Failure Of Conservative Therapy Research Articles

Acute Abdominal Pain Revealing Chilaiditi Syndrome

Chilaiditi sign is a rare phenomenon characterized by the radiological observation of segmental interposition of the colon or small intestine between the liver and the diaphragm. It may manifest asymptomatically or be accompanied by a range of clinical symptoms, from mild abdominal pain to acute intestinal obstruction. When symptoms are present, it is termed Chilaiditi syndrome. Typically, management of Chilaiditi syndrome is conservative; however, surgery may be necessary in cases of complications or failure of conservative therapy.

Coxa valga and antetorta configuration leads to underestimation of the femoral component size: a matched case-control study of patients undergoing cementless total hip arthroplasty.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is the gold standard procedure for patients with end-stage osteoarthritis after failed conservative therapy. Digital templating is commonly employed in preoperative preparation for THA and contributes positively to its outcome. However, the impact of coxa valga and antetorta (CVA) configurations on stem size prediction accuracy remains not reported. Previous studies demonstrated that the size of the lesser trochanter (LT) can be used to determine femoral anteversion on pelvis radiographs. This study investigates the accuracy of preoperative digital templating in predicting stem size in patients with CVA undergoing cementless THA. Preoperative radiographs of 620 patients undergoing cementless THA were retrospectively investigated. Radiographs were standardized with patients standing and the leg internally rotated by 15°. A CVA group was established including patients with a CCD angle greater than 140° and a lesser trochanter (LT) size of at least 10mm for men and 8mm for women. For the control group, radiographs with a CCD angle ranging from 125-135° and LT size 3-10mm for men and 3-8mm for women were selected. Preoperative templating was performed using mediCAD. To reduce confounding factors, case-control matching was carried out for BMI and body height. After case-control matching, a total of thirty-one matches were analyzed. Stem size was underestimated in 74% (23/31) in the CVA and 13% (4/31) in the control group (p < 0.001). Moreover, patients with CVA were more likely to be underestimated by two sizes compared to controls (p < 0.004). In contrast, the exact stem size was predicted more frequently in the control group (p < 0.001). Stem size in patients with a CVA configuration are at high risk of being underestimated when using digital templating. These findings can be valuable for guiding in intraoperative decisions and lowering the risk of complications associated with an undersized femoral component.

Occlusion of the Lateral Semicircular Canal, Endolymphatic Sac Surgery, and Cochlear Implantation: A Low Destructive Treatment for Unilateral Ménière’s Disease and Deafness

Introduction: Surgical treatment of Ménière’s disease (MD) and deafness aims to treat vertigo and hearing disabilities. Current treatment options like labyrinthectomy and cochlear implantation (CI) have shown acceptable results but are destructive. Less destructive procedures, like the occlusion of the lateral semicircular canal and endolymphatic sac surgery, have been shown to be successful in vertigo control. The combination of both procedures with CI has not been investigated; therefore the objective of this study was to investigate the outcome of this combination in patients with single-sided MD and moderately severe to complete sensorineural hearing loss. Methods: In this retrospective study, 10 patients with single-sided MD and moderately severe to complete sensorineural hearing loss were included. In all of them, a single-staged surgery, which consisted of CI, endolymphatic sac surgery, and occlusion of the lateral semicircular canal, was performed. The surgery was performed after a failed conservative therapy trial. The clinical outcome was evaluated by the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and audiological tests. These were assessed preoperatively, 3 and 6 months after surgery. An MRI with a hydrops sequence was performed to support the clinical diagnosis. Results: After the combined surgery, the mean DHI testing improved significantly from 71 to 30. Mean audiological monosyllabic speech testing outcome with the cochlea implant was 65% at 65 dB. The residual hearing of 2 patients could be preserved after the surgical procedure. Conclusion: The combination of occlusion of the lateral semicircular canal, endolymphatic sac surgery, and CI is an efficient low traumatic treatment for patients with a single-sided MD and moderately severe to complete sensorineural hearing loss.

Percutaneous Tenotomy for Chronic Tennis Elbow: A Minimally Invasive Technique with Better Outcomes - A Case Series.

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis elbow) is a self-limiting disease of indeterminate pathogenesis. Conservative therapy is the treatment of choice. In chronic tennis elbow with failure of conservative therapy; surgical treatment is a method of choice. Percutaneous tenotomy of extensor origin for patients with chronic tennis elbow is a minimally invasive technique with better long-term outcomes. Ten patients (six males, four females) presented with chronic tennis elbow, who did not respond to conservative treatment/non-surgical intervention for more than 6 months underwent percutaneous tenotomy in an outpatient setting. Two patients were lost to follow-up at 2 months' post-operative. The remaining eight patients were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 3 years and assessed using the numerical rating scale, disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire ,and Oxford elbow score. These scores had a statistically significant difference in baseline to 3-year follow-up values (P < 0.05). No adverse outcomes, recurrence of symptoms, and signs of lateral epicondylitis elbow were noted and none required open surgical release. Percutaneous tenotomy, a minimally invasive technique is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for chronic tennis elbow and gives good pain relief and functional recovery.

The role of irrigation fluid in transurethral resection of the prostate outcomes and surgeon performance.

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the gold-standard for the treatment of benign prostate enlargement (BPE) associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), after failure of conservative therapy. At present, only resection-rate (grams of prostate resected over time) is regarded as an efficiency parameter to evaluate the skill of the operator and to assess the outcome of the procedure. Five surgeons performed TURP using a Gyrus-type bipolar system in 123 patients with BPE/LUTS who came to our observation from June 2016 to December 2019. The amount of irrigation fluid used during the procedure was registered and correlated to the operating time, resection-rate, prostate adenoma weight, post-operative bladder irrigation time, intraoperative bleeding and days of catheterization. We found an inverse correlation between the amount of irrigation fluid used during TURP and the resection-rate recorded for all operators, according to Spearman's Correlation (r = -0.78, p = 0.002); a direct correlation was also found between the amount of irrigation fluid and the adenoma weight. Finally, we also found a direct correlation with intraoperative bleeding and the duration and amount of bladder irrigation during and after TURP. The amount of irrigation fluid used is proposed as a reliable parameter to estimate the efficiency of the endoscopic procedure as well to assess the skill of the operator and shortterm results. The observed data encourage the possibility of applying this new efficiency indicator to all endoscopic maneuvers.

Efficiency of Direct Transcutaneous Electroneurostimulation of the Median Nerve in the Regression of Residual Neurological Symptoms after Carpal Tunnel Decompression Surgery.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most frequent entrapment neuropathy. CTS therapy includes wrist immobilization, kinesiotherapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, carpal tunnel steroid injection, acupuncture, and physical therapy. Carpal tunnel decompression surgery (CTDS) is recommended after failure of conservative therapy. In many cases, neurological disorders continue despite CTDS. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of direct transcutaneous electroneurostimulation (TENS) of the median nerve in the regression of residual neurological symptoms after CTDS. Material and Methods: 60 patients aged 28-62 years with persisting sensory and motor disorders after CTDS were studied; 15 patients received sham stimulation with a duration 30 min.; 15 patients received high-frequency low-amplitude TENS (HF TENS) with a duration 30 min; 15 patients received low-frequency high-amplitude TENS (LF TENS) with a duration 30 min; and 15 patients received a co-administration of HF TENS (with a duration of15 min) and LF TENS (with a duration of 15 min). Results: Our research showed that TENS significantly decreased the pain syndrome, sensory disorders, and motor deficits in the patients after CTDS. Predominantly, negative and positive sensory symptoms and the pain syndrome improved after the HF TENS course. Motor deficits, reduction of fine motor skill performance, electromyography changes, and affective responses to chronic pain syndrome regressed significantly after the LF TENS course. Co-administration of HF TENS and LF TENS was significantly more effective than use of sham stimulation, HF TENS, or LF TENS in patients with residual neurological symptoms after CTDS.

Arthroscopic Labral Repair and Pancapsular Shift With Knotless All-Suture Anchors in the Setting of Multidirectional Instability of the Shoulder

In the management of multidirectional type of shoulder instability (MDI), arthroscopic surgical stabilization is a preferred treatment option after failed conservative therapy regimens because of the ability to easily access all aspects of the capsule with one surgical procedure. As arthroscopic techniques have evolved, factors critical to postoperative success have been elucidated. Currently, optimal arthroscopic treatment of MDI involves circumferentially restoring labral integrity, a tailored, patient-specific surgical reduction of capsular volume, and adequately managing potential lesions of the biceps anchor. The purpose of this article and accompanying video is to present our technique for arthroscopic circumferential labral repair and pancapsular shift using knotless all-suture anchors in the setting of MDI with a concurrent type II SLAP lesion.

Surgical treatment of congenital muscular torticollis

Surgical treatment of congenital muscular torticollis with tripolar release of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, followed by modified postoperative treatment with aspecial orthosis. Muscular torticollis due to contracture of the sternocleidomastoid muscle; failure of conservative therapy. Torticollis due to bony anomaly or other muscular contractures. Tenotomy of the sternocleidomastoid muscle occipitally and resection of at least 1 cm of the tendon at the sternal and clavicular origin. Orthosis must be worn for 6weeks 24 h/day, then for another 6weeks 12 h/day. A total of 13patients were treated with tripolar release of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and modified postoperative management. Average follow-up time was 25.7months. One patient presented with recurrence after 3years. No intra- or postoperative complications were observed.

Approach to paediatric nasal obstruction.

Paediatric patients with nasal obstruction are frequently encountered in general practice. The differential diagnosis is distinct from that of adult nasal obstruction and necessitates more judicious use of radiological and invasive investigations. Most cases of nasal obstruction in children result from benign disease, although there is a significant quality of life impact that must be addressed with prompt diagnosis andsymptomatic management. The aim of this article is to outline the workup and management of paediatric nasal obstruction in primary care and suggest where referral to a relevant specialist is warranted. Although the differential for paediatric nasal obstruction is broad, a thorough history and physical examination yields the diagnosis in most cases. Diagnoses not to be missed include nasal foreign body, lesions suspicious for neoplasia and intracranial complications of severe rhinosinusitis. Further investigation and ear, nose and throat referral should be considered when there are surgical targets for nasal obstruction, red flag signs or symptoms or failure of conservative therapy.

EP-565 Four different causes of bowel obstruction in single patient – case report and review of management of small bowel obstruction

Abstract Introduction The most common causes of Small bowel obstruction (SBO) in adults are adhesions, hernias, cancer, Crohn's, Diverticulitis, volvulus, etc; in children, intussusception. Overall mortality is 10%, increasing to 30% with complications. Urgent investigation, aggressive medical management and appropriate timely surgery are key to successful outcome. Aim We present a patient with 4 causes of bowel obstruction due to a single pathology, to highlight different causes and management of SBO with the aim of improving patient outcomes. Case presentation A 55 year old lady presented with SBO, and mass RIF. CT demonstrated subacute SBO. Four causes of obstruction were found at laparotomy 1. intraluminal lesion proximal jejunum 2. intussuscepting ileal lesion 3. terminal - ileal lesion perforated /adherent to pelvic side wall, and 4. RIF mass lesion from ascending colon. Right hemicolectomy + terminal ileal resection (lesions 2, 3, 4) and jejunal resection-anastomosis (lesion 1) were performed. She made a good post- operative recovery. Histology found the morphological appearances and immunoprofile were soft tissue sarcoma arising in the GIT: gastrointestinal clear cell sarcoma/ malignant gastrointestinal neuroectodermal tumour. She is under review with the specialist regional sarcoma team. Conclusion There are over 22 000 admissions for bowel obstruction in England/Wales each year; 6.4% result in death within 90 days. Depending on the cause, SBO may resolve with medical therapy but timely surgery is needed for total obstruction, complications such as bowel perforation, ischaemia, or failure of conservative therapy. Our case report highlights the importance of urgent investigations and appropriate management of SBO.

Options in the treatment of superficial and deep venous disease in patients with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome

ObjectiveKlippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is a congenital mixed mesenchymal malformation syndrome that includes varicose veins, capillary and venous malformations, lymphatic abnormalities, and hypertrophy of various connective tissue elements. The purpose of the present study was to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes in a subset of patients with KTS in whom venous interventions, including iliofemoral venous stenting, were performed after failure of conservative therapy. MethodsA single-center retrospective data review of 34 patients with KTS who had undergone interventions for venous disease between January 2000 and December 2020 was performed. ResultsTheir mean age was 38.4 ± 17.5 years (range, 12-80 years). No gender predilection was found. Of the 34 patients, 61% had had all three features of the classic triad for KTS. Varicose veins were present in all 34 patients (100%), and 30% had had a history of bleeding varicosities. Most patients (79%) had CEAP (Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology) class ≥C4. Of the 34 patients, 30% had a history of deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism. Factor VIII elevation was the most common thrombophilia condition (12%). The venous filling index was elevated at baseline (5.9 ± 5.1 mL/s) and did not normalize despite intervention (3.5 ± 2.3 mL/s; P = .04). The superficial venous interventions (n = 35) included endovenous laser therapy; stripping of the great saphenous vein, small saphenous vein, anterior thigh vein, or marginal vein; ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy; and stab avulsion of varicose veins. One coil embolization of a perforator vein was performed. Deep interventions (n = 19) included endovenous stenting (n = 15), popliteal vein release (n = 3), and valvuloplasty (n = 1). The venous clinical severity score had improved from 9.4 ± 4.5 to 6.2 ± 5.6 (P = .04). The visual analog scale for pain score had improved from 5.5 ± 2.7 to 2.5 ± 3.3 (P = .008). Healing of ulceration was noted in 75% of the patients. Significant improvements in the total pain (P = .04) and total psychological (P = .03) domains were noted in the 20-item chronic venous disease quality of life questionnaire. ConclusionsSuperficial and deep venous interventions are safe and effective in patients with KTS when conservative therapy has failed. Iliofemoral venous stenting is a newer option that should be considered in the treatment of chronic deep venous obstructive disease in patients with KTS in the appropriate clinical context. An aggressive perioperative deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis protocol should be in place to reduce thromboembolic complications in these patients.

Outcomes with culture-directed antibiotics following microvascular free tissue reconstruction for osteonecrosis of the jaw

ObjectivesRadiation (ORNJ) and bisphosphonate-related (BRONJ) osteonecrosis of the jaw represent challenging entities to treat, with many patients requiring segmental resection and reconstruction with microvascular free tissue transfer (MFTT) in the setting of failed conservative therapy. Microvascular reconstruction is associated with higher post-operative complication rates when performed for advanced osteonecrosis versus oncologic defects. We hypothesize that basing antibiotic therapy on cultures obtained from the healthy bone marrow following resection during MFTT for ORNJ or BRONJ reduces rates of post-operative wound and surgical complications. Materials and methodsIn a retrospective cohort study spanning January 2016 to October 2018, 44 patients undergoing MFTT for ORNJ or BRONJ were identified. Patients were categorized into two cohorts: residual healthy marrow culture (n = 11; RHM), treated with antibiotics guided by cultures from healthy appearing mandible, and all others (n = 33; AO), treated with antibiotics guided by cultures from resected necrotic bone or purulent drainage. Patient, reconstruction, and outcome variables were compared via appropriate statistical tools. Results81.8% of the RHM cohort versus 24.2% of the AO cohort received long-term IV antibiotics. Rates of post-operative wound complications, including those necessitating operative management, were significantly lower in the RHM cohort. Rates of flap failure were similar across both groups. ConclusionAdministration of long-term IV antibiotics directed by native mandible cultures may decrease complication rates following MFTT for ORNJ or BRONJ by treating residual, smoldering infection. Concurrently, transplantation of well-vascularized free tissue likely improves antibiotic delivery. Findings are crucial for the development of a standardized treatment algorithm following microvascular reconstruction for advanced osteonecrosis.

Conservative treatment of acute traumatic posterior shoulder dislocations (Type A) is a viable option especially in patients with centred joint, low gamma angle, and middle or old age

PurposePurpose of this study was to evaluate the mid- to long-term outcome after conservatively treated first-time posterior shoulder dislocations and to determine structural defects associated with failure.MethodsIn this multi-centric retrospective study, 29 shoulders in 28 patients with first-time acute posterior shoulder dislocation (Type A1 or A2 according to the ABC classification) and available cross-sectional imaging were included. Outcome scores as well as radiological and magnetic resonance imaging were obtained at a mean follow-up of 8.3 ± 2.7 years (minimum: 5 years). The association of structural defects with redislocation, need for secondary surgery, and inferior clinical outcomes were analysed.ResultsRedislocation occurred in six (21%) shoulders and nine shoulders (31%) underwent secondary surgery due to persistent symptoms. The posttraumatic posterior glenohumeral subluxation was higher in the redislocation group compared to the no redislocation group; however, statistical significance was not reached (61.9 ± 12.5% vs. 50.6 ± 6.4%). Furthermore, a higher adapted gamma angle was observed in the failed conservative treatment group versus the conservative treatment group, similarly without statistically significant difference (97.8° ± 7.2°, vs. 93.3° ± 9.7°). The adapted gamma angle was higher than 90° in all patients of failed conservative therapy and the redislocation group. An older age at the time of dislocation showed a significant correlation with better clinical outcomes (SSV: r = 0.543, p = 0.02; ROWE: r = 0.418, p = 0.035 and WOSI: r = 0.478, p = 0.045). Posterior glenohumeral subluxation after trauma correlated with a worse WOSI (r = − 0.59, p = 0.02) and follow-up posterior glenohumeral decentring (r = 0.68, p = 0.007). The gamma angle (r = 0.396, p = 0.039) and depth of the reverse Hill–Sachs lesion (r = 0.437, p = 0.023) correlated significantly with the grade of osteoarthritis at follow-up.ConclusionConservative treatment is a viable option in patients with an acute traumatic posterior shoulder dislocation with good outcome after mid- and long-term follow-up especially in patients with centred joint, low gamma angle, and middle or old age.Level of evidenceIV.

Clinical and Radiological Results after Use of A Human Bone Graft (Shark Screw®) in TMT II/+II Arthrodesis

Category:Basic Sciences/Biologics; Midfoot/Forefoot; TraumaIntroduction/Purpose:The tarsometatarsal joints, also called Lisfranc-joints, are the joints between the midfoot bones and the tarsal bones. The continuous arthrotic destruction of the tarsometatarsal joints leads to pain and foot deformities. The therapy of choice after failure of conservative therapy is arthrodesis. For this operation there is the possibility of using a transplant screw made of allogenic human bone material (Shark Screw), instead of conventional metal implants. This study investigates the clinical significance and radiological integration of the allogenic bone screw for arthrodesis of the tarsometatarsal joints II/+III.Methods:This is a retrospective study involving 20 feet of 17 patients who received TMT II/+III arthrodesis with an allogenic bone screw (Shark Screw) at Speising Orthopedic Hospital in Vienna, Austria. VAS, FFI, FAOS, and AOFAS were used as measures to compare preoperative and postoperative results. Radiologic integration in the recipient bone was also evaluated.Results:Comparing preoperative with the postoperative score of 20 feet from 17 patients, a significant reduction of the VAS (pain) from 7,6 points to 1,4 points (p=<0,001)), as well as a decrease of the VAS (function) from 7,25 points to 1,8 points has been observed. Further, a significant reduction of the FFI from 62,3% to 16,7% (p=<0,001), and a significant increase from 29,7 points to 79,9 points of the AOFAS (p=<0,001) was detected. Analyzing the FAOS score, there was a significant (p=<0,001) increase of all subscales (Symptoms, Pain, Function and Quality of life). Moreover, in all cases a good radiological integration into the recieverbone was noticed. As a result the screw was, after a follow-up time from 12 months, no longer distinguishable from the original bone.Conclusion:These results demonstrated that the human bone screw used for TMT II/+III arthrodesis has a good outcome and reliable clinical significance. This study may be used for further investigations that should be performed to ensure this result.

P-EGS16 Lemmel Syndrome due to Duodenal Diverticulitis, an Infrequent Cause of Biliary Obstruction

Abstract Background Lemmel syndrome, first described in 1934, is the presence of biliary obstruction as a consequence of duodenal diverticula. The precise aetiology remains uncertain. Multiple causative theories have been proposed. These include mechanical biliopancreatic duct occlusion, functional disruption of the sphincter of Oddi and alteration of the course of the distal biliary and pancreatic ducts. We present a case of biliary obstruction caused by diverticulitis of a solitary duodenal diverticulum. Methods A 71-year-old woman with no co-morbidities presented with early satiety, cachexia and upper abdominal pain. An epigastric mass was palpable, alkaline phosphatase was 247 iu/L, alanine transaminase 124iu/L, bilirubin 4umol/L and C-reactive protein 68mg/L. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis revealed obstructed biliary tree with D2 duodenal diverticulitis. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) displayed a causative enterolith. Treatment with antibiotics was initiated and the patient commenced on liquid diet. Liver function tests and inflammatory markers normalised. After a seven day admission patient was discharged and oral intake normalised. Interval MRCP revealed resolution of obstruction and inflammation. Results Duodenal diverticula occur in 1-20% of individuals. Complications are symptoms are uncommon. Diverticulitis is a rare complication. Malignancy and cholelithiasis should be excluded in diagnostic workup. The mainstay of therapy for duodenal diverticulitis is conservative. CT and MRCP are effective diagnostic tools. Diverticulectomy carries substantial risk of morbidity and mortality. Endoscopic sphincterotomy or lavage have a role in relief of biliary obstruction when present. Comparative prospective studies of management do not exist and retrospective enquiry is sparse. Management is thereby best determined clinically on a case by case basis. Surgery is reserved for failed conservative and medical therapy. Conclusions Duodenal diverticulitis should be considered in patients with unexplained upper abdominal pain and elevated inflammatory markers. In combination with obstructive jaundice, suspicions should be raised for acute inflammation causing obstruction to the biliary tree. Cross sectional imaging is useful in determining the diagnosis. Antibiotics and conservative therapy are prudent first line management in the absence of perforation. Where these measures are inadequate endoscopic and operative strategies may be employed but have no robust evidence basis.

AIR WHERE IT SHOULDN'T BE

TOPIC: Critical Care TYPE: Medical Student/Resident Case Reports INTRODUCTION: Emphysematous cystitis is a relatively rare and potentially fatal disease characterized by gas in the bladder primarily observed in diabetic middle aged women. Clinical symptoms are nonspecific and diagnostic clues arise from unanticipated imaging findings. Herein, we present a case of emphysematous cystitis in the setting of immunosuppressive medication. CASE PRESENTATION: Patient is a 69 year old female with a history of rheumatoid arthritis( on hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide and chronic prednisone) and diabetes who presented to the ICU with multiple episodes of abdominal pain, found to be in septic shock requiring aggressive hydration, vasopressors and mechanical ventilation. Imaging of the abdomen showed emphysematous cystitis with labs significant for leukopenia. Remaining blood work and imagining were benign. Patient was treated with broad spectrum antibiotics and foley catheter for bladder decompression. During hospital course, patient symptomatically improved and was able to be discharged on oral antibiotics to complete 14 day course. DISCUSSION: Emphysematous cystitis is a rare entity characterized by pockets of gas in and around the bladder wall produced by bacterial or fungal fermentation. Presentations can vary, from an incidental diagnosis in asymptomatic patients on imaging to severe sepsis. The prevalence of this disease is unknown however patients with severe diabetes, obstructive uropathy, immunodeficiency, recurrent UTIs are at high risk. About 2/3rd of infections are caused by E. coli while the remaining 1/3rd are caused by Enterobacter, Clostridium, Klebsiella species. CT is required for a definitive diagnosis. Most patients can be treated successfully with antibiotics, bladder drainage and treatment of the predisposing condition. IV antibiotics such as fluoroquinolones and beta-lactams are appropriate in these cases. In our case, patient was started on cefepime and metronidazole which was transitioned to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole on discharge. A review of 135 reported cases found that 10% required surgical intervention, typically for necrotizing infection or failure of conservative therapy. The overall mortality rate is up to 10% for this condition. Delay in diagnosis could lead to septicemia, peritonitis and bladder rupture. CONCLUSIONS: Although emphysematous cystitis is potentially life threatening, early medical management can contribute to achieving a favorable prognosis without need for surgical intervention. In susceptible populations, prompt recognition and treatment is required. REFERENCE #1: Fumeo M, Manfredi S, Volta A. Emphysematous cystitis: review of current literature, diagnosis and management challenges. Vet Med (Auckl). 2019;10:77-83 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Rahul Bollam, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Florencio Mamauag, source=Web Response

Genicular Artery Embolization for the Treatment of Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis.

Background:Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a novel therapy to treat patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) by reducing synovial arterial hypervascularity. This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of GAE for the treatment of symptomatic knee OA.Methods:A prospective, single-center, open-label U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved investigational device exemption study was conducted. Patients enrolled in the study were 40 to 80 years old, with moderate or severe knee OA (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2, 3, or 4), who previously had failure of conservative therapy. Baseline pain (visual analog scale [VAS]) and symptom scores (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC]) were assessed. After femoral arterial access was achieved, GAE of 1, 2, or 3 genicular arteries supplying the location of the subject’s pain, as determined by digital subtraction angiography and cone-beam computed tomography, was performed using 100-μm particles. Adverse events and symptoms scores were assessed at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after GAE.Results:Over a 10-month period, 40 subjects were enrolled. The median age was 69 years (range, 49 to 80 years). The median body mass index was 29 kg/m2 (range, 19 to 44 kg/m2). Knee OA severity was grade 2 in 18% of the patients, grade 3 in 43%, and grade 4 in 40%. Technical success was achieved in 100% of the subjects. Transient skin discoloration and transient mild knee pain after the procedure were common and expected. Treatment-related adverse events included a groin hematoma requiring overnight observation in 1 subject, self-resolving focal skin ulceration in 7 subjects, and an asymptomatic small bone infarct on magnetic resonance imaging at 3 months in 2 subjects. The WOMAC total and VAS pain scores decreased by 61% and 67% at 12 months from a median baseline of 52 (of 96) and 8 (of 10), respectively. Twenty-seven patients (68%) had a reduction of ≥50% in both WOMAC total and VAS pain scores.Conclusions:This prospective trial demonstrates that GAE is effective and durable in reducing pain symptoms from moderate or severe knee OA that is refractory to other conservative therapy, with an acceptable safety profile.Level of Evidence:Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

External Sphincter Injection of Onabotulinum-A Toxin in Treatment of Children with Bladder- Sphincteric Dyssynergia

Abstract Background: The first application of Onabotulinum-A Toxin in urology was its injection into the urinary sphincter to treat neurogenic detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia in quadri-plegic men. Since that first report by Dyskatra et al., in 1988, the results of focal Onabotulinum-A Toxininjections into the sphincter, the bladder wall and lately into the prostate have raised the interest of the urology community in this promising new therapeutic modality. This is an evidence-based review of the current indications, techniques and outcomes of Ona-botulinum-A Toxin injections into the urethral sphincter. Aim of Study: We evaluated the effect of detrusor injection of onabotulinum-A toxin into the urethral urinary sphincter in children with bladder-external sphincter dyssynergia to decrease urethral resistance and improve voiding. Material and Methods: Prospective treatment was per-formed in 25 children 4 to 15 years old (mean age 7) with bladder-neck dyssynergia using onabotulinum-A toxin. Pre-operatively all children were evaluated by ultrasound, voiding cystourethrography, excretory urography, magnetic resonance imaging and urodynamic studies, including pressure flow, electromyography and uroflowmetry. Using a rigid pediatric endoscope and a 4Fr injection needle 50 to 100 IU onabotu-linum-A toxin was injected into the external sphincter at the 5 and 7 o'clock positions. Follow-up was 6 to 15 months. Repeat injections every 6 months were given according to the response with a maximum of 3 injections. Results: Immediately after onabotulinum-A toxin injection all except 1 patient were able to void without catheterization. No acute complications occurred. Postoperatively post-void residual urine decreased by 30%, detrusor leak point pressure decreased significantly by a mean ± SD of 66±18 vs 37±4cm H2O and uroflowmetry showed a marked increase in maximum urine flow of 7±2 vs 17.3±8ml per second. Conclusions: Urethral sphincter onabotulinum-A toxin injection could be considered a reliable treatment modality in children with nonneurogenic neurogenic bladder after the failure of conservative therapy.

Abnormal Intracranial Pulse Pressure Amplitude Despite Normalized Static Intracranial Pressure in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Refractory to Conservative Medical Therapy.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) incorporates symptoms and signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and is diagnosed by increased lumbar cerebrospinal fluid pressure. However, our knowledge about the characteristics of ICP abnormality, e.g., changes in pulsatile versus static ICP, remains scarce. This study questioned how overnight pulsatile ICP (mean ICP wave amplitude, MWA) associates with static ICP (mean ICP) in IIH patients who were refractory to conservative medical treatment. The material included 80 consecutive IIH patients undergoing ICP monitoring prior to shunt, as part of work-up for failed conservative medical therapy. In this group, the overnight mean ICP was normalized in 52/80 patients, but with abnormal overnight MWA in 45 of the 52 patients. Even though there was a positive correlation between MWA and mean ICP at group level and within individual ICP recordings, the levels of MWA were abnormal in a high proportion of patients despite normalized mean ICP. Taken together, the present results disclosed lasting abnormal pulsatile ICP despite normalized static ICP in IIH patients refractory to conservative medical therapy, which may reflect the underlying pathophysiology. It is tentatively suggested that abnormal pulsatile ICP in IIH may reflect alterations at the glia–neurovascular interface, resulting in impaired astrocytic pulsation absorber mechanisms.

Ilio-femoral venous thrombosis with hereditary antithrombin deficiency: a case report of rare thrombotic disease and successful treatment with catheter directed thrombolysis

BackgroundHereditary antithrombin (AT) deficiency is an uncommon autosomal dominant thrombogenic disorder, which can cause venous thromboembolism (VTE). Although conservative treatment options for hereditary AT deficiency-associated VTE such as anticoagulation (warfarin, direct oral anticoagulant, or heparin), intravenous thrombolysis, and recombinant AT are well known, interventional treatment options have not been reported so far.Case summaryA 19-year-old man with a family history of thrombogenic diseases, referred to our hospital with left leg pain, was diagnosed with AT deficiency-associated VTE. In the absence of symptomatic relief with intravenous thrombolysis and anticoagulation, he received venous intervention and catheter directed thrombolysis (CDT) for 4 days for left iliac venous thrombosis. Following a second venous intervention, venous thrombus disappeared almost entirely on cross-sectional imaging, and his symptoms improved. He was discharged on apixaban and has been recurrence-free for one and a half years.DiscussionThis case presents CDT and maintenance therapy with apixaban as possible treatment options for VTE in patients with hereditary AT deficiency, especially following failure of conservative therapy. Individual risks and benefits should be considered when CDT is performed for acute VTE in patients with AT deficiency.