a prospective, multicentre, international, single-arm study evaluating the performance of the IN.PACT Admiral DCB in real-world patients with femoropopliteal atherosclerotic disease. This pre-specified 150 mm DCB cohort analysis comprised 107 participants (111 lesions) with all target lesions treated with at least one 150 mm DCB.ResultsMean lesion length was 20.3 ± 9.2 cm; 18.0% had in-stent restenosis, 58.6% were totally occluded, and 17.1% were severely calcified. Through 60 months, the Kaplan–Meier estimate of freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) was 72.7% [95% confidence interval (CI):62.4%–80.5%]. The safety composite endpoint (freedom from device/procedure-related death through 30 days; freedom from target limb major amputation and clinically driven target vessel revascularization through 5 years) was 70.5%. The cumulative incidence of major amputation was 1.0% and all-cause mortality was 18.4% through 60 months. Freedom from CD-TLR rates in the provisional stented and non-stented subgroups through 36 months were 64.0% [95% CI: 46.1%–77.3%] and 81.9% [95% CI: 69.7%–89.6%] (log-rank p = 0.074), respectively.ConclusionsThe results demonstrate sustained long-term safety of the 150 mm IN.PACT Admiral DCB for long femoropopliteal atherosclerotic lesions in real-world patients. In particular, the results show that DCB angioplasty is an effective revascularization modality in long complex lesions. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01609296.Level of Evidence.Level 3, Cohort Study.

Risk for first onset depression in adults with congenital heart disease

BackgroundThe long-term risk for depression among adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) is unclear. Therefore, we assessed the risk for first onset of serious depression in patients with ACHD compared with a sex- and age-matched control population without a congenital heart disease (CHD) diagnosis. MethodsWe extracted all patients with CHD born from 1970 to 1999 who survived until age 18 years from the Swedish National Patient Register. For each case, 10 random controls without CHD were selected from the general population and matched by birth year and sex. Participants were followed-up until the first diagnosis of new onset serious depression requiring hospital or specialist outpatient care. ResultsThis study included 22,912 patients with ACHD and 224,259 controls. The mean age at depression onset was 30.1 years in the ACHD group and 30.3 years in controls. The overall associated risk for serious depression was higher among patients with ACHD compared with controls, with an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 1.32 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.20–1.44). Patients in the complex lesion group had a 54% higher risk for depression (aHR 1.54, 95% CI: 1.10–2.18) compared with the control group. The corresponding result for the non-complex lesion group was aHR 1.30 (95% CI: 1.18–1.43). ConclusionThe long-term risk for serious depression was higher among young and middle-aged patients with ACHD compared with matched controls. The risk was particularly elevated among patients with complex lesions. Patients with ACHD need support through strategies to prevent depression.

Outcomes of the Gore Excluder Iliac Branch Endoprosthesis for Japanese Patients With Aortoiliac Aneurysms: A Study Based on J-Preserve Registry

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical utility of the Gore Excluder iliac branch endoprosthesis (IBE) for Japanese patients with aortoiliac aneurysms. Materials and Methods: This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study (J-Preserve Registry). Patients undergoing endovascular aortic repair using the Gore Excluder IBE for aortoiliac aneurysms between August 2017 and June 2020 were enrolled. Data pertaining to the baseline and anatomical characteristics, technical details, and clinical outcomes were collected from each institution. The primary endpoints were technical success, IBE-related complications, and reinterventions. Secondary endpoints were mortality, aneurysm size change, and reintervention during follow-up. Technical success was defined as accurate deployment of the IBE without type Ib, Ic, or III endoleaks on the IBE sides on completion angiography. A change in aneurysm size of 5 mm or more was taken to be a significant change. Results: We included 141 patients with 151 IBE implantations. Sixty-five IBE implantations (43.0%) had at least one instruction for use violation. Twenty-two patients (15.6%) required internal iliac artery (IIA) embolization for external iliac artery extension on the contralateral side. Of 151 IBE implantations, 19 exhibited IIA branch landing zones due to IIA aneurysms. Mean maximum and proximal common iliac artery (CIA) diameters were 32.9±9.9 mm and 20.5±6.9 mm, respectively. The mean CIA length was 59.1±17.1 mm. The IIA landing diameter and length were 9.0±2.3 mm and 33.8±14.6 mm. The overall technical success rate was 96.7%. There were no significant differences in IBE-related complications (2.3% vs 5.3%, p=0.86) or IBE-related reinterventions (1.5% vs 5.3%, p=0.33) between the IIA trunk and IIA branch landing groups. The mean follow-up period was 635±341 days. The all-cause mortality rate was 5.0%. There were no aneurysm-related deaths or ruptures during the follow-up. Most patients (95.7%) had sac stability or shrinkage. Conclusion: The Gore Excluder IBE was safe and effective for Japanese patients in the midterm. Extending the IIA device into the distal branches of the IIA was acceptable, which may permit extending indications for endovascular aortic aneurysm repair of aortoiliac aneurysms to more complex lesions. Clinical Impact This study suggests clinical benefits of the Gore Excluder IBE for Japanese patients, despite 43% of the IBE implantations having at least one IFU violation.

Maxillary Swing Approach for Central Skull Base Lesions in Extreme Situations: A Single-Institutional Case Series

Radical resection of complex lesions occupying multiple compartments at the central skull base remains a significant challenge, since surgical outcomes may be compromised by insufficient exposure and inappropriate techniques. However, the efficiency of the maxillary swing approach for these lesions has not been sufficiently evaluated. Careful assessment of lesion characteristics must be performed when selecting the appropriate procedure. Between May 2006 and February 2017, 17 patients underwent resection of extensive lesions in the central skull base using the maxillary swing approach. As shown in the representative cases, data regarding clinical findings and technical considerations were reviewed. Complete resection was achieved in all patients. The pathological findings were diverse, and the majority were schwannomas (9 cases, 52.94%), followed by meningiomas (World Health Organization II) (3 cases, 17.65%). Complications were managed as described in the case illustrations, and symptoms improved with time. The follow-up duration ranged from 62 to 192months (median, 114months), while 2 patients were lost to the follow-up. No mortality was observed. Two patients who experienced malignancy relapse were still under observation due to their asymptomatic status. Our preliminary results suggest that the maxillary swing approach can be an alternative option for managing extreme cases, such as large, extensive, hypervascularized masses with fibrous or calcified consistency, or for recurrent lesions in the central skull base. En bloc resection can be successfully obtained, resulting in long-term local control.

Dextrocardia, situs solitus, double–inlet, and double-outlet left ventricle – A case report

Dextrocardia is embryologic malformation characterized by displacement of the largest axis of the heart to the right side of the chest. Dextrocardia is a rare anomaly that is associated with situs inversus and the incidence in the general population is usually 1:10,000, withsitus solitus being 1:30,000 live births. It is associated with complex cardiac lesions, 5% with situs inversus, and 90% with situs solitus color. Doppler echocardiography not only provides additional information but also improves overall specificity of two-dimensional echocardiography. Few case reports of dextrocardia, double-inlet (DILV), and double-outlet left ventricle (DOLV) with situs inversus have been diagnosed and reported by echocardiography, but none are available with situs solitus. To the best of our knowledge, we are presenting the first case report of dextrocardia, situs solitus, double-inlet with DILV, DOLV, and D-malposition of great arteries with pulmonary stenosis, detected by color Doppler echocardiography.

Outcomes of early versus delayed invasive strategy in older adults with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

We evaluated the 3-year clinical outcomes following early invasive (EI) and delayed invasive (DI) strategies in older adults with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) undergoing successful new-generation drug-eluting stents (DESs) implantation to reflect current real-world practice. Overall, 2437 older adults (age, ≥ 65 years) with NSTEMI were recruited from the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry-National Institute of Health. They were divided into two groups: EI (n = 1750) and DI (n = 687). The primary clinical outcome was the occurrence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs), defined by all-cause death, recurrent MI, any repeat coronary revascularization, and stroke. The secondary clinical outcome was stent thrombosis (ST). After multivariable-adjusted and propensity score-matched analyses, the primary and secondary clinical outcomes were not significantly different between the EI and DI groups. Even after the analysis was confined to those having complex lesions, these major clinical outcomes were similar between these two groups. The EI and DI strategies in older adults with NSTEMI receiving new-generation DES showed comparable results.Clinical Trial Registration: URL: http://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/en/; Unique identifier: KCT0000863.

Aortic valve calcification predicts poor outcomes after primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Aortic valve calcification (AVC) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk in the general population. We sought to investigate whether AVC identified by transthoracic echocardiography could be a predictor of long-term adverse events after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Patients undergoing primary PCI were consecutively enrolled in this cohort study between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 31 2018. The presence of AVC was identified by transthoracic echocardiography one to three days after PCI. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebral events (MACCE) during follow-up. Propensity score matching was adopted to adjust for the baseline differences between groups. Of 2117 patients enrolled in the study, 566 (26.7%) were found to have AVC. Patients with AVC were older, more likely to be women, and disposed to have comorbidities and complex lesions. During a median follow-up period of 6.1 years, 699 cases of MACCE occurred, including 243 (42.9%) cases in patients with AVC and 456 (29.4%) cases in patients without AVC. After 1:1 propensity score matching, the presence of AVC increased the risk of MACCE (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.442, 95% confidence interval: 1.186 to 1.754, p < 0.001). This difference persisted when sensitivity and subgroup analyses were made. AVC identified by transthoracic echocardiography independently increased the long-term risk of MACCE after primary PCI in patients with acute myocardial infarction. This imaging feature will contribute to better risk stratification in this population.

Healthcare use at the end of life of patients with congenital heart disease: does heart failure matter?

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Research Foundation Flanders (to PM, EG, and LVB) European Society of Cardiology (Nursing Training Grant to LVB) Background Heart failure (HF) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). Although limited in scope, previous studies suggest that patients with heart failure follow a specific end-of-life trajectory with episodes of serious complications, which may impact the patterns of care as death approaches. Aims The study aims to identify differences in characteristics and patterns of care in the last year of life in deceased CHD patients with and without HF. Methods This retrospective study used data of deceased adult patients included in the BELgian COngenital heart disease Database combining Administrative and Clinical data (BELCODAC). To describe patterns of care in the last year of life, we captured information about hospitalisations, emergency department visits, and visits to the general practitioner using nomenclature codes. Heart failure was identified as having HF as cause of death and/or at least one prescription of a loop diuretic in the last year of life. Sensitivity analyses with a stricter definition for HF (HF as cause of death or ≥ 1 prescription of a loop diuretic combined with a prescription of digoxin, dopamine, dobutamine, other non-glycoside stimulants, metoprolol, bisoprolol, carvedilol, aldosterone antagonists, ACE inhibitors or ARBs) were performed as well. Results During the period 2007–2016, 390 adults with CHD died, of which 170 patients with HF (44%). Patients with HF were older, died more often due to a cardiovascular cause of death, and had more complex heart lesions, compared to patients without HF (Table 1). While the number of emergency department visits and hospitalisations in the last year was similar, patients with HF had almost twice as much monthly visits at the general practitioner in their last year of life (Table 1). As shown in Figure 1, the mean number of hospitalisations and emergency department visits increased in a similar fashion throughout the last year of life, but the pattern of general practitioner visits was substantially different for patients with and without HF. The sensitivity analyses, in which a stricter definition for HF was used, yield very similar results. In these analyses, the difference in mean monthly hospitalisations was also significant between the two groups. Conclusions This study shows clinically important differences in characteristics and patterns of care of deceased patients with CHD with and without heart failure. Patients with HFhave different needs and should receive a tailored approach at the end of life. Future research is needed to understand these differences and investigate these patients' end-of-life care needs in more detail. Funding acknowledgments: This work was supported by Research Foundation Flanders; European Society of Cardiology; the King Baudouin Foundation; the National Foundation on Research in Pediatric Cardiology; and the Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare-FORTE.

Thrombotic Left Main Coronary Artery Occlusion Treated With Bioresorbable Scaffold.

A 56-year-old man with a history of smoking presented with an extensive anterolateral ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (Killip class III) and moderate left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction. Emergency coronary angiograms revealed acute thrombotic occlusion of the unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA) (Fig. 1A) and a dominant right coronary artery contributing to Rentrop grade 2 collateral circulation (Fig. 1B). We directed a guidewire into the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) and then, under optical coherence tomographic (OCT) imaging guidance, deployed a 3.5 × 28-mm Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold (Abbott Vascular; no longer commercially available) in the unprotected LMCA and LAD. Next, we dilated the vessels with a 3.5 × 20-mm noncompliant balloon. The good angiographic result indicated that patency had been achieved (Fig. 1C). With use of OCT, we confirmed the correct apposition of the scaffold (Fig. 2A), but also identified a small distal edge dissection in the LAD unsuitable for stenting, leaving the ostium of the left circumflex coronary artery caged by struts (Fig. 2B). At the patient's 40-month follow-up visit, his LV function had recovered, and a coronary angiogram confirmed that the treated unprotected LMCA-LAD remained patent (Fig. 1D). Optical coherence tomograms showed most of the struts to be adequately covered with neointima and in the process of being reabsorbed (Fig. 2C); they also showed no remaining scaffold struts or neointimal bridges at the ostium of the left circumflex coronary artery and other branches (Fig. 2D).To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of catastrophic acute thrombosis of an unprotected LMCA being treated with a bioresorbable scaffold. Acute myocardial infarction due to unprotected LMCA disease is rare, but it is also clinically catastrophic and associated with a high mortality rate even after successful revascularization.1 Despite the withdrawal of the Absorb bioresorbable scaffold from commercial sale,2 bioresorbable scaffolds in general are still an attractive therapeutic option for de novo lesions or spontaneous coronary artery dissections during percutaneous coronary interventions, particularly in young patients with less complex lesions.

Head and neck arteriovenous malformations: University of Tennessee experience, 2012–2022

Head and neck arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are complex lesions that represent a subset of vascular anomalies (VAs). The authors present an analysis of their institutional experience managing these lesions as a multidisciplinary team. A retrospective chart review was performed of head and neck AVM patients treated at the authors' institution from 2012 to 2022. Recorded data included patient demographic characteristics, details of clinical presentation, Schöbinger clinical scale and Yakes AVM classification results, and details of all endovascular and surgical treatments. The primary outcome of the study was clinical response to treatment. Angiographic occlusion and complication rates were reported. Chi-square tests were used for comparative statistics. Sixteen patients (9 female, 56%) with AVMs of the head and neck presented from age 3 to 77 years. The Schöbinger stage was stage II in 56% of patients (n = 9) and stage III in 44% of patients (n = 7). The Yakes AVM classification was nidus type (2a, 2b, or 4) in 7 patients (43%) and fistula type (1, 3a, or 3b) in 9 patients (57%). The majority of patients (n = 11, 69.0%) were managed with embolization as the only treatment modality, with an average of 1.5 embolizations/patient (range 1-3). Surgical resection was employed in 5 patients (4 in combination with embolization). Symptom resolution and symptom control were achieved in 69% and 31% of patients, respectively, in the entire cohort. A radiographic cure was demonstrated in 50% of patients. There were no statistical differences in clinical outcomes or radiographic cure rates between patients treated with different modalities. Head and neck AVMs can be treated successfully with a primarily endovascular management strategy by a multidisciplinary team with the goal of symptomatic control.

Considerations in Critical-Care and Anesthetic Management of Adult Patients Living With Fontan Circulation

The Fontan procedure is a staged palliation for various complex congenital cardiac lesions, including tricuspid atresia, pulmonary atresia, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and double-inlet left ventricle, all of which involve a functional single-ventricle physiology. The complexity of the patients' original anatomy combined with the anatomic and physiologic consequences of the Fontan circulation creates challenges. Teens and adults living with Fontan palliation will need perioperative support for noncardiac surgery, peripartum management for labour and delivery, interventions related to their structural heart disease, electrophysiology procedures, pacemakers, cardioversions, cardiac surgery, transplantation, and advanced mechanical support. This review focuses on the anesthetic and intensive care unit (ICU) management of these patients during their perioperative journey, with an emphasis on the continuity of preintervention planning, referral pathways, and postintervention ICU management. Requests for recipes and doses of medications are frequent; however, as in normal anesthesia and ICU practice, the method of anesthesia and dosing are dependent on the presenting medical/surgical conditions and the underlying anatomy and physiologic reserve. A patient with Fontan palliation in their early 20s attending school full-time with a cavopulmonary connection is likely to have more reserve than a patient in their late 40s with an atriopulmonary Fontan at home waiting for a heart transplant. Each case will require an anesthetic and critical care plan tailored to the situation. The critical care environment is a natural extension of the anesthetic management of a patient, with complex considerations for a patient with Fontan palliation.

Clinical progress note: Noncardiac complications in adults with congenital heart disease.

Clinical progress note: Noncardiac complications in adults with congenital heart disease.

Impact of neurovascular comorbidities and complications on outcomes after procedural management of arteriovenous malformations

ObjectiveCerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are complex vascular lesions at perpetual risk for rupture, which can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. This study sought to evaluate the dynamic relationship between comorbidities and post-procedure complications to quantify the risk of poor discharge outcomes to create a predictive outcomes model. MethodsThe National Inpatient Sample (NIS) data from 2012 to 2015 was queried for AVM treatment using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes. The Neurovascular Comorbidities Index (NCI) quantified patient comorbidity burden. In-hospital complications included surgical and medical complications or seizures. The primary outcome was the NIS Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Outcome Measure (NIS-SOM). ResultsA total of 1363 patients were included. A total of 1330 patients (98%) underwent embolization, 28 (2%) underwent resection, and 9 (0.7%) underwent radiosurgery. A higher NCI was associated with the occurrence of any complication (odds ratio [OR], 1.30 if NCI = 2; P < 0.001). Higher NCI was also significantly associated with a poor NIS-SOM outcome (OR, 2.45 if NCI = 2 and no complications; P < 0.001). A ruptured AVM with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) increased the risk of in-hospital complications (OR, 2.16; P = 0.007) and a poor NIS-SOM outcome (OR, 3.18; P < 0.001). Various hypothetical patient scenarios and the predicted outcomes are also presented. ConclusionNeurovascular comorbidities have a significant impact on poor functional outcomes at discharge in patients with and without complications following procedural management of AVMs. At the time of initial patient assessment, risk stratification strategies should take into account neurovascular comorbidities and potential complications. Such an approach would ultimately optimize patient outcomes and increase the value of care provided.

Distal radioulnar joint kinematics before surgery and 12 months following open foveal reinsertion of the triangular fibrocartilage complex: comparison with the contralateral non-injured joint.

Background and purposeFoveal triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) lesion may cause distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability. Dynamic radiostereometry (dRSA) has been validated for objective measurement of DRUJ kinematics. We evaluated DRUJ kinematics by dRSA before surgery and 12 months following open foveal reinsertion of the TFCC in comparison with contralateral non-injured DRUJs.Patients and methodsIn a prospective cohort study, 21 patients (11 men) of mean age 34 years (22–50) with arthroscopically confirmed foveal TFCC lesion were evaluated preoperatively, and at 6 and 12 months after open foveal TFCC reinsertion with QDASH, PRWE, pain on NRS, and bilateral dRSA imaging during a patient active press test motion cycle, including a force-loaded downstroke and a release phase.ResultsPreoperatively, the force-loaded part (> 2.3 kg; 95% CI 1.6–3.0) of the press test motion cycle (from 15% to 75%) revealed a more volar position of the ulnar head in the sigmoid notch (DRUJ position ratio) and increased distance in DRUJs with foveal TFCC lesion compared with the patients’ contralateral non-injured DRUJ (p < 0.05). 6 months postoperatively, the DRUJ position was generally normalized and remained normalized at 12 months. However, the DRUJ distance remained higher on the injured side. 12 months postoperatively, patients reported less pain during activities, with improved QDASH and PRWE scores (p < 0.007).InterpretationDRUJ kinematics during the press test showed increased DRUJ translation to a more volar position of the ulnar head after foveal TFCC lesion compared with the contralateral non-injured DRUJs. Open foveal TFCC reinsertion had a stabilizing effect on DRUJ kinematics towards normalization, and improved patient-reported outcomes 6 and 12 months after surgery.

Dual-Layer Rotation: A Versatile Therapeutic Mammoplasty Technique

BackgroundMultifocal or complex breast lesions are a challenge for breast-conserving surgery, particularly surgery in small breasts or those located in the upper inner quadrant. The dual-layer rotation technique exploits the idea of manipulating the skin and glandular tissue in separate layers to fill the resection cavity via vertical mammoplasty if skin excision is not required, except in the central area.MethodsThe authors performed a retrospective review of consecutive breast cancer patients who underwent DLR mammoplasty between 2017 and 2019 at a single institution. Clinical data, reoperations, surgical complications, delays in adjuvant treatments, and the need for late revisional surgery were evaluated. Aesthetic outcomes were evaluated objectively and subjectively from photographs.ResultsThe study included 46 breasts of 40 patients. Tumors were located in the UIQ (30%, 14/46) or in multiple quadrants (22%, 10/46). One third (33%, 13/40) of the patients had a small breast cup size (A–B). Negative margins were primarily achieved in 45 of the 46 breasts. Major complications occurred in three patients, who needed reoperation, and adjuvant therapy was delayed for one of these patients. Late refinement surgery was needed for two patients. The objective and subjective aesthetic outcomes were good or excellent regardless of the tumor position.ConclusionAs a novel oncoplastic approach, DLR mammoplasty offers a one-step procedure to treat selected breast cancer patients with challenging resection defects due to different breast sizes or lesion locations. The technique preserves the breast’s natural appearance.

Clinical Radiofrequency Ablation Outcomes of Combined Sensory Nerve Branch and Dorsal Entry Root Zone Complex Lesions for Sacroiliac Joint Complex Pain.

Chronic lower back pain (LBP) with or without leg pain (LP) is the most commonly reported anatomical site of pain among Canadian adults with chronic pain. A common cause for LBP and LP arises from dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) complex. When conventional medical management or rehabilitative efforts for SIJ-related LBP and LP fail to provide analgesia, pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) and/or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the dorsal entry root zone complex lesions (DREZC) and/or their more peripheral branches can also be a suitable means for treatment. Both PRF and RFA are interventional techniques that utilize heat to attenuate or ablate transmission of painful signals, respectively. The purpose of this chart review is to explore the clinical outcomes of patients experiencing SIJ-related pain who have undergone procedures with combined sensory nerve branch RFA and DREZC PRF lesions targeting the SIJ complex. Following institutional review board approval, a retrospective chart review was performed from June 2018 to February 2021 for patients with LBP and/or LP refractory to physical rehabilitative efforts and medical management that underwent combined PRF and RF treatments for a diagnosis of SIJ complex pain. RF and PRF procedures were anatomically guided with the addition of sensory stimulation to ensure appropriate needle placement. Charts were reviewed for percentage of analgesia at final follow-up, duration of effect, degree of analgesia, patients' functional improvements, and changes in medication use patterns. Data was reviewed from 180 patients with LBP or LP who underwent combined PRF and RF treatments for a diagnosis of SIJ complex pain. The group consisted of 69 men and 111 women with a mean age of 59years. All patients had lesions to their dorsal roots and/or branches (lumbar medial and sacral lateral), as determined using their pain profile as well as sensory stimulation. In the sample of 180 patients a total of 276 SIJs were treated over the period of data collection. Overall, 85.0% (n = 234) of procedures were considered successful with more than 50% analgesic relief at final follow-up. Of 234 successful outcomes, 110 reported ongoing analgesia (mean = 80.3% pain relief, SD ± 18.0) on the last date of follow up (mean = 53.2days, SD ± 41.8) prior to being lost to follow-up. For patients not lost to follow-up, the mean amount of analgesia was reported to be 83.9% with an average duration of 86.3days. Among all treatments, 6.9% (n = 19) provided no analgesic effect. Among the successful procedure outcomes, 54.4% (n = 150) reported increased activity/mobility, 24.3% (n = 67) reported improved sleep, 49.3% (n = 136) reported improved mood, and 11.6% (n = 32) reported decreased medication usage. Nine patients reported complications following the procedure. Complications included transient soreness, bruising, tenderness, myofascial pain, and two mild vagal responses without lasting sequelae. This review suggests that combined sensory nerve branch RFA and DREZC PRF lesions targeting the SIJ complex is a suitable intervention to treat SIJ-related LBP and/or LP refractory to physical rehabilitative efforts and medical management. Approximately 85% of these cases were successfully treated with the majority of patients report lasting analgesic effects with minimal complications, supporting the use of sensory stimulation-guided combined RF and PRF lesions for treatment of refractory SIJ complex pain.

Defining Key Features of Complex Coronary Lesions: An Evidence Based Review of Clinical Practice. Part II: Chronic Total Occlusions, Graft Interventions, In-Stent Restenosis, and Antithrombotic Strategies.

Clinicians have long recognized that certain features of coronary artery lesions increase the complexity of intervention. Complex lesions are associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes and a higher risk of subsequent ischemic events. These lesions are categorized by their angiographic features. These features include bifurcation lesions, left main coronary artery disease, calcified lesions, in-stent restenosis, chronic total occlusions and graft interventions. This two-part review aims to highlight the current evidence in the percutaneous management of these lesions. Part two of this review focuses on the indications to treat chronic total occlusions, interventions of failed grafts, tools used to treat in-stent restenosis, as well as antithrombotic strategies.

Current Concepts in Pediatric Pelvic Ring Fractures: A Narrative Review

Trauma is still the leading cause of death in children. Post mortem studies have shown a high incidence and a high rate of deaths related to pelvic fractures and associated injuries. The pelvic ring in children has characteristics that differentiate it from the adult. The bone tissue is more elastic and is covered with a thick periosteum. Elasticity mainly translates into plastic deformity when it is impacted. Overall, lesions tend to be more stable as the relatively thick periosteum limits bone breakdown. As a result of this elasticity, the intrapelvic organs are more vulnerable and injuries can occur in the absence of fractures. High energy is required to produce a fracture and this energy can be transferred to the pelvic organs. Minimally displaced fractures may be the result of high energy trauma with a significant risk of further intrapelvic and intra-abdominal injury. This leads to a relatively high incidence of pelvic and abdominal organ injuries associated with stable fractures. A complete lesion of the pelvic ring anteriorly or posteriorly or a complex pelvic lesion is a high risk factor for morbidity and mortality. Treatment in the pediatric patient with a pelvic fracture has historically been guided by concepts that have become established in adults. The main parameters in the decision making process are hemodynamic stability and the degree of mechanical instability of the pelvis. The purpose of this review is to report current knowledge on pelvic ring fractures with a particular focus on their management and treatment.