Etiology-based Classification Research Articles

Cartilaginous endplate coverage of developmental Schmorl’s node and the relevance of this in Schmorl’s node etiology-based classification

Cartilaginous endplate coverage of developmental Schmorl’s node and the relevance of this in Schmorl’s node etiology-based classification

Characterization of MRI White Matter Signal Abnormalities in the Pediatric Population.

(1) Background and Purpose: The aim of this study was to retrospectively characterize WMSAs in an unselected patient cohort at a large pediatric neuroimaging facility, in order to learn more about the spectrum of the underlying disorders encountered in everyday clinical practice. (2) Materials and Methods: Radiology reports of 5166 consecutive patients with standard brain MRI (2006-2018) were searched for predefined keywords describing WMSAs. A neuroradiology specialist enrolled patients with WMSAs following a structured approach. Imaging characteristics, etiology (autoimmune disorders, non-genetic hypoxic and ischemic insults, traumatic white matter injuries, no final diagnosis due to insufficient clinical information, "non-specific" WMSAs, infectious white matter damage, leukodystrophies, toxic white matter injuries, inborn errors of metabolism, and white matter damage caused by tumor infiltration/cancer-like disease), and age/gender distribution were evaluated. (3) Results: Overall, WMSAs were found in 3.4% of pediatric patients scanned at our and referring hospitals within the ten-year study period. The majority were found in the supratentorial region only (87%) and were non-enhancing (78% of CE-MRI). WMSAs caused by autoimmune disorders formed the largest group (23%), followed by "non-specific" WMSAs (18%), as well as non-genetic hypoxic and ischemic insults (17%). The majority were therefore acquired as opposed to inherited. Etiology-based classification of WMSAs was affected by age but not by gender. In 17% of the study population, a definite diagnosis could not be established due to insufficient clinical information (mostly external radiology consults). (4) Conclusions: An "integrated diagnosis" that combines baseline demographics, including patient age as an important factor, clinical characteristics, and additional diagnostic workup with imaging patterns can be made in the majority of cases.

Etiology-based strabismus classification scheme for pediatricians.

Pediatricians are regularly involved in the initial examination of children presenting with strabismus, a common ocular condition occurring in 3% of children. The objective of this review was to gain insight into pediatric residents, fellows and attendings` understanding of strabismus, and to propose an etiology-based strabismus classification scheme to aid this understanding. A survey was conducted in a single Department of Pediatrics in a university academic institution in order to assess the degree of understanding of the classification, etiology and nomenclature of strabismus. A targeted literature review, pertinent to our classification scheme for strabismus in the pediatric age group, is provided to clarify the various underlying etiological conditions for pediatricians. The surveyed cohort (n=26) consisted of 10 (38.5%) attendings and 16 (61.5%) pediatricians-in-training. Although 69% of survey participants felt comfortable performing an ocular motility evaluation, only 19% had a clear understanding of the underlying etiology of strabismus, 8% had a clear understanding of strabismus nomenclature and none of the participants had clear knowledge of a classification scheme of strabismus. We propose an etiologic-based strabismus classification scheme with streamlined nomenclature geared towards Pediatricians to facilitate the management of pediatric patients with various ocular misalignments. Eight major categories of this classification scheme include (1) physiologic, (2) comitant, (3) paralytic, (4) sensory, (5) syndromic, (6) orbital, (7) supranuclear and (8) pseudostrabismus. Pediatricians at all levels of professional experience have a limited command of strabismus. An etiology-based classification scheme of strabismus may assist in understanding the underlying causes and facilitate the management of strabismus in the pediatrician`s office.

Nerve Pain after Burn Injury: A Proposed Etiology-Based Classification.

Understanding the mechanism of nerve injury may facilitate managing burn-related nerve pain. This proposed classification, based on cause of nerve injury, was developed to enhance the understanding and management of burn-related nerve pain. This retrospective investigation included patients aged 15 years or older admitted to the burn center from 2014 to 2019. Burn-related nerve pain was patient-reported and clinically assessed as pain 6 months or more after burn injury, unrelated to preexisting illnesses/medications. The pain classification consisted of direct nerve injury, nerve compression, electrical injury, and nerve dysfunction secondary to systemic injury. The four categories were statistically analyzed between groups, using 52 variables. Of the 1880 consecutive burn patients, 113 developed burn-related nerve pain and were eligible for validation of the classification: direct nerve injury, n = 47; nerve compression, n = 12; electrical injury, n = 7; and nerve dysfunction secondary to systemic injury, n = 47. Factors, significantly increased, that distinguished one category from another were as follows: for direct nerve injury, continuous symptoms (p < 0.001), refractory nerve release response (p < 0.001), nerve repair (p < 0.001), and pruritus (p < 0.001); for nerve compression, Tinel signs (p < 0.001), shooting pain (p < 0.001), numbness (p = 0.003), intermittent symptoms (p < 0.001), increased percentage total body surface area burned (p = 0.019), surgical procedures (p < 0.001), and nerve release (p < 0.001); and for electrical injury, Tinel sign (p < 0.001), intermittent symptoms (p = 0.002), amputations (p = 0.002), fasciotomies (p < 0.001), and nerve release (p < 0.001). Nerve dysfunction secondary to systemic injury was distinguished by significantly less Tinel signs (p < 0.001), shooting pain (p < 0.001), numbness and tingling (p < 0.001), pruritus (p < 0.001), fascial excision (p = 0.004), skin grafts (p < 0.001), amputation (p = 0.004), nerve releases (p < 0.001), and third-degree burns (p = 0.002). A classification consisting of direct nerve injury, nerve compression, electrical injury, and nerve dysfunction secondary to systemic injury is presented that may guide patient management and research methods, with the goal of improving pain outcomes in burn-related nerve pain.

The revised pancreatitis etiology-based classification system TIGAR-O, version 2: adaptation for the Russian clinical practice

The discoveries in molecular genetics and breakthrough visualization techniques in the last 20 years have changed our understanding of the pancreatitis causes and biomarkers, expanded our knowledge on the pathophysiology of the disease, and promoted the development of new additional conservative treatments. From the practical perspective, the physician's comprehension of the etiology is of particular importance. It is for this reason that the activities to elaborate an etiology-based classification of pancreatitis have been already started since long ago. The first internationally acknowledged system was TIGAR-O checklist, introduced in 2001. Being innovative at the time, it structured our understanding of the etiology of chronic pancreatitis. The revised version (version 2) was published in 2019 and is less known to the Russian medical community, although from the authors' point of view, it has been substantially extended and structured to be maximally convenient and useful for physicians in routine medical practice. The review presents key provisions of the TIGAR-O, version 2 and recommendations for its adaption to the Russian clinical setting.

EPS: A New Etiology-Based Classification of Vein Insufficiency

EPS: A New Etiology-Based Classification of Vein Insufficiency

Etiology-Based Classification of Adjacent Segment Disease Following Lumbar Spine Fusion.

Adjacent segment disease (ASDz) is a potential complication following lumbar spinal fusion. A common nomenclature based on etiology and ASDz type does not exist and is needed to assist with clinical prognostication, decision making, and management. The objective of this study was to develop an etiology-based classification system for ASDz following lumbar fusion. We conducted a retrospective chart review of 65 consecutive patients who had undergone both a lumbar fusion performed by a single surgeon and a subsequent procedure for ASDz. We established an etiology-based classification system for lumbar ASDz with the following six categories: "degenerative" (degenerative disc disease or spondylosis), "neurologic" (disc herniation, stenosis), "instability" (spondylolisthesis, rotatory subluxation), "deformity" (scoliosis, kyphosis), "complex" (fracture, infection), or "combined." Based on this scheme, we determined the rate of ASDz in each etiologic category. Of the 65 patients, 27 (41.5%) underwent surgery for neurogenic claudication or radiculopathy for adjacent-level stenosis or disc herniation and were classified as "neurologic." Ten patients (15.4%) had progressive degenerative disc pathology at the adjacent level and were classified as "degenerative." Ten patients (15.4%) had spondylolisthesis or instability and were classified as "instability," and three patients (4.6%) required revision surgery for adjacent-level kyphosis or scoliosis and were classified as "deformity." Fifteen patients (23.1%) had multiple diagnoses that included a combination of categories and were classified as "combined." This is the first study to propose an etiology-based classification scheme of ASDz following lumbar spine fusion. This simple classification system may allow for the grouping and standardization of patients with similar pathologies and thus for more specific pre-operative diagnoses, personalized treatments, and improved outcome analyses.

Tidemark Avulsions are a Predominant Form of Endplate Irregularity.

Descriptive histologic and magnetic resonance imaging study of human cadaveric spines. To identify and characterize common endplate pathologies to form a histologic foundation for an etiology-based classification system. Irregularities at the spinal disc-vertebra interface are associated with back pain and intervertebral disc herniation injuries. However, there is currently a lack of consensus regarding terminology for classification. This limits the potential for advancing understanding of back pain mechanisms, and prohibits meaningful comparisons for identifying priorities for prevention and treatment. Prior classification systems largely rely on observations from clinical imaging, which may miss subtle pathologic features. Fifteen cadaveric spines with moderate to severe disc degeneration were obtained and scanned with MRI in the sagittal plane using two-dimensional T1-weighted and T2-weighted fast spin-echo sequences. Eighty-nine lumbar and lower thoracic bone-disc-bone motion segments were extracted, fixed, sectioned, and stained for histologic evaluation. Focal endplate irregularities were identified and categorized based on features that inferred causation. The presence, type, and anatomic location were recorded. A classification system with three major categories of focal endplate irregularities was created. Disc-vertebra avulsion and vertebral rim degeneration were more common than subchondral nodes: 50% of irregularities were classified as rim degeneration (75/150), 35% were classified as avulsions (52/150), and 15% were classified as nodes (23/150). Ninety percent of avulsions were subclassified as "tidemark avulsions," a highly prevalent form of endplate irregularity in which the outer annulus separates from the vertebra at the tidemark. These tidemark avulsions have not been previously described, yet are visible on T2-weighted MRI as high-intensity regions. This study provides histologic basis for a system to classify focal endplate irregularities. Included is a previously unidentified but prevalent finding of tidemark avulsions, which are visible with both histology and magnetic resonance imaging. These observations will help clinicians better organize patients into meaningful groups to facilitate diagnosis, treatment, and clinical research. 3.

CO2 exposure as translational cross-species experimental model for panic.

The current diagnostic criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders are being challenged by the heterogeneity and the symptom overlap of psychiatric disorders. Therefore, a framework toward a more etiology-based classification has been initiated by the US National Institute of Mental Health, the research domain criteria project. The basic neurobiology of human psychiatric disorders is often studied in rodent models. However, the differences in outcome measurements hamper the translation of knowledge. Here, we aimed to present a translational panic model by using the same stimulus and by quantitatively comparing the same outcome measurements in rodents, healthy human subjects and panic disorder patients within one large project. We measured the behavioral–emotional and bodily response to CO2 exposure in all three samples, allowing for a reliable cross-species comparison. We show that CO2 exposure causes a robust fear response in terms of behavior in mice and panic symptom ratings in healthy volunteers and panic disorder patients. To improve comparability, we next assessed the respiratory and cardiovascular response to CO2, demonstrating corresponding respiratory and cardiovascular effects across both species. This project bridges the gap between basic and human research to improve the translation of knowledge between these disciplines. This will allow significant progress in unraveling the etiological basis of panic disorder and will be highly beneficial for refining the diagnostic categories as well as treatment strategies.

What's in a Name? Classification of Diabetes Mellitus in Veterinary Medicine and Why It Matters.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a syndrome caused by various etiologies. The clinical manifestations of DM are not indicative of the cause of the disease, but might be indicative of the stage and severity of the disease process. Accurately diagnosing and classifying diabetic dogs and cats by the underlying disease process is essential for current and future studies on early detection, prevention, and treatment of underlying disease. Here, we review the current etiology‐based classification of DM and definitions of DM types in human medicine and discuss key points on the pathogenesis of each DM type and prediabetes. We then review current evidence for application of this etiology‐based classification scheme in dogs and cats. In dogs, we emphasize the lack of consistent evidence for autoimmune DM (Type 1) and the possible importance of other DM types such as DM associated with exocrine pancreatic disease. While most dogs are first examined because of DM in an insulin‐dependent state, early and accurate diagnosis of the underlying disease process could change the long‐term outcome and allow some degree of insulin independence. In cats, we review the appropriateness of using the umbrella term of Type 2 DM and differentiating it from DM secondary to other endocrine disease like hypersomatotropism. This differentiation could have crucial implications on treatment and prognosis. We also discuss the challenges in defining and diagnosing prediabetes in cats.

Kyoto global consensus report for treatment of Helicobacter pylori and its implications for China

Kyoto global consensus report on Helicobacter pylori gastritis (Gut, July 2015) is another important international consensus since the European Maastricht Ⅳ consensus was published. Kyoto consensus will improve the etiology-based classification, the diagnostic assessment of gastritis, and the treatment of H. pylori-associated dyspepsia and H. pylori gastritis. However, because of high rate of H. pylori infection and antibiotic resistance as well as limited health resources in China, we need to develop our own strategies of H. pylori infection control with the reference of the Kyoto global consensus.

Etiology-based classification of brain white matter hyperintensity on magnetic resonance imaging.

Brain white matter lesions found upon magnetic resonance imaging are often observed in psychiatric or neurological patients. Individuals with these lesions present a more significant cognitive impairment when compared with individuals without them. We propose a computerized method to distinguish tissue containing white matter lesions of different etiologies (e.g., demyelinating or ischemic) using texture-based classifiers. Texture attributes were extracted from manually selected regions of interest and used to train and test supervised classifiers. Experiments were conducted to evaluate texture attribute discrimination and classifiers' performances. The most discriminating texture attributes were obtained from the gray-level histogram and from the co-occurrence matrix. The best classifier was the support vector machine, which achieved an accuracy of 87.9% in distinguishing lesions with different etiologies and an accuracy of 99.29% in distinguishing normal white matter from white matter lesions.

Lean NASH: distinctiveness and clinical implication.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) in the absence of overweight and/or obesity, defined by the anthropometric parameter, body mass index (BMI), has been designated as 'lean NASH.' While maintaining a close pathophysiological link with metabolic syndrome (MS) and insulin resistance (IR), the presence of subtle alterations in measures of total body and regional adiposity not exceeding the designed cut-offs, are hallmarks of 'lean NASH.' Available literature related to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in lean or non-obese individuals and its pathogenesis in general published in English language journals till the time of manuscript preparation were reviewed and critically analysed. Being a closely related but variant phenotype of NASH, its features metabolically resemble the well-characterized entity 'metabolically obese normal weight (MONW)' individuals. Apart from total body adiposity, distribution of fat in different body compartments has assumed greater pathophysiologic relevance in characterizing 'lean NASH'. Detection of NASH in stringently defined non-obese individuals, by both BMI and waist circumference indices, indicates existence of a subset of NASH in which fat compartmentalization at ectopic sites is not picked up by the anthropometric yardsticks used. Volume [Quantity] and biological behavior of the visceral and deep subcutaneous adipose tissues contribute to this variant of NASH in non-obese subjects. Genetic predisposition to IR and MS along with the environmental influences like childhood nutritional status, dietary composition and gut microbiome possibly play pathogenetic role. The most important concern is in the principles of nomenclature within syndromes where clinical dissimilarities exist despite biological similarities. Till a uniformly acceptable pathophysiological and/or etiology-based classification emerges, the term "lean NASH" would continue to provide us an opportunity to ponder over and refine this subset of fatty liver in non-obese people and potentially significant liver disease.

Etiology of obsessions and compulsions: A behavioral-genetic analysis.

It is unknown whether various types of obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms have a common genetic or environmental etiology. For example, it is unknown whether hoarding is etiologically associated with prototypic OC symptoms, such as washing, checking, and obsessing. Also unknown is whether particular OC-related symptoms are etiologically linked to the general tendency to experience emotional distress (negative emotionality). To investigate these and other issues, a community sample of 307 pairs of monozygotic and dizygotic adult twins provided scores on 6 OC-related symptoms (obsessing, neutralizing, checking, washing, ordering, and hoarding) and 2 markers of negative emotionality (trait anxiety and affective lability). Genetic factors accounted for 40%-56% of variance in the 8 phenotypic scores (M = 49% of variance for OC-related symptoms). Remaining variance was due to nonshared (person-specific) environment. More detailed analyses revealed a complex etiologic architecture, where OC-related symptoms arise from a mix of common and symptom-specific genetic and environmental factors. A general genetic factor was identified, which influenced all symptoms and negative emotionality. An environmental factor was identified that influenced all symptoms but did not influence negative emotionality. Each of the 6 types of symptoms was also shaped by its own set of symptom-specific genetic and environmental factors. The importance of genetic factors did not vary as a function of age or sex, and the architecture of general and specific etiologic factors was replicated for participants having relatively more severe OC symptoms. Gene-environment interactions were identified. Implications for an etiology-based classification system are discussed.

Current Concept on the Classification and Treatment of Spondylolisthesis

Study Design: A review of literature including classification and treatment of spondylolisthesis Objectives: To review and discuss the classification and management of spondylolisthesis Summary of Literature Review: Spondylolisthesis is one of the common spinal disorders that can create significant problems for the patients and spine surgeons, but there have been confusion of natural history and treatment strategies. It can be attributed to the absence of etiology-based classification system for individual patient prognosis and treatment decision. Materials and Methods: Review of literature Results: Marchetti and Bartolozzi have developed an etiology-based classification which has two main categories; developmental and acquired. These two types of spondylolisthesis seem to have significantly different natural histories and each of them needs different strategies for treatment. Conclusions: Authors recommend using Marchetti and Bartolozzi classification system for spondylolisthesis patients.

NIH State-of-the-Science Conference Statement on Manifestations and Management of Chronic Insomnia in Adults

NIH State-of-the-Science Conference Statement on Manifestations and Management of Chronic Insomnia in Adults

Haemolytic uremic syndrome and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: Classification based on molecular etiology and review on recent developments of diagnostics

Haemolytic uremic syndrome and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura are overlapping clinical entities based on historical classification. Recent developments in the unfolding of the pathomechanisms of these diseases resulted in the creation of a molecular etiology-based classification. Understanding of some causative relationships yielded detailed diagnostic approaches, novel therapeutic options and thorough prognostic assortment of the patients. Although haemolytic uremic syndrome and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura are rare diseases with poor prognosis, the precise molecular etiology-based diagnosis might properly direct the therapy of the affected patients. The current review focuses on the theoretical background and detailed description of the available diagnostic possibilities, and some practical information necessary for the interpretation of their results.

The clinical and physiological spectrum of interferon‐alpha induced thyroiditis

Interferon-alpha (IFNalpha) is a major treatment modality for several malignant and nonmalignant diseases, especially hepatitis C. Prospective studies have shown that up to 15% of patients with hepatitis C receiving IFNalpha develop clinical thyroid disease, and up to 40% were reported to develop thyroid antibodies. Some of these complications may result in discontinuation of interferon therapy. Thus, interferon induced thyroiditis (IIT) is a major clinical problem for patients receiving interferon therapy. IIT can be classified as autoimmune type and non-autoimmune type. Autoimmune IIT may manifest by the development of thyroid antibodies without clinical disease, or by clinical disease which includes both autoimmune hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's thyroiditis) and autoimmune thyrotoxicosis (Graves' disease). Non-autoimmune IIT can manifest as destructive thyroiditis or as hypothyroidism with negative thyroid antibodies. Early detection and therapy of these conditions is important in order to avoid complications of thyroid disease such as cardiac arrhythmias. While it is not clear which factors contribute to the susceptibility to IIT, recent evidence suggests that genetic factors, gender, and hepatitis C virus infection may play a role. In contrast, viral genotype and therapeutic regimen do not influence susceptibility to IIT. The etiology of IIT is unknown and may be secondary to immune modulation by IFNalpha and/or direct effects of interferon on the thyroid. In this review we discuss the clinical and pathophysiological aspects of IIT, and we are proposing a new, etiology-based classification of IIT, as well as an algorithm for diagnosis and treatment of IIT.

New Concepts on the Pathogenesis and Classification of Spondylolisthesis

A review of the literature in the English language pertaining to the pathogenesis and classification of spondylolisthesis. To review the morphology and biomechanics of the lumbosacral junction as it relates to spondylolisthesis. To present contemporary theories of the development and progression of spondylolisthesis and an etiology-based classification system. The proper treatment of spondylolisthesis is dependent on recognizing the type of slip and its natural history. Although a number of clinical and radiographic features have been identified as risk factors, their role as primary causative factors or secondary adaptive changes is not clear. In particular, confusion persists over the classification of slips with "isthmic defects." The early identification of spondylolisthesis that will progress to a high grade without intervention remains elusive. A review of English language literature regarding the pathogenesis and classification of spondylolisthesis. RESULTS.: Current literature suggests that spinopelvic parameters, in addition to the morphology and biomechanics of the lumbosacral junction, play a causative role in the development of spondylolisthesis. Progression of developmental slips may be due to growth deficiencies of the anterosuperior sacrum, analogous to Blount's disease at the knee. The Marchetti-Bartolozzi classification system emphasizes the distinction between developmental dysplastic slips and acquired laminar stress fractures, both of which may have isthmic defects. These two types of spondylolisthesis have significantly different natural histories, suggesting the need for different treatment strategies. The Marchetti-Bartolozzi system also allows for the classification of postsurgical, pathologic, and degenerative forms of spondylolisthesis. The morphology of the lumbosacral junction resists high shear and compressive forces. The loss of the posterior restraint through an incompetent bony hook may result in the forward displacement of one vertebra on the subjacent vertebra. The spinopelvic parameters, such as pelvic incidence, may be greater determinants of development and progression than previously appreciated. The Marchetti-Bartolozzi classification system is applicable to all forms of lumbar spondylolisthesis,and seems to be clinically relevant in terms of treatment decisions. Their system emphasizes the distinction between developmental spondylolisthesis with lysis and acquired spondylitic spondylolisthesis, which have been included together in previous classification systems and caused confusion over natural history and treatment. Developmental slips have a greater propensity toward progression, which may be secondary to growth deficiencies of the upper sacrum. Further study is required to confirm these observations.

PD.36 A plea for an etiology-based classification of “leukoplakia”

PD.36 A plea for an etiology-based classification of “leukoplakia”