A pathophysiologic, gastroenterologic, and radiologic approach to the management of gastric varices

Gastric varices (GV) occur in 20% of patients with portal hypertension either in isolation or in combination with esophageal varices (EV). There is no consensus for optimum treatment of GV and because they comprise an inhomogeneous entity, accurate classification is vital to determine the appropriate management. Gastroesophageal varices (GOV) are classified as GOV1 (EV extending down to cardia or lesser curve) or GOV2 (esophageal and fundal varices). Isolated gastric varices (IGV) may be located in the fundus (IGV1) or elsewhere in the stomach (IGV2). GV possibly bleed less frequently than EV, but GV bleeding is typically difficult to control, associated with a high risk for rebleeding, and high mortality. Fundal varices, large GV (>5 mm), presence of a red spot, and Child's C liver status are associated with a high risk for bleeding. GOV1 have a much lower risk for bleeding. A portosystemic pressure gradient of > or =12 mm Hg is not necessary for GV bleeding, probably related to the high frequency of spontaneous gastrorenal shunts in these patients. GOV1 should be treated as for EV. First-line treatment of bleeding fundal varices is endoscopic variceal obturation. TIPS is currently second-line acute treatment and is used for prevention of rebleeding. The role of some newer interventional radiologic techniques requires further appraisal. This review describes the pathophysiology, diagnosis, natural history, endoscopic, and interventional radiologic treatment options for GV.     

Correlation of HVPG Level with CTP Score,MELD Score,Ascites, Size of Varices,and Etiology in Cirrhotic Patients

Background/Aim:

This study intends to determine the correlation of a patient''s hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement with six factors: Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) score, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, presence of ascites, size of varices, presence of variceal bleeding, and an etiology of cirrhosis. The study also aims to identify the predictors of higher HVPG measurements that can indirectly affect the prognosis of cirrhotic patients.

Patients and Methods:

Thirty patients diagnosed with cirrhosis were enrolled prospectively and each patient''s HVPG level was measured by the transjugular catheterization of the right or middle hepatic vein. The wedged hepatic venous pressure (WHVP) and free hepatic venous pressure (FHVP) were measured using a 7F balloon catheter. The HVPG level was calculated as the difference between the WHVP and FHVP measurements.

Results:

The mean HVPG level was higher in alcoholic than in nonalcoholic cirrhosis (19.5 ± 7.3 vs 15.2 ± 4.5 mm Hg, P = 0.13). The mean HVPG was also higher in bleeders compared with nonbleeders (18.5 ± 5.3 vs 10.7 ± 3.1 mmHg, P = 0.001). Patients with varices had a higher mean HVPG level than those without varices (17.4 ± 5.8 vs 11.7 ± 3.9 mmHg, P = 0.04). The difference among the three categories of varices (small, large, and no varices) was statistically significant (P = 0.03). In addition, the mean HVPG level was higher in patients with ascites than in those without ascites (18.7 ± 4.7 vs 11 ± 5.3 mmHg, P = 0.002), and it was significantly higher in patients in CTP class C (21.8 ± 5.5 mmHg) as compared with those in CTP class B (16.9 ± 2.9 mmHg) and CTP class A (10.5 ± 4.1 mmHg; P ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion:

HVPG levels were significantly higher in patients in CTP class C as compared with those in CTP classes A and B, thereby indicating that an HVPG measurement correlates with severity of liver disease. A high HVPG level signifies more severe liver disease and can predict the major complications of cirrhosis.     

Measurement of Intrahepatic Pressure during Microwave Ablation in an Ex Vivo Bovine Liver Model

Background/Aims

We experimented with different ablation methods and two types of microwave antennas to determine whether microwave ablation (MWA) increases intrahepatic pressure and to identify an MWA protocol that avoids increasing intrahepatic pressure.

Methods

MWA was performed using either a single-step standard ablation or a stepwise increment ablation paired with either a 16-gauge (G) 2-cm antenna or a 14G 4-cm antenna. We compared the maximum pressures and total ablation volumes.

Results

The mean maximum intrahepatic pressures and ablation volumes were as follows: 16G single-step: 37±33.4 mm Hg and 4.63 cm³; 16G multistep: 31±18.7 mm Hg and 3.75 cm³; 14G single-step: 114±45.4 mm Hg and 15.33 cm³; and 14G multistep: 106±43.8 mm Hg and 10.98 cm³. The intrahepatic pressure rose during MWA, but there were no statistically significant differences between the single and multistep methods when the same gauge antennae were used. The total ablation volume was different only in the 14G groups (p<0.05).

Conclusions

We demonstrated an increase in intrahepatic pressure during MWA. The multistep method may be used to prevent increased intrahepatic pressure after applying the proper power.     

Portohepatic Gradient and Portal Hemodynamics in Patients with Cirrhosis Due to Hepatitis C Virus Infection

We evaluated the agreement between wedgedhepatic vein pressure (WHVP), portal vein pressure(PVP), and its relationship with portal hemodynamics in21 patients with HCVrelated cirrhosis with esophageal varices. Direct measurements of theportohepatic gradient (HVPG) were obtained byultrasound-guided fine needle puncture of the righthepatic and the portal veins. In five cases PVP was6.4-10.4 mm Hg higher than WHVP. In 12 cases measurements weresimilar (WHVP-PVP 3 mm Hg). In the remaining fourcases WHVP was 3.6-9.6 mm Hg higher than PVP. WHVP andPVP agreement was not related to HVPG mean value,Child-Pugh score, or grading of esophageal varices. Bycontrast, the difference between WHVP and PVP wasinversely related to the portal flow velocity (P =0.053) and directly related to the portal vascularresistance (P = 0.02). Whereas the portal branches werevisualized in patients with WHVP lower or similar toPVP, a predominant left portosystemic collateral flowwas observed in patients with WHVP > PVP. Our data point out that, in patients with cirrhosis dueto hepatitis C virus infection, discrepant HVPG valuesreflect true hemodynamic differences.     

Renal sympathetic denervation using an externally irrigated radiofrequency ablation catheter for treatment of resistant hypertension – Acute safety and short term efficacy

Objectives

This study was conducted to assess the acute safety and short term efficacy of renal sympathetic denervation (RSDN) using solid tip radiofrequency ablation (RFA) catheter and saline irrigation through the renal guiding catheter to achieve effective denervation.

Background

RSDN using a specialized solid-tip RFA catheter has recently been demonstrated to safely reduce systemic blood pressure in patients with refractory hypertension, the limitation being inadequate power delivery in renal arteries. So, we used solid-tip RFA catheter along with saline irrigation for RSDN.

Methods

Nine patients with resistant hypertension underwent CT and conventional renal angiography, followed by bilateral or unilateral RSDN using 5F RFA catheter with saline irrigation through renal guiding catheter. Repeat renal angiography was performed at the end of the procedure. In all patients, pre- and post-procedure serum creatinine was measured.

Results

Over 1-month period: 1) the systolic/diastolic blood pressure decreased by −57 ± 20/−25 ± 7.5 mm Hg; 2) all patients experienced a decrease in systolic blood pressure of at least −36 mm Hg (range 36–98 mm Hg); 3) there was no evidence of renal artery injury immediate post-procedure. There was no significant change in serum creatinine level.

Conclusions

This data shows the acute procedural safety and short term efficacy of RSDN using modified externally irrigated solid tip RFA catheter.     

A novel method for lymphadenectomy along the left laryngeal recurrent nerve during thoracoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma

Background

Due to limited space in the left upper mediastinum, complete dissection of lymph nodes (LN) along left recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is difficult. We herein present a novel method for lymphadenectomy along the left RLN during thoracoscopic esophagectomy in the semi-prone position for esophageal carcinoma. The method, suspension the esophagus and push aside trachea, allows en bloc lymphadenectomy along the left RLN from the below aortic arch to the thoracic inlet.

Methods

Between September 2014 and September 2015, a total of 110 consecutive patients with esophageal carcinoma were treated with thoraco-laparoscopic esophagectomy with cervical anastomosis in the semi-prone position. Outcomes between those who received surgery with the novel method and conventional surgery were compared.

Results

Fifty patients underwent the novel method and sixty received conventional surgery. The operative field around the left RLN was easier to explore with the novel method. The estimated blood loss was less (23.7±8.2 vs. 34.2±10.3 g, P=0.001), and the number of harvested LNs along the left RLN was greater (6.4±3.2 vs. 4.1±2.8 min, P=0.028) in the novel method group, while the duration of lymphadenectomy along left RLN was longer in the novel method group (28.2±3.9 vs. 20.3±2.8 min, P=0.005). The rate of hoarseness in the novel and conventional groups was 10% and 16.7%, respectively. No significant difference in postoperative morbidity related to the left RLN was noted between the groups.

Conclusions

The novel method during semi-prone esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma is associated with better surgeon ergonomics and operative exposure.     

Comparison of outcomes of open and minimally invasive esophagectomy in 183 patients with cancer

Background and objectives

Only few randomized trials or comparative studies with large number of patients have been reported on the outcomes of thoracoscopic and laparoscopic esophagectomy (TLE) with cervical anastomosis and open 3-field esophagectomy (OE) for patients with esophageal cancer. The objective of this study is to compare the safety, feasibility, and short-term outcomes between TLE and OE (via right throax, abdomen, and left neck) for esophageal cancer.

Methods

Clinical and surgical data of patients with esophageal cancer who underwent either TLE or OE between February 2011 and December 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic characteristics, pathological data, operative procedures, and intraoperative and postoperative outcomes and survival in patients were compared between both groups.

Results

Of the 183 patients included in this retrospective analysis, 94 underwent TLE and 89 underwent OE. Demographics, pathologic data, inpatient mortality, and overall surgical morbidity in both cohorts were almost identical. A significant difference was observed in blood loss (182.6±78.3 vs. 261.4±87.2 mL, P<0.001), hospital stay (13.9±7.5 vs. 17.1±10.2 days, P=0.017), overall surgical morbidity (25.5% vs. 46.1%, P=0.004), and rate of pulmonary and cardiac complication (9.6% vs. 27.0%, P=0.002; 4.1% vs. 12.4%, P=0.046) between TLE and OE groups; however, no difference in survival period was observed between the groups.

Conclusions

The procedure of TLE for esophageal cancer possesses advantages in intraoperative and postoperative outcomes compared with OE. The TLE procedure results in similar or potentially better outcomes.     

A comparison of short-term outcomes between Ivor-Lewis and McKeown minimally invasive esophagectomy

Background

Only few comparative studies have been reported on the outcomes of minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) with intrathoracic anastomosis (MIE Ivor-Lewis) and MIE with cervical anastomosis (MIE McKeown) for patients with mid and lower esophageal cancer. The objective of this study is to compare the safety, feasibility, and short-term outcomes between two groups.

Methods

Clinical and surgical data of patients with esophageal cancer who underwent either MIE Ivor-Lewis or MIE McKeown between January 2013 and October 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic characteristics, pathological data, operative procedures, and perioperative outcomes and survival in patients were compared between both groups.

Results

Of the 72 patients included in this retrospective analysis, 32 underwent MIE Ivor-Lewis and 40 underwent MIE McKeown. Demographics, pathologic data, inpatient mortality, and surgical morbidity in both cohorts were almost identical. A significant difference was observed in Pulmonary complication (18.8% vs. 42.5%, P=0.032), Anastomotic leakage (9.4% vs. 30%, P=0.032), Anastomotic stenosis (12.5% vs. 35%, P=0.028), recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury (6.3% vs. 22.5%, P=0.034) between MIE Ivor-Lewis and MIE McKeown groups; however, no difference in operative time (312.6±82.0 vs. 339.4±80.0, P=0.249), blood loss (246.3±82.4 vs. 272.9±136.3, P=0.443), lymph nodes harvested (19.3±8.1 vs. 20.2±7.2, P=0.655) and 90-day mortality (3.1% vs. 5%, P=0.692) was observed between two groups.

Conclusions

The procedure of MIE Ivor-Lewis for esophageal cancer possesses advantages in perioperative outcomes and less complications compared with MIE McKeown.     

Factors related to the early and late success of direct current cardioversion of chronic nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation: An echocardiographic study

OBJECTIVES:

To assess factors related to the success of restoration and one-year maintenance of sinus rhythm in chronic (more than 48 h) nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation (AF).

METHODS AND RESULTS:

One hundred and fifty consecutive patients aged 62±9 years with AF lasting 123±254 days were evaluated clinically with transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography before elective direct current cardioversion. Heart chamber dimensions and left ventricular ejection fraction were measured. The presence of left atrial thrombi and spontaneous echocardiographic contrast as well as flow velocities in the left atrial appendage were assessed. The first cardioversion was followed by standardized two-step antiarrhythmic treatment including a second cardioversion, if necessary. Twenty patients (13%) spontaneously reverted to sinus rhythm (S) during anticoagulation preceding cardioversion, 81 (54%) were successfully cardioverted (Y), and in 49 (33%) cardioversion failed initially (N). No differences were noted between the two latter groups. However, S patients had smaller left atria measured in the short and long axes (42±4 mm, P=0.05, and 53±7 mm, P=0.005, respectively) than both the Y (45±4 and 61±8 mm) and the N patients (46±4 and 61±8 mm). One-year follow-up was obtained in 95 patients: 64 (67%) were in sinus rhythm while 31 (33%) had AF. Again, no initial differences predicting the maintenance of sinus rhythm were found.

CONCLUSIONS:

Spontaneous reversion of AF seems more likely with smaller left atria. Echocardiography, including trans-esophageal echocardiography, is unlikely to identify patients in whom attempts to restore and maintain sinus rhythm will fail or succeed.     

Enlargement of the aorta: An occupational disease?

BACKGROUND:

Aortic dilation may critically precede progression to thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA). Prolonged or repetitive isometric-type heavier strenuous activities resulting from the nature of some professions may be an important causative factor for TAA.

METHOD:

The echocardiographic measurement data of middle-age subjects who were isometric-type daily strenuous activity trainers or ordinary activity trainers were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical features and echocardiographic parameters of the left ventricle and left atrium (LA), aortic root (AR) and ascending aorta (AA) were compared between the groups.

RESULTS:

AR (35.6±3.0 mm versus 33.5±1.9 mm), AA (36.8±3.0 mm versus 34.4±1.9 mm) and LA (37.4±2.2 mm versus 36.2±2.2 mm) diameters were significantly enlarged in the strenuous activity trainer group versus the ordinary activity group. Diastolic blood pressure was significantly lower (73.8±5.9 mmHg versus 78.3±6.0 mmHg) in this group. AR diameter was correlated with height (β=0.460; P=0.004) and LA diameter (β=0.280; P=0.008) while AA diameter was correlated with type of profession (β=0.309; P=0.003), left ventricular systolic diameter (β=0.500; P=0.001) and LA diameter (β=0.272; P=0.005) in regression analysis.

CONCLUSION:

Aortic dilation and, subsequently, TAA may be an occupational disease due to nature of some professions (eg, the military, security, weight lifters, athletes, heavy workers, etc). Echocardiography is a convenient method of imaging that could be easily applied either during preparticipation screening or during periodical examination of these subjects. Earlier detection of TAA and limitation of such strenuous activities in these individuals may be initial lifesaving measures for the prevention of future cases of aortic aneurysm and dissection.     

Preclinical Study of a Biodegradable Polymer-based Stent with Abluminal Sirolimus Release

Background

Bioabsorbable polymer stents with drug elution only on the abluminal surface may be safer than durable polymer drug-eluting stents.

Objective

To report the experimental findings with the Inspiron^TM stent - a bioabsorbable polymer-coated stent with sirolimus release from the abluminal surface only, recently approved for clinical use.

Methods

45 stents were implanted in the coronary arteries of 15 pigs. On day 28 after implantation, angiographic, intracoronary ultrasonographic and histomorphological data were collected. Five groups were analyzed: Group I (nine bare-metal stents); Group II (nine coated with bioabsorbable polymer on the luminal and abluminal surfaces); Group III (eight stents coated with bioabsorbable polymer on the abluminal surface); Group IV (nine stents with bioabsorbable polymer and sirolimus on the luminal and abluminal surfaces); and Group V (ten stents with bioabsorbable polymer and sirolimus only on the abluminal surface).

Results

The following results were observed for Groups I, II, III, IV and V, respectively: percentage stenosis of 29 ± 20; 36 ± 14; 33 ± 19; 22 ± 13 and 26 ± 15 (p = 0.443); late lumen loss (in mm) of 1.02 ± 0.60; 1.24 ± 0.48; 1.11 ± 0.54; 0.72 ± 0.44 and 0.78 ± 0.39 (p = 0.253); neointimal area (in mm²) of 2.60 ± 1.99; 2.74 ± 1.51; 2.74 ± 1.30; 1.30 ± 1.14 and 0.97 ± 0.84 (p = 0.001; Groups IV and V versus Groups I, II and III); and percentage neointimal area of 35 ± 25; 38 ± 18; 39 ± 19; 19 ± 18 and 15 ± 12 (p = 0.001; Groups IV and V versus Groups I, II and III). Injury and inflammation scores were low and with no differences between the groups.

Conclusion

The Inspiron^TM stent proved to be safe and was able to significantly inhibit the neointimal hyperplasia observed on day 28 after implantation in porcine coronary arteries.     

Association Between Hemodynamic Profile,Physical Capacity and Quality of Life in Pulmonary Hypertension

Background

No studies have described and evaluated the association between hemodynamics, physical limitations and quality of life in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) without concomitant cardiovascular or respiratory disease.

Objective

To describe the hemodynamic profile, quality of life and physical capacity of patients with PH from groups I and IV and to study the association between these outcomes.

Methods

Cross-sectional study of patients with PH from clinical groups I and IV and functional classes II and III undergoing the following assessments: hemodynamics, exercise tolerance and quality of life.

Results

This study assessed 20 patients with a mean age of 46.8 ± 14.3 years. They had pulmonary capillary wedge pressure of 10.5 ± 3.7 mm Hg, 6-minute walk distance test (6MWDT) of 463 ± 78 m, oxygen consumption at peak exercise of 12.9 ± 4.3 mLO2.kg-1.min-1 and scores of quality of life domains < 60%. There were associations between cardiac index (CI) and ventilatory equivalent for CO2 (r=-0.59, p <0.01), IC and ventilatory equivalent for oxygen (r=-0.49, p<0.05), right atrial pressure (RAP) and ''general health perception'' domain (r=-0.61, p<0.01), RAP and 6MWTD (r=-0.49, p<0.05), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and ''physical functioning'' domain (r=-0.56, p<0.01), PVR and 6MWTD (r=-0.49, p<0.05) and PVR index and physical capacity (r=-0.51, p<0.01).

Conclusion

Patients with PH from groups I and IV and functional classes II and III exhibit a reduction in physical capacity and in the physical and mental components of quality of life. The hemodynamic variables CI, diastolic pulmonary arterial pressure, RAP, PVR and PVR index are associated with exercise tolerance and quality of life domains.     

CT features of lung scar cancer

Objective

To explore the CT features of lung scar cancer (LSC).

Methods

CT images of 41 LSCs and 66 non-LSCs were retrospectively compared in terms of location, size, shape, border, speculation, lobulation, pleural indentation, surrounding ground-glass opacification (sGGO), vessel convergence, vacuolation, calcification and satellite opacification.

Results

Thirty-eight LSCs were histopathologically identified as adenocarcinoma. The LSCs and non-LSCs were located 8.73±8.65 and 12.55±10.67 mm from the pleura, respectively. The mean lesion sizes (3-D ratios) in the initial LSC, pre-surgical LSC and non-LSC images were 24.28±6.29 (0.33±0.65), 32.23±8.14 (0.60±0.18) and 23.24±3.73 (0.35±0.61) mm, respectively. The initial and pre-surgical LSC images showed significant differences in speculation and sGGO (P<0.05). Significant differences were also noted in vacuolation, vessel convergence and sGGO between the pre-surgical LSC and the non-LSC images (P<0.05) and in vacuolation between the initial LSC and the non-LSC images (P<0.05).

Conclusions

Despite similar CT features of LSCs and non-LSCs, the early detection and diagnosis of LSCs is possible by studying scar-tissue changes such as enlargement and sGGO associated with well-defined lesion borders in follow-up CT images.     

Evaluation of Electrocardiographic T-peak to T-end Interval in Subjects with Increased Epicardial Fat Tissue Thickness

Background

The association between periatrial adiposity and atrial arrhythmias has been shown in previous studies. However, there are not enough available data on the association between epicardial fat tissue (EFT) thickness and parameters of ventricular repolarization. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the association of EFT thickness with indices of ventricular repolarization by using T-peak to T-end (Tp-e) interval and Tp-e/QT ratio.

Methods

The present study included 50 patients whose EFT thickness ≥ 9 mm (group 1) and 40 control subjects with EFT thickness < 9 mm (group 2). Transthoracic echocardiographic examination was performed in all participants. QT parameters, Tp-e intervals and Tp-e/QT ratio were measured from the 12-lead electrocardiogram.

Results

QTd (41.1 ± 2.5 vs 38.6 ± 3.2, p < 0.001) and corrected QTd (46.7 ± 4.7 vs 43.7 ± 4, p = 0.002) were significantly higher in group 1 when compared to group 2. The Tp-e interval (76.5 ± 6.3, 70.3 ± 6.8, p < 0.001), cTp-e interval (83.1 ± 4.3 vs. 76±4.9, p < 0.001), Tp-e/QT (0.20 ± 0.02 vs. 0.2 ± 0.02, p < 0.001) and Tp-e/QTc ratios (0.2 ± 0.01 vs. 0.18 ± 0.01, p < 0.001) were increased in group 1 in comparison to group 2. Significant positive correlations were found between EFT thickness and Tp-e interval (r = 0.548, p < 0.001), cTp-e interval (r = 0.259, p = 0.01), and Tp-e/QT (r = 0.662, p < 0.001) and Tp-e/QTc ratios (r = 0.560, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The present study shows that Tp-e and cTp-e interval, Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios were increased in subjects with increased EFT, which may suggest an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmia.     

Mediastinoscopic esophagectomy for patients with early esophageal cancer

Objective

The purpose of this study was to detect the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of mediastinoscopic esophagectomy for early esophageal cancer.

Methods

The clinical data of 194 patients who underwent mediastinoscopic esophagectomy for early esophageal cancer in our center from December 2005 to October 2014 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

All the surgery was performed successfully. The average duration of thoracic surgery was 48.2±7.8 min and the average intra-operative blood loss was 128.1±34.5 mL. An average of 3.1±1.6 lymph node stations were dissected, with an average number of dissected lymph nodes being 9.38±6.2, among which 4.2±5.4 were mediastinal lymph nodes. No peri-operative mortality was noted, and the rate of peri-operative morbidity was 13.4%. The median duration of follow-up was 39 [3-108] months, and the overall survival was 72.73%. The overall survival rates significantly differed among different T stages; more specifically, the 5-year survival was 95.23% in patients with stage T_1a esophageal cancer, 70.15% for T_1b, and 55.56% for T₂ (P<0.001). The overall survival was significantly better in patients with negative lymph nodes than those with lymph nodes metastasis (P=0.003); more specifically, the 5-year survival rate was 84.9% for N₀, 62.5% for N₁, and 50.0% for N₂ + N₃.

Conclusions

The mediastinoscopic esophagectomy can achieve a similar effectiveness as the conventional thoracoscopic surgery for patients with early stage esophageal cancer.     

Evaluation of Periaortic Adiposity and Metabolic Disorders in Obese Children

Objective:

To evaluate the relationship between periaortic fat thickness (PAFT) and parameters involved in the development of metabolic complications of the cardiovascular system in obese children and to assess the usefulness of echocardiographic measurements of PAFT in correlation with cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods:

The study was conducted with 263 obese and 100 healthy children and adolescents. PAFT was measured with echocardiography method which was recently performed in obese children and adolescents.

Results:

PAFT was significantly higher in the obese group (0.258±0.031 mm) than in the control group (0.137±0.032 mm) (p<0.001). In multivariable regression analysis, body mass index-standard deviation score and total body fat were predictors of PAFT. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.989 and was quite significant at p<0.001. PAFT above 0.179 mm was determined as the cut-off value in obese children and adolescents (sensitivity=1, specificity=0.97).

Conclusion:

The measurement of PAFT in obese children and adolescents may be a good method to reveal the presence of early cardiovascular risk.     

Increased Arterial Augmentation and Augmentation Index as Surrogate Parameters for Arteriosclerosis in Subjects with Diabetes Mellitus and Nondiabetic Subjects with Cardiovascular Disease

Background

Arterial augmentation (AP) and the augmentation index (Aix) are surrogate parameters of arterial stiffness and are commonly used as predictors for cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study is to compare these parameters in diabetic subjects and nondiabetic cardiovascular risk subjects with healthy control subjects.

Methods

One hundred sixty-six nonsmoking subjects aged between 35 and 70 years were included in the study, which included 100 subjects with cardiovascular disease but not diabetes (mean age 62.73±8.75 years), 33 subjects with type 2 diabetes (66.58±2.69 years), and 33 healthy controls (51.89±8.91 years). In these subjects, arterial stiffness was measured by the difference between the second and the first systolic peak of the central pressure waveform, and the Aix was calculated as the percentage of Aix from pulse pressure.

Results

Arterial augmentation was increased in subjects with diabetes (DM) with 10.21±6.97 mm Hg and in subjects with cardiovascular disease but not diabetes (CV) with 10.74±5.29 mm Hg in comparison to healthy controls (C) with 6.59±3.97 mm Hg (p < 0.0005 DM vs C; p < 0.00005 CV vs C). Moreover, Aix was increased with 26.00±9.91% in CV subjects compared to healthy controls with 19.84±9.37% (p < 0.02 CV vs C). The augmentation index was increased with 21.12±11.21% in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus compared to controls, but failed to be statistically significant. There was no statistical significance in arterial augmentation or the augmentation index between CV and diabetic subjects.

Conclusion

The results of our study revealed a comparable increased augmentation index as a surrogate measure of arterial stiffness and arteriosclerosis in subjects with diabetes mellitus and in nondiabetic subjects with cardiovascular disease.     

Comparison of liver parenchymal ablation and tissue necrosis in a cadaveric bovine model using the Harmonic Scalpel™, the LigaSure™, the Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator® and the Aquamantys® devices

Objectives

The amount of tissue that is ablated or necrosed at the line of parenchymal transection is of clinical significance in the interpretation of resection margin status following hepatic resection. The aim of this study was to define the extent of parenchymal ablation and necrosis in liver tissue using the Harmonic Scalpel™, the LigaSure™, the Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator® (CUSA®) and the Aquamantys® dissector ex vivo.

Methods

Mounted blocks of non-perfused bovine liver were transected using the Harmonic Scalpel™, LigaSure™, CUSA® and Aquamantys® devices. Outcome measures included parenchymal ablation (ablation band widths and weights) and tissue necrosis band widths along the line of transection. Each experiment was replicated five times.

Results

All devices were associated with parenchymal ablation (Harmonic Scalpel™, 4.73 ± 1.62 mm; LigaSure™, 4.55 ± 2.02 mm; CUSA®, 7.16 ± 2.87 mm; Aquamantys®, 4.75 ± 1.43 mm) and tissue necrosis (Harmonic Scalpel™, 1.07 ± 0.46 mm; LigaSure™, 1.36 ± 0.36 mm; CUSA®, 0.81 ± 0.21 mm; Aquamantys®, 0.81 ± 0.36 mm).

Conclusions

The Harmonic Scalpel™, LigaSure™, CUSA® and Aquamantys® devices were associated with bands of tissue loss along the hepatic parenchymal transection line in this benchtop cadaveric model. This should be taken into account in the interpretation of resection margin status following liver resection.     

The Relationship between Intestinal Motility and Interstitial Cells of Cajal in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Mice

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in western world. However, NAFLD shows an increasing trend in China every year, which has attracted the attention of national health authorities. The previous studies have shown that NAFLD caused severe gastrointestinal motor disorders, but little is known about the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) role in gastrointestinal motor disorders.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to observe the ICC in jejunum of nonalcoholic fatty liver mice by immunohistochemistry and assessed the relationship between intestinal motility and ICC.

Materials and Methods

Thirty five Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into nonalcoholic fatty liver (n = 25) and control groups (n = 10), rats were housed individually in cages and had free access to food and water, nonalcoholic fatty liver group was duplicated by high-fat diet (consisted of ordinary food, 20 g/kg cholesterol and 100 g/kg fat) feeding. Dextran blue-2000 was used to monitor the intestinal motility. The proximal small intestine was harvested to investigate the C-kit positive ICC. The hepatic tissue slices were used for pathological observation.

Results

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was successfully established. The intestinal motility in nonalcoholic fatty liver group (49.5 ± 10.9) was weaker compared to the control group (57.3 ± 8.9), P < 0.05. The rate of ICC also have shown statistically significant differences between nonalcoholic fatty liver (4.87 ± 2.97/mm ²) and control groups (6.54 ± 3.13/mm ²), P < 0.05.

Conclusions

ICC may be related to the intestinal motility in nonalcoholic fatty liver mice.