Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation for the Management of Intractable Painful Polyneuropathy: A Prospective Pilot Study

Objectives: Dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRGS) is a promising neurostimulation modality in the treatment of painful polyneuropathy. The aim of this prospective pilot study was to investigate the effect of DRGS on pain intensity in patients with intractable painful polyneuropathy.Materials and Methods: Nine patients with chronic, intractable painful polyneuropathy in the lower limbs were recruited. In each subject, between two and four DRGS leads were placed at the level of the L5 and S1 dorsal root ganglion. If trial stimulation was successful, a definitive implantable pulse generator (IPG) was implanted. Pain intensity was scored using an 11-point numeric rating scale (NRS) and reported as median and interquartile range (IQR), and compared to baseline values using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Additionally, patients’ global impression of change (PGIC), pain extent, presence of neuropathic pain, physical functioning, quality of life, and mood were assessed.Results: Eight out of nine patients had a successful trial phase, of which seven received an IPG. Daytime pain decreased from a median (IQR) NRS score of 7.0 (5.9–8.3) to 2.0 (1.0–3.5) and 3.0 (1.6–4.9) in the first week and at six months after implantation, respectively. Similar effects were observed for night time and peak pain scores.Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that DRGS significantly reduces both pain intensity and PGIC in patients with intractable painful polyneuropathy in the lower extremities. Large-scale clinical trials are needed to prove the efficacy of DRGS in intractable painful polyneuropathy.     

Organ-based tube current modulation in chest CT. A comparison of three vendors

IntroductionOrgan-based tube current modulation (OBTCM) is designed for anterior dose reduction in Computed Tomography (CT). The purpose was to assess dose reduction capability in chest CT using three organ dose modulation systems at different kVp settings. Furthermore, noise, diagnostic image quality and tumour detection was assessed.MethodsA Lungman phantom was scanned with and without OBTCM at 80–135/140 kVp using three CT scanners; Canon Aquillion Prime, GE Revolution CT and Siemens Somatom Flash. Thermo-luminescent dosimeters were attached to the phantom surface and all scans were repeated five times. Image noise was measured in three ROIs at the level of the carina. Three observers visually scored the images using a fivestep scale. A Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test was used for statistical analysis of differences.ResultsUsing the GE revolution CT scanner, dose reductions between 1.10 mSv (12%) and 1.56 mSv (24%) (p < 0.01) were found in the anterior segment and no differences posteriorly and laterally. Total dose reductions between 0.64 (8%) and 0.91 mSv (13%) were found across kVp levels (p < 0.00001). Maximum noise increase with OBTCM was 0.8 HU. With the Canon system, anterior dose reductions of 6–10% and total dose reduction of 0.74–0.76 mSv across kVp levels (p < 0.001) were found with a maximum noise increase of 1.1 HU. For the Siemens system, dose increased by 22–51% anteriorly; except at 100 kVp where no dose difference was found. Noise decreased by 1 to 1.5 HU.ConclusionOrgan based tube current modulation is capable of anterior and total dose reduction with minimal loss of image quality in vendors that do not increase posterior dose.Implications for practiceThis research highlights the importance of being familiar with dose reduction technologies.     

New evidence supporting lung cancer screening with low dose CT & surgical implications

IntroductionLung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-death worldwide. The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPTSF) approved screening for current or former smokers aged 55–80 based on the results of the National Lung Screening trial (NLST). Following the NLST, new evidence has emerged from clinical trials and updates to previous trials prior to the anticipated update to the USPSTF guideline. We review the new evidence on lung cancer screening with low dose computed tomography (LDCT) and the surgical implications.MethodsA review of new literature was performed pertaining to lung cancer screening since implementation of UPSTF guidelines. Articles for inclusion were identified by both authors’, then search of the Pubmed and Cochrane database was performed from January 1st, 2013 through February 4th, 2020 using the MeSH search terms: “lung cancer”; “screening”; “low dose CT”. The results of these studies are summarized.ResultsWe identified multiple prospective randomized control trials and meta-analysis since the NLST supporting lung cancer-specific mortality with screening. We identified new nodule classification systems and the development of risk-models which may reduce false positive rates and identify high risk patients not currently eligible for screening. Finally, we discussed the surgical implications of screening.ConclusionNew data supports NLST findings and show ongoing benefit to LDCT for lung cancer screening. Standardized LDCT screening classification has been shown to reduce harm and lower false positive rates. Further study is needed regarding use of risk-modeling. Screening will require an increase in the thoracic workforce to accommodate the amount of surgically operable cancers.     

Diagnosis and Treatment of Musculotendinous Deficiencies of the Hip

Musculotendinous deficiencies related to iliopsoas tendinitis and abductor mechanism disruption following total hip arthroplasty (THA) are frequently under diagnosed and can be frustrating to surgeons and devastating to patients with painful THAs with normal appearing radiographs. Current peer-reviewed evidence is presented for diagnosis and treatment options for these two musculotendinous deficiencies. While these musculotendinous deficiencies are treatable, prevention during the primary THA is ideal, and special attention should be taken into consideration for optimized acetabular cup size and position, optimized hip biomechanics, and preservation and protection of the abductor tendon insertion to the greater trochanter.     

External application of two unrestricted herbal medicines to treat costochondritis in a young collegiate athlete: A case report

Costochondritis (ChC), especially chronic ChC, typically manifests as spontaneous vague pain in anterior chest area and often occurs in adolescents for unknown reasons; it has prevented many collegiate athletes from participating in physical training and competitions. A 21-year-old female collegiate taekwondo athlete suffering from chronic chest pain was sent by her coaches for diagnosis and treatment. Seated motion palpation was used to identify spontaneous and motion-involved pain areas. Palpation in the supine position was used to initially rule out breast diseases. X-ray, electrocardiogram, and cardiac Doppler ultrasound were used in conjunction with myocardial enzyme testing to rule out lung and cardiovascular diseases. The patient was treated using herbal medicines applied via an external patch. The medicine was comprised of Rhizoma Corydalis and borneol, and the treatment lasted for seven weeks. For five weeks patches were applied at a frequency of two or three times per day, followed by a two-week period of once per day. The patient reported that the pain was relieved after two weeks of external herb use, and the autonomic chest pain had resolved. Re-examination after one month showed that her upper limb range of motion was close to normal, and her psychological burden had almost disappeared. It is possible to seek more active medicinal treatment and more practical external products for young athletes who is suffering chronic ChC that affects the sport training and competitive performances.     

Is there an advantage to using computer aided detection for the early detection of pulmonary nodules within chest X-Ray imaging?

ObjectiveUsing published literature, this research examines whether Computer-aided Detection (CAD) identifies more Pulmonary Nodules (PN) within Chest X-ray (CXR) systems, compared to radiologist diagnosis without CAD.Key FindingsAlthough the primary papers were pointing to CAD being a beneficial system in the diagnosis of PN detection, a regression analysis of the data available within these papers showed no correlation between the higher sensitivity of CAD against the detrimental high False Positives (FP) of CAD. Findings of the studies were deemed inconclusive.ConclusionFurther research is recommended to review the potential of CAD on CXR PN detection.Implications for practiceCAD acting as a second reader could potentially reduce interpreter error rate.     

胸痛中心认证对急性ST段抬高型心肌梗死患者救治效率的影响

目的观察我院胸痛中心认证前后急性ST段抬高型心肌梗死(STEMI)救治关键指标的变化。方法采取回顾性非同期队列研究方式,以我院通过中国胸痛中心联盟正式认证时间为划分时间点,将2017年9月至2018年9月收治的STEMI患者为胸痛中心认证前组(206例),将2018年10月至2019年10月收治的STEMI患者为胸痛中心认证后组(284例)。比较胸痛中心认证前后STEMI患者院前救治、院内救治关键指标的变化以及住院期间死亡率、住院时间和住院费用的差异。结果胸痛中心认证后组心电图(ECG)远程传输比例[122(43.0%)比62(30.1%),P=0.008]和绕行急诊科或CCU比例[117(41.2%)比64(31.1%),P=0.022]与胸痛中心认证前组比较显著增加,首次医疗接触至完成首份ECG(FMC-to-ECG)[3(2,5)min比5(2,7)min,P<0.001]与胸痛中心认证前组比较显著缩短,差异均有统计学意义;两组患者发病至首次医疗接触(S-to-FMC)时间比较,差异无统计学意义(P=0.146)。胸痛中心认证后组ECG至确诊时间[(76.3±57.9)min比(92.0±65.8)min,P=0.040]较胸痛中心认证前组显著下降;胸痛中心认证后组进入医院大门至球囊扩张(D-to-B)时间[76.0(60.0,88.0)min比94.0(78.0,195.0)min,P<0.001]和首次医疗接触至球囊扩张(FMC-to-B)时间[(96.1±67.3)min比(112.4±84.0)min,P=0.022]均较胸痛中心认证前组显著下降,差异均有统计学意义。胸痛中心认证后组D-to-B时间<90 min达标率[201(70.8%)比119(57.8%),P=0.003]和FMC-to-B<120 min达标率[180(63.4%)比101(49.0%),P=0.002]均较胸痛中心认证前组显著增加,差异均有统计学意义。胸痛中心认证后组院内死亡率与胸痛中心认证前组比较,有下降趋势[11(3.9%)比10(4.9%),P=0.654],但差异无统计学意义。胸痛中心认证前后组患者住院时间和住院总费用比较,差异均无统计学意义(均P>0.05)。结论我院胸痛中心认证后较认证前显著缩短了STEMI救治时间,尤其是D-to-B时间,有助于提高胸痛中心STEMI患者的救治效率。     

急诊胸腹创伤手术后切口感染的相关因素调查

目的研究急诊胸腹创伤手术后切口感染的危险因素。方法将该院于2017年9月—2018年9月收治的114例急诊胸腹创伤手术患者作为研究对象,根据患者是否发生术后切口感染分为研究组(发生术后切口感染)和对照组(未发生术后切口感染),统计并比较两组患者的一般资料及临床资料,同时分析导致急诊胸腹创伤手术患者发生术后切口感染的危险因素。结果患者年龄大、损伤后失血量多、合并低蛋白血症、未使用抗菌药物、开放性损伤以及合并糖尿病,均是急诊胸腹创伤手术患者术后并发切口感染的危险因素(P<0.05)。结论患者年龄大、损伤后失血量多、合并低蛋白血症、未使用抗菌药物、开放性损伤以及合并糖尿病,均是急诊胸腹创伤手术患者术后并发切口感染的危险因素。