Outcomes for Prenatally Diagnosed Right Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.

BACKGROUND: Right congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) occurs less frequently than left CDH. Therefore, prognostic indicators for right CDH are not as well studied as for left CDH. METHODS: A retrospective review from a single, tertiary referral center (from 1994 until July 2013) of patients with unilateral right CDH was conducted. Prenatal characteristics were evaluated and correlated with survival to discharge and need for extracorporeal membranous oxygen (ECMO). RESULTS: In total, 34 patients were identified. There were 12 postnatal deaths and 2 fetal demises (6%), representing an overall mortality of 41%. Six patients required ECMO. Nine patients underwent fetal intervention and were analyzed separately. For patients not undergoing fetal intervention, the survival rate was 52% and a higher mean (±SD) lung-to-head ratio (LHR) was associated with survival (1.1 ± 0.4 vs. 0.8 ± 0.2, p = 0.03). There were no deaths or need for ECMO in any patient with an LHR ≥1.0. Of the 9 patients who underwent fetal intervention, survival was 78% and only 1 patient required ECMO. Fetal intervention was primarily tracheal occlusion (n = 8). CONCLUSIONS: An LHR <1.0 is associated with worse survival for right CDH and may also reflect the need for ECMO.

Fetal stomach and gallbladder in contact with the bladder wall is a common ultrasound sign of stomach-down left congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify sonographic (US) findings that can assist in prenatal diagnosis of stomach-down left congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), specifically related to positioning of the abdominal contents including the stomach, bladder, and gallbladder. METHODS: All US examinations with a postnatally confirmed diagnosis of stomach-down left CDH over a 13-year period were retrospectively reviewed for abnormal position of the abdominal contents, including whether the fetal stomach was in contact with the urinary bladder. Normal fetuses that underwent comprehensive US surveys were similarly evaluated for comparison in a 2:1 ratio. RESULTS: Twenty-two fetuses with stomach-down left CDH were identified in a cohort of 278 fetuses with left CDH. In 15/22 (68.2%) cases of stomach-down left CDH, the bladder and stomach walls were in contact. Contact of the fetal gallbladder with the fetal bladder wall was also observed and was present even more commonly (17/22 cases [77.3%]). There was no case of either the stomach or gallbladder in contact with the bladder wall in the normal fetal cohort (n = 44). CONCLUSIONS: Recognition of the fetal stomach and/or gallbladder in contact with the bladder wall can help in the detection of stomach-down left CDH. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:8-13, 2017.

Spleen Behind the Heart Complicates Lung-to-Head Ratio Measurement in Left-Sided Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.

In fetuses with left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia, intrathoracic herniation of the spleen is a common occurrence. The herniated spleen can reside posterior to the left atrium of the heart in the right hemithorax and is increasingly differentiated from the lung with the use of newer sonographic equipment. Estimation of the neonatal prognosis relies on accurate measurement of fetal lung size, particularly with commonly used measurements such as the lung-to-head ratio. Here we describe how herniation of the spleen behind the heart can complicate measurement of the lung-to-head ratio on sonography and lead to overestimation, with implications for perinatal prognostication and management.

Fetal Stomach Position Predicts Neonatal Outcomes in Isolated Left-Sided Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.

INTRODUCTION: We sought to determine the relationship between the degree of stomach herniation by antenatal sonography and neonatal outcomes in fetuses with isolated left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed neonatal medical records and antenatal sonography of fetuses with isolated left CDH cared for at a single institution (2000-2012). Fetal stomach position was classified on sonography as follows: intra-abdominal, anterior left chest, mid-to-posterior left chest, or retrocardiac (right chest). RESULTS: Ninety fetuses were included with 70% surviving to neonatal discharge. Stomach position was intra-abdominal in 14% (n = 13), anterior left chest in 19% (n = 17), mid-to-posterior left chest in 41% (n = 37), and retrocardiac in 26% (n = 23). Increasingly abnormal stomach position was linearly associated with an increased odds of death (OR 4.8, 95% CI 2.1-10.9), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO; OR 5.6, 95% CI 1.9-16.7), nonprimary diaphragmatic repair (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.4-5.5), prolonged mechanical ventilation (OR 5.9, 95% CI 2.3-15.6), and prolonged respiratory support (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.6-9.9). All fetuses with intra-abdominal stomach position survived without substantial respiratory morbidity or need for ECMO. DISCUSSION: Fetal stomach position is strongly associated with neonatal outcomes in isolated left CDH. This objective tool may allow for accurate prognostication in a variety of clinical settings.

Fetal ultrasound markers of severity predict resolution of pulmonary hypertension in congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

OBJECTIVE: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) results in morbidity and death from lung hypoplasia and persistent pulmonary hypertension (PH). We sought to define the relationship between fetal ultrasound markers of severity in CDH and the time to resolution of neonatal PH. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective study of fetuses with an antenatal ultrasound scan and left-sided CDH cared for at the University of California San Francisco (2002-2012). Fetal liver position was classified on ultrasound scan as abdominal (entire liver within the abdomen) or thoracic (any portion of the liver within the thorax). Fetal stomach position was classified from least to most aberrant: abdominal, anterior left chest, mid-posterior left chest, or retrocardiac (right chest). Lung-to-head ratio (LHR) was determined from available scans at 20-29 weeks of gestational age (GA). Routine neonatal echocardiograms were performed weekly for up to 6 weeks or until PH resolved or until discharge. PH was assessed by echocardiogram with the use of a hierarchy of ductus arteriosus level shunt, interventricular septal position, and tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity. Days to PH-free survival was defined as the age at which pulmonary artery pressure was estimated to be <2/3 systemic blood pressure. Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for GA at birth, era of birth, fetal surgery, and GA at ultrasound scan (LHR model only), with censoring at 100 days. RESULTS: Of 118 patients, the following fetal markers were available: LHR (n = 53), liver position (n = 112), and stomach position (n = 80). Fewer infants experienced resolved PH if they had LHR <1 (P = .006), thoracic liver position (P = .001), or more aberrant stomach position (P < .001). There was also a decreased rate of resolution of PH in infants with LHR <1 (hazard ratio, 0.30; P = .007), thoracic liver position (hazard ratio, 0.38; P < .001), and more aberrant stomach position (hazard ratios, 0.28 [P = .002]; 0.1 [P < .001]; and 0.07 [P < .001]). CONCLUSION: Fetal ultrasound markers of CDH severity are predictive not only of death but also of significant morbidity. LHR <1, thoracic liver, and aberrant stomach position are associated with delayed time to resolution of PH in infants with CDH and may be used to identify fetuses at high risk of persistent PH.

Scrotal swelling in the neonate.

Discovery of scrotal swelling in a neonate can be a source of anxiety for parents, clinicians, and sonologists alike. This pictorial essay provides a focused review of commonly encountered scrotal masses and mimics specific to the neonatal setting. Although malignancy is a concern, it is very uncommon, as most neonatal scrotal masses are benign. Key discriminating features and management options are highlighted to improve the radiologist's ability to diagnose neonatal scrotal conditions and guide treatment decisions. Neonatal scrotal processes ranging from common to uncommon will be discussed.

Conducted electrical weapon use by law enforcement: an evaluation of safety and injury.

INTRODUCTION: Controversy persists over the safety of conducted electrical weapons (CEWs), which are increasingly used by law enforcement agencies around the world. The purpose of this study was to examine injury patterns and physiologic conditions after CEW use under real life conditions. METHODS: A retrospective, cohort design was used, examining all CEW uses by one police department during a 6-year period. Data were collected from use-of-force forms and medical records and included conditions surrounding the use of force, medical histories, and data from emergency department evaluations and hospital admissions. RESULTS: Of 1,101 individuals subjected to (Taser M26 and X26) CEW use during the study period, 92.6% were male, the average body mass index was 26.2, and the age range was 9 to 73 years. Of the 886 (80.5%) with medical records, 46.8% had a psychiatric history and 72.9% had a substance abuse history. Emergency department (ED) evaluations occurred for 295 (26.8%) incidents. Of chief complaints, 41.7% were trauma related, 26.8% were for altered mental status, and 21.7% were for psychiatric evaluation. On presentation, 17.6% had a pulse >120, 1.7% were febrile, and 30.9% were altered; 1.4% met criteria associated with "excited delirium." When laboratory workup occurred, 70.6% had positive urine toxicology and 44.8% had positive alcohol levels. Troponin I was positive for one patient. Other laboratory abnormalities were rare, although extensive evaluations were infrequently done. Admission occurred in 24.4% of ED presentations (6.5% of all subjects); of discharge diagnoses for these patients, 59.7% were psychiatric, 22.2% were for unrelated trauma, 11.1% were for restraint-related trauma, and 6.9% were for unrelated medical diagnoses. No patients died. CONCLUSIONS: Significant injuries related to 6 years of law enforcement CEW use in one city were rare. A large percentage of those subjected to CEW use had diagnoses of substance abuse and/or psychiatric conditions. Most admissions after CEW use were unrelated to law enforcement restraint.

Predicting urethral injury from pelvic fracture patterns in male patients with blunt trauma.

PURPOSE: Precise definition of pelvic fracture location may enable prediction of which subjects are at risk for urethral injury and understanding of the pathophysiological mechanism of injury. We determined the specific anterior pelvic injury locations associated with urethral injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We completed a retrospective, nested case-control study of 119 male patients evaluated at a single large level 1 trauma center between January 1, 1997 and July 15, 2003. We performed detailed measurements of the location, displacement and direction of force of each anterior pelvic fracture from computerized tomography and pelvic radiographs. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine associations between specific fracture locations and urethral injury after controlling for age, injury mechanism, injury severity and direction of force. RESULTS: Urethral injury was present in 25 patients and all had anterior pelvic fracture (inclusive of pubic symphysis diastasis). There were no urethral injuries in patients with fractures isolated to the acetabulum. Pelvic fractures that were independently associated with urethral injury from multiple regression analysis included displaced fractures of the inferomedial pubic bone, OR 6.4 (95% CI 1.6 to 24.9), and symphysis pubis diastasis, OR 11.8 (95% CI 4.0 to 34.5). Each millimeter of symphysis pubis diastasis or inferomedial pubic bone fracture displacement was associated with an approximately 10% increased risk of urethral injury. CONCLUSIONS: The location and displacement of anterior pelvic fractures in males predict risk of urethral injury and may be valuable in determining when evaluation of the urethra is appropriate.