PKM2 functions as a histidine kinase to phosphorylate PGAM1 and increase glycolysis shunts in cancer.

Phosphoglycerate mutase 1 (PGAM1) is a key node enzyme that diverts the metabolic reactions from glycolysis into its shunts to support macromolecule biosynthesis for rapid and sustainable cell proliferation. It is prevalent that PGAM1 activity is upregulated in various tumors; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we unveil that pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) moonlights as a histidine kinase in a phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP)-dependent manner to catalyze PGAM1 H11 phosphorylation, that is essential for PGAM1 activity. Moreover, monomeric and dimeric but not tetrameric PKM2 are efficient to phosphorylate and activate PGAM1. In response to epidermal growth factor signaling, Src-catalyzed PGAM1 Y119 phosphorylation is a prerequisite for PKM2 binding and the subsequent PGAM1 H11 phosphorylation, which constitutes a discrepancy between tumor and normal cells. A PGAM1-derived pY119-containing cell-permeable peptide or Y119 mutation disrupts the interaction of PGAM1 with PKM2 and PGAM1 H11 phosphorylation, dampening the glycolysis shunts and tumor growth. Together, these results identify a function of PKM2 as a histidine kinase, and illustrate the importance of enzyme crosstalk as a regulatory mode during metabolic reprogramming and tumorigenesis.

Umbilical-portal-systemic venous shunt and intrauterine growth restriction: an inquiry from a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: The investigation of the fetal umbilical-portal venous system is based on the premise that congenital anomalies of this system may be related to adverse perinatal outcomes. Several small retrospective studies have reported an association between umbilical-portal-systemic venous shunts and intrauterine growth restriction. However, the prevalence of portosystemic shunts in the fetal growth restricted population is yet to be determined. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were (1) to determine the prevalence of fetal umbilical-portal-systemic venous shunts in pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction and (2) to compare the perinatal and neonatal outcomes of pregnancies with intrauterine growth restriction with and without umbilical-portal-systemic venous shunts. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective, cross-sectional study of pregnancies diagnosed with intrauterine growth restriction, as defined by the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine intrauterine growth restriction guidelines. All participants underwent a detailed anomaly scan, supplemented with a targeted scan of the fetal portal system. Venous shunts were diagnosed using color Doppler mode. The perinatal outcomes of pregnancies with intrauterine growth restriction with and without umbilical-portal-systemic venous shunts were compared. RESULTS: A total of 150 cases with intrauterine growth restriction were recruited. The prevalence of umbilical-portal-systemic venous shunts in our cohort was 9.3% (n=14). When compared with the control group (intrauterine growth restriction without umbilical-portal-systemic venous shunts, n=136), the study group had a significantly lower mean gestational age at the time of intrauterine growth restriction diagnosis (29.7±5.6 vs 32.47±4.6 weeks of gestation; P=.036) and an earlier gestational age at delivery (33.50±6.0 vs 36.13±2.8; P=.005). The study group had a higher rate of fetal death (21.4% vs 0.7%; P<.001) and, accordingly, a lower rate of live births (71.4% vs 95.6%; P=.001). Additional associated fetal vascular anomalies were significantly more prevalent in the study group than in the control group (35.7% vs 4.4%; P≤.001). The rate of other associated anomalies was similar. The study group had a significantly lower rate of abnormal uterine artery Doppler indices (0% vs 40.4%; P=.011) and a higher rate of abnormal ductus venosus Doppler indices (64.3% vs 23%; P=.001). There were no cases of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in the study group, whereas the control group had an incidence of 12.5% (P=.16). Other perinatal and neonatal outcomes were comparable. CONCLUSION: Umbilical-portal-systemic venous shunt is a relatively common finding among fetuses with growth restriction. When compared with pregnancies with intrauterine growth restriction with a normal portal system, these pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction and an umbilical-portal-systemic venous shunt are associated with a different Doppler flow pattern, an increased risk for fetal death, earlier presentation of intrauterine growth restriction, a lower gestational age at delivery, additional congenital vascular anomalies, and a lower rate of pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders. Meticulous sonographic evaluation of the portal system should be considered in the prenatal workup of intrauterine growth restriction, as umbilical-portal-systemic venous shunts may affect perinatal outcomes.

Clinical outcomes of the Burnett "snake" maneuver shunt modification for ischemic priapism.

BACKGROUND: Major ischemic priapism (IP) is defined as a persistent penile erection for >4 hours. IP may cause serious complications, especially if prompt resolution is not achieved. Therefore, selecting the most effective and usable shunt technique is crucial in IP cases that are refractory to medical therapy. AIM: To compare the effectiveness and complication risks of distal corporoglanular shunt procedures with and without the Burnett "snake" maneuver. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of patients who presented with IP and underwent surgical treatment at our institution between 2005 and 2021. The patients were categorized into 2 groups: group 1 (n = 26) underwent distal shunt + Burnett snake maneuver, and group 2 (n = 56) underwent distal shunt-only. Clinical history, parameters of IP, details of medical and surgical treatments, and follow-up information were evaluated. OUTCOMES: Outcomes included differences in IP resolution and recurrence, functional erections, and complications between corporoglanular shunt procedures with and without the Burnett snake maneuver. RESULTS: In group 1, 24 of 26 patients (92.3%) experienced priapism resolution with a single surgical intervention, while this outcome was observed in 30 of 56 patients (53.6%) in group 2 (P < .001). Notably, priapism recurrence was significantly lower in group 1, occurring in 1 of 24 patients (4.2%), as opposed to 8 of 30 patients (26.6%) in group 2 (P < .001). Of the patients with documented sexual function status at follow-up, functional erections (capable of penetration with or without phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors) were noted in 6 of 14 patients (42.8%) in group 1 and 13 of 26 patients (50%) in group 2 (P = .66). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This study provides valuable insights regarding technical aspects of distal shunt procedures with and without the Burnett snake maneuver for treating major IP episodes. These results can help surgeons with clinical decision making for patients who present with IP. STRENGTH AND LIMITATIONS: Limitations include the single-site retrospective design with potential selection bias, inaccuracies in medical record data, challenges in controlling confounding variables, and the lack of validated questionnaire scores for erectile function evaluation. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that modifying distal shunt procedures using the Burnett snake maneuver significantly improves priapism resolution and effectively prevents further priapism episodes without introducing additional complications or erectile function loss, thereby distinguishing it from distal shunt-only procedures.

Clinical impact of craniectomy on shunt-dependent hydrocephalus after intracerebral hemorrhage: A propensity score-matched analysis.

PURPOSE: A consensus on decompressive craniectomy for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has not yet been established. We aimed to investigate the development of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus based on the method of ICH surgery, with a focus on craniectomy. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 458 patients with supratentorial ICH who underwent surgical hematoma evacuation between April 2005 and December 2021 at two independent stroke centers. Multivariate analyses were performed to characterize risk factors for postoperative shunt-dependent hydrocephalus. Propensity score matching (1:2) was undertaken to compensate for group-wise imbalances based on probable factors that were suspected to affect the development of hydrocephalus, and the clinical impact of craniectomy on shunt-dependent hydrocephalus was evaluated by the matched analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 43 of the 458 participants (9.4%) underwent shunt procedures as part of the management of hydrocephalus after ICH. Multivariate analysis revealed that intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and craniectomy were associated with shunt-dependent hydrocephalus after surgery for ICH. After propensity score matching, there were no statistically significant intergroup differences in participant age, sex, hypertension status, diabetes mellitus status, lesion location, ICH volume, IVH occurrence, or IVH severity. The craniectomy group had a significantly higher incidence of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus than the non-craniectomy group (28.9% vs. 4.3%, p < 0.001; OR 9.1, 95% CI 3.7-22.7), craniotomy group (23.2% vs. 4.3%, p < 0.001; OR 6.6, 95% CI 2.5-17.1), and catheterization group (20.0% vs. 4.0%, p = 0.012; OR 6.0, 95% CI 1.7-21.3). CONCLUSION: Decompressive craniectomy seems to increase shunt-dependent hydrocephalus among patients undergoing surgical ICH evacuation. The decision to perform a craniectomy for patients with ICH should be carefully individualized while considering the risk of hydrocephalus.

Comparison of Ductal Stent Versus Surgical Shunt as Initial Intervention for Neonates with Pulmonary Atresia with Intact Ventricular Septum.

Data comparing surgical systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunt and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) stent as the initial palliation procedure for patients with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA-IVS) are limited. We sought to compare characteristics and outcomes in a multicenter cohort of patients with PA-IVS undergoing surgical shunts versus PDA stents. We retrospectively reviewed neonates with PA-IVS from 2009 to 2019 in 19 United States centers. Bivariate comparisons and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed to determine the relationship between initial palliation strategy and outcomes including major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE): stroke, mechanical circulatory support, cardiac arrest, or death. 187 patients were included: 38 PDA stents and 149 surgical shunts. Baseline characteristics did not differ statistically between groups. Post-procedural MACE occurred in 4 patients (11%) with PDA stents versus 38 (26%) with surgical shunts, p = 0.079. Overall, the initial palliation strategy was not significantly associated with MACE (aOR:0.37; 95% CI,0.13-1.02). In patients with moderate-to-severe right ventricle hypoplasia, PDA stents were significantly associated with decreased odds of MACE (aOR:0.36; 95% CI,0.13-0.99). PDA stents were associated with lower vasoactive inotrope scores (median 0 versus 5, p < 0.001), greater likelihood to be extubated at the end of their procedure (37% versus 4%, p < 0.001), and shorter duration of mechanical ventilation (median 24 versus 96 h, p < 0.001). PDA stents were associated with significantly more unplanned reinterventions for hypoxemia compared to surgical shunts (42% vs. 20%, p = 0.009). In this multicenter study, neonates with PA-IVS who underwent PDA stenting received less vasoactive and ventilatory support postoperatively compared to those who had surgical shunts. Furthermore, patients with the most severe morphology had decreased odds of MACE.

Comparison of visual outcomes between medical treatment alone and Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in Shiba dogs with primary angle closure glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate visual outcomes between medical treatment alone (MED) and Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation (AGVI) in Shiba dogs with primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG). PROCEDURES: Records of 65 Shiba dogs (104 eyes) with PACG were retrospectively reviewed. Vision was assessed qualitatively using both the menace response and maze testing. The significance of age, sex, intraocular pressure (IOP), and duration of clinical signs (≤72 h or >72 h) at first presentation (V1) was assessed. Eyes with vision at V1 were divided into groups according to subsequent treatment method (MED versus AGVI), and vision as a survival outcome was compared between group by the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: At V1, 65 eyes (62.5%) of 54 dogs had vision. There was no statistically significant difference in age or sex on the presence of vision at V1. Median IOP was higher in blind (52 mmHg) compared to sighted eyes (28 mmHg) (p < .001). Eyes presenting in ≤72 h of the onset of clinical signs were more likely to have vision (86.7%) compared to those presenting after 72 h (44.1%) (p < .001). By the Kaplan-Meier analysis, the cumulative visual retention rate was significantly higher with AGVI than with MED (69.2% vs. 7.7%; p < .01) at 12 months. The median time to visual loss was 39.9 months with AGVI vs. 1.7 months with MED. CONCLUSIONS: AGVI resulted in better visual outcomes than MED and should be considered in Shiba dogs with PACG that are visual at the time of presentation and suitable for surgery.

Makeshift Shunts in Extrahepatic Portal Vein Obstruction in Pediatric Population.

Background and Objectives: More than 20% of patients with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) may be deemed as nonshuntable due to lack of a suitable vein. The role of "makeshift shunts" or "lesser shunts" assumes importance in such cases. In this report, the authors have shared their experience with the makeshift shunts in the management of portal hypertension in children with emphasis upon anatomic considerations, resolution of symptoms, outcomes after surgery, and shunt patency. Materials and Methods: During the period 1983-2018, 138 children with portal hypertension were managed under the care of a single surgeon (VB). Of them, 134 were EHPVO. Children with EHPVO were treated with splenectomy and proximal lienorenal shunt (n = 107), splenectomy and devascularization (n = 21), and makeshift shunts (n = 6). Makeshift shunts comprised (i) side-to-side right gastroepiploic vein (Rt-GEV) to left renal vein (LRV) shunt (n = 1), (ii) superior mesenteric vein (SMV) to inferior vena cava (IVC) shunt using a spiral saphenous venous graft (n = 1), (iii) side-to-side inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) to LRV shunt (n = 2), (iv) side-to-side IMV to IVC shunt (n = 1), (v) end-to-side IMV to IVC shunt (n = 1), and (vi) side-to-side IMV to LRV shunt (n = 1) in a case of crossed fused renal ectopia. Results: Following the creation of portosystemic shunt, a decline in portal pressure was demonstrated in all six patients. There was resolution of symptoms including hematemesis, melena, and anorectal variceal bleed. None of the patients demonstrated the features of hepatic encephalopathy. The associated portal cavernoma cholangiopathy (n = 1) also resolved following Rt-GEV to LRV shunt. Shunt patency was documented for the entire duration of follow-up (1.5-4 years) in five of six patients; the sixth patient demonstrated shunt block at 6-month follow-up but without recurrence of symptoms. Conclusions: Makeshift shunts offer a viable alternative to standard portosystemic shunting in pediatric patients with a nonshuntable vein. The selection of such shunts is, however, subject to surgeon's preferences and has to be individualized to local anatomy.

Percutaneous treatment of multiple fistulas associated with a giant aneurysm.

Coronary fistulas are not common in patients undergo coronary angiography. It is described, even less frequently, that coronary fistulas may be associated with giant aneurysms along their course. These cases classically are treated surgically. We present a case treated fully percutaneously in a novel fashion.

Comparison between primary Ahmed valve implantation and primary trabeculectomy with mitomycin C in pseudophakic patients with exfoliative glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and safety of primary Ahmed valve implantation (AVI) and primary trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (MMC) in patients with pseudophakic exfoliative glaucoma (XFG). METHODS: All enrolled patients were divided into two groups: the TRAB group, comprising patients who underwent trabeculectomy with MMC, and the AVI group, comprising patients who underwent AVI. Intraocular pressure (IOP), mean deviation (MD), endothelial cell density of cornea (ECD), and the number of topical anti-glaucoma agents used during study period were retrospectively analyzed. Surgical success rates were compared between two groups using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Three levels of surgical success were defined as follows: (1) IOP ≤ 18 mmHg and an IOP reduction of 20% without medication; (2) IOP ≤ 15 mmHg and an IOP reduction of 25% without medication; and (3) IOP ≤ 18 mmHg and an IOP reduction of 20%, irrespective of medication. RESULTS: The TRAB and AVI groups comprised 40 and 36 patients, respectively. At 36 months postoperatively, IOP was 15.7 ± 2.8 mmHg in the TRAB group and 16.9 ± 3.3 mmHg in the AVI group (p = 0.140). Surgical success rates in the TRAB group were 47.5, 37.5, and 77.5% and those in the AVI group were 41.6, 33.3, and 75.0% at 36 months for surgical criteria 1, 2, and 3, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the success rates between the two groups. However, regarding surgical criteria 2, the success rate of the AVI group at 1 year was significantly better than that of the TRAB group (p = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS: Primary AVI was not inferior to primary trabeculectomy with MMC in medically uncontrolled patients with XFG.

Predictive factors of collateral vessel development induced by oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Oxaliplatin can lead to hepatic sinusoidal injury, called hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS), resulting in portal hypertension-related complications. This could worsen the clinical course of the patients treated with oxaliplatin. Early diagnosis is challenging. We explored predictive markers of oxaliplatin-induced collateral vessels. METHODS: Patients who received oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy were retrospectively screened. We evaluated their laboratory findings and spleen size on computed tomography immediately before oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy and after 6 months of treatment. The primary outcome was collateral vessel development, as a surrogate marker for oxaliplatin-induced SOS in patients who underwent oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. The secondary outcome was the identification of factors that predicted the development of collateral vessels. RESULTS: We enrolled 161 patients who received oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. They had a median age of 69 years, and 63.3% were men. Collateral vessels developed in nine (5.6%) patients during the study period. After oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy, the spleen size increased in 104 patients (64.6%), with a ≥ 30% increase in 19.4% of the patients. Univariate analysis showed that the Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index (≥ 1.76; OR 9.17), aspartate aminotransferase:platelet ratio index (APRI) (≥ 0.193; OR 9.62), cumulative dose of oxaliplatin (≥ 1000 mg; OR 8.43), and increase in spleen size (≥ 30%; OR 6.01) were significant risk factors for collateral vessel development. Multivariate analysis after stepwise selection revealed that the FIB-4 index and spleen size were significant independent predictive factors. CONCLUSION: A ≥ 1.76 increase in the FIB-4 index and a ≥ 30% increase in spleen size after 6 months of oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy were significant predictive markers for collateral vessel development.

Prevention of post-tips hepatic encephalopathy: The search of the ideal candidate.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) has been used since more than 25 years to treat some of the complications of portal hypertension, especially variceal bleeding and ascites refractory to conventional therapy. TIPS establishes a communication between the portal and hepatic veins, inducing the blood to shift from the splanchnic circulation into the systemic vascular bed with the aim of decompressing the portal venous system, and avoids the major complications of portal hypertension. However, the shunt of the portal blood into the systemic circulation is the cause of one of the major complications of the procedure: the post-TIPS hepatic encephalopathy (HE). To date, few pharmacological treatment has been proven effective to prevent this complication and thus, the identification of patients at high risk of post-TIPS hepatic encephalopathy and the patients' carefully selection is the only way to prevent this frequent complication.

Cerebrospinal fluid shunt malfunctions: A reflective review.

PURPOSE: Pediatric hydrocephalus is a common and challenging condition. To date, the ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) is still the main lifesaving treatment option. Nonetheless, it remains imperfect and is associated with multiple short- and long-term complications. This paper is a reflective review of the current state of the VPS, our knowledge gaps, and the future state of shunts in neurosurgical practice. METHODS AND RESULTS: The authors' reflections are based on a review of shunts and shunt-related literature. CONCLUSION: Overall, there is still an urgent need for the neurosurgical community to actively improve current strategies for shunt failures and shunt-related morbidity. The authors emphasize the role of collaborative efforts amongst like-minded clinicians to establish pragmatic approaches to avoid shunt complications.

Clinical outcomes of the PAUL® glaucoma implant: One-year results.

BACKGROUND: To report one-year outcomes from a single-centre cohort undergoing PAUL® Glaucoma Implant (PGI) surgery. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients undergoing PGI surgery at the University Eye Hospital Bonn, Germany, from April 2021 to September 2021. RESULTS: Forty-five eyes of 41 patients were included. Qualified and complete success rates (95% CI) were 95.6% (88.9%-100%) and 73.3% (60%-86.7%) for Criterion A (IOP ≤ 21 mmHg), 84.4% (73.3%-93.3%) and 74.4% (51.1%-80.0%) for Criterion B (IOP ≤ 18 mmHg), 62.2% (48.9%-75.6%) and 46.7% (31.2%-62.2%) for Criterion C (IOP ≤ 15 mmHg) and 26.7% (13.3%-40.0%) and 22.2% (11.1%-33.3%) for Criterion D (IOP ≤ 12 mmHg), respectively. Mean IOP decreased from 26.1 mmHg (7-48 mmHg) to 12.0 mmHg (3-24 mmHg) (reduction of 48.83%) after 12 months with a reduction of IOP-lowering agents from 0.5 (0-3). One eye (2.2%) needed an injection of viscoelastic due to significant hypotony with AC shallowing, and four eyes (8.9%) developed choroidal detachments due to hypotony which resolved without further interventions after 6 weeks. Three patients (6.7%) developed tube exposure which required conjunctival revision with an additional pericardial patch graft. An intraluminal prolene stent was removed in 19 eyes (42.2%) after a mean time period of 8.4 months (2-12 m). Mean IOP before the removal was 21.9 mmHg (12-38 mmHg) and decreased to 11.3 mmHg (6-16 mmHg). CONCLUSIONS: PGI surgery is an effective procedure for reducing IOP and pressure-lowering therapy. An intraluminal prolene stent impedes hypotony in the early postoperative phase and enables further IOP lowering without additional interventions during the postoperative course.

Pulmonary artery banding: still a role for staged bi-ventricular repair of intracardiac shunts?

OBJECTIVES: Although pulmonary artery banding remains a useful palliation in bi-ventricular shunting lesions, single-stage repair holds several advantages. We investigate outcomes of the former approach in high-risk patients. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study including all pulmonary artery banding procedures over 9 years, excluding single ventricle physiology and left ventricular training. RESULTS: Banding was performed in 125 patients at a median age of 41 days (2-294) and weight of 3.4 kg (1.8-7.32). Staged repair was undertaken for significant co-morbidity in 81 (64.8%) and anatomical complexity in 44 (35.2%). The median hospital stay was 14 days (interquartile range 8-33.5) and 14 patients (11.2%) required anatomical repair before discharge. Nine patients died during the initial admission (hospital mortality 7.2 %) and five following discharge (inter-stage mortality 4.8%). Of 105 banded patients who survived, 19 (18.1%) needed inter-stage re-admission and 18 (14.4%) required unplanned re-intervention. Full repair was performed in 93 (74.4%) at a median age of 13 months (3.1-49.9) and weight of 8.5 kg (3.08-16.8). Prior banding, 54% were below the 0.4th weight centile, but only 28% remained so at repair. Post-repair, 5/93 (5.4%) developed heart block requiring permanent pacemaker, and 11/93 (11.8%) required unplanned re-intervention. The post-repair mortality (including repairs during the initial admission) was 6/93 (6.5%), with overall mortality of the staged approach 13.6% (17/125). CONCLUSIONS: In a cohort with a high incidence of co-morbidity, pulmonary artery banding is associated with a significant risk of re-intervention and mortality. Weight gain improves after banding, but heart block, re-intervention, and mortality remain frequent following repair.

Clinical implications of acute shunt thrombosis in paediatric patients with systemic-to-pulmonary shunt re-interventions.

PURPOSE: Systemic-to-pulmonary shunts are used as a source of pulmonary blood flow in palliated Congenital Heart Disease in neonates and young infants. Shunt thrombosis, often requiring shunt interventions during index hospitalisation, is associated with poor outcomes. We hypothesised that extensive use of perioperative pro-coagulant products may be associated with shunt thrombosis. METHODS: Children (≤18 years) undergoing systemic-to-pulmonary shunts with in-hospital shunt reinterventions between 2016 and 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. Perioperative associations to shunt thrombosis were examined by univariate logistic regression and Wilcoxon rank sum tests as appropriate. Cox and log transformed linear regression were used to analyse postoperative ventilation duration, length of stay, and cost. RESULTS: Of 71 patients requiring in-hospital shunt intervention after systemic-to-pulmonary shunts, 10 (14%) had acute shunt thrombosis, and among them five (50%) died. The median age was four (interquartile range: 0-15) months. There were 40 (56%) males, 41 (58%) had single ventricle anatomy, and 29 (40%) were on preoperative anticoagulants. Patients with acute shunt thrombosis received greater volume of platelets (p = 0.04), cryoprecipitate (p = 0.02), and plasma (p = 0.04) postoperatively in the ICU; experienced more complications (p = 0.01) including re-exploration for bleeding (p = 0.008) and death (p = 0.02), had longer hospital length of stays (p = 0.004), greater frequency of other arterial/venous thrombosis (p = 0.02), and greater hospital costs (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who develop acute shunt thrombosis receive more blood products perioperatively and experience worse hospital outcomes and higher hospital costs. Future research on prevention/early detection of shunt thrombosis is needed to improve outcomes in infants after systemic-to-pulmonary shunt surgery.

Intraspinal canal platform system for coil embolization of anterior spinal artery aneurysm associated with spinal cord arteriovenous malformation: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: The prognosis for spinal artery aneurysms associated with spinal cord arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) is poor because of the high rupture rate of aneurysms. However, endovascular treatment remains technically difficult because the catheter system must be constructed via the small-caliber anterior spinal artery (ASA) or posterior spinal artery (PSA), which feeds functionally eloquent spinal cord. A 2.6F Carnelian HF-S microcatheter (Tokai Medical Products, Aichi, Japan) has been specifically designed to assist a 1.6F Carnelian MARVEL S microcatheter (Tokai Medical Products) as a small-profile 'platform catheter' close to the target lesion. Here we present a prenidal ASA aneurysm treated using a 2.6F Carnelian HF-S microcatheter as an intraspinal canal platform catheter and review related literature. CASE PRESENTATION: A 50-year-old man presented with a subarachnoid haemorrhage due to cervical spinal cord AVM. Diagnostic vertebral angiography revealed the AVM supplied by the PSA originated from the right C2 segmental artery and ASA arising from the right V4 segment. Superselective angiography for each feeder was achieved through a 2.6F Carnelian HF-S microcatheter, and a prenidal ASA aneurysm was diagnosed, which was clinically consistent with haemorrhagic origin. A 1.6F Carnelian MARVEL S microcatheter was cannulated into the aneurysm through the 2.6F Carnelian HF-S microcatheter positioned at the ASA. The aneurysm coiling was successfully performed without system instability or periprocedural complications. CONCLUSIONS: Only a few cases have described endovascular treatment for spinal artery aneurysms. To date, no reports have been published regarding the use of an intraspinal canal platform catheter to treat spinal artery aneurysms. A 2.6F Carnelian HF-S microcatheter served as a useful intraspinal canal platform catheter for coil embolization of the ASA aneurysm. This system can provide excellent accessibility and controllability for endovascular treatment of spinal artery lesions.

Effectiveness of subtemporal decompression for the management of slit ventricle syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of subtemporal decompression in the management of slit ventricle syndrome. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of all patients with slit ventricle syndrome (SVS) who underwent subtemporal decompression (STD) at our centre between 2010 and 2021. Cases were identified using the hospital database. Medical records for each patient were reviewed, including operative and radiological reports. RESULTS: Fifteen patients underwent STD for the management of SVS. Median age at time of STD was 9.18 years. Aetiology of hydrocephalus consisted of spinal dysraphism (5), idiopathic (4), post-infectious (1), post-haemorrhagic (3), secondary to tumour (1), and craniofacial anomalies (1). Median age at first shunt insertion was 3.4 months. Median pre-operative period assessed, from initial shunt insertion to STD, was 4.54 (interquartile range [IQR] 3.12-10.47) years. Twelve patients underwent ≥1 shunt revision prior to STD. All patients had a diagnosis of SVS at time of STD. Presenting symptoms, for the admission in which STD was performed, included nausea (9), vomiting (8), lethargy (8), headache (12), irritability (5), and visual disturbances (6). One third underwent shunt revision at the time of STD. Two patients developed post-operative complications requiring further surgery (meningitis requiring shunt revision: 1; wound debridement: 1). Three patients developed uncomplicated post-operative pyrexia, which was managed with antibiotics. Median duration of post-operative follow-up was 5.4 (IQR 1.73-8.54) years. Eleven patients underwent ≥1 shunt related procedure following STD. Wilcoxon signed-rank test demonstrated a significant difference in number of shunt related procedures before (median = 5, IQR 1-8) and after (median = 3, IQR 0-5) STD (Z = -2.083, p = .037). All patients reported subjective symptom improvement post-operatively. Thirteen patients experienced symptom recurrence at a median duration of 10 months post-operatively. CONCLUSIONS: STD was associated with a reduction in the amount of shunt related procedures required in this group of patients with SVS. Further study is required to confirm this association.

Surgical management of extrahepatic portal vein obstruction in children: advantages of MesoRex shunt compared with distal splenorenal shunt.

PURPOSE: To review surgical management of extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital and compare MesoRex shunt (MRS) with distal splenorenal shunt (DSRS). METHODS: This is a single-centre retrospective review documenting pre- and post-operative data in 21 children. Twenty-two shunts were performed, 15 MRS and 7 DSRS, over an 18-year period. Patients were followed up for a mean of 11 years (range 2-18). Data analysis included demographics, albumin, prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), International normalised ratio (INR), fibrinogen, total bilirubin, liver enzymes and platelets before the operation and 2 years after shunt surgery. RESULTS: One MRS thrombosed immediately post-surgery and the child was salvaged with DSRS. Variceal bleeding was controlled in both groups. Significant improvements were seen amongst MRS cohort in serum albumin, PT, PTT, and platelets and there was a mild improvement in serum fibrinogen. The DSRS cohort showed only a significant improvement in the platelet count. Neonatal umbilic vein catheterization (UVC) was a major risk for Rex vein obliteration. CONCLUSION: In EHPVO, MRS is superior to DSRS and improves liver synthetic function. DSRS does control variceal bleeding but should only be considered when MRS is not technically feasible or as a salvage procedure when MRS fails.

Evaluation of the Relative Phase Comparison Method at Its Limits Used for Absolute Phase Determination of an AC Cage Current Shunt Group.

AC current shunts are used for precise current measurements. The application of AC current shunts requires that their amplitude phase characteristics are known. A group of three geometrically identical current shunts and a reference shunt are observed in this paper. The phase characteristics of the reference shunt have been previously obtained. A relative phase comparison has been made between the three geometrically identical shunts, and phase displacement values for each have been obtained. After this, the results are verified with the reference shunt. The relative method is most suitable for shunts, where their respective RC and L/R values are small (compared with 1/ω) and of the same order. The ratios of the nominal resistance values of the shunts used in this paper are at the limit of the given statement. The conclusion is that the method applied at the mentioned limits, in terms of the metrology-grade phase angle determination of current shunts, is not to be considered reliable at frequencies higher than 1 kHz.

[Reconstruction of total portosystemic shunt into selective portosystemic shunt in a child]. / Rekonstruktsiya total'nogo portosistemnogo shunta v selektivnyi portosistemnyi shunt u rebenka.

To date, side-to-side splenorenal shunt (SRS) and its analogues (splenosuprarenal shunts (SSRS)) are mainly used for portal hypertension. These are total portosystemic shunts characterized by total blood shunt from portal vein into inferior vena cava. The latter is fraught with a significant risk of complications such as pulmonary hypertension, decreased portal liver perfusion, liver failure and hepatic encephalopathy. Prevention of these complications is still an urgent problem in modern surgery. However, we proposed a new method of treatment, i.e. reconstruction of SRS and SSRS into selective shunt. This procedure was performed in 37 patients after 2020. We present laparoscopic reconstruction in an 11-year-old girl with portal hypertension and signs of hepatic encephalopathy identified after previous SSRS.