Transcatheter Arterial Embolization in the Treatment of Maxillofacial Fractures With Life-Threatening Hemorrhage.

INTRODUCTION: Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) has gained importance in the management of maxillofacial fractures with life-threating hemorrhage (MFH). However, clinical evidence supporting the use of TAE has not been clearly established in the literature. Therefore, we evaluated the effectiveness of TAE for MFH, based on data obtained from the Japan Trauma Data Bank. METHODS: Patients were identified from Japan Trauma Data Bank entries for the years 2004 to 2014. Inclusion criteria for MFH were defined using the Abbreviated Injury Scale code (Maxilla fracture, LeFort III; blood loss. > 20%). On the basis of the treatment strategy, patients were categorized into either the TAE group or the non-TAE group. A comparative analysis of the demographics, injury characteristics, and outcomes was performed. RESULTS: From among 198,744 documented cases of trauma, a total 118 patients were eligible for the study; 26 of these patients (22.0%) underwent TAE. The Glasgow Coma Scale score was significantly lower in the TAE group than in the non-TAE group (P = 0.019); the other variables did not significantly differ between the groups. Overall, the in-hospital mortality rate was 39.8%, and the median hospital length of stay was 21.0 days (0.0-53.5 days). The in-hospital mortality was significantly lower in the TAE group than in the non-TAE group (23.1% vs 44.6%; odds ratio [OR], 0.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.14-1.02; p = 0.048). However, patients in the TAE group had a longer median hospital length of stay (39.5 [7.3-53.5] vs 14.0 [0.0-55.3] days, p = 0.072). In the logistic regression model, the use of TAE was extracted as the independent predictor for better outcomes after adjusting for potential confounders (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.66-0.88; P = 0.032). Hypotension, a high Injury Severity Score, aged 60 years or older, and a low Glasgow Coma Scale score were also independently associated with mortality, with an OR of 5.48, 3.99, 3.30, and 2.89, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Cases of MFH are rare, but they are associated with a high mortality. Transcatheter arterial embolization use appears to lead to successful outcomes in such cases. Further studies are required to confirm the efficacy of TAE and evaluate its indications and complications.

Predictive value of quick surgical airway assessment for trauma (qSAT) score for identifying trauma patients requiring surgical airway in emergency room.

BACKGROUND: A surgical airway is usually unpredictable in trauma patients. The aim of this study was to develop a predictable scoring system to determine the need for a surgical airway by using a database from a large multicenter trauma registry. METHODS: We obtained data from the nationwide trauma registry in Japan for adult blunt trauma patients who were intubated in the emergency department. Based on a multivariate logistic regression analysis in the development cohort, the Quick Surgical Airway Assessment for Trauma (qSAT) score was defined to predict the need for a surgical airway. The association of the qSAT with surgical airway was validated in the validation cohort. RESULTS: Between 2004 and 2014, 17,036 trauma patients were eligible. In the development phase (n = 8129), the qSAT score was defined as the sum of the three binary components, including male sex, presence of a facial injury, and presence of a cervical area injury, for a total score ranging from 0 to 3. In the validation cohort (n = 8907), the proportion of patients with a surgical airway markedly increased with increasing qSAT score (0 points, 0.5%; 1 point, 0.9%; 2 points, 3.5%; 3 points, 25.0%; P <  0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that qSAT score was an independent predictor of surgical airway (adjusted OR, 3.19 per 1 point increase; 95% CI, 2.47-4.12; P <  0.0001). The qSAT score of ≥1 had a had a good sensitivity of 86.8% for predicting the requirement for surgical airway; while qSAT score of 3 had a good specificity of 99.9% in ruling out the need for surgical airway. CONCLUSIONS: The qSAT score could be assessed simply using only information present upon hospital arrival to identify patients who may need a surgical airway. The utilize of qSAT score in combination with repeated evaluations on physical finding could improve outcomes in trauma patients.

PREDICTIVE FACTORS OF THE INITIAL TREATMENT FOR 207 BLUNT RENAL TRAUMA CASES BASED ON THE CLASSIFICATION FOR RENAL INJURY OF JAPANESE ASSOCIATION FOR THE SURGERY OF TRAUMA 2008's VERSION.

(Objective) We retrospectively investigated the applicability of the Japanese Association for the Surgery of Trauma (JAST) classification version 2008 for renal injuries as predictive factors of the initial treatment for 207 blunt renal injury cases. (Materials and methods) We reviewed 207 patients between 1982 and 2013 who were admitted to our institution with blunt renal trauma. Patients were classified as conservative management group, immediate transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) group, and immediate nephrectomy group by initial treatment. We retrospectively assessed several parameters including JAST criteria version 2008 type of renal injury (type), severity of hematoma (H factor) and extravasation of urine (U factor), the shock on arrival, associated abdominal injuries, serum hemoglobin levels, and macrohematuria as predicting factors of initial treatment of blunt renal trauma. (Result) TypeIII and PV injuries, H2 factor and associated non-renal abdominal injuries were predictive factors of immediate nephrectomy (p=0.001, p=0.000, p=0.003). TypeIII and PV injuries and H2 factor were predictive factors of immediate TAE. Both of H2 and U2 factors were significant predictors of immediate nephrectomy in patients with typeIII injury. H factor was a significantly predictive factor of immediate TAE in patients with typeI/II injuries (p=0.040). The rate of immediate TAE has been increasing but the rate of partial nephrectomy except for nephrectomy has been decreasing since the year 2007 when TAE was immediately available in our hospital. (Conclusion) The type category and severity of hematoma of JAST classification version 2008 would be predictive factors of initial management of blunt renal injuries. Patients with typeIII injuries and both of H2 and U2 factors, can be adapted to immediate nephrectomy. Patients with typeI/II and H2 factors can be adapted to immediate TAE.

Chest tube insertion direction: is it always necessary to insert a chest tube posteriorly in primary trauma care?

BACKGROUND: The advanced trauma life support guidelines suggest that, in primary care, the chest tube should be placed posteriorly along the inside of the chest wall. A chest tube located in the posterior pleural cavity is of use in monitoring the volume of hemothoraces. However, posterior chest tubes have a tendency to act as nonfunctional drains for the evacuation of pneumothoraces, and additional chest tube may be required. Thus, it is not always necessary to insert chest tubes posteriorly. The purpose of this study was to determine whether posterior chest tubes are unnecessary in trauma care. METHODS: We reviewed the volume of hemothoraces from 78 chest drains emergently placed posteriorly at a primary trauma care in 75 blunt chest trauma patients who were consecutively admitted over a 6-year period, excluding those with cardiopulmonary arrest and occult pneumothoraces. Massive acute hemothorax (MAH), in which the chest tube should be inserted posteriorly, was defined as the evacuation of more than 500 mL of blood or the need for hemostatic intervention within 24 hours of trauma admission. Demographics, interventions, and outcomes were analyzed. We also reviewed the malpositioning of 74 chest tubes based on anterior and posterior insertion directions in patients who subsequently underwent computed tomography. RESULTS: The overall incidence of MAH was 23% (n = 18). In the univariate analysis, the presence of multiple rib fractures, shock, pulmonary opacities on chest x-ray, and the need for intubation were found to be independent predictors for the development of MAH. If all 4 independent predictors were absent, none of the patients developed MAH. The incidence of nonfunctional chest drains that required reinsertion or the addition of a new drainage was 27% (n = 20). The rates of both radiologic and functional malposition in chest tubes with posterior insertion were significantly higher than in patients with anterior insertion (64% and 43% vs 13% and 6%, respectively; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Chest tubes did not need to be directed posteriorly in many trauma cases. Posterior chest tubes have a high incidence of being malpositioned. This malpositioning may be prevented by judging the necessity for posterior insertion.

Validating the trauma care system developed by Yokohama City local government.

Background: Since becoming the city with the first government-designated major trauma center in 2014, Yokohama has been striving to centralize care for extensive trauma patients. Hence, in this study, the Yokohama City Major Trauma Care Advisory Committee tested the efficacy of the centralization of care for trauma patients. Methods: This investigation included all cases of deaths due to road traffic accidents that occurred in the 2-year period following the establishment of the major trauma center. The probability of survival was calculated using data provided by the police and fire departments. Cases that died despite having a probability of survival of 50% or more were included in the survey undertaken by physicians recommended by the Japanese Association for the Surgery of Trauma, who visited the hospitals. Results: Of those surveyed, preventable trauma death accounted for 1 case (1.7%) and potentially preventable trauma death accounted for 7 (11.9%), compared with 5 (9.8%) and 11 (21%) cases, respectively, in the period 2009-2010. Conclusions: Comparing the survey conducted before establishment of the major trauma center, those results support the benefits of centralizing care for severe trauma cases. We aim to continue improving trauma care provided through the center along with the Yokohama Medical Control Council and to overcome challenges that were identified through the peer review.

A method to detect occult pneumothorax with chest radiography.

Small pneumothoraces are often not visible on supine screening chest radiographs because they develop anteriorly to the lung. These pneumothoraces are termed occult. Occult pneumothoraces account for an astonishingly high 52% to 63% of all traumatic pneumothoraces. A 19-year-old obese woman was involved in a head-on car accident. The admission anteroposterior chest radiographs were unremarkable. Because of the presence of right chest tenderness and an abrasion, we suspected the presence of a pneumothorax. Thus, we decided to take a supine oblique chest radiograph of the right side of the thorax, which clearly revealed a visceral pleural line, consistent with a diagnosis of traumatic pneumothorax. A pneumothorax may be present when a supine chest radiograph reveals either an apparent deepening of the costophrenic angle (the "deep sulcus sign") or the presence of 2 diaphragm-lung interfaces (the "double diaphragm sign"). However, in practice, supine chest radiographs have poor sensitivity for occult pneumothoraces. Oblique chest radiograph is a useful and fast screening tool that should be considered for cases of blunt chest trauma, especially when transport of critically ill patients to the computed tomographic suite is dangerous or when imminent transfer to another hospital is being arranged and early diagnosis of an occult pneumothorax is essential.

64-Slice multidetector computed tomography evaluation of gastrointestinal tract perforation site: detectability of direct findings in upper and lower GI tract.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate wall discontinuity, as observed using 64-slice multidetector-row computed tomography (64-MDCT), as a direct finding (DF) indicating the perforation site in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) tract perforations. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 41 consecutive patients presenting with acute abdomen and exhibiting extraluminal air (EA) on 64-MDCT. Three readers evaluated the distribution of EA, extraluminal faeces, dirty mass, dirty fat sign, extraluminal fluid collection and bowel wall thickening (i.e. conventional findings, CFs) as well as DFs. RESULTS: Twenty-two cases were surgically or endoscopically confirmed to have upper GI tract perforations, and 19 had lower GI tract perforations. The DFs correctly identified the sites of perforation in 80.5% of patients when 2-mm-thick imaging slices were used. For the detection of upper GI tract perforations, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 95.5%, 94.7% and 95.1% for the DFs and 50.0%, 100% and 73.2% for the CFs, respectively. Significant differences in sensitivity (p < 0.001) and diagnostic accuracy (p < 0.05) were observed between the DFs and CFs for upper GI perforations but not for lower GI tract perforations. CONCLUSION: DFs of the perforation site by using 64-MDCT were more sensitive and accurate than CFs for the detection of upper GI tract perforations.

Predictive value of a flat inferior vena cava on initial computed tomography for hemodynamic deterioration in patients with blunt torso trauma.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the value of the diameter of the inferior vena cava (IVC) on initial computed tomography (CT) to predict hemodynamic deterioration in patients with blunt torso trauma. METHODS: We reviewed the initial CT scans, taken after admission to emergency room (ER), of 114 patients with blunt torso trauma who were consecutively admitted during a 24-month period. We measured the maximal anteroposterior and transverse diameters of the IVC at the level of the renal vein. Flat vena cava (FVC) was defined as a maximal transverse to anteroposterior ratio of less than 4:1. According to the hemodynamic status, the patients were categorized into three groups. Patients with hemodynamic deterioration after the CT scans were defined as group D (n = 37). The other patients who remained hemodynamically stable after the CT scans were divided into two groups: patients who were hemodynamically stable on ER arrival were defined as group S (n = 60) and those who were in shock on ER arrival and responded to the fluid resuscitation were defined as group R (n = 17). RESULTS: The anteroposterior diameter of the IVC in group D was significantly smaller than those in groups R and S (7.6 mm ± 4.4 mm, 15.8 mm ± 5.5 mm, and 15.3 mm ± 4.2 mm, respectively; p < 0.05). Of the 93 patients without FVC, 16 (17%) were in group D, 14 (15%) required blood transfusion, and 8 (9%) required intervention. However, of the 21 patients with FVC, all patients were in group D, 20 (95%) required blood transfusion, and 17 (80%) required intervention. The patients with FVC had higher mortality (52%) than the other patients (2%). CONCLUSION: In cases of blunt torso trauma, patients with FVC on initial CT may exhibit hemodynamic deterioration, necessitating early blood transfusion and therapeutic intervention.

Does splenic preservation treatment (embolization, splenorrhaphy, and partial splenectomy) improve immunologic function and long-term prognosis after splenic injury?

BACKGROUND: : To assess the immunologic alteration and long-term prognosis after splenic injury from preservation treatment (PT) (embolization, splenorrhaphy, partial splencetomy) and to compare with splenectomy (SN). METHODS: : The long-term prognosis of patients with blunt splenic injury treated at seven tertiary emergency centers in Japan was retrospectively studied. Patients were followed up by telephone interview and written questionnaire. Blood samples and abdominal computer tomography scans were taken from patients who consented, and immunologic indices and the remaining volume of the spleen were measured. RESULTS: : There was no episode of severe infection requiring hospitalization among the 66 SN patients (760 patient-year) and the 34 PT (213 patient-year) patients. Blood tests from 58 patients (24 SN vs. 34 PT) revealed significant differences in platelet count, Howell-Jolly body positive rate (SN 87% vs. PT 3%), white blood cells, total lymphocyte count, T-cell count, B-cell count, and serum IgG level. There was no significant difference in serum levels of IgM or specific IgG antibodies against 14 types of Streptococcus pneumoniae capsular polysaccharide, C3, C4, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and B -cell subset (surface marker immunoglobulins: IgA, IgG, and IgM). Most patients had anti-S. pneumoniae antibody levels less than that of the reference level for multiple serotypes (average 3 in SN and 4 in PT). A computer tomography scan was taken from 33 PT patients; the volume of spleen remaining averaged 130 mL (range, 48-287 mL). CONCLUSION: : PT did not show discernible advantage over SN in immunologic indices including IgM and 14 serotypes of anti-S. pneumoniae antibodies, suggesting prophylactic measures and close follow-up are necessary after PT and SN.

Comparison of diagnostic accuracy for nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia in models with biomarkers including intestinal fatty acid-binding protein in addition to clinical findings.

BACKGROUND: Nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) is an acute and life-threatening gastrointestinal disorder, requiring rapid therapeutic intervention for ischemic bowel. However, its rapid detection remains challenging. This retrospective, observational study was aimed at comparing the diagnostic accuracy for NOMI in models of biomarkers, including intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP), and clinical findings. METHODS: All consecutive patients who presented to the emergency department of the study hospital with suspected NOMI were prospectively enrolled. Receiver operating characteristic analysis compared the diagnostic accuracy of I-FABP with traditional biomarkers (white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, lactate, creatine kinase, and D-dimer) alone and in combination with the baseline model established from clinical findings. RESULTS: Of 96 patients with suspected NOMI, 25 (26.0%) were clinically diagnosed with NOMI. In-hospital mortality was higher in patients with NOMI than those with other conditions (56.0% vs. 4.2%, p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analyses revealed that the I-FABP model had the highest area under the curve (0.805) in the diagnosis of NOMI, compared with other biomarkers. The diagnostic model of clinical findings including age, cardiovascular disease history, undergoing hemodialysis, hypotension, and consciousness disturbance in combination with I-FABP showed the best discrimination (area under the curve, 0.883), compared with other biomarkers. The bootstrap optimism estimate showed the lowest discrimination among the other models with other biomarkers (0.006). CONCLUSION: The usefulness of I-FABP for final diagnosis of NOMI in patients with clinically suspected NOMI at the emergency department was internally validated. Further external validation study is warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic test, level III.

Preoperative predictor of extensive resection for acute appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Appendectomy has been the preferred treatment of acute appendicitis. However, extensive resection (ER) such as an ileocecal resection is sometimes needed. We analyzed the predictive factors of ER. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 927 patients with acute appendicitis in 7 years. The data collected, including demographic characteristics, laboratory tests, computed tomography (CT) findings and days from onset. RESULTS: ER was performed in 40 patients (4.3%). Age, days from onset, C-reactive protein (CRP), and the presence of several CT findings were significantly higher in the ER group than others (p < 0.01). In a multivariate analysis, four variables (appendiceal mass, non-visualization of appendix, delayed admission, and CRP) retained statistical significance as predictors of ER (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that the four factors are clinically useful for predicting preoperatively whether or not ER is required. These may help in management decisions, including surgical procedure and anesthesia.

Comparison of trauma outcomes between Japan and the USA using national trauma registries.

BACKGROUND: The National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) has served as a global benchmark for trauma care quality and outcomes. Herein, we compared patient characteristics, trauma management, and outcomes between Japanese emergency and critical care centers and US level 1 trauma centers using the Japanese Trauma Data Bank (JTDB) and NTDB. METHODS: A retrospective cohort matching (1:1) study was performed. Patients treated in 2013 with an Injury Severity Score ≥9 were included. The primary outcome measure was in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcome measures included the hospital length of stay and the rate of use of radiological diagnostic modalities. RESULTS: A total of 14 960 pairs with well-balanced characteristics were generated from 22 535 and 112 060 eligible patients in the JTDB and NTDB, respectively. Before matching, the in-hospital mortality was higher in the JTDB than in the NTDB (7.6% vs. 6.1%; OR, 1.28; 95% CI 1.21 to 1.35). However, after matching, the in-hospital mortality was lower in the JTDB cohort (4.2% vs. 5.8%; OR, 0.72; 95% CI 0.65 to 0.80). CT scans were used in >80% of JTDB patients, which was more than 1.5 times as often as the use in the NTDB cohort. In subgroup analyses, only patients who received a blood transfusion had a poorer survival outcome in the JTDB compared with the NTDB (OR, 1.32; 95% CI 1.07 to 1.64). DISCUSSION: We observed marked differences in trauma care between Japan and the USA. Although the quality of the recent Japanese trauma care appears to be approaching that of the USA, it may be further improved, such as by the establishment of transfusion protocols. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Impact of self-inflicted injury on nontherapeutic laparotomy in patients with abdominal stab wounds.

INTRODUCTION: Because Japan has high suicide rates and low violent crime rates, it is likely that most abdominal stab wounds (ASWs) in Japan are self-inflicted. Although physical examination is one of the most important factors in surgical decision making, such evaluations can be difficult in patients with self-inflicted ASWs due to patient agitation and uncooperative behavior. Therefore, the self-inflicted nature of an injury may strongly affect clinical practice, particularly in Japan, but its influence remains uncertain. We hypothesized that the rates of exploratory laparotomy and nontherapeutic laparotomy (NTL) would be higher in self-inflicted patients. METHODS: We reviewed ASW patients from 2004 to 2014 in the Japan Trauma Data Bank. The rates of exploratory laparotomy and NTL were compared between self-inflicted and non-self-inflicted ASWs. RESULTS: Of the 1705 eligible patients, 1302 patients (76.4%) had self-inflicted ASWs, and 403 patients (23.6%) had non-self-inflicted ASWs. Self-inflicted patients had a significantly higher rate of psychiatric history, but lower injury severity. The in-hospital mortality rate was similar between the two groups (4.5% vs. 5.2%, p = 0.576). Self-inflicted patients had significantly higher rates of exploratory laparotomy and NTL (69.1% vs. 56.7%, p < 0.001, 22.5% vs. 13.6%, p = 0.03, respectively). Self-inflicted patients were also associated with significantly longer hospital stays (10.0 [5.0-21.0] vs. 9.0 [4.0-18.0] days, P = 0.045). In a multivariable analysis, self-inflicted patients were independently associated with exploratory laparotomy (odds ratio [OR], 2.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.55-2.72) and NTL (OR, 1.61; 95% CI: 1.01-2.56). CONCLUSION: ASWs in Japan were predominantly self-inflicted. The clinical patterns of self-inflicted ASWs had some unique features. Patients with self-inflicted ASWs had higher rates of laparotomy and NTL. Further studies are needed to develop a useful protocol specific to self-inflicted ASWs.

Life-threatening giant esophageal neurofibroma with severe tracheal stenosis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Benign esophageal tumors are relatively rare, and a neurofibroma in the esophagus is extremely rare. Dysphagia is the most common clinical manifestation in patients with esophageal neurofibroma, and no cases of giant esophageal neurofibroma with severe tracheal stenosis have been reported. CASE PRESENTATION: A 73-year-old woman presented with shortness of breath, and computed tomography scan exhibited a giant mediastinal tumor causing severe tracheal stenosis. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a giant submucosal lesion without mucosal changes located 18-23 cm from the incisor teeth. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography image revealed an upper mediastinal homogeneous mass and left supraclavicular lymph node with increased FDG accumulation. We performed endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy; however, a definitive diagnosis could not be determined. During further investigation, her shortness of breath suddenly worsened and she suffered from wheezing. Because of risk of smothering, we decided to perform quasi-urgent lifesaving surgery. Under the preparation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) when tracheal intubation fails, bronchial blocker was inserted over the tracheal stenosis and the left-lung ventilation was performed via intubation alone. Under general anesthesia, the patient was placed in the left lateral position and we performed right thoracotomy. The tumor strongly adhered to the trachea; however, the trachea or recurrent laryngeal nerves were not damaged in the surgery. Following esophagectomy, we performed gastric conduit reconstruction through the posterior mediastinum, and hand-sewn anastomosis was performed in the left neck. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for S-100 but negative for c-KIT, CD34, α-SMA, and desmin; these morphological and immunohistochemical characteristics were consistent with the diagnosis of neurofibroma. CONCLUSIONS: It is often difficult to diagnose esophageal neurofibroma preoperatively. The preparation of ECMO could be considered in patients with severe airway obstruction for safe tracheal intubation. This is the first case of life-threatening giant esophageal neurofibroma with severe tracheal stenosis.

[An elderly patient with recurrent rectal cancer successfully responded to S-1 combined with CPT-11].

An 80-year-old female visited our hospital with a chief complaint of anal pain and bleeding. The patient was diagnosed by colonoscopy to have rectal cancer which invaded the perineal region. A pelvic CT also revealed metastases to the lymph node located in the femoral artery. Miles operation was performed and a curative resection was successfully achieved. The pathological findings were poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with pMP and pN2. Adjuvant chemotherapy was refused by the patient. Paraaortic lymph node metastasis was diagnosed by abdominal CT 6 months after the surgery. The patient was treated with S-1 combined with CPT-11. The S-1 (80 mg/m2) was orally administered for 2 weeks followed by a 2-week interval and CPT-11 (100 mg/m2) was also simultaneously administered biweekly. One cycle of chemotherapy was 28 days. The patient experienced grade 2 leukocytopenia, neutropenia, diarrhea and grade 1 alopecia. Abdominal CT revealed a partial response after 2 cycles. After 10 cycles, the patient continued to demonstrate a partial response. The S-1 combined with CPT-11 regimen for elderly patients was thus found to be very feasible and convenient, and we obtained a good compliance. As a result, this regimen was thus found to be promising for unresectable or recurrent colorectal cancer in elder patients. In the future, the efficacy and safety of this regimen should be verified in phase II clinical trial for elderly patients.

Early diagnosis of hollow viscus injury using intestinal fatty acid-binding protein in blunt trauma patients.

A delay in diagnosing hollow viscus injury (HVI) causes an increase in mortality and morbidity. HVI remains a challenge to diagnose, and there is no specific diagnostic biomarker for HVI. We evaluated the utility of intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) in diagnosing HVI in blunt trauma patients. Within a 5-year period, 93 consecutive patients with clinically suspected HVI at our trauma center were prospectively enrolled. The diagnostic performance of I-FABP for HVI was compared with that of other various parameters (physical, laboratory, and radiographic findings). HVI was diagnosed in 13 patients (14%), and non-HVI was diagnosed in 80 patients (86%). The level of I-FABP was significantly higher in patients with HVI than in those with non-HVI (P = 0.014; area under the curve, 0.71). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 76.9%, 70.0%, 29.4%, and 94.9%, respectively (P = 0.003). However, all other biomarkers were not significantly different between the groups. Presence of extraluminal air, bowel wall thickening on computed tomography (CT), and peritonitis signs were significantly higher in patients with HVI (P < 0.05). Of 49 patients (52.7%) who had a negative I-FABP and negative peritonitis signs, none developed HVI (sensitivity, 100%; negative predictive value, 100%). This is the first study that demonstrated the diagnostic value of a biomarker for HVI. I-FABP has a higher negative predictive value compared to traditional diagnostic tests. Although the accuracy of I-FABP alone was insufficient, the combination of I-FABP and other findings can enhance diagnostic ability.

Clinical Evaluation of "Shock Bowel" Using Intestinal Fatty Acid Binding Protein.

"Shock bowel" is one of the computed tomographic (CT) signs of hypotension, yet its clinical implications remain poorly understood. We evaluated how shock bowel affects clinical outcomes and the extent of intestinal epithelial damage in trauma patients by measuring the level of intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP). We reviewed the initial CT scans, taken in the emergency room, of 92 patients with severe blunt torso trauma who were consecutively admitted during a 24-month period. The data collected included CT signs of hypotension, I-FABP, feeding intolerance, and other clinical outcomes. Demographic and clinical outcomes were compared in patients with and without hemodynamic shock and shock bowel. Shock bowel was found in 16 patients (17.4%); of them 7 patients (43.8%) did not have hemodynamic shock. Certain CT signs of hypotension, namely free peritoneal fluid, contrast extravasation, small-caliber aorta, and shock bowel, were significantly more common in patients with hemodynamic shock than in patients without (P < 0.05). Injury severity score and the rate of consciousness disturbance were significantly higher in patients with shock bowel than in patients without (P < 0.05). The rate of feeding intolerance and median plasma I-FABP levels were significantly higher in patients with shock bowel than in patients without (75.0% vs. 22.4%, P < 0.001 and 17.0 ng/mL vs. 3.7 ng/mL, P < 0.001, respectively). There was no difference in mortality. In conclusion, shock bowel is not always due to hemodynamic shock. It does, however, indicate severe intestinal mucosal damages and may predict feeding intolerance.

[A partial response to combined TS-1 and docetaxel chemotherapy enabling a curative resection after the failure of combined TS-1 and CDDP chemotherapy in a patient with unresectable gastric cancer].

A 60-year-old man visited our hospital complaining of epigastric pain. Gastrofiberscopy revealed an advanced gastric cancer located on the anterior wall of the antrum. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed metastases to the paraaortic lymph nodes. The patient subsequently underwent combined chemotherapy consisting of TS-1 and low-dose CDDP for the treatment of unresectable gastric cancer. No reductions in the paraaortic lymph node metastases were noted after one cycle. The patient was then treated with TS-1 combined with docetaxel as a second-line chemotherapy. TS-1 (80 mg/m2) was orally administered for 2 weeks followed by a 2 week interval, while docetaxel (25 mg/m2) was simultaneously administered weekly (days 1, 8, and 15). One cycle of chemotherapy was 28 days. An abdominal CT revealed a partial response after 3 cycles. The patient experienced grade 2 leukocytopenia and grade 3 neutropenia. We decided that the patient could undergo a curative resection, and a distal gastrectomy with D2+para-aortic LN dissection was performed. The pathological efficacy was Grade 2. The patient is presently alive with no sign of recurrence after 20 months. Combined TS-1 and docetaxel chemotherapy is a promising second-line regimen for the treatment of unresectable gastric cancer, after treatment with TS 1 combined with CDDP has failed.

Diagnostic value of intestinal fatty acid-binding protein for pneumatosis intestinalis.

BACKGROUND: Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is known as a sign of a life-threatening bowel ischemia. We aimed to evaluate the utility of intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) in the diagnosis of pathologic PI. METHODS: All consecutive patients who presented to our emergency department with PI were prospectively enrolled. The diagnostic performance of I-FABP for pathologic PI was compared with that of other traditional biomarkers and various parameters. RESULTS: Seventy patients with PI were enrolled. Pathologic PI was diagnosed in 27 patients (39%). The levels of most biomarkers were significantly higher in patients with pathologic PI than those with nonpathologic PI (P < .05). Receiver operator characteristic analysis revealed that the area under the curve (AUC) was highest for I-FABP (area under the curve = .82) in the diagnosis of pathologic PI. CONCLUSIONS: High I-FABP value, in combination with other parameters, might be clinically useful for pathologic PI.

Diagnostic accuracy of oblique chest radiograph for occult pneumothorax: comparison with ultrasonography.

BACKGRAOUND: An occult pneumothorax is a pneumothorax that is not seen on a supine chest X-ray but is detected by computed tomography scanning. However, critical patients are difficult to transport to the computed tomography suite. We previously reported a method to detect occult pneumothorax using oblique chest radiography (OXR). Several authors have also reported that ultrasonography is an effective technique for detecting occult pneumothorax. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of OXR in the diagnosis of the occult pneumothorax and to compare OXR with ultrasonography. METHODS: All consecutive blunt chest trauma patients with clinically suspected pneumothorax on arrival at the emergency department were prospectively included at our tertiary-care center. The patients underwent OXR and ultrasonography, and underwent computed tomography scans as the gold standard. Occult pneumothorax size on computed tomography was classified as minuscule, anterior, or anterolateral. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-nine patients were enrolled. Of the 70 occult pneumothoraces found in the 318 thoraces, 19 were minuscule, 32 were anterior, and 19 were anterolateral. The sensitivity and specificity of OXR for detecting occult pneumothorax was 61.4 % and 99.2 %, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of lung ultrasonography was 62.9 % and 98.8 %, respectively. Among 27 occult pneumothoraces that could not be detected by OXR, 16 were minuscule and 21 could be conservatively managed without thoracostomy. CONCLUSION: OXR appears to be as good method as lung ultrasonography in the detection of large occult pneumothorax. In trauma patients who are difficult to transfer to computed tomography scan, OXR may be effective at detecting occult pneumothorax with a risk of progression.