The LD-V: An innovative formula for latissimus dorsi flap volume assessment.

BACKGROUND: Latissimus Dorsi (LD) flap is at present among the best techniques for autologous breast reconstruction. A reliable pre-operatory estimation of flap volume would enhance surgical planning, thus improving the aesthetic outcomes of the reconstruction and reducing the need of secondary revision procedures. The study was aimed at providing a simple and reproducible formula to predict LD flap volume pre-operatively. METHODS: 61 patients (66 flaps) who underwent breast reconstruction with LD flap at Policlinico Tor Vergata were prospectively enroled in the study. Anthropometric data and flap measurements were collected pre-operatively. LD flap volume was determined intraoperatively utilising a water displacement technique. A multivariate regression analysis was performed to analyse the collected data and to obtain the mathematical model that most accurately predicts flap volume. RESULTS: The mean actual LD flap volume calculated through water displacement was 213.14 cc (SD 64.56). Performing a multivariate regression analysis BMI and skin paddle width emerged as the most accurate predictors of Latissimus Dorsi flap volume. The mean predicted LD flap volume (LD-V) using the LD-V formula was 213.19 cc (SD 54.59), with a strong Pearson correlation (r = 0.845; R2 =0.715) with the volume calculated through the water displacement technique. CONCLUSIONS: The LD-V formula is an easy and reliable tool for LD flap volume assessment, available as 3.0 WebApp at www.braflap.com, that can be used as a valuable adjunct to surgeon's subjective evaluation to optimise breast reconstruction with the LD flap. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Lung Ultrasound to Evaluate Fluid Status and Optimize Early Volume-Expansion Therapy in Children with Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia Coli-Haemolytic Uremic Syndrome: A Pilot Study.

Background: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli-haemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS) can result in kidney and neurological complications. Early volume-expansion therapy has been shown to improve outcomes, but caution is required to avoid fluid overload. Lung ultrasound scanning (LUS) can be used to detect fluid overload and may be useful in monitoring hydration therapy. Methods: This prospective observational pilot study involved children with STEC-HUS who were recruited from a regional paediatric nephrology centre. B-line quantification by LUS was used to assess fluid status at the emergency department (ED) admission and correlated with the decrease in patient weight from the target weight. A control group of children on chronic dialysis therapy with episodes of symptomatic fluid overload was also enrolled in order to establish a B-line threshold indicative of severe lung congestion. Another cohort of "healthy" children, without renal or lung-related diseases, and without clinical signs of fluid overload was also enrolled in order to establish a B-line threshold indicative of euvolemia. Results: LUS assessment was performed in 10 children with STEC-HUS at ED admission, showing an average of three B-lines (range 0-10). LUS was also performed in 53 euvolemic children admitted to the ED not showing kidney and lung disease (healthy controls), showing a median value of two B-lines (range 0-7), not significantly different from children with STEC-HUS at admission (p = 0.92). Children with STEC-HUS with neurological involvement during the acute phase and those requiring dialysis presented a significantly lower number of B-lines at admission compared to patients with a good clinical course (p < 0.001). Patients with long-term renal impairment also presented a lower number of B-lines at disease onset (p = 0.03). Conclusions: LUS is a useful technique for monitoring intravenous hydration therapy in paediatric patients with STEC-HUS. A low number of B-lines at ED admission (<5 B-lines) was associated with worse short-term and long-term outcomes. Further studies are needed to determine the efficacy and safety of an LUS-guided strategy for reducing complications in children with STEC-HUS.

BIA-ALCL and BIA-SCC: Updates on Clinical Features and Genetic Mutations for Latest Recommendations.

Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) and Breast Implant-Associated Squamous Cell Carcinoma (BIA-SCC) are emerging neoplastic complications related to breast implants. While BIA-ALCL is often linked to macrotextured implants, current evidence does not suggest an implant-type association for BIA-SCC. Chronic inflammation and genetics have been hypothesized as key pathogenetic players, although for both conditions, the exact mechanisms and specific risks related to breast implants are yet to be established. While the genetic alterations in BIA-SCC are still unknown, JAK-STAT pathway activation has been outlined as a dominant signature of BIA-ALCL. Recent genetic investigation has uncovered various molecular players, including MEK-ERK, PI3K/AKT, CDK4-6, and PDL1. The clinical presentation of BIA-ALCL and BIA-SCC overlaps, including most commonly late seroma and breast swelling, warranting ultrasound and cytological examinations, which are the first recommended steps as part of the diagnostic work-up. While the role of mammography is still limited, MRI and CT-PET are recommended according to the clinical presentation and for disease staging. To date, the mainstay of treatment for BIA-ALCL and BIA-SCC is implant removal with en-bloc capsulectomy. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy have also been used for advanced-stage BIA-ALCL and BIA-SCC. In-depth characterization of the tumor genetics is key for the development of novel therapeutic strategies, especially for advanced stage BIA-ALCL and BIA-SCC, which show a more aggressive course and poor prognosis.

The FALD-V: A predictive formula for preoperative volume assessment of adipose tissue transplantation in FALD flap.

BACKGROUND: The fat-augmented latissimus dorsi (FALD) flap is an evolution of the traditional latissimus dorsi (LD) flap, which allows to obtain a total autologous breast reconstruction (BR) avoiding the use of breast implants. The aim of this study was to develop a predictive preoperative formula in order to estimate and optimize the amount of fat to be transferred during FALD flap BR, using only anthropometric measurements. METHODS: We conducted a prospective clinical study between September 2020 and April 2023. All patients underwent back pre-operative ultrasound scan to assess the subcutaneous skin paddle thickness (SPT) and a regression analysis was performed to evaluate which anthropometric variable had a better correlation with this thickness. RESULTS: Data from 66 FALD flaps were collected. The mean SPT was 11.95 mm (SD 4.56). A significant correlation between SPT and body mass index (BMI) was found (r = 0.640, p < 0.0001). Using the fat-to-capacity ratio (113%), the following formula (the FALD-V) was developed to predict the needed fat transfer into FALD flap: [-509 + 12.32 × BMI + 11.71 × skin paddle width + 17.43 × skin paddle height] × 1.13. The considered variables (BMI, skin paddle width and skin paddle height) were statistically significant (p < 0.001, p = 0.0483, p = 0.0154, respectively). The cross-validation confirmed the accuracy of the formula (r = 0.810). CONCLUSION: The FALD-V can be used as an innovative complimentary device in the planning of FALD flap one-stage total autologous BR. To enhance its application, a 3.0 WebApp at www.braflap.com (and www.breast-v.com) is available free of charge for both iOS and Android devices. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

International consensus recommendations on face transplantation: A 2-step Delphi study.

Face transplantation is a viable reconstructive approach for severe craniofacial defects. Despite the evolution witnessed in the field, ethical aspects, clinical and psychosocial implications, public perception, and economic sustainability remain the subject of debate and unanswered questions. Furthermore, poor data reporting and sharing, the absence of standardized metrics for outcome evaluation, and the lack of consensus definitions of success and failure have hampered the development of a "transplantation culture" on a global scale. We completed a 2-round online modified Delphi process with 35 international face transplant stakeholders, including surgeons, clinicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, ethicists, policymakers, and researchers, with a representation of 10 of the 19 face transplant teams that had already performed the procedure and 73% of face transplants. Themes addressed included patient assessment and selection, indications, social support networks, clinical framework, surgical considerations, data on patient progress and outcomes, definitions of success and failure, public image and perception, and financial sustainability. The presented recommendations are the product of a shared commitment of face transplant teams to foster the development of face transplantation and are aimed at providing a gold standard of practice and policy.

18 years of face transplantation: Adverse outcomes and challenges.

BACKGROUND: Since the first procedure performed in 2005, face transplantation has been debated as viable approach for the treatment of severe craniofacial defects. Despite the benefits provided, the experience in face allotransplantation has brought to light a significant risk of complications, including allograft removal or loss, and mortality. The present study is intended to provide an updated review on complications and major challenges witnessed over 18 years of experience in the field. METHODS: A systematic review of PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane, Google, and Google Scholar databases on face transplantation was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines up to April 2023. Articles providing details on cases of face allograft loss, removal, and patient death were included. Online articles and media reports were assessed to include information not disclosed in peer-reviewed literature. Face transplant centers were contacted to have updated follow-up information on single-face transplant cases. RESULTS: The search yielded 1006 reports, of which 28 were included. On a total of 48 procedures performed in 46 patients, adverse outcomes were gleaned in 14 cases (29%), including seven allograft losses (14.6%), and the death of ten patients (21.7%). Chronic rejection was the leading cause of allograft loss, with a median time from transplant to irreversible rejection of 90 months (IQR 88.5-102). The main causes of death were infectious complications, followed by malignancies, non-compliance to immunosuppression, and suicide. The median time to death was 48.5 months (IQR 19-122). CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study providing a comprehensive review of adverse outcomes in face transplantation. Considering the high rate of major complications, the heterogeneity of cases and single-center approaches, and the absence of published standards of care, the development of a consensus by face transplant teams holds the key to the field's advancement.

The Ergonomic FALD Flap for One-stage Total Breast Reconstruction.

Background: The fat-augmented latissimus dorsi (FALD) flap combines this pedicled flap with immediate intraoperative fat transfer. Very little is described concerning its inset at the mammary site. Our efforts have concentrated on seeking the best flap orientation and skin-adipose paddle shaping, to improve the aesthetic outcome and to obtain a complete breast reconstruction (BR) in one stage. Methods: A prospective clinical study was performed in patients who underwent BR with FALD flaps, between December 2020 and March 2022. Patients were randomly enrolled into two groups: ergonomic inset of the FALD flap with vertical orientation of the skin-adipose paddle (group A) and FALD flap with traditional horizontal paddle orientation (group B). The study's endpoints were the evaluation of the aesthetic outcomes (from patients' and surgeon's perspectives) and complications. Results: Thirty-two FALD flaps (23 patients) were performed for group A, and 31 FALD flaps (25 patients) for group B. The two groups were homogeneous in terms of demographic and surgical data (P > 0.05). The overall complication rate was homogeneous among the groups, without statistically significant differences (P = 1.00). The surgeon's assessments showed a statistically significant superior aesthetic outcome in group A regarding volume, symmetry, and shape (P < 0.05). Higher satisfaction was observed in group A patients, in terms of breast size (P < 0.00001), shape (P = 0.0049), and overall satisfaction (P = 0.00061). Conclusions: The ergonomic vertical FALD flap technique enables surgeons to perform one-stage total BR, with excellent breast projection and upper pole fullness. These refinements in flap shaping and molding reduced the need for further autologous fat transfer, obtaining a brilliant totally autologous BR without the need for microsurgical experience.

To B or not to B. The rationale for quantifying B-lines in pediatric lung diseases.

Lung ultrasound (LUS) is emerging as adjunct tool to be used during clinical assessment. Among the different hallmarks of LUS, B-lines are well known artifacts, which are not correlated with identifiable structures, but which can be used for pathological classification. The presence of multiple B-lines is a sonographic sign of lung interstitial syndrome. It has been demonstrated in adults that there is a direct correlation between the number of B-lines and the severity of the interstitial involvement of lung disease. Counting B-lines is an attempt to enrich the clinical assessment and clinical information, beyond obtaining a simple dichotomous answer. Semiquantitative or quantitative B-line assessment has been shown to correlate with fluid overload and demonstrated prognostic implications in specific neonatal and pediatric conditions. LUS with quantitative B-lines assessment is promising. Current evidence allows for quantification of B-lines in a limited number of neonatal and pediatric diseases.

Clinical recommendations for diagnosis and treatment according to current updated knowledge on BIA-ALCL.

Shared strategies and correct information are essential to guide physicians in the management of such an uncommon disease as Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). A systematic review of the literature was performed to collect the most relevant evidence on BIA-ALCL reported cases. A panel of multidisciplinary experts discussed the scientific evidence on BIA-ALCL, and updated consensus recommendations were developed through the Delphi process. The lastest reported Italian incidence of BIA-ALCL is 3.5 per 100.000 implanted patients (95% CI, 1.36 to 5.78), and the disease counts over 1216 cases worldwide as of June 2022. The most common presentation symptom is a late onset seroma followed by a palpable breast mass. In the event of a suspicious case, ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration should be the first step in evaluation, followed by cytologic and immunohistochemical examination. In patients with confirmed diagnosis of BIA-ALCL confined to the capsule, the en-bloc capsulectomy should be performed, followed by immediate autologous reconstruction, while delayed reconstruction applies for disseminate disease or radically unresectable tumor. Nevertheless, a multidisciplinary team approach is essential for the correct management of this pathology.

Midazolam premedication in ileocolic intussusception: a retrospective multicenter study.

Ileocolic intussusception is a common cause of bowel obstruction. When spontaneous reduction does not occur, non-operative management through enema reduction is necessary. Despite the evidence indicating that sedatives favor success in the reduction, their use is still not a common practice. To determine if midazolam (MDZ) before enema improves the rate of procedure success, we retrospectively reviewed charts of patients admitted to two Italian pediatric emergency departments. Outcome measures were the success rate of the enema, recurrence, and need for surgery. Patients were grouped according to the use of MDZ or not, before hydrostatic reduction attempt. We included 69 and 37 patients in the MDZ and non-MDZ groups, respectively. The two groups did not differ in demographics, clinical characteristics, and ultrasound findings. Intussusception reduction after the first enema attempt occurred in 75% (MDZ group) and 32.4% (non-MDZ group) of patients (P < .001); 27.9% (MDZ group) and 77.8% (non-MDZ group) of patients underwent surgery (P < .001). Among them, spontaneous reduction of intussusception during the induction of general anesthesia occurred in 31.6% and 42.9% of patients, respectively (P .43). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that only MDZ had a positive effect on the result of the enema (OR 7.602, 95%CI 2.669-21.652, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Procedural sedation with MDZ for enema reduction of intussusception can increase the success rate and lead to a better management of patients. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Despite the evidence of the usefulness of sedatives in the reduction of intussusception, their use is still not a common practice. WHAT IS NEW: • Midazolam during enema reduction of intussusception can increase the success rate and consequently lead to better management of patients.

Dissemination and Use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound by Pediatricians in Europe: A Research in European Pediatric Emergency Medicine Network Collaborative Survey.

OBJECTIVE: We surveyed the dissemination and use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), physician training levels, and barriers and limitations to use of POCUS among pediatricians and pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) physicians across Europe and Israel. METHODS: A questionnaire was distributed through the PEM section of the European Society for Emergency Medicine and the Research in European Pediatric Emergency Medicine Network. RESULTS: A total of 581 physicians from 22 countries fully completed the questionnaire. Participants were primarily pediatric attending physicians (34.9% [203 of 581]) and PEM attending physicians (28.6% [166 of 581]). Most of the respondents, 58.5% (340 of 581), reported using POCUS in their practice, and 61.9% (359/581) had undergone POCUS training. Point-of-care ultrasound courses represented the most common method of becoming proficient in POCUS. Overall, the Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma scan was the mostly taught application, with 76.3% (274 of 359). Resuscitative, diagnostic, and procedural POCUS were rated as very useful or useful by the most of respondents.The lack of qualified personnel to train (76.9% [447 of 581]), and the insufficient time for physicians to learn, POCUS (63.7% [370 of 581]) were identified as the main limitations to POCUS implementation. CONCLUSIONS: The dissemination of pediatric POCUS in the European and Israeli centers we surveyed is limited, and its applications are largely restricted to the Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma examination. This is likely related to lack of training programs. In contrast, the potential value of use of POCUS in PEM practice is recognized by the majority of respondents.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound in pediatric blunt abdominal trauma: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Intra-abdominal injury is a major cause of morbidity in children. Computed tomography (CT) is the reference standard for the evaluation of hemodynamically stable abdominal trauma. CT has an increased risk of long-term radiation induced malignancies and a possible risk associated with the use of iodinated contrast media. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) might represent an alternative to CT in stable children with blunt abdominal trauma (BAT). Nonetheless, CEUS in pediatrics remains limited by the lack of strong evidence. The purpose of this study was to offer a systematic review on the use of CEUS in pediatric abdominal trauma. METHODS: Electronic search of PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases of studies investigating CEUS for abdominal trauma in children. The risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool. RESULTS: This systematic review included 7 studies. CEUS was performed with different ultrasound equipment, always with a curvilinear transducer. Six out of seven studies used a second-generation contrast agent. No immediate adverse reactions were reported. The dose of contrast agent and the scanning technique varied between studies. All CEUS exams were performed by radiologists, in the radiology department or at the bedside. No standard training was reported to become competent in CEUS. The range of sensitivity and specificity of CEUS were 85.7 to 100% and 89 to 100%, respectively. CONCLUSION: CEUS appears to be safe and accurate to identify abdominal solid organ injuries in children with BAT. Further research is necessary to assess the feasibility of CEUS by non-radiologists, the necessary training, and the benefit-cost ratio of CEUS as a tool to potentially reduce CT scans.

Airgun Wound with Superior Sagittal Sinus Involvement in a Child: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Although still considered quite harmless, nonpowder guns (NPG) may cause severe head injuries in children. We present the case of a depressed skull fracture with superior sagittal sinus involvement following NPG injury. Decision-making and surgical management are discussed, and the current literature concerning NPG-related pediatric head injuries is reviewed. CASE PRESENTATION: A 4-year-old boy hit by a compressed-air rifle came to our center. CT scan showed a depressed skull fracture of the occipital bone on the midline and intracranial penetration of some fragments of the pellet. CT angiography documented a compression of the superior sagittal sinus without thrombosis. Soon after hospital admission, the patient showed deterioration of the neurological status suggesting intracranial hypertension. Surgery was performed with fracture elevation, removal of metal fragments, and wound debridement. The patient had a full recovery without subsequent neurological deficits. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Modern airguns may produce severe penetrating head injuries in children. Parents and physicians should be aware of the danger of NPG. Depressed skull fracture and dural venous sinus involvement can occur, and even a stable neurological condition may worsen. In such instances, a thorough preoperative assessment including vascular imaging is mandatory. The surgical risk is not negligible due to the possible injury of the sinus wall and subsequent intraoperative bleeding. This has to be weighted against potential complications of the penetrating injury, such as infection, sinus thrombosis, and intracranial hypertension. Our case suggests that prompt surgical treatment can be a safe and effective option.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C): a mini-review.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a novel, life-threatening hyperinflammatory condition that develops in children a few weeks after infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). This disease has created a diagnostic challenge due to overlap with Kawasaki disease (KD) and KD shock syndrome. The majority of patients with MIS-C present with the involvement of at least four organ systems, and all have evidence of a marked inflammatory state. Most patients show an increase in the level of at least four inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, neutrophil count, ferritin, procalcitonin, fibrinogen, interleukin-6, and triglycerides). Therapy is primarily with immunomodulators, suggesting that the disease is driven by post-infectious immune dysregulation. Most patients, even those with severe cardiovascular involvement, recover without sequelae. Since coronary aneurysms have been reported, echocardiographic follow-up is needed.Further study is needed to create uniform diagnostic criteria, therapy, and follow-up protocols.

Pediatrician performed point-of-care ultrasound for the detection of ingested foreign bodies: case series and review of the literature.

PURPOSE: Foreign body (FB) ingestions represent a common problem in children. History and physical examination are commonly not enough to diagnose a foreign body ingestion; therefore, conventional radiography is routinely used to detect them. Point-of-care ultrasound is widely used in the emergency department for several diagnostic applications but there are few articles describing the possibility to use point-of-care ultrasound to detect ingested foreign bodies, and the necessary training to get competent in this application. The main objective of this paper is to illustrate the use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to detect ingested foreign bodies. The secondary objective is to describe a limited training, necessary for emergency pediatricians, to obtain this skill. METHODS: This is a case series of eight pediatric patients who presented to the pediatric Emergency Department (ED), with suspected ingestion of FB, and were assessed with POCUS. Physician sonographers were two pediatricians and three residents in pediatrics working in two Italian Pediatric EDs. All sonographers participated in a 2-day POCUS workshop which included the most common pediatric POCUS applications. RESULTS: POCUS, performed by emergency pediatricians who participated to a limited training, allowed to always identify the foreign bodies ingested. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that an appropriate and limited training allows pediatric emergency physicians to correctly identify foreign body in the esophagus or stomach. Point-of-care ultrasound in foreign body ingestion in the Emergency Department may allow to prioritize the escalation of care in children and it can contribute to reduce the time to endoscopic management when needed.