Pre- and postconditioning effect of Sevoflurane on myocardial dysfunction after cardiopulmonary resuscitation in rats.

Post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction is an important cause of death in the intensive care unit after initially successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of pre-hospital cardiac arrest (CA) patients. Volatile anaesthetics reduce ischaemic-reperfusion injury in regional ischaemia in beating hearts. This effect, called anaesthetic-induced pre- or postconditioning, can be shown when the volatile anaesthetic is given either before regional ischaemia or in the reperfusion phase. However, up to now, little data exist for volatile anaesthetics after global ischaemia due to CA. Therefore, the goal of this study was to clarify whether Sevoflurane improves post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction after CA in rats. Following institutional approval by the Governmental Animal Care Committee, 144 male Wistar rats (341±19g) were randomized either to a control group or to one of the 9 interventional groups receiving 0.25 MAC, 0.5 MAC or 1 MAC of Sevoflurane for 5min either before resuscitation (SBR), during resuscitation (SDR) or after resuscitation (SAR). After 6min of electrically induced ventricular fibrillation CPR was performed. Before CA (baseline) as well as 1h and 24h after restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), continuous measurement of ejection fraction (EF), and preload adjusted maximum power (PAMP) as primary outcome parameters and end systolic pressure (ESP), end diastolic volume (EDV) and maximal slope of systolic pressure increment (dP/dtmax) as secondary outcome parameters was performed using a conductance catheter. EF was improved in all Sevoflurane treated groups 1h after ROSC in comparison to control, except for the 0.25 MAC SDR and 0.25 MAC SAR group (0.25 MAC SBR: 38±8, p=0.02; 0.5 MAC SBR: 39±7, p=0.04; 1 MAC SBR: 40±6, p=0.007; 0.5 MAC SDR: 38±7, p=0.02; 1 MAC SDR: 40±6, p=0.006; 0.5 MAC SAR: 39±6, p=0.01; 1 MAC SAR: 39±6, p=0.002, vs. 30±7%). Twenty-four hours after ROSC, EF was higher than control in all interventional groups (p<0.05 for all groups). EF recovered to baseline values 24h after ROSC in all SBR and SAR groups. PAMP was improved in comparison to control (4.6±3.0mW/µl(2)) 24h after ROSC in 0.5 MAC SBR (9.4±6.9mW/µl(2), p=0.04), 1 MAC SBR (8.9±4.4mW/µl(2), p=0.04), 1 MAC SDR (8.0±5.7mW/µl(2), p=0.04), and 1 MAC SAR (7.3±3.5mW/µl(2), p=0.04). ESP, EDV, and dP/dtmax was not different from control 1h as well as 24h after ROSC with the exception of 1 MAC SDR with a reduced ESP 1h after ROSC (89±16 vs. 103±22mmHg, p=0.04). Sevoflurane treatment did not affect survival rate. This animal study of CA and resuscitation provides the hypothesis that pharmacological pre- or postconditioning with the volatile anaesthetic Sevoflurane - administered before CA, during resuscitation or after ROSC - results in an improved myocardial inotropy 24h after ROSC. Sevoflurane treatment seems to improve EF even in the early phase of reperfusion 1h after ROSC. Therefore further targeted studies on the optimal dose and time point of administration of Sevoflurane in cardiopulmonary resuscitation seem to be worthwhile (Institutional protocol number: 35-9185.81/G-24/08).

Gastrocnemius muscle herniation as a rare differential diagnosis of ankle sprain: case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Muscle herniation of the leg is a rare clinical entity. Yet, knowing this condition is necessary to avoid misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. In the extremities, muscle herniation most commonly occurs as a result of an acquired fascial defect, often due to trauma. Different treatment options for symptomatic extremity muscle herniation in the extremities, including conservative treatment, fasciotomy and mesh repair have been described. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a patient who presented with prolonged symptoms after an ankle sprain. The clinical picture showed a fascial insufficiency with muscle bulging under tension. Ultrasound and MRI imaging confirmed the diagnosis of muscle hernia of the medial gastrocnemius on the right leg. Conservative treatment did not lead to success. Therefore, the fascial defect was treated surgically by repairing the muscle herniation using a synthetic vicryl propylene patch. CONCLUSIONS: Muscle hernias should be taken into consideration as a rare differential diagnosis whenever patients present with persisting pain or soft tissue swelling after ankle sprain. Diagnosis is mainly based on clinical aspect and physical examination, but can be confirmed by radiologic imaging techniques, including (dynamic) ultrasound and MRI. If conservative treatment fails, we recommend the closure with mesh patches for large fascial defects.

Distal pouch reconstruction with transverse jejunoplasty after experimental gastrectomy.

PURPOSE: Various reconstruction methods with or without reservoir formation after total gastrectomy have been established. Transverse intestinoplasty has benefits as a functional peristalsis modification in rectal resections. In this study, we evaluate a distal pouch combined with a transverse jejunoplasty compared to standard Roux-en-Y reconstruction. METHODS: Total gastrectomy was performed on 23 pigs randomly assigned to 3 reconstruction groups-group 1 (n = 7): esophagojejunostomy without a pouch, group 2 (n = 8): esophagojejunostomy with a distal pouch, and group 3 (n = 8): distal pouch with a transverse jejunoplasty. Seven days postoperatively, weight was measured, and X-ray examinations were conducted for 1 h after oral contrast medium application. Blood glucose levels after oral glucose intake and the volume of the pouch loop were evaluated. RESULTS: Upper jejunal passage was delayed and the mean volume of the jejunal loop increased by pouch formation compared to controls (p < 0.05). Body weight was the best for the pouch group with jejunoplasty (-1.9 ± 0.8% vs. pouch alone -3.3 ± 2.4% vs. no pouch -7.5 ± 2.1%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The distal jejunal pouch after total gastrectomy offers advantages with respect to bowel passage and postoperative nutrition status compared to standard Roux-en-Y reconstruction. The combination of a distal pouch and transverse jejunoplasty may provide additional functional benefits.