Preprocedural computed tomography before cardiac implanted electronic device lead extraction: Indication,technique, and approach to interpretation

Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) frequently need to be extracted due to infection, hardware failure, and other causes. The extraction of the CIED is typically performed using percutaneous methods. While these procedures are mostly performed without incident there is a small risk of significant complications. Dedicated imaging pre‐CEID removal to include the central veins and heart with multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) can be utilized to evaluate the lead course and termination, the integrity of the central veins and cardiac chambers, and identify potential complications that may alter the lead extraction procedure as well as reimplantation of subsequent leads. Indications for preprocedural imaging, the technique of dedicated preprocedural lead extraction MDCT, and the approach to the interpretation of the images is discussed in this review.     

Optical coherence tomography in paediatric clinical practice

Optical coherence tomography is a non‐invasive ocular imaging technique that is frequently used in the diagnosis and monitoring of optic nerve or retinal disease. Advances in optical coherence tomography speed and image processing capability allow increased use of the modality in clinical practice, especially in younger children. This review outlines the challenges involved in imaging children, highlights the technological progress, the importance of acquiring normative data and, finally, focuses on the clinical applicability of optical coherence tomography in our paediatric population with various ocular conditions.     

Five cases of orbital extramedullary plasmacytoma: diagnosis and management of an aggressive malignancy

Purpose: Multiple myeloma is an insidious haematological malignancy characterised by monoclonal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow. Extramedullary plasmacytoma is a rare manifestation of multiple myeloma and usually occurs in the upper respiratory tract. Orbital involvement is particularly uncommon, but may be associated with devastating visual impairment and poor clinical outcomes. Therefore, this article aims to highlight the need for multidisciplinary management of orbital extramedullary plasmacytoma.

Methods: This is a retrospective observational case series of five patients. All presented to the authors for management of orbital extramedullary plasmacytomas from 2004 to 2015 at Prince of Wales and Mater Hospitals in Sydney, Australia. Medical records were reviewed for pertinent information including demographics, disease features, management strategy, and clinical progress. The study met Medical Ethics Board standards and is in accordance with the Helsinki Agreements.

Results: This case series of five patients underscores the poor prognosis of orbital extramedullary plasmacytoma. Despite aggressive multidisciplinary management, four of these five patients succumbed to their illness during the study period. However, multidisciplinary management did manage to minimise symptoms and preserve quality of life.

Conclusions: On a case-by-case basis, patients may derive palliative benefit from orbital surgery in conjunction with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Orbital surgeons are encouraged to work within a multidisciplinary framework of medical specialists, including haematologists and radiation oncologists, when determining the optimal management plan in cases of orbital extramedullary plasmacytoma.