Prevalence of Carotid Artery Stenosis in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Single-Centre Study in Bangladesh.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the important causes of mortality worldwide. South Asians, notably Indians are unduly prone to develop CAD with its incidence being doubled in the last three decades among both rural and urban settlers. CAD prevalence of in Bangladesh is not known. There are merely a limited number of small-scale epidemiological studies are existing. Recent data indicates CAD prevalence in our country to lie between 1.85-3.4% in rural and 19.6% in an urban sample of working professionals. Despite marked disparity in values, the disease seems to be in rising trend. Patients with concomitant CAD and carotid artery disease are at increased risk of developing peri-operative neurological events including stroke. By far, the prevalence of carotid artery disease in candidates of CABG has not yet been determined in our country. There is a lack of pre-operative guidelines as well for the necessary vascular investigations that should be performed on CABG candidates before they go to the operation table. Pre-operative non-invasive carotid Doppler ultrasonography is a useful screening tool for carotid artery disease in all patients undergoing CABG. This was a cross-sectional observational study, was conducted in the Radiology & Imaging department of Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital & Research Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2017 to June 2017. The present cross-sectional study was intended to determine the prevalence of concurrent occurrence of carotid and coronary artery disease in elderly patients undergoing CABG. Total 210 elderly (from 60 & above) patients scheduled for CABG taken as study population. There was bilateral carotid atherosclerotic plaque in 15(12.2%) patients. Right carotid plaque was in 69(56.0%) patients, left carotid plaque in 54(43.9%) patients. Carotid stenosis grading was done in percentage (%). There was significant (>50.0%) stenosis of right carotid system in 12 patients (17.4%) and significant stenosis of left carotid system in 18 patients (33.3%). Right carotid system & bulb was the most common site of plaque formation. We can conclude from this study that a substantial proportion of patients after a particular age possess carotid artery disease simultaneously with coronary artery disease, routine evaluation of carotid arteries of the elderly patients scheduled for CABG is strongly suggested.

New concepts in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and hypertension.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Hypertension (HTN) remains the most common and strongest contributing factor to the development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). In this review, we aim to summarize the pathophysiological processes linking HTN to HFpEF and highlight novel concepts in medical and device-based management of HFpEF and HTN. RECENT FINDINGS: Despite the global increase in the prevalence of HFpEF, there has been limited benefit in current medication and device-based therapy for this complex syndrome. The hallmark of HFpEF is an elevated left intra-atrial and ventricular pressure and exertional dyspnea. Traditional medications used for treating HTN in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction have unclear benefits in patients with HFpEF. Careful analysis of emerging medications such as angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors showed benefit in reducing not only blood pressure but also hospitalizations in patients with HFpEF. Current data on device-based therapy aims to reduce left intra-atrial pressure, ventricular pressure and stimulate baroreceptors to lower blood pressure; however, needs further investigation. SUMMARY: The nexus of HTN and HFpEF remains strong and complex. Although traditional medications for treating HFrEF did not affect long-term outcomes, novel therapies with angiotensin receptor neprilysin-inhibitor and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor offer promising results. Many device-based interventions in the HFpEF population are being developed with the aim to reduce left intra-atrial and ventricular pressure; however, their role in HFpEF hypertensive patients needs to be further investigated.

Cardiac Amyloidosis: Presentations, Diagnostic Work-up and Collaborative Approach for Comprehensive Clinical Management.

Cardiac amyloidosis is a systemic disease characterized by continuous deposition of misfolded proteins called amyloid fibrils in the extracellular space which result in restrictive cardiomyopathy. The most common form of cardiac amyloidosis is light chain (AL) cardiac amyloidosis, a result of continuous deposition of misfolded monoclonal immunoglobulin light chains. Transthyretin-related cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR) results from a point mutation in the transthyretin gene in an autosomal dominant fashion and presents phenotypically similar to AL cardiac amyloidosis. Cardiac amyloidosis is being increasingly recognized due to the advancements in diagnostic cardiac imaging and pharmacotherapy. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion among patients with unexplained diastolic heart failure because earlier diagnosis will allow for the implementation of disease-altering therapy. With established targeted drug therapies and further breakthroughs in immunotherapy, the potential impact of diagnostic and therapeutic advancements on morbidity and mortality of patients with cardiac amyloidosis is promising.

Avoiding complacency when treating uncontrolled seizures: why and how?

Introduction: Despite the advances in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy, approximately 30% of the patients remain intractable. Uncontrolled seizures have deleterious consequences, including brain damage, cognitive decline, decreased quality of life, and increased mortality.Areas covered: In this article, the authors discuss the treatment gap in patients with intractable epilepsy and the possible mechanisms of drug resistance. The authors provide a treatment algorithm for patients with intractable epilepsy, including non-pharmacological treatment options, such as diet, neurostimulation (vagus nerve stimulation, responsive neurostimulation, and deep brain stimulation), curative surgeries, and palliative surgeries.Expert opinion: There are currently several gaps in the management of seizures. Thirty percent of the 1% of the population with epilepsy is drug resistant. Non-pharmacologic treatments have improved in the last 30 years and continue to do so, but epilepsy surgery in general is still vastly under-utilized. Resective surgery is the only potentially curative procedure. Neurostimulation is generally palliative and is also improving, with smarter types of neurostimulation and paradigms.

Putting it all together: Options for intractable epilepsy: An updated algorithm on the use of epilepsy surgery and neurostimulation.

For drug-resistant epilepsy, nonpharmacologic treatments should be considered early rather than late. Of the nondrug treatments, only resective surgery can be curative. Neurostimulation is palliative, i.e., not expected to achieve a seizure-free outcome. While resective surgery is the goal, other options are necessary because the majority of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy are not surgical candidates, and others have seizures that fail to improve with surgery or have only partial improvement but not seizure freedom. Neurostimulation modalities include vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), responsive neurostimulation (RNS), and deep brain stimulation (DBS), each with its own advantages, disadvantages, and side effects. In most scenarios, determined by noninvasive evaluation, especially EEG and MRI, several strategies are reasonable. For focal epilepsies, the choices are between resective surgery, with or without intracranial EEG, and all three modalities of neurostimulation. In situations where resective surgery is likely to result in seizure freedom, such as mesiotemporal lobe epilepsy or lesional focal epilepsy, resection (standard, laser, or radiofrequency) is preferred. For difficult cases like extratemporal nonlesional epilepsies, neurostimulation offers a less invasive option than resective surgery. For generalized and multifocal epilepsies, VNS is an option, RNS is not, and DBS has only limited evidence. "This article is part of the Supplement issue Neurostimulation for Epilepsy."

Changing our Approach to Stage D Heart Failure.

Despite the tremendous progress made in the management of heart failure (HF), many patients reach advanced stages. This paper aims to present a practical approach to the stage D HF patient who is no longer responding to optimal medical therapy. We discuss all available therapies for this patient population. We also offer some important caveats with regard to identification, risk stratification, evaluation and treatment including early patient referral to a center with an advanced HF program. Given the changing landscape of heart transplantation and an impending change in the allocation system, we also intend to engage a discussion on the need for a paradigm shift towards left ventricular assist device therapy in this population.

Predictors of surgical outcome in medically-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy with bilateral features on pre-operative evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: This study identifies potential prognostic factors for favorable anterior mesial temporal lobe (AMTL) resection outcomes in patients with medically refractory temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) with bilateral features on pre-operative examination. METHODS: Thirty-one patients demonstrated bilateral features defined as: bilateral independent temporal or bitemporal ictal onsets on surface or intracranial EEG, or bitemporal interictal epileptiform abnormalities on surface EEG with bilateral radiographic mesial temporal sclerosis. Surgical outcomes were classified according to reduction in seizure frequency: I (100% reduction), II (≥75% reduction), III (50-74% reduction), IV (<50% reduction). RESULTS: Of 31 patients, 14 (45%) improved to class I and 9 (29%) had a class II outcome at an average of 4 years after surgery. Eight (26%) patients did not exhibit good surgical outcome (class III, class IV). We found that neuropsychological and Wada memory scores were significantly correlated (p<0.05) with surgical outcome, and logistic regression found neuropsychological evaluation significantly predicted better surgical outcome (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: When bilateral features are present on pre-operative evaluation, neuropsychological and Wada test results can provide unique data to better identify those patients more likely to achieve substantial seizure reduction.

Temporal lobe epilepsy and cavernous malformations: surgical strategies and long-term outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM) of the temporal lobe often present with seizures. Surgical resection of these lesions can offer durable seizure control. There is, however, no universally accepted methodology for assessing and surgically treating these patients. We propose an algorithm to maximize positive surgical outcomes (seizure control) while minimizing post-surgical neurological deficit. METHODS: A retrospective review of 34 patients who underwent epilepsy surgery for radiographically proven temporal lobe CCM was conducted. Patients underwent a relatively standard work-up for seizure localization. In patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE), a complete resection of the epileptogenic zone was performed including amygdalo-hippocampectomy in addition to a lesionectomy if not contraindicated by pre-operative work-up. Patients with neocortical epilepsy underwent intraoperative electrocorticography (ECoG)-guided lesionectomy. RESULTS: Seizure-free rate for mesial and neocortical (anterior, lateral, and basal) location was 90 vs. 83 %, respectively. Complete resection of the lesion, irrespective of location, was statistically significant for seizure control (p = 0.018). There was no difference in seizure control based on disease duration or location (p > 0.05). Patients with mesial temporal CCM who presented with MTLE were presumed to also have mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS), or dual pathology. These patients underwent routine resection of the mesial structures. Interestingly, patients who had MTLE and basal (neocortical) lesions who underwent a mesial resection for suspected MTS were found not to have dual pathology. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with temporal lobe CCM should be offered resection for durable seizure control, prevention of secondary epileptogenic foci, and elimination of hemorrhage risk. The preoperative work-up should follow a team approach. Surgical intervention should include complete lesionectomy in all cases. Intra or extra-operative ECoG for neocortical lesions may be beneficial. Management of mesial temporal CCMs (archicortex) should consider resection of a well-defined epileptogenic zone (including mesial structures) due to high probability of pathologically proven MTS. The use of this treatment algorithm is useful for the education and treatment of these patients.

Laser ablation therapy: An alternative treatment for medically resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy after age 50.

Selective anterior mesial temporal lobe (AMTL) resection is considered a safe and effective treatment for medically refractory mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE). However, as with any open surgical procedure, older patients (aged 50+) face greater risks. Magnetic resonance-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRgLITT) has shown recent potential as an alternative treatment for MTLE. As a less invasive procedure, MRgLITT could be particularly beneficial to older patients. To our knowledge, no study has evaluated the safety and efficacy of MRgLITT in this population. Seven consecutive patients (aged 50+) undergoing MRgLITT for MTLE were followed prospectively to assess surgical time, complications, postoperative pain control, length of stay (LOS), operating room (OR) charges, total hospitalization charges, and seizure outcome. Five of these patients were assessed at the 1-year follow-up for seizure outcome. These data were compared with data taken from 7 consecutive patients (aged 50+) undergoing AMTL resection. Both groups were of comparable age (mean: 60.7 (MRgLITT) vs. 53 (AMTL)). One AMTL resection patient had a complication of aseptic meningitis. One MRgLITT patient experienced an early postoperative seizure, and two MRgLITT patients had a partial visual field deficit. Seizure-freedom rates were comparable (80% (MRgLITT) and 100% (AMTL) (p>0.05)) beyond 1year postsurgery (mean follow-up: 1.0years (MRgLITT) vs. 1.8years (AMTL)). Mean LOS was shorter in the MRgLITT group (1.3days vs. 2.6days (p<0.05)). Neuropsychological outcomes were comparable. Short-term follow-up suggests that MRgLITT is safe and provides outcomes comparable to AMTL resection in this population. It also decreases pain medication requirement and reduces LOS. Further studies are necessary to assess the long-term efficacy of the procedure.

Radiofrequency ablation of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: feasability, local tumor control, and long-term outcome.

A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC) was performed. Seven patients with 9 tumors underwent RFA. The mean tumor size was 2.4 cm (range=1.3-3.3 cm). RFA achieved technique effectiveness and local tumor control in 89% (8/9 tumors) of the patients respectively, with a mean overall survival of 38.5 months (range=12-69 months). To conclude, RFA was effective in achieving local tumor control and may offer a therapeutic option for patients with recurrent or primary IHCC.

Image-guided percutaneous thermal ablation of metastatic pelvic tumor from gynecologic malignancies.

BACKGROUND: Image-guided percutaneous thermal ablation is a commonly performed therapeutic procedure for various tumors. Thermal ablation is not frequently used in the pelvis as a result of anatomic concerns and the potential risk of nontarget tissue injury. TECHNIQUE: Percutaneous thermal ablation is a minimally invasive procedure involving special probes inserted through the skin to the target lesion under imaging guidance. Various delivery methods of thermal ablation exist, including radiofrequency ablation, which burns tissue, and cryoablation, which freezes tissue with an ultimate goal to destroy the target tumor while minimizing damage to adjacent structures. Protective measures can be used to provide access and safe treatment delivery such as pyeloperfusion to protect the ureter with the infusion of water using a ureteral stent or hydrodissection to protect adjacent structures by displacing them away with the infusion of water using percutaneously placed needles. EXPERIENCE: The authors' experience with the technique involves thermal ablation of recurrent pelvic tumor in three patients with various gynecologic malignancies who each had a single focus of pelvic recurrence after surgical resection and radiation treatment. No residual or recurrent disease was seen at the treatment site on follow-up imaging consistent with local tumor control. CONCLUSION: Thermal ablation of metastatic or recurrent pelvic tumor is technically feasible and should be considered in selected patients with no treatment alternative.

Direct translumbar inferior vena cava ports for long-term central venous access in patients with cancer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the indications, complications, and long-term results of translumbar port placements to the inferior vena cava for long-term central venous access in a single tertiary center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included all patients with cancer who underwent translumbar port placement from January 2000 to July 2012; 31 patients (all women) with an average age of 53.1 years ± 11.1 (range, 30-77 y) were included in the study. Of these patients, 26 (81%) had breast cancer, 3 had lung cancer, 1 had ovarian cancer, and 1 had rectal cancer. Indications included central venous occlusion in 9 patients (29%) and bilateral mastectomy and lymph node dissection in 22 patients (71%). RESULTS: All procedures were technically successful. The overall 30-day complication rate was 9.7% (n = 3). Average catheter use was 14.1 months ± 21 (range, 0.75-108 mo). Thirteen (41.9%) ports were removed because they were no longer needed; 4 (12.9%) ports required removal for port malfunction; 12 (38.7%) patients died with their ports still in place; 2 (6.5%) ports remain in use. Three (9.7%) ports required delayed secondary intervention to remain functional. One patient had a systemic infection attributed to the port, resulting in an overall infection rate of 0.08 per 1,000 catheter days. CONCLUSIONS: Translumbar inferior vena cava port placement is a technically feasible and safe alternative method for long-term central venous access.

Lead revision surgery for vagus nerve stimulation in epilepsy: outcomes and efficacy.

We present, to our knowledge, the first published analysis of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) lead revisions to incorporate quality of life, clinical response, and antiepileptic drug (AED) burden in postrevision clinical outcomes. Ten patients were followed and had no postoperative complications. Seven patients had improvement in quality of life, and three experienced no change. Eight patients noted a restoration of clinical response comparable with initial VNS implantation. Seven patients reported 30-60% improvement in seizure reduction, two experienced >60%, and one noted <30%. Six patients had no change in AED burden. Vagus nerve stimulation lead revision should be considered a safe option for patients with VNS lead failure and medically intractable epilepsy.

Tobacco smoking, epilepsy, and seizures.

Tobacco smoking is considered the greatest risk factor for death caused by noncommunicable diseases. In contrast to extensive research on the association between tobacco smoking and diseases such as heart attack, stroke, and cancers, studies on the association between tobacco smoking and seizures or epilepsy are insufficient. The exact roles tobacco smoking and nicotine use play in seizures or epilepsy have not been well reviewed. We reviewed available literature and found that 1) there are vast differences between tobacco smoke and nicotine based on their components and their effects on seizures or epilepsy; 2) the seizure risk in acute active tobacco smokers, women who smoke during pregnancy, electronic cigarette smokers, and the role of smoking in sudden unexplained/unexpected death in epilepsy remain unclear; 3) seizure risks are higher in acute secondhand smokers, chronic active smokers, and babies whose mothers smoke; 4) tobacco smoke protects against seizures in animal models whereas nicotine exerts mixed effects in animals; and 5) tobacco smoking agents can be noneffective, proconvulsant, or anticonvulsant. Finally, the opportunities for future research on this topic is discussed.

Temporal lobe surgery in medically refractory epilepsy: a comparison between populations based on MRI findings.

INTRODUCTION: High resolution MRI findings suggestive of mesial temporal sclerosis (MRI-MTS) correlate with good outcome after surgery. However, a large group of patients present with normal brain MRI (N-MRI) and temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). We aim to compare pre-operative ictal EEG patterns in predicting surgical outcomes in the population with MRI-MTS vs. N-MRI after selective anterior-mesial temporal lobe (AMTL) resection. METHODS: 241 patients with unilateral anterior ictal EEG findings underwent selective AMTL resection. 143 MRI-MTS and 98 N-MRI patients were identified. Outcome was based on the modified Engel classification, ictal EEG pattern at seizure onset, demographics and MRI findings. RESULTS: Seizure-free outcome was seen in the MRI-MTS in 79% of patients, compared to 59.1% (p<.005) of the N-MRI group. No significant difference was identified in ictal EEG patterns at presentation between groups. Class I outcome was achieved in 78.9% of patients that had theta rhythm and MRI-MTS compared to 57.9% of patients that had theta rhythm and N-MRI (p<0.05). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment for mesial TLE is effective. Positive MRI suggestive of mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) predicts better seizure control after surgery. Theta rhythm is the most common ictal pattern and seems to carry the best prognosis for TLE. However, a well-selected group of patients with N-MRI will benefit from surgical intervention, and similar outcome to MRI-MTS patients can be achieved if delta ictal EEG pattern is presented at initial onset. Early referral to an epilepsy center cannot be emphasized enough, even in situations when high-resolution brain MRI is normal.

PET and PET-CT imaging findings of peritoneal and omental involvement in patients with lymphoma.

A retrospective institutional-review-board-approved study was performed evaluating positron emission tomography (PET)-computed tomography (CT) imaging findings of peritoneal and omental involvement of lymphoma. Twelve patients were identified with a wide spectrum of imaging findings on PET-CT including but not limited to peritoneal thickening, ascites, and serosal involvement. Lymphoma is among the rare causes of malignant peritoneal or omental involvement. The most common manifestations of peritoneal lymphomatosis are peritoneal 2-[fluorine 18] fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose uptake with corresponding peritoneal thickening and nonobstructive serosal masses on CT.

Micronutrients in chronic heart failure.

Heart failure (HF)-associated mortality remains high, despite guideline-recommended medical therapies. Poor nutritional status and unintentional cachexia have been shown to have a strong association with worse survival in HF patients. Importantly, micronutrient deficiencies are potential contributing factors to the progression of HF. This review aims to summarize contemporary evidence on the role of micronutrients in the pathophysiology and outcome of HF patients. Emphasis will be given to the most well-studied micronutrients, specifically, vitamin D, vitamin B complex, coenzyme Q10 and L-carnitine.

Effect of food restriction on reproductive-related genes and reproductive hormones in adult female rats.

OBJECTIVES: A number of factors involved in the control of energy balance and metabolism act as modulators of gonadal axis. Ghrelin, a peptide secreted from the stomach and hypothalamus, has emerged as an orexigenic food intake controlling signal acting upon hypothalamus. Recently, the potential reproductive role of ghrelin has received great attention. This study was designed to investigate the influence of food restriction and consequent metabolic hormone (ghrelin) on the level and gene expression of female reproductive hormones in adult rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To study the effect of chronic food restriction on ghrelin level in adult female rats and its relation to female reproductive hormones, 32 adult female Sprague Dawley rats divided into 4 groups: Group I (control group) comprised 8 rats fed ad libitum for 30 days, Group II, III and IV (food-restricted groups for 10, 20 and 30 days respectively) each consisted of 8 rats fed 50% of ad libitum intake determined by the amount of food consumed by the control group. RESULTS: Mean body weight of food restricted rats was observed to decrease during the period of the experiment. Food restriction produced significant increase of serum ghrelin with significant decrease of both gastric and hypothalamic ghrelin accompanied with significant increase in its gene expression in stomach and hypothalamus. Estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels showed significant decrease correlated with down-regulation of gonadotropins, cyclin-dependent kinase (cdc2), cyclin B and kisspeptin (Kiss1) genes in food restricted rats compared with control group. CONCLUSIONS: Ghrelin could be one of the hormones responsible for the suppression of female reproductive axis in case of negative energy balance. Thus, ghrelin may operate as an autocrine/paracrine regulator of ovarian function. Overall, ghrelin may represent an additional link between body weight homeostasis and reproductive function.

Imaging features of idiopathic intracranial hypertension, including a new finding: widening of the foramen ovale.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a clinical disorder of unknown etiology manifesting with increased intracranial pressure in the absence of hydrocephalus, an underlying mass lesion, and demonstrating normal cerebrospinal fluid composition. IIH may exhibit several non-specific imaging findings including: an empty sella, posterior globe flattening, tortuosity of the optic nerve, and optic nerve sheath distention. PURPOSE: To introduce widening of the foramen ovale as a new imaging marker for IIH. MATERIAL AND METHODS: IIH is a syndrome which may exhibit several previously described non-specific imaging findings including: an empty sella, posterior globe flattening, tortuosity of the optic nerve, and optic nerve sheath distention. We hypothesize that chronically elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure can lead to osseous erosions and we propose widening of the foramen ovale as a new imaging marker for IIH. RESULTS: Average foramen ovale sizes were increased in patients with IIH compared to controls (30.03 ± 7.00 mm(2) vs. 24.21 ± 5.97 mm(2), P < 0.001). For a cut-off value of 30 mm(2), the sensitivity of FO area to detect IIH was 50%, with 81% specificity. Classic findings were significantly more common in patients with IIH compared to controls including: empty sella (65.9% vs. 0%), posterior globe flattening (65.9% vs. 4.5%), vertical tortuosity of the optic nerve (54.5% vs. 9.1%), and optic nerve sheath distention (52.3% vs. 11.4%, all P values < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study confirms the association of several classic imaging findings with IIH and supports widening of the foramen ovale as an additional imaging marker which may be incorporated into the evaluation of patients suspected to have this condition.