Morphologic changes in the guinea pig cochlea following cochleostomy--a preliminary scanning electron microscope study

Fistulization of the membranous labyrinth via a surgically created endolymphatic-perilymphatic shunt (cochleosacculotomy) is currently being advocated as a treatment for endolymphatic hydrops. As a preliminary study to the investigation of the effects of labyrinthine fistulization on the hydropic condition, we sought first to reproduce the cochleosacculotomy procedure in a series of normal animals. Fistulization of the cochlear duct was performed in 15 normal animals using a tungsten wire directed via the round window through the cochlear partition in the region of the organ of Corti. The animals were sacrificed at regular intervals and the cochleas examined for histopathologic changes with the scanning electron microscope. Observations suggest that discrete permanent fistulization of the cochlear duct in the normal guinea pig results in progressive sensory cell degeneration. The implication of these observations and the apparent difference between these results and the experience thus far reported in humans are discussed.     

Otosclerosis involving the vestibular aqueduct and Menière's disease

The coexistence of otosclerosis and endolymphatic hydrops in the temporal bone have been described; however, the mechanism for the development of endolymphatic hydrops in otosclerosis remains unknown. Among 128 temporal bones with otosclerosis, involvement of the vestibular aqueduct by otosclerosis was observed in four temporal bones from two patients. In all four, the vestibular aqueduct was filled with active otosclerotic foci; the lumen of the endolymphatic duct and sac was narrowed as a result of fibrosis, and endolymphatic hydrops, more severe in the pars inferior than the pars superior, was observed. Collapse of the ductus reuniens and dilated saccule was seen in three temporal bones. Our study indicates that otosclerotic obstruction of the vestibular aqueduct may create a disturbance of the outflow and/or absorption of endolymph, leading to the development of endolymphatic hydrops and Meniere's disease, thus supporting the theory of longitudinal flow of endolymph.     

Effects of endolymphatic-perilymphatic fistula on endolymphatic hydrops in guinea pig.

The endolymphatic-perilymphatic shunt operation between the scala media and scala tympani was performed in 22 guinea pigs with endolymphatic hydrops induced by the silver nitrate injection method 2 months before the operation. Two (n = 10), 7 (n = 6), and 28 (n = 6) days after the operation, the condition of the fistula and the inner ear pathology were studied histopathologically. In half of the animals, the fistula was open, whereas in the other half, the fistula was closed. In the group examined after 2 postoperative days, the animals with open fistulas showed a slight collapse of Reissner's membrane, which might indicate that excess endolymph escaped through the fistula into the scala tympani. In the groups examined later, especially in the group examined after 28 postoperative days, the animals showed distention of hydrops despite preservation of the fistula. Moderate-to-severe degenerative changes of the organ of Corti, macula sacculi, and stria vascularis were observed in the vicinity of the fistula. We conclude from this study that the endolymphatic-perilymphatic fistula created inside the cochlea apparently was not sufficient to reduce the hydrops. Rather, it caused degenerative changes of the inner ear structure. This type of surgery is not suitable for Meniere's disease.     

Hydrostatic pressure measurements of endolymph and perilymph in a guinea pig model of endolymphatic hydrops

The primary histologic correlate of Menière's disease is endolymphatic hydrops. From this, many investigators have postulated the existence of endolymphatic hypertension, although there have been no measurements published to substantiate this concept. Seventy guinea pigs, surgically treated with right endolymphatic duct obstruction, were later assessed by use of a micro-electrode technique that measured their endolabyrinthine hydrostatic pressures. For 21 of these animals, the pressures of both scala tympani (Pst) and scala media (Psm) of both ears of each animal were successfully measured. Similar measurements were made in a control group of 25 guinea pigs that had not undergone any previous surgery. For normal ears--as well as those with hydrops-pressure differences between perilymph and endolymph (Psm - Pst) varied around 0 +/- 2.0 mm Hg. When only the right (obstructed) ears were considered, there appeared to be a slight, relative pressure elevation (p less than 0.05) in scala media during the first 7 days after endolymphatic duct obstruction-and in those ears with EP, less than 70 mV. The magnitude of this pressure difference that can be attributed to the state of endolymphatic hydrops-and not to natural variability-is calculated (within 95% confidence limits) to be less than 0.5 mm Hg.     

Treatment of endolymphatic hydrops with cochleosacculotomy. Clinical results and experimental findings

Cochleosacculotomy was performed on 25 patients with Meniere's syndrome. Long-term relief of vertigo was obtained in 19 out of 23 (82%). Postoperatively dead ears occurred in three cases. The same operation was performed on 12 guinea pigs in which hydrops had been surgically induced by blockage of the endolymphatic duct and sac. All fistulas were healed and cochleosacculotomy did not decrease or prevent the induced endolymphatic hydrops in these animals. Although histologic confirmation of persistent fistulas in human ears is lacking, the relief of vertigo in patients may not be caused by "drainage" but, rather, by a nonspecific effect on the inner ear. Cochleosacculotomy gives results comparable with other nondestructive surgical procedures performed to suppress vertigo in Meniere's syndrome.     

Effects of heparin in experimental models of acute pancreatitis and post-ERCP pancreatitis

BACKGROUND: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a complication of diagnostic or therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). In a recent clinical trial, a decreased rate of post-ERCP pancreatitis was shown after prophylactic heparin treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of prophylactic heparin application in various experimental models of AP and pancreatic duct obstruction and to assess the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: In various experimental models, pancreatic injury of graded severity was induced in Wistar rats: (1) mild pancreatitis by IV cerulein infusion over 6 hours; (2) severe pancreatitis by infusion of glycodeoxycholic acid into the pancreatic duct plus IV cerulein application over 6 hours. The clinical ERCP situation was imitated in groups (3) obstruction of the pancreatic duct and (4) infusion of contrast medium into the pancreatic duct plus obstruction. In every group the animals received either no heparin (n=six per group) or continuous IV heparin (n=six per group) starting before pancreatic injury. Histologic changes, amylase, and lipase in plasma were evaluated 12 hours after induction of pancreatic injury. Additional animals were treated to investigate pancreatic microcirculation by intravital microscopy (n=six per group). RESULTS: In groups 1, 3, and 4 (mild AP/duct obstruction/duct obstruction plus contrast medium), IV heparin-treated animals showed reduced edema, inflammation, and peak amylase values compared with the corresponding non-heparin-treated animals (P<.05). Moreover, mean erythrocyte velocity was significantly higher and leukocyte-endothelium interaction was reduced in these groups after prophylactic administration of heparin. In contrast, group 2 (severe AP) did not show any difference between control animals and animals that received heparin as assessed by histology and intravital microscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic systemic application of heparin provides a protective effect in mild AP and in experimental post-ERCP pancreatitis. The mechanism of the protective effects of heparin seems to be the reduction of leukocyte-endothelium interaction and the normalization of pancreatic microcirculation.     

Early endoscopic intervention versus early conservative management in patients with acute gallstone pancreatitis and biliopancreatic obstruction: a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that early endoscopic intervention, performed on patients with acute gallstone pancreatitis and biliopancreatic obstruction, reduces systemic and local inflammation. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The role of early endoscopic intervention, in the treatment of acute gallstone pancreatitis, remains controversial. Previous randomized trials have not focused on the subgroup of patients with clinical evidence of biliopancreatic obstruction. METHODS: This single-center randomized clinical trial was performed between May 2000 and September 2005. Of 238 patients, admitted within 48 hours after the onset of acute gallstone pancreatitis, 103 with a distal bile duct measuring > or =8 mm combined with a total serum bilirubin > or =1.20 mg/dL, were randomized to receive either endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography followed by endoscopic papillotomy for bile duct stones (EEI, n = 51) or early conservative management (ECM, n = 52). Patients with clinical evidence of coexisting acute cholangitis were excluded. Outcome measures included changes in organ failure score and computed tomography (CT) severity index during the first week after admission, incidence of local complications, and overall morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: The incidence of bile duct stones at EEI was 72% and 40% of patients in the ECM group had persisting bile duct stones at elective biliary surgery. No significant differences were found between the EEI and ECM groups regarding changes in mean organ failure score (P = 0.87), mean CT severity index (P = 0.88), incidence of local complications (6% vs. 6%, P = 0.99), overall morbidity (21% vs. 18%, P = 0.80), and mortality (6% vs. 2%, P = 1). CONCLUSIONS: The present study failed to provide evidence that early endoscopic intervention reduces systemic and local inflammation in patients with acute gallstone pancreatitis and biliopancreatic obstruction. If acute cholangitis can be safely excluded, early endoscopic intervention is not mandatory and should not be considered a standard indication.     

Absence of intestinal bile promotes bacterial translocation.

Previously, the authors documented that extrahepatic biliary obstruction promotes the systemic translocation of bacteria from the intestine to visceral tissues. The current experiments were performed to determine whether it was the absence of intestinal bile or the presence of biliary obstruction that promoted bacterial translocation. Four groups of rats were studied: 1) nonoperated controls (n = 20), sham common bile duct-ligated (n = 22), common bile duct-ligated (n = 25), and common bile duct-diverted (choledochovesical bypass) (n = 23). The sham-ligated group underwent laparotomy and manipulation of the portal region; whereas the ligated group had their common bile ducts ligated, while the choledochovesical group had a silastic tube placed from the common bile duct to the bladder. Seven days later, at death, the incidence of bacterial translocation was higher in the groups of rats subjected to common bile duct ligation (41%) or diversion (32%) than in the control (3%) or sham-ligated (5%) groups (P less than 0.05). Histologic sections of ileums of ligated and diverted animals both showed subepithelial edema. These findings suggest that it is primarily the absence of bile in the intestine that promotes mucosal injury and bacterial translocation and not biliary obstruction.     

Reconstructive microsurgery of the vas deferens. Experimental study of suture materials

Microsurgery is the procedure of choice for vasectomy reversal. The aim of this study was two compare two different suture materials for vasovasectomy - a nonresorbable material (nylon 10/0 with a BV 6 needle), which is widely used, and a resorbable material (polyglycolic acid, also with a BV 6 needle), which has not yet been evaluated for this use. 28 Sprague-Dawley rats were operated on under microscope. Two groups were then compared, group A with nylon (n = 14) and group B with polyglycolic acid (n = 14). In each group, 8 animals had a vas deferens section and 6 had a previous vasectomy by ligature. Ten days postoperatively, the patency rate of the anastomosis was evaluated by the presence of sperm on both sides of the suture line. The contractility was assessed by mechanical stimulation. The existence of a sperm granuloma was considered as indicative of a non functional anastomosis. Three days later a fertility test was performed, lasting three months, and the number of litters was checked. The rats were sacrificed after three months, and each vas deferens was examined histologically or by electron microscope. The macroscopic results were: 57% patent anastomoses in group A and 77% in group B. 16% patent anastomoses after ligature in group A (n = 6) and 75% in group B (n = 6). The pregnancy rate was 54% in group A and 77% in group B. After previous ligation, the corresponding figures were 20% and 83% respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Acoustic-distortion products: separation of sensory from neural dysfunction in sensorineural hearing loss in human beings and rabbits

Because distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) provide a noninvasive measure of outer hair-cell (OHC) activity, they should provide a unique and sensitive indicator of the effects of agents that damage hearing. Using DPOAE methods, the present study was designed to assess the relative contributions of the cochlea's outer hair cells to some common sensorineural diseases, including Meniere's disease, acoustic neuroma, and noise-induced, hereditary, and sudden idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss. Parallel evaluations of DPOAEs were performed under essentially identical conditions in rabbit models of several of the human disorders, including noise-induced hearing loss, endolymphatic hydrops, and cochlear neurectomy. Animal studies were performed to assess the proficiency of DPOAEs to track a developing sensorineural deficit as well as to compare patterns of DPOAE dysfunction between clinical and experimental forms of peripheral hearing loss. Detailed measures of DPOAEs were collected in the stimulus-frequency and intensity domains as "audiograms" and response/growth or input/output functions, respectively. The outcome of analyses of both human beings and animals supported the notion that DPOAE testing is sensitive to sensory-cell disease. Thus, in combination with conventional audiometry, DPOAE measures permit a distinction between the relative contribution sensory and neural components of the cochlea make to hearing deficits.     

Patterns of bacterial translocation in experimental biliary obstruction

INTRODUCTION: Biliary obstruction is associated with impaired intestinal barrier function and translocation of enteric bacteria to the systemic circulation. Traditional live culture techniques may overlook translocation of dead bacterial fragments that stimulate the inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to estimate the extent and pattern of bacterial translocation in experimental biliary obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty 9-week-old male Wistar rats were randomized to undergo bile duct ligation (BDL, n = 20) or sham operation (n = 10). Seven days after operation, each animal received 1 ml of (111)indium-oxyquinolone-labeled Escherichia coli p.o. Samples of liver, spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, and lung were harvested 4 h later and analyzed for live bacteria and (111)indium activity. RESULTS: There was significantly more live bacterial translocation detected in BDL animals than in sham-operated animals (P = 0.00008, chi(2)). Labeled bacterial fragments were detected in all locations sampled in all animals. Sham-operated animals had significantly more labeled bacterial fragments detected in the liver (P = 0.0001) and the spleen (P = 0.03) than the BDL animals. The mean total bacterial survival in the BDL group was 30 +/- 13% and 0% in the sham operated group. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that non-viable bacterial fragments are present in sterile extra-intestinal sites in normal animals and that translocation of live bacteria is markedly increased in experimental biliary obstruction. These results also suggest that failure of bacterial killing is an important factor facilitating bacterial translocation in the presence of established biliary obstruction.     

The Prevalence of High-Riding Jugular Bulb in Patients with Suspected Endolymphatic Hydrops

Background To determine the prevalence of a high-riding jugular bulb (HRJB) in the endolymphatic hydrops population. Methods This was a retrospective chart and radiology review of patients seen at a tertiary care medical center. Patients were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, 9th edition, code 386.xx (Meniere disease–unspecified), and were required to have undergone an imaging study that included views of the jugular bulb that were available for review. A radiologist then evaluated all of the imaging studies for evidence of HRJB or inner ear dehiscence with a jugular bulb abnormality. Results The prevalence of a HRJB in all endolymphatic hydrops patients was 9.0% (7 of 78), and it was 4.5% (7 of 156) in all ears. The prevalence of HRJB ipsilateral to an ear with endolymphatic hydrops was 4.6% (4 of 88 ears); it was 4.4% (3 of 68 ears) in ears without endolymphatic hydrops. The incidence of inner ear dehiscence with a HRJB was 1.3% (1 of 78). Electrocochleography results were not correlated with jugular bulb volume. Discussion The results of this study indicate that a small subset of patients treated for endolymphatic hydrops patients have a HRJB. Overall, these results suggest that HRJB does not play a major role in endolymphatic hydrops, although it may play a role in a few isolated patients.     

肝左、中叶胆管结扎联合二乙基亚硝胺构建胆管癌小鼠模型的研究

目的运用二乙基亚硝胺（DEN）联合肝左、中叶胆管结扎方法,制作可供研究、重复性高、模拟人胆管癌发生过程的小鼠模型。 方法将120只6~7周龄Balb/c雄性小鼠制作成动物实验模型：DLD组（n=30,DEN+胆管结扎）、BLANK组（n=20,空白对照）、DEN组（n=20,仅DEN处理）、LMBDL组（n=30,胆管结扎）、DSO组（n=20,DEN+假手术）。分别于造模后0、2、4、8、12、16、20、24周时,记录和比较各组小鼠体质量、肝脏外观差异、存活率、成瘤率;采用苏木精-伊红（HE）染色和免疫组织化学法检测各组成瘤结节或未成瘤小鼠肝脏组织中胆管上皮标志物AQP-1、CK19的表达,明确成瘤结节的细胞来源。 结果（1）BLANK组与LMBDL组小鼠的体质量差异无统计学意义（t=0.572,P=0.611）,DEN组体质量显著低于BLANK组（t=3.382,P=0.002）,DLD组体质量均低于DEN组及DSO组（t=2.022、2.331,P=0.019、0.021）,单纯胆管结扎对小鼠体质量变化无显著影响,而DEN给药以及联合部分胆管结扎均对小鼠体质量产生影响。（2）DEN、DLD、DSO、LMBDL组的存活率与BLANK组相比,差异无统计学意义（P=0.058、0.013、0.025、0.692）,胆管结扎手术与DEN不会增加小鼠死亡率。（3）BLANK、DEN、LMBDL组小鼠均未成瘤,DSO、DLD组的成瘤率分别为8.3%（1/12）和47.1%（9/17）,DLD组的成瘤率高于其他四组（均P<0.01）,各组均未见远处转移瘤,胆管结扎联合DEN可提高小鼠成瘤率。（4）CK19及AQP-1在DLD组小鼠成瘤结节中表达均为强阳性,结节为胆管细胞来源。 结论低剂量DEN联合肝左、中叶胆管结扎可成功构建胆管癌模型,该模型具有操作简单、成瘤率及存活率高、符合人胆管癌发生发展过程等特点。     

Bacterial translocation in obstructive jaundice in rats: role of mucosal lacteals.

OBJECTIVE: To study the ultrastructure of the ileal wall in rats with obstructive jaundice alone and after passive external biliary drainage to see if we could discover the reason for the increased risk of infective complications and multisystem failure in the presence of obstructive jaundice and after external biliary drainage. DESIGN: Histological examination of the wall of the terminal ileum using light microscopy, as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy (EM). SETTING: Experimental laboratory, Republic of Georgia. ANIMALS: 56 adult male Wistar rats. Interventions: Rats were divided into 7 groups: controls (not operated on, n = 6); sham-operated and studied after 6 and 12 days (n = 6 in each); bile duct ligation alone studied after 6 and 12 days (n = 10 in each); and bile duct ligation followed 6 and 12 days later by one-day of external biliary drainage (n = 9 in each). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Percentage of destroyed villi. RESULTS: The extent of oedema of villi, necrosis of neurons, and disturbances in the secretory capacity of enterocytes correlated well with the duration of cholestasis. After 6 and 12 days ligation alone 7.2% and 17.3%, respectively, of villi were found to be destroyed; their connective tissue framework including lymphatics was in direct contact with the intestinal contents. The changes were not reversed by one day of external biliary drainage. CONCLUSION: The gaps in the ileal mucosa caused by obstructive jaundice (and not relieved by one day of external biliary drainage) may enable gut bacteria and their endotoxin to reach the systemic circulation through the lymphatic-system. This could increase the risk of infective complications.     

Protective effect of resveratrol against oxidative stress in cholestasis

BACKGROUND: We investigated the protective role of resveratrol in rat liver injuries induced by chronic biliary obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Secondary biliary cirrhosis was induced by bile duct ligation for 28 days. Swiss albino rats were divided into the three following groups: group 1: sham (n = 7); group 2: bile duct ligation (n = 7); group 3: bile duct ligation plus resveratrol (n = 7). Bile duct ligation plus resveratrol group received 10 mg/kg dose of resveratrol intraperitoneally daily for 28 days. Liver damage and cholestasis were determined by the biochemical and the pathologic examination. RESULTS: The present data showed a decrease in both plasma bilirubin levels and aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels in the resveratrol-treated rats, when compared with bile duct ligation group (P < 0.05). In the resveratrol-treated rats, tissue levels of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide were significantly lower than that of the bile duct ligation (P < 0.002). The levels of glutathione in resveratrol-treated rats were significantly higher than that in bile duct ligation group (P < 0.004). The levels of interleukin-1alpha, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in resveratrol group were significantly lower than that in bile duct ligation group (P < 0.004, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). Administration of resveratrol in the rats with biliary obstruction resulted in inhibition of ductular proliferation and lymphocytic inflammation. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that intraperitoneal administration of resveratrol in bile duct ligated rats maintained antioxidant defenses and reduces liver oxidative damage and ductular proliferation. This effect of resveratrol may be useful in the preservation of liver function in cholestasis.     

一种新的胆胰管穿刺注射法制作重症急性胰腺炎大鼠模型的研究

目的 研究一种新的胆胰管穿刺注射法制作重症急性胰腺炎(severe acute pancreatitis,SAP)大鼠模型.方法 60只Sprague-Dawley大鼠随机分成对照组(30只)和模型组(30只),采用新的胆胰管穿刺逆行胰胆管注射5%牛磺胆酸钠法(简称新的胆胰管注射法)诱导SAP大鼠模型.随后共分1、3、6、12、24 h 5个时间点,动态观察两组大鼠的死亡率、腹水量、血清淀粉酶、胰腺组织病理变化并作病理评分,以及肝、肾、心功能的变化.结果 模型组24 h死亡率为16.67%.各时点,模型组腹水量、血清淀粉酶、谷丙转氨酶、尿素氮、肌酐、心肌型肌酸激酶同工酶值及胰腺组织病理评分均高于对照组(P<0.05),且各项数值呈一稳定的动态变化.结论 这种新的胆胰管穿刺注射法是一种操作简单,病变符合临床特征较为稳定的SAP大鼠模型制作方法.     

Experimental acute necrotico-hemorrhagic pancreatitis in dogs. Treatment by intraductal block

The aim of this experimental study was to demonstrate that the mortality of calcium chlorine induced acute pancreatitis in the dog was decreased by the intraductal injection of solid substances. Seventy-two dogs were used. In the control group (n = 5) the mortality was 100%. Three different drugs were used for the intraductal injection: Ethibloc (n = 37), Tissucol (n = 10) and silicones (n = 10). The mortality rate has been respectively of 13.5, 10 and 10%. In order to define at which level of the pancreatic duct the obstruction had a maximum efficiency, 10 dogs underwent a distal ligation of the pancreatic duct after induction of the pancreatitis. The mortality rate in this group was 100%. It can be therefore concluded that only the complete obstruction of the pancreatic duct decreases the mortality rate in this experimental model.     

胸腔引流管的改进(附576例分析)

将 198 0年 3月～ 2 0 0 0年 3月收治的普通胸外科疾病患者随机分为两组 :改进组 32 1例 ,对照组 2 5 5例 ,关胸后分别施行改进的和常规的胸腔引流法。改进组的胸腔引流管长 6 0cm ,一端剪 2个侧孔 ,置于病变处 ,于肋膈角处又剪一侧孔 ,引出体外接引流瓶。改进组发现胸腔局灶积液 30例 (9.3% ) ,经 1～ 2次定位穿刺抽吸后消失。而对照组发现胸腔局灶性积液 10 8例 (4 2 .4 % ) ,其中 81例经一次定位穿刺抽吸后消失 ,2 7例多次定位穿刺抽吸后消失 ,4 6例病人发热持续一周以上。两组并发胸腔积液率有显著差异 (P <0 .0 1)。改进后的胸腔引流管优于常规引流管。     

The role of leukocytes in the production of oxygen-derived free radicals in acute experimental pancreatitis

Oxygen-derived free radicals mediate an important step in the initiation of experimental acute pancreatitis in the ex vivo perfused canine pancreas model. In other organ systems, circulating leukocytes may serve as one source of oxygen-derived free radical production. The current experiments were designed to evaluate the role of circulating leukocytes in the generation of injury in this model. Four experimental groups of animals were studied: group I consisted of controls (n = 6); group II had white blood cell (WBC) depletion (n = 4) in which the recirculating whole blood perfusate was depleted of 98% of its circulating leukocytes; group III had oleic acid infusion (FFA) alone (n = 9), which induced pancreatitis; group IV had WBC depletion and FFA (n = 6), in which oleic acid was infused after depletion of the circulating leukocytes in the perfusate. During the 4-hour perfusion period, the pancreatic preparations were monitored hourly for the development of edema, weight gain, and release of alpha-amylase into the perfusate. Animals in groups I and group II manifested no gross edema, gained minimal weight, and did not manifest hyperamylasemia. Leukocyte depletion alone had no effect. In group IV animals marked edema, significant weight gain, and hyperamylasemia developed to the same extent as in group III animals. These results demonstrate that circulating leukocytes are not essential to the development of pancreatitis in this model and suggest that another source of oxygen-derived free radicals mediates this injury.     

Defining hydrops and indications for open fetal surgery for fetuses with lung masses and vascular tumors

PurposeThe aim of this study was to identify the most accurate prenatal predictors of outcomes and need for fetal surgery for fetuses with high-risk lung masses and vascular tumors.MethodsThe records of all fetuses with high-risk lung mass (congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation-volume ratio > 1.6 or findings of hydrops) and vascular tumor evaluated between July 2001 and March 2011 were reviewed retrospectively. Hydrops was defined as accumulation of fluid in 2 or more compartments.ResultsOf fetuses with high-risk lung mass, hydrops was identified in 46% (11/24). Fetuses with hydrops and an abnormal echocardiogram (n = 8) demonstrated poor survival without fetal surgery (13%) compared with 100% survival in fetuses with hydrops and a normal echocardiogram (n = 3; P = .02). Of 21 fetuses with vascular tumor (11 sacrococcygeal and 8 cervical teratomas; 2 hemangioendotheliomas), hydrops was identified in 29% and an abnormal echocardiogram in 57%. All fetuses with hydrops had an abnormal echocardiogram and either died (n = 5) or required fetal surgery (n = 1). However, all fetuses with abnormal echocardiograms alone (n = 7) survived without fetal intervention.ConclusionsFor fetuses with lung mass, an abnormal echocardiogram in the setting of hydrops is the best predictor of mortality and need for fetal surgery. For fetuses with vascular tumor, hydrops in the setting of high-output physiology best predicts demise and need for fetal surgery.