Cervical soft tissue imaging using a mobile CBCT scanner with a flat panel detector in comparison with corresponding CT and MRI data sets.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate soft tissue image quality of a mobile cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanner with an integrated flat-panel detector. STUDY DESIGN: Eight fresh human cadavers were used in this study. For evaluation of soft tissue visualization, CBCT data sets and corresponding computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data sets were acquired. Evaluation was performed with the help of 10 defined cervical anatomical structures. RESULTS: The statistical analysis of the scoring results of 3 examiners revealed the CBCT images to be of inferior quality regarding the visualization of most of the predefined structures. Visualization without a significant difference was found regarding the demarcation of the vertebral bodies and the pyramidal cartilages, the arteriosclerosis of the carotids (compared with CT), and the laryngeal skeleton (compared with MRI). Regarding arteriosclerosis of the carotids compared with MRI, CBCT proved to be superior. CONCLUSIONS: The integration of a flat-panel detector improves soft tissue visualization using a mobile CBCT scanner.     

CT19PTRICUSPID VALVE REPAIR IN ‘TORRENTIAL TRICUSPID REGURGITATION’ FOLLOWING PERMANENT PACEMAKER LEAD EXTRACTION – A CASE REPORT

Introduction Traumatic tricuspid regurgitation secondary to blunt chest trauma has been reported in literature. We report our experience with a case of ‘Torrential Tricuspid Regurgitation’ following permanent pacemaker lead extraction which was successfully treated with tricuspid valve repair and annuloplasty. Report A 67 year old woman was treated for Sick sinus syndrome with permanent pacemaker implant. She had three generator changes for end of life and repositioning.Erosion of generator, led cardiologist to plan lead and generator extraction with the surgical backup. During lead extraction a small piece of papillary muscle was avulsed. The patient remained hemodynamically stable in the theatre. However in ward she developed right sided cardiac failure not responding to conservative therapy. A transthoracic echo (TTE) revealed torrential tricuspid regurgitation with a freely mobile posterior leaflet with attached chordae and avulsed papillary muscle.During surgery the tricuspid valve was successfully repaired and transesophageal (TOE) images showed trivial to mild tricuspid regurgitation at the end of repair procedure. Additional procedure also included ligation of both atrial appendages and implantation of epicardial leads and pacemaker. Patient made good recovery from operation. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge this is first report of repair of tricuspid valve in ‘Torrential Tricuspid Regurgitation’ following pacemaker lead extraction. We share our experience with tricuspid valve repair technique and annuloplasty.     

PR35THE INCIDENCE OF NON‐MELANOMA SKIN CANCER IN NEW ZEALAND

Background It is estimated that skin cancers cost $33 million per annum to the New Zealand healthcare system. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the commonest types of non melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs). Anecdotal evidence indicates that there has been a doubling in the incidence of NMSCs in New Zealand over the last decade. Because of the high incidence mandatory reporting of NMSCs to the National Cancer Registry is not required. This lack of accurate data has led to poor health care policies and strategies including funding and workforce planning. Aims The aims of this study are to (1) present the latest statistics on NMSCs in New Zealand, including the incidence across different regions over the last decade, patient demographics, anatomic distribution of NMSCs, incidence and sites of metastasis, and disease‐specific survival; to (2) the histopathology of NMSCs, including surgical margins, histologic grade, and perineural, lymphatic, and vascular invasion; and (3) the relative role of different faculties treating NMSCs. Method This project has been approved by the multi‐centre ethics committee. A retrospective review was conducted from patients’ histology records from public and private pathology laboratories within defined catchment areas. Criterion for analysis is a confirmed diagnosis of NMSC treated surgically. A Microsoft Access database is created that will facilitate subsequent data retrieval and analysis. Results and Conclusion It is hoped that this up‐to‐date data will form the framework for the development of sound and sustainable healthcare policies of management of NMSCs including management strategies and workforce planning, and research direction on this common disease.     

Follow up of patients with colorectal polyps: are the BSG guidelines being adhered to?

OBJECTIVE: The publication of the BSG guidelines in 2002 provided a framework for the follow up of patients with colorectal polyps. The aim of the present study was to determine whether they had, or were being correctly adhered to in a moderately sized District General Hospital. METHOD: A total of 598 patients were on the waiting list for colonoscopy at Airedale General Hospital (AGH) in February 2005. Of these, 203 were being followed up as a result of the previous finding of a polyp. RESULTS: Only 14.8% of patients had been or were being followed up according to the BSG guidelines. The majority of the 85.2% of patients who did not comply with follow up did so as a result of over investigation. Seventy-eight per cent of the low-risk group and 55% of the intermediate-risk group had been colonoscoped, or were waiting to have colonoscopy, too soon or too frequently according to the BSG guidelines. Twenty-four patients with hyperplastic polyps were being followed up incorrectly, as were 17 patients discovered to have a polyp pathology on flexible sigmoidoscopy. It was established that 131 extra colonoscopies had been, or were planned to be performed unnecessarily. CONCLUSION: These data have major implications with regard to patient safety, service provision and cost to the NHS.     

Endovascular treatment (EVT) of acute traumatic lesions of the descending thoracic aorta--7 years' experience.

OBJECTIVES: To present a single centers' 7-year experience in the endovascular treatment of acute traumatic lesions of the descending thoracic aorta (ATL of the DTA). MATERIALS & METHODS: Between March 1999 and December 2006, 34 consecutive acute traumatic lesions of the descending aorta (23 men, mean age 44 years) were treated endovascularly. Stentgrafts used were TAG Excluder, Zenith TX2 and Talent. In 23 patients the Left Subclavian Artery (LSA) was covered. Mean procedural duration was 20 to 75 minutes. RESULTS: Exclusion of the rupture site was achieved in all cases with no conversion to open surgery. Overall 30-day mortality was 8.8%. Two patients died on post operative day (pod) 1 and one on pod 22 from cranial injuries. No death or neurological deficit related to the endovascular treatment was reported. Four type I endoleaks required treatment either by balloon reexpansion (n=2) or by additional stentgraft implantation (n=2). In two patients the stentgraft collapsed totally several days postoperatively. Two patients required secondary surgical procedures (iliac access complication and revascularisation of the left subclavian artery n=1). The average follow-up was 43.8 months (1-93 months). No stentgraft related abnormality has been subsequently documented. CONCLUSIONS: The endovascular treatment of ATL of the DTA may offer the best means of therapy in a polytrauma patient.     

Kniegelenkluxationen

Zusammenfassung Kniegelenkluxationen sind seltene, aber schwer wiegende Verletzungen mit z. T. erheblichen Folgen. Begleitende Nerven- und Gefäßverletzungen sind nicht selten. Bei spontaner Reposition kann das Verletzungsausmaß initial unterschätzt werden. Die primäre Diagnostik muss die neurologische Untersuchung sowie die sichere Beurteilung des Gefäßstatus einschließen. Die Sicherung der Durchblutung des betroffenen Beins steht in der Akutphase im Vordergrund, Läsionen müssen notfallmäßig operativ versorgt werden. Bei drohendem Kompartment ist eine Faszienlogenspaltung erforderlich, die Instabilität wird temporär mittels Fixateur externe transfixiert. Bei Hochrasanztraumen sind Begleitverletzungen auszuschließen, bei sedierten und beatmeten Patienten z. B. mit Spiral-CT. Sind nur die Kreuzbänder betroffen, kann ein arthroskopisch gestützter Ersatz vorgenommen werden, Transplantate werden bevorzugt von der Gegenseite entnommen. Die im angloamerikanischen Sprachraum verwendeten Allografts haben sich in unserer Region noch nicht durchgesetzt. Bei ausgedehnten Kapselläsionen und Beteiligung der Kollateralbänder sind arthroskopische Techniken nicht indiziert, es sollte offen rekonstruiert und ggf. augmentiert werden; sekundär verbliebene Instabilitäten können gezielt dem Bandersatz zugeführt werden.     

Stereological evaluation of liver volume in living donor liver transplantation using MDCT via the Cavalieri method.

In living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), obtaining the precise volume of the graft is very important to decrease volume-related postoperative complications, especially in cases with suspected small-for size grafts. We used stereology based on the Cavalieri method (CM), a new method to measure liver graft volume, and compared the results with those obtained through intraoperative measurement (IOM) and through multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) measurement. Liver volumes estimated using the 3 methods were well-correlated with each other (r(2) = 0.94 and P < 0.001 for IOM and CM; r(2) = 0.91 and P < 0.001 for IOM and MDCT, and r(2) = 0.95 and P < 0.001 for CM and MDCT); however, they were different from each other (in descending order, 908 +/- 124 cm(2), 861 +/- 121 cm(2), and 777 +/- 168 cm(2) for MDCT, CM, and IOM, respectively). Although MDCT and CM overestimated the volumes, the results of CM were almost similar to those obtained via IOM. In conclusion, our results suggest that CM measured the liver graft volume more reliably. Thus, its use, particularly in cases with suspected small-for-size graft, may prove useful.     

Das Cinderella-Schuh-Syndrom

The Cinderella shoe syndrome specifies a commonly observed, not yet labeled disproportion of footwear and the morphologic conditions of the wearer. Disproportioned shoes and socks are worn–frequently unconsciously–due to personal reasons, fashion trends, misinformation and wrong advice; they can induce severe foot disorders. The Cinderella shoe syndrome has an important significance within the development, the treatment and the recurrence-prophylaxis of foot disorders, as well as in the assessment of possible reasons for recurrence after foot surgery. To recognize it, to treat individual psychologic reasons, to give support in the choice of footwear, to inform about and to change social reasons are all challenges of the foot surgeon.     

Ist Kohlenoxydhämoglobin eine feste Verbindung?

Ohne Zusammenfassung