Prevalence and predictors of atrial fibrillation in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source: a real-life single-center retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Up to one-third of ischemic strokes remained cryptogenic despite extensive investigations. Atrial fibrillation may be detected in a significant proportion of patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source, particularly after the introduction of implantable loop recorder in clinical practice. METHODS: We retrospectively included all the consecutive patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source referred to our units in the period November 2013 to December 2018 and in which an implantable loop recorder was positioned within 6 months from stroke event. Prevalence and predictors of atrial fibrillation were investigated. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-eight patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source fulfilling inclusion criteria were identified. The crude prevalence of atrial fibrillation at the end of observation period was of 45.7%. Incidence rates at 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months resulted, respectively, 31.8% (95% CI, 30.4-46.7), 38.0% (95% CI, 30.4-46.9), 42.6% (95% CI, 34.5-51.6), 46.6% (95% CI, 38.2-55.8), and 50.4% (95% CI, 41.6-59.9). On multivariate analysis, only excessive supraventricular electric activity and left atrial enlargement resulted to be significant predictors of atrial fibrillation (p = 0.037 and p < 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Atrial fibrillation may be detected in a relevant proportion (up to 50%) of patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source if a careful and extensive diagnostic work-up is employed. Excessive supraventricular electric activity and left atrial enlargement are significant predictors of the occurrence of atrial fibrillation in these patients.

CT after Lung Microwave Ablation: Normal Findings and Evolution Patterns of Treated Lesions.

Imaging-guided percutaneous ablative treatments, such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), cryoablation and microwave ablation (MWA), have been developed for the treatment of unresectable primary and secondary lung tumors in patients with advanced-stage disease or comorbidities contraindicating surgery. Among these therapies, MWA has recently shown promising results in the treatment of pulmonary neoplasms. The potential advantages of MWA over RFA include faster ablation times, higher intra-tumoral temperatures, larger ablation zones and lower susceptibility to the heat sink effect, resulting in greater efficacy in proximity to vascular structures. Despite encouraging results supporting its efficacy, there is a relative paucity of data in the literature regarding the role of computer tomography (CT) to monitor MWA-treated lesions, and the CT appearance of their morphologic evolution and complications. For both interventional and non-interventional radiologists, it is crucial to be familiar with the CT features of such treated lesions in order to detect incomplete therapy or recurrent disease at early stage, as well as to recognize initial signs of complications. The aim of this pictorial essay is to describe the typical CT features during follow-up of lung lesions treated with percutaneous MWA and how to interpret and differentiate them from other radiological findings, such as recurrence and complications, that are commonly encountered in this setting.

Psoas Cross-Sectional Measurements Using Manual CT Segmentation before and after Endovascular Aortic Repair (EVAR).

Sarcopenia has been associated with an increased incidence of adverse outcomes, including higher mortality, after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). We aim to use computed tomography (CT) to quantify changes in total psoas muscles area (PMA) and psoas muscle density (PMD) after EVAR, and to evaluate the reproducibility of both measurements. PMA and PMD were assessed via manual segmentation of the psoas muscle on pre- and post-operative CT scans belonging to consecutive patients who underwent EVAR. Wilcoxon test was used to compare PMA and PMD before and after EVAR, and inter- and intra-reader agreements of both methods were evaluated through Bland−Altman analysis. A total of 50 patients, 42 of them males (84%), were included in the study. PMA changes from 1243 mm2 (1006−1445 mm2) to 1102 mm2 (IQR 937−1331 mm2), after EVAR (p < 0.001). PMD did not vary between pre-EVAR (33 HU, IQR 26.5−38.7 HU) and post-EVAR (32 HU, IQR 26−37 HU, p = 0.630). At inter-reader Bland−Altman analysis, PMA showed a bias of 64.0 mm2 and a coefficient of repeatability (CoR) of 359.2 mm2, whereas PMD showed a bias of −2.43 HU and a CoR of 6.19 HU. At intra-reader Bland−Altman analysis, PMA showed a bias of −81.1 mm2 and a CoR of 394.6 mm2, whereas PMD showed a bias of 1.41 HU and a CoR of 6.36 HU. In conclusion, PMA decreases after EVAR. A good intra and inter-reader reproducibility was observed for both PMA and PMD. We thus propose to use PMA during the follow-up of patients who underwent EVAR to monitor muscle depletion after surgery.

Prediction of Ablation Volume in Percutaneous Lung Microwave Ablation: A Single Centre Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous Microwave Ablation (MWA) of lung malignancies is a procedure with many technical challenges, among them the risk of residual disease. Recently, dedicated software able to predict the volume of the ablated area was introduced. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is the imaging guidance of choice for pulmonary ablation in our institution. The volumetric prediction software (VPS) has been installed and used in combination with CBCT to check the correct position of the device. Our study aimed to compare the results of MWA of pulmonary tumours performed using CBCT with and without VPS. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 1-month follow-up enhanced contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) scans of 10 patients who underwent ablation with the assistance of VPS (group 1) and of 10 patients who were treated without the assistance of VPS (group 2). All patients were treated for curative purposes, the maximum axial diameter of lesions ranged between 5 and 22 mm in group 1 and between 5 and 25 mm in group 2. We compared the presence of residual disease between the two groups. RESULTS: In group 1 residual disease was seen in only 1 patient (10%) in which VPS had ensured complete coverage of the tumour. In group 2 residual disease was found in 3 patients (30%). CONCLUSIONS: Using this software during MWA of lung malignancies could improve the efficacy of the treatment compared to the conventional only CBCT guidance.

Injury of the brachial artery accompanying simple closed elbow dislocation: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Elbow dislocation is the second common dislocation in adults, after the shoulder. The anatomical proximity to the joint of the brachial artery could lead to concomitant vascular injuries, even if their occurrence remains very rare. METHOD: It is reported the case of a right-hand-dominant  42-year-old man who sustained a simple closed  posterior elbow dislocation of  his left elbow, associated to a complete brachial artery rupture. He urgently underwent the reduction of the joint dislocation and an artery-repairing surgical procedure using a graft from ipsilateral saphenous vein. RESULTS: The full functional capacity of the elbow was obtained. CONCLUSIONS: The abundance of the brachial artery collateral network may hide the presence of a vascular injury,  potentially associated to a closed elbow dislocation. Therefore, a high index of suspicious should be maintained. The Emergency Team plays a crucial role in its early diagnosis, which is essential to avoid irreversible ischemia related damages. A prompt reduction of the joint dislocation and the vascular injury surgical repair are required. Regarding the treatment of the concomitant collateral ligaments and capsular injuries, the indication to proceed to the simultaneous ligaments reconstruction is still controversial in literature.

Dynamic tongue reconstruction with innervated gracilis musculocutaneos flap after total glossectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Advanced tongue cancer treated with total glossectomy with laryngeal preservation (TGLP) has a high risk of severe postoperative morbidity due to the loss of swallowing and articulation ability. The purpose of our work is to highlight the potential of the innervated gracilis musculocutaneous flap (IGMF) to permit a good quality of life in patients after undergoing this kind of surgery, particularly when associated with an adequate rehabilitation course. METHODS: We are presenting a cohort of 15 patients with T3 or T4 tongue cancer treated with TGLP and dynamic reconstruction with IGMF between 1998 and 2016. Functional outcome data were collected employing flexible endoscopic examination of swallowing, as well as swallowing and speech tests and questionnaires. Our reconstructive procedure was compared with different techniques described in the literature. RESULTS: In 13 out of 15 patients, a positive functional outcome was recorded, defined as the achievement of an adequate swallowing and speech ability. In two patients, the lack of success was caused by the flap's necrosis and death from early pulmonary metastasis. Of 13 patients, 12 were still alive after 2 years. Ten patients regained an independent feeding by mouth for normal food, whereas three patients continued percutaneous endoscopic gastrotomy supplementation. After 40 months, all 13 patients displayed a moderately intelligible speech capability. CONCLUSION: Although TGLP can have devastating morbid effects, an appropriate dynamic reconstruction-along with an adequate course of rehabilitation-can provide good swallowing and articulation outcomes, which permit a satisfactory long-term quality of life. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 129:76-81, 2019.

Acute occlusion of abdominal aorta: unusual embolization site for a cardiac tumor mass.

We report a rare case of complete embolization of a left atrial myxoma resulting in total occlusion of the suprarenal abdominal aorta. A 54-year-old man was admitted to hospital because of acute thoracic pain with paraplegia and acute renal failure. Abdominal computed tomography and angiography showed evidence of total occlusion of the suprarenal aorta. Intraoperatively, the aorta was found to be occluded by a hard neoformation, histologically defined as atrial myxoma. A diagnosis of atrial myxoma should be suspected in young patients suffering from acute thoracic pain and affected by paraplegia and acute renal failure. Early diagnosis may significantly abate the morbidity and mortality rates associated with this condition.

Efficacy of a novel method of intravenous infusion of the prostaglandin analogue iloprost for the treatment of lower-limb critical ischemia: An open-label, nonrandomized study in two cohorts.

BACKGROUND: Patients with advanced peripheral atherosclerotic occlusive disease who are no longer candidates for either surgical or intravascular treatment or who have undergone unsuccessful surgical revascularization may be treated with IV prostanoids. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy, tolerability, compliance, and cost of a new system of prostanoid administration that provides a constant plasma concentration of iloprost and maintains the efficacy of the drug while reducing the risk for adverse effects (AEs) and the overall cost of treatment compared with the actually adopted infusion system. METHODS: This open-label, nonrandomized study was conducted at the University Hospital of Catania (Catania, Italy). Patients with chronic critical ischemia who were not candidates for surgical revascularization were observed. The study population was divided into 2 groups: patients in group A were treated with a continuous 6-hour IV infusion of iloprost 0.5 to 2.0 ng/kg.min once daily for at least 14 consecutive days, and patients in group B were treated with a 20-day iloprost continuous IV infusion at a mean dosage of 25 µg/d by means of a portable elastomeric infusion system. Every 5 days the patient was admitted to the day-hospital setting to replenish the drug. Primary end points were rates of major and minor amputations and death; secondary end points were complete relief or a marked reduction of pain at rest, as reflected by discontinuation of analgesic therapy and by a decrease in the patients' complaints of pain, as well as by the satisfactory healing of ulcerations. Tolerability, compliance, and cost also were assessed. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients (34 men, 22 women; mean [SD] age, 67 [11] years) entered the study. Group A comprised 25 patients; group B, 31 patients. The rate of major amputation in patients at Fontaine stage IV was higher in group A (33.3%) compared with group B (20.0%). The death rate was higher in group A (4.0%) than in group B (3.2%). Pain at rest completely subsided in 37.5% of patients in group A and 68.8% of patients in group B. Trophic lesions healed in 44.4% and 73.3% of patients in groups A and B, respectively. In group A, 40.0% of patients experienced AEs (ie, hyperemia, headache, flushing) that required a reduction in dose. In group B, 6.5% of patients had hyperemia at the injection site that required a reduction in dose. Total cost wasin group B wasd €1995.60, with a mean hospital stay of 6 days. Overall, patients' quality of life, assessed as the ability to resume their normal social activities, improved. CONCLUSIONS: In this study of patients with chronic lower-limb critical ischemia, due to the consistent blood level achieved with iloprost, 20-day iloprost continuous IV infusion at a mean dosage of 25 µg/d administered by means of a portable elastomeric infusion system was shown to be similarly or more effective than the Methods used by the most important European trials (ie, iloprost 0.5-2.0 ng/kg·min once daily for at least 14 consecutive days). Furthermore, the patients were more compliant and the cost of treatment and the length of hospitalization were reduced compared with iloprost 0.5 to 2.0 ng/kg·min once daily for at least 14 consecutive days.

Long-term success of endovascular treatment of benign superior vena cava occlusion with chylothorax and chylopericardium.

The most likely etiology of benign obstruction of the superior vena cava (SVC) include fibrosing mediastinitis and iatrogenic etiologies such as sclerosis and obstruction caused by pacemakers and central venous catheter. Percutaneous stenting of SVC has been used with success both in malignant and benign superior vena cava syndrome; however, long-term follow-up of endovascular procedures is not well known. We present a case of a patient with complete occlusion of SVC of benign etiology, presenting dramatically with bilateral chylothorax and chylopericardium with cardiac tamponade, who underwent successful vena caval revascularization with thrombolytic therapy and placement of self-expanding metallic stent. The 42-month follow-up could encourage endovascular procedures even in SVC syndrome of benign etiology.

Estudio descriptivo sobre las vegetaciones adenoideas crónicas en niños entre tres y seis años de edad / Description study about the chronics adenoids vegetation in children between three and six years old

El propósito general de este trabajo, fue conocer el tipo de hipoacusia y el modo respiratorio más frecuente en una población de niños entre tres y seis años de edad con vegetaciones adenoideas crónicas. Esta investigación fue realizada en el Servicio de Otorrinolaringología (Sala 10) del Hospital Provincial del Centenario de la ciudad de Rosario. Se trabajó con una población constituída por un total de 47 niños con la patología antes mencionada. Para recolectar la información se confeccionó una planilla en la cual se volcaron los datos de utilidad contenidos en la historia clínica de cada caso seleccionado. La técnica se basó en la organización e interpretación de los resultados obtenidos através de la realización del propio análisis. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron los registros de Historias Clínicas junto con los audiogramas (en el caso de los pacientes hipoacúsicos) pertenecientes a cada paciente seleccionado. El tipo de estudio que se efectuó fue descriptivo y retrospectivo. Las conclusiones a las que se arribó luego de la ejecución del mismo muestran que toda poiblación estudiada (47 niños) evidenciaba un modo respiratorio bucal, exceptuando tres casos en que el mismo era mixto, y aproximadamente la mitad presentaba hipoacusia del tipo de conducción. En los niños hubo mayor proporción de hipoacusia que en las niñas (56 por ciento vs. 40 por ciento). En cuanto a la edad, el porcentaje de hipoacusia fue mayor en los niños de seis años (64 poir ciento) que en los de tres - cuatro y cinco años (10 por ciento y 53 por ciento respectivamente). Estos resultados se recopilaron en la planilla de volcado de datos y se presentaron en los cuadros y gráficos respectivos