[Resumption of Enfortumab Vedotin Supported by Diagnosis of a Late- Onset Immune-Related Adverse Event in Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma : A Case Report].

A 71-year-old man presented with exertional dyspnea. Chest radiography revealed multiple pulmonary nodules, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed findings suspicious of right renal pelvic cancer. Percutaneous lung tumor biopsy revealed a histological diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma, and right renal pelvic cancer cT3N2M1 was diagnosed. Favorable response was shown during primary chemotherapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin but resulted in tumor progression after four cycles. The patient was switched to a second-line treatment, pembrolizumab, which resulted in rapid tumor growth. Hyper-progression was suspected, and the patient was promptly switched to a third-line treatment, enfortumab vedotin. The tumor shrank significantly. After three treatment cycles, an adverse event of enteritis was observed. A biopsy of the intestinal mucosa led to a histopathologic diagnosis of late-onset immune-related adverse event; therefore, enfortumab vedotin could be continued.

Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibitor Suppresses Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Activation After Cardiac Surgery Using Cardiopulmonary Bypass.

BACKGROUND: Sacubitril/valsartan, being both a neprilysin inhibitor and angiotensin receptor blocker, exhibits a renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitory effect. However, no study has investigated the administration of sacubitril/valsartan in patients early after surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass.Methods and Results: This was a prospective observational study of 63 patients who underwent open heart surgery and were treated with sacubitril/valsartan. No serious adverse events occurred. Among the 63 patients, sacubitril/valsartan was discontinued in 13 due to hypotension (n=10), renal dysfunction (n=2), and dizziness (n=1). Atrial natriuretic peptide concentrations increased significantly from Day 3 of treatment (P=0.0142 vs. Postoperative Day 1) and remained high thereafter. In contrast, plasma renin activity was significantly suppressed from Day 3 onwards (P=0.00206 vs. Postoperative Day 1). A decrease in creatinine concentrations and an increase in the estimated glomerular filtration rate were observed on Day 3; this improvement in renal function was not observed in the historical control group, in which patients did not receive sacubitril/valsartan. New postoperative atrial fibrillation was less frequent in the study group compared with the historical control (12.7% vs. 38.0%; P=0.0034). CONCLUSIONS: Sacubitril/valsartan administration was safe immediately after open heart surgery in patients without postoperative hypotension. It enhanced serum atrial natriuretic peptide concentrations and suppressed RAAS activation.

Loss of p16 Immunoexpression and Deletions of CDKN2A in the Progression of Extramammary Paget Disease: An Immunohistochemical and Genetic Study of 24 Invasive/Metastatic Cases.

ABSTRACT: Information regarding the genetic alterations in extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) is scarce. This study investigated the significance of CDKN2A and MTAP alterations in EMPD progression using immunohistochemistry and panel DNA sequencing. In total, 24 invasive/metastatic EMPD cases were included in this study. The immunoexpression of p16 and MTAP in the primary in situ, primary invasive, and metastatic tumor components was evaluated. Panel DNA sequencing was performed for metastatic tumor components in 5 of the 24 cases. Immunoexpression of p16 in the in situ tumor component was at least partially preserved in all 19 tested cases (100%). By contrast, the invasive tumor component was diffusely or partially lost in 18 (81.8%) of 22 tested cases. Regarding the foci of lymph node metastasis, 13 (81.2%) of the 16 patients showed a significant loss of p16 expression. Loss of MTAP immunoexpression was observed less frequently compared with the loss of p16 expression. CDKN2A homozygous deletions were confirmed in all 5 tested cases by sequencing, whereas MTAP deletions were detected in only 2 cases. In conclusion, p16 expression loss and CDKN2A deletions can be frequently seen in invasive/metastatic cases of EMPD.

Simulation to determine the approach of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

PURPOSE: The present study investigated potential access vessels in patients receiving hemodialysis who underwent surgical aortic valve replacement and determined which approaches were most suitable for performing transcatheter aortic valve implantation. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing hemodialysis with aortic valve stenosis who underwent surgical aortic valve replacement were included. Preoperative computed tomography data were analyzed to assess the vessel diameter and calcification. Simulations were conducted to determine the feasibility of inserting the 14-F eSheath of Sapien 3 via transfemoral, trans-cervical, trans-subclavian, and direct aorta approaches. RESULTS: A total of 72 patients were included in this study. The access route was characterized by severe calcification of the common iliac artery. The transfemoral approach was feasible in 77.8% of the cases, but the rate decreased to 33% when the calculations were based on the maximum sheath extension diameter. The trans-cervical, trans-subclavian, and direct aortic approaches were suitable for many patients. Lower extremity artery disease was identified as a risk factor for the unsuitability of the transfemoral approach. CONCLUSIONS: Common iliac artery calcification in patients undergoing hemodialysis restricts the use of the transfemoral approach. Therefore, some patients require alternative approaches.

Utility of growth differentiation factor-15 as a predictor of cardiovascular surgery outcomes: Current research and future directions.

In a world increasingly confronted by cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and an aging population, accurate risk assessment prior to cardiac surgery is critical. Although effective, traditional risk calculators such as the Japan SCORE, Society of Thoracic Surgeons score, and EuroSCORE II may not completely capture contemporary risks, particularly due to emerging factors such as frailty and sarcopenia. These calculators often focus on regional and ethnic specificity and rely heavily on evaluations based on age and underlying diseases. Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) is a stress-responsive cytokine that has been identified as a potential biomarker for sarcopenia and a tool for future cardiac risk assessment. Preoperative plasma GDF-15 levels have been associated with preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors and short- and long-term mortality rates in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Increased plasma GDF-15 levels have prognostic significance, having been correlated with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass during surgery, amount of bleeding, postoperative acute kidney injury, and intensive care unit stay duration. Notably, the inclusion of preoperative levels of GDF-15 in risk stratification models enhances their predictive value, especially when compared with those of the N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide, which does not lead to reclassification. Thus, this review examines traditional risk assessments for cardiac surgery and the role of the novel biomarker GDF-15. This study acknowledges that the relationship between patient outcomes and elevated GDF-15 levels is not limited to CVDs or cardiac surgery but can be associated with variable diseases, including diabetes and cancer. Moreover, the normal range of GDF-15 is not well defined. Given its promise for improving patient care and outcomes in cardiovascular surgery, future research should explore the potential of GDF-15 as a biomarker for postoperative outcomes and target therapeutic intervention.

Impella - Current issues and future expectations for the percutaneous, microaxial flow left ventricular assist device.

The importance of temporary mechanical circulatory support for treating acute heart failure with cardiogenic shock is increasingly recognized, and Impella (Abiomed, Danvers, MA, USA) has received particular attention in this regard. Impella is an axial flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) built into the tip of a catheter. It is inserted via a peripheral artery and implanted into the left ventricle. Although the morphology of Impella is different from a typical LVAD, it has similar actions and effects as an LVAD in terms of left ventricular drainage and aortic blood delivery. Impella increases mean arterial pressure (MAP) and systemic blood flow, thereby improving peripheral organ perfusion and promoting recovery from multiple organ failure. In addition, left ventricular unloading with increased MAP increases coronary perfusion and decreases myocardial oxygen demand, thereby promoting myocardial recovery. Impella is also useful as a mechanical vent of the left ventricle in patients supported with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Indications for Impella include emergency use for cardiogenic shock and non-emergent use during high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention and ventricular tachycardia ablation. Its intended uses for cardiogenic shock include bridge to recovery, durable device, heart transplantation, and heart surgery. Prophylactic use of Impella in high-risk patients undergoing open heart surgery to prevent postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock is also gaining attention. While there have been many case reports and retrospective studies on the benefits of Impella, there is little evidence based on sufficiently large randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Currently, several RCTs are now ongoing, which are critical to determine when, for whom, and how these devices should be used. In this review, we summarize the principles, physiology, indications, and complications of the Impella support and discuss current issues and future expectations for the device.

Hemodynamic predictors of negative false lumen remodeling after frozen elephant trunk for acute aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the blood flow within the downstream aortic false lumen after frozen elephant trunk repair for acute aortic dissection and identified hemodynamic predictors of false lumen expansion and negative false lumen remodeling using four-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging. METHODS: Thirty-one patients (Stanford type A, n = 28; Stanford type B, n = 3) with patent false lumen who underwent frozen elephant trunk procedures for acute aortic dissection were included in this observational study. Each patient underwent computed tomography during the follow-up period and four-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging within 3 postoperative months. The false lumen volumetric expansion rate was calculated using computed tomography data. The direction and the rate of flow in the lower descending aortic false lumen were analyzed. Negative false lumen remodeling was defined as a volumetric increase of > 10% from the baseline volume. RESULTS: Negative false lumen remodeling had developed in 6 of the 31 patients during the observation period. Most of the false lumen flows were biphasic during systole. The range between peak and nadir flow rates was associated with the false lumen volumetric expansion rate (ß coefficient = 6.77; p < 0.01, R2 = 0.43). CONCLUSIONS: The range between peak and nadir flow rates may serve as a hemodynamic predictor of negative false lumen remodeling, enabling further treatment for patients at risk of expansion in the downstream aorta.

Case report: Total arch replacement with a frozen elephant trunk utilizing open hybrid in-situ fenestration technique for thoracic aortic arch aneurysm.

Introduction: The frozen elephant trunk technique is a surgical procedure developed for concomitant repair of downstream descending thoracic aorta as a first stage operation for arch resections. Proximalization of the sutured anastomosis reduces technical difficulty of total arch replacement. In this procedure, an anastomosis is performed more proximally using a stent graft. Connect the head and neck vessels are created using in-situ fenestration method. Case presentation: This study presents the case of a 78-year-old woman with a large thoracic aortic arch aneurysm that was successfully treated with a modified frozen elephant trunk technique (open in situ fenestration). For this method, a hole was created in the neck branches (the left subclavian artery and left common carotid artery), and peripheral stent grafts were placed to simplify neck branch reconstruction. This minimized the risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and bleeding and shortened the procedure time. Conclusion: The outcomes of this study showed a safe alternative total arch replacement procedure.

Accuracy of Cardiac Output Measured by Fourth-Generation FloTrac and LiDCOrapid, and Their Characteristics Regarding Systemic Vascular Resistance in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: The clinical use of less-invasive devices that calculate the cardiac output from arterial pressure waveform is increasing. The authors aimed to evaluate the accuracy and characteristics of the systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) of the cardiac index measured by 2 less-invasive devices, fourth-generation FloTrac (CIFT) and LiDCOrapid (CILR), compared with the intermittent thermodilution technique, using a pulmonary artery catheter (CITD). DESIGN: This was a prospective observational study. SETTING: This study was conducted at a single university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-nine adult patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Elective cardiac surgery was used as an intervention. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Hemodynamic parameters, CIFT, CILR, and CITD, were measured after the induction of general anesthesia, at the start of cardiopulmonary bypass, after completion of weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass, 30 minutes after weaning, and at sternal closure (135 measurements in total). The CIFT and CILR had moderate correlations with CITD (r = 0.62 and 0.58, respectively). Compared with CITD, CIFT, and CILR had a bias of -0.73 and -0.61 L/min/m2, limit of agreement of -2.14-to-0.68 L/min/m2 and -2.42-to-1.20 L/min/m2, and percentage error of 39.9% and 51.2%, respectively. Subgroup analysis for evaluating SVRI characteristics showed that the percentage errors of CIFT and CILR were 33.9% and 54.5% in low SVRI (<1,200 dyne×s/cm5/m), 37.6% and 47.9% in moderate SVRI (1,200-1,800 dyne×s/cm5/m), 49.3% and 50.6% in high SVRI (>1,800 dyne·s/cm5/m2), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The accuracy of CIFT or CILR was not clinically acceptable for cardiac surgery. Fourth-generation FloTrac was unreliable in high SVRI. LiDCOrapid was inaccurate across a broad range of SVRI, and minimally affected by SVRI.

Overview of mechanical circulatory support for the management of post-myocardial infarction ventricular septal rupture.

Post-myocardial infarction ventricular septal rupture (PIVSR) is becoming increasingly rare in the percutaneous coronary intervention era; however, the mortality rates remain high. Surgical repair is the gold standard treatment for PIVSR but is associated with surgical difficulty and high mortality. Therefore, the timing of surgery is controversial (i.e. either undertake emergency surgery or wait for resolution of organ failure and scarring of the infarcted area). Although long-term medical management is usually ineffective, several mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices have been used to postpone surgery to an optimal timing. Recently, in addition to venous arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO), new MCS devices, such as Impella (Abiomed Inc., Boston, MA, USA), have been developed. Impella is a pump catheter that pumps blood directly from the left ventricle, in a progressive fashion, into the ascending aorta. VA-ECMO is a temporary MCS system that provides complete and rapid cardiopulmonary support, with concurrent hemodynamic support and gas exchange. When left and right heart failure and/or respiratory failure occur in cardiogenic shock or PIVSR after acute myocardial infarction, ECpella (Impella and VA-ECMO) is often introduced, as it can provide circulatory and respiratory assistance in a shorter period. This review outlines the basic concepts of MCS in PIVSR treatment strategies and its role as a bridge device, and discusses the efficacy and complications of ECpella therapy and the timing of surgery.

Immunoglobulin G4-related inflammatory pseudotumor of the right ventricle with right coronary artery occlusion.

Immunoglobulin G4-related inflammatory pseudotumors are usually benign. Such tumors of cardiac origin are extremely rare, with no primary cardiac tumors reported to date. We report a case of a 77-year-old woman, with a medical history of diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, who was diagnosed with a malignant cardiac tumor on preoperative imaging and had a confirmed pathological diagnosis of immunoglobulin G4-related inflammatory pseudotumor. She was examined for atherosclerosis obliterans, and coronary computed tomography revealed obstruction of the right coronary artery and a cardiac tumor in the right atrium. A suspected malignant tumor measuring 40 mm (maximum standardized uptake value: 12.2) bordering the right atrium was detected using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography. Her tumor was in contact with the heart, making biopsy impossible. She was diagnosed with malignancy on preoperative imaging and underwent tumor resection, tricuspid valve replacement, right atrial and right ventricular plasty, coronary artery bypass, lung resection, and diaphragmatic repair. However, the final pathological diagnosis was immunoglobulin G4-related inflammatory pseudotumor. Preoperative diagnosis of immunoglobulin G4-related inflammatory pseudotumor is extremely difficult; however, if the condition is diagnosed preoperatively, chemotherapy or steroid therapy should be administered, and patients who do not respond to chemotherapy should be considered for surgical treatment. Learning objective: Immunoglobulin G4-associated inflammatory pseudotumor is extremely rare. Preoperative imaging diagnosis of immunoglobulin G4-associated inflammatory pseudotumor is extremely difficult, and pathology with biopsy is the only definitive diagnosis. However, if we could make an accurate preoperative diagnosis, patients should be treated with chemotherapy or steroids, and surgical treatment should be considered for patients who do not respond to chemotherapy or steroids.

Prosthetic Valve Function after Aortic Valve Replacement for Severe Aortic Stenosis by Transcatheter Procedure versus Surgery.

Background This study compared the clinical outcomes of transcatheter (TAVR) and surgical (SAVR) aortic valve replacements, focusing on postoperative valvular performance assessed by echocardiography. Method and Results A total of 425 patients who underwent TAVR (230 patients) or SAVR (195 patients) were included. Postoperative effective orifice area index (EOAI) was higher in the TAVR group (1.27 ± 0.35 cm2/m2) than in the SAVR group (1.06 ± 0.27 cm2/m2, p < 0.001), and patient−prosthesis mismatch (PPM) was more frequent in the SAVR group (22.6%) than in the TAVR group (8.7%, p < 0.001). Mild or greater paravalvular leakage (PVL) was more frequent in the TAVR group (21.3%) than in the SAVR group (0%, p < 0.001). Moreover, there was no difference in freedom from all-cause death, stroke, or rehospitalization between the groups. Patients with moderate or greater PPM (EOAI < 0.85 cm2/m2) had lower freedom from composite events than those without this PPM criterion (p = 0.008). Patients with mild or greater PVL also had lower freedom from composite events than those without this PVL criterion (p = 0.017). Conclusions Postoperative valvular performance of TAVR was superior to that of SAVR in terms of EOAI. This merit was counterbalanced by the significantly lower rates of PVL in patients who underwent SAVR. The overall clinical outcomes were similar between the study groups.

Worsening Right Ventricular Function during Cardiac Surgery Is a Strong Predictor of Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury: A Prospective Observational Study.

This prospective, observational study was conducted in a university hospital to verify that intraoperative worsening of right ventricular function causes cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury. Adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery under mid-sternal incision with cardiopulmonary bypass were included. Echocardiographic right and left ventricular function parameters were measured before and after bypass and compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Perioperative serum creatinine values at baseline and within the first 48 hours postoperatively were measured for the diagnosis of acute kidney injury. Spearman rank-order correlation (ρ) and receiver operating characteristic analysis were used to reveal relationships. Thirty-four patients were evaluated. Right ventricular ejection fraction (56.2 ± 7.0 vs. 51.6 ± 7.2%; P = 0.0002), right ventricular fractional area change (49.1 ± 6.4 vs. 46.6 ± 5.3%; P = 0.0201; mean ± standard deviation), and left ventricular ejection fraction (57.4 ± 6.1 vs. 51.7 ± 6.2%; P < 0.0001) were significantly decreased. Central venous pressure was significantly increased (7.2 ± 3.5 vs. 9.7 ± 3.7; P = 0.0001). Serum creatinine values increased from 0.82 [0.70-1.08] to 0.99 [0.82-1.54] mg/dL (P < 0.0001; median [interquartile range]). Changes in right ventricular ejection fraction, fractional area change, and right ventricular strain during cardiovascular surgery were significantly correlated with changes in serum creatinine values. Fractional area change exhibited the strongest correlation (ρ = -0.61, P < 0.0001). Change in fractional area change showed an area under the curve of 0.902 and a cutoff value of -2.1, which predicted acute kidney injury with 92% sensitivity, 73% specificity, and 79% accuracy. The functions of both ventricles were decreased after cardiopulmonary bypass. Worsening right ventricular function was independently correlated with postoperative renal dysfunction, and fractional area change was the strongest predictor of cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury.

Serum and Adipose Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 in Cardiovascular Surgery Patients: Influence of Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors.

Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) is a novel adipokine and may be involved in the association between adipose tissue and metabolic syndrome. We investigated DPP-4 and adiponectin levels in the serum, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), and their relationship with preoperative factors, as well as comparing the DPP-4 levels in SAT and EAT with and without DPP-4 inhibitors. This study included 40 patients (25 men, age 67.5 ± 13.8 years). The serum adipokine, DPP-4, and adiponectin levels in SAT and EAT were measured using ELISA and Western blotting. The DPP-4 and adiponectin levels were significantly higher in the SAT than in the EAT. The serum DPP-4 and DPP-4 activity levels had no correlation with the DPP-4 levels in the SAT and EAT, but the DPP-4 levels in the SAT and EAT had a positive correlation. The DPP-4 levels in the SAT were positively correlated with atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, DPP-4-inhibitor use, and fasting blood glucose. The DPP-4 levels in the EAT showed a negative correlation with eGFR and a positive correlation with atrial fibrillation. The DPP-4 activity in the serum had a lower tendency in the group taking DPP-4 inhibitors than in the group not taking them. DPP-4 inhibitors may suppress angiogenesis and adipose-tissue hypertrophy.

Hemolytic anemia caused by an excessively kinked prosthetic graft after total arch replacement detected by 4-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging: A case report.

RATIONALE: Hemolytic anemia is a rare postoperative complication of aortic surgery, which may be caused by an excessively kinked graft that causes abnormal blood flow. It has been reported that 4-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging (4D flow MRI) can identify abnormal flow. Herein, we report the guidance of 4D flow MRI in performing the revision procedure for a patient with hemolytic anemia by evaluating abnormal blood flow based on this method. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 70-year-old woman presented with dizziness and fatigue. She had undergone total arch replacement with a frozen elephant trunk 5 years prior. We diagnosed hemolytic anemia caused by a kinked graft after total arch replacement. DIAGNOSIS: Although computed tomography findings revealed 3 lesions of the kinked graft at the ascending portion and cervical branches, 4D flow MRI findings showed that only the kinked graft at the ascending portion caused hemolytic anemia due to an elevated viscous energy loss around it. INTERVENTION: We performed surgery to remove the kinked section instead of revision surgery consisting of total arch replacement. OUTCOMES: The patient's postoperative course was uneventful and there were no complications. Postoperative enhanced computed tomography findings showed that the repaired graft had an adequate length and smoothly curved shape. The 4D flow MRI findings revealed smooth flow in the ascending portion and decreased viscous energy loss. LESSONS: Based on the 4D flow MRI findings, we adopted a less invasive approach, repairing only the ascending portion of the graft, instead of performing revision surgery comprising total arch replacement.

Impella support as a bridge to heart surgery in patients with cardiogenic shock.

OBJECTIVES: In patients with cardiogenic shock, delayed surgery after stabilization of haemodynamics and improvement in end-organ function by mechanical circulatory support is known to yield better outcomes than emergency surgery. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Impella (Abiomed, Danvers, MA, USA) as a bridge to cardiac surgery in patients with cardiogenic shock. METHODS: We reviewed 7 patients with cardiogenic shock who underwent Impella support as a bridge to cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass at our institution between April 2018 and August 2021. RESULTS: Cardiogenic shock was caused by ventricular septal rupture in 3 patients, papillary muscle rupture in 1 and acute myocardial infarction in 3. Cardiac surgery was delayed by 1-7 (3.9 ± 2.5) days with Impella support after the diagnosis of cardiogenic shock, during which the hepatic and renal function of the patients improved significantly. Device-related or operation-related adverse events included re-exploration for bleeding in 3 patients, acute limb ischaemia due to thromboembolism in 1 and intraoperative aortic dissection in 1. Thirty-day mortality was 14.3%, and the cumulative survival was 71.4% at 1 year. The survival tended to be better than that in historical control group in which extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was used as a bridge to surgery (P = 0.0992). CONCLUSIONS: Impella is an effective tool for bridging patients with cardiogenic shock to surgery. This strategy may improve surgical outcomes in patients with cardiogenic shock. However, prolonged Impella support may increase significant adverse events, and further investigation is required to determine the optimal duration of support before surgery.

Effect of sarcopenia on hospital stay from post cardiac surgery to discharge.

Background: Cardiovascular surgery in older patients with sarcopenia has high rates of major complications, long hospital stays, readmissions, and discharge transfers. However, the factors that influence the length of hospital stay are unknown. This study aimed was to identify the predictors of the prolonged hospital stay in patients with sarcopenia after cardiovascular surgery. Methods: A total of 192 patients scheduled for cardiac surgery were enrolled in this retrospective observational study. Sarcopenia was diagnosed preoperatively. Clinical data from the preoperative, intraoperative, and perioperative periods were evaluated to determine the factors influencing the length of hospital stay. Results: The sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups differed significantly in age; body mass index; renal function; intubation time; transfusion of red blood cells; hospital transfer; and hemoglobin, brain natriuretic peptide, and albumin levels. Sarcopenia was the most significant factor influencing prolonged postoperative hospital stay, as well as prolonged intubation time. In the sarcopenia group, albumin levels and cardiopulmonary bypass time were the significant factors affecting hospital stay. Conclusions: Sarcopenia was the most significant factor associated with prolonged postoperative hospital stay in patients who underwent cardiac surgery. In addition, improving sarcopenia, nutritional status, and shortening cardiopulmonary bypass time appear to shorten the hospital stay in patients with sarcopenia who underwent cardiovascular surgery.

Contemporary short-term outcomes of surgery for aortic stenosis: transcatheter vs. surgical aortic valve replacement.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the short-term outcomes of transcatheter and surgical aortic valve replacements (TAVR and SAVR) in high-, intermediate-, and low-preoperative risk patients. METHODS: A total of 454 patients who underwent TAVR or SAVR were included. Patients were categorized into high-, intermediate-, and low-risk according to the Society of Thoracic Surgery-Predicted Risk of Mortality score and clinical outcomes were compared between TAVR and SAVR groups. RESULTS: TAVR was less invasive, with less bleeding and transfusion (p < 0.001), less frequent new-onset atrial fibrillation (p < 0.001), and shorter intensive care unit stay (p < 0.001). Furthermore, transcatheter valves performed better than surgical valves, with lower peak velocity (p = 0.003) and pressure gradient (p < 0.001) and higher effective orifice area index (p < 0.001). The clinical outcomes of TAVR were comparable to or even superior to those of SAVR in high- and intermediate-risk patients. In low-risk patients, the 1- and 2-year mortality rates were 6.3% and 12.1%, respectively, in the TAVR group and 0% and 0.9%, respectively, in the SAVR group (p < 0.001). Mild or greater paravalvular leakage was a risk factor for mortality (hazard ratio 35.78; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: TAVR was superior to SAVR in the sense of less invasiveness and valvular function. However, the indication of TAVR in low-risk patients should be carefully discussed, because paravalvular leakage was a risk factor for short-term mortality.

The Expression of Insulin-Like Growth Factor 2 Messenger RNA-Binding Protein 3 in Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis and Langerhans Cell Sarcoma.

Langerhans cell neoplasms, which include Langerhans cell histiocytosis and Langerhans cell sarcoma, are tumors that originate from dendritic cells. Langerhans cell sarcoma is defined as a high-grade neoplasm with overtly malignant cytological features and the Langerhans cell-like phenotype, and generally has a poorer prognosis and more aggressive phenotype than Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Insulin-like growth factor 2 messenger RNA-binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3 or IMP3) is an oncofetal protein that is expressed in various cancer types; its expression is often associated with a poor prognosis and aggressive phenotype. Here, we used immunohistochemistry to evaluate IGF2BP3 expression in Langerhans cell neoplasms. IGF2BP3 expression was scored as negative (< 1%) or positive (≥ 1%) by immunohistochemistry. All 4 patients with Langerhans cell sarcoma (100%) and 6 of 22 pediatric (age < 18 years) patients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (27.3%) had positive results for IGF2BP3; however, 16 of 22 pediatric patients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (72.7%) and all 15 adult (age ≥ 18 years) patients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (100%) had a negative result. Among patients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis, IGF2BP3 expression was independent of sex, location, prognosis, and BRAF V600E staining results. Taken together, these results indicate that IGF2BP3 expression may be a helpful marker for distinguishing Langerhans cell sarcoma from Langerhans cell histiocytosis in adult patients.