Risk factor differences in five-year progression of Intracranial artery stenosis and cerebral small vessel disease in general population.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial artery stenosis (ICAS) and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) are associated with a heavy socioeconomic burden; however, their longitudinal changes remain controversial. METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal analysis on 756 participants of Shunyi Cohort who underwent both baseline and follow-up brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MR angiography in order to investigate the risk factors for ICAS and CSVD progression in community population. Incident ICAS was defined as new stenosis occurring in at least one artery or increased severity of the original artery stenosis. CSVD markers included lacunes, cerebral microbleeds (CMB), and white matter hyperintensities (WMH). RESULTS: After 5.58 ± 0.49 years of follow-up, 8.5% of the 756 participants (53.7 ± 8.0 years old, 65.1% women) had incident ICAS. Body mass index (BMI) (OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.01-1.17, p = 0.035) and diabetes mellitus (OR = 2.67, 95% CI = 1.44-4.93, p = 0.002) were independent risk factors for incident ICAS. Hypertension was an independent risk factor for incident lacunes (OR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.20-3.77, p = 0.010) and CMB (OR = 2.32, 95% CI = 1.22-4.41, p = 0.011), while WMH progression was primarily affected by BMI (ß = 0.108, SE = 0.006, p = 0.002). A higher LDL cholesterol level was found to independently protect against WMH progression (ß = -0.076, SE = 0.027, p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: Modifiable risk factor profiles exhibit different in patients with ICAS and CSVD progression. Controlling BMI and diabetes mellitus may help to prevent incident ICAS, and antihypertensive therapy may conduce to mitigate lacunes and CMB progression. LDL cholesterol may play an inverse role in large arteries and small vessels.

High prevalence of intracranial arterial stenosis among acute ischemic stroke patients in a Brazilian center: a transcranial color-coded duplex sonography study.

BACKGROUND: There is limited data available regarding the prevalence of intracranial arterial stenosis (ICAS) among acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients in Brazil and Latin America. OBJECTIVE: The present study sought to investigate the frequency and predictors of ICAS among patients with AIS or transient ischemic attack (TIA) in a Brazilian center, with transcranial color-coded duplex sonography (TCCS) technique. METHODS: Consecutive AIS and TIA patients, admitted to an academic public comprehensive stroke center in Brazil from February to December 2014, evaluated by TCCS were prospectively selected. Vascular narrowings > 50% were considered as ICAS, based on ultrasound criteria previously defined in the literature. RESULTS: We assessed 170 consecutive patients with AIS or TIA, of whom 27 (15.9%) were excluded due to an inadequate transtemporal acoustic bone window. We confirmed ICAS in 55 patients (38.5%). The most common location was the proximal segment of the middle cerebral artery (28.2%), followed by the vertebral (15.4%), posterior cerebral (13.6%), terminal internal carotid (9.1%) and basilar (8.2%) arteries. On multivariate models adjusting for potential confounders, systolic blood pressure (OR: 1.03, 95%CI: 1.01-1.04; p = 0.008) was independently associated with ICAS. CONCLUSION: We found significant ICAS in approximately ⅓ of patients admitted with symptoms of AIS or TIA in a public tertiary academic stroke center in Brazil. The TCCS is an accessible and noninvasive technique that can be used to investigate the presence of moderate and severe ICAS, especially in patients who cannot be exposed to more invasive exams, such as the use of intravenous contrast agents.

ANTECEDENTES: Dados acerca da prevalência da estenose arterial intracraniana (EAIC) entre os pacientes com acidente vascular isquêmico (AVCi) agudo no Brasil e América Latina são limitados. OBJETIVO: O presente estudo pretendeu investigar a frequência e os preditores da EAIC nos pacientes AVCi ou ataque isquêmico transitório (AIT) em um centro brasileiro utilizando o Doppler transcraniano colorido (duplex transcraniano). MéTODOS: Pacientes consecutivos com AVCi ou AIT, admitidos entre fevereiro e dezembro de 2014 em um centro acadêmico brasileiro especializado em doenças cerebrovasculares, foram avaliados prospectivamente com duplex transcraniano. Os estreitamentos vasculares > 50% foram considerados como EAIC, baseado em critérios ultrassonográficos definidos previamente na literatura. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 170 pacientes com AVCi ou AIT, dos quais 27 (15,9%) foram excluídos em decorrência da janela óssea transtemporal acústica inadequada. Confirmamos EAIC em 55 pacientes (38,5%). A localização mais comum foi o segmento proximal da artéria cerebral média (28,2%), seguida pelas artérias vertebral (15,4%), cerebral posterior (13,6%), carótida interna terminal (9,1%) e basilar (8,2%). No modelo multivariado, ajustado para os potenciais confundidores, a pressão arterial sistólica aumentada (OR: 1,03; IC 95%: 1,01­1,04; p = 0,008) foi independentemente associada a EAIC. CONCLUSãO: Foi identificada EAIC significativa em quase ⅓ dos pacientes admitidos com sintomas de AVCi ou AIT em um serviço acadêmico público de atendimento especializado em doenças cerebrovasculares. O Doppler transcraniano colorido é uma ferramenta acessível e não invasiva que pode ser utilizada com segurança para a investigação da presença de EAIC moderada ou grave, especialmente nos pacientes que não podem ser expostos a exames complementares mais invasivos com uso de contraste intravenoso.

Japanese survey of perioperative complications and ureteral stricture after ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy for upper urinary tract stones in multicenter collaborative study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate perioperative complications and the details of postoperative ureteral stricture after ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy (URS-L) for upper urinary tract stones in Japan. METHODS: Patient data on intra- and postoperative complications after ureteroscopy using URS-L were retrospectively collected from multiple centers in Japan between April 2017 and March 2020 with the cooperation of the Japanese Society of Endourology and Robotics. Data included the number of patients undergoing URS-L, number and type of intra- and postoperative complications, and detailed characteristics of postoperative ureteral stricture. RESULTS: In total, 14 125 patients underwent URS-L over 3 years at 82 institutions. Annual URS-L numbers gradually increased from 4419 in 2017, to 4760 in 2018, and 4946 in 2019. The total complication rate was 10.5%, which was divided into intra-operative complications in 1.40% and postoperative complications in 9.18%. The annual incidences of intra- and postoperative complications were not significantly different from year to year (p = 0.314 and p = 0.112). Ureteral perforation, ureteral avulsion, and the intra-operative conversion rate were 1.35%, 0.03%, and 0.02%, respectively. Fever >38°C, septic shock, blood transfusion, and postoperative mortality were 7.44%, 0.81%, 0.07%, and 0.04%, respectively. Ureteral stricture occurred in 0.8% of cases. The median length of stricture site was 10.0 mm and the success rate of stricture treatment was 54.6%. CONCLUSION: Although URS-L utilization has increased in Japan, the annual complication rate has remained steady. Although URS-L is a useful and less invasive procedure, devastating complications can still occur.

Biliary strictures post pediatric liver transplantation-incidence and risk factors in a single tertiary referral transplant center.

BACKGROUND: Biliary strictures are a significant cause of morbidity and graft loss in pediatric liver transplant recipients. Risk factors for the development of biliary strictures are not fully established. We aimed to evaluate the incidence of biliary strictures and treatment modalities outcomes and to identify potential risk factors for occurrence. METHODS: Pediatric patients who underwent liver transplantation in the single tertiary pediatric liver transplant center in Israel were evaluated. We compared demographics, presentation, laboratory results, imaging, treatment, and outcomes between patients with and without biliary stricture. Multivariate regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for biliary strictures. RESULTS: Among 121 pediatric liver transplant patients, 65 (53.7%) were males; the median age at the time of liver transplantation was 43 (3-215) months. Fifteen patients (12.4%) had biliary strictures following transplantation. One (7%) patient with biliary stricture was treated via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and 12 patients (80%) underwent interventions via a percutaneous transhepatic approach. Nine of the 12 patients were treated successfully, requiring one or multiple procedures, while the remaining had surgery or laser therapy. Risk factors for the development of biliary strictures were biliary leak, acute cellular rejection, and the presence of two biliary anastomoses. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, the presence of two biliary anastomoses and post-transplant complications including acute cellular rejection and early biliary leaks were associated with biliary strictures in pediatric liver transplantation recipients. Percutaneous transhepatic interventions result in good outcomes in most patients.

Incidence of Ureteroenteric Anastomotic Strictures After Robotic vs Open Cystectomy in Adults.

To synthesise the evidence comparing the incidence rates of UAS post-RARC vs Open Radical cystectomy (ORC) in adults undergoing cystectomy and to compare differential stricture rates between Extracorporeal and Intracorporeal urinary diversion (ECUD vs ICUD). The primary outcome was incidence rate of UAS post RARC vs ORC and the secondary outcome was incidence rate of UAS in RARC post ECUD vs ICUD. Review authors conducted comprehensive search for studies comparing RARC with ORC in terms of incidence of UAS. Furthermore, we conducted a secondary search for studies which compared UAS incidence comparing ECUD and ICUD. We found that RARC may have higher incidence of UAS [OR: 1.39; 95% CI 1.11-1.75; p < 0.0001]. ECUD may result in lower rate of UAS as compared to ICUD [OR: 0.74; 95% CI 0.56 to 0.98; p= 0.04].

Vaginal Stenosis After Gender-affirming Vaginoplasty: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature and report the incidence of vaginal stenosis (VS) after vaginoplasty and compare the incidence rates by surgical technique and follow-up duration. METHODS: We performed a systematic literature review according to PRISMA guidelines. Original research on primary vaginoplasty was included. Exclusion criteria included non-English studies, mixed cohorts without subgroup analysis, revision vaginoplasty, and papers without stenosis rates. The search was ran in Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane on September 9, 2022. Stenosis rates were compared with descriptive statistics using SPSS. RESULTS: Fifty-nine studies with a cumulative 7338 subjects were included. The overall incidence of VS was 5.83% (range 0%-34.2%). Combining VS with introital stenosis (IS) and contracture results in a cumulative incidence of 9.68%. The rate of VS in the penile inversion vaginoplasty subgroup (PIV) was 5.70%, compared to 0.20% in primary intestinal vaginoplasty. The rate of IS in the PIV group was 3.13% and 4.7% in the intestinal vaginoplasty subgroup. CONCLUSION: The overall rate of VS was 5.83%, which is lower than previously documented. This may be related to the inclusion of more recent studies and analysis limited to primary vaginoplasty. The similar rate of IS in PIV and intestinal vaginoplasty subgroups may be secondary to multiple suture lines and the need for dilation through this anastomosis. Our research demonstrates a need for a standardized definition of VS.

Prevalence and predictors of radiological left common iliac vein compression in asymptomatic patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of radiological left common iliac vein (LCIV) compression among the asymptomatic population and identify possible predictors. METHODS: Contrast-enhanced abdominal and/or pelvic computed tomography scans of eligible asymptomatic patients were examined. The LCIV diameter was measured from different horizontal planes in the venous phase using PACSView. Degree of LCIV compression (Dc) was calculated by a predefined formula and graded as insignificant (Dc < 25%), mild (≥25% Dc < 50%), moderate (≥50% Dc <75%), and severe (Dc ≥ 75%). Venous stenosis was defined as a Dc of ≥50%. Comparison of variables, including gender, age, body mass index (BMI), and comorbidities was performed between the different grades of LCIV compression. RESULTS: Between November 2019 and July 2022, 1698 eligible asymptomatic patients (53.1% females; mean age, 39.3 ± 11.8 years; mean BMI, 22.9 ± 3.6 kg/m2) were reviewed. The mean Dc was 46.2% (range, 0.29%-90.4%). Insignificant, mild, moderate, and severe compression were distributed in 14.5%, 38.0%, 42.2%, and 5.2% of the cohort population, respectively. Prevalence of venous stenosis was higher in females than males (58.1% vs 42.2%; χ2 = 15.52; P < .001). Females aged ≥25 and <35 years accounted for the highest proportion of venous stenosis than other age groups and was a significant predictor (odds ratio [OR], 3.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.74-7.79; P < .001). In the Asian BMI classification group, being underweight is associated with venous stenosis (OR, 4.69; 95% CI, 2.70-8.14; P < .001) and obesity may be a protective factor (OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.23-0.64; P < .001). There is an inverse relationship between Dc and age and BMI. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of radiological LCIV compression on computed tomography scans was high, but all patients were asymptomatic. Female gender, especially those aged ≥25 and <35 years, and underweight were possible predictors for venous stenosis.

Risk factors for anastomotic stenosis after radical resection of rectal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Radical resection of rectal cancer is a safe and effective treatment, but there remain several complications related to anastomosis. We aimed to assess the risk factors and incidence of rectal anastomotic stenosis (AS) after rectal cancer resection. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis after searching PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Medline databases from inception until May 2023. Data are reported as the combined odds ratio (OR) for categorical variables and the weighted mean difference (WMD) for continuous variables. Six hundred and fifty-nine studies were retrieved, nine (3031 patients) of which were included in the meta-analysis. Young age (WMD = -3.09, P = 0.0002), male sex (OR = 1.53, P = 0.0002), smoking (OR = 1.54, P = 0.009), radiotherapy (OR = 2.34, P = 0.0002), protective stoma (OR = 2.88, P = 0.007), intersphincteric resection surgery (OR = 6.28, P = 0.05), anastomotic fistula (OR = 3.72, P = 0.003), and anastomotic distance (WMD = -3.11, P = 0.0006) were identified as factors that increased the risk of AS, while staple (OR = 0.39, P < 0.001) was a protective factor. The incidence of AS after rectal cancer resection was approximately 17% (95% CI: 13%-21%). We identified eight risk factors and one protective factor associated with AS after rectal cancer resection. These factors may be combined in future studies to develop a more comprehensive and accurate prediction model related to AS after rectal cancer resection.

Prevalence of intracranial artery stenosis in a general population using 3D-time of flight magnetic resonance angiography.

BACKGROUND: Data on prevalence of intracranial artery stenosis (ICAS) in Western populations is sparse. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors for ICAS in a mainly Caucasian general population. METHODS: We assessed the prevalence of ICAS in 1847 men and women aged 40 to 84 years who participated in a cross-sectional population-based study, using 3-dimensional time-of-flight 3 Tesla magnetic resonance angiography. ICAS was defined as a focal luminal flow diameter reduction of ≥50 %. The association between cardiovascular risk factor levels and ICAS was assessed by multivariable regression analysis. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of ICAS was 6.0 % (95 % confidence interval (CI) 5.0-7.2), 4.3 % (95 % CI 3.1-5.7) in women and 8.0 % (95 % CI 6.3-10.0) in men. The prevalence increased by age from 0.8 % in 40-54 years age group to 15.2 % in the 75-84 years age group. The majority of stenoses was located to the internal carotid artery (52.2 %), followed by the posterior circulation (33.1 %), the middle cerebral artery (10.8 %) and the anterior cerebral artery (3.8 %). The risk of ICAS was independently associated with higher age, male sex, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, current smoking and higher BMI. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of ICAS in a general population of Caucasians was relatively high and similar to the prevalence of extracranial internal carotid artery stenosis in previous population-based studies.

The effect of circular stapler size on anastomotic stricture formation in colorectal surgery: A propensity score matched study.

BACKGROUND: Small circular staplers possess the advantage of being relatively easy to use when compared to larger circular staplers. However, there is some contention as to whether the use of small circular staples in colorectal surgery increases the incidence of anastomotic strictures. This study aimed to determine whether the frequency of anastomosis site stricture formation differs depending on stapler size when performing anastomosis in colorectal surgery. METHODS: Patients who underwent surgery for colon or rectal disease between June 1, 2009, and December 31, 2021, and who had circular staplers used for the formation of intestinal anastomoses post colectomy were included in our study. Propensity score matching with a 1:1 ratio using logistic regression was performed. The primary outcome was the anastomotic stricture rate, and the secondary outcome was total anastomotic complications. RESULTS: A total of 875 patients who were operated on by surgeons using 28/29-mm and 25-mm circular staplers were included. After propensity score matching, 106 patients were assigned to each group. Anastomotic strictures occurred in two cases (1.9%) from the 25-mm group and in four cases (3.8%) from the 28/29-mm group. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups (p = 0.683). Anastomotic complications were observed in two cases (1.9%) from the 25-mm group and in six cases (5.7%) from the 28/29-mm group; no statistically significant differences were found (p = 0.280). CONCLUSION: Circular stapler size does not influence anastomotic stricture formation in colorectal surgery.

Low incidence of occult colorectal carcinoma in a cohort of 150 consecutive patients with diverticular strictures.

BACKGROUND: The symptoms of stricturing diverticulitis can overlap with those of colorectal cancer. Additionally, the stricture itself may mask a "hidden" colorectal cancer. We aimed to describe the demographics, operative details and outcomes, including occult colorectal cancer, in a cohort of consecutive resections for presumed diverticular strictures. METHODS: In this single-center, retrospective cohort study, all patients undergoing resection for a presumed diverticular stricture between January 2010 and December 2015 were included. Preoperative imaging and colonoscopies were individually reviewed. Only patients with radiographically, endoscopically and/or intraoperatively benign-appearing strictures were included. RESULTS: One hundred fifty patients (72.7% female, mean age = 70.4 ± 11.8 years, 62.7% elective) were included. Only 34 (22.7%) had a complete preoperative colonoscopy. In 95 (63.6% of cohort) patients, the stricture was non-traversable colonoscopically. Overall, 47 (31.3%) patients did not have complete preoperative imaging or a colonoscopy. In total, 53.3% were open procedures and 62% had non-diverted primary anastomosis. Eleven (14.7%) underwent resection of adjacent organs (5 appendixes/5 right colons/7 fallopian tubes ± ovaries/3 small bowel resections/2 partial cystectomies/1 spleen). The median length of stay was 7 (5, 12.5) days. Only 2 cancers (1.3% of patients) involving the stricture (1 invasive moderately differentiated sigmoid adenocarcinoma/1 lymphoma) were found. Three additional cancers were found in organs involved in the inflammatory process (20% of concomitantly resected organs, 1 ovarian carcinoma/1 leukemia in a lymph node/1 appendiceal tumor). CONCLUSION: Despite approximately one-third of the cohort not having undergone successful preoperative colonoscopy or imaging, the rate of neoplasia involving diverticular strictures was only 1.3%. A relatively high cancer rate was found in concomitantly resected organs involved in the stricturing process.

Prevalence and Procedural Risk of Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis Coexisting With Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: Coexistence of intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) and unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) is increasingly encountered in clinical practice. This study aims to determine the prevalence of ICAS in patients with UIAs and procedural ischemic risk associated with ICAS when treating UIAs. METHODS: Based on the CAIASA study (Coexistence of Atherosclerotic Intracranial Arterial Stenosis With Intracranial Aneurysms), we prospectively included patients undergoing treatment procedures for UIAs from October 2015 to December 2020 at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, China. We used computed tomography angiography or digital subtraction angiography to diagnose ICAS (stenosis≥50%). Multivariable logistic regression and propensity-score matching were performed to evaluate the risk of procedure-related ischemic stroke and unfavorable outcome associated with ICAS. The ICAS score was used to explore the association between different burden of ICAS and procedure-related ischemic risk. RESULTS: Among 3949 patients who underwent endovascular or open surgical procedures for UIAs, 245 (6.2%) had ICAS. After exclusion, 15.7% (32/204) of patients with ICAS experienced procedure-related ischemic stroke compared with 5.0% (141/2825) of patients without ICAS. From the unmatched and matched cohort, ICAS was significantly associated with increased risk of procedure-related ischemic stroke (unmatched: adjusted odds ratio=3.11 [1.89-5.11]; and matched: adjusted odds ratio=2.99 [1.38-6.48]). This association became more evident among patients not receiving antiplatelet therapy (Pinteraction=0.022). For patients undergoing different treatment modalities, similar increased risks were observed (clipping: adjusted odds ratio=3.43 [1.73-6.79]; and coiling: adjusted odds ratio=3.59 [1.94-6.65]). Higher ICAS score was correlated with higher procedural ischemic risk (Ptrend<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of ICAS is not infrequent in patients with UIAs. ICAS confers an ~2-fold increased procedural ischemic risk, irrespective of clipping or coiling. Previous antiplatelet therapy may decrease the risk. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov; Unique identifier: NCT02795078.

Vesicourethral Anastomotic Stenosis Following Radical Prostatectomy: Risk Factors, Natural History, and Treatment Outcomes.

PURPOSE: Vesicourethral anastomotic stenosis after radical prostatectomy is a complication with significant adverse quality-of-life implications. Herein, we identify groups at risk for vesicourethral anastomotic stenosis and further characterize the natural history and treatment patterns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Years 1987-2013 of a prospectively maintained radical prostatectomy registry were queried for patients with the diagnosis of vesicourethral anastomotic stenosis, defined as symptomatic and inability to pass a 17F cystoscope. Patients with follow-up less than 1 year, preoperative anterior urethral stricture, transurethral resection of prostate, prior pelvic radiotherapy, and metastatic disease were excluded. Logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of vesicourethral anastomotic stenosis. Functional outcomes were characterized. RESULTS: Out of 17,904 men, 851 (4.8%) developed vesicourethral anastomotic stenosis at a median of 3.4 months. Multivariable logistic regression identified associations with vesicourethral anastomotic stenosis including adjuvant radiation, BMI, prostate volume, urine leak, blood transfusion, and nonnerve-sparing techniques. Robotic approach (OR 0.39, P < .01) and complete nerve sparing (OR 0.63, P < .01) were associated with reduced vesicourethral anastomotic stenosis formation. Vesicourethral anastomotic stenosis was independently associated with 1 or more incontinence pads/d at 1 year (OR 1.76, P < .001). Of the patients treated for vesicourethral anastomotic stenosis, 82% underwent endoscopic dilation. The 1- and 5-year vesicourethral anastomotic stenosis retreatment rates were 34% and 42%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Patient-related factors, surgical technique, and perioperative morbidity influence the risk of vesicourethral anastomotic stenosis after radical prostatectomy. Ultimately, vesicourethral anastomotic stenosis is independently associated with increased risk of urinary incontinence. Endoscopic management is temporizing for most men, with a high rate of retreatment by 5 years.

Association Between Low-Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol Level and Risk of Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis: Results From the APAC Study.

BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether plasma low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol level (LDL-C) can predict the occurrence of intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS), especially asymptomatic (A)ICAS. This study investigated whether LDL-C level is independently associated with AICAS. METHODS: The Asymptomatic Polyvascular Abnormalities Community study is an ongoing community-based, prospective, long-term follow-up observational study with 3387 participants. AICAS was diagnosed by transcranial Doppler ultrasonography. The participants were divided into 3 groups based on LDL-C level. Cox regression was used to evaluate the association between LDL-C level and incidence of AICAS. RESULTS: During 2 years of follow-up, 9.98% of participants were diagnosed with AICAS. The incidence of AICAS (person-years with 95% CI) was 4.99% (4.48%-5.50%). AICAS incidence did not increase with increasing LDL-C level. Compared with the <2.6 mmol/l subgroup, the incidence of asymptomatic ICAS was not significantly higher in the 2.6 to 3.4 and >3.4 mmol/l subgroups after adjusting for confounding factors (hazard ratio=0.95, 95% CI: 0.86-1.03 and hazard ratio=0.96, 95% CI: 0.84-1.10, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: LDL-C is not an independent predictor of AICAS incidence in the Chinese population.

Association Between History of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes and Coronary Artery Disease Assessed by Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography.

Importance: Adverse pregnancy outcomes are recognized risk enhancers for cardiovascular disease, but the prevalence of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis after these conditions is unknown. Objective: To assess associations between history of adverse pregnancy outcomes and coronary artery disease assessed by coronary computed tomography angiography screening. Design, Setting, and Participants: Cross-sectional study of a population-based cohort of women in Sweden (n = 10 528) with 1 or more deliveries in 1973 or later, ascertained via the Swedish National Medical Birth Register, who subsequently participated in the Swedish Cardiopulmonary Bioimage Study at age 50 to 65 (median, 57.3) years in 2013-2018. Delivery data were prospectively collected. Exposures: Adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, preterm delivery, small-for-gestational-age infant, and gestational diabetes. The reference category included women with no history of these exposures. Main Outcomes and Measures: Coronary computed tomography angiography indexes, including any coronary atherosclerosis, significant stenosis, noncalcified plaque, segment involvement score of 4 or greater, and coronary artery calcium score greater than 100. Results: A median 29.6 (IQR, 25.0-34.9) years after first registered delivery, 18.9% of women had a history of adverse pregnancy outcomes, with specific pregnancy histories ranging from 1.4% (gestational diabetes) to 9.5% (preterm delivery). The prevalence of any coronary atherosclerosis in women with a history of any adverse pregnancy outcome was 32.1% (95% CI, 30.0%-34.2%), which was significantly higher (prevalence difference, 3.8% [95% CI, 1.6%-6.1%]; prevalence ratio, 1.14 [95% CI, 1.06-1.22]) compared with reference women. History of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia were both significantly associated with higher and similar prevalence of all outcome indexes. For preeclampsia, the highest prevalence difference was observed for any coronary atherosclerosis (prevalence difference, 8.0% [95% CI, 3.7%-12.3%]; prevalence ratio, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.14-1.45]), and the highest prevalence ratio was observed for significant stenosis (prevalence difference, 3.1% [95% CI, 1.1%-5.1%]; prevalence ratio, 2.46 [95% CI, 1.65-3.67]). In adjusted models, odds ratios for preeclampsia ranged from 1.31 (95% CI, 1.07-1.61) for any coronary atherosclerosis to 2.21 (95% CI, 1.42-3.44) for significant stenosis. Similar associations were observed for history of preeclampsia or gestational hypertension among women with low predicted cardiovascular risk. Conclusions and Relevance: Among Swedish women undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography screening, there was a statistically significant association between history of adverse pregnancy outcomes and image-identified coronary artery disease, including among women estimated to be at low cardiovascular disease risk. Further research is needed to understand the clinical importance of these associations.

Which Anastomotic Techniques Is the Best Choice for Cervical Esophagogastric Anastomosis in Esophagectomy? A Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The optimal choice of anastomotic techniques for cervical esophagogastric anastomosis in esophagectomy remains unclear. METHODS: An electronic literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science (data up to April 2022) was conducted and screened to compare hand sewn (HS), circular stapling (CS), side-to-side linear stapling (LS), and triangulating stapling (TS) for cervical esophagogastric anastomosis. Anastomotic leak, pulmonary complications, anastomotic stricture, and reflux esophagitis of the 4 anastomotic techniques were evaluated using a Bayesian network meta-analysis by R. RESULT: Twenty-nine studies were ultimately included, with a total of 5,020 patients from 9 randomized controlled trials, 7 prospect cohort studies, and 13 retrospective case-control studies in the meta-analysis. The present study demonstrates that the incidence of anastomotic leakage is lower in TS than HS and CS (TS vs. HS: odds ratio (OR) = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.1 to 0.9; TS vs. CS: OR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.13 to 1.0), and the incidence of anastomotic stricture is lower in TS than in HS and CS (TS vs. HS: OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.86; TS vs. CS: OR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.58). TS ranks best in terms of anastomotic leakage, pulmonary complication, anastomotic stricture, and reflux esophagitis. CONCLUSION: TS for cervical esophagogastric anastomosis of esophagectomy had a lower incidence of anastomotic leakage and stricture. TS should be preferentially recommended. Large-scale RCTs will be needed to provide more evidence in future studies.

Prospective Assessment of Genital Pain in Patients With Urethral Stricture: Incidence, Associations, and Impact of Urethroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of genital pain in patients with urethral stricture and examine the impact of urethroplasty. Genital pain is a common and challenging urological condition and potentially associated with urethral stricture. METHODS: From 2011-2019, patients were offered enrollment in a prospective single-center study assessing patient-reported genital pain pre- and 6-months posturethroplasty. Genital pain was assessed with the question, "Do you experience genital (scrotum or penis) pain?" answered on a five-point scale ["Never" (1), "Occasionally" (2), "Sometimes" (3), "Most of the Time" (4) or "All of the Time" (5)]. Responses of 3, 4, or 5 were considered clinically significant. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare pre- and postoperative states and logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between genital pain and clinical variables. RESULTS: Of the 387 patients completing enrollment, 36.4% (141/387) reported genital pain preoperatively. Patients with panurethral stricture reported higher rates (57.1%) of pain (Odds Ratio 2.93, 95%CI 1.32-6.50; P = .008). Posturethroplasty, pain scores improved with an incidence of 14.2% (P < .0001). In patients reporting preoperative pain, 88.7% (125/141) experienced improvement, 8.5% were unchanged and 2.8% reported worsening pain. On logistic regression, patients with penile strictures (O.R. 0.24, 95%CI 0.06-0.91; P = .04), hypospadias (O.R. 0.14, 95%CI 0.02-0.88; P = .04), and staged reconstruction (O.R. 0.22, 95%CI 0.05-0.90; P = .04) were less likely to report improvement. CONCLUSION: Genital pain is common in patients with urethral stricture and improves in the majority of patients undergoing urethroplasty but less so in patients with penile strictures, hypospadias and staged reconstruction.

Uretero-enteric Strictures After Robot Assisted Radical Cystectomy: Prevalence and Management Over Two Decades.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the prevalence, predictors, management, and trends for ureteroenteric strictures (UES) after robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC). METHODS: Retrospective review of our RARC database was performed (2005-2022). UES was described in terms of timing, laterality, and management. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to depict time to UES. Local regression was used to assess trend of UES over time and multivariable regression to identify variables associated with UES. RESULTS: UES occurred in 109 patients (15%). UES occurred in 13%, 17%, and 19% at 1, 3, and 5 years after RARC, respectively. Incidence of UES decreased in 2017, coinciding with stentless uretero-enteric anastomosis. UES occurred on the right in 33%, on the left in 46%, and bilaterally in 21%. All patients were initially managed by nephrostomy/stent. Surgical revision was required in 45% of patients, of which 13% developed recurrent UES after revision. On MVA, UES formation was associated with ureteral stents (OR 2.27, 95%CI 1.01-5.10, P = .05) and receipt of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (OR 2.01, 95%CI 1.24-3.25, P = .005). CONCLUSION: UES occurred in 15% of patients after RARC, with 45% of patients requiring surgical reimplantation. Ureteral stents and the receipt of neoadjuvant chemotherapy were associated with UES formation.

Gastroduodenal artery disconnection during liver transplantation decreases non-anastomotic stricture incidence.

BACKGROUND: The hepatic artery is the only blood source nourishing the biliary duct and associated with biliary complication after liver transplantation (LT). Gastroduodenal artery (GDA) disconnection increased proper hepatic artery flow. Whether this procedure attenuates biliary non-anastomotic stricture (NAS) is not clear. METHODS: A total of 241 patients with LT were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into the GDA disconnection (GDA-) and GDA preservation (GDA+) groups. Propensity score matching (PSM) was administrated to reduce bias. Logistic regression was conducted to analyze risk factors for biliary NAS before and after PSM. Postoperative complications were compared. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and log-rank tests were performed to compare overall survival. RESULTS: In all, 99 patients (41.1%) underwent GDA disconnection, and 49 (20.3%) developed NAS. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that GDA preservation (OR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.11-4.53; P = 0.025) and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score > 15 (OR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.12-4.11; P = 0.022) were risk factors for biliary NAS. PSM provided 66 pairs using 1:2 matching method, including 66 GDA disconnection and 99 GDA preservation patients. Multivariate logistic regression after PSM also showed that GDA preservation (OR = 3.15, 95% CI: 1.26-7.89; P = 0.014) and MELD score > 15 (OR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.08-5.36; P = 0.031) were risk factors for NAS. When comparing complications between the two groups, GDA preservation was associated with a higher incidence of biliary NAS before and after PSM (P = 0.031 and 0.017, respectively). In contrast, other complications including early allograft dysfunction (P = 0.620), small-for-size graft syndrome (P = 0.441), abdominal hemorrhage (P = 1.000), major complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 3, P = 0.318), and overall survival (P = 0.088) were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: GDA disconnection during LT ameliorates biliary NAS incidence and may be recommended for application in clinical practice.

Risk Factors Associated with the Development of Colorectal Anastomotic Strictures Prior to Diverting Loop Ileostomy Reversal.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic strictures represent a major source of morbidity in colorectal surgery with an incidence reported up to 30%. Despite this, the mechanism by which strictures develop remains unclear. This study aims to determine the incidence of colorectal anastomotic strictures and associated risk factors among a series of diverted patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted of 142 patients over a 7-year period at a single institution after colorectal resection with anastomosis and diverting ileostomy creation re-examined with postoperative endoscopy. One patient was removed due to anastomotic tumor recurrence. Patient and technical factors were examined for significance using chi-square analysis. Logistic regression was used to perform multivariate analysis to estimate odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Among 141 patients, 14.1% (20 patients) developed strictures detected on endoscopy. Strictures were observed in a greater percentage of women than men (21.2% vs 8%, P = .025). 30.6% of patients who underwent resections for diverticulitis developed strictures while those with neoplastic lesions and other indications had stricture rates of 6.8% and 17.6%, respectively (P = .002). Anastomoses performed during a colostomy reversal were associated with a higher stricture rate (OR 4.23, 95% CI 1.37-13.40, P = .012). Anastomoses performed with a 28/29 mm EEA circular stapler demonstrated a significantly higher stricture rate versus a 31/33 mm stapler (OR 7.21, 95% CI 1.23-155.58, P = .045). DISCUSSION: Our data reveal that female sex, history of diverticulitis, anastomoses performed in the setting of colostomy reversal, and smaller stapler size are associated with a higher rate of anastomotic stricture.