Evaluating Imaging Techniques for Diagnosing and Drainage Guidance of Psoas Muscle Abscess: A Systematic Review.

Background: Psoas muscle abscess (PMA) is an uncommon yet severe condition characterized by diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to its varied etiology and nonspecific symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and accuracy of various imaging techniques used in the image-guided percutaneous drainage (PD) of PMA. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct for studies published in English from 1998 onwards that reported on the use of PD in treating PMA, detailing outcomes and complications. Imaging modalities guiding PD were also examined. Results: We identified 1570 articles, selecting 39 for full review. Of these, 23 met the inclusion criteria; 19 were excluded due to unspecified PMA, absence of imaging guidance for PD, or inconclusive results. Eleven studies utilized computed tomography (CT) for PD, with six also using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Ten studies implemented ultrasound (US)-guided PD; variations in diagnostic imaging included combinations of US, CT, and MRI. A mixed approach using both CT and US was reported in two articles. Most studies using CT-guided PD showed complete success, while outcomes varied among those using US-guided PD. No studies employed MRI-guided PD. Conclusions: This review supports a multimodal approach for psoas abscess management, using MRI for diagnosis and CT for drainage guidance. We advocate for Cone Beam CT (CBCT)-MRI fusion techniques with navigation systems to enhance treatment precision and outcomes, particularly in complex cases with challenging abscess characteristics.

Minor micro-rheological alterations in the presence of an artificial saphenous arteriovenous shunt, as an arteriovenous malformation model in the rat.

BACKGROUND: Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are vascular anomalies characterized by abnormal shunting between arteries and veins. The progression of the AVMs and their hemodynamic and rheological relations are poorly studied, and there is a lack of a feasible experimental model. OBJECTIVE: To establish a model that cause only minimal micro-rheological alterations, compared to other AV models. METHODS: Sixteen female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into control and AVM groups. End-to-end anastomoses were created between the saphenous veins and arteries to mimic AVM nidus. Hematological and hemorheological parameters were analyzed before surgery and on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, and 12th postoperative weeks. RESULTS: Compared to sham-operated Control group the AVM group did not show important alterations in hematological parameters nor in erythrocyte aggregation and deformability. However, slightly increased aggregation and moderately decreased deformability values were found, without significant differences. The changes normalized by the 12th postoperative week. CONCLUSIONS: The presented rat model of a small-caliber AVM created on saphenous vessels does not cause significant micro-rheological changes. The alterations found were most likely related to the acute phase reactions and not to the presence of a small-caliber shunt. The model seems to be suitable for further studies of AVM progression.

The Application and Efficacy of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers for Chin Enhancement and Retrusion Correction: A Systematic Review of Patient-Reported Outcomes.

A frequent facial abnormality called chin retrusion, also known as retrognathia, can be detrimental to a person's self-esteem and overall face aesthetics. Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections are one non-surgical approach to this problem that may provide individuals seeking chin augmentation with a relatively less invasive and potentially more affordable alternative. The present literature does not provide enough in-depth systematic reviews of the use of HA in chin augmentation. By completing a complete examination of the information that is currently available, this study intends to fill this knowledge gap, supporting physicians and researchers in better comprehending the efficacy and implications of HA in chin augmentation. The safety and success of any esthetic procedure should be made based on the results reported by the patients, including satisfaction and quality of life. Patients need to receive comprehensive surgical instructions from a medical professional to optimize the results of the HA injections for chin enhancement surgery. Regardless of the reported safety of using HA injections, some unwanted side effects have also been recorded. Indeed, healthcare professionals can make more informed decisions and give a patient comprehensive information about the procedure's risks and benefits to the patients. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. EMBASE, OVID, and Google Scholar databases were searched up to June 2023. We concentrated on adult patients treated with HA for chin enhancement, and our research was limited to studies conducted in English. A total of 2,738 patients from 24 articles were studied, with 2,259 receiving HA injections for chin augmentation. When applicable, aesthetic outcomes were assessed using scales such as the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS)/FACE-Q and the Galderma Chin Retrusion Scale. Patient satisfaction increased noticeably. Among the studies, some reported complications following HA injection. While three studies found no significant negative effects, one highlighted a major necrotic complication. HA has proven to be an effective and safe alternative to chin augmentation surgery, with the majority of patients showing high satisfaction rates. However, large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to obtain meaningful results, which will contribute to the further development of non-surgical cosmetic procedures. These studies may facilitate further innovation and refinement of these techniques and potentially expand the application of HA fillers in facial aesthetics.

A Microsurgical Arteriovenous Malformation Model on Saphenous Vessels in the Rat.

Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an anomaly of blood vessel formation. Numerous models have been established to understand the nature of AVM. These models have limitations in terms of the diameter of the vessels used and the impact on the circulatory system. Our goal was to establish an AVM model that does not cause prompt and significant hemodynamic and cardiac alterations but is feasible for follow-up of the AVM's progression. Sixteen female rats were randomly divided into sham-operated and AVM groups. In the AVM group, the saphenous vein and artery were interconnected using microsurgical techniques. The animals were followed up for 12 weeks. Anastomosis patency and the structural and hemodynamic changes of the heart were monitored. The hearts and vessels were histologically analyzed. During the follow-up period, shunts remained unobstructed. Systolic, diastolic, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate values slightly and non-significantly decreased in the AVM group. Echocardiogram results indicated minor systolic function impact, with slight and insignificant changes in aortic pressure and blood velocity, and minimal left ventricular wall enlargement. The small-caliber saphenous AVM model does not cause acute hemodynamic changes. Moderate but progressive alterations and venous dilatation confirmed AVM-like features. The model seems to be suitable for studying further the progression, enlargement, or destabilization of AVM.