The nerve root sedimentation sign in diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis.

BACKGROUND: The nerve root sedimentation sign is a magnetic resonance (MR) sign, shown to be present in central lumbar spinal stenosis. The lack of sedimentation of the nerve roots to the dorsal part of the dural sac is consistent with the positive nerve root sedimentation sign. PURPOSE: To validate the reliability of the nerve root sedimentation sign in diagnosis of different grades of lumbar spinal canal stenosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was a retrospective review of 101 consecutive MR imaging (MRI) studies obtained on patients with clinically suspected lumbar canal stenosis. Based on the minimum anteroposterior (AP) diameter of the dural sac the study sample was classified into two groups: a group with morphological lumbar spinal stenosis; and the group of patients free from stenosis (AP > 12 mm). Patients with stenosis were further subclassified based on its severity: severe stenosis (AP ≤ 10 mm); and moderate stenosis (AP > 10 mm to ≤ 12 mm). RESULTS: Positive sedimentation sign was identified in 81% of patients with severe lumbar spinal stenosis and 14% of patients with moderate stenosis. No patients without lumbar spinal stenosis had a positive nerve root sedimentation sign. Of patients with a positive nerve root sedimentation sign, 89% presented with neurological claudication. CONCLUSION: The nerve root sedimentation is a useful tool for identification of patients with both severe clinical and morphological lumbar spinal stenosis; however, its performance in the diagnosis of patients with moderate morphological spinal stenosis is poor.

Cytokines Produced by Lymphocytes in the Incompetent Great Saphenous Vein.

The pathogenesis of chronic venous disease (CVD) remains unclear, but lately inflammation is suggested to have an important role in its development. This study is aimed at assessing cytokines released by lymphocytes in patients with great saphenous vein (GSV) incompetence. In 34 patients exhibiting oscillatory flow (reflux) in GSV, blood was derived from the cubital vein and from the incompetent sapheno-femoral junction. In 12 healthy controls, blood was derived from the cubital vein. Lymphocyte culture with and without stimulation by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) was performed. Interleukins (IL) 1ß, 2, 4, 10, 12 (p70), and 17A; interleukin 1 receptor α (IL-1ra); tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α); interferon-gamma (IFN-γ); and RANTES were assessed in culture supernatants by the Bio-Plex assay. In both stimulated and unstimulated samples, in the examined group, IL-1ß and IFN-γ had higher concentrations and RANTES had lower concentrations when compared to those in the control group. In the examined group, IL-4 and IL-17A had higher concentrations without stimulation and TNF-α had higher concentrations with stimulation. The GSV samples had higher IL-2, IL-4, IL-12 (p70), and IFN-γ concentrations without stimulation and lower IL-2 and TNF-α concentrations with stimulation when compared to those of the upper limb in the examined group. These observations indicate that the oscillatory flow present in incompetent veins causes changes in the cytokine production by lymphocytes, promoting a proinflammatory profile. However, the relations between immunological cells, cytokines, and the endothelium require more insight.

[Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy as a new way of peritoneal metastases treatment]. / Dootrzewnowa chemioterapia perfuzyjna w hipertermii jako nowy sposób leczenia przerzutów nowotworowych do otrzewnej.

Peritoneal neoplastic disease may originate primarily from neoplasms developing in peritoneum or metastases of cancers mostly arising in digestive or female reproductive systems. Peritoneal neoplasia leads to a much poorer prognosis and in most cases the palliative care, which focus on gastrointestinal motility and patency, adequate analgesia and psychological care, is being introduced. Systemic chemotherapy is ineffective as a result of existence of physiological blood-peritoneal barrier that blocks hydrophilic chemotherapeutics. Nowadays there are attempts to eliminate this problem by performing cytoreductive surgery accompanied by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Undoubtedly the possibility to gain high local concentration of chemotherapeutic directly in peritoneal cavity is primary advantage of this method. In the carried out clinical trials the efficiency of this procedure in prolonging patient life in a relatively good comfort was proven. This method is highly recommended in case of peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer treatment. There are ongoing studies focused on proving the effectiveness of HIPEC in case of other types of neoplasms and use of that therapy as a prophylactic treatment before metastases occur.

Analysis of surgical outcomes in 102 patients with renal cell carcinoma with venous tumor thrombus: A retrospective observational single-center study.

The aim of the study was to assess short- and long-term results following radical nephrectomy with renal vein and inferior vena cava thrombectomy in patients with renal cell cancer with venous thrombus and to investigate impact of various demographical, clinical and histological factors on overall survival (OS). The medical records of 102 adult patients with renal cell cancer with venous thrombus admitted for surgery in Department of General, Vascular and Transplant Surgery from 2012 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The tumor was more frequently located on the right side compared to the left one (55 vs. 47). According to Neves Zincke classification, the levels of venous thrombus were as follows: 1 to 48 (47%), 2 to 47 (46%), 3 to 6 (6%), and 4 to 1 (1%). Postoperative complications were noted in 16 (15.7%) patients. One (3%) patient (Neves Zincke 2) died of intraoperative pulmonary embolism during hospitalization. Clear cell carcinoma was the most common pathological type reported in 92 (90.2%) patients. Thirty nine (38.2%) patients were alive at the time of last follow-up. The median OS was 21.50 (0-101.17) months. The 1-year OS was 75.5%. Significantly better OS (median 38.03 months) was noted in patients with RCC Neves Zincke 1 compared to OS (median 14.79 months) in patients with Neves Zincke 2-4 VT (P = .008). Higher tumor staging (T3 vs. T4) (P = .038), nodal staging (N0 vs. N1) (P = .0008), Fuhrman histological grading (G1-2 vs. G3-4) (P = .033) were associated with a shorter OS. Patients with renal cell cancer with venous thrombus, with an acceptable perioperative risk, should be treated surgically, because radical nephrectomy with thrombectomy performed in a high volume surgical center is a safe procedure. Neves Zincke 2-4 venous thrombus, higher tumor and nodal staging, as well higher Fuhrman histological grading are associated with a shorter OS.

Clinical value of serum neopterin, tissue polypeptide-specific antigen and CA19-9 levels in differential diagnosis between pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Neopterin and tissue polypeptide-specific antigen (TPS) have been suggested to be useful in differential diagnosis between pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PA) and chronic pancreatitis (CP). The aim of our study was to compare the clinical usefulness of CA19-9, neopterin and TPS serum levels in patients with PA and CP. METHODS: The study included 85 patients with PA, 72 with CP and 50 healthy controls. The serum concentrations of neopterin, TPS and CA19-9 were measured (DRG International, USA). The associations of the analyzed markers and clinical data at diagnosis have been evaluated. RESULTS: Serum levels of neopterin, TPS and CA19-9 were higher in PA patients compared to CP (p < 0.001). TPS and CA19-9 levels were also elevated in patients with CP compared to the control group (p < 0.001). In contrast, there was no difference between neopterin serum levels in CP patients and the control group (p > 0.05). Neopterin showed the best sensitivity and specificity (91.8 and 87.5%) in PA diagnosis compared to CA19-9 (respectively 83.5 and 75%) and TPS (75.3 and 65.3%). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that neopterin may be potentially useful in differential diagnosis between PA and CP. Assessment of TPS probably adds no significant information to that obtained with CA19-9 and neopterin. and IAP.

Serum visfatin and vaspin levels in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common liver cancer, accountable for 90% cases. Visfatin and vaspin are adipocytokines with various suggested functions and proven significant correlations between BMI and percentage of body fat. The aim was to assess visfatin and vaspin serum levels in HCC patients and controls, compare their levels in patients with different cancer etiology and grade assessed according to the Barcelona-Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system. The additional aim was to analyze relationship between analyzed adipokines and metabolic abnormalities and liver disfunction severity. The study was performed on 69 cirrhotic patients (54 males/15 females) with HCC, aged 59.0 ± 12.1 years, and with BMI 29.0 ± 4.5 kg/m2 compared to 20 healthy volunteers. Serum visfatin and vaspin concentrations were significantly increased in HCC patients compared to controls (p = 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively). Serum vaspin was significantly higher in HCC patients with viral compared to those with non-viral etiology (p = 0.02), with more evident increase in chronic hepatitis C patients (CHC). Serum visfatin levels were significantly higher in patients with higher insulin resistance (p = 0.04) and with platelets count > 100 000/mm3 (p<0.001). Patients with BMI >30 kg/m2 had markedly up-regulated vaspin levels (p = 0.04). There was no difference in vaspin and visfatin serum levels with respect to liver dysfunction and BCLC classification. In conclusion, our study revealed serum vaspin and visfatin to be significantly increased in HCC patients independently of cancer etiology compared to controls. Additionally, serum vaspin was elevated in viral disease, especially in CHC. Vaspin up-regulation can be a compensatory mechanism against IR in HCC patients. Serum visfatin and vaspin, although up-regulated, seem not to be associated with cancer grade and cirrhosis severity.

Comparison of propofol-ketamine versuspropofol-remifentanil in children anaesthetized for gastroscopy.

BACKGROUND: The search for ideal anaesthesia is still an open research issue. The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare two methods of general anaesthesia with preserved own breath - propofol with ketamine and propofol with remifentanil - in children anaesthetized for gastroscopy. METHODS: The study included 90 children enrolled for elective endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract under general anaesthesia. The patients were randomized to one of two groups: Group K consisted of children anesthetized with propofol and ketamine, Group R included children anesthetized with propofol and remifentanil. Parameters monitored during anaesthesia were induction time, respiratory and circulatory parameters, adverse events, waking time and the child's condition after regaining consciousness. RESULTS: The groups differed significantly in time of induction of anaesthesia (Group K 3 ± 1 min vs. Group R 4 ± 2.5 min; P < 0.001), waking time (Group R 4 ± 4.5 min vs. Group K 6 ± 5 min; P < 0.01), condition of the child after regaining consciousness (Group R 90.9% calm, Group of K 54% confused; P < 0.001) and evaluation of test conditions in the opinion of the gastroenterologist (in favour of Group K; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both methods of anaesthesia presented in the paper are safe and can be used in children to perform endoscopy. Combining propofol with ketamine allows fast induction of anaesthesia and creates very good conditions for the examination. Combining propofol with remifentanil allows fast and full return of consciousness after anaesthesia.

A composite model including visfatin, tissue polypeptide-specific antigen, hyaluronic acid, and hematological variables for the diagnosis of moderate-to-severe fibrosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a preliminary study.

INTRODUCTION: Histopathological risk factors for end-stage liver failure in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) include nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and advanced liver fibrosis. There is a need for noninvasive diagnostic methods for these 2 conditions. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate new laboratory variables with a predictive potential to detect advanced fibrosis (stages 2 and 3) in NAFLD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study involved 70 patients with histologically proven NAFLD of varied severity. Additional laboratory variables included zonulin, haptoglobin, visfatin, adiponectin, leptin, tissue polypeptide-specific antigen (TPSA), hyaluronic acid, and interleukin 6. RESULTS: Patients with NASH (NAFLD activity score of ≥5) had significantly higher HOMA-IR values and serum levels of visfatin, haptoglobin, and zonulin as compared with those without NASH on histological examination. Advanced fibrosis was found in 16 patients (22.9%) and the risk factors associated with its prevalence were age, the ratio of erythrocyte count to red blood cell distribution width, platelet count, and serum levels of visfatin and TPSA. Based on these variables, we constructed a scoring system that differentiated between NAFLD patients with and without advanced fibrosis with a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 100% (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.93). CONCLUSIONS: The scoring system based on the above variables allows to predict advanced fibrosis with high sensitivity and specificity. However, its clinical utility should be verified in further studies involving a larger number of patients.

Concentration of gelatinases and their tissue inhibitors in pancreatic inflammatory and neoplastic tumors and their influence on the early postoperative course.

UNLABELLED: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the fourth leading cause of death in the world, due to neoplastic disease. Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a progressive disease leading towards pancreatic fibrosis. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP2 and 9) and their tissue inhibitor (TIMP 1 and 2) concentrations in case of PC and CP tissue homogenates on early treatment results of patients subject to pancreatic resections. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group comprised 63 patients, including 25 (39.68%) female and 38 (60.32%) male patients. Group 1 (CP) consisted of 31 patients with CP (F: M = 10/21). Group 2 (PC) consisted of 32 patients with PC (F: M = 15:17). The pancreatic tumor samples were collected from the resected pancreas, being subject to electrophoresis and immunoenzymatic studies. After confirming their activity, MMP2, MMP9, TIMP1, TIMP2 concentrations were determined. Correlation analysis of MMPs and TIMPs concentrations was performed in relation to the following: tumor diameter, age, BMI, hospitalization, duration of symptoms and surgery, blood loss, incidence of perioperative complications. RESULTS: Group differences were presented in terms of: age, BMI, ASA, duration of symptoms, jaundice, tumor diameter, time of operation. There were no differences considering weight loss, blood loss, extent of resection, and hospitalization. Significant MMPs and TIMPs concentration differences between groups were demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: Comparison of PC to CP tissue samples showed significantly higher levels of metalloproteinases and TIMPs in the former. Positive correlations of MMP1, TIMP1 and 2 with tumor diameter (CP) were observed, and MMP2 with the duration of surgery and blood loss (PC). There was no MMPs and TIMPs concentration levels influence on the incidence of postoperative complications.

Distal Pancreatectomy--own experience.

THE AIM OF THE STUDY: was the retrospective analysis of early results after distal pancreatectomy (DP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the period between January, 2000 and December, 2010 distal pancreatectomy was performed in 73 patients, including 32 (43.83%) male, and 41 (56.16%) female patients. Average patient age amounted to 53.92 ± 14.37 years. Surgery was performed by means of laparoscopy or the classical method. RESULTS: The mean duration of the procedure amounted to 179.79 ± 59.90 minutes. Fifty-nine (80.82%) patients were subject to splenectomy. After the resection the pancreatic stump was hand-sewn in 69 patients. Pancreatoenterostomy was performed in 4 (5.47%) patients. Early postoperative complications occurred in 11 (15%) patients. Reoperation was required in two (2.7 %) patients. The postoperative mortality rate amounted to 2.7%. The average hospitalization period after surgery amounted to 12.72 ± 9.8 (1- 66) days. CONCLUSIONS: Distal pancreatectomy performed in a center experienced in pancreatic surgery is a safe procedure characterized by a low rate of complications and mortality.

Gastrointestinal image: a true giant transverse colon diverticulum.

UNLABELLED: Giant colonic diverticulum is an extremely rare condition in colonic diverticular disease. More than 90% of giant colonic diverticula are found in the sigmoid colon. Inflammatory and pseudodiverticula are the most frequent. Only one case of a true diverticulum of the transverse colon has been reported in the literature. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a 22-year-old woman presenting with constipation and meteorism from childhood. A plain abdominal X-ray showed a round radiolucent air-filled cyst. Barium enema revealed a single, large diverticulum of the transverse colon. An extended right hemicolectomy with primary end-to-end anastomosis was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful, and she was discharged in 1 week without any complications. Histopathology showed a true diverticulum containing all layers of the colon.

Hepaticojejunostomy vs. end-to-end biliary reconstructions in the treatment of iatrogenic bile duct injuries.

BACKGROUND: Retrospective comparison of short- and long-term results and quality of life in patients treated for iatrogenic bile duct injuries (IBDI) with Roux-Y hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) or end-to-end ductal anastomosis (EE). METHODS: Between January 1990 and March 2005, 94 patients underwent reconstructive surgery for IBDI: 49, Roux-Y HJ, and 45, EE. RESULTS: Early postoperative complications were observed in 12 (24.5%) patients undergoing HJ and three (6.7%) undergoing EE (p = 0.0239). Reoperations in the early postoperative period were performed in four (8%) patients after HJ and in zero patients after EE. Following HJ, one (2%) hospital death occurred due to acute circulatory insufficiency. Long-term results were evaluated in 69 (72%) patients. Postoperative mean weight gain was significantly higher after EE than HJ (p = 0.0191). Recurrent stricture was observed in two (5.3%) patients after HJ and three (9.6%) after EE (p = 0.6509). Terblanche long-term results were comparable in both groups (p = 0.3173). Good Karnofsky quality of life was comparable in both groups (p = 0.8377). CONCLUSIONS: More early complications occurred after HJ than after EE. Long-term results were comparable after both reconstructive methods. After EE, patients achieved a higher weight gain than after HJ. Quality of life in both groups was comparable.