Wall Scar Research Articles

483 Minoca in a young patient with elevated platelet count

Abstract Aims Ischaemic heart disease is rare in young women, especially in the absence of a positive family history and strong cardiovascular risk factors, such as insulin-dependent diabetes. However, the correct diagnosis of ischaemic heart disease in young population is mandatory, and the specific aetiology should be identified to ensure a proper treatment. Methods and results We present the case of a 35-year-old caucasian woman who underwent ambulatory cardiological evaluation after episodes of chest pain and worsening dyspnoea (NYHA class II). The patient was asymptomatic at rest, BP was normal, heart rate was 80/minute in sinus rhythm, with no clinical signs of acute heart failure. ECG showed sinus rhythm with Q wave (lead DIII) and negative T waves (inferior leads). At echocardiographic evaluation LV was severely dilated (EDVi 105 ml/mq, EDD 66 mm) with akinesia and scar in the infero-posterior wall determining moderate reduction in ejection fraction (LVEF 40%), associated with secondary moderate mitral regurgitation; the right ventricle, the other valves and the aortic root were normal. The young lady was then admitted to Cardiology Unit for further investigations. She underwent cardiac MRI, which confirmed LV dilatation and dysfunction (EDV 198 ml/mq, LVEF 42%), associated with akinesia and infero-postero-lateral wall scar, with transmural myocardial fibrosis in the same segments, and subendocardial fibrosis on the basal segment of the anterior wall. Analysis of blood samples revealed elevated haemoglobin levels (Hb: 17.5 g/dl, n.v. 12–16 g/dl) and extremely elevated platelet count (PLT 945 000/mmc, n.v. 130 000–400 000/mmc). Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) was negative on serial determinations. All findings were suggestive for subacute infero-posterior myocardial infarction. Coronary angiography was performed via radial access: the exam was negative for significant stenosis in any coronary segment, only mild stenosis of proximal dominant left circumflex (LCX) artery was identified; moreover, there were no angiographic signs of coronary dissection. Eventually, SCAD and aortic defects were ruled out by coronary CT scan, which was negative for both coronary and aortic dissection. New blood samples examinations confirmed high values of Hb and PLT. Low levels of EPO (1.4 mU/ml) and JAK-2 mutation V617F positivity suggested the clinical diagnosis of essential thrombocythemia, later confirmed by bone marrow aspiration. Hydroxyurea was prescribed, as well as haematologic follow-up. Conclusions This is an interesting case of ischaemic heart disease, confirmed by ECG, echocardiography, and cardiac MRI, in presence of non-obstructive coronary artery disease. The aetiology of this specific case of MINOCA is potentially to be sought in the haematologic disorder. It is possible to hypothesize that a platelet/RBC clot might have determined acute obstruction of the proximal dominant LCX artery, then followed by spontaneous recanalization. Only mild stenosis on the proximal vessel was identified, and stenting was considered not appropriate for this lesion.

An Interesting Case of Acute Chorioretinitis Due to Ocular Toxoplasmosis

Ocular Toxoplasmosis is a recurrent and progressive necrotizing retinitis that can cause blindness. In most cases, it manifests as a localised retinochoroidal lesion and is the most prevalent cause of posterior uveitis worldwide. Ocular infection is relatively common, with the majority of cases being asymptomatic. As a result, it's important to draw attention to this blinding disease that might go undetected, as well as the preventative actions that can be taken to avoid vision impairment. We report a case of a 35 years old female came with complaints of defective vision in both eyes for past 2 months which was acute in onset and painless in nature. There was history of similar episode 1 year back with no history of any treatment taken and there was a history of eating undercooked meat in the past. Right eye fundus showed a typical headlight in the fog appearance and left eye fundus showed exudative sheathing of vessel wall and multiple pigmented old retinochoroidal scars. Blood investigation showed elevated total count and an elevated ESR level. Peripheral smear report suggested dimorphic anemia and thrombocytosis. Antinuclear antobody- positive.Toxoplasm igG antibody- 511.90IU/ml (positive for toxoplasmosis).

Application of Single-Port Laparoscopic Surgery in Myomectomy.

Research QuestionThe use of a power morcellator in laparoscopic myomectomy is a controversial topic. The application of single-port laparoscopy solves this problem, but its safety, efficacy and prognosis are also challenges. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical application of single-port laparoscopy and traditional three-port laparoscopy in myomectomy.DesignThis is a retrospective review of a total of 120 patients who underwent single-port laparoscopic myomectomy (n=60) or traditional three-port laparoscopic myomectomy (n=60), performed between January 2019 to December 2020. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, specimen removal time, hemoglobin change after operation, postoperative ambulation time, first exhaust time after surgery, the length of hospital stay, pain score on the day, the first day after operation and the satisfaction of abdominal wall scar were evaluated for the surgical outcomes.ResultsCompared with the traditional three-port laparoscopic group, the specimen removal time, postoperative ambulation time, first exhaust time after surgery, the length of hospital stay were all shorter, the satisfaction of abdominal wall scar were higher in single-port laparoscopic group. The duration of surgery was longer in single-port laparoscopic group significantly. The differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The intraoperative blood loss, hemoglobin change after operation, pain score on the day of operation and the first day after operation of the two groups had no differences (P>0.05).ConclusionsThe clinical effect of single-port laparoscopic myomectomy is satisfactory and can be popularized in clinic.

B-PO03-023 HIS BUNDLE PACING ACHIEVES BETTER VENTRICULAR SYNCHRONY THAN BIVENTRICULAR PACING IN PATIENTS WITH SCAR IN THE LEFT VENTRICULAR FREE WALL

His bundle pacing (HBP) is a novel pacing strategy for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). HBP has been associated with improved response compared to conventional CRT and biventricular endocardial (BIV-endo) pacing. The effect of HBP in patients with scar has however not yet been studied. To investigate differences in response between HBP and BIV-endo pacing in patients with scar in the left ventricular (LV) free wall. We computed ventricular activation on 24 four-chamber heart meshes with Purkinje networks exhibiting left bundle branch block (LBBB). We mapped a LV free wall scar and border zone geometry from a pre-existing LV mesh [Fig A]. HBP and BIV-endo pacing were simulated in the presence and in the absence of scar. Response from baseline was quantified with LV 95% activation time (LV-AT 95) and biventricular dyssynchronous index (BIV-DI), computed as the standard deviation of ventricular activation times. BIV-DI was significantly reduced during HBP compared to BIV-endo pacing both in the presence (-13±2ms vs -15±2ms, p<0.05) and in the absence (-9±2 ms vs -11±2ms, p<0.05) of scar in the LV lateral wall [Fig B]. LV-AT 95 was also significantly shorter during HBP compared to BIV-endo pacing (scar: -31±8ms vs -54±9ms, p<0.05; no scar: -22±7ms vs -44±7ms, p<0.05) [Fig C]. HBP restores native synchronous activation by recruiting the viable fast-conducting Purkinje system. LBBB patients with lateral scar therefore experience better ventricular resynchronization using HBP compared to BIV-endo pacing.

Clear-cell carcinoma originating from cesarean section scar: two\xa0case reports\xa0

BackgroundClear-cell carcinoma arising from the surgical cesarean section scar is very infrequent. The present study reports two patients with clear-cell carcinoma arising from an abdominal wall scar 20 and 23 years after their last cesarean section.Case presentationBoth Iranian patients had prior cesarean sections nearly 20 years earlier. Patients 1 and 2 had transverse and vertical abdominal incisions, respectively. The initial clinical presentation was a huge lower abdominal mass at the site of the previous cesarean section scar. Both patients underwent abdominal wall mass biopsy. The histological analysis revealed the presence of malignancy. Both patients underwent full-thickness resection of the abdominal wall mass. All surgical margins were tumor-free; however, patient 1 had a very narrow tumor-free margin near the pubic symphysis. As the imaging report of patient 2 revealed the presence of a pelvic mass, the exploration of the intraperitoneal space, simple total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH), bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO), and the excision of enlarged pelvic lymph nodes were performed during the surgery. Six cycles of paclitaxel and carboplatin every 3 weeks as adjuvant chemotherapy was administered for both patients after the surgery. One of the patients had disease recurrence 5 months after the termination of chemotherapy, and the other is still disease-free. These two patients had similar pathology and received a similar initial adjuvant treatment; however, they were different in terms of the direction of tumor spread, tumor distance from the pubic symphysis, status of tumor margins, and surgical procedures.ConclusionsWe encountered distinct prognoses in the clear-cell carcinoma of cesarean section scars presented herein. The researchers can recommend complete surgical excision of the abdominal wall mass with wide tumor-free margins, exploration of the abdominopelvic space, TAH, and BSO during the first surgery.

Autologous fat transplantation for the treatment of abdominal wall scar adhesions after cesarean section

Cesarean section results in scarring, which usually leads to adhesion between the subcutaneous fat and the abdominal wall muscle. The present study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of autologous fat grafting on scar adhesion to the abdominal wall after cesarean section. Thirty-six patients with scar adhesion to the abdominal wall after cesarean section were recruited and treated between October 2013 and December 2015. The adhesion between the subcutaneous fat and the abdominal wall muscle was carefully separated through a small incision in the original scar to form multiple subcutaneous tunnels. Aspirated fat was injected into the scar lesion and subcutaneous tunnels, and the wound was then sutured. The clinical outcome was evaluated by comparing the pretreatment and 1-year posttreatment photographs and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) scores. All patients had a marked improvement in the appearance, texture, and depression of the scar during 12 months of follow-up. The 1-year posttreatment POSAS scores for the color, pain, pruritus, hardness, fullness, mobility, and appearance of the scar were significantly decreased compared with the pretreatment scores. Hematoxylin-eosin staining revealed adipocyte-like cells in treated scar tissue specimens obtained 1 year after treatment. None of the patients reported severe adverse reactions. Autologous fat grafting combined with adhesion release may be a good treatment option for abdominal wall scarring after cesarean section. This method is minimally invasive and effective in achieving good functional and esthetic outcomes.

Ultrasound-guided Spinal Needle Localization for Resection of Abdominal Wall Endometrioma

A 47-year-old patient with 2 previous cesarean sections presented with 2 years of right lower quadrant spasm-inducing pain. The pain began with menses and lasted for 15 days each month. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 3.3 × 1.9 × 6.0-cm lesion in the medial aspect of the right rectus abdominis muscle, consistent with abdominal wall endometrioma (Fig. 1A). No fascial involvement was identified. At the time of surgery, intraoperative ultrasound was used to map the endometrioma (Fig. 1B). Under ultrasound guidance, the endometrioma borders were marked using 3.5-cm 20 gauge needles through the anterior abdominal wall (Fig. 2). During robotic-assisted excision of the endometrioma, the needles were intermittently advanced and withdrawn from the peritoneal cavity by the bedside assistant to delineate the limits of necessary dissection (Fig. 3). This technique contributed to efficient and complete excision. Postoperatively, the patient reported complete resolution of right lower quadrant pain. Final pathologic evaluation confirmed extensive endometriosis. Abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE) is most often found in previous abdominal surgical incisions. In women undergoing surgical excision of endometriosis, AWE was noted in 1.34% [1Khan Z Zanfagnin V El-Nashar SA Famuyide AO Daftary GS Hopkins MR. Risk factors, clinical presentation, and outcomes for abdominal wall endometriosis.J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2017; 24: 478-484Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (33) Google Scholar]. The most common procedure before AWE is cesarean section with a higher risk reported with Pfannenstiel incision vs vertical midline incision [1Khan Z Zanfagnin V El-Nashar SA Famuyide AO Daftary GS Hopkins MR. Risk factors, clinical presentation, and outcomes for abdominal wall endometriosis.J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2017; 24: 478-484Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (33) Google Scholar, 2Horton JD Dezee KJ Ahnfeldt EP Wagner M. Abdominal wall endometriosis: a surgeon's perspective and review of 445 cases.Am J Surg. 2008; 196: 207-212Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (184) Google Scholar, 3Zhang P Sun Y Zhang C et al.Cesarean scar endometriosis: presentation of 198 cases and literature review.BMC Womens Health. 2019; 19: 14Crossref PubMed Scopus (23) Google Scholar]. Cesarean scar endometriosis is likely secondary to direct implantation of endometrial tissue in the incision [2Horton JD Dezee KJ Ahnfeldt EP Wagner M. Abdominal wall endometriosis: a surgeon's perspective and review of 445 cases.Am J Surg. 2008; 196: 207-212Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (184) Google Scholar]. Surgical excision allows pathologic evaluation and therapeutic resection [4Karapolat B Kucuk H. A rare cause of abdominal pain: scar endometriosis.Emerg Med Int. 2019; 20192584652Crossref PubMed Google Scholar,5Behbehani S Magtibay P Chen L Wasson M. Clear cell carcinoma of the anterior abdominal wall secondary to iatrogenic endometriosis.J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2020; 27: 1230-1231Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (2) Google Scholar]. Excision is often planned with preoperative ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging. Previously reported surgical approaches to AWE include ablative techniques such as percutaneous cryoablation or ethanol injection [6Welch BT Ehman EC VanBuren WM et al.Percutaneous cryoablation of abdominal wall endometriosis: the Mayo Clinic approach.Abdom Radiol (NY). 2020; 45: 1813-1817Crossref PubMed Scopus (6) Google Scholar]. If AWE involves the fascia, surgical excision can still be performed by a minimally invasive approach with endoscopic mesh placement and fascial repair by general surgery. Intraoperative techniques to assist with excision include injecting the lesion with methylene blue or ultrasound-guided wire localization [7Lee MMH Robson NK Carpenter TT. Ultrasound-guided wired localisation for resection of impalpable anterior abdominal wall scar endometriomas.Gynecol Surg. 2012; 9: 103-105Crossref Scopus (2) Google Scholar,8Takmaz T Kiran G Ozcan P Sahin N Tanoglu B. Total surgical excision by ultrasound–guided wire localization for spontaneous abdominal-wall endometriosis.J Gynecol Surg. 2020; 36: 76-79Crossref Scopus (1) Google Scholar]. Ultrasound-guided localization with spinal needles is a simple, practical technique that can assist with complete excision of abdominal wall endometriomas.

Middle Eastern women's attitudes and expectations towards vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES): a survey-based observational study.

Trans-vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) is a recently popularised minimally invasive surgical procedure, aimed at minimising abdominal wall scars and improving pain and patient recovery times. Although vNOTES has been studied in the context of post-operative pain and cosmesis, women's acceptance of the technique has only been cursorily examined. In this survey-based observational study, we assessed the acceptability of this technique among a cohort of Middle Eastern women. A cohort of 175 Middle Eastern women were surveyed using a 13-item questionnaire at a single gynaecology centre. The survey used was a translated version of a questionnaire from a previous study (1) and comprised open-response, five-point Likert Scale and agree-disagree items. Among 175 Middle Eastern women participated in this study most of them holding neutral view on abdominal and gynaecological procedures via vagina. 47% of participants were unsure regarding the effect of surgery via vagina on their sexual function. Although 61% of the participants showed no preference towards vNOTES over laparoscopic cholecystectomy, more than half of them indicated preference if vNOTES shown to be as effective and safe as laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The gender of the surgeon was shown to have no influence on the perspectives of the majority of participants to undergo vNOTES. vNOTES may hold value for women who have conservative upbringing and/or value cosmesis. This study provides information regarding Middle Eastern women's perspectives on vNOTES, which may be of considerable clinical use as the popularity of this surgical technique continues to increase.

Impact of GBBS algorithm on post-mastectomy scar boost irradiation of breast using catheter flap.

PurposePost-mastectomy radiation therapy significantly reduces locoregional recurrence rates, which can be achieved with external beam radiotherapy delivered to chest wall, followed by scar irradiation either by electron or high-dose-rate (HDR) mould brachytherapy. The present study evaluates dosimetric advantage of Acuros® BV, a TG-186 MBDCA, over TG-43 formalism using 192Ir source for HDR brachytherapy in chest wall scar boost using catheter flap.Material and methodsA total of 25 patients, free of cardiac and pulmonary co-morbidities, who met the inclusion criteria were involved in the study. Catheter flap made of silicon with 20 channels was used to deliver a total dose of 7.5 Gy/3 fx by HDR surface mould brachytherapy to delineated scar volume. Plan was optimized with iterative method to obtain desired results with TG-43 formalism, followed by Acuros® BV (GBBS algorithm) without altering dwell positions or time. The two algorithm plans were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively with dose-volume histograms.ResultsThe mean D98% CTV-HDR_evl coverage decreased by 1.16% compared to TG-43, and near-maximum dose decreased by 8.18% (p = 0.000), mean Dmax dose to CTV-HDR_evl, and mean Dmean dose was lesser by 6.25% (p = 0.000) and 10.82% (p = 0.000), respectively, compared to TG-43. Heart D2% showed significant results, whereas Dmedian (cGy) revealed very significant difference. A 5 mm thick skin contour showed statistically significant results (p = 0.000) for V150% and V200%.ConclusionsThe presented data showed how Acuros® BV, algorithm-based calculation in scar boost irradiation of breast, accounting for a mass density of the medium and scatter condition, considered actual dose prediction in a medium.

Abstract 16778: Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation Outcomes Based on Scar Location in Patients With Ischemic Cardiomyopathy

Introduction: Catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) reduces implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapies, improves hospitalization, and improves survival in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM). Hypothesis: The goal of this study is to evaluate outcomes of patients with VT ablation by scar location in patients with ICM. Methods: Consecutive retrospective review of patients with ICM who underwent VT ablation at Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care system between July 2008 and September 2019 were assessed for clinical outcomes. Results: Seventy-five patients with ICM underwent VT ablation during the study period. Average age was 67.6 ± 7 years old and 100% Male. Three patients were lost to follow up. Overall mortality was 53.3% and was highest in the inferior wall scar (IWS) group (Figure 1A, Table). Mean survival after ablation was 2.2 years. Most common cause of death was cardiac which included congestive heart failure, myocardial ischemia, and cardiac arrest (VT and pulseless electrical activity) (Figure 1B). On post-ablation echocardiogram, patients with anterior wall scar (AWS) had a lower mean ejection fraction (23%) compared to IWS group (30%) and this was statistically significant (p &lt; 0.03, two-tailed t-test). The average number of ablations for recurrent VT was 1.4 with no significant difference between the groups. Fifty-five percent of patients were on anti-arrhythmics post ablation. Conclusions: VT ablation patients with IWS mediated VT have a trend towards higher mortality compared to those with AWS. This may be due to neuroregulatory pathway of VTs based on cardiac innervation.

Abstract 16797: Heart Failure Outcomes in Patients With Ischemic Cardiomyopathy After Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation

Introduction: Patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) are at an increased risk of developing ventricular tachycardia (VT). It is unclear how VT ablation affects CHF outcomes. Hypothesis: The goal of this study is to evaluate CHF exacerbations and echocardiogram findings based on location of myocardial scar in patients with Ischemic Cardiomyopathy (ICM) who have undergone VT ablation. Methods: This was a selected cohort of consecutive patients with ICM who underwent VT ablation at Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System between July 2008 and September 2019. CHF outcomes and echocardiogram variables were assessed. Results: Seventy-five patients with ICM underwent VT ablation, average age was 67.6 ± 7 years old and 100% male. Inferior wall scar (IWS) was the most prevalent (Figure, Table 1A). On pre-ablation echocardiogram, anterior wall scar (AWS) group overall had a lower mean ejection fraction (EF) of 26%, compared to IWS group of 32% (Table 1B). On post-ablation echocardiogram, patients with AWS had statistically significant (p &lt; 0.03, two-tailed test) lower mean EF of 23% compared to IWS group of 30% (Table 1C). Twenty-five patients had admissions for CHF exacerbation post-ablation, 17 were in the first year after ablation (12 IWS and 5 AWS). Average time from ablation to CHF exacerbation was 2.1 years. Patients with IWS presented earlier with CHF exacerbation compared to AWS group (1.6 vs 1.8 years). Conclusions: Patients with ICM and AWS had a statistically significant mean lower EF post VT ablation compared to IWS group. However, patients with IWS had higher rates of admission for CHF exacerbation.

Abstract P4-13-10: An evaluation of patient reported outcomes following oncoplastic breast conserving surgery with a crescent modification of the chest wall perforated flap utilizing Breast Q

Abstract Background: An increasing acceptance of chest wall perforator flaps has provided additional options for enhancing the cosmetic appearance of the conserved breast after breast cancer surgery. Traditional lateral intercostal anterior perforator (LICAP) flap involves a lateral chest wall scar. To enhance the cosmetic results of LICAP flap, we propose the crescent modification of the LICAP flap to conceal the scar in the inframammary crease. Aim: The aim of our study was to investigate patient satisfaction and cosmetic outcome by using the BREAST-Q after undergoing crescent-modification of LICAP flap partial breast reconstruction. Methods: All eighteen consecutive patients with who underwent crescent modification of LICAP flap reconstruction for partial breast reconstruction after wide local excision of breast cancer between June 2017 and July 2019 were invited to complete the BREAST-Q questionnaire. All patients were prospectively evaluated and their demographic, clinical and pathological details were recorded on a database. Results: The median psychological, physical and sexual well-being scores were 93 (IQR 63-100), 82 (IQR 69-95) and 70 (IQR 46-96) respectively. The median satisfaction score with breast was 88 (IQR 66-100) Conclusions: In a carefully selected group of women with breast cancer, our study demonstrates that the crescent-modification of the LICAP flap for partial breast reconstruction provides a safe and effective technique with preservation of satisfaction with breast, physical, psychological and sexual well-being. Citation Format: Amtul R Carmichael, Amtul Shafee Sami, Kefah Mokbel. An evaluation of patient reported outcomes following oncoplastic breast conserving surgery with a crescent modification of the chest wall perforated flap utilizing Breast Q [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-13-10.

P975 Echocardiography and nuclear medicine imaging techniques are insufficient for scar detection in patients referred for cardiac resynchronization therapy

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements The study was supported by Center for Cardiological Innovation Background Many patients referred for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) do not respond to the treatment. Scar either in septum or the left ventricular (LV) lateral wall, as well as global scar burden, influence the outcome negatively. Preoperative scar assessment is therefore recommended in this patient group. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is considered reference standard for scar detection, but is not always available. Purpose To investigate the ability of advanced echocardiographic and nuclear imaging techniques to detect septal and left ventricular (LV) lateral wall scar in patients referred for CRT, compared to late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Methods Scar was quantified as percentage segmental LGE in 131 patients (age 66 ± 10, 66% male, QRS-width 164 ± 17ms) referred for CRT, 92% with left bundle branch block (LBBB). Longitudinal strain was assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography in 130 patients (641 septal and 630 LV lateral wall segments). Wall motion score index (WMSI) was assessed visually in all patients by an experienced operator, and graded from one to four. Glucose metabolism was assessed by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) Positron Emission Tomography (PET) in 52 patients. Perfusion was assessed in 46 patients by either 13N-ammonia PET (n = 32) or Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) (n = 14). Metabolism and perfusion were reported as percentages of the segment with maximum tracer uptake. The ability of each parameter to identify scar was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves with calculation of area under the curve (AUC) and 95% confidence interval (CI). AUC≥0.800 was considered reasonable agreement with LGE. Results Scar was present in 574 of total 2090 interpretable segments (79% ischemic etiology). Globally, perfusion (AUC = 0.845, 95% CI 0.777-0.914) and glucose metabolism (AUC = 0.807, 95% CI 0.758-0.855) adequately detected transmural scars, but not smaller scars (all AUC &amp;lt; 0.800). Echocardiographic parameters failed to detect global scars irrespective of size (all AUC &amp;lt; 0.800). However, the associations between echocardiographic/nuclear parameters and scars were highly dependent on myocardial region. In the LV lateral wall, glucose metabolism precisely detected transmural scars (AUC = 0.958, 95% CI 0.902-1.00) and WMSI proved reasonable agreement (AUC = 0.812, 95% CI 0.737-0.887), while the rest of the parameters did not (all AUC &amp;lt; 0.800). Smaller scars in this region was not detected by any parameter tested (all AUC &amp;lt; 0.800). No parameter adequately detected septal scars, not even those with transmural involvement (all AUC &amp;lt; 0.800) (Figure). Conclusions Neither echocardiographic nor nuclear imaging techniques can replace LGE-CMR in scar assessment prior to CRT. Septum is especially challenging, explained by LBBB-induced reduction in strain, metabolism and perfusion in this region. Abstract P975 Figure. Detection of transmural septal scar

Chest Wall Masculinization in Female-to-Male Transsexuals: Our Treatment Algorithm and Life Satisfaction Questionnaire.

Esthetic masculinization of the chest wall is one of the first surgical steps in female-to-male transsexual (FTMTS) reassignment.This surgical procedure is not a simple mastectomy: it is required for removal of breast tissue with glandular resection and skin excess revision, to reduce and replace the nipple-areola complex in the right location, minimizing chest wall scars. The creation of an esthetically pleasing male chest allows the patient to live at ease in the male gender role.In this article, we present our series of 68 FTMTSs who underwent bilateral mastectomies for surgical sexual reassignment (a total of 136 mastectomies) according to our algorithm, in the period between January 2010 and December 2017. We selected 4 different operative procedures, classified as subcutaneous ("pull-through" and "concentric circular" techniques) and skin extended ("ultrathin vertical bipedicle" and free nipple graft).We achieved a total complication rate of 6.6%, less than that reported in the literature; additional procedures for esthetic improvements were performed in 14.7% of cases. The mean patient satisfaction was approximately 4.57% of a maximal value of 5 (excellent).To help surgeons in choosing the most appropriate FTMTS surgical technique and to reduce unfavorable results, we propose the use of our treatment algorithm in preoperative evaluation of the chest wall according to the breast volume, degree of glandular ptosis, and skin elasticity.

P6180Septal negative work correlates inversely with septal scar in patients referred for cardiac resynchronization therapy

Abstract Background Myocardial scar is frequently present in patients with heart failure and left bundle branch block (LBBB), and associated with reduced response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Furthermore, LBBB may be associated with markedly reduced strain, work, metabolism and perfusion in septum, even without septal ischemia. Therefore, it may be challenging to identify scar by functional imaging methods. Purpose To investigate the ability of advanced echocardiographic and nuclear imaging techniques to detect septal and left ventricular (LV) lateral wall scar in patients referred for CRT, compared to late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiac magnetic resonance. Methods Scar was quantified as percentage LGE in five septal and five LV lateral wall segments of 131 patients (age 66±10, 66% male, QRS-width 164±17ms) referred for CRT, 92% with LBBB. Longitudinal strain was assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography in 130 patients (652 septal and 631 LV lateral wall segments). Myocardial work was calculated by LV pressure-strain analysis. Systolic shortening defined positive work, while systolic lengthening defined negative work. Glucose metabolism was assessed by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) Positron Emission Tomography (PET) in 52 patients (260 septal and 260 LV lateral wall segments). Perfusion was assessed in 46 patients (230 septal and 230 LV lateral wall segments) by either 13N-ammonia PET (n=32) or Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) (n=14). Metabolism and perfusion were reported as percentages of the segment with maximum tracer uptake. We evaluated parameter relationship to scar with Spearman correlation (rs) and regression analysis. Results LGE was present in 198 septal (30%) and 136 LV lateral wall (21%) segments. In a multivariate regression model with negative work, metabolism, perfusion and peak strain, only the first three parameters showed a significant association with LGE percent in septum (p&lt;0.001, p=0.022 and p&lt;0.001, respectively), while peak strain did not (p=0.270). Negative work in septum correlated inversely with percentage septal LGE-uptake (rs=-0.33): increasing amount of scar was associated with less negative work (Figure). In the LV lateral wall, however, negative work did not shown a significant association with percentage LGE in univariate regression analysis (p=0.109). In a multivariate regression model positive work, metabolism and perfusion correlated with percentage LGE (p=0.049, p=0.008 and p&lt;0.001), while peak strain did not (p=0.607). Two representative patients Conclusions Septal negative work correlates inversely with septal scar in patients referred for CRT. This finding is probably linked to LBBB, and may be explained by increased stiffness of scar tissue. Myocardial work, but not peak strain, reflects scar in the LV lateral wall. Future studies should explore the assessment of scar in the complete LV and how this relates to CRT response.

The Impact of a Postmastectomy Chest Wall Scar Boost on Local Recurrence-free Survival in High-risk Patients

IntroductionA scar boost following postmastectomy radiation to a total dose of > 50 Gy can be considered in cases of invasive breast cancer with high-risk features including advanced tumor stage, lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI), and positive margins. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a scar boost on 5-year local recurrence-free survival (LRFS). Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 140 patients with invasive breast cancer treated with mastectomy and postmastectomy radiation at a single institution between 2007 and 2016. Patients received 50 to 50.4 Gy to the chest wall and the majority of scar boosts were 9 to 10 Gy. LRFS was examined using the Kaplan-Meier method and univariable Cox regression. ResultsA total of 140 patients met inclusion criteria with a median follow-up time of 48 months. Ninety-four (67.1%) patients did receive a scar boost and 46 (32.9%) patients did not. On subset analysis of patients with LVSI or positive margins, 5-year LRFS was 79.3% in patients treated with scar boost compared with 71.1% in patients without a scar boost (P = .537). In patients with T3 or T4 disease, 5-year LRFS was 80.9% in those who received scar boost and 71.6% in patients who did not (P = .967). The use of a scar boost was not associated with a significant improvement in LRFS on Cox regression (hazard ratio, 0.83; 95% confidence interval, 0.37-1.84; P = .654). ConclusionUse of a scar boost following postmastectomy radiation decreased the absolute percentages of local recurrences in patients with high-risk features; however, this did not translate into a statistically significant benefit.

Mechanism of Abnormal Septal Motion in Left Bundle Branch Block: Role of Left Ventricular Wall Interactions and Myocardial Scar

ObjectivesThis study sought to investigate how regional left ventricular (LV) function modifies septal motion in left bundle branch block (LBBB). BackgroundIn LBBB, the interventricular septum often has marked pre-ejection shortening, followed by immediate relengthening (rebound stretch). This motion, often referred to as septal flash, is associated with positive response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). MethodsIn 10 anesthetized dogs, we induced LBBB by radiofrequency ablation and occluded the circumflex (CX) (n = 10) and left anterior descending (LAD) (n = 6) coronary arteries, respectively. Myocardial dimensions were measured by sonomicrometry and myocardial work by pressure-segment length analysis. In 40 heart failure patients with LBBB, including 20 with post-infarct scar and 20 with nonischemic cardiomyopathy, myocardial strain was measured by speckle-tracking echocardiography and myocardial work by pressure-strain analysis. Scar was assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with late gadolinium enhancement. ResultsDuring LBBB, each animal showed typical septal flash with pre-ejection shortening and rebound stretch, followed by reduced septal systolic shortening (p < 0.01). CX occlusion caused LV lateral wall dysfunction and abolished septal flash due to loss of rebound stretch (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, CX occlusion restored septal systolic shortening to a similar level as before induction of LBBB and substantially improved septal work (p < 0.001). LAD occlusion, however, accentuated septal flash by increasing rebound stretch (p < 0.05). Consistent with the experimental findings, septal flash was absent in patients with LV lateral wall scar due to lack of rebound stretch (p < 0.001), and septal systolic shortening and septal work far exceeded values in nonischemic cardiomyopathy (p < 0.0001). Septal flash was present in most patients with anteroseptal scar. ConclusionsLV lateral wall dysfunction and scar abolished septal flash and markedly improved septal function in LBBB. Therefore, function and scar in the LV lateral wall should be taken into account when septal motion is used to evaluate dyssynchrony.

Dynamic unipolar voltage criteria of right ventricular septum for identifying left ventricular septal scar.

The right ventricular (RV) septal unipolar voltage (UV) for predicting left ventricular (LV) septal scar wall thickness (WT) remains to be elucidated. From 2013 to 2015, data obtained from RV and LV electroanatomic maps of 28 patients (mean age, 53 ± 16years; 19 men [67.9%]) with/without identified LV septal scars were reviewed. Patients with an RV septal scar were excluded (n = 90). Direct measurement of septal WT was conducted (mean distance, 10.4 ± 3.3mm). Patients in group 1 had a normal LV substrate, while those in group 2 had an LV septal scar. Fisher's linear discriminant formula was used to determine the dynamic UV criteria. A total of 552 points were collected: 323 in 12 patients from group 1 and 229 in 16 patients from group 2. The UV of the RV septum is capable of identifying the opposite LV endocardial bipolar scar and is proportional to the WT of the interventricular septum. In the absence of an RV endocardial scar, the formula of "RV septal cut-off value = 0.736 × WT - 0.117mV" has better sensitivity and specificity for predicting the LV septal scar (0.96 vs. 0.68 and 0.91 vs. 0.80, respectively) than the predefined fixed criteria of 8.3mV with a net reclassification improvement of 25.7% (P < 0.001). The combined measurement of UV and WT is more sensitive than the predefined fixed UV criteria for defining deep scars.

Effects of arginine on abdominal wall wound healing in Wistar rats.

to evaluate the effects of arginine on abdominal wall healing in rats. we submitted 20 Wistar rats to laparotomy and divided them into two groups, arginine and control, which then received, respectively, daily intraperitoneal treatment with arginine (300mg/kg/day) and weight-equivalent phosphate buffered solution, during five days. On the seventh postoperative day, we collected blood and scar wall samples from both groups. We evaluated serum nitrate and nitrite levels, wound evolution by tissue hydroxyproline dosages, granulation tissue formation, percentage of mature and immature collagen, myofibroblast density and angiogenesis. We used the ANOVA and the Student's t tests with p=0.05 for comparisons between groups. there were no significant differences between the groups studied for nitrate and nitrite (p=0.9903), tissue hydroxyproline (p=0.1315) and myofibroblast density (p=0.0511). The arginine group presented higher microvascular density (p=0.0008), higher percentage of type I collagen (p=0.0064) and improved granulation tissue formation, with better angiofibroblastic proliferation rates (p=0.0007) and wound edge reepithelization (p=0.0074). in the abdominal wall healing evaluation of Wistar rats under arginine treatment, there was no change in serum nitrate and nitrite levels, total collagen deposition and myofibroblast density. There was an increase in type I collagen maturation, microvascular density and improvement in scar granulation tissue formation by better edge reepithelization and angiofibroblastic proliferation.

Utility of dual-source computed tomography in cardiac resynchronization therapy—DIRECT study

Dual-source computed tomography (CT) can evaluate left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony, myocardial scar, and coronary venous anatomy in patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). We aimed to determine whether dual-source CT predicts clinical CRT outcomes and reduces intraprocedural time. In this prospective study, 54 patients scheduled for CRT (mean age 63 ± 11 years; 74% men) underwent preprocedural CT to assess their venous anatomy as well as CT-derived dyssynchrony metrics and myocardial scar. Based on 1:1 randomization, the implanting physician had preimplant knowledge of the venous anatomy in half the patients. In blinded analyses, we measured time to maximal wall thickness and inward wall motion to determine (1) CT global and segmental dyssynchrony and (2) concordance of lead location to regional LV mechanical contraction. End points were 6-month CRT response measured using heart failure clinical composite score and 2-year major adverse cardiac events (MACE). There were 72% CRT responders and 17% with MACE. Two wall motion dyssynchrony indices-global wall motion and opposing anteroseptal-inferolateral wall motion-predicted MACE (P < .01). Lead location concordant to regions of maximal wall thickness was associated with less MACE (P < .01). No CT dyssynchrony metrics predicted 6-month CRT response (P = NS for all). Myocardial scar (43%), posterolateral wall scar (28%), and total scar burden did not predict outcomes (P = NS for all). Preknowledge of coronary venous anatomy by CT did not reduce implant or fluoroscopy time (P = NS for both). Two CT dyssynchrony metrics predicted 2-year MACE, and LV lead location concordant to regions of maximal wall thickness was associated with less MACE. Other CT factors had little utility in CRT.