Pulmonary artery sling: reimplantation versus antetracheal translocation.

BACKGROUND: We compared two repair techniques for pulmonary artery sling. The first comprised detachment of the aberrant left pulmonary artery from the right pulmonary artery and its implantation into the main pulmonary artery, and the second, translocation of the left pulmonary artery anterior to the trachea (without implanting it into the main pulmonary artery), resection of tracheal stenosis, and end-to-end reconstruction of the trachea. METHODS: Five symptomatic infants (3 boys and 2 girls; median age 5 months; range, 3 weeks to 11 months) with pulmonary artery sling were operated on through a median sternotomy with aid of cardiopulmonary bypass. In 3 patients, the left pulmonary artery was transected from the right pulmonary artery and implanted into the main pulmonary artery. In addition, the anterior trachea was augmented with a pericardial patch (n = 2). In the remaining 2 patients, associated tracheal stenosis was resected, the left pulmonary artery was translocated anterior to the trachea, and the trachea was reconstructed. RESULTS: All 5 infants survived the operation. The 3 patients in whom the left pulmonary artery was implanted into the main pulmonary artery had an uncomplicated postoperative course. All 3 patients, at a follow-up of 10 months to 7.9 years, were free of symptoms; the left pulmonary artery was documented to be widely patent. The remaining 2 patients in whom the left pulmonary artery was translocated anterior to the trachea could not be extubated. In both patients the distal trachea was compressed anteriorly by the left pulmonary artery. One of these patients died at 1 week postoperatively secondary to tracheal dehiscence. In the other patient, the left pulmonary artery was implanted into the main pulmonary artery with good result; at a follow-up of 3.9 years, mild residual stridor has persisted. CONCLUSIONS: In pulmonary artery sling, implantation of the aberrant left pulmonary artery into the main pulmonary artery, if necessary combined with anterior tracheoplasty, reliably eliminates tracheal and esophageal compression and maintains antegrade flow into the left pulmonary artery. Translocation of the left pulmonary artery anterior to the trachea without implanting it into the main pulmonary artery is not favored because that might result in anterior compression of the trachea. In addition, we are concerned about growth of the circumferential tracheal anastomosis in neonates and infants.     

Operative treatment of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy and aortic valve disease in infants

BACKGROUND: The indications for operative intervention for symptomatic hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) in infancy and childhood are not well defined because of the rarity of the lesion. The traditional surgical procedure consists of septal myectomy. In an attempt to further improve the outcome of HOCM associated with concentric left ventricular hypertrophy and aortic valve disease in infancy, we have combined resection of the left ventricular septum and free wall with a Ross-Konno procedure. METHODS: Three infants (aged 3, 4, and 10 months) with HOCM (left ventricular aortic gradients of 75, 95, and 110 mmHg), associated concentric left ventricular hypertrophy, and valvar aortic stenosis (n = 1) or combined valvar aortic stenosis and regurgitation (n = 2) underwent extensive resection of fibroelastosis and subendocardial myocardium of the left ventricular septum and free wall in combination with a Ross-Konno operation. All three patients had marked systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve. The length of the incision into the ventricular septum was 1.8, 2.0, and 2.3 cm. RESULTS: In all three patients this procedure resulted in a marked reduction of width of the left ventricular septum (median 9 mm vs 14 mm preoperatively) and the left ventricular posterior free wall (median 8 mm vs 12 mm preoperatively) and an almost twofold increase of the left ventricular end-diastolic volume (median 13.5 cm3 vs 7.0 cm3 preoperatively). The neo-aortic valve functioned normally. Systolic anterior motion of the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve had completely resolved in two patients and had markedly regressed in the remaining patient. At follow-up of 15, 17, and 26 months, two patients had absence of a left ventricular outflow tract gradient and the third patient had a residual sub-valvar gradient of 15 mmHg. CONCLUSIONS: The reported procedure may be a valuable technique in severe forms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy associated with aortic valve disease. The operation results in enlargement of the left ventricular stroke volume and improvement of the left ventricular diastolic function, restores aortic valve anatomy and function, and abolishes or decreases systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve.     

Quantitative Shear Wave Elastography as a Prognostic Implication of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (PTC): Elasticity Index Can Predict Extrathyroidal Extension (ETE)

Objective

To investigate whether the quantitative elasticity index of shear wave elastography (SWE) can predict extrathyroidal extension (ETE) of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) preoperatively.

Methods

A total of 208 patients with pathology confirmed PTC whom underwent SWE during preoperative staging US between April 2011 to June 2012 were included.SWE indices of E _mean, E _max, E _min of the index malignancy, the ratios between E _mean of the lesion and parenchyma (E _ratio-P), and muscle (E _ratio-M), and grayscale US findings, including ETE, multifocality, bilaterality, and central and lateral lymph node (LN) metastasis were evaluated. The correlations of SWE indices and grayscale US findings with pathologic prognostic factors of PTC were analyzed by Chi square or Fisher’s exact test, and multivariate regression analysis.

Results

ETE was associated with E _mean, E _max, E _min, and E _ratio-M (P = 0.005, 0.009, 0.016 and <0.001, respectively), multifocality was associated with E _mean, E _max, and E _min (P = 0.028, 0.007, and 0.004, respectively), and central LN metastasis was associated with E _ratio-M (P = 0.03). On multivariate analysis, E _mean and E _min were independent factors for predicting ETE (P = 0.032, 0.049, respectively).

Conclusions

Quantitative elasticity index of SWE could predict pathologic ETE, and SWE could be a complimentary method to grayscale US for preoperative prediction of prognostic factors of PTC.     

Microglia contributes to plaque growth by cell death due to uptake of amyloid β in the brain of Alzheimer's disease mouse model

Pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) include extracellularly accumulated amyloid β (Aβ) plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. Activated microglia, brain‐resident macrophages, are also found surrounding Aβ plaques. The study of the brain of AD mouse models revealed that Aβ plaque formation is completed by the consolidation of newly generated plaque clusters in vicinity of existed plaques. However, the dynamics of Aβ plaque formation, growth and the mechanisms by which microglia contribute to Aβ plaque formation are unknown. In the present study, we confirmed how microglia are involved in Aβ plaque formation and their growth in the brain of 5XFAD mice, the Aβ‐overexpressing AD transgenic mouse model, and performed serial intravital two‐photon microscopy (TPM) imaging of the brains of 5XFAD mice crossed with macrophage/microglia‐specific GFP‐expressing CX3CR1^GFP/GFP mice. We found that activated microglia surrounding Aβ plaques take up Aβ, which are clusters developed inside activated microglia in vivo and this was followed by microglial cell death. These dying microglia release the accumulated Aβ into the extracellular space, which contributes to Aβ plaque growth. This process was confirmed by live TPM in vivo imaging and flow cytometry. These results suggest that activated microglia can contribute to formation and growth of Aβ plaques by causing microglial cell death in the brain. GLIA 2016;64:2274–2290     

Peliosis Hepatis Shows Isometabolism on 18F-FDG PET/CT: Two Case Reports

Peliosis hepatis (PH) is a rare benign disease that is characterized by multiple blood-filled cystic spaces in the hepatic parenchyma. It is also characterized by a range of radiologic findings that might mimic various diseases, including metastatic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. The findings of PH on ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) are not well reported. We here report two cases of biopsy-proven PH. Both patients had been treated for cancer (advanced gastric carcinoma and rectal adenocarcinoma), and follow-up CT of both cases revealed hepatic lesions with the possibility of metastasis. Examination of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT images suggested that the lesions were isometabolic, having metabolism similar to that of adjacent hepatic parenchyma. The outcomes of hepatic core-needle biopsies were consistent with peliosis hepatis.     

Evaluation of renal function in patients with a main renal stone larger than 1 cm and perioperative renal functional change in minimally invasive renal stone surgery: a prospective,observational study

Purpose

To compare the perioperative relative renal function and determine predictors of deterioration and recovery of separate renal function in patients with renal stones >10 mm and who underwent mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy or retrograde intra-renal surgery.

Patients and methods

A main stone >10 mm or stones growing, high-risk stone formers and extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy-resistant stones were prospectively included in 148 patients. Patients with bilateral renal stones and anatomical deformities were excluded. Renal function was evaluated by estimated glomerular filtration rate, 99m-technetium dimercaptosuccinic acid and 99m-technetium diethylenetriamine pentaacetate prior to intervention and at postoperative 3 months. Logistic regression analyses were performed to find predictors of functional deterioration and recovery.

Results

The overall stone-free rate was 85.1 %. A third of patients (53/148, 35.8 %) with renal stones >10 mm showed deterioration of separate renal function. Mean renal function of operative sites showed 58.2 % (36.8 %/63.2 %) of that of contralateral sites in these patients. Abnormal separate renal function showed postoperative recovery in 31 patients (58.5 %). Three cases (5.7 %) showed deterioration of separate renal function despite no presence of remnant stones. Improvement rates of the abnormal separate renal function did not differ according to the type of surgery. The presence of hydronephrosis and three or more stones were significant predictors for renal function deterioration. Female gender and three or more stones were significantly correlated with postoperative recovery.

Conclusions

Mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy or retrograde intra-renal surgery was effective and safe for renal function preservation. Patients with multiple large stones should be considered for candidates of active surgical removal.

     

Surgical result of plate osteosynthesis using a locking plate system through an anterior humeral approach for distal shaft fracture of the humerus that occurred during a throwing motion

Purpose

This paper analyzed outcomes of the osteosynthesis with a locking plate system for the fractures of the humerus in throwers using the anterior humeral approach.

Methods

Retrospective case series including 31 patients. Bone union was assessed through follow-up radiographs. Results of visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, range of motion in the elbow joint, time of return to work, and the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) were evaluated to determine functional outcomes. Direction and length of the fracture, the distal cortical length, the humeral diameter, and the total humeral length were measured as part of fracture configuration analysis.

Results

Mean patient age was 25.8 (range, 18–34) years. The follow-up average was 16.0 months (range, 12–23). Delayed union was observed in one (3.1 %) patient. Mean final VAS was 0.4 (range, 0–2), mean time of return to work was 18.2 weeks (range, 13–36), and mean MEPS was 96.3 (range, 88–100) points. All fractures showed a spiral configuration. Mean fracture length was 79.7 (95 % CI, 72.6-86.7) mm, and mean distal cortical length was 48.3 (95 % CI, 37.8-58.8) mm.

Conclusions

The results of the current study indicates that plate osteosynthesis using a locking plate system combined with interfragmentary lag screws through anterior humeral approach may be a favorable option for the surgical treatment of humeral shaft fractures in throwers.

     

More than 5-Year Follow-up Results of Two-Level and Three-Level Posterior Fixations of Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures with Load-Sharing Scores of Seven and Eight Points

Background

The development of pedicle screw-based posterior spinal instrumentation is recognized as one of the major surgical treatment methods for thoracolumbar burst fractures. However, the appropriate level in posterior segment instrumentation is still a point of debate. To assesses the long-term results of two-level and three-level posterior fixations of thoracolumbar burst fractures that have load-sharing scores of 7 and 8 points.

Methods

From January 1998 to May 2009, we retrospectively analyzed clinical and radiologic outcomes of 45 patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures of 7 and 8 points in load-sharing classification who were operated on using two-level posterior fixation (one segment above and one segment below: 28 patients, group I) or three-level posterior fixation (two segments above and one segment below: 17 patients, group II). Clinical results included the grade of the fracture using the Frankel classification, and the visual analog score was used to evaluate pain before surgery, immediately after surgery, and during follow-up period. We also evaluated pain and work status at the final follow-up using the Denis pain scale.

Results

In all cases, non-union or loosening of implants was not observed. There were two screw breakages in two-level posterior fixation group, but bony union was obtained at the final follow-up. There were no significant differences in loss of anterior vertebral body height, correction loss, or change in adjacent discs. Also, in clinical evaluation, there was no significant difference in the neurological deficit of any patient during the follow-up period.

Conclusions

In our study, two-level posterior fixation could be used successfully in selected cases of thoracolumbar burst fractures of 7 and 8 points in the load-sharing classification.     

Quantitative assessment of shear-wave ultrasound elastography in thyroid nodules: diagnostic performance for predicting malignancy

Objectives

To evaluate the predictability of shear-wave ultrasound elastography (SWE) for thyroid malignancy and to compare the diagnostic performances of SWE and B-mode US.

Methods

Retrospective review of 99 patients who underwent SWE before US-guided fine-needle aspiration of thyroid nodules was performed. SWE elasticity indices of the mean (E_mean ), maximum (E_max), and minimum (E_min) of nodules were measured. Diagnostic performance of SWE was compared with that of B-mode US.

Results

Among a total of 99 nodules, 21 were papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and 78 were benign. E_mean, E_max, and E_min were significantly higher in PTCs than in benign nodules (P?<?0.001). Sensitivity and specificity for predicting malignancy were 76.1 %, 64.1 % with E_max (65 kPa), 61.9 %, 76.1 % with E_min (53 kPa), and 66.6 %, 71.6 % with E_mean (62 kPa). Areas under the ROC curves (Az) of SWE values were not significantly different from those of US categories on B-mode US. However, combining E_mean and E_min with B-mode US of probably benign lesions improved the specificity (P?=?0.02, 0.007) for predicting PTC.

Conclusions

The quantitative parameter of SWE was significantly higher in PTC than in benign nodules, and combined use of quantitative SWE and B-mode US provided higher specificity for predicting malignancy.

Key Points

? Quantitative shear-wave elastography (SWE) helps differentiate benign from malignant nodules ? SWE and conventional ultrasound have comparable diagnostic performance for predicting thyroid malignancy ? Combined quantitative SWE and B-mode ultrasound is highly specific for thyroid malignancy