Acutely calcified hematoma mimicking a displaced medial epicondyle fracture

We present an interesting and unusual case of an acutely calcified pin-site infection hematoma mimicking a displaced cartilaginous medial epicondyle, in a child with a Gartland type III fracture. The treatment of such pathology could be confusing and may interfere with the correct clinical decision-making process. To our knowledge, this is the first presentation of such a case.     

Evaluation of expiratory volume, diffusion capacity, and exercise tolerance following major lung resection: a prospective follow-up analysis

BACKGROUND: Lung resections determine a variable functional reduction depending on the extent of the resection and the time elapsed from the operation. The objectives of this study were to prospectively investigate the postoperative changes in FEV(1), carbon monoxide lung diffusion capacity (Dlco), and exercise tolerance after major lung resection at repeated evaluation times. METHODS: FEV(1), Dlco, and peak oxygen consumption (Vo(2)peak) calculated using the stair climbing test were measured in 200 patients preoperatively, at discharge, and 1 month and 3 months after lobectomy or pneumonectomy. Preoperative and repeated postoperative measures were compared, and a time-series, cross-sectional regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with postoperative Vo(2)peak. RESULTS: One month after lobectomy, FEV(1), Dlco, and Vo(2)peak values were 79.5%, 81.5%, and 96% of preoperative values and recovered up to 84%, 88.5%, and 97% after 3 months, respectively. One month after pneumonectomy, FEV(1) percentage of predicted, Dlco percentage of predicted, and Vo(2)peak values were 65%, 75%, and 87% of preoperative values, and were 66%, 80%, and 89% after 3 months, respectively. Three months after lobectomy, 27% of patients with COPD had improved FEV(1), 34% had improved Dlco, and 43% had improved Vo(2)peak compared to preoperative values. The time-series, cross-sectional regression analysis showed that postoperative Vo(2)peak values were directly associated with preoperative values of Vo(2)peak, and postoperative values of FEV(1) and Dlco, and were inversely associated with age and body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings may be used during preoperative counseling and for deciding eligibility for operation along with other more traditional measures of outcome.     

Retinol Binding Protein-4 Is Associated with TNF-α and Not Insulin Resistance in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Coronary Heart Disease

We studied the association between RBP4 and various markers related to insulin resistance and diabetic complications as well as inflammatory markers in Saudi population suffering from type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. Patients with type 2 diabetes were divided into 3 groups according to the type of treatment and involvement of coronary artery disease. Serum RBP4, TNF-α, insulin, CRP, resistin, leptin and adiponectin were analysed in all samples. RBP4 levels increased significantly in the group of diabetic subjects treated with oral hypoglycemic agents and diabetic patients with coronary heart disease (30.2 ± 11.8; 33.4 ± 13.6 respectively), while there was no significant change in the other group for diabetic subjects on low-carbohydrate diet (25.1 ± 10.9) compared to control group (22.6 ± 9.5). RPB4 levels were positively correlated with TNF-α in the group of diabetic subjects on oral hypoglycemic agents and diabetic patients with coronary heart disease (r = 0.52, P < 0.05; r = 0.58, P < 0.05 respectively). No correlations were found between RBP4 levels and insulin resistance in all studied groups. Our findings suggest that serum RBP4 levels is associated with pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α) and is not associated with insulin resistance among patients with type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease.     

Portal vein thrombosis after laparoscopic splenectomy for systemic mastocytosis: a case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic splenectomy has become the surgical procedure of choice for various diseases of the spleen. Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) after splenectomy occurs in 0.5% to 22% of patients. Symptoms are nonspecific and include fever, abdominal pain, and epigastric distress. Risk factors for PVT after splenectomy include underlying hematologic disorders, massive splenectomy, and other hypercoagulable states. METHODS: We describe a case of PVT in a woman who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy for symptomatic splenomegaly secondary to systemic mastocytosis. The patient was discharged from the hospital without anticoagulation and experienced nonspecific symptoms beginning 10 days postoperatively. Diagnosis of PVT was made by contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography. The patient had no underlying risk factors. Anticoagulation treatment facilitated recanalization of the portal vein and this was verified by Doppler ultrasound at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: PVT after laparoscopic splenectomy is not uncommon. Signs and symptoms are vague and require a high index of suspicion for timely diagnosis. Anticoagulation is the treatment of choice and allows recanalization of the portal system in the majority of cases.     

Stair climbing test as a predictor of cardiopulmonary complications after pulmonary lobectomy in the elderly

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to assess the role of a symptom-limited stair climbing test in predicting postoperative cardiopulmonary complications in elderly candidates for lung resection. METHODS: A consecutive series of 109 patients more than 70 years of age who underwent pulmonary lobectomy for lung carcinoma from January 2000 through May 2003 formed the prospective database of this study. All patients in the analysis performed a preoperative symptom-limited stair climbing test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify predictors of postoperative cardiopulmonary complications. RESULTS: At univariate analysis, the patients with complications had a lower forced expiratory capacity percentage of predicted (p = 0.048), predicted postoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 second percentage of predicted (p = 0.049), climbed a lower height at preoperative stair climbing test (p = 0.0004), and presented a greater proportion of cardiac comorbiditiy with respect to the patients without complications (p = 0.02). After logistic regression analysis, significant predictors of postoperative complications resulted in the presence of a concomitant cardiac disease (p = 0.04) and a low height climbed preoperatively (p = 0.0015). CONCLUSIONS: A symptom-limited stair climbing test was a safe and simple instrument capable of predicting cardiopulmonary complications in the elderly after lung resection.