Lung Ultrasound for the Emergency Diagnosis of Pneumonia,Acute Heart Failure,and Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease/Asthma in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background

Lung ultrasound can accelerate the diagnosis of life-threatening diseases in adults with respiratory symptoms.

Human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) levels inversely correlate with lung function improvement (delta FEV1) in cystic fibrosis patients receiving ivacaftor treatment

Background

We have recently shown that human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) levels correlate with the severity of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. However, there are no data on how HE4 levels alter in patients receiving CFTR modulating therapy.

Continuously moving table 3D MRI with lateral frequency-encoding direction.

A method is presented for 3D MRI in an extended field of view (FOV) based on continuous motion of the patient table and an efficient acquisition scheme. A gradient-echo MR pulse sequence is applied with lateral (left-right (L/R)) frequency-encoding direction and slab selection along the direction of motion. Compensation for the table motion is achieved by a combination of slab tracking and data alignment in hybrid space. The method allows fast k-space coverage to be achieved, especially when a short sampling FOV is chosen along the direction of table motion, as is desirable for good image quality. The method can be incorporated into different acquisitions schemes, including segmented k-space scanning, which allows for contrast variation with the use of magnetization preparation. Head-to-toe images of volunteers were obtained with good quality using 3D spoiled gradient-echo sequences. As an example of magnetization-prepared imaging, fat/water separated images were acquired using chemical shift selective (CHESS) presaturation pulses.     

Operative Behandlung von Rektumkarzinomen im Vergleich

BACKGROUND: The laparoscopic resection of rectal cancer shows morbidity and oncological safety comparable to the open approach, but morbidity increases after conversion to open resection. No oncological long-term results are available for the latter patients. METHODS: From 01/01/2000-31/12/2002, patients with curatively resected rectal cancer enrolled in a observational study were evaluated for morbidity, mortality, tumor- and local recurrence rate, paying attention to patients with conversion from laparoscopic to open resection. RESULTS: 237 (3.3%) of 7,189 patients underwent laparoscopic resection (ITT). These patients showed significantly more T1/2 tumors (P<0.001) in earlier UICC stages (P<0.001) than open resected patients. 35 (14.8%) of 237 laparoscopic procedures were converted. Compared with patients receiving complete laparoscopic or open resection, these patients showed significantly higher frequencies of intraoperative (P<0.001) and general postoperative complications (P=0.003) as well as the highest overall morbidity (P=0.031). After a median follow-up of 30.1 months, the highest 5-year local recurrence rate was found in the converted group (16.0%). The laparoscopically resected patients showed a local recurrence rate of 3.3%, patients with open resection of 12.4% (P=0.082). The disease-free survival rate did not differ between the groups (P=0.585). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic resection of rectal cancer provides oncological results similar to open resection. After conversion, the short and oncological long-term outcomes were worse. Considering a conversion rate of 15%, only a strict indication for the laparoscopic approach can be allowed, and laparoscopic resection should be performed at centers.     

经腹膜后隙途径腹腔镜活体供肾切取32例

目的 探讨经腹膜后隙途径腹腔镜活体供肾切取的技术和效果。方法 32名供者中，男性15名，女性17名。29例取左肾，3例取右肾。供者全身麻醉，取侧卧位，共选3个穿刺点，第1个穿刺点选在12肋缘下2cm与骶棘肌外侧缘1cm交叉点，第2个穿刺点选在第1个穿刺点向前8～10cm，或肋缘下2cm与腋前线交叉点，第3个穿刺点位于髂棘上2cm与腋中线交叉点，分别插入12mm、10mm和5mm的Trocar。以自制水囊扩张器扩张腹膜后隙，游离供肾和输尿管，前6例用直线切割缝合器切断肾动脉和静脉，后26例用带锁的塑料夹夹闭切断肾动脉和静脉，在第1个穿刺点向下的延长切口将肾取出。结果 32只供肾切取顺利，手术耗时60～180min，出血量20～200ml，供肾热缺血时间3～8min，冷缺血时间25～50min。3只肾静脉较短，分别为1cm、1．5cm和2cm，另有1只供肾动脉内膜损伤。移植术后第1d，受者的尿量为2800-10 100ml，无移植肾功能恢复延迟发生。结论 经腹膜后隙途径腹腔镜活体供肾切取是安全、可行的，对供者创伤小，所获供肾的质量较好，但要求有熟练的腹腔镜技术。