Thyroid Embolization for Nonsurgical Treatment of Nodular Goiter: A Single-Center Experience in 56 Consecutive Patients

PurposeTo investigate the safety and efficacy of thyroid artery embolization (TAE) in the treatment of nodular goiter (NG).MethodsDuring a 5.5-year period, 56 consecutive patients with a NG underwent TAE. In Group A, there were 20 patients with a solitary/dominant 5–11-cm nodule, and in Group B, there were 36 patients with numerous nodules. Of the 56 patients, 47 (84%) had a retrosternal goiter and 25 had hyperthyroidism. In all patients, clinical and radiological evaluations were made at baseline and 6 months after TAE, and these parameters were statistically compared.ResultsIn 56 patients, 145 of the 146 thyroid arteries were successfully embolized. The 30-day mortality rate was 1.8%. Minor and major complications occurred in 25 and 2 patients, respectively. Six months after the TAE, the mean nodule volume was reduced from 80.2 mL to 25.0 mL, the mean thyroid volume was reduced from 147.0 mL to 62.6 mL, and the mean intrathoracic extension was reduced from 31.7 mm to 15.9 mm (P < .001). Of the 22 patients with non–Graves hyperthyroidism, 19 (86%) became euthyroid. The mean thyroid-related patient-reported outcome scores improved from 155.4 to 70.4 (P < .001). Of the 51 patients, 50 (98%) declared that they would recommend TAE to other patients with NG.ConclusionsTAE is safe and effective for the treatment of NG, with a significant volume reduction of the nodule(s) and thyroid gland.     

The Transmission of Trauma from Mother to Infant: Radioactive Residues and Counter-Transference in the Case of a Haitian Mother and Her Two-Year-Old Son*

ABSTRACT

Close observation of the interactions between a traumatised mother and her infant son provides information on the modes of transmission of psychic trauma in the mother–infant dyad. Following the presentation of a current literature review on the theme, the subject of “radioactive residue” and counter-transference in the transmission of psychic trauma from mother to infant will be illustrated through a clinical case study that focuses on a Haitian mother and her two-year-old infant son who has been referred to a “transitional care nursery” in urban Paris. The encounter with this mother–infant dyad is analysed through observing the quality of the interactions that take place between the mother and infant in order to determine how a particularly traumatic narrative impacts the mother–infant relationship, in addition to relations with the clinician. Mother and infant respond to one another through the emission and reception of “radioactive residues” as hypothesized by Gampel. This clinical case study shows that there is a need to consider transcultural factors and collective experience and history when analysing traumatic events. Additionally, the case study shows that counter-transference can be an effective clinical tool for gaining access to an infant's experience as the recipient of a traumatic narrative.     

下颌磨牙区即拔即种的临床疗效观察

目的 探究下颌磨牙区即拔即种的临床疗效。方法 选取2017年1月至2019年1月江门市口腔医院收治的60例需进行下颌磨牙区种植的患者随机分为A、B组,A组给予即拔即种,B组给予延期种植,比较两组留存率、浅蝶形骨吸收率、种植12个月后PIS指标及满意度进行评价。结果 随访12个月两组留存率均为100%,浅碟形骨吸收率A组前磨牙为16.67%、磨牙为22.22%,B组前磨牙为10.00%、磨牙为25.00%,差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05),A组植入30个种植体,60个牙间乳头,其中3度29个、2度24个、1度7个,B组植入30个种植体,60个牙间乳头,其中3度14个、2度24个、1度22个,A组牙间乳头PIS指标优于B组,且A组牙间乳头PIS评分(2.36±0.52)较B组(1.87±0.48)显著提高,差异均具有统计学意义(P＜0.05),A组对治疗效果满意率为93.33%较B组66.67%显著提高,差异具有统计学意义(P＜0.05)。结论 对于下颌磨牙区缺牙患者可采取即拔即种的方法修复,缩短缺牙时间,促进咬合和咀嚼功能恢复,舒适且美观,提高患者的满意度,值得在临床上推广。     

Conjunctival flap advancement with or without scleral graft for hypotony maculopathy after trabeculectomy

AIM: To introduce a novel technique for transscleral fixation of the PC-IOL that requires no sutures on the IOL haptics. METHODS: Instead of suturing polypropylene onto the IOL haptics, the method simply winds the thread on the haptics. Fifteen eyes of 15 patients underwent this technique and were followed up for more than 18 months. Surgical outcomes and post-operative complications were evaluated and compared with those of the conventional transscleral fixation method. RESULTS: Postoperative cylinder was significantly lower in the thread winding group than in the conventional transscleral fixation method group (-1.02±0.46 diopters vs -1.57±0.77 diopters; P=0.01). Further, no postoperative complications, such as optic capture, IOL dislocation, and hyphema, were detected in the thread winding group. CONCLUSION: We believe that our thread winding technique is better than previously reported methods because it is simple, mechanically stable, and free from suture-related complications.     

影像学评估在耳蜗植入术中的价值

目的：评价影像学检查在耳蜗植入术中的价值。方法：37例感音性神经性聋患者术前常规行颞骨HRCT及MRI检查，术后行改良斯氏位X线拍片，其中5例术后行CT复查。结果：CT显示2例Mondini畸形（4耳），2例前庭导水管扩张（4耳），1例迷路骨化（1耳），1例内听道狭窄（2耳）。MRI显示Mondini畸形3例（6耳），前庭导水管扩张2例（4耳），1例并内淋巴囊扩张（2耳），2例迷路纤维化（2耳）。术后改良斯氏位X线拍片显示植入电极形态、位置良好。CT显示1例电极滑脱。结论：CT及MRI对耳蜗植入术术前评估具有重要价值，改良斯氏位X线拍片结合CT对术后评估更有意义。     

A clinical and radiological two‐year follow‐up study of maxillary overdentures on osseointegrated implants

In order to satisfy the need to restore the aesthetics, phonetics and comfort and to facilitate optimal hygiene procedures, 20 edentulous patients were treated with a new concept of overdenture therapy on implants ad modum Brånemark. After 24±3.5 months the patients were re‐examined. They were asked to answer a questionnaire and use a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to give their opinion on the prosthetic treatment. The results indicate that an implant‐retained overdenture in the maxilla with this design can satisfy the patients needs in aesthetics, phonetics and comfort and can 1 facilitate oral hygiene measures.     

Screening Mouse Genes Related to Blastocyst Implantation by Using PCR Subtraction

Objective To identify genes that may be related to embryo implantation Materials & Methods The PCR subtraction technique was applied at implantation and inter-plantation sites on day 4. 5 of pregnancy in mice. Two novel Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs ), EST8 and EST81 were identified; their expression in tissues was analyzed by Northern blotting, and their full-length cDNAs were synthesized by PCR.Results We found that these two novel ESTs (EST8and EST81) were noticeably expressed in implantation site in the mouse on day 4. 5 of pregnancy. EST8 was expressed at high level in livers and implantation sites of the mice, while at low level in ovaries and inter-plantation sites. EST81 was predominantly expressed in implantation site and ovary, and at low level in all other tissues. Their complete cDNAs, 1 665bp and 1 264 bp respectively, were synthesized by using PCR.Conclusion The two full-length cDNAs were responsible for embryo implantation,and their functions need to be further studied.     

甲状腺机能亢进危象：附14例临床分析

本文报道14例甲亢危象,其发病率为4.5％,其发病与感染、劳累、情绪激动及同位素治疗有关。指出同位素治疗甲亢初期应服用抗甲状腺药物,讨论了淡漠型危象的有关问题。     

Entrapment of pacemaker lead by a large netlike Eustachian valve within the right atrium

Summary During pacemaker implantation in a patient with permanent atrial fibrillation, it remained impossible to advance a passive fixation lead with fins through the right atrium. However, a lead with a retractable screw easily passed the right atrium and was positioned in the right ventricle. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed an extensive net–like perforated Eustachian valve within the right atrium that had caused entrapment of the anchor fins during lead implantation. Remnants of embryonal structures within the right atrium should be considered a rare possible barrier during pacemaker implantation.