Reduced nontarget embolization and increased targeted delivery with a reflux-control microcatheter in a swine model

PurposeTo evaluate the potential differences in non-target embolization and vessel microsphere filling of a reflux-control microcatheter (RCM) compared to a standard end-hole microcatheter (SEHM) in a swine model.Materials and methodsRadiopaque microspheres were injected with both RCM and SEHM (2.4-Fr and 2.7-Fr) in the kidneys of a preclinical swine model. Transarterial renal embolization procedures with RCM or SEHM were performed in both kidneys of 14 pigs. Renal arteries were selectively embolized with an automated injection protocol of radio-opaque microspheres. Ex-vivo X-ray microtomography images of the kidneys were utilized to evaluate the embolization by quantification of the deposition of injected microspheres in the target vs. the non-target area of injection. X-ray microtomography images were blindly analyzed by five interventional radiologists. The degree of vessel filling and the non-target embolization were quantified using a scale from 1 to 5 for each parameter. An analysis of variance was used to compare the paired scores.ResultsTotal volumes of radio-opaque microspheres injected were similar for RCM (11.5 ± 3.6 [SD] mL; range: 6–17 mL) and SEHM (10.6 ± 5.2 [SD] mL; range: 4–19 mL) (P = 0.38). The voxels enhanced ratio in the target (T) vs. non-target (NT) areas was greater with RCM (T = 98.3% vs. NT = 1.7%) than with SEHM (T = 89% vs. NT = 11%) but the difference was not significant (P = 0.30). The total score blindly given by the five interventional radiologists was significantly different between RCM (12.3 ± 2.1 [SD]; range: 6–15) and the standard catheter (11.3 ± 2.5 [SD]; range: 4–15) (P = 0.0073), with a significant decrease of non-target embolization for RCM (3.8 ± 1.3 [SD]; range: 3.5–4.2) compared to SEHM (3.2 ± 1.5 [SD]; range: 2.9–3.5) (P = 0.014).ConclusionIn an animal model, RCM microcatheters reduce the risk of non-target embolization from 11% to 1.7%, increasing the delivery of microspheres of 98% to the target vessels, compared to SEHM microcatheters.     

Pseudoaneurysm in the inferior alveolar artery following a bad split in bilateral sagittal split osteotomy

Pseudoaneurysms in the external carotid artery system are rare, mostly reported in the superficial temporal and facial arteries. The bilateral sagittal split osteotomy has a low incidence of complications requiring emergency interventions. We report the case of a patient with acute bleeding from a pseudoaneurysm of the inferior alveolar artery diagnosed by angiography and treated successfully by super-selective embolization.     

Primary vaccination in adult patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation – A single center retrospective efficacy analysis

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) results in a loss of humoral immunity and subsequent risk for severe infections. Thus, re-vaccination is required but may fail due to incomplete immune reconstitution. We retrospectively analyzed predictors of immune response to primary vaccination applied according to the EBMT (European Blood and Marrow Transplantation Group) recommendations. Serologic response to vaccination against diphtheria (D), tetanus (T), Bordetella pertussis (aP) and Haemophilus influenzae (Hib) (administrated as combined DTaP-Hib-IPV vaccination) was studied in 84 alloHSCT patients transplanted between 2008 and 2015 (age at alloHSCT: 18.6–70.6 years). All patients with a relapse-free survival of ≥9 months, at least 3 consecutive vaccinations and absence of intravenous immunoglobulin administration within 3 months before and after vaccination met the primary inclusion criteria. Additionally, immunological response to a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine was analyzed in a subgroup of 67 patients. Patients’ characteristics at the time of first vaccination were recorded. Responses were measured as vaccine-specific antibody titers. Regarding DTaP-Hib-IPV vaccination, 89.3% (n = 75) of all patients achieved protective titers to at least 3 of the 4 vaccine components and were thus considered responders. 10.7% (n = 9) of the patients were classified as non-responders with positive immune response to less than 3 components. Highest response was observed for Hib (97.4%), tetanus (95.2%) and pneumococcal vaccination (83.6%) while only 68.3% responded to vaccination against Bordetella pertussis. Significant risk factors for failure of vaccination response included low B cell counts (p < 0.001; cut-off: 0.05 B cells/nl) and low IgG levels (p = 0.026; mean IgG of responders 816 mg/dl vs. 475 mg/dl of non-responders). Further, a trend was observed that prior cGvHD impairs vaccination response as 88.9% of the non-responders but only 54.7% of the responders had prior cGvHD (p = 0.073). The results demonstrate, that the currently proposed vaccination strategy leads to seroprotection in the majority of alloHSCT patients.     

Absence of Case of Mucormycosis (March 2020–May 2021) under strict protocol driven management care in a COVID-19 specific tertiary care intensive care unit

AimsWith a sudden increase in cases of mucormycosis seen in Covid ?19 patients, we conducted a retrospective analysis of all admitted patients in a tertiary care covid-19 hospital looking at incidence of mucormycosis.MethodsIntensive care unit daily rounds data stored in an electronic format was retrieved by one of the consultants, looking for incidence of mucormycosis, diabetes mellitus, adherence to protocol for steroid use, glycemic control and use of monoclonal antibodies. Also, patients follow up data base of post covid Outpatients Department was searched for cases of mucormycosis.ResultsA total of 5248 patients were admitted between March 2020 to May 2021, of which 1027 were in ICU and 4221 in wards. Of the 1027 patients admitted in Intensive care unit, 915 received steroids and 417 had diabetes as existing co-morbidity. No case of mucormycosis was reported during the stay in the hospital and during immediate outpatient department follow up. The low dose steroids were administered as per state government protocol for treating COVID 19, a nurse driven strict glycemic control regime (blood glucose level was maintained between 140 and 180 mg/dl through the admission in ICU and was achieved consistently in 842 (82%) patients, followed along with minimal use of other immunomodulatory like monoclonal antibodies.ConclusionA strict adherence to protocol of low dose steroids coupled with strict glycemic control helped in eliminating the risk and incidence of mucormycosis in a tertiary care dedicated covid-19 hospital.     

基于SEER数据库脊索瘤临床预测模型的建立及验证

目的构建脊索瘤患者的预测模型并进行验证。方法从SEER数据库(2004~2015年)中鉴定和收集597例脊索瘤患者。Nomogram是基于建模组420例拥有完整数据的患者建立的。C指数(C-index)和校正曲线确定Nomogram的预测精度和判别能力。结果建立了基于年龄、种族、原发部位及数量、肿瘤分期(TNM)、手术方式、是否放疗、肿瘤转移和肿瘤大小等预后因素的预测模型,C指数为0.778。确定生存概率的校准曲线表明,Nomogram预测结果与实际观测结果吻合较好。年龄>60岁(P<0.001,HR 5.723,95%CI 1.988~16.474)、M1(P<0.001,HR 4.121,95%CI 1.834~9.257)、手术方式(全切除,P<0.01,HR0.416,95%CI 0.236~0.732;根治性扩大切除,P<0.0001,HR 0.251,95%CI 0.143~0.442)是独立预后因素。结论 Nomogram为脊柱脊索瘤患者提供了更准确的预后预测。本研究结果显示,年龄>60岁肿瘤分期M1和不进行手术是显著缩短脊索瘤患者生存时间的独立危险因素。     

A guide to assessing post-operative complications following en bloc spinal resection

En-bloc resection of spinal tumours is a complex procedure with significant morbidity and mortality. The extensive resection leaves a large soft tissue and osseous defect requiring reconstruction. Following en-bloc resection, there may be complications relating to both the removal of the tumour and the subsequent reconstruction. This paper outlines the imaging appearances of the frequently encountered complications in our experience. The primary aim is to improve the confidence of the radiologist when reporting imaging following spinal en-bloc resection, however we believe this is also useful for the spinal and orthopaedic surgeons in assessing the patients following en block resection.     

液晶数字显示角度仪在全髋关节置换术中的应用价值

目的:探讨在全髋关节置换术中使用液晶数字显示角度仪控制前倾角的应用价值。方法:回顾分析自2018年1月至2019年12月83例行初次全髋关节置换术的患者,其中男28例,女55例;年龄42~81(70.4±7.9)岁。股骨颈骨折63例,股骨头缺血性坏死20例。所有患者术中使用液晶数显角度仪控制髋臼杯假体的前倾角,术后采用CT扫描,测量髋臼杯的前倾角,两者进行比较,了解使用液晶数显角度仪的准确性。结果:术后CT测量提示患者的髋臼前倾角均位于Lewinnek提倡的安全区内,术中使用液晶数显角度仪测量髋臼杯的前倾角度中位数为14.20°(12.80~15.40)°,术后CT扫描测量的髋臼杯的前倾角中位数为14.20°(13.40~15.50)°,两者比较差异无统计学意义(Z=-1.725,P=0.085)。结论:应用液晶数显角仪器对术中控制髋臼杯的前倾角是一种准确可靠的方法,具有良好的辅助参考价值。