CT Densitometry and Morphology of Radiofrequency-Ablated Stage IA Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer: Results from the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group Z4033 (Alliance) Trial

PurposeTo evaluate tumor and ablation zone morphology and densitometry related to tumor recurrence in participants with Stage IA non–small cell lung cancer undergoing radiofrequency ablation in a prospective, multicenter trial.Materials and MethodsForty-five participants (median 76 years old; 25 women; 20 men) from 16 sites were followed for 2 years (December 2006 to November 2010) with computed tomography (CT) densitometry. Imaging findings before and after ablation were recorded, including maximum CT attenuation (in Hounsfield units) at precontrast and 45-, 90-, 180-, and 300-s postcontrast.ResultsEvery 1-cm increase in the largest axial diameter of the ablation zone at 3-months’ follow-up compared to the index tumor reduced the odds of 2-year recurrence by 52% (P = .02). A 1-cm difference performed the best (sensitivity, 0.56; specificity, 0.93; positive likelihood ratio of 8). CT densitometry precontrast and at 45 seconds showed significantly different enhancement patterns in a comparison among pretreated lung cancer (delta = +61.2 HU), tumor recurrence (delta = +57 HU), and treated tumor/ablation zone (delta [change in attenuation] = +16.9 HU), (P < .0001). Densitometry from 45 to 300 s was also different among pretreated tumor (delta = −6.8 HU), recurrence (delta = −11.2 HU), and treated tumor (delta = +12.1 HU; P = .01). Untreated and residual tumor demonstrated washout, whereas treated tumor demonstrated increased attenuation.ConclusionsAn ablation zone ≥1 cm larger than the initial tumor, based on 3-month follow-up imaging, is recommended to decrease odds of recurrence. CT densitometry can delineate tumor versus treatment zones.     

Hailey–Hailey disease improved by fractional CO2 laser

Hailey–Hailey disease (HHD), also known as benign familial pemphigus, is an autosomal dominant skin condition that affects the adhesion of epidermal keratinocytes. Although the initial manifestation of flaccid vesicles on erythematous or normal skin in flexure sites frequently goes unnoticed, large, macerated, exudative plaques of superficial erosions with crusting are observed at the time of diagnosis. There is no specific treatment for HHD, and most cases are symptomatically supported. However, infrared laser ablation has been somewhat helpful. We present a case successfully treated with fractional CO₂ laser showing a long-term favourable outcome and no adverse effects. Thus, this modality could be an alternative to full ablation for this condition.     

Regional fractional ventilation mapping in spontaneously breathing mice using hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI

The feasibility of ventilation imaging with hyperpolarized (HP) ¹²⁹Xe MRI has been investigated for quantitative and regional assessment of ventilation in spontaneously breathing mice. The multiple breath ventilation imaging technique was modified to the protocol of spontaneous inhalation of HP ¹²⁹Xe delivered continuously from a ¹²⁹Xe polarizer. A series of ¹²⁹Xe ventilation images was obtained by varying the number of breaths before the ¹²⁹Xe lung imaging. The fractional ventilation, r, was successfully evaluated for spontaneously breathing mice. An attempt was made to detect ventilation dysfunction in the emphysematous mouse lung induced by intratracheal administration of porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE). As a result, the distribution of fractional ventilation could be visualized by the r map. Significant dysfunction of ventilation was quantitatively identified in the PPE‐treated group. The whole‐lung r value of 0.34 ± 0.01 for control mice (N = 4) was significantly reduced, to 0.25 ± 0.07, in PPE‐treated mice (N = 4) (p = 0.038). This study is the first application of multiple breath ventilation imaging to spontaneously breathing mice, and shows that this methodology is sensitive to differences in the pulmonary ventilation. This methodology is expected to improve simplicity as well as noninvasiveness when assessing regional ventilation in small rodents. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Choice of open or percutaneous procedures in the surgical treatment of trigeminal neuralgia

The aim of this study was to define criteria for the selection of patients for percutaneous or open operations for the cure of drug-resistant trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Trigeminal percutaneous radiofrequency thermorhizotomy (TPRT) has an established place because of its safety in elderly patients, while microvascular decompression (MVD) has appeal in younger patients beause of its non-destructive nature and because it attacks what is believed to be the primary etiology of tic douloureux. Nevertheless, MVD is a successful operation only when true neurovascular conflict (NVC) is ascertained, rather than a simple arterial loop and neurovascular contract. Probably, many immediate failures and early relapses are the consequence of the inadequate patient selection for MVD on the presumption that this operation is in any case the ideal cure. The inadequate selection can be explained by the difficult preoperative diagnosis of NVC in the past. Indeed, angiography and computed tomography showed the neurovascular contact but not the size of compression. Fortunately, today magnetic resonance imaging is a reliable instrument to ascertain NVC. So, the diatribe between the supporters of percutaneous techniques and MVD can be concluded with the following: (1) percutaenous techniques are indicated for patients without demonstrated NVC (including patients with TN in multiple sclerosis) and in those with NVC if MVD is contraindicated by ill-health or refused by the informed patient; and (2) MVD is incated for patients with ascertained NVC who are in good health and who, informed of the surgical risk, favor this operation desiring no sensory deficit. Received: 23 June 2001 / Accepted in revised form: 24 August 2001     

应用射频技术阻断神经纤维的研究

目的　探讨应用射频技术行选择性脊神经后根切断术和验证其阻断神经纤维的可行性。方法　将 4 5只大鼠随机分成 3组 ,以实验确定的射频技术、苯酚注射、切断 3种方法阻断其坐骨神经 ,对阻断前和阻断后不同时间内坐骨神经功能进行评价 ,评价方法采用坐骨神经功能指数和神经组织形态学的轴突通过率。结果　射频组、切断组 2组大鼠的坐骨神经功能指数、轴突通过率差异均无显著性 (P >0 .0 5 ) ,而苯酚注射组的上述指标与前述 2组差异均有显著性 (P <0 .0 5 )。结论　直视下应用射频阻断神经 ,可以取得与切断神经相同的效果     

模拟定位机引导下经皮穿刺集束巨能刀射频治疗肺癌的临床应用

为了探讨局部麻醉和模拟定位机引导在集束巨能刀治疗肺癌的射频治疗的适应证、治疗效果以及并发症的预防和处理，采用0．5％普鲁卡因局部浸润麻醉，模拟定位机引导下经皮穿刺集束巨能刀治疗肺癌46例。CT显示条索状瘢痕残余ll例，空洞形成或直径缩小32例，无变化1例，增大2例。治疗中患者均有不同程度的胸腔内热感及短时间内可以忍受的疼痛感。并发症包括气胸7例、皮下气肿5例、发热24例、咯血13例和慢性支气管炎急性发作4例。初步研究结果提示，集束巨能刀射频治疗周围型肺癌疗效满意，尤其适用于直径〈3cm的肿瘤。局部麻醉配合全身止痛药物应用可以很好地解决治疗中的疼痛问题，与全麻相比还具有省时省力、费用低的优势；对于周围型肺癌，模拟定位机引导经皮穿刺定位与CT引导相比，同样准确、安全，但操作更为方便。     

射频消融治疗阵发性室上性心动过速复发原因分析

目的：分析阵发性室上性心动过速患者行射频消融术（RFCA）后复发的原因，探讨降低RFCA复发的方法。方法：128例阵发性室上性心动过速患者，行RFCA治疗，术后每3－6个月随访1次，随访4－70个月。结果：128例患者中，复发10例，总复发率7．81％，其中房室结折返性心运过速复发率为7．89％，左侧房室旁路介导心运过速复发率5．56％，右侧旁路介导心动过速复发率16．67％。行射频消融术前70例患者中复发率11．43％，后58例复发率3．45％。结论：精确的靶点标测、熟练的操作技巧以及消融方式的正确运用是降低RFCA复发率的关键。     

射频消融治疗肝肿瘤315例报告

目的总结1999年6月至2003年8月用射频消融（radiofrequency ablation，RFA）治疗315例肝肿瘤病人的病例资料，探索RFA治疗肝肿瘤近远期疗效。方法采用了一次定位、多点穿刺，RFA联合肝动脉栓塞（TAE）、选择性门静脉栓塞（SPVE）治疗直径5～13cm的大肝癌，及经皮经肺经膈肌RFA治疗膈顶部肝癌。结果总并发症发生率为5．1％，无一例住院期间死亡。AFP阳性的169例肝癌病人中，RFA后有124例（73．6％）明显降低，其中有95例（56．2％）转阴。半年生存率为89．5％，1年生存率为80．1％，18个月生存率为61．4％，24个月生存率为48．3％，〉36个月生存率为35．6％。结论采用TAE、SPVE及RFA一次定位多点穿刺法治疗无手术切除指征的中晚期（含大肝癌）的病人，疗效明显，总并发症发生率低。