Aortic prosthetic ring annuloplasty: a useful adjunct to a standardized aortic valve-sparing procedure?

OBJECTIVE: Dilation of aortic annulus, sinuses of Valsalva, and sinotubular junction (STJ) diameters are the characteristic lesions of aortic root aneurysm. The remodeling technique reduces STJ diameter and creates three neosinuses of Valsalva. Alternatively, the reimplantation technique reduces both annulus and STJ diameters to the detriment of aortic root dynamics. Although the remodeling technique is recognized as the most physiological valve-sparing procedure, aortic annulus dilation may jeopardize its results. A standardized approach that combines an external subvalvular aortic prosthetic ring annuloplasty with the remodeling technique is suggested. METHODS: Eighty-three patients underwent an elective aortic root remodeling procedure, either isolated (group 1, n=34) or combined with an external subvalvular aortic prosthetic ring annuloplasty (group 2, n=49). Preoperative aortic regurgitation was 1.59+/-1.1 (group 1) and 1.97+/-1.3 (group 2) (NS). The aortic annulus was more dilated in group 2 than in group 1 (27+/-2.77 mm vs 26.4+/-2.3 mm, p<0.01). Residual aortic regurgitation > or =grade II was the conversion criteria for aortic valve replacement. RESULTS: Operative mortality was 3.6% (n=3). Intraoperative conversion for valve replacement was 32.7% in group 1 (n=11) versus 4.2% in group 2 (n=2) (p<0.001). In group 1, preoperative annulus diameter was larger for converted than for valve-spared patients (27.6+/-1.7 mm vs 25.2+/-1.5 mm, p<0.02). In group 2, implanted aortic ring significantly reduced annulus diameter (20.6+/-1.8 mm) without significant aortic valve gradient (8.3+/-3 mmHg). Follow-up was 17.2+/-13.4 months (group 1) and 10.41+/-7.95 months (group 2). Reoperation for recurrent aortic regurgitation was 13% in group 1 (n=3) versus 4.2% in group 2 (n=2). Echocardiographic follow-up found residual aortic regurgitation < or =grade I in 17 patients in group 1 (90%) versus 43 patients in group 2 (95.5%) and of grade II in two patients in group 1 (10%) and two patients in group 2 (4.5%). CONCLUSION: The addition of external aortic prosthetic ring annuloplasty improves the remodeling technique's operative reproducibility and short-term results. Therefore, its use as a systematical adjunct to the remodeling procedure is suggested. However, further long-term evaluation comparing this valve-sparing procedure to composite graft replacement should define the best surgical strategy for aortic root aneurysm.     

Resolution of homonymous visual field loss documented with functional magnetic resonance and diffusion tensor imaging.

A 68-year-old man developed right homonymous hemianopic paracentral scotomas from acute infarction of the left extrastriate area. He was studied over the ensuing 12 months with visual fields, conventional MRI, functional MRI (fMRI), and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). As the visual field defect became smaller, fMRI demonstrated progressively larger areas of cortical activation. DTI initially showed that the lesioned posterior optic radiations were completely interrupted. This interruption lessened in time and had disappeared by one year after onset. fMRI and DTI are innovative measures to follow functional and structural recovery in the central nervous system. This is the first reported application of these imaging techniques to acute cerebral visual field disorders.     

A new shape for an old function: lasting effect of a physiologic surgical restoration of the left ventricle

Background  

Long-term morphofunctional outcome may vary widely in surgical anterior left ventricular wall restoration, suggesting variability in post-surgical remodeling similar to that observed following acute myocardial infarction. The aim of this pilot study was to demonstrate that surgical restoration obtained with a particular shape of endoventricular patch leads to steady morphofunctional ventricular improvement when geometry, volume and residual akinesia can be restored as normal as possible.     

Neuropathy associated with “benign” anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein IgM gammopathy: Clinical,immunological, neurophysiological pathological findings and response to treatment in 33 cases

We studied 33 patients presenting with a peripheral neuropathy associated with non-malignant anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) IgM monoclonal gammopathy (MG) in an attempt to delineate their clinical, immunological, electrophysiological and pathological characteristics; we also reviewed our experience concerning long-term follow-up and therapy. Peripheral neuropathy associated with non-malignant anti-MAG IgM MG was observed mostly in males (sex ratio 7.2), and mean age at onset was 67 years (range 46–81). A predominantly sensory pattern was noted in more than 80% of cases, although some patients were affected by a predominantly motor peripheral neuropathy. Although disease progression was slow in most cases, 45% of patients suffered severe disability, and in 2 cases, the patient's death appeared to stem directly from the neuropathy. The electrophysiological findings were indicative of a demyelinating process in 90% of cases, and electron microscopic examination of nerve biopsy specimens demonstrated widening of the myelin lamellae in more than 95% of cases. Most of our patients showed a disappointing response to steroids and chemotherapy or plasma exchanges. Intravenous immune globulin, evaluated in 17 patients, had a transient, mostly subjective effect in 35% and led to a clear-cut improvement in 24% of cases. We did not observe any correlation between the severity of the clinical picture and the anti-sulphoglucuronyl paragloboside antibody titre; in individual cases, clinical improvement occurred without lowering of IgM levels. Although the severity and the rate of progression may greatly vary from patient to patient, the combination of clinical, electrophysiological and pathological features delineates a characteristic pattern in peripheral neuropathy associated with non-malignant anti-MAG IgM MG.     

Outcome Following Bariatric Surgery in Super versus Morbidly Obese Patients: Does Weight Matter?

Background: Numerous investigators have attempted to identify prognostic indicators for successful outcome following bariatric surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine whether degree of obesity affects outcome in super obese [>225% ideal body weight (IBW)] versus morbidly obese patients (160-225% IBW) undergoing gastric restrictive/bypass procedures. Methods: Since 1984, 157 patients underwent either gastric bypass or vertical banded gastroplasty. Super obese (78) and morbidly obese (79) patients were followed prospectively, documenting outcome and complications. Results: Super obese patients reached maximum weight loss 3 years following bariatric surgery, exhibiting a decrease in body mass index (BMI) from 61 to 39 kg/m² and an average loss of 42% excess body weight (EBW). Morbidly obese patients had a decrease in BMI from 44 to 31 kg/m² and carried 39% EBW at 1 year. After their respective nadirs, each group began to regain the lost weight with the super obese exhibiting a current BMI of 45 kg/m² (61% EBW) versus 34 kg/m² (52% EBW) in the morbidly obese at 72 months cumulative follow-up. Currently, loss of 50% or more of EBW occurred in 53% of super obese patients versus 72% of morbidly obese (P < 0.01). Twenty-six percent of super obese patients returned to within 50% of ideal body weight (IBW) while 71% of morbidly obese were able to reach this goal (P < 0.01). Co-morbidities and complications related to surgery were similar in each group. Conclusions: Super obese patients have a greater absolute weight loss after bariatric surgery than do morbidly obese patients. Using commonly utilized measures of success based on weight, morbidly obese patients tend to have better outcomes following bariatric surgery.     

Pulmonary diseases in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus in Zimbabwe, Central Africa

During the 11 month period up to 30 September 1987, 37 patients (26 male, 11 female, mean age 27 years) with respiratory symptoms who were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive, were studied prospectively on 40 occasions to determine the cause of any pulmonary complications. HIV was heterosexually transmitted. Predominant symptoms were cough (89%), fever (89%), weight loss (83%), and dyspnoea (60%). Transnasal fibre-optic bronchoscopy (with bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial brushings and transbronchial lung biopsies) was performed on 35 patients, twice on 3 patients. 'Tru-cut' lung biopsies were obtained from 2 patients who died before bronchoscopy. Pulmonary tuberculosis was the commonest disease, being found in one-third of the patients (12 of 37). Mycobacterium tuberculosis was cultured from 4; the remainder of the plates were contaminated. Pneumocystis carinii was present in 8 patients: as the sole pathogen in 3, with Streptococcus pneumoniae in 4, Staphylococcus aureus in 2, and one also had tuberculous lymphadenitis. Endobronchial Kaposi's sarcoma was seen in 6 of 7 patients with skin nodules. Bacterial pathogens isolated included Staph. aureus (5), S. pneumoniae (5), Klebsiella pneumoniae (2), Haemophilus influenzae (2), H. parainfluenzae (1) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1). Invading Aspergillus fumigatus was diagnosed by lung biopsy in one. No diagnosis was reached for 8 patients. It is concluded that in Central Africa pulmonary complications in AIDS patients are similar to those in Europe and North America but the incidence of different pathogens depends on the prevalence of pathogens in the community. M. tuberculosis is probably the commonest pathogen. This study has confirmed that P. carinii pneumonia does occur, but occurs less frequently.     

Budesonide versus mesalamine for maintaining remission in patients refusing other immunomodulators for steroid-dependent Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: To compare the efficacy of controlled-release budesonide capsules with that of mesalamine for maintaining remission and improving quality of life (QOL) in patients with steroid-dependent Crohn's disease. METHODS: Fifty-seven patients (25 men; mean age, 32 +/- 10.1 yr) with quiescent steroid-dependent Crohn's ileitis, ileocolitis, or colitis (Crohn's disease activity index <150) entered a prospective, investigator-blind trial. Patients were eligible for treatment with azathioprine but had not consented or had developed side effects. Patients were randomized to receive budesonide 6 mg/day (n = 29) or mesalamine 1 g 3 times/day (n = 28). Follow-up assessments were made every 2 months for up to 1 year or until relapse. At each visit, quality of life (QOL) was assessed using the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in baseline clinical characteristics between the study groups. The 1-year relapse rate was significantly lower in the budesonide group than in the mesalamine group (55% vs. 82%; 95% confidence interval, 12.4%-41%; P = 0.045). Patients assigned to budesonide also remained in remission longer (241 +/- 114 days vs. 147 +/- 117 days; 95% confidence interval, 32.7-155.3 days; P = 0.003). Compared with mesalamine, budesonide treatment also was associated with a better QOL throughout the study (mean total IBDQ scores 165 +/- 36 vs. 182 +/- 28, respectively; 95% confidence interval, -0.4 to 34.4, P = 0.0001). This advantage was confirmed in patients' self-assessed QOL scores. CONCLUSIONS: Over a 1-year period, controlled-release budesonide was significantly more effective than mesalamine for maintaining remission and improving the QOL of patients with steroid-dependent Crohn's disease.     

Procedural learning in schizophrenia can reflect the pharmacologic properties of the antipsychotic treatments.

BACKGROUND: Conventional and atypical antipsychotics have different affinities for D2 receptors, and these receptors are principally located in the striatum. Given that this cerebral structure was previously found to play a major role in procedural learning, the antipsychotic treatment in schizophrenia may be determinant for the procedural learning profile of these patients. OBJECTIVE: The current study was aimed at verifying whether procedural learning differs in patients with schizophrenia treated with conventional antipsychotics and patients treated with atypical antipsychotics. METHOD: Forty-five patients with schizophrenia were divided into 3 different groups according to their pharmacologic treatment: (1) haloperidol, a classical neuroleptic with high D2 receptor affinity; (2) clozapine, an atypical neuroleptic with practically no D2 receptor affinity; and (3) risperidone, an atypical neuroleptic that nevertheless shows high D2 receptor affinity. Patients were compared to 35 control subjects on a visuomotor procedural learning task (mirror drawing). RESULTS: All patients were able to learn the task. However, those treated with haloperidol showed some degree of learning impairment, while those treated with clozapine or risperidone did not show this impairment. In addition, performance per se, regardless of the learning, was found to be affected in the haloperidol and risperidone, but not in the clozapine groups. CONCLUSION: Procedural learning in schizophrenia may be differentially affected, depending on the pharmacologic profiles of the antipsychotics used for the treatment of this illness.