Early assessment of sub-clinical cardiac involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc) using delayed enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance (CE-MRI)

Objectives

Systemic sclerosis heart involvement (SHI) is one of systemic sclerosis (SSc) most frequent complications, both in diffuse (dcSSc) and limited (lcSSc) cutaneous forms of disease. Nowadays, SHI is a major factor decreasing SSc survival rate because, when clinically evident, is associated with 70% of mortality at 5 years. SHI shows different forms, primary and/or secondary. Primary myocardial SHI is characterized by fibrosis. Aim of our study is to assess the presence and pattern of fibrosis as detected by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in systemic sclerosis.

Methods

In this study, we used CE-MRI (contrast enhanced-MRI) in 58 female SSc patients. Images were evaluated to obtain functional parameters and to see presence, location and pattern (nodular, linear or diffuse) of myocardial LE, sign of fibrosis. CE-MRI findings were correlated with patients clinical setting.

Results

Myocardial fibrosis was detected in 25 of 58 patients (43%). The main finding observed in 16 of these 25 patients was a late enhancement showing a linear pattern, without coronary distribution and sparing the sub-endocardial myocardial layers. A patchy nodular enhancement pattern was observed in 9 patients (36%). Patients with linear pattern presented dcSSc, on the contrary patients with nodular LE displayed the lcSSc form.

Conclusions

This study shows that CE-MRI is a reliable technique to detect SHI earlier than other methods. SHI increase passive myocardial stiffness, proportional to collagen deposition degree, leading to cardiac remodelling with possible development of heart failure, even with normal ejection fraction. An early treatment of SHI might improve SSc patients outcome.     

Predictors of renal and patient outcomes in atheroembolic renal disease: a prospective study

Atheroembolic renal disease (AERD) is part of a multisystemic disease accompanied by high cardiovascular comorbidity and mortality. Interrelationships between traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis, vascular comorbidities, precipitating factors, and markers of clinical severity of the disease in determining outcome remain poorly understood. Patients with AERD presenting to a single center between 1996 and 2002 were followed-up with prospective collection of clinical and biochemical data. The major outcomes included end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and death. Ninety-five patients were identified (81 male). AERD was iatrogenic in 87%. Mean age was 71.4 yr. Twenty-three patients (24%) developed ESRD; 36 patients (37.9%) died. Cox regression analysis showed that significant independent predictors of ESRD were long-standing hypertension (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.1; P < 0.001) and preexisting chronic renal impairment (HR = 2.12; P = 0.02); use of statins was independently associated with decreased risk of ESRD (HR = 0.02; P = 0.003). Age (HR = 1.09; P = 0.009), diabetes (HR = 2.55; P = 0.034), and ESRD (HR = 2.21; P = 0.029) were independent risk factors for patient mortality; male gender was independently associated with decreased risk of death (HR = 0.27; P = 0.007). Cardiovascular comorbidities, precipitating factors, and clinical severity of AERD had no prognostic impact on renal and patient survival. It is concluded that AERD has a strong clinical impact on patient and renal survival. The study clearly shows the importance of preexisting chronic renal impairment in determining both renal and patient outcome, this latter being mediated by the development of ESRD. The protective effect of statins on the development of ESRD should be evaluated in a prospective study.     

Endoscopic endonasal approach to the pterygopalatine fossa: anatomic study

OBJECTIVE: The pterygopalatine fossa is a relatively small anatomic region. Because of its rich vasculonervous contents and its connections with several intracranial and extracranial compartments, it is of particular surgical interest. Because of its deep localization and despite its small size, however, it can require extensive anatomic approaches, especially for invasive cranial base lesions. We performed a cadaveric study through a minimally invasive endoscopic endonasal approach to the pterygopalatine fossa. METHODS: We studied 16 pterygopalatine fossae in eight adult cadaveric heads in which the arteries and veins were injected with latex. For visualization, we used rod-lens endoscopes, 4 mm in diameter and 18 cm in length, with 0-, 30-, 45-, and 70-degree lenses. An endonasal middle meatal transpalatine approach, an endonasal middle meatal transantral approach, and an endonasal inferior turbinectomy transantral approach were used. RESULTS: The middle meatal transpalatine approach allows for medial exposure of the pterygopalatine fossa contents, the middle meatal transantral approach allows a lateral view, and the inferior turbinectomy transantral approach allows the widest view and room for surgical maneuvering in the medial and lateral compartments of the pterygopalatine fossa and the infratemporal fossa. CONCLUSION: Our anatomic study shows that this approach can be considered a valid minimally invasive option to approach pterygopalatine fossa lesions.     

Polydeoxyribonucleotide stimulates angiogenesis and wound healing in the genetically diabetic mouse

Healing of diabetic wounds still remains a critical medical problem. Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), a compound having a mixture of deoxyribonucleotide polymers, stimulates the A2 purinergic receptor with no toxic or adverse effect. We studied the effects of PDRN in diabetes‐related healing defect using an incisional skin‐wound model produced on the back of female diabetic mice (db+/db+) and their normal littermates (db+/+m). Animals were treated daily for 12 days with PDRN (8 mg/kg/ip) or its vehicle (100 μL 0.9%NaCl). Mice were killed 3, 6, and 12 days after skin injury to measure vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA expression and protein synthesis, to assay angiogenesis and tissue remodeling through histological evaluation, and to study CD31, Angiopoietin‐1 and Transglutaminase‐II. Furthermore, we measured wound breaking strength at day 12. PDRN injection in diabetic mice resulted in an increased VEGF message (vehicle=1.0±0.2 n‐fold vs. β‐actin; PDRN=1.5±0.09 n‐fold vs. β‐actin) and protein wound content on day 6 (vehicle=0.3±0.07 pg/wound; PDRN=0.9±0.1 pg/wound). PDRN injection improved the impaired wound healing and increased the wound‐breaking strength in diabetic mice. PDRN also caused a marked increase in CD31 immunostaining and induced Transglutaminase‐II and Angiopoietin‐1 expression. Furthermore, the concomitant administration of 3,7‐dimethyl‐1‐propargilxanthine, a selective adenosine A2A receptor antagonist, abolished PDRN positive effects on healing. However, 3,7‐dimethyl‐1‐propargilxanthine alone did not affect wound healing in both diabetic mice and normal littermates. These results suggest that PDRN might be useful in wound disorders associated with diabetes.     

Recurrences, testicular growth and semen parameters after laparoscopic Palomo varicocelectomy

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of laparoscopic Palomo varicocelectomy on testicular volume and sperm parameters. Laparoscopic Palomo varicocelectomy was performed on 91 patients for left-sided grade II and grade III varicoceles. Ultrasound-derived testicular volumes, semen volume, sperm concentration, percentage sperm motility and total motile sperm count were compared before and after the procedure. Postoperative complications and recurrence rate were also assessed. There were no surgical complications. Four patients (5%) had a mild hydrocele, but did not need hydrocelectomy. No patients presented signs of testicular atrophy and the left testicular volume increased in the adolescents (p < 0.05), but not in the adults. Our data suggest that laparoscopic high mass ligation of both the testicular artery and vein is a highly effective, reliable method for the treatment of varicocele. It is associated with very low complication and recurrence rates and with an objective improvement in fertility parameters.     

Use of StarClose for brachial artery closure after percutaneous endovascular interventions

The objective of this study was to evaluate a percutaneous extravascular closure device (StarClose, Abbott Vascular, Redwood City, CA) after brachial endovascular approach. From 2004 to 2006, 29 patients received StarClose for brachial closure. Primary endpoints were successful deployment and absence of procedure-related morbidity, secondary endpoints were brachial artery patency on duplex and absence of late (> 30 days) complications. The device was successfully deployed in all patients. In two patients (6.8%) local complications occurred: one patient developed a large hematoma successfully treated with prolonged compression and a second patient presented with brachial artery occlusion requiring operative intervention. After a mean follow-up of 7.5+/-7.2 months, all patients had a palpable brachial/radial pulse; none had signs of infection, distal embolization or neurological deficits. On ultrasound b-mode imaging, the clip was visible as a 4 mm echolucent area at the outer anterior wall of the artery. Based on the peak systolic velocity ratios between the site of StarClose and proximal brachial artery (mean 1.08+/-0.2), none of the studied patients had a significant stenosis at the site of closure. StarClose is safe and effective in providing hemostasis following interventional procedures through the brachial artery; further advantages include patients comfort and early discharge.     

Surgical treatment of Basedow's disease: our experience with 424 operations

From February 2002 to December 2005, 424 operations for thyroid disease were performed in our institute. Twenty-two patients were suffering from Basedow's disease, 14 female and 8 male, mean age 36 years (range: 23 to 53 years). In each patient the diagnosis of Basedow's disease was made according to common clinical and laboratory criteria, by evaluation of the thyroid hormones, TSH and TRAB. Before operation all patients were rendered euthyroid with antithyroid drug treatment. Fourteen total thyroidectomies (64%) and 8 near-total thyroidectomies (36%) were performed. Postoperative thyroid function status was evaluated before, 3-4 weeks after the operation and then 3, 6,12 and 24 months postoperatively. The patients were classified as euthyroid (FT3-FT4 and TSH normal), hypothyroid (FT3 and/or FT4 reduced and TSH increased), or hyperthyroid (FT3-FT4 increased). In expert hands, surgical treatment appears to be capable of curing the hyperthyroidism of Basedow's disease effectively, with a very low and largely acceptable risk of complications. Among the different types of surgery, total thyroidectomy and near-total thyroidectomy are equally appropriate to ensure there is no risk of recurrence of hyperthyroidism.     

Breast abnormalities: a retrospective study of 208 patients

Ectopic breast tissue occurs in 0.4-6% of the general population. Usually, these tissues develop along the embryonic milk line but other sites are reported in the literature. Accessory breasts are commonly axillary and may undergo hormonal changes. Some pathologies of normally positioned breasts can occur in ectopic breast tissue, including carcinoma, and therefore require traditional senological flow-charts and imaging strategies. Supernumerary nipples are generally asymptomatic but may sometimes be associated with urological malformations. In our 10-year experience, 208 patients were observed (138 polythelia and 70 polymastia) and 159 surgical procedures were performed, 97 for supernumerary nipple excision and 67 for accessory breast ablation. Five neoplastic lesions and 25 fibrocystic mastopathies were detected in specimens; normal nipple or breast tissue was found in 129. In view of the potentially malignant transformation of accessory breasts, thorough physician evaluation is needed. Surgery is currently suggested in cases of suspected malignancy, in symptomatic cases and for cosmetic problems.     

Antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy and varicocele

Antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy is a simple and easy technique for the treatment of varicocele.The success rate varies between87%and95%,The initlal reflux grade and the number of collateral vessels of the spermatic vein are the most important factors to predict the outcome of the technique.The postoperative complica-tion rate is about7%and the common ones are scrotal hematoma and epididymo-orchitis of slight severity.Testicular athrophy is a rare event(0.6%).This technique offers a considerable cost eduction compared to other therapeutic optione currently available for varicocele.     

Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy: A Prospective Study From Pathology to Clinical Outcome

Stapled hemorrhoidopexy is widely accepted to treat hemorrhoids, but serious complications have been reported. In this prospective audit, we correlated clinical outcome with pathological findings. From January 2003 to April 2007, 94 patients underwent hemorrhoidopexy. Macroscopic appearance of the specimen (shape, size, and depth) was recorded. Microscopically, the presence of columnar, transitional, and squamous epithelium, the involvement of circular/longitudinal smooth muscle, and features of mucosal prolapse were assessed. Clinical outcome was evaluated by a validated questionnaire. Postoperative pain, secretion, and bleeding durations were 12.7 +/− 10.6, 5.6 +/− 9.6, and 6.3 +/− 8.4 days. Patient’s return to work averaged 16.7 +/− 10.7 days. Fissure, skin tags, and anal strictures were observed in 23.4%. Seven patients experienced pain for a significantly longer period of time. All specimens contained columnar mucosa, but 29.8% contained columnar and transitional epithelium and 12.8% contained columnar, anal transitional, and stratified squamous epithelium. Smooth muscle was observed in 62.7%. Pain was significantly increased if transitional epithelium was present in the specimen. No correlation or differences were observed if smooth muscle was present, although postoperative bleeding was more frequent. Hemorrhoidopexy is safe and effective. The specimen should always be sent for pathology examination. Only columnar epithelium should be present and, although the presence of smooth muscle does not influence the outcome in terms of functional results, its presence may play a role in postoperative bleeding. Presented as poster at the Digestive Disease Week, May 2007, Washington, USA