Long-segment Stenosis Research Articles

Virtues of routine suprahyoid release during tracheal resection and anastomosis in patients with post intubation stenosis.

Postintubation tracheal stenosis is the most common cause of benign tracheal stenosis. Surgical treatment is more challenging in long-segment stenosis. Suprahyoid release can increase tracheal length resected without anastomotic tension in patients with post-intubation tracheal stenosis. Its effect on swallowing has not been objectively studied and this article aims to explore its virtues and potential complications in a tertiary center for airway surgery. A prospective cohort study was conducted on forty consecutive patients from June 2020 till December 2023. Patients of both genders had tracheal resection anastomosis surgery with routine suprahyoid muscle release for resected tracheal segment of more than 2.5 cm in length aiming to decrease the anastomotic tension. Within two weeks postoperatively, a video naso-laryngoscope was done on all the patients to detect any vocal cord disorders, then they were examined by video fluoroscopy swallowing study VFSS to detect swallowing problems. Follow up was done for 6 months postoperatively. 40 patients were studied. Twenty-five patients (62.5%) were males. 21 patients (52.5%) had a cricotracheal resection. VFSS was performed on 38 patients (two patients excluded for serious morbidity). Six (15.7%) and four (10.5%) patients had residual semisolid and solid food in the vallecula and pyriform fossa respectively during swallowing. Five patients (13%) out of eight patients with abnormal VFSS had aspiration and dysphagia. Video nasolaryngoscopy was done pre- and post-operatively and showed that 7 patients (17.5%) had unilateral vocal cord paralysis, two of them had the same lesion preoperatively. Two patients developed postoperative anastomotic complications. All symptoms of dysphagia improved within 3 weeks of the procedure and improvement persisted for 6 months. Suprahyoid muscle release had a considerable reversible drawback on the process of swallowing. Its routine use in high-risk patients requiring long segment tracheal resections could be considered.

Successful case report of congenital long-segment complex tracheal stenosis treated with sliding tracheoplasty associated with pulmonary artery vascular ring

BackgroundCongenital tracheal stenosis is a rare structural obstructive disorder affecting a segment of the trachea. It is often caused by complete or nearly complete cartilaginous rings narrowing the airway. Approximately 50% of cases are associated with abnormal left pulmonary artery rings.Case presentationWe present the case of a 4-month-old female infant with complex congenital tracheal stenosis associated with a left pulmonary artery vascular ring and congenital heart disease. The patient underwent successful surgical intervention involving repair of the congenital heart defect and reimplantation of the pulmonary artery, followed by sliding tracheoplasty in one surgery procedure. Postoperative outcomes were favorable, with successful extubating and resolution of respiratory symptoms.ConclusionsSliding tracheoplasty proved an effective treatment option in this complex case, highlighting its reproducibility and favorable outcomes in managing congenital tracheal stenosis.

Adventitia Layer-Focused Microsurgical Flow Reconstruction for Long-Segment Tubular Stenosis of the Cervical Segment (C1) Internal Carotid Artery: Clinical Valuable Experience in 20 Cases.

To evaluate the efficacy of perivascular sympathectomy in managing adventitia layer-related long-segment tubular stenosis of cervical segment (C1) internal carotid arteries (ICAs) in a cohort where conventional medical and endovascular interventions were not viable options, we retrospectively analyzed 20 patients (8 males, 12 females, aged 41-63 years) who underwent perivascular sympathectomy for long-segment (>5 cm) tubular cervical ICA stenosis (non-atherosclerotic, non-intima related, and nondolichoarteriopathic) between 2017 and 2023. The procedure aimed to alleviate symptoms such as hemiparesis, pulsatile tinnitus, and migraines associated with transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). Preoperative and postoperative symptoms were assessed, and patient follow-up was conducted by MR angiography and perfusion studies. Postoperatively, 10 out of 11 migraine sufferers (90.9%) reported complete cessation of symptoms, while one patient (9.09%) experienced reduction in frequency and intensity. In cases of tinnitus, six out of nine patients (66.6%) reported complete resolution, two (22.2%) had reduced symptoms, and one (11.1%) saw no change. Regarding motor function, all 12 patients (100%) with initial hemiparesis (30-40% loss of motor function) showed complete recovery postoperatively. There was no TIA attack among the patients after the procedure in the mean two-year follow-up. Perivascular sympathectomy has shown promising results in alleviating symptoms and preventing recurrent cerebrovascular events in long-segment tubular stenosis of cervical ICAs.

Tracheal Tissue Engineering: Principles and State of the Art.

Patients affected by long-segment tracheal defects or stenoses represent an unsolved surgical issue, since they cannot be treated with the conventional surgery of tracheal resection and consequent anastomosis. Hence, different strategies for tracheal replacement have been proposed (synthetic materials, aortic allografts, transplantation, autologous tissue composites, and tissue engineering), each with advantages and drawbacks. Tracheal tissue engineering, on the other hand, aims at recreating a fully functional tracheal substitute, without the need for the patient to receive lifelong immunosuppression or endotracheal stents. Tissue engineering approaches involve the use of a scaffold, stem cells, and humoral signals. This paper reviews the main aspects of tracheal TE, starting from the choice of the scaffold to the type of stem cells that can be used to seed the scaffold, the methods for their culture and expansion, the issue of graft revascularization at the moment of in vivo implantation, and experimental models of tracheal research. Moreover, a critical insight on the state of the art of tracheal tissue engineering is also presented.

Chronic abdominal aortic occlusive disease related to antiphospholipid syndrome: a rare presentation

ObjectiveChronic abdominal aortic occlusive disease (CAAOD) is an uncommon manifestation of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), impacting cardiovascular health and peripheral arterial circulation. We investigated CAAOD in antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL)-positive patients, aimed...

Pitfalls in Carotid Doppler Interpretation and How to Avoid Them.

Imaging pitfalls commonly occur in carotid Doppler ultrasound and may lead to false positive diagnosis of stenosis, missed diagnosis of stenosis, and errors in grading stenosis severity. These pitfalls may result from suboptimal technique and/or patient-specific factors including coexisting cardiovascular pathology, contralateral high-grade stenosis/occlusion, tortuous vessels, tandem lesions, long-segment stenosis, nearly occlusive stenosis, and heavily calcified plaque. Awareness of these pitfalls and careful assessment of the extent of plaque on grayscale and color Doppler as well as analysis of the spectral Doppler waveforms can help avoid misinterpretation of the carotid Doppler examination.

A144 BLACK ESOPHAGUS: A PEDIATRIC PRESENTATION OF ACUTE ESOPHAGEAL NECROSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF ITS COMPLICATIONS

Abstract Background Acute esophageal necrosis (AEN), or "Black Esophagus", is a rare diagnosis in children with adult literature citing high mortality. We present a pediatric case of this unusual condition. Purpose To report the rare presentation of AEN in a child and the response to intensive endoscopic management. Method Chart and literature review of AEN presentation and management. Result(s) A 13-year-old male who presented with a one-day history of severe chest pain, worsened with swallowing, followed by coffee ground emesis. No caustic ingestion. A nasogastric (NG) tube was placed and 2L of coffee-ground aspirate drained. The patient was an ex-preterm infant (25 weeks) who presented at age 2 years with an antral ulcer that developed into an antral stricture. This resolved with successive endoscopic dilatation with no recurrence after 5 years, off acid suppression. Physical exam showed BMI 99th %ile and palpated epigastric tenderness. CT-angiogram showed diffuse circumferential thickening of the esophagus and impressive gastric dilatation. A contrast study showed stasis of contrast in the esophageal lumen. Upper endoscopy revealed a thick, white membrane followed by circumferential black mucosa in the mid to distal esophagus. Previous antral stricture was noted with easy scope passage. Biopsies were negative for fungus, bacteria, HSV, CMV and parvovirus. Inflammatory infiltrate (mainly neutrophils and scattered histocytes with occasional lymphocytes) was noted in the esophagus. Necrotic tissue was identified and a diagnosis of AEN was made. The patient remained NPO, on TPN, and morphine was used for pain control. He responded well to this, along with high dose PPI. He tolerated clear fluids and oral sucralfate. Repeat scope one week later showed resolved necrosis with remaining oedematous white plaques and an unchanged antral stricture. 10 days later he developed severe dysphagia and a 15.5 cm long 6 mm diameter distal esophageal stricture was identified. This was managed by serial balloon dilatations. Due to frequent need for dilatations, endoscopic triamcinolone injections were used in several procedures as an adjunct therapy. A total of 80 mg of triamcinolone per session was injected along the length of the stricture in 4 aliquots in five out of nine endoscopic dilations in the last seven months. The most recent procedure successfully dilated the esophagus to 18mm. Currently, the patient is now tolerating a soft oral diet and remains on PPI therapy. Image Conclusion(s) AEN is very rare in children with no literature describing the endoscopic management of AEN related stenotic complications. We report the case of this unique presentation in a teenager, resulting in severe, long-segment esophageal stenosis. Intensive endoscopic therapeutic management has resulted in a positive clinical outcome allowing oral nutrition without any stenting or surgical interventions. Early recognition and active endoscopic management likely contributed to the positive outcome. Please acknowledge all funding agencies by checking the applicable boxes below None Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Simultaneous Stenting With Edwards SAPIEN Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement.

Prestenting of the landing zone for transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) with a balloon-expandable valve can dilate a stenotic right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), prevent paravalvar leak (PVL), and protect against conduit tear. Simultaneous stenting (SS) with the Melody valve has been described, but to our knowledge, SS with a SAPIEN valve has not been reported. We report our experience with this novel technique. A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent TPVR at Rady Children's hospital and UCSD Medical Center was performed. Patients were included if they had underwent SAPIEN TPVR with SS. Rationale for stent choice was a bare metal stent to relieve long-segment stenosis and covered stents to prevent PVL or to protect against conduit tear. A total of 17 cases were identified. The majority of RVOTs were transannular patches (n = 9, 56%), with a minimum diameter of 19.6 ± 5.2 mm, and the most common valve placed was an Edwards SAPIEN 26.0 mm (n = 10, 59%). All SAPIEN valves placed were of the S3 generation. The procedure was successful in all patients, with no conduit tears. Minor complications occurred in 3 patients (17.6%). Simultaneous stent deployment with a SAPIEN TPVR is an alternative 1-step technique for patients who require prestenting. SS simplifies the procedure, has low complication rates, and offers the benefits of a longer landing zone and decreased PVL.

Imaging Characteristics and Reintervention in Patients after Radiation Induced Carotid Artery Stenting

To evaluate and describe the radiographic imaging findings in a series of patients who underwent reintervention after radiation induced carotid artery stenting (RICAS). A retrospective review of patients with prior RICAS and subsequent reintervention. We describe 10 patients including 8 male and 2 female patients with 12 reinterventions due to prior diagnosed radiation-induced carotid artery stenosis and subsequent stenting during the period 2000-2019. The rate of reintervention was found to be 10%. The pattern of stenosis is unique to this patient population including specifically long-segment stenosis, proximal and distal to the stent location, which tends not to occur in the atherosclerotic patient population. Careful surveillance after RICAS is necessary to assess for the risk and the unusual pattern of stenosis to offer reintervention in this high-risk patient population.

Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty of Dysfunctional Hemodialysis Vascular Access: Can Careful Selection of Patients Improve the Outcomes?

Introduction:Our study aimed to evaluate the role of endovascular intervention in salvaging hemodialysis access in patients of end-stage renal disease with specific attention to features that may predict a poor outcome. We also evaluated the role of ultrasonography (USG) in the management of these patients.Methods:Forty-two patients with dysfunctional hemodialysis arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) were taken up for percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) with or without stent placement. All patients underwent a pre- and postprocedural USG Doppler to assess parameters such as mean flow, mean peak systolic velocity, and vessel diameter. Technical and clinical success rates were calculated, and characteristics causing increased failure rates (long-segment and multisite stenosis and diabetes) were noted.Results:The most common sites of stenosis were the anastomotic and perianastomotic sites (n = 27, 63%) on the venous side followed by distal venous drainage site (23%) and central venous stenosis (14%). The technical and clinical success rates were 98% and 92%, respectively. Three- and 6-month patency rates were 83% and 71%, respectively. Common characteristics in patients with failure (primary or secondary) were diabetes, increased age, increased length of stenosis (>2cm) and multisite stenosis. USG Doppler parameters showed a significant improvement post-PTA (P < 0.001) indicating clinical success. No major complication was noted in our study.Conclusion:PTA is successful for dysfunctional hemodialysis access. Careful selection of patients can improve the success rates and decrease economic burden in a resource-constrained country like ours. USG Doppler is essential in the assessment of iatrogenic hemodialysis AVFs.

Endovascular Venous Stenosis and Thrombosis Large Animal Model: Angiographic, Histological, and Biomechanical Characterizations

PurposeTo characterize an ovine endovascular radiofrequency (RF) ablation-based venous stenosis and thrombosis model for studying venous biomechanics and response to intervention. Materials and MethodsUnilateral short-segment (n = 2) or long-segment (n = 6) iliac vein stenoses were created in 8 adult sheep using an endovenous RF ablation technique. Angiographic assessment was performed at baseline, immediately after venous stenosis creation, and after 2-week (n = 6) or 3-month (n = 2) survival. Stenosed iliac veins and the contralateral healthy controls were harvested for histological and biomechanical assessment. ResultsAt follow-up, the short-segment RF ablation group showed stable stenosis without occlusion. The long-segment group showed complete venous occlusion/thrombosis with the formation of collateral veins. Stenosed veins showed significant wall thickening (0.28 vs 0.16 mm, P = .0175) and confluent collagen deposition compared with the healthy controls. Subacute nonadherent thrombi were apparent at 2 weeks, which were replaced by fibrous luminal obliteration with channels of recanalization at 3 months. Stenosed veins demonstrated increased longitudinal stiffness (448.5 ± 5.4 vs 314.6 ± 1.5 kPa, P < .0001) and decreased circumferential stiffness (140.8 ± 2.6 vs 246.0 ± 1.6 kPa, P < .0001) compared with the healthy controls. ConclusionEndovenous RF ablation is a reliable technique for creating venous stenosis and thrombosis in a large animal model with histological and biomechanical attributes similar to those seen in humans. This platform can facilitate understanding of venous biomechanics and testing of venous-specific devices and interventions.

Aneurysmal degeneration of fluoropolymer-coated paclitaxel-eluting stent in the superficial femoral artery: a rising concern

BackgroundAlthough several clinical reports demonstrated a durable patency rate after a novel fluoropolymer-coated paclitaxel-eluting stent (Eluvia; Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA) placement, aneurysmal degeneration after drug-eluting stent (Eluvia) placement has raised clinical concerns. Here, we report a case with progressive aneurysm formation on serial angiography and intravascular ultrasound over 50 months after drug-eluting stent (Eluvia) placement for a superficial femoral artery atheromatous plaque.Case presentationA 79-year-old woman with right leg intermittent claudication at 100 m distance was referred to our hospital. Pre-procedural angiography showed long-segment severe stenosis from the middle-to-distal part of the right superficial femoral artery, and a 7 mm wide drug-eluting stent (Eluvia) was placed. However, the patient had a recurrence of intermittent claudication in the right lower extremity 25 months thereafter. Angiography revealed de novo stenosis in the distal part of the popliteal artery and proximal superficial femoral artery in-stent restenosis. Subsequently, the patient underwent endovascular therapy for these lesions. In addition, intravascular ultrasound at the time of endovascular therapy revealed femoral artery enlargement with a maximum vessel diameter of 10.0 mm at the distal edge of the stent. Intermittent claudication on the right side recurred again 50 months after drug-eluting stent (Eluvia). Angiography demonstrated de novo severe stenosis from the distal part of the superficial femoral artery to the middle part of the popliteal artery. Peri-stent contrast staining was found at the distal part of the drug-eluting stent (Eluvia) site. Intravascular ultrasound showed a further enlargement of maximum vessel diameter to 12.0 mm at the distal edge of the stent.ConclusionsWe report a case with progressive aneurysm degeneration on serial angiography and intravascular ultrasound over 50 months after drug-eluting stent (Eluvia) placement for a superficial femoral artery stenosis.

Effect of aortic stiffness versus stenosis on ventriculo-arterial interaction in an experimental model of coarctation repair.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of short- versus long-segment aortic stiffness and stenosis on ventriculo-arterial interaction in a porcine model of coarctation repair. Short-long aortic stiffness was created by transection/suture [coarctation (CoA) suture, n = 6] and stenting (stent, n = 5) of the proximal descending aorta. Short-long aortic stenosis was achieved by wrapping a prosthetic graft around the aorta to 1/3-circumference reduction, over a segment length of 1 cm (CoA suture stenosis, n = 5) and 4.5 cm (stent stenosis, n = 6). After 3 months, aortic pressure-flow haemodynamics, aortic distensibility by intravascular ultrasound and left ventricular performance by pressure-volume loops were compared to a Sham group (n = 5) at baseline and during dobutamine administration. The aortic impedance increased with 30.3 (12.6%) and 41.3 (20.9%) (P < 0.001) in CoA stenosis and stent stenosis during inotropic response. Impaired haemodynamic aortic compliance was associated with lower aortic distensibility by intravascular ultrasound, specifically in long-segment stenosis. The ventriculo-arterial coupling was disturbed in both groups with stenosis, with blunted contractile response [Sham 140.3 (19.8%), CoA suture 101.3 (14.5%), CoA suture stenosis 75.0 (8.4%), stent 115.5 (12.7%), stent stenosis 55.1 (14.6%), P < 0.001] and increased myocardial stiffness during dobutamine in the long-segment aortic stenosis group [Sham -26.0 (12.9%), CoA suture -27.5 (15.9%), CoA stenosis -9.5 (8.6%), stent -23.4 (4.8%), stent stenosis 19.9 (23.1%), P < 0.001]. This animal study on the sequelae of coarctation repair demonstrated that aortic stiffness had little effect on aortic pressure-flow characteristics in the absence of stenosis. However, the negative chronic effect of stenosis on aortic haemodynamics-especially a longer segment-leads to the rapid impairment of ventriculo-arterial interaction, which is accentuated by inotropy. Therefore, therapeutical management needs to focus on improving aortic remodelling after coarctation repair, preferably by minimizing residual stenosis, even at the cost of inducing aortic stiffness.

Advances in surgical repair of ureteral injury

Ureteral injury can be classified as iatrogenic or traumatic, which represents a rare but challenging field of reconstructive urology. Due to their close proximity to vital abdominal and pelvic organs, the ureters are highly susceptible to iatrogenic injury, while ureteral injury caused by external trauma is relatively rare. The signs of ureteric injury are difficult to identify initially and often present after a delay. The treatment of ureteral injury, which is depended on the type, location, and degree of injury, the time of diagnosis and the patient's overall clinical condition, ranges from simple endoscopic management to complex surgical reconstruction. And long defect of the ureter presents much greater challenges to urologists. Ureterotomy under endoscopy using laser or cold-knife is available for the treatment of 2-3 cm benign ureteral injuries or strictures. Pyeloplasty is an effective treatment for ureteropelvic junction obstruction and some improved methods showed the possibility of repairing long-segment (10-15 cm) stenosis. Proximal and mid-ureteral injuries or strictures of 2-3 cm long can often be managed by primary ureteroureterostomy. When not feasible due to ureteral defects of longer segment, mobilization of the kidney should be considered, and transureteroureterostomy is alternative if the proximal ureter is of sufficient length. And autotransplantation or nephrectomy is regarded as the last resorts. Most of the injuries or strictures are observed in the distal ureter, below the pelvic brim, and are usually treated with ureteroneocystostomy. A non-refluxing technique together with a ureteral nipple or submucosal tunnel method, is preferable as it minimizes vesico-ureteral reflux and the risk of infection. In order to cover a longer distance, ureteroneocystostomy in combination with a psoas hitch (covering 6-10 cm of defect) or a Boari flap (covering 12-15 cm) is often adopted. Among various ureteral replacement procedures, only intestinal ureteral substitution, which includes ileal ureter, appendiceal interposition and reconfigured colon substitution, has gained wide acceptance when urothelial tissue is insufficient. Ileal ureter can be used to replace the ureter of >15 cm defect and even to replace the entire unbilateral ureter or bilateral ureter. Laparoscopic and robotic-assisted techniques are increasingly being employed for ureteral reconstruction and adopted with encouraging results.

Treatment of urinary calculi after Yang-Monti ileal ureter reconstruction: a case report

BackgroundThe development of ureteral calculi after Yang-Monti ileal ureter reconstruction has not been reported. This study was performed to explore the safety and effectiveness of ureteroscopy combined with laser lithotripsy in the treatment of ipsilateral lower ureteral calculi and lower calyceal calculi after Yang-Monti ileal ureter reconstruction.Case presentationA 48-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with ipsilateral distal ureteral calculi and ipsilateral lower calyceal calculi. One year prior to this admission, the patient had undergone Yang-Monti ileal ureter reconstruction due to long-segment ureteral stenosis. After conservative treatment failed, we used a rigid ureteroscope with a holmium laser to break up the distal ureteral calculi, and successfully removed the renal calculi with a digital flexible ureteroscope and basket extractor.ConclusionThe successful outcome of the present case suggests that ureteroscopy combined with laser lithotripsy is a valuable option for the management of urinary calculi following Yang-Monti ileal ureter reconstruction.

Tracheal Replacement Using an In-Body Tissue-Engineered Collagenous Tube "BIOTUBE" with a Biodegradable Stent in a Beagle Model: A Preliminary Report on a New Technique.

Tracheal reconstruction for long-segment stenosis remains challenging. We investigate the usefulness of BIOTUBE, an in-body tissue-engineered collagenous tube with a biodegradable stent, as a novel tracheal scaffold in a beagle model. We prepared BIOTUBEs by embedding specially designed molds, including biodegradable stents, into subcutaneous pouches in beagles. After 2 months, the molds were filled with ingrown connective tissues and were harvested to obtain the BIOTUBEs. The BIOTUBEs, cut to 10- or 20-mm lengths, were implanted to replace the same-length defects in the cervical trachea of five beagles. Endoscopic and fluoroscopic evaluations were performed every week until the lumen became stable. The trachea, including the BIOTUBE, was harvested and subjected to histological evaluation between 3 and 7 months after implantation. One beagle died 28 days after 20-mm BIOTUBE implantation because of insufficient expansion and retention force of the stent. The remaining four beagles were implanted with a BIOTUBE reinforced by a strong stent, and all survived the observation period. Endoscopy revealed narrowing of the BIOTUBEs in all four beagles, due to an inflammatory reaction, but patency was maintained by steroid application at the implantation site and balloon dilatation against the stenosis. After 2 months, the lumen gradually became wider. Histological analyses showed that the internal surface of the BIOTUBEs was completely covered with tracheal epithelial cells. This study demonstrated the usefulness of the BIOTUBE with a biodegradable stent as a novel scaffold for tracheal regeneration.

Tubular vesicopyelostomy for the management of types 2 and 3 (long-segment) ureteric stenosis after kidney transplantation.

Late ureteral stenosis following kidney transplantation needs immediate correction in order to protect allograft function and requires a complicated surgical procedure. In this study, we present the long-term results of tubular bladder reconfiguration and cystopyelostomy (tubular vesicopyelostomy), an innovative and practical procedure for the management of long-segment ureteric stenosis (types 2 and 3) after transplantation. Between 2002 and 2017, 722 kidney transplant patients were monitored at the University of Medical Sciences, Bozyaka Organ Transplantation and Research Center. Twenty-eight of these patients underwent tubular vesicopyelostomy operation; 17 male and 11 female patients with a mean age of 45.6 ± 10.5 years. Time to surgical intervention for urinary tract obstruction was 122.5 ± 114.7 months. The mean serum creatinine values previous to and 3 days following the tubular vesicopyelostomy operation were 3.46 ± 1.5 mg/dL and 1.75 ± 0.7 mg/dL, respectively (p < 0.0001). Within a mean follow-up period of 55.1 ± 40.9 months, functional grafts were recorded in 22 patients with a mean serum creatinine value of 1.92 ± 0.8 mg/dL. Only one patient developed anastomotic stenosis after the tubular vesicopyelostomy procedure, giving an overall success rate for tubular vesicopyelostomy of 96.4%. Six patients returned to hemodialysis. In five, the underlying etiology was not related to recurrent obstruction or surgical complications. Sixteen patients underwent allograft biopsy after the operation, but features of tubulointerstitial nephritis were seen in only one. Tubular vesicopyelostomy operation is a safe and successful method for the surgical treatment of late and complicated ureteral obstructions with excellent long-term results. It may be a good, practical alternative to other more sophisticated surgical options.

Compressed-Sensing Accelerated 3-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography

The aims of this study were to prospectively evaluate image quality, duct visibility, and diagnostic performance in duct-related pathologies of compressed-sensing (CS) accelerated 3-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) prototype protocols and compare these with those of conventional 3D MRCP protocol in patients with suspected pancreatic diseases. The institutional review board approved this prospective study and all patients provided written informed consent. A total of 80 patients (47 men and 33 women; median age, 57 years; age range, 24-87 years) underwent 3D MRCP at 3.0 T. Three protocols were performed in each patient in random order: CS breath-hold (BH) protocol, CS navigator-triggered (NT) protocol, and conventional NT protocol. The acquisition time of each protocol was recorded. Image quality and duct visibility were independently rated in random order on a 5-point scale by 2 radiologists, who were blinded to the protocols. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated, and area under the curve (Az value) was used to compare the diagnostic performance of each protocol in duct-related pathologies. Acquisition time was 17 seconds for the CS-BH and 134.1 ± 33.5 seconds for the CS-NT protocol, both being significantly shorter than the conventional NT protocol (364.7 ± 78.4 seconds; both P < 0.01). The CS-BH MRCP protocol showed significantly less artifacts compared with the CS-NT and conventional NT protocols (both P < 0.01). Visualization of bile ducts was comparable in all 3 protocols, whereas CS-NT and conventional NT MRCP depicted pancreatic duct better than CS-BH MRCP did (for proximal, middle, and distal segment; all P < 0.05). Compressed-sensing-NT MRCP had the highest diagnostic performance for detecting ductal anomalies, long-segment duct stenosis, abnormal branch ducts, and communication between cystic lesion and pancreatic duct (mean Az value, 0.943-0.983). Compressed-sensing MRCP is feasible in patients with suspected pancreatic diseases. Compressed-sensing-NT MRCP demonstrated superior diagnostic accuracy for duct-related pathologies.

Sternohyoid myocutaneous flap in pediatric laryngotracheal stenosis treatment

Objective:To assess the indications and outcomes of laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) using the sternohyoid myocutaneous flap (SMF) in pediatric patients with laryngotracheal stenosis. Method:Twenty patients (15 males, 5 females; mean age, 9 years old, range 3 to 14) with laryngotracheal stenosis who underwent SMF procedures at Tangdu Hospital between August 1991 and October 2014 were analyzed. Stenosis was classified according to the Myer-Cotton grading system. Four patients were grade Ⅱ, ten were grade Ⅲ, and six were grade Ⅳ. The mean length of stenosis was 1.8 cm (rang, 0.3-4.0 cm). Three patients had concomitant unilateral vocal paralysis and 2 had bilateral vocal paralysis. Result:Fourteen of 20 patients (70%) were decannulated. The prevalence of decannulation for grade Ⅱ, Ⅲ, and Ⅳ was 100%, 70%, and 50%, respectively. There were no severe complications. Conclusion:The SMF is a relatively simple and reliable method for LTR but should be used cautiously if employed in severe cases such as grade Ⅳ with long-segment stenosis.

Parvovirus B19 Infection in Children With Arterial Ischemic Stroke.

Case-control studies suggest that acute infection transiently increases the risk of childhood arterial ischemic stroke. We hypothesized that an unbiased pathogen discovery approach utilizing MassTag-polymerase chain reaction would identify pathogens in the blood of childhood arterial ischemic stroke cases. The multicenter international VIPS study (Vascular Effects of Infection in Pediatric Stroke) enrolled arterial ischemic stroke cases, and stroke-free controls, aged 29 days through 18 years. Parental interview included questions on recent infections. In this pilot study, we used MassTag-polymerase chain reaction to test the plasma of the first 161 cases and 34 controls enrolled for a panel of 28 common bacterial and viral pathogens. Pathogen DNA was detected in no controls and 14 cases (8.7%): parvovirus B19 (n=10), herpesvirus 6 (n=2), adenovirus (n=1), and rhinovirus 6C (n=1). Parvovirus B19 infection was confirmed by serologies in all 10; infection was subclinical in 8. Four cases with parvovirus B19 had underlying congenital heart disease, whereas another 5 had a distinct arteriopathy involving a long-segment stenosis of the distal internal carotid and proximal middle cerebral arteries. Using MassTag-polymerase chain reaction, we detected parvovirus B19-a virus known to infect erythrocytes and endothelial cells-in some cases of childhood arterial ischemic stroke. This approach can generate new, testable hypotheses about childhood stroke pathogenesis.