Petrous internal carotid artery aneurysm: A cause of chronic otitis

BackgroundAneurysm of the petrous segment of the internal carotid artery (pICA) is a rare pathology presenting with extracranial and especially oto-rhinological symptoms that can be misleading and delay diagnosis.MethodsWe report the case of a giant pICA aneurysm compressing the Eustachian tube (ET), presenting with hearing loss due to chronic serous otitis. A PRISMA review of the literature was performed to find similar cases. In addition, relevant anatomical sources were screened.ResultsFive reports about 7 cases of middle-ear effusion caused by pICA aneurysm compressing the ET were identified. Median age at diagnosis was 18.5 years. After endovascular treatment, overall outcome was favorable, with no mortality, although outcome was sometimes impaired by neurological comorbidities and unclear prognosis of hearing-loss recovery.DiscussionThese reports, though rare, offer relevant insights into the poorly known regional anatomy of the pICA, in the borderland between neurosurgery and ENT. Within the petrous bone, the osseous separation between the ET and the pICA is narrow, when not dehiscent. This leads to a risk of any pathological process in either the pICA or the ET impinging on the other.ConclusionGiant pICA aneurysm is a rare cause of hearing loss, due to compression of the ET, leading to chronic serous otitis. This co-dependency between pICA and ET should be kept in mind, as it underlines the necessity of multidisciplinary management and could facilitate earlier diagnosis and therapeutic management when facing atypical clinical situations.     

Ganglioglioma revealed by spontaneous intracerebral hematoma: A cohort study

BackgroundGangliogliomas are rare tumors of the central nervous system. Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a frequent pathological event, rarely related to intracranial tumor. Here we report a cohort of 14 gangliogliomas, 3 of which were revealed by ICH. We also performed a systematic review of the literature on gangliogliomas revealed by ICH.Patients and methodsWe retrospectively collected data for all gangliogliomas operated on in our department between January 2015 and December 2019: clinical history, radiological data and outcome, with a special focus on gangliogliomas revealed by spontaneous ICH. All cases had pathological validation. For the systematic review, relevant studies were identified by systematic search of the scientific literature in PubMed.ResultsFifteen patients underwent surgery for ganglioglioma during the study period. Six cases were revealed by seizures, 3 by headache, 1 by hydrocephaly and 1 by developmental disorder. Three patients (21%) had hemorrhagic presentation. All patients were male, aged 30 to 48 years, diagnosed with atypical ICH without vascular abnormality on cerebral angiogram. Conservative management was first decided. Diagnosis of ganglioglioma was made within 3 months for 2 patients and 9 years later for 1, after surgical removal and histological analysis. All hemorrhagic gangliogliomas were BRAF wild type. The systematic review of the literature identified 8 other cases of ganglioglioma revealed by ICH.ConclusionICH may be a mode of revelation of ganglioglioma, and ganglioglioma is a possible etiology of atypical ICH in young patients. Long-term imaging follow-up is mandatory in patients with unexplained ICH.     

Delayed recurrence of spontaneous intracranial hypotension syndrome mimicking a Chiari I malformation: Case report with a review of the literature

IntroductionCerebellar tonsils descent seen on brain MRI is, along with other findings, a recognized radiological sign of possible spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). The short-term outcome of SIH is usually favorable with symptoms improvement and reversibility of the low-lying tonsils. Nevertheless, data on the long-term outcome are lacking or inconsistent.Case ReportA 32-year-old woman presented to her general practitioner with a six months history of non-specific headaches. An MRI brain with gadolinium showed a 12mm tonsillar descent with no other remarkable findings. Headaches were initially managed conservatively as migraines. Following the onset of progressive upper back and shoulder pain at rest, nausea, photophobia and fogging in her vision, the patient was referred to our Department with a suspicion of symptomatic Chiari I malformation. After an in-depth anamnesis, it emerged a previous history of SIH, 14 years earlier, successfully treated conservatively in another center. A whole spine MRI confirmed the suspicion of recurrent SIH showing an anterior cervico-thoracic epidural fluid collection. The patient underwent an epidural blood patch with complete resolution of the symptoms and radiological signs.DiscussionTo our knowledge, this case is the first report of delayed recurrence of a SIH successfully treated conservatively over 10 years earlier. The etiopathogenesis and management of this rarity with literature review is discussed.ConclusionAn isolated cerebellar tonsil descent with no other remarkable findings on brain MRI and a previous history of SIH should always alert the clinician of a possible late recurrence of a CSF leak and avoid unnecessary Chiari I malformation surgical procedures.     

The presigmoid retrolabyrinthine approach: Technical note

BackgroundThe retrolabyrinthine approach is classified among the posterior petrosectomies. Its goal is to achieve an enlarged mastoidectomy while sparing the intrapetrous neurotologic structures in order to offer maximal exposure of the posterior cerebellopontine angle compound.MethodsThe stages of the procedure are subsequently the skeletonization of the sigmoid sinus, wide opening of the mastoid antrum and exposure of the semicircular canals. We present herein the technique, indications and limitations of the retrolabyrinthine approach.ConclusionThe retrolabyrinthine approach is a demanding technique. Nowadays the retrolabyrinthine approach is routinely combined to additional resections of the petrous bone, so-called “combined petrosectomies”, to target the jugular foramen or the petroclival area.     

Evolution of Pulmonary Valve Management During Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot: A 14-year Experience

BackgroundThe optimal repair strategy for tetralogy of Fallot remains controversial. This report presents a 14-year evolution of management of the pulmonary valve (PV) from transannular patch to valve-sparing repair to neovalve creation using living right atrial appendage tissue.MethodsA retrospective review of 172 consecutive patients undergoing complete repair for TOF between January 2007 and June 2021 was performed. Clinical and follow-up data were analyzed by repair group. Neopulmonary valve (NPV) creation using right atrial appendage tissue was introduced in 2019. Failure of valve-sparing repair was defined as needing reintervention for recurrent right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO).ResultsMedian age and weight at repair were 4.9 months and 6 kg, respectively. Median preoperative PV size and z-score were 6.4 mm (5.2-8.3 mm) and ?3.2 (?4.1 to ?2.1), respectively. Patients who underwent valve-sparing repair had larger PV size and z-score compared with patients who underwent transannular patch procedures (8 mm vs 5.6 mm; ?2.1 vs ?3.2; both P < .001). There were no hospital mortalities. Overall follow-up was 44 months. At last follow-up, 10% of patients who underwent valve-sparing repair had repeat intervention for recurrent RVOTO. Patients who had failed valve-sparing repair had significantly lower PV z-scores (?2.6 vs ?1.9; P = .01). An NPV was used in 8 patients with a median PV z-score of ?4 (?4.7 to ?3.9). At 6 months, 6 patients (75%) had mild or trivial pulmonary insufficiency after NPV placement.ConclusionsRepair of tetralogy of Fallot is a safe operation with excellent outcomes. Valve-sparing repair avoids right ventricular dilation but may fail for RVOTO at a PV z-score <?2. NPV creation offers an alternative option in patients with a small PV.     

Impact of dose reduction and the use of an advanced model-based iterative reconstruction algorithm on spectral performance of a dual-source CT system: A task-based image quality assessment

PurposeTo assess the impact of dose reduction and the use of an advanced modeled iterative reconstruction algorithm (ADMIRE) on image quality in low-energy monochromatic images from a dual-source dual energy computed tomography CT (DSCT) platform.Materials and methodsAcquisitions on an image-quality phantom were performed using DSCT equipment with 100/Sn150 kVp for four dose levels (CTDI_vol: 20/11/8/5mGy). Raw data were reconstructed for six energy levels (40/50/60/70/80/100 keV) using filtered back projection and two levels of ADMIRE (A3/A5). Noise power spectrum (NPS) and task-based transfer function (TTF) were calculated on virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs). Detectability index (d′) was computed to model the detection task of two enhanced iodine lesions as function of keV.ResultsNoise-magnitude was significantly reduced between 40 to 70 keV by ?56 ± 0% (SD) (range: ?56%–?55%) with FBP; ?56 ± 0% (SD) (?56%–?56%) with A3; and ?57 ± 1% (SD) (range: ?57%–?56%) with A5. The average spatial frequency of the NPS peaked at 70 keV and decreased as ADMIRE level increased. TTF values at 50% were greatest at 40 keV and shifted towards lower frequencies as the keV increased. The detectability of both lesions increased with increasing dose level and ADMIRE level. For the simulated lesion with iodine at 2 mg/mL, d’ values peaked at 70 keV for all reconstruction types, except for A3 at 20 mGy and A5 at 11 and 20 mGy, where d’ peaked at 60 keV. For the other simulated lesion, d’ values were highest at 40 keV and decreased beyond.ConclusionAt low keV on VMIs, this study confirms that iterative reconstruction reduces the noise magnitude, improves the spatial resolution and increases the detectability of enhanced iodine lesions.     

Tocilizumab controls bone turnover in early polymyalgia rheumatica

ObjectivesThis study explores changes in the bone homeostasis by testing the N-terminal collagen type I extension propeptide (PINP) marker for osteo-formation and the carboxy-terminal region of collagen type I (CTX-I) marker for osteo-resorption in patients taking tocilizumab for polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).MethodsTwenty patients were included in the prospective open-label TENOR study (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01713842) and received three monthly tocilizumab infusions, followed by corticosteroids starting at week (W) 12. PINP and CTX-I were tested at inclusion (W0), after tocilizumab but before steroid initiation (W12), at the end of the protocol (W24) and were compared to healthy controls. Information regarding disease activity, bone mineral density using scanographic bone attenuation correlation (SBAC), inflammatory parameters and interleukin (IL)-6 levels were collected during the follow-up of the patients.ResultsPMR patients were characterised by a reduction in bone mineral density and a higher level of CTX-I relative to healthy controls matched in age and sex at baseline. PINP levels increased at W12 (P < 0.001, versus W0) following tocilizumab introduction and CTX-I levels decreased at W24 and after steroid initiation (P = 0.001, versus W0). Such modifications explain the altered correlation observed between PINP and CTX-I at W0 (r = 0.255 at W0 versus r = 0.641 in healthy controls) and its correction after treatment (r = 0.760 at W12 and r = 0.767 at W24). Finally, greater changes in PINP were observed in patients whose circulating IL-6 levels decreased after tocilizumab therapy.ConclusionsControl of bone turnover, in part through the inhibition of the IL-6 axis, is observed during tocilizumab and subsequent steroid treatment of PMR.     

Single-institution outcomes of surgical repair of infracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection

ObjectiveThis contemporary study sought to describe the outcomes of patients undergoing biventricular repair of infracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection.MethodsA retrospective study was performed on patients with infracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection who underwent sutureless technique or conventional repair between 2006 and 2018. Risk factors for survival and post-repair pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) were assessed with Cox regression model. Time-to-event analysis was conducted using Kaplan-Meier estimates.ResultsThis study included 82 consecutive patients with the median age of 21 days (interquartile range, 9-40 days). The median follow-up was 29 months (interquartile range, 12.5-59 months) and was available in 95% of the survivors at the end of the study period in 2019. Overall, 8 deaths (8.5%) occurred in the conventional repair group. There was a trend of higher mortality in the conventional repair group, although it did not reach a statistical difference (P = .2). Postrepair PVS occurred at a median of 2 months (interquartile range, 1.2-3.6 months) postoperatively and all occurred in the conventional repair group. Time-to-event analysis with the event of postrepair PVS showed significantly higher freedom from restenosis in the sutureless technique group (P = .0004). Adjusted hazard ratios from time-dependent Cox model described the association between postrepair PVS and pulmonary venous confluence of antler configuration (hazard ratio, 2.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-5.47; P = .002) and the use of sutureless technique (hazard ratio, 0.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.39-0.97; P = .003).ConclusionsSutureless technique is associated with a lower risk of postrepair PVS in patients with infracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection. pulmonary venous confluence configuration of antler appearance appears to be associated with restenosis and mortality.     

Effect of tin filter-based spectral shaping CT on image quality and radiation dose for routine use on ultralow-dose CT protocols: A phantom study

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess the impact of tin filter (TF) on X-ray beam quality, image quality and radiation dose and its suitability for routine use for chest and lumbar-spine/pelvis-hip ultralow-dose (ULD) CT examination protocols.Materials and methodsThe X-ray beam quality was determined by measuring the half-value layer (HVL) and calculating the mean weighted energy for 100, 120, 150 kVp (using standard filtration) and for 100 and 150 kVp using TF (Sn100 kVp and Sn150 kVp, respectively). Acquisitions were performed on a phantom at four dose levels for each previously defined kVp. The mean attenuation (N_CT), noise-power-spectrum (NPS) and task-based transfer function (TTF) were computed. The detectability index (d’) was computed to model the detection of two lesions in spine and pelvic/hip examination and two for chest exploration. Image quality and detectability using a TF were assessed for two routinely used ULD protocols.ResultsThe HVL and mean weighted energy increased using a TF for the same tube voltage. Using a TF for the same tube voltage changed N_CT for bone and acrylic inserts, decreased the NPS peak without changing the NPS spatial frequency and increased the TTF values. The d’ values were improved using a TF and with the dose increase. d’ values of all modeled lesions were improved using Sn100 kVp and Sn150 kVp for the lumbar-spine/pelvis-hip and chest ULD protocols except for sclerotic bone lesion using Sn150 kVp.ConclusionThe use of TF increases the X-ray beam quality and improves the image quality characteristics in phantom images, thus appearing as a promising tool for reducing dose and/or improving the image quality of ULD protocols.     

Intracranial venous sinus stenting for the treatment of lateral sinus stenoses: An analysis of 200 patients

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to analyze the long-term efficacy and safety of intracranial venous sinus stenting in a large cohort of patients with any type of presentation of primary lateral venous sinus stenosis (VSS).Materials and methodsA retrospective cohort study was performed including patients treated by venous sinus stenting for symptomatic VSS from 2012 to 2019. Successful primary resolution of symptoms without adjunctive treatment or recurrence, and complications after stenting were analyzed at the last follow-up time point.ResultsTwo-hundred patients were included. There were 14 men and 186 women with a mean age of 39 ± 14 (SD) years (age range: 13–75 years). Presenting symptoms included venous pulsatile tinnitus in 168 patients (168/200; 84%), idiopathic intracranial hypertension in 100 patients (100/200; 50%) and/or spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leak in 35 patients (35/200; 17%). The overall rate of successful primary resolution of any typical presenting symptoms was 79% (95% CI: 73–85%). This rate ranged from 74% to 93% depending on the symptom with no significant difference between patients with and those without idiopathic intracranial hypertension (P = 0.08). Recurrence rate was 10% (95% CI: 6–14%). No death or permanent morbidity were observed during a median follow-up of 2.2 years (Q1, Q3: 1.4, 3.3; range: 1–7.7 years).ConclusionOur study shows that venous sinus stenting has a low morbidity and high success rate at long-term follow-up for the treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension, venous pulsatile tinnitus or spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leak associated with VSS. The excellent safety suggests considering this treatment as first-line treatment when medical management is ineffective or poorly tolerated.     

Use of Second Window ICG in spinal cord biopsy of a mildly contrast-enhancing lesion: Technical note and review of the literature

IntroductionIndocyanine green (ICG) is commonly used to visualize cerebral vasculature, particularly in the management of cerebral aneurysms. There have also been attempts to use ICG for visualization of tumors. Injection of ICG followed by immediate fluorescence microscopy is limited by the short time window for imaging and administration and restricted depth of imaging. Second Window Indocyanine Green (SWIG) addresses these issues by allowing for longer contrast times and the imaging of deeper regions of brain tissue. Biopsy of spinal cord lesions is often difficult for a variety of reasons, including the delicate nature of the tissue and differentiating normal from lesional tissue visually, especially in lesions with heterogeneous enhancement.MethodsIn this case report, we describe the use of second window ICG to facilitate the visualization of a spinal cord lesion and subsequent biopsy of the lesion.ResultsThis patient is a 24-year-old female who had recurrence of a suprasellar germinoma. An MRI of the rest of the neuraxis was performed to assess for the presence of drop metastases. The spinal cord from C2-5 was expanded with areas of patchy enhancement; however, this lesion was asymptomatic. The patient's oncologist requested a biopsy of this lesion to help direct subsequent care of her recurrent germinoma. The day before surgery, the patient had an intravenous injection of ICG dye. She then underwent a C3-5 laminectomy for biopsy of her cervical intramedullary lesion. After opening of the dura, no visible abnormality of the spinal cord could be identified. A Stryker endoscope showed an area of ICG uptake in the cord at approximately the C3-4 level. A midline myelotomy was centered over the ICG demarcated area and several samples were taken for pathology. Final biopsy results determined the lesion to be spinal cord parenchyma with perivascular and intraparenchymal lymphocytes – not consistent with spinal cord tumor or germinoma.ConclusionSecond Window ICG is effective in visualizing otherwise visually unremarkable spinal cord lesions. This technology can facilitate biopsy of these lesions and possibly their surgical resection.     

Comparison of conventional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging in the differentiation of bone plasmacytoma from bone metastasis in the extremities

PurposeTo compare conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the differentiation of bone plasmacytoma from bone metastasis in the extremities.Materials and methodsA total of 65 patients with 27 bone plasmacytomas (11 men; mean age, 63.6 ± 8.2 [SD] years) and 38 patients with bone metastases (20 men; mean age, 64.1 ± 11.5 [SD] years) were retrospectively included. Plasmacytomas and metastases were compared for size, peritumoral edema, signal intensity (SI), SI pattern, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and standard deviation (SD) of ADC. Receiver operating characteristic analysis with area under the curve (AUC) was used to calculate sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MRI and DWI for the diagnosis of plasmacytoma according to a defined cut-off value.ResultsOn conventional MRI, plasmacytomas showed less peritumoral edema (22% vs. 71%; P < 0.001), were more often hyperintense on T1-weighted image (48% vs. 18%; P = 0.022) and more homogeneous on T2-weighted image (78% vs. 26%; P < 0.001) and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images (70% vs. 25%; P = 0.001) than bone metastases. Mean ADC value and SD of ADC were significantly lower in bone plasmacytomas (760.1 ± 196.9 [SD] μm²/s and 161.5 ± 62.7 [SD], respectively) than in bone metastases (1214.2 ± 382.6 [SD] μm²/s and 277.0 ± 110.3 [SD], respectively) (P < 0.001). Using an ADC value ≤ 908.3 μm²/s, DWI yielded 88% sensitivity and 78% specificity for the diagnosis of plasmacytoma. ADC value yielded best area under the curve (AUC = 0.913), followed by SD of ADC (AUC = 0.814) and homogeneity on T2-weighted images (AUC = 0.757). The combination of conventional MRI and DWI (AUC = 0.894) showed improved diagnostic performance over conventional MRI alone (AUC= 0.843) for discriminating between plasmacytoma and metastasis.ConclusionConventional MRI in combination with DWI can be useful to discriminate between bone plasmacytoma and bone metastasis in the extremities.     

Video-Assisted Rigid Endoscopic Laser Ablation for Endobronchial Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma in Pediatrics Without Pulmonary Resections

IntroductionMucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is a rare malignancy of primary endobronchial lesions in children. Early diagnosis is crucial for the disease, but it is often misdiagnosed as asthma or lung infection. Chest computed tomography and bronchoscopy are the most important diagnostic tools. Surgical resection is the current treatment of choice for low-grade MEC. In the past, lobectomy, sleeve lobectomy, or segmental resections were the most standard surgeries. Endoscopic treatment was used for lung preservation and effectual removal of the lesions.MethodsA retrospective study of pediatric patients with primary endobronchial lesions who underwent rigid bronchoscopic laser ablation since 2010 was conducted. Pre-operative images, endoscopic pictures, post-operative images, histological analyses, and patients’ clinical conditions were recorded and illustrated.ResultsFour patients were enrolled. Three patients presented initially with cough or hemoptysis. The lesion sites were the bronchus of the left upper lobe, left lower lobe, left main bronchus, and trachea. All patients underwent bronchoscopic laser ablation for tumor excision without anatomical resection. No major surgical complications were encountered. All patients survived without recurrence after a mean postoperative follow-up of 4.5 years (3–6 years).ConclusionVideo-assisted rigid endoscopic laser ablation for pediatric low-grade endobronchial MEC is a feasible, effective, and safe method. Close follow-up is essential for lung preservation management.Evidence levelLevel IV.Type of studyCase series with no comparison group.     

Acute intracranial hypertension management in metastatic brain tumor: A French national survey

BackgroundBrain metastases occur in 15–30% of cancer patients and their frequency has increased over time. They can cause intracranial hypertension, even in the absence of hydrocephalus. Emergency surgical management of brain metastasis-related intracranial hypertension is not guided by specific recommendations.ObjectiveWe aimed to make a French national survey of emergency management of intracranial hypertension without hydrocephalus in the context of cerebral metastasis.MethodsA national online survey of French neurosurgeons from 16 centers was conducted, consisting of three clinical files, with multiple-choice questions on diagnostic and therapeutic management in different emergency situations.ResultsIn young patients without any previously known primary cancer, acute intracranial hypertension due to a seemingly metastatic single brain tumor indicated emergency surgery for all those interviewed; 61% aimed at complete resection; brain MRI was mandatory for 74%. When a primary cancer was known, 74% of respondents were more likely to propose surgery if an oncologist confirmed the possibility of adjuvant treatment; 27% were more likely to operate on an emergency basis when resection was scheduled after multi-disciplinary discussion, prior to acute degradation.ConclusionCurrently, there is no consensus on the emergency management of intracranial hypertension in metastatic brain tumor patients. In case of previously known primary cancer, a discussion with the oncology team seems necessary, even in emergency. Decision criteria emerge from our literature review, but require analysis in further studies.     

Transplantation of viable mitochondria attenuates neurologic injury after spinal cord ischemia

ObjectivesSpinal cord ischemia (SCI) is one of the major concerns of postoperative paraplegia during major vascular or aortic surgery. Since mitochondrial dysfunction develops at the early stage of SCI, this study tested the neuronal protective effect of transplantation of viable mitochondria to the ischemic cord in rats.MethodsSCI was induced by crossclamping of thoracic aorta at T6 level for 25 minutes, followed by release of vascular clip to restore aortic blood flow in the anesthetized rats. Mitochondria (100 μg) were isolated from freshly harvested soleus muscle and delivered via the internal jugular vein before releasing of vascular clip. The motor function was assessed independently up to 7 days after reperfusion. Spinal cords were harvested and analyzed for molecular and histological changes.ResultsWhole-body in vivo images acquired by an in vivo imaging system confirmed the enhancement of MitoTracker fluorescence at the regions below crossclamping and in the ischemic cord. Compared with control vehicles, transplantation of mitochondria significantly improved the lower-limb locomotor function of rats subjected to cord ischemia up to 7 days after surgery. Mitochondrial transplantation suppressed the regional endoplasmic reticulum stress in the ischemic cord by attenuating CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein homologous protein expression and restoring binding immunoglobulin protein levels. In accordance, tissue levels of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and caspase-3 were attenuated in the mitochondrial transplanted group. Histologic examination also showed significant increase in numbers of Nissls bodies in the neurons at the ventral horn of ischemic cord following mitochondrial transplantation.ConclusionsOur study showed that transplantation of freshly isolated mitochondria during the early stage of spinal cord ischemia–reperfusion injury suppressed the oxidative stress in endoplasmic reticulum of the injured cord, thereby reducing neuroapoptosis and improving locomotor function of rats with SCI.     

Radiomics for classification of bone mineral loss: A machine learning study

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to develop predictive models to classify osteoporosis, osteopenia and normal patients using radiomics and machine learning approaches.Materials and methodsA total of 147 patients were included in this retrospective single-center study. There were 12 men and 135 women with a mean age of 56.88 ± 10.6 (SD) years (range: 28–87 years). For each patient, seven regions including four lumbar and three femoral including trochanteric, intertrochanteric and neck were segmented on bone mineral densitometry images and 54 texture features were extracted from the regions. The performance of four feature selection methods, including classifier attribute evaluation (CLAE), one rule attribute evaluation (ORAE), gain ratio attribute evaluation (GRAE) and principal components analysis (PRCA) along with four classification methods, including random forest (RF), random committee (RC), K-nearest neighbor (KN) and logit-boost (LB) were evaluated. Four classification categories, including osteopenia vs. normal, osteoporosis vs. normal, osteopenia vs. osteoporosis and osteoporosis + osteopenia vs. osteoporosis were examined for the defined seven regions. The classification model performances were evaluated using the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC).ResultsThe AUC values ranged from 0.50 to 0.78. The combination of methods RF + CLAE, RF + ORAE and RC + ORAE yielded highest performance (AUC = 0.78) in discriminating between osteoporosis and normal state in the trochanteric region. The combinations of RF + PRCA and LB + PRCA had the highest performance (AUC = 0.76) in discriminating between osteoporosis and normal state in the neck region.ConclusionThe machine learning radiomic approach can be considered as a new method for bone mineral deficiency disease classification using bone mineral densitometry image features.     

A preoperative estimate of central venous pressure is associated with early Fontan failure

ObjectiveEarly Fontan failure is a serious complication after total cavopulmonary connection, characterized by high central venous pressure, low cardiac output, and resistance to medical therapy. This study aimed to estimate postoperative central venous pressure in patients with total cavopulmonary connection using data routinely collected during preoperative assessment. We sought to determine if this metric correlated with measured postoperative central venous pressure and if it was associated with early Fontan failure.MethodsIn this retrospective study, central venous pressure in total cavopulmonary connection was estimated in 131 patients undergoing pre–total cavopulmonary connection assessment by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and central venous pressure measurement under general anesthesia. Postoperative central venous pressure during the first 24 hours in the intensive care unit was collected from electronic patient records in a subset of patients. Early Fontan failure was defined as death, transplantation, total cavopulmonary connection takedown, or emergency fenestration within the first 30 days.ResultsEstimated central venous pressure in total cavopulmonary connection correlated significantly with central venous pressure during the first 24 hours in the intensive care unit (r = 0.26, P = .03), particularly in patients without a fenestration (r = 0.45, P = .01). Central venous pressure in total cavopulmonary connection was significantly associated with early Fontan failure (odds ratio, 1.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.21; P = .03). A threshold of central venous pressure in total cavopulmonary connection 33 mm Hg or greater was found to have the highest specificity (90%) and sensitivity (58%) for identifying early Fontan failure (area under receiver operating curve = 0.73; odds ratio, 12.4; 95% confidence interval, 2.5-62.3; P = .002). This association was stronger in patients with single superior vena cava.ConclusionsEstimated central venous pressure in total cavopulmonary connection is an easily calculated metric combining preoperative pressure and flow data. Higher central venous pressure in total cavopulmonary connection is associated with an increased risk of early Fontan failure and is correlated with directly measured post–total cavopulmonary connection pressure. Identification of patients at risk of early Fontan failure has the potential to guide risk-mitigation strategies.     

Diagnosis of pituitary abscess and treatment via transsphenoidal surgery: experience from 15 cases

ObjectivePituitary abscess is an often misdiagnosed, rare clinical disorder. To improve diagnostic accuracy and the efficacy of surgical and antibiotic therapy for patients with pituitary abscess, herein, we retrospectively reviewed 15 patients who presented with pituitary abscesses from 2005 to 2022.DesignRetrospective study.PatientsFifteen patients underwent transsphenoidal surgery and received antibiotic treatment.MeasurementsComplete details regarding medical history, clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, imaging studies, and treatment strategies were obtained for all patients.ResultsMost patients presented with hypopituitarism and headaches, while some presented with fever, visual disturbances, and diabetes insipidus (DI). Abscesses showed significant annular enhancement post gadolinium injection. In most patients, pituitary abscess can be cured via microscopic or endoscopic drainage of the abscess followed by antibiotic treatment. Complete cure of pituitary abscess was observed in nine patients, with six cases of prolonged hypopituitarism and only one case of recurrence. Long-term hormone replacement therapy was effective in the postoperative management of hypopituitarism.ConclusionsThe typical manifestations of pituitary abscess include hypopituitarism and headaches; the presence of an enhanced ring at the edge of the mass on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance images (MRI) is highly suggestive of pituitary abscess. We recommend antibiotic treatment for 4–6 weeks postoperatively, based on the results of bacterial cultures or metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS).