Lung Ultrasound as First-Line Examination for the Diagnosis of Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Children.

OBJECTIVES: The diagnosis of pediatric community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is based on clinical criteria. Even though chest x-ray (CXR) is only recommended in severe cases, it is often requested from physicians in mild cases, thus increasing radiation exposure. Lung ultrasound (LUS) is not included in the diagnostic workup. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of LUS against CXR. METHODS: Children who presented to the emergency department with clinical signs suggesting CAP and had already been evaluated with a CXR were included in the study. Availability of a pediatric sonographer expert in LUS was also considered a criterion for participation. Chest x-ray and LUS were considered positive for CAP in cases of alveolar or interstitial pattern of disease. The diagnostic criterion standard was the ex post diagnosis of pneumonia, made by an independent senior expert pediatrician, after evaluation of the complete medical chart. RESULTS: Sixty-nine children were enrolled in the study, with 66 of 69 positive for CAP. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis results for CXR were 95.5% sensitivity and 100% specificity, whereas for LUS, sensitivity was reported 92.42% and specificity 100%. Comparison of the 2 receiver operating characteristic curves revealed no difference in the diagnostic value of the 2 methods for the diagnosis of pneumonia (P = 0.658). However, LUS classified more cases as alveolar disease compared with CXR. CONCLUSIONS: Lung ultrasound plays a significant role in the detection of CAP, not inferior to CXR. The aim of this study was to encourage the use of ultrasound as a first-line examination for CAP in children.

Fluoroscopy-guided infiltration for pain reduction in patients with Baastrup's disease: clinical experience and results.

OBJECTIVE: Baastrup disease refers to degenerative changes of adjacent spinous processes with resultant back pain. The purpose of this study is to assess the safety and efficacy of percutaneous, fluoroscopy-guided infiltrations in a consecutive series of patients suffering from Baastrup disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2009 until December 2013, 55 patients suffering from Baastrup disease (diagnosed clinically and by imaging findings) underwent percutaneous, fluoroscopy-guided infiltration. The position of the needle (22-gauge spinal needle) was fluoroscopically verified at the level of interspinous ligament. Then a mixture of long-acting corticosteroid with local anesthetic (1.5/1 cc) was injected. A questionnaire with NVS scale helped in assessing pain relief degree, life quality, and mobility improvement. RESULTS: In the patients of our study, a total of 67 sessions was performed. In 12/55 patients (22%), a second infiltration was performed within 7-10 days apart from the first one. The end point was 1 year post-treatment. Patients were followed 1 week after the first injection for a subsequent treatment and then if asymptomatic re-controlled in 3-6 and 12 months. Comparing the pain scores prior (mean value, 8.18 ± 1.44 NVS units) and after (mean value, 0.62 ± 0.93 NVS units) there was a mean decrease of 7.56 ± 1.68 NVS units (p < 0.001) on terms of pain reduction, effect upon mobility and life quality. There were no clinically significant complications noted in our study. CONCLUSIONS: Fluoroscopy-guided infiltrations seem to be a feasible, efficacious, and safe approach for pain reduction and mobility improvement in patients with Baastrup disease.

Comparative prospective randomized study comparing conservative treatment and percutaneous disk decompression for treatment of intervertebral disk herniation.

PURPOSE: To compare short-, intermediate-, and long-term functional results concerning pain reduction and mobility improvement between conservative therapy and percutaneous disk decompression (PDD) in patients with intervertebral disk herniations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study received approval from both the university ethics panel and the institutional review board. Patients provided informed consent for the study. Over the past 4 years, two randomized groups of 31 patients with sciatica due to intervertebral disk herniation were prospectively studied and compared with the t test. The control group underwent conservative therapy (administration of analgesics, antiinflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and physiotherapy) for 6 weeks. The decompression group underwent fluoroscopically guided PDD. Pain reduction and mobility improvement were recorded at 3-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up on a numeric visual scale (NVS) (range, 0-10). RESULTS: The control group had a mean pain score of 6.9 NVS units ± 1.9 prior to conservative therapy. This was reduced to 0.9 NVS units ± 2.0 3 months after therapy; however, it increased to 4.0 NVS units ± 3.4 at 12-month follow-up and further increased to 4.0 NVS units ± 3.4 at 24-month follow-up. The decompression group had a mean pain score of 7.4 NVS units ± 1.4 prior to PDD. This was reduced to 3.0 NVS units ± 2.4 at 3-month follow-up and further reduced to 1.7 NVS units ± 2.4 at 12-month follow-up and 1.6 NVS units ± 2.5 at 24-month follow-up. No complications were noted. CONCLUSION: When compared with conservative therapy, PDD shows improved amelioration of symptoms at 12- and 24-month follow-up.

A randomized study comparing two hypofractioned 3-D conformal radiotherapy for stage IIIb-IV non small cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE: We compared the safety and efficacy of two hypofractionated irradiation schedules for elderly and low performance status patients with inoperable symptomatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: Patients that entered the study were either unfit or without response concerning chemotherapy. We randomized 14 patients (group A) vs 15 patients (group B) who underwent two different hypofractionated radiotherapy schedules. Group Α patients underwent a scheme of 13x3 Gy, while group B patients received 2x8.5 Gy and one fraction of 6 Gy one week apart. Efficacy was assessed in terms of disease-free survival (DFS), tumor response and overall survival (OS).Toxicity according to RTOG/EORTC criteria and duration of symptoms were also evaluated. RESULTS: Median follow up was 3 years. Median age was 64.5 years (group A) and 73 years (group B). Mean values for symptom palliation were higher for group B vs group A (3.20±1.21 vs 2.21±0.97, p=0.037), respectively. EORTC/RTOG toxicity was significantly higher (p=0.046) for group A (1.57±0.51) vs group B (1.13±0.35). Duration of toxicity was significantly lower in group B compared to group A (p=0.001). Median OS was similar between groups, while DFS was better in group B than group A (p=0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Although safe conclusions are difficult to be ascertained, hypofractionated schedule B might be an alternative scheme in elderly and low performance status patients offering adequate palliation, good tumor control and acceptable toxicity.

Comparative prospective study of load distribution projection among patients with vertebral fractures treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty and a control group of healthy volunteers.

PURPOSE: Through a prospective comparison of patients with vertebral fractures and normal population, we illustrate effect of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) upon projection of load distribution changes. METHODS: Vertebroplasty group (36 symptomatic patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures) was evaluated on an electronic baropodometer registering projection of weight bearing areas on feet. Load distribution between right and left foot (including rear-front of the same foot) during standing and walking was recorded and compared before (group V1) and the day after (group V2) PV. Control group (30 healthy asymptomatic volunteers-no surgery record) were evaluated on the same baropodometer. RESULTS: Mean value of load distribution difference between rear-front of the same foot was 9.45 ± 6.79 % (54.72-45.28 %) upon standing and 14.76 ± 7.09 % (57.38-42.62 %) upon walking in the control group. Respective load distribution values before PV were 16.52 ± 11.23 and 30.91 ± 19.26 % and after PV were 10.08 ± 6.26 and 14.25 ± 7.68 % upon standing and walking respectively. Mean value of load distribution variation between the two feet was 6.36 and 14.6 % before and 4.62 and 10.4 % after PV upon standing and walking respectively. Comparison of load distribution variation (group V1-V2, group V1-control group) is statistically significant. Comparison of load distribution variation (group V2-control group) is not statistically significant. Comparison of load distribution variation among the two feet is statistically significant during walking but not statistically significant during standing. CONCLUSIONS: There is a statistically significant difference when comparing load distribution variation prior vertebroplasty and that of normal population. After vertebroplasty, this difference normalizes in a statistically significant way. PV is efficient on equilibrium-load distribution improvement as well.

CT-guided percutaneous infiltration for the treatment of Alcock's neuralgia.

The pudendal nerve may be strained either between the sacrospinous and sacrotuberous ligaments at the ischial spine level or within Alcock's canal. Alcock's neuralgia is a rare, painful condition caused by compression of the pudendal nerve within Alcock's canal (pudendal canal) which is an aponeurotic tunnel that cannot be stretched. Patients usually present with intense, unilateral pain involving anatomic areas along the pudendal nerve's root, genital, anal, and pelvic regions causing mobility impairment. A computed tomography (CT)--guided percutaneous infiltration of the pudendal nerve with a mixture of a local anesthetic and a long-acting corticosteroid is a safe and efficient method that reduces the pain caused by the neuralgia. Corticosteroids and local anesthetics interfere with the neurons, the encoding, and the processing of noxious stimuli; interrupt the pain-spasm cycle; and reduce inflammation. The injected glucocorticosteroid may take 3-5 days to reach its anti-inflammatory effect; therefore, the initial pain relief from the local anesthetic is followed by a baseline pain return and then secondary pain relief at 3-5 days. The procedure is performed under minimal or no anesthesia. In general, at discharge, a responsible person must accompany the patient and ensure a safe return home. Clinical evaluation is performed after 7-10 days. There are 2 types of potential complications that are associated with percutaneous steroid infiltrations: intra-operative (associated with needle placement) and post-operative (infection, bleeding and those associated with the injectate administration). In all cases that steroids were administered within therapeutic doses, no complications were noted. In conclusion, CT-guided percutaneous infiltration with a mixture of long-acting corticosteroid and local anesthetic seems to be a safe and efficient method for the treatment of Alcock's neuralgia.