Thoracic Level Research Articles

Epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, evolutionary, and therapeutic aspects of hypertensive patients infected by COVID-19: about 702 patients in our city

Abstract Introduction Hypertension (HT) is a major cardiovascular risk factor frequently observed in COVID-19 patients. This study aimed to determine the frequency of hypertensive patients infected with COVID-19 at a national hospital, describe their epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, and therapeutic profile, their disease progression, and identify factors associated with death. Methodology A retrospective, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted over 24 months and 4 days, from 27 March 2020 to 30 March 2022, at national hospital. Included were hospitalized patients at a hospital with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis, known hypertensives, regardless of gender, and with a hospitalization record. COVID-19 diagnosis was based on a positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR or a positive COVID Rapid Diagnostic Test. Data were collected using a survey form, with a p-value less than 0.05 considered statistically significant for bivariate analysis. Results The study enrolled 702 patients, a hospital frequency of 23.95%. The average age was 65.14 ± 12.24 years with a sex ratio of 0.81. Comorbidities were predominantly diabetes (40.5%) and dyslipidemia (4.8%). Common symptoms included cough (65%), dyspnea (42.3%), fever (47.4%), and asthenia (35.9%). Blood pressure was normal in 15.2%, high-normal in 16.8% of patients. HT was Grade I in 12.1%, Grade II in 10%, and Grade III in 6.8% of the population, with blood pressure unmeasurable in 0.3% of known hypertensive patients. SARSCOV2 infection was mild in 34.2% and moderate in 42.8% of cases. CT scans showed extensive (31.8%), severe (25.9%), moderate (25.6%), critical (8.5%), and minimal (7.9%) lung damage. Treatment mainly consisted of ACE inhibitors (29%), ACE inhibitors in combination with another antihypertensive (8.4%), and ARBs in combination with an antihypertensive (). The average hospital stay was 12.85 days with a favorable outcome in 81% and a mortality rate of 15.5%. Factors associated with death included not being vaccinated against COVID-19 (HR: 11.70; 95% CI: 1.324-103.519), critical clinical form (HR: 11.70; 95% CI: 1.324-103.519), pulmonary consolidation (HR: 8.87; 95% CI: 7.539-24.207), high creatinine (HR: 4.69; 95% CI: 1.360-16.181), critical CT thoracic level (HR: 2.42; 95% CI: 1.020-5.745), and not taking ARBs (HR: 6.02; 95% CI: 2.812-12.889). Conclusion HT can be associated with COVID-19, impacting the disease's prognosis with significant mortality. Preventing its incidence and morbidity/mortality is crucial.

Radiological Changes in the Spinal Cord and Brain of Patients with HTLV-1-Associated Myelopathy/Tropical Spastic Paraparesis (HAM/TSP)

HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) is a chronic, progressive neurological disorder and shares many radiological and clinical features with other more prevalent myelopathies. Here, we quantified spinal cord and brain volumes in adults with HAM/TSP in comparison with healthy volunteers (HVs) and individuals diagnosed with relapsing–remitting or progressive multiple sclerosis (RRMS or P-MS). Clinical disability and MRI were assessed in 24 HVs, 43 HAM/TSP subjects, and 46 MS subjects. Spinal cord cross-sectional area (SCCSA) and brain tissue volumes were measured and compared. HAM/TSP subjects had significantly lower SCCSA corresponding to cervical levels 2 and 3 (C2–3) (54.0 ± 8 mm2), cervical levels 4 and 5 (C4–5) (57.8 ± 8 mm2), and thoracic levels 4 to 9 (T4–9) (22.7 ± 4 mm2) and significantly elevated brain white matter hyperintensity (WMH) fraction (0.004 ± 0.008) compared to the HVs (C2–3: 69.4 ± 8 mm2, C4–5: 75.1 ± 9 mm2, T4–9: 34.1 ± 4 mm2; all p < 0.0001; and WMH: 0.0005 ± 0.0007; p < 0.001). In the HAM/TSP subjects, SCCSA at all levels but not WMH showed a significant correlation with clinical disability scores. WMH in HAM/TSP subjects, therefore, may not be related to clinical disability. SCCSA in our limited RRMS cohort was higher than the HAM/TSP cohort (C2–3: 67.6 ± 8 mm2, C4–5: 72.7 ± 9 mm2, T4–9: 33.4 ± 5 mm2; all p < 0.0001) and WMH was lower than in P-MS subjects (p = 0.0067). Principal component analysis suggested that SCCSA and WMH may be used to differentiate HAM/TSP from MS. Understanding these differences msay help establish early diagnostic criteria for HAM/TSP patients.

Surgical Management of Thoracic Dorsal Arachnoid Webs: A Ten-Year Single-Institution Experience

ObjectiveThoracic dorsal arachnoid webs are intradural membranes that may cause obstruction of CSF flow and spinal cord compression. While well-recognized, they are rare and there is a paucity of long-term data on their natural history and prognosis. We reviewed radiographic features, surgical indications, and pathologic specimens of patients diagnosed with focal thoracic dorsal arachnoid webs. MethodsA radiology database and surgical case logs were queried for thoracic arachnoid webs at a single hospital system for a ten-year period. A retrospective chart review was performed on identified cases. ResultsWe identified 127 patients with dorsal thoracic arachnoid webs. Arachnoid webs were radiographically classified into three morphologic types: Type 1 (54%) causing spinal cord deformity only, Type 2 (32%) producing cord deformity with myelomalacia, and Type 3 (14%) with cord deformity, myelomalacia, and syringomyelia. These arachnoid webs were commonly centered at the upper thoracic T4 segmental level. Forty-one cases (32%) required surgery, generally for thoracic myelopathy with gait instability (46%) and lower extremity numbness and pain (39%). In patients who underwent surgery, 79% experienced symptomatic improvement and 21% remained stable, after an average of 21 months follow-up evaluation. Surgical pathology revealed fibrous connective tissue (100%) with calcifications (26%) or inflammation (7%). ConclusionsThe majority in a large series of patients with dorsal arachnoid webs did not undergo surgical intervention, but those with myelomalacia and syrinx experienced radiographic and clinical deterioration without surgery. Surgery to treat symptomatic arachnoid webs results in significant clinical improvement with low surgical morbidity.

Congenital Right-side Rib Agenesis in a Male Lamb: A Rare Case Report

Sheep play a vital role in agriculture, contributing to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through meat, wool, and leather. The number of ribs in sheep is an important economic trait, particularly for meat production, as a higher rib count correlates with increased mutton yield. However, the congenital absence of ribs is a rare condition scarcely documented in veterinary field. This report presents the first known case of rib aplasia in a lamb, highlighting its clinical presentation, diagnosis, and implications. A two-day-old male co-twin lamb exhibited symptoms of ataxia, anorexia, and dyspnea. Physical examination revealed missing ribs on the right side and scoliosis at the thoracic vertebrae level. Chest X-rays confirmed the absence of the 9th and 10th ribs and thoracic scoliosis. Despite explanations of the poor prognosis, the lamb collapsed after two days, and no post-mortem examination was conducted. This case underscores the need for further research to identify genetic factors contributing to congenital rib agenesis in lambs, given its economic importance in the sheep industry.

Contraception Used by People Assigned Female at Birth With Spinal Cord Injury

ObjectivesThere is limited data on contraception used by people assigned female at birth with spinal cord injury (SCI). Pregnancy in people with SCI can be medically complex, therefore access to contraception to prevent unplanned pregnancies is imperative. This study aimed to assess the availability of contraception from health care providers (HCPs) to people with SCI and the contraception methods used. MethodsAn online international questionnaire was distributed. Demographic data and reproductive histories were recorded. Overall, 780 responses were received from participants in 33 different countries. Most participants lived in North America and self-identified as White. In total, 75% had a traumatic SCI. Most SCIs were at cervical and thoracic levels and American Spinal Injury Association-A and American Spinal Injury Association-B. Descriptive and χ2 statistics were used. ResultsThe recruitment rate was 85.4% and the completion rate was 73.8%. Overall, 93.6% of participants reported ever having been sexually active, while 60.7% reported sexual activity over the past year. Of people who were injured under the age of 50 years and who have been sexually active, 63.6% were offered birth control by an HCP. Condoms were used by 44.5% of participants, withdrawal by 20.1%, the combined oral contraceptive pill by 28.4% and intrauterine device by 20.1% of respondents. ConclusionsThis is the largest known study on SCI and contraception. Most people with SCI are sexually active. The withdrawal method and no contraception are used by many individuals, which may increase the risk of unplanned pregnancy. Increased use of highly effective contraception in this population may be achieved through HCP-initiated conversations about sexual health.

Assessing Abnormal Proximal Junctional Angles in Adult Spinal Deformity: A Normative Data Approach to Define Proximal Junctional Kyphosis.

Multicentric retrospective study of prospectively collected data. Based on normative data from a cohort of asymptomatic volunteers, this study sought to determine the rate of abnormal values of proximal junctional angles (PJA) in adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery patients, and compare it with PJK rate. Proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) definition does not take the vertebral level into account. This study included 721 healthy volunteers and 824 ASD surgery patients with 2-year postoperative follow-up. Normative values for each disc and vertebral body between T1 and T12 were analyzed, then normative values for PJA at each thoracic level were defined in the volunteer cohort as the mean±2 standard deviations. PJA abnormal values at the upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) were compared with Glattes' and Lovecchio's definitions for PJK in the ASD population at two years. Mean age was 37.7±16.3 in the volunteer cohort, with 50.5% of females. Mean thoracic kyphosis (TK) was -50.9±10.8°. Corridors of normality included PJA greater than 20° between T3 and T12. Mean age was 60.5±14.0 years in the ASD cohort, with 77.2% of females. Mean baseline TK was -37.4±19.9°, with a significant increase after surgery (-15.6±15.3°, P<0.001). There was 46.2% of PJK according to Glattes' versus 8.7% according to Lovecchio's and 22.9% of kyphotic PJA compared to normative values (P<0.001). This study provides normative values for segmental and regional alignment of thoracic spine, used to describe abnormal values of PJA for each level. Using level-adjusted PJA values allows a more precise assessment of abnormal proximal angles and question the definition for PJK. II.

Real-Time Ultrasonography for the Placement of Caudal Epidurals for Thoracic Surgery in Infants: A Description of the Technique and Case Series.

Caudal epidural catheters threaded to the thoracic levels are increasingly utilized in infants undergoing thoracic and abdominal surgery, compared to lumbar or thoracic epidural techniques. Estimating catheter length traditionally relies on anatomical landmarks, but the lack of spine ossification in infants makes ultrasonography a valuable and noninvasive tool. We present 3 cases where real-time ultrasonography facilitated caudal to thoracic epidural catheter placement in infants undergoing thoraco-abdominal surgeries. Incision-congruent placement of the catheter tip ensured effective perioperative analgesia with low doses of bupivacaine administered as intermittent boluses resulting in potent and prolonged analgesia with reduced opioid requirements.

Motor improvement and spasms recovery with high-frequency 10kHz spinal cord stimulation in a patient with spastic tetraparesis: beyond pain relief.

To describe the clinical outcomes beyond pain relief of high-frequency spinal cord stimulation at 10kHz (10kHz SCS) in a patient with cervical myelopathy and drug-resistant chronic neuropathic pain with spastic tetraparesis. A patient with C3-C6 myelomalacia and spastic tetraparesis previously treated with decompressive laminectomy underwent implantation of 10kHz SCS for pain management through a trial procedure followed by permanent implantation. Due to the presence of epidural fibrotic scar tissue in the area of the previous C3-C6 laminectomy, the leads could not be implanted at the cervical level; therefore, the leads were positioned at the thoracic level. Data were collected during routine follow-up visits up to 15 months after implantation. Since the trialing phase and during all follow-up visits, along with complete pain relief in the lower limbs, a recovery from spasms was observed with an improvement in motor function. The patient recovered from a sensation of stiffness and difficulty in movement, with a significant decrease in muscle tone, regaining confidence in walking, and no longer needing assistance even for long walking distances. Although all disabling and painful symptomatology in the upper limbs instead did not ameliorate, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score decreased from 50% at baseline to 6%. To our knowledge, recovery from spasms and motor improvement in a spastic tetraparesis patient has never been reported before with 10kHz SCS and possibly this new stimulation paradigm may overcome some performance limitations of traditional low-frequency SCS (LF-SCS). Treatment eliminated spasms at the lower limbs but not at the upper ones, thus suggesting that the location of the epidural leads could affect outcomes.

Protective role of transforming growth factor-Β3 (TGF-Β3) in the formation of radiation-induced capsular contracture around a breast implant: In vivo experimental study

Postmastectomy radiotherapy causes capsular contracture due to fibroproliferation of the capsular tissue around the implant. In fibrosis, unlike normal wound healing, structural and functional disorders are observed in the tissues caused by excessive/irregular accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins. It has been reported that transforming growth factor-β3 (TGF-β3) prevents and reverses fibrosis in various tissues or provides scarless healing with its antifibrotic effect. Additionally, TGF-β3 has been shown to reduce fibrosis in radiotherapy-induced fibrosis syndrome. However, no study in the literature investigates the effects of exogenously applied TGF-β3 on capsular contracture in aesthetic or reconstructive breast implant application. TGF-β3, which has a very short half-life, has low bioavailability with parenteral administration. Within the scope of this study, free TGF-β3 was loaded into the nanoparticles to increase its low bioavailability and extend its duration of action by providing controlled release. The aim of this study is to investigate the preventive/improving effects of radiation induced capsular contracture using chitosan film formulations containing TGF-β3 loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-b-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLGA-b-PEG) nanoparticles in implant-based breast reconstruction. In the characterization studies of nanoparticles, the particle size and zeta potential of the TGF-β3-loaded PLGA-b-PEG nanoparticle formulation selected to be used in the treatment group were found to be 123.60 ± 2.09 nm and −34.87 ± 1.42 mV, respectively. The encapsulation efficiency of the formulation was calculated as 99.91 %. A controlled release profile was obtained in in vitro release studies. Chitosan film formulations containing free TGF-β3 or TGF-β3-loaded PLGA-b-PEG nanoparticles were used in in vivo studies. In animal studies, rats were randomly distributed into 6 groups (n = 8) as sham, implant, implant + radiotherapy, implant + radiotherapy + chitosan film containing unloaded nanoparticles, implant + radiotherapy + chitosan film containing free TGF-β3, implant + radiotherapy + chitosan film containing TGF-β3 loaded nanoparticle. In all study groups, a 2 cm incision was made along the posterior axillary line at the thoracic vertebral level in rats to reach the lateral edge of the latissimus dorsi. The fascial attachment to the chest wall was then bluntly dissected to create a pocket for the implants. In the treatment groups, the wound was closed after films were placed on the outer surface of the implants. After administering prophylactic antibiotics, rats were subjected to irradiation with 10 Gy photon beams targeted to each implant site. Each implant and the surrounding excised tissue were subjected to the necessary procedures for histological (capsule thickness, cell density), immunohistochemical, and biochemical (α-SMA, vimentin, collagen type I and type III, TGF-β1 and TGF-β3: expression level/protein level) examinations. It was determined that the levels of TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 collagen type III, which decreased as a result of radiotherapy, were brought to the control level with free TGF-β3 film and TGF-β3 nanoparticle film formulations. Histological analyses, consistent with biochemical analyses, showed that thick collagen and fibrosis, which increased with radiotherapy, were brought to the control level with free TGF-β3 film and TGF-β3 nanoparticle film treatments.In biochemical analyses, the decrease in thick collagen was compatible with the decrease in the collagen type I/type III ratio in the free TGF-β3 film and TGF-β3 nanoparticle film groups. Changes in protein expression show that TGF-β3 loaded nanoparticles are more successful than free TGF-β3 in wound healing. In line with these results and the literature, it is thought that the balance of TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 should be maintained to ensure scarless wound healing with no capsule contracture.

Traumatic spinal cord injury and its correlation to risk of autoimmune/-inflammatory disease.

Nationwide epidemiological open cohort study. To evaluate whether individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) are more prone to develop autoimmune diseases compared to a general non-TSCI population. Danish public national registries. An open nationwide cohort, including individuals born in Denmark from or alive during 1945-2018 was collected and the study period was 1980-2018. Poissons Log-linear regression estimated the incidence rate ratio (IRR) for developing eight groups of autoimmune diseases. A dose-response relationship based on the cervical/thoracic level of injury was assessed by stratification. The cohort included 3,272 individuals with TSCI and 4.8 million background individuals, accounting for 50,865 and 140 million person-years respectively. The TSCI population had an overall IRR of 1.81 (95% CI, 1.59 to 2.05) of getting any autoimmune disease. Subgroup analysis found positive associations for; a) Other neurologic IRR 5.19 (95% CI, 2.79 to 9.65), b) multiple sclerosis IRR 3.70 (95% CI, 2.54 to 5.40), c) Dermatologic IRR 2.57 (95% CI, 1.86 to 3.55), d) Type 1 diabetes mellitus IRR 2.01 (95% CI, 1.54 to 2.61), e) Systemic 1.92 (95% CI, 1.44 to 2.55), and f) Gastroenterologic IRR 1.42 (95% CI, 1.05 to 1.92). Cervical levels of TSCI showed an IRR of 1.70 (95% CI, 1.43 to 2.02), while thoracic levels had an IRR 1.98 (95% CI, 1.63 to 2.39). TSCI may be an individual risk factor of developing an autoimmune disease. There does not appear to exist a dose-response relationship from the level of injury. None.

Comparison of the Distance of the Erector Spinae Muscle from the Skin at Different Thoracal Levels and Different Positions Under Ultrasonography

Background: The erector spinae plane block can be executed at various thoracic levels and in different positions. Our study aimed to determine the optimal distance of the erector spinae muscle from the skin and to identify the best ultrasonography imaging quality across different thoracic levels and positions. Materials and Methods: The erector spinae muscle was located using a high-frequency 10-15 MHz linear ultrasound probe at distinct thoracic levels (T1-T2, T5-T6, T11-T12) and in various positions (lateral, sitting, and prone). Results: The proximity of the erector spinae muscle to the skin was found to be significantly closer at the T5-T6 level compared to the T1-T2 and T11-T12 levels (p = 0.001; p &amp;lt; 0.01). In the prone position, the distance of the erector spinae muscle to the skin was significantly lower than in the lateral and sitting positions (p = 0.001; p &amp;lt; 0.01). Conclusions: In an ESPB to be applied at the T5-T6 thoracal level and in the prone position, the erector spinae muscle is closer to the skin, and the ultrasound image is better.

Epidemiological Characteristics of Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review.

Traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) is a severe condition with high mortality and disability rates. Understanding the regional TSCI epidemiology may facilitate the development of targeted preventive initiatives and the optimization of resource allocation. The primary goal of this systematic review was to gather and analyze the existing literature on the frequency and characteristics of TSCI in Saudi Arabia. A literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was conducted in January 2024 following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Observational studies reporting TSCI epidemiology in Saudi Arabia between 2010 and 2022 were included. Data on demographics, mechanisms, levels/severity, and outcomes were extracted. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Nine studies involving 2,356 TSCI cases were analyzed. Most patients were young males. Road traffic accidents were shown to be the predominant cause, accounting for 56.5-90.8% of cases. Thoracic (28.7-48.3%) and cervical (26.6-39%) levels were the most common. The extent of neurological deficits showed significant variation throughout the studies. This review provides a baseline understanding of TSCI epidemiology in Saudi Arabia but highlights critical gaps that future research should address. The review emphasizes the need for evidence-based interventions targeting road safety and falls, standardized cervical spine evaluation and management, and the use of validated metrics to optimize patient outcomes. Large-scale population-based studies with standardized methodologies are necessary to fully understand TSCI epidemiology, prognosis, and long-term disability burden in Saudi Arabia, leading to better prevention strategies and improved patient outcomes.

Clinical Outcome of Posterior Instrumented Stabilization and Transpedicular Decompression in Patients Presenting with Thoracic or Lumbar Spinal Tuberculosis in a Tertiary Care Center: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

Posterior instrumented stabilization is a commonly done surgery in spinal tuberculosis. This study aims to evaluate the clinical, radiological, and neurological outcomes of posterior instrumented stabilization and transpedicular decompression in thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted for one and a half years with at least six months of follow-up in a tertiary care center. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 119 (6-11-5) 2/075-076). Total sampling was done and the study included patients over 18 years of age with spinal tuberculosis of the thoracic or lumbar regions. These patients underwent posterior instrumented stabilization and transpedicular decompression at the tertiary care center. The age, site of involvement, Visual Analog Scale score for back pain, neurological status as per Frankel Neurology grading, and local kyphotic angle in X-ray were recorded. The median, interquartile range and percentage were calculated. The data was entered in Microsoft Excel 2016 and analysis was done using Epi Info software version 7.2. Thoracic level was most commonly involved in 14 (46.68%) cases. The median back pain as assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale score improved from 8 to 2 at the 6-month follow-up. There was improvement in the neurological grading of all cases and there was no loss of correction in the local kyphotic angle till the final follow-up. The median age of cases was 48 years (interquartile range: 28-62.50). Posterior instrumented stabilization and transpedicular decompression in adult patients with thoracic or lumbar spinal tuberculosis achieves improvements in clinical, radiological, and neurological outcomes.

Multilevel Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematomas in a Recreational Weight Lifter.

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is a nontraumatic condition that potentially compresses the spinal cord by accumulating blood in the epidural space. We report a case of multilevel SSEH in a 27-year-old male recreational weight lifter, presenting with acute lower back pain and bilateral leg weakness after deadlifts. Initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed subacute epidural hematomas with distinct signal intensities. The hematomas spanned multiple thoracic and lumbar levels without any predisposing medical conditions. Conservative management, including strict bed rest and pain management, led to marked improvement, with follow-up MRI indicating reduced hematoma size and expanded dural sac dimension. This case highlights the rare possibility of long-extending SSEH from weight lifting in individuals without risk factors and underscores the effectiveness of conservative treatment for multilevel spinal epidural hematomas.

Demographic and clinical data of patients with spinal epidural angiolipomas

Spinal epidural angiolipomas are rare, benign, mesenchymal tumors. It remains unclear whether spinal epidural angiolipomas are genuinely rare or merely underreported. Herein, we assessed the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with spinal epidural angiolipoma. We collected data from patients with spinal epidural angiolipoma from three sources. First, we retrospectively analyzed data from patients diagnosed with spinal epidural angiolipoma in our hospital between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2023. Second, we performed a literature review of studies retrieved from PubMed. Third, we retrieved detailed data of patients with spinal angiolipoma from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. We conducted a descriptive analysis to investigate the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with spinal epidural angiolipoma. At our institution, three patients were diagnosed with spinal epidural angiolipoma. Additionally, we identified 116 patients from the literature review and 15 patients from the SEER database. We reviewed the treatment history and imaging features of the three patients from our institution. The descriptive analysis of the data collected from the literature review was consistent with previous reports. For example, 63.0% of lesions were located at the thoracic level. 31.9% of these lesions involved two vertebral bodies, while 75.6% involved 2–4 vertebral bodies. The most common symptoms experienced by patients were back pain, paraparesis, and numbness in the legs. Surgery was the primary treatment option for most patients, and complete tumor resection was achieved in the majority of patients. The male:female ratio was 1:1.4, the median age at diagnosis for the patients from the literature was 49 years old, and the median follow-up was 24 months. Notably, most of the reports came from Asia and there were few reports from Africa. The findings from the SEER database indicated a male:female ratio of 2:1. The peak incidence, which is typically reported in the fifth decade of life, was not observed. We presented three cases of spinal epidural angiolipoma and supplemented our findings with a literature review and population-based analysis according to the SEER database for the United States population. We believe that our research will enhance clinicians’ comprehension of this uncommon tumor.

Outcomes of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Patients with and without Diabetes Mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) in patients undergoing cardiac transcatheter or surgical interventions usually is correlated with poor outcomes. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has been developed as a therapy choice for inoperable, high-, or intermediate-risk surgical patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). To evaluate the impact of DM and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) on outcomes and survival after TAVI. Five hundred and fifty-two symptomatic severe AS patients who underwent TAVI, of whom 164 (29.7%) had DM, were included in this retrospective study. Follow-up was performed after 30 days, six months, and annually. The device success and risks of procedural-related complications were similar between patients with and without DM, except for acute kidney injury, which was more frequent in the DM group (2.4% vs. 0%, P=0.021). In-hospital and first-year mortality were similar between the groups (4.9% vs. 3.6%, P=0.490 and 15.0% vs. 11.2%, P=0.282, respectively). There was a statistical difference between HbA1c ≥ 6.5 and HbA1c ≤ 6.49 groups in total mortality (34.4% vs. 15.8%, P<0.001, respectively). The only independent predictors were Society of Thoracic Surgeons score (hazard ratio [HR] 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09-1.51; P=0.003) and HbA1c level ≥ 6.5 (HR 10.78, 95% CI 2.58-21.50; P=0.003) in multivariable logistic regression analysis. In this study, we conclude that DM was not correlated with an increased mortality risk or complication rates after TAVI. Also, it was shown that mortality was higher in patients with HbA1c ≥ 6.5, and it was an independent predictor for long-term mortality.

Prognostic value of CT body composition analysis for 1-year mortality after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

To investigate the value of body composition indices derived from pre-procedural computed tomography (CT) in predicting 1-year mortality among patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We assessed consecutive patients who underwent TAVR between June 2016 and December 2021 at a single academic medical center. Skeletal muscle and subcutaneous fat area at the T4, T12, and L3 levels on pre-procedural CT were measured. The association between body composition and 1-year mortality was evaluated using Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. Finally, 408 patients were included (185 men and 223 women; mean age, 81.7 ± 5.1 years; range, 62-98 years). Post-procedural death occurred in 13.2% of patients. The muscle-height index and fat-height index at the L3 level were more strongly correlated with those at the T12 level (r = 0.765, p < 0.001 and r = 0.932, p < 0.001, respectively) than with those at the T4 level (r = 0.535, p < 0.001 and r = 0.895, p < 0.001, respectively). The cumulative 1-year mortality rate was highest for patients with both sarcopenia and adipopenia (26%), followed by those with adipopenia only(17%), those with sarcopenia only (12%), and those with neither sarcopenia nor adipopenia (8%, p = 0.002). Multivariable analysis revealed that body composition at the T12 level was an independent risk factor for 1-year mortality (hazard ratio: 4.09, 95% confidence interval: 2.01-8.35) in patients with both sarcopenia and adipopenia (p < 0.001). Sarcopenia or adipopenia assessed with CT at the thoracic level may be valuable for stratifying 1-year all-cause mortality in patients who undergo TAVR. Skeletal muscle and subcutaneous fat mass indices at the level of T12, measured on pre-procedural CT, have value for risk stratification of 1-year all-cause mortality in patients who undergo transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Sarcopenia and adipopenia are associated with the prognosis of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Body composition at the T12 level was an independent risk factor for 1-year all-cause mortality. Sarcopenia or adipopenia assessed at T12 with pre-procedural CT is valuable for risk stratification.

Thoracolumbar spinal cord injury: management, techniques, timing.

Acute traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) is a complex and heterogeneous injury, where the level of injury, injury severity, duration and degree of spinal cord compression, and blood pressure management seem to influence neurologic outcome. Although data in the literature seem to be inconsistent regarding the effectiveness of surgical decompression and spinal fixation in patients with thoracic and thoracolumbar tSCI, some single-center studies suggest that early surgical decompression may lead to a superior neurologic outcome, especially in patients with incomplete tSCI, suggesting surgical decompression to be performed as soon as possible. However, high energy injuries, especially to the upper thoracic levels, may be too severe to be influenced by surgical decompression, which may represent a critical second hit for the polytraumatized patient. Therefore, the surgeon first needs to critically evaluate the potential for neurologic recovery in each patient before determining the ideal timing of surgery. Circulatory stabilization must be achieved before surgical intervention, and minimally invasive procedures should be preferred. Invasive blood pressure monitoring should be started on admission, and maintenance of a MAP between 85 and 90 mmHg is recommended for a duration of 5-7 days, with special attention to the prevention of hypoxia, fever, acidosis and deep venous thrombosis. The role of a 24-hour infusion of high-dose MPSS is still controversial, but it may be offered at the discretion of the treating surgeon to adult patients within 8h of acute tSCI as a treatment option, especially in the case of very early decompression or incomplete tSCI.

Posterior Thoracic Antidisplacement and Fusion Surgery for a Special Type of Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament in the Thoracic Spine: Indications and Preliminary Clinical Results of 2-Year Follow-Up

To describe a novel technique, posterior thoracic antidisplacement and fusion (PTAF), for a special type of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the thoracic spine (T-OPLL), and to evaluate its safety and efficacy. From July to December 2020, 5 consecutive patients with beak-type T-OPLL located at the thoracic vertebral body level underwent PTAF surgery. Their demographic data, radiological parameters, perioperative complications, and surgery-related findings were recorded and analyzed. The surgical outcomes were assessed using a modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scale, and the recovery rate was calculated using the Hirabayashi's method. All patients were followed up for at least two years. The mean thickness of OPLL was 9.4±1.0mm, and the OPLL spinal canal occupying ratio was 67.7%±8.5%. Postoperatively, the mean antidisplacement distance of OPLL was 8.1±1.8mm, and the average shortened distance of the spinal column was 6.0±1.13mm. The mean operation time and blood loss were 158.2±26.3minutes and 460±89.4mL, respectively. Perioperative complications were cerebrospinal fluid leakage and instrument failure, 2 cases each. The mean modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score was increased from 3.6±2.9 before surgery to 9.4±3.0 at the last follow-up, and the average recovery rate was 84.2±30.5%. The preliminary clinical outcomes indicate that PTAF is a safe and effective method for the treatment of beak-type T-OPLL, which has its apex located at the vertebral body level and has a high spinal canal occupation ratio.

Skeletal muscle quantity and quality evaluation in heart failure: comparing thoracic versus abdominopelvic CT approaches

Given the critical role of skeletal muscle in healthy aging, low muscle mass (myopenia) and quality (myosteatosis) can be used as predictors of poor functional and cardiometabolic outcomes. Myopenia is also a part of sarcopenia and malnutrition diagnostic criteria. However, there is limited evidence for using chest computed tomography (CT) to evaluate muscle health. We aimed to compare chest CT landmarks to the widely used L3 vertebra for single-slice skeletal muscle evaluation in patients with heart failure (HF). Patients admitted for acute decompensated HF between January 2017 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Body composition measurements were made on CT of the chest and abdomen/pelvis with or without contrast one month before discharge. Skeletal muscle index (SMI) and intermuscular adipose tissue percentage (IMAT%) were calculated at several thoracic levels (above the aortic arch, T8, and T12) and correlated to the widely used L3 level. A total of 200 patients were included, 89 (44.5%) female. The strongest correlation of thoracic SMI (for muscle quantity) and IMAT% (for muscle quality) with L3 was at the T12 level (r = 0.834, p < 0.001 and r = 0.757, p < 0.001, respectively). Cutoffs to identify low muscle mass for T12 SMI (derived from the lowest sex-stratified L3 SMI tertile) were 31.1 cm²/m² in men and 26.3 cm²/m² in women. SMI and IMAT% at T12 had excellent correlations with the widely used L3 level for muscle quantity and quality evaluation in patients with HF.