Perioperative Imaging Research Articles

Peri-operative imaging techniques of the sentinel lymph node in veterinary oncology

When cancer cells spread through lymphatic vessels, the first lymph node they reach is the sentinel lymph node (SLN). Hence, if the SLN is free from metastatic cells, it can be assumed that further lymph nodes will be free of metastatic tumor cells too. If metastatic tumor cells are identified in the SLN, the patient is at risk of developing distant metastatic disease. In that case, further diagnostic and therapeutic steps are needed and the patient’s prognosis gets worse. The SLN can be located at an anatomically unpredictable location. This is likely due to lymphangiogenesis, which alters the normal lymphatic pathway and drains the metastatic cells to another lymph node than the expected anatomically closest one. Therefore, identifying the SLN by an accurate mapping technique is necessary. In this article, the existing techniques for SLN mapping are reviewed, and their use in human and veterinary medicine is compared.

Does drainage or resection predict subsequent interventions and long-term quality of life in patients with Grade IV pancreatic injuries: A population-based analysis.

Clinical equipoise remains significant for the treatment of Grade IV pancreatic injuries in stable patients (i.e., drainage vs. resection). The literature is poor in regards to experience, confirmed main pancreatic ductal injury, nuanced multidisciplinary treatment, and long-term patient quality of life (QOL). The primary aim was to evaluate the management and outcomes (including long-term QOL) associated with Grade IV pancreatic injuries. All severely injured adult patients with pancreatic trauma (1995-2020) were evaluated (Grade IV injuries compared). Concordance of perioperative imaging, intraoperative exploration, and pathological reporting with a main pancreatic ductal injury was required. Patients with resection of Grade IV injuries were compared with drainage alone. Long-term QOL was evaluated (Standard Short Form-36). Of 475 pancreatic injuries, 36(8%) were confirmed as Grade IV. Twenty-four (67%) underwent a pancreatic resection (29% pancreatoduodenectomy; 71% extended distal pancreatectomy [EDP]). Patient, injury and procedure demographics were similar between resection and drainage groups (p > 0.05). Pancreas-specific complications in the drainage group included 92% pancreatic leaks, 8% pseudocyst, and 8% walled-off pancreatic necrosis. Among patients with controlled pancreatic fistulas beyond 90 days, 67% required subsequent pancreatic operations (fistulo-jejunostomy or EDP). Among patients whose fistulas closed, 75% suffered from recurrent pancreatitis (67% eventually undergoing a Frey or EDP). All patients in the resection group had fistula closure by 64 days after injury. The median number of pancreas-related health care encounters following discharge was higher in the drainage group (9 vs. 5; p = 0.012). Long-term (median follow-up = 9 years) total QOL, mental and physical health scores were higher in the initial resection group (p = 0.031, 0.022 and 0.017 respectively). The immediate, intermediate and long-term experiences for patients who sustain Grade IV pancreatic injuries indicate that resection is the preferred option, when possible. The majority of drainage patients will require additional, delayed pancreas-targeted surgical interventions and report poorer long-term QOL. Epidemiology/Prognostic, Level III.

Clinical Effectiveness of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Gastric Carcinoma and Exploration of Perioperative Imaging Assessment Parameters.

Background and Aims Due to the difficulty in clinical staging, a simple and feasible perioperative assessment approach for guiding personalized neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is lacking. We investigated the clinical value of NAC in advanced gastric carcinoma (GC) and the concordance between perioperative imaging and postoperative pathological assessments. Methods This study included 62 patients with advanced GC who received NAC between January 2012 and December 2018. The preoperative and postoperative T stages, postoperative pathological tumor regression grade (TRG), and changes in computed tomography (CT) values after NAC were assessed. Follow-ups were conducted to obtain the median survival time (MST), and Kaplan–Meier survival curves were plotted. Results The T stages significantly differed between before and after NAC (p = 0.001). The MST of patients in the TRG0 group was significantly different from that of patients in the TRG1+2 and TRG3 groups (p = 0.223). The percentages of positive lymph nodes were 0%, 24.17%, and 27.64% in the TRG0, TRG1+2, and TRG3 groups, respectively. TRG was correlated with changes in CT values before and after NAC, and the extent of change was associated with patient prognosis. Conclusions Perioperative imaging can be used to assess the short-term effectiveness of NAC for patients with GC.

Efficacy of computed tomography-assisted limited decompression in the surgical management of thoracolumbar fractures with neurological deficit

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of CT-assisted limited decompression in managing single segment A3 lumbar burst fracture.MethodA retrospective study (January 2015–June, 2019). One hundred six cases with single-level Magerl type A3 lumbar burst fractures treated with short-segment posterior internal fixation and limited decompression. Patients were divided into two groups: CT-assisted group and non-CT-assisted group. Perioperative factors, clinical outcomes, post-operative complications, imaging parameters, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were evaluated.ResultsKyphosis, loss of anterior and posterior vertebral body heights, operative time, and post-operative complications were not significantly different between the two groups. The visual analog score (VAS) and spinal canal encroachment in the CT-assisted group were lower compared with the non-CT-assisted group (p < 0.05). The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, the simplified HRQoL scale, and the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Spinal Cord Injury Grade in the CT-assisted group were significantly higher compared with the non-CT-assisted group (p < 0.05).ConclusionCT-assisted limited decompression in the treatment of single-segment A3 lumbar burst fracture can achieve better fracture reduction and surgical results and improve the long-term recovery of the patients’ neurological function and quality of life.

Avoiding Radical Removal of Posterior Elements in Posterior Vertebral Column Resections: A Modified Schwab Grade 6 Osteotomy for Severe Post-Tuberculous Kyphotic Deformity

Posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) is a versatile technique for correction of severe and rigid spinal deformities, but the high rate of neurological complications is a major disadvantage of this procedure. This study aimed to describe a modified PVCR technique for safe treatment of severe post-tuberculous kyphotic deformity. Four consecutive patients with severe post-tuberculous kyphosis underwent modified PVCRs. Radical removal of the posterior elements was avoided by performing laminectomy in stages, and the posterior vertebral wall and the bases of the spinous processes were maintained throughout the procedure. Perioperative clinical presentation, imaging data, and operative variables were recorded. Desirable efficacy and clinical outcomes were obtained, including satisfactory correction rates and low estimated blood loss. Neurological status improved in all patients with preoperative neurological deficits, and no postoperative neurological complications were reported. Modified PVCRs could prevent excessive handling or overstretching of the spinal cord, reduce bleeding, and provide more security in the correction of severe spinal deformities. Our initial experience showed that this modified procedure might be an alternative to conventional Schwab grade 6 osteotomy for the correction of severe post-tuberculous kyphotic deformity.

Three-dimensional printed guides for screw placement in equine navicular bones.

To determine the influence of a custom 3D-printed guide for placement of cortical bone screws in the equine navicular bone. Ex vivo study. Eight pairs of normal adult equine forelimbs. A 3.5 × 55 mm cortical screw was placed in the longitudinal axis of each intact navicular bone. Screws were placed with a 3D-printed guide (3D) in one bone and with a traditional aiming device (AD) in the contralateral bone within each pair. Duration of surgery and the number of fluoroscopy images were compared between techniques. Screw placement was subjectively evaluated by gross examination and scored by three boarded veterinary surgeons. The use of a 3D-printed guide reduced the duration of surgery by 6.6 min (±1.5 min) compared to traditional screw placement (20.7 min ± 4.8 min, p < .01). Fewer peri-operative fluoroscopic images were obtained when the 3D guide was used (18 images ± 2.6 images vs. 40 images ± 5.1, p < .01). No difference was detected in navicular screw placement. The use of a 3D guide decreased the time required to place screws and the number of intraoperative images taken without affecting screw placement in intact navicular bones. 3D-printed guides can aid in the study, practice, and execution of surgical procedures reducing surgical time and radiation exposure throughout the operative period achieving similar results to those obtained with a conventional approach.

Foreign Accent Syndrome: A Rare Sequelae after Orthognathic Surgery

Background: Foreign accent syndrome is a rare speech disorder in which patients develop a sudden change in accent (eg, from American English to British accent) secondary to neurogenic, psychogenic, structural, or mixed causes. Orthognathic surgery may produce alterations in speech in select patients. Until now, foreign accent syndrome has not been noted after orthognathic surgery. Methods: A retrospective study of patients who underwent orthognathic surgery and developed foreign accent syndrome was conducted to document surgical details, postoperative course, speech evaluations, perioperative imaging and follow-up outcome (n = 5). Results: Patients who developed FAS after orthognathic procedures had an age range of 19 to 42 years and changed speech from American English to a British accent almost immediately in the postoperative period. There were no perioperative complications. Speech therapy revealed similar speech patterns and articulation changes. Patients found speech therapy helpful and all but 1 patient had resolution of their FAS speech within 2 years. Conclusion: Foreign Accent Syndrome is very rare but may result after orthognathic surgery when presumably a minor neurologic insult from temporary brain ischemia occurs during surgery. However, this phenomenon typically resolves and speech therapy may be helpful.

The unilateral cleft lip repair

ObjectiveTo determine if there is a benefit of 2-stage cleft lip repair in regard to improving facial symmetry and facilitating definitive lip, nose, and palate repair. Study designRetrospective chart review of patients born with complete, unilateral cleft lip deformity that underwent a two-stage repair described as a stage 1 straight line repair and a stage 2 modified Millard repair, for which a complete set of records, and peri-operative and post-operative photos were available. All cases were performed by a single surgeon. SettingTertiary care center craniofacial team. MethodsMeasurements were taken from intraoperative, perioperative, and postoperative images of patients before and after each stage. Ratios were then created comparing the affected size to the unaffected side, and these were averaged between observers. ResultsA 19% increase in the width of area of the presumptive C flap was obtained between the unrepaired and the post-stage I images. The nostril width of the cleft side was 1.2× the width of the unaffected side, demonstrating a 140% decrease in nostril width at the completion of stage II. The cleft side nostril width was maintained slightly larger than the noncleft side as desired. Symmetry of the upper lip length was achieved, as the length of the cleft side lateral lip after stage II was 92% of the unaffected side. ConclusionWe believe this study provides evidence for our observations that a two-stage repair can be performed with functionally and aesthetically pleasing outcomes as an alternative to presurgical nasoalveolar molding.

Decompressive Craniectomy and Cranioplasty: A Review of the Literature on Evolution, Indications, Surgical Techniques, and Complications

Decompressive craniectomy refers to removal of a portion of the skull without subsequent replacement, and cranioplasty involves subsequent repair of the skull vault defect. Over the past 3 decades, there has been considerable interest in the use of decompressive craniectomy as part of a second-level measure in the management of refractory raised intracranial pressure. Raised intracranial pressure can be secondary to various causes, including severe head injury, subarachnoid hemorrhage, infection, and acute ischemia. Although the procedure is thought to be effective, several factors should be taken into consideration, including patient selection, optimal time for intervention, risk of associated complications, and patient outcomes. After a craniectomy, patients may subsequently undergo cranioplasty for various reasons, including cosmetic improvement, protection of brain tissue, and as treatment for syndrome of the trephined. Several different materials have been trialed over the years, including biologic and nonbiologic substitutions. Perioperative imaging evaluation plays an important role in the management and follow-up of these patients. The focus of this article is on the expected radiologic appearances in the perioperative period as well as the complications that may arise. Surgical techniques, cranioplasty materials, and historic evolution of decompressive craniectomy and cranioplasty will also be discussed.Learning Objective: To understand the rationale for decompressive craniectomy and cranioplasty as well as recognize the expected postoperative radiologic appearances and their associated complications.

Low psoas muscle area is associated with postoperative complications in Crohn's disease.

Crohn's disease (CD) is associated with increased postoperative morbidity. Sarcopenia correlates with increased morbidity and mortality in various medical conditions. We assessed correlations of the lean body mass marker and psoas muscle area (PMA), with postoperative outcomes in CD patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery. We included patients with CD who underwent gastrointestinal surgery between June 2009 and October 2018 and had CT/MRI scans within 8 weeks preoperatively. PMA was measured bilaterally on perioperative imaging. Of 121 patients, the mean age was 35.98 ± 15.07 years; 51.2% were male. The mean BMI was 21.56 ± 4 kg/m2. The mean PMA was 95.12 ± 263.2cm2. Patients with postoperative complications (N = 31, 26%) had significantly lower PMA compared with patients with a normal postoperative recovery (8.5 ± 2.26 cm2 vs. 9.85 ± 2.68 cm2, P = 0.02). A similar finding was noted comparing patients with anastomotic leaks to those without anastomotic leaks (7.48 ± 0.1 cm2 vs. 9.6 ± 2.51 cm2, P = 0.04). PMA correlated with the maximum degree of complications per patient, according to the Clavien-Dindo classification (Spearman's coefficient = -0.26, P = 0.004). Patients with major postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3) had lower mean PMA (8.12 ± 2.75 cm2 vs. 9.71 ± 2.57 cm2, P = 0.03). Associations were similar when stratifying by gender and operation urgency. On multivariate analysis, PMA (HR = 0.72/cm2, P = 0.02), operation urgency (HR = 3.84, P < 0.01), and higher white blood cell count (HR = 1.14, P = 0.02) were independent predictive factors for postoperative complications. PMA is an easily measured radiographic parameter associated with postoperative complications in patients with CD undergoing bowel resection.

Complete percutaneous decannulation from femoral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

ObjectivesTo evaluate the clinical outcomes and perioperative complications associated with complete percutaneous decannulation of femoral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) with the MANTA closure device.MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of a single surgeon consecutive series of 14 patients at a single center who underwent decannulation from VA-ECMO, 10 of whom underwent a percutaneous method of femoral cannula removal.ResultsAfter a mean duration of VA-ECMO support of 7.4 ± 3.8 days, all 10 patients, with arterial cannulas ranging in size from 17 to 21 Fr, underwent percutaneous decannulation with the MANTA closure device, with immediate hemostasis. One patient had acute lower limb ischemia that was recognized intraoperatively and successfully treated with suction embolectomy. Two patients had a pseudoaneurysm at the distal perfusion catheter site recognized on perioperative imaging studies, one resolving with observation and the other necessitating thrombin injection. One patient had a hematoma that resolved with observation.ConclusionsPercutaneous decannulation from VA-ECMO using the MANTA large-bore vascular closure device is feasible and results in immediate hemostasis with excellent angiographic results.

Mapping sentinel lymph nodes in cutaneous melanoma: a vast array of perioperative imaging modalities.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a decisive step in the staging process of melanoma, critically impacting patients' oncological outcome and driving the decision-making process. SLNB limits the extent of the dissection in cases where no metastases are found. Conversely, when metastases are detected, SLNB has the potential to improve regional control of the disease when complete lymphadenectomy or early administration of adjuvant treatment are indicated. Thus, accurately identifying sentinel lymph nodes represents an important prognostic factor. Several strategies have been studied, including novel procedures that are not commonly used in the clinical setting. This review highlights the different tracers, preoperative and intraoperative imaging modalities studied to perform SLNB in cutaneous melanoma. The development of innovative modalities has been fueled by a need to optimize current approaches, offering new alternatives that can overcome some of the limitations of the standard method.

Perioperative Imaging to Guide Epicardial Mapping and Ablation.

Accessing the epicardial space without a sternotomy or a surgical pericardial window to treat ventricular arrhythmias in Chagas disease became a medical necessity in South America. Since the introduction of the dry percutaneous epicardial access approach, epicardial access has been standard procedure for management of ventricular arrhythmias in ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathies and atrioventricular accessory pathways after failed conventional endocardial ablation. Understanding the epicardial space and neighboring structures has become an important subject of teachings in electrophysiology. The evolution of complex ablation procedures to treat atrial and ventricular arrhythmias and device interventions to prevent cardioembolic stroke requires thorough understanding of pericardial anatomy.

Three-dimensional printed navigational template for localizing small pulmonary nodules: A case-controlled study.

BackgroundLocalization of small pulmonary nodules is an inevitable challenge for the thoracic surgeon. This study aimed to investigate the accuracy of three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology for localizing small pulmonary nodules, especially ground‐glass nodules (GGNs).MethodsThis study enrolled patients with peripheral small pulmonary nodules (≤ 2 cm) who required preoperative localization. In the comparison period, patients underwent both computed tomography‐guided (CT‐G) and 3D‐printing template guided (3D‐G) localization to compare the accuracies of the two methods. In the testing period, the 3D‐printing technique was implemented alone. The 3D‐printing physical navigational template was designed based on data from perioperative CT images. Clinical data, imaging data, surgical data, and evaluation index were collected for further analysis. The learning curve of the 3D‐printing localization technique was assessed using cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis and multiple linear regression analysis.ResultsIn the comparison period (n = 14), the success rates of CT‐G and 3D‐G were 100% and 92.9% (P = 0.31), respectively; in the testing period (n = 23), the success rate of 3D‐G was 95.6%. The localization times of CT‐G, 3D‐G (comparison), and 3D‐G (testing) were 23.6 ± 5.3, 19.3 ± 6.8, and 9.8 ± 4.6 minutes, respectively. The CUSUM learning curve was modeled using the equation: Y = 0.48X2 − 0.013X − 0.454 (R2 = 0.89). The learning curve was composed of two phases, phase 1 (the initial 20 patients) and phase 2 (the remaining 17 patients).Conclusions3D printing localization has adequate accuracy and is a feasible and accessible strategy for use in localizing small pulmonary nodules, especially in right upper lobe. The use of this technique could facilitate lung nodule localization prior to surgery.

Clinical Outcomes of an All-Arthroscopic Technique for Single-Stage Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis in the Treatment of Articular Cartilage Lesions of the Knee

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine the clinical efficacy of an all-arthroscopic approach to autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) for patients with articular cartilage lesions of the knee joint. We hypothesize that an all-arthroscopic, single-stage AMIC using a hyaluron-based cell-free scaffold improves the postoperative clinical scores for patients with isolated articular cartilage lesions of the knee in the early follow-up period. MethodsAll patients with focal osteochondral lesions of the knee treated with AMIC at our institution from November 2013 to January 2018 were included for analysis. Demographic information, baseline clinical characteristics, perioperative imaging, and follow-up International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores at 6 and 24 months postoperatively were collected. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a Bonferroni correction was used to assess for improvement before and after surgery, with statistical significance defined as p < .05. ResultsA total of 22 patients met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed for this study. Articular cartilage lesions were most commonly found at the center of the medial and lateral femoral condyles. Statistically significant improvements in IKDC scores were seen at the 6- and 24-month follow-up periods (p < .05). ConclusionAn all-arthroscopic technique for single-stage autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis demonstrates significant early clinical improvement for the treatment of articular cartilage lesions of the knee. Level of Evidence4

The interest of intraoperative scanner coupled to neuronavigation in traumatic or oncologic fractures of the cervical and upper thoracic spine requiring vertebral body height restoring procedures

ObjectIn recent years, the classical vertebroplasty has tended to be replaced by vertebral augmentation procedures. This article discusses the reliability of vertebral augmentation procedures using balloon kyphoplasty or a spine jack system, with intraoperative CT scan control coupled with the neuronavigation system as a treatment option for cervical and upper thoracic spine lesions. MethodsIn our neurosurgical department, in the past two years, 11 patients underwent either a kyphoplasty or a vertebral augmentation by a Spine Jack via a transpedicular route, under perioperative 3D imaging, for a total of 15 cervical/upper thoracic lesions. For these patients, we evaluated the clinical symptoms before and after surgery, the intraoperative and postoperative complications as well as the radiation exposure and the duration of their hospitalisation. ResultsWe noted for all of the patients an improvement of the mean Karnofsky index, which improved from 50 to 80, and of the VAS that decreased from a mean of 75 to 15, as they were clearly alleviated after the operation. The radiation was lower for patients that were treated for 2 or more vertebrae, and much lower for the medical staff. The intraoperative complications rate (4 cement leakages for 15 vertebrae, 26%), was low and completely asymptomatic in all cases. The radiological follow-up examinations were satisfactory for all the patients. ConclusionsOur results suggest that percutaneous transpedicular vertebral augmentation techniques using intraoperative CT scan are a viable treatment for secondary lesions or traumatic compression fractures of the cervical and upper thoracic spine.

Subcortical Atrophy and Motor Outcomes in Pallidal Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson Disease

Appropriate patient selection is critical for successful deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson disease (PD). Subcortical atrophy is a possible determinant of postoperative DBS outcomes in patients with idiopathic PD, but it has not been well evaluated for DBS of the globus pallidus interna (GPi). We investigated perioperative subcortical atrophy measures in patients with PD and their relationship to postoperative motor response in bilateral GPi-targeted DBS. A retrospective cohort study examined correlations among indices of subcortical volumetry, disease duration, and age with postoperative outcomes at 6 months (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III motor score quotient, levodopa equivalent daily dosing, and 39-item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire mobility subscore). Subcortical volumetry was assessed by bicaudate ratio, Evans index, and third ventricular width on perioperative imaging. Linear regression models established correlations between preoperative variables and postoperative outcomes. Data from 34 patients with PD who were treated with GPi-targeted DBS were evaluated. Age was found to exhibit statistically significant positive correlations with all 3 measures of subcortical atrophy (P ≤ 0.002). None of the measures correlated with disease duration. Only Evans index and third ventricular width correlated with preoperative medication response (P < 0.05). Age and all 3 measures of atrophy exhibited statistically significant correlations with Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III motor score quotient (P ≤ 0.01), but not with levodopa equivalent daily dosing or 39-item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire motor subscores (P > 0.05). Perioperative age and subcortical atrophy as measured in this study correlated with motor responsiveness at 6 months postoperatively among patients receiving bilateral GPi-targeted DBS stimulation for PD.

Early venous filling after reperfusion therapy in acute ischemic stroke

Background and purposeEarly venous filling after endovascular mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a specific finding that may serve as a biomarker for intracranial hemorrhage. However, the pathophysiology of early venous filling and postoperative hemorrhage remains unclear.The aim of this study was to investigate correlation between early venous filling and various factors involving patient demographics and perioperative imaging. MethodsWe prospectively analyzed 35 patients with AIS due to cardioembolism (CE) who underwent successful acute revascularization (TICI ≥2). Ischemic lesions were scored by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Outcomes were assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 90 days after stroke onset. Blood flow analysis was evaluated by MRI with arterial spin labeling (ASL). Early venous filling was assessed by digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Univariate analysis was performed to investigate correlations between early venous filling and patient demographics and imaging findings. ResultsEarly venous filling was observed in 22 of 35 (66%) patients after reperfusion therapy. There was a significant correlation between early venous filling and DWI-ASPECTS (6.2 vs 8.8, p=0.0003), outcome (5 vs 9, p=0.006), hyperperfusion (17 vs 1, p< 0.0001), and hemorrhagic transformation (17 vs 1, p=0.005). ConclusionsThis comprehensive study revealed that early venous filling after reperfusion therapy is associated with postoperative hyperperfusion. Early venous filling may be a marker of the process of hyperperfusion, leading to hemorrhage and an unfavorable outcome. Detection of early venous filling may be an important finding on DSA for subsequent intensive perioperative management.

Insights into the pathophysiology and classification of type 4 choledochal malformation

IntroductionType 4 choledochal malformations (CMs) can be defined as extra- and intrahepatic biliary dilatation. They are of uncertain etiology but make up about 20% of most series. The aim of this study was to investigate the pathophysiology and their natural history following surgical intervention. MethodsAmbispective review of a single-center series of type 4 CM between 1996 and 2017. Perioperative imaging, intraoperative pressure monitoring, bile amylase, and long-term follow-up data were analyzed based on extrahepatic morphology [(cystic (C), fusiform (F)]. Data were expressed as median (range). Statistical analysis was performed with nonparametric tests. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results37 children had type 4 CM in the study period [age at surgery 4 (0.2–16) years] and could be further subdivided into cystic (4C) (n = 22) or fusiform (4F) (n = 15). There was significantly greater dilatation of the extrahepatic component in the cystic group [30 (11–94) versus 15 (8–90) mm; P = 0.0002] though there was no difference in left duct diameter [cystic 7.5 (0–17) mm versus fusiform 7.5 (3–16) mm; P = 0.86]. There was a trend to higher choledochal pressure in the cystic group [19 (4–40) versus 9 (6–25) mmHg; P = 0.09] and those in the fusiform group had higher bile amylase [8650 (3–890,000) versus 592 (1–123,000) IU/L; P = 0.01] and were older [4.1 (0.92–16.43) versus 2.4 (0.15–15.48) years; P = 0.03]. Children with type 4 CM were then separated simply on the basis of bile amylase into LOW (characterized by high pressure, cystic morphology and young age at surgery) and HIGH bile amylase (low pressure, fusiform morphology and older at time of surgery). ConclusionsWe propose further division of type 4 CM into 4C and 4F on clinical and pathophysiological grounds. Level of evidenceII (prospective cohort).

Perioperative imaging in patients treated with resection of brain metastases: a survey by the European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO) Youngsters committee

BackgroundNeurosurgical resection represents an important treatment option in the modern, multimodal therapy approach of brain metastases (BM). Guidelines for perioperative imaging exist for primary brain tumors to guide postsurgical treatment. Optimal perioperative imaging of BM patients is so far a matter of debate as no structured guidelines exist.MethodsA comprehensive questionnaire about perioperative imaging was designed by the European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO) Youngsters Committee. The survey was distributed to physicians via the EANO network to perform a descriptive overview on the current habits and their variability on perioperative imaging. Chi square test was used for dichotomous variables.ResultsOne hundred twenty physicians worldwide responded to the survey. MRI was the preferred preoperative imaging method (93.3%). Overall 106/120 (88.3%) physicians performed postsurgical imaging routinely including MRI alone (62/120 [51.7%]), postoperative CT (29/120 [24.2%]) and MRI + CT (15/120 [12.5%]). No correlation of postsurgical MRI utilization in academic vs. non-academic hospitals (58/89 [65.2%] vs. 19/31 [61.3%], p = 0.698) was found. Early postoperative MRI within ≤72 h after resection is obtained by 60.8% of the participants. The most frequent reason for postsurgical imaging was to evaluate the extent of tumor resection (73/120 [60.8%]). In case of residual tumor, 32/120 (26.7%) participants indicated to adjust radiotherapy, 34/120 (28.3%) to consider re-surgery to achieve complete resection and 8/120 (6.7%) to evaluate both.ConclusionsMRI was the preferred imaging method in the preoperative setting. In the postoperative course, imaging modalities and timing showed high variability. International guidelines for perioperative imaging with special focus on postoperative MRI to assess residual tumor are warranted to optimize standardized management and adjuvant treatment decisions for BM patients.