Use of Esmarch bandage does not increase peripheral vein size in healthy volunteers: A randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasound is used for peripheral intravenous (PIV) cannulation in patients with difficult landmark-guided IV access in the Emergency Department. Distal-to-proximal application of an Esmarch bandage on the target limb has been suggested as a method for increasing vein size and ease of cannulation. METHODS: This study was a single-blinded crossover randomized controlled trial comparing basilic vein size under ultrasound with use of an Esmarch bandage in addition to standard IV tourniquet ("tourniquet + Esmarch") compared to use of a standard IV tourniquet alone. Participant discomfort with the tourniquet + Esmarch was also compared to that with standard IV tourniquet alone. RESULTS: Twenty-two healthy volunteers were used to measure basilic vein size with and without the Esmarch bandage. There was no difference in basilic vein size between the two groups, with a mean diameter of 6.0 ± 1.5 mm in the tourniquet + Esmarch group and 6.0 ± 1.4 mm in the control group, p = 0.89. Discomfort score (from 0 to 10) was different between the groups, with a mean discomfort score of 2.1 in the tourniquet + Esmarch group and 1.1 in the standard IV tourniquet alone group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the use of an Esmarch bandage does not increase basilic vein size in healthy volunteers but is associated with a mild increase in discomfort.

Ultrasound-Guided Out-of-Plane Versus In-Plane Radial Artery Cannulation in Adult Cardiac Surgical Patients.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to compare the rate of first-pass radial arterial cannulation using out-of-plane ultrasound guidance with in-plane imaging. The secondary endpoints were a comparison of the number of times the cannula was redirected, the number of attempts, the number of skin punctures, the incidence of hematoma, the time to completion of the cannulation procedure, and the number of failed attempts between the 2 ultrasound imaging techniques. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, observational study. SETTING: A tertiary cardiac care center. PARTICIPANTS: Adult patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Radial artery cannulation with ultrasound guidance. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Eighty-four adult patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery were randomly assigned to the out-of-plane ultrasound group (group I, n = 42) or the in-plane ultrasound group (group II, n = 42) for left radial artery cannulation. A linear ultrasound probe was used to identify the radial artery. In each approach, the number of times first-pass success was achieved, the number of times the cannula was redirected, the number of skin punctures, the incidence of hematomas, and the number of failed attempts were recorded. The first-pass success rate was greater in the in-plane ultrasound group and was statistically significant (p = 0.007). In the out-of-plane ultrasound group, a larger number of patients needed redirection of the cannula (p = 0.002). The number of patients in whom the skin needed to be punctured more than once was greater in the out-of-plane ultrasound group compared with the in-plane ultrasound group (p = 0.002). The incidence of hematoma formation and time to completion of the technique were similar in both groups (p = 0.241 and p = 0.792, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In-plane ultrasound guidance appeared to be superior for achieving a higher first-pass success rate more often with minimal redirections and skin punctures compared with out-of-plane ultrasound guidance.

Prolonged Effect of Repetitive Erector Spinae Plane Block in Reducing Thoracic Pain Caused by Lung Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Pain significantly affects the quality of life of lung cancer patients. We aimed to evaluate the effect of the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) on pain in these patients. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of patients with primary lung and bronchial cancer who experienced refractory pain in the thoracic region and underwent repeated ESPBs (three blocks at 24-hour intervals) between 2019 and 2020 in this single-center retrospective study. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores recorded before the procedure and on the first day (first day after the third block) and the first and third months of follow-up in 43 patients were analyzed.  Results: The study population consisted of 31 male and 12 female patients, with a mean age of 56.7 years. The mean pre-procedure VAS score was 8.9±0.8, which showed a significant decrease on the first day (2.9), first month (3.6), and third month (4.6) of the follow-up. Four patients experienced minor complications (pain at the procedure site and hypotension); however, no major complications were observed. CONCLUSION: We observed a prolonged effect of repeated ESPBs for ≥3 months. The block efficacy decreased with time; however, an approximately 50% reduction in the VAS score persisted even in the third month. Repetitive ESPBs may be regarded as a straightforward, safe, and replicable intervention to complement medical treatment and diminish the need for opioids in managing lung cancer-related pain.

Hepatobiliary tuberculosis in the developing world.

BACKGROUND: Hepatobiliary tuberculosis is a challenging disease that poses diagnostic difficulties due to its resemblance to other etiologies. Delayed diagnosis may lead to inadequate treatment, thus necessitating an urgent need for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. AIM: To systematically review case reports on hepatobiliary tuberculosis, focusing on symptomatology, diagnostic procedures, management, and outcomes to provide patient safety and ensure an uneventful recovery. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted on PubMed from 1992 to 2022, using keywords such as hepatobiliary, liver, tuberculosis cholangitis, cholangiopathy, and mycobacterium. Only case reports or case series in English were included in the study, and research papers published as abstracts were excluded. The search yielded a total of 132 cases, which were further narrowed down to 17 case studies, consisting of 24 cases of hepatobiliary tuberculosis. RESULTS: The 10 most common symptoms observed in these cases were fever, abdominal pain, weight loss, jaundice, anorexia, generalized weakness, pruritus, chills, fatigue, and chest pains. Objective findings in these cases included hepatomegaly, hepatic nodules, elevated liver enzymes, and elevated bilirubin. Computed tomography scan and ultrasound of the abdomen were the most useful diagnostic tools reported. Histologic demonstration of Mycobacterium tuberculosis confirmed the cases of hepatobiliary tuberculosis. Treatment regimens commonly used included Rifampicin, Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide, and Ethambutol. Out of the 24 cases, 18 presented improvements while 4 had completely recovered. CONCLUSION: Hepatobiliary tuberculosis is a disease that requires accurate diagnosis and appropriate management to avoid complications.

Biliary involvement in liver metastases: long-term experience with biliary biopsy from a single center.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate long-term results of biliary biopsy performed with transluminal forceps in the setting of metastatic biliary involvement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 2014 and June 2019, 25 patients-18 males (72%)-with a mean age of 65 ± 15 years, underwent 26 biliary biopsy procedures with a dedicated forceps system. All patients presented with obstructive jaundice that was suspected of being malignant and underwent pre-procedural magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. The biopsies were performed during percutaneous placement of an internal-external biliary drainage catheter, under fluoroscopic guidance. RESULTS: The technical success rate was 96% (corresponding to 25 of the 26 procedures). The histological diagnosis was inflammatory biliary stricture in five cases, pancreatic adenocarcinoma in six, liver metastases from colorectal cancer in eight, and hepatocellular carcinoma in three, the biliary mucosa being categorized as normal in three cases. In one case, the sample was considered insufficient and the procedure was successfully repeated, after which a diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma was made. Over a follow-up period of 6-48 months, there were five false-negative results: two findings of inflammatory biliary stricture were later identified as liver metastases from breast and gastric cancer, respectively; and all three patients in which the biliary mucosa was categorized as normal were subsequently diagnosed with metastatic hilar lymph nodes. The procedure was found to have a sensitivity of 77%, a specificity of 100%, and an overall accuracy of 80%. The complication rate was 11.5% (mild, transient hemobilia occurring in three cases). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous transluminal forceps biopsy is a safe, effective, minimally invasive procedure for histological characterization in patients presenting with obstructive jaundice due to a non-primary biliary tumor.

OBJETIVO: Investigar os resultados a longo prazo da biópsia endobiliar realizada com um pinça tipo fórceps transluminal no diagnóstico de neoplasia biliar metastática. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Entre setembro de 2014 e junho de 2019, 25 pacientes - 18 homens (72%), com idade média de 65 ± 15 anos) - foram submetidos a 26 procedimentos de biópsia endobiliar com um conjunto dedicado. Todos os pacientes apresentaram icterícia obstrutiva, suspeita de malignidade e colangiorressonância pré-procedimento. Os procedimentos foram realizados durante o posicionamento percutâneo da drenagem biliar interna-externa, sob orientação fluoroscópica. RESULTADOS: A taxa de sucesso técnico foi de 96% (25 casos), com diagnóstico histológico de estenose benigna (inflamatória) em cinco casos, adenocarcinoma pancreático em seis casos, metástases hepáticas retais no cólon em oito casos, carcinoma hepatocelular em três casos e de mucosa biliar normal em três casos. Em um caso a amostra foi considerada insuficiente pelo patologista (um adenocarcinoma pancreático) e o procedimento foi repetido com sucesso. O seguimento de 6 a 48 meses mostrou cinco casos falso-negativos, em particular dois casos de metástases hepáticas retais sem cólon (câncer de mama e gástrico) e três linfonodos hilares metastáticos. A análise estatística revelou sensibilidade de 77%, especificidade de 100% e precisão geral de 80%. A taxa de complicações foi de 11,5% (três casos com hemobilia transitória). CONCLUSÃO: A biópsia biliar transluminal realizada com pinça tipo fórceps é um procedimento minimamente invasivo, seguro e eficaz para caracterização histológica em pacientes que apresentam icterícia obstrutiva no diagnóstico de neoplasia biliar metastática.

Proposal for computer-aided diagnosis based on ultrasound images of the kidney: is it possible to compare shades of gray among such images?

OBJECTIVE: To compare ultrasound images of the kidney obtained, randomly or in a controlled manner (standardizing the physical aspects of the ultrasound system), by various professionals and with different devices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated a total of 919 images of kidneys, obtained by five professionals using two types of ultrasound systems, in 24 patients. The images were categorized into four types, by how they were acquired and processed. We compared the gray-scale median and different gray-scale ranges representative of virtual histological tissues. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences among the five professionals, regardless of the type of ultrasound system employed, in terms of the gray-scale medians for the images obtained (p < 2.2e-16). Analyzing the four categories of images-a totally random image (without any standardization); a standardized image (with fixed values for gain, time gain control, and dynamic range); a normalized version of the random image; and a normalized version of the standardized image-we determined that the random image, even after normalization, differed quite significantly among the professionals (p = 0.006098). The analysis of the normalized version of the standardized image did not differ significantly among the professionals (p = 0.7319). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that a gray-scale analysis of ultrasound images of the kidney performs better when the image acquisition process is standardized and the images undergo a process of normalization.

OBJETIVO: Comparar imagens renais ultrassonográficas obtidas de maneira aleatória e controlada (padronizando fatores físicos do aparelho de ultrassom) por diferentes profissionais e aparelhos. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram obtidos quatro tipos de imagens, de acordo com sua aquisição e processamento por cinco profissionais e dois tipos de aparelhos de ultrassonografia, em 24 pacientes, totalizando 919 imagens. Comparamos a mediana de escala de cinza e diferentes intervalos de tons de cinza representantes de tecidos histológicos virtuais. RESULTADOS: As medianas de escala de cinza de imagens renais obtidas por dois tipos de aparelhos foram estatisticamente diferentes (p < 2.2e-16). Analisando os quatro tipos de imagens, partindo de uma totalmente aleatória (sem qualquer padronização), uma padronizada (fixado o ganho, time gain control e dynamic range), e essas duas passando por um processo de normatização, obteve-se que a imagem aleatória é totalmente diversa entre os profissionais (p = 0,006098), mesmo passando pelo processo de normatização. A imagem padronizada, após passar pelo processo de normatização, apresentou resultados equivalentes, não possuindo diferença estatística (p = 0,7319). CONCLUSÃO: Constatou-se que na análise de tons de cinza deve-se usar um mesmo tipo de máquina e uma imagem em que sejam padronizados aspectos físicos, passando por um processo de normatização/padronização.

Chronic Inferior Vena Cava Filter Thrombosis: Endovascular Treatment and One-Year Follow-Up with Intravascular Ultrasonography.

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter thrombosis can be fatal when it is not detected and treated. Its management can be challenging, because little evidence supports specific treatments. We present the case of a 72-year-old man with a history of deep vein thrombosis in whom IVC filter thrombosis developed 7 years after filter placement. Recanalization with oral anticoagulation had failed. Using intravascular ultrasonography, we performed pharmacomechanical thrombolysis, deploying 2 stents simultaneously through the IVC filter and then 2 more into the iliac veins, with excellent results. One year later, the patient's veins and IVC filter were patent, his symptoms were greatly improved, and only nonobstructive neointimal hyperplasia was seen. This case highlights the usefulness of balloon venoplasty and double-barrel stent placement in restoring blood flow through an occluded IVC, and the value of intravascular ultrasonography during and after such procedures.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided vs endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography biliary drainage for obstructed distal malignant biliary strictures: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: For palliation of malignant biliary obstruction (MBO), the gold-standard method of biliary drainage is endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with the placement of metallic stents. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage is an alternative that is typically reserved for cases of ERCP failure. Recently, however, there have been robust randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing EUS-guided drainage and ERCP as primary approaches to MBO. AIM: To compare EUS guidance and ERCP in terms of their effectiveness and safety in palliative biliary drainage for MBO. METHODS: This was a systematic review and meta-analysis, in which we searched the MEDLINE, Excerpta Medica, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. Only RCTs comparing EUS and ERCP for primary drainage of MBO were eligible. All of the studies selected provided data regarding the rates of technical and clinical success, as well as the duration of the procedure, adverse events, and stent patency. We assessed the risk of biases using the Jadad score and the quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria. RESULTS: The database searches yielded 5920 records, from which we selected 3 RCTs involving a total of 222 patients (112 submitted to EUS and 110 submitted to ERCP). In the EUS and ERCP groups, the rate of technical success was 91.96% and 91.81%, respectively, with a risk difference (RD) of 0.00% (95%CI: -0.07, 0.07; P = 0.97; I 2 = 0%). The clinical success was 84.81% and 85.53% in the EUS and ERCP groups, respectively, with an RD of -0.01% (95%CI: -0.12, 0.10; P = 0.90; I 2 = 0%). The mean difference (MD) for the duration of the procedure was -0.12% (95%CI: -8.20, 7.97; P = 0.98; I 2 = 84%). In the EUS and ERCP groups, there were 14 and 25 adverse events, respectively, with an RD of -0.06% (95%CI: -0.23, 0.12; P = 0.54; I 2 = 77%). The MD for stent patency was 9.32% (95%CI: -4.53, 23.18; P = 0.19; I 2 = 44%). The stent dysfunction rate was significantly lower in the EUS group (MD = -0.22%; 95CI:-0.35, -0.08; P = 0.001; I 2 = 0%). CONCLUSION: EUS represents an interesting alternative to ERCP for MBO drainage, demonstrating lower stent dysfunction rates compared with ERCP. Technical and clinical success, duration, adverse events and patency rates were similar.

Use of fractional flow reserve and intravascular ultrasonography to evaluate ambiguous left main coronary artery stenosis.

Because angiography provides only a 2-dimensional image, it is an imperfect tool for accurately evaluating left main coronary artery stenosis. Additional methods, such as fractional flow reserve evaluation and intravascular ultrasonography, are more frequently being used to gauge the physiologic significance of angiographically ambiguous left main coronary artery stenosis. Previous studies have shown that a fractional flow reserve cutoff value of less than 0.75 indicates a need for surgical revascularization. It has been suggested that a fractional flow reserve value of 0.75 to 0.80 constitutes a "gray zone." Indeed, the management of patients who have angiographically ambiguous left main coronary artery disease and a fractional flow reserve value of 0.75 to 0.80 is not well established.Herein, we describe the cases of 3 patients whose fractional flow reserve values suggested functionally insignificant stenosis, but in whom intravascular ultrasonography showed substantial narrowing-the latter prompting surgical revascularization instead of medical management. All 3 patients underwent revascularization with good outcomes. Further studies are needed to investigate the role of intravascular ultrasonography in determining the severity of left main coronary artery stenosis and the preferred management thereof. Also warranting further investigation is the possible revision of the fractional flow reserve cutoff values that currently indicate significant stenosis of the left main coronary artery.

Multipolar RFA of the liver: Influence of intrahepatic vessels on ablation zones and appropriateness of CECT in detecting ablation dimensions - Results of an in-vivo porcine liver model.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an important treatment option for hepatic tumors and metastases. Post-ablation recurrence rates are reported up to 36.5 percent and seem to depend on tumor size, intrahepatic localization of tumors and adjacent hepatic vessels. Multipolar RFA has the potential to overcome/reduce these limitations. Experimental and standardized data on achievable lesion sizes, influence of hepatic vessels and non-invasive evaluation of complete ablation is still insufficient. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of intrahepatic vessels on shape and size of multipolar RF-ablation zones in healthy porcine liver and to evaluate the appropriateness of immediate post-ablation contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) in detecting RF-ablation dimensions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted multipolar RFAs in each of the livers of 10 healthy, narcotized and laparotomized domestic pigs by inserting three parallel probes with a constant probe distance and a constant energy supply. In 4 ablations we interrupted hepatic blood flow using Pringle's maneuver. Immediate post-ablation CECT scans were acquired. After euthanasia the livers were sliced perpendicularly to the probes at the probes' active centers. CECT scans were reconstructed equivalently in order to compare RF-lesion size and shape to the macroscopic sections. RESULTS: In total, 19 RF-lesions were analyzed. Every RF-lesion that was ablated during physiological liver perfusion showed an irregular and cloverleaf-like shape (n = 15). Interrupting the hepatic blood flow during RFA led to well-defined, round and homogeneous ablation zones which were 3.8 times larger compared to RF-lesions ablated during continuous hepatic perfusion (n = 4). We found an excellent correlation between immediate post-ablation CECT slices and macroscopic sections when comparing RF-lesion diameters and area, although CECT tended to overestimate ablation dimensions. CONCLUSIONS: The interruption of hepatic blood flow using Pringle's maneuver during multipolar RFA with three applicators significantly reduces heat sink effects of hepatic vessels and generates large and coherent ablation zones. This approach should be considered in each case of ablation planning adjacent to larger hepatic vessels or when ablating larger tumor volumes. Immediate post-ablation CECT has limited value in detecting incomplete RFA periprocedurally.

Changes in Coronary Plaque Volume: Comparison of Serial Measurements on Intravascular Ultrasound and Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography.

Serial measurements of coronary plaque volume have been used to evaluate drug efficacy in atherosclerotic progression. However, the usefulness of computed tomography for this purpose is unknown. We investigated whether the change in total plaque volume on coronary computed tomographic angiography is associated with the change in segment plaque volume on intravascular ultrasound. We prospectively enrolled 11 consecutive patients (mean age, 56.3 ± 5 yr; 6 men) who were to undergo serial invasive coronary angiographic examinations with use of grayscale intravascular ultrasound and coronary computed tomography, performed <180 days apart at baseline and from 1 to 2 years later. Subjects underwent 186 serial measurements of total plaque volume on coronary computed tomography and 22 of segmental plaque volume on intravascular ultrasound. We used semiautomated software to examine percentage relationships and changes between total plaque and segmental plaque volumes. No significant correlations were found between percentages of total coronary and segment coronary plaque volume, nor between normalized coronary plaque volume. However, in the per-patient analysis, there were strong correlations between the imaging methods for changes in total coronary and segment coronary plaque volume (r=0.62; P=0.04), as well as normalized plaque volume (r=0.82; P=0.002). Per-patient change in plaque volume on coronary computed tomography is significantly associated with that on intravascular ultrasound. Computed tomographic angiography may be safer and more widely available than intravascular ultrasound for evaluating atherosclerotic progression in coronary arteries. Larger studies are warranted.

Biliary involvement in liver metastases: long-term experience with biliary biopsy from a single center / Envolvimento biliar nas metástases hepáticas: experiência a longo prazo com biópsia endobiliar em um único centro

Abstract Objective: To investigate long-term results of biliary biopsy performed with transluminal forceps in the setting of metastatic biliary involvement. Materials and Methods: Between September 2014 and June 2019, 25 patients-18 males (72%)-with a mean age of 65 ± 15 years, underwent 26 biliary biopsy procedures with a dedicated forceps system. All patients presented with obstructive jaundice that was suspected of being malignant and underwent pre-procedural magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. The biopsies were performed during percutaneous placement of an internal-external biliary drainage catheter, under fluoroscopic guidance. Results: The technical success rate was 96% (corresponding to 25 of the 26 procedures). The histological diagnosis was inflammatory biliary stricture in five cases, pancreatic adenocarcinoma in six, liver metastases from colorectal cancer in eight, and hepatocellular carcinoma in three, the biliary mucosa being categorized as normal in three cases. In one case, the sample was considered insufficient and the procedure was successfully repeated, after which a diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma was made. Over a follow-up period of 6-48 months, there were five false-negative results: two findings of inflammatory biliary stricture were later identified as liver metastases from breast and gastric cancer, respectively; and all three patients in which the biliary mucosa was categorized as normal were subsequently diagnosed with metastatic hilar lymph nodes. The procedure was found to have a sensitivity of 77%, a specificity of 100%, and an overall accuracy of 80%. The complication rate was 11.5% (mild, transient hemobilia occurring in three cases). Conclusion: Percutaneous transluminal forceps biopsy is a safe, effective, minimally invasive procedure for histological characterization in patients presenting with obstructive jaundice due to a non-primary biliary tumor.

Resumo Objetivo: Investigar os resultados a longo prazo da biópsia endobiliar realizada com um pinça tipo fórceps transluminal no diagnóstico de neoplasia biliar metastática. Materiais e Métodos: Entre setembro de 2014 e junho de 2019, 25 pacientes - 18 homens (72%), com idade média de 65 ± 15 anos) - foram submetidos a 26 procedimentos de biópsia endobiliar com um conjunto dedicado. Todos os pacientes apresentaram icterícia obstrutiva, suspeita de malignidade e colangiorressonância pré-procedimento. Os procedimentos foram realizados durante o posicionamento percutâneo da drenagem biliar interna-externa, sob orientação fluoroscópica. Resultados: A taxa de sucesso técnico foi de 96% (25 casos), com diagnóstico histológico de estenose benigna (inflamatória) em cinco casos, adenocarcinoma pancreático em seis casos, metástases hepáticas retais no cólon em oito casos, carcinoma hepatocelular em três casos e de mucosa biliar normal em três casos. Em um caso a amostra foi considerada insuficiente pelo patologista (um adenocarcinoma pancreático) e o procedimento foi repetido com sucesso. O seguimento de 6 a 48 meses mostrou cinco casos falso-negativos, em particular dois casos de metástases hepáticas retais sem cólon (câncer de mama e gástrico) e três linfonodos hilares metastáticos. A análise estatística revelou sensibilidade de 77%, especificidade de 100% e precisão geral de 80%. A taxa de complicações foi de 11,5% (três casos com hemobilia transitória). Conclusão: A biópsia biliar transluminal realizada com pinça tipo fórceps é um procedimento minimamente invasivo, seguro e eficaz para caracterização histológica em pacientes que apresentam icterícia obstrutiva no diagnóstico de neoplasia biliar metastática.

Proposal for computer-aided diagnosis based on ultrasound images of the kidney: is it possible to compare shades of gray among such images? / Proposição de um diagnóstico auxiliado por computador de imagem renal ultrassonográfica: é possível comparar tons de cinza das imagens ultrassonográficas renais?

Abstract Objective: To compare ultrasound images of the kidney obtained, randomly or in a controlled manner (standardizing the physical aspects of the ultrasound system), by various professionals and with different devices. Materials and Methods: We evaluated a total of 919 images of kidneys, obtained by five professionals using two types of ultrasound systems, in 24 patients. The images were categorized into four types, by how they were acquired and processed. We compared the gray-scale median and different gray-scale ranges representative of virtual histological tissues. Results: There were statistically significant differences among the five professionals, regardless of the type of ultrasound system employed, in terms of the gray-scale medians for the images obtained (p < 2.2e-16). Analyzing the four categories of images-a totally random image (without any standardization); a standardized image (with fixed values for gain, time gain control, and dynamic range); a normalized version of the random image; and a normalized version of the standardized image-we determined that the random image, even after normalization, differed quite significantly among the professionals (p = 0.006098). The analysis of the normalized version of the standardized image did not differ significantly among the professionals (p = 0.7319). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that a gray-scale analysis of ultrasound images of the kidney performs better when the image acquisition process is standardized and the images undergo a process of normalization.

Resumo Objetivo: Comparar imagens renais ultrassonográficas obtidas de maneira aleatória e controlada (padronizando fatores físicos do aparelho de ultrassom) por diferentes profissionais e aparelhos. Materiais e Métodos: Foram obtidos quatro tipos de imagens, de acordo com sua aquisição e processamento por cinco profissionais e dois tipos de aparelhos de ultrassonografia, em 24 pacientes, totalizando 919 imagens. Comparamos a mediana de escala de cinza e diferentes intervalos de tons de cinza representantes de tecidos histológicos virtuais. Resultados: As medianas de escala de cinza de imagens renais obtidas por dois tipos de aparelhos foram estatisticamente diferentes (p < 2.2e-16). Analisando os quatro tipos de imagens, partindo de uma totalmente aleatória (sem qualquer padronização), uma padronizada (fixado o ganho, time gain control e dynamic range), e essas duas passando por um processo de normatização, obteve-se que a imagem aleatória é totalmente diversa entre os profissionais (p = 0,006098), mesmo passando pelo processo de normatização. A imagem padronizada, após passar pelo processo de normatização, apresentou resultados equivalentes, não possuindo diferença estatística (p = 0,7319). Conclusão: Constatou-se que na análise de tons de cinza deve-se usar um mesmo tipo de máquina e uma imagem em que sejam padronizados aspectos físicos, passando por um processo de normatização/padronização.

Intervenção Coronariana Percutânea em Lesões não Protegidas de Tronco / Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery Lesions

Resumo Fundamento O advento dos stents farmacológicos permitiu que a intervenção coronariana percutânea apresentasse resultados seguros nas lesões de tronco da artéria coronária esquerda. Objetivos Analisar os resultados do tratamento percutâneo da lesão não protegida de tronco da artéria coronária com a utilização de ultrassom intravascular. Métodos Estudo de série de casos consecutivos realizado no período de janeiro de 2010 a dezembro de 2018. Coletaram-se dados clínicos dos pacientes, assim como escores prognósticos e dados da lesão coronariana. Considerou-se de sucesso a lesão residual menor que 50% à angiografia e a área mínima da luz maior que 6 mm 2 ao ultrassom intravascular. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. Resultados Analisaram-se 107 casos. A lesão multiarterial foi predominante, sendo com maior frequência (39,25%) encontradas lesões em três vasos além do tronco coronariano. O escore SYNTAX apresentou média de 46,80 (DP: 22,95), e 70 (65,42%) pacientes tiveram escore SYNTAX acima de 32 pontos. Considerou-se sucesso angiográfico da intervenção percutânea em 106 (99,06%) pacientes. A taxa geral de evento maior cardíaco e cerebrovascular no desfecho hospitalar foi 6,54%, sendo semelhante nos pacientes com escore SYNTAX ≤ 32 (8,10%) e ≥ 33 (5,71%; p = 0,68) . Conclusões A intervenção percutânea em casos de lesão não protegida de tronco coronariano foi realizada com segurança e apresentou ótimos resultados. Atingiu-se alto sucesso angiográfico de tratamento guiado pelo ultrassom intravascular. A taxa de eventos cardíacos e cerebrovasculares maiores foi semelhante entre os pacientes de menor e de maior risco.

Abstract Background The advent of drug-eluting stents allowed the percutaneous coronary intervention to present safe results in lesions in the left main coronary artery. Objectives To analyze the results of the percutaneous treatment of unprotected left main coronary artery lesion with the use of intravascular ultrasound. Methods Study of consecutive case series carried out from January 2010 to December 2018. Clinical data were collected from patients as well as prognostic scores and data on coronary lesion. Low-grade residual lesion (less than 50%) on angiography and minimum luminal area greater than 6 mm2on intravascular ultrasound were considered successful. The adopted significance level was 5%. Results 107 cases were analyzed. The multivessel lesion was predominant, with most (39.25%) of the lesions being found in three vessels in addition to the left main coronary artery. The SYNTAX score had a mean of 46.80 (SD: 22.95), and 70 (65.42%) patients had a SYNTAX score above 32 points. Angiographic success of percutaneous intervention was considered in 106 (99.06%) patients. The overall rate of major cardiac and cerebrovascular events in the hospital outcome was 6.54%, being similar in patients with SYNTAX score ≤ 32 (8.10%) and ≥ 33 (5.71%; p = 0.68). Conclusions Percutaneous intervention in cases of unprotected left main coronary artery lesion was safely performed and presented excellent results. Considerable angiographic success of treatment guided by intravascular ultrasound was achieved. The rate of major cardiac and cerebrovascular events was similar between patients at low and high risks.

Interventional Catheterization Combined with Staphylococcin Aureus Injection in 112 Cases of Ischemic Necrosis of Femoral Heads.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of interventional catheterization with staphylococcin aureus injection on ischemic necrosis of the femoral heads. By percutaneous catheterization of the femoral artery, papaverine, urokinase, compound Danshen, and anisodamine were injected intravenously into the arteries of the femoral head. Staphylococcin aureus injection was injected into the hit joint capsule on the side of the lesion to compare the conditions before and after surgery. The patients did the rehabilitation exercises of the hit joint 48 h after the surgery and had double crutches for 3-6 months. Of the 112 cases, 39 cases (34.8 %) were cured, 51 cases (45.6 %) were markedly effective, and 22 cases (19.6 %) were effective. Interventional catheterization combined with staphylococcin aureus injection given into the hit joint capsule is an effective way to treat ischemic necrosis of the femoral head by influencing the internal and external environments of the femoral head.

EUS-guided gastroenterostomy: Initial experience in a brazilian tertiary center

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: EUS-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) is a novel procedure for palliation of malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). Our aim was to evaluate the outcomes of this technique in our initial experience. METHODS: Patients with GOO from our institute were included. Technical success was defined as the successful creation of a gastroenterostomy. Clinical success was defined as the ability to tolerate a soft diet after the procedure. We assessed adverse events and diet tolerance 1 month after the procedure. RESULTS: Three patients were included. Technical and clinical success was achieved in all cases. There were no adverse events and good diet tolerance was observed 1 month after the procedure in the included patients. CONCLUSION: EUS-GE is a promising treatment for patients with GOO.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: A gastroenterostomia ecoguiada é um novo procedimento para paliação da obstrução maligna gastroduodenal. Nosso objetivo foi avaliar os resultados dessa técnica em nossa experiência inicial. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos pacientes com obstrução maligna gastroduodenal de nossa instituição. O sucesso técnico foi definido como a realização adequada de uma gastroenterostomia. O sucesso clínico foi definido como boa aceitação de dieta pastosa durante a internação. Os eventos adversos e a aceitação alimentar foram avaliados um mês após o procedimento. RESULTADOS: Três pacientes foram incluídos. Os sucessos técnico e clínico foram alcançados em todos os casos. Não houve eventos adversos e a aceitação alimentar permaneceu adequada um mês após o procedimento nos pacientes incluídos. CONCLUSÃO: O EUS-GE é um tratamento promissor para pacientes com obstrução maligna gastroduodenal.

Measuring and optimizing results in multipolar RFA: Techniques and early findings in an experimental setting.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has shown to be a reasonable alternative for the treatment of hepatic tumors and metastases although multiple limitations remain. Cooling effects due to larger vessels can prevent complete coverage and may lead to early tumor relapse. This preliminary in vivo pig study combines the use of multipolar RFA with three applicators (six electrodes) and interrupted liver perfusion using Pringle's maneuver to overcome the most serious limitations. Furthermore, immediate detection of incomplete RFA is important to revise ablation. We used contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) to evaluate post ablation results in comparison to macroscopic images in healthy pig liver. We found significantly (p = 0.001) larger ablation zones and no affection by larger vessels with interrupted liver perfusion. This allows effective RFA for larger tumors. Immediate postinterventional CECT provided comparable results (r = 0.985) to macroscopic evaluation.

Rates of success and failure of biopsies of hollow abdominal organs: descriptive analysis / Taxas de sucesso e insucesso em biópsias percutâneas ecoguiadas de lesões em órgãos abdominais não sólidos: análise descritiva

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the rates of success and failure of ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy of lesions in hollow abdominal organs, as well as the influence of contrast enhancement on those rates. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective, single-center study evaluating patients submitted to ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy of abdominal lesions in hollow organs between January 2017 and June 2018. Patient records were reviewed using a standardized data collection form. Results: We included 49 procedures performed in 48 patients, of whom 18 (38%) had a prior diagnosis of cancer. Malignancy was suspected in 44 cases (90%). Among those 44 cases, the suspicion was of a new neoplasm in 28 (64%), of relapse in 11 (25%), and of a metastatic lesion in 5 (11%). The histopathological findings were sufficient to make the diagnosis in all 44 of those cases, 33 (75%) of which were found to be malignant. The diagnosis was consistent with the clinical suspicion in 33 (75%) of the cases in which there was a definitive histological result. There were no complications resulting from the procedure. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy is a safe procedure that demonstrates high efficacy in providing a sufficient sample for the diagnosis. The main reason to perform such a biopsy is suspicion of a new neoplasm, followed by suspicion of a metastatic lesion. The histopathological results were concordant with the suspicion in the majority of the cases evaluated here.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar as taxas de sucesso e insucesso das biópsias percutâneas ecoguiadas de lesões em órgãos abdominais não sólidos e a influência da realização de contraste nessa técnica. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo que avaliou doentes submetidos a biópsias percutâneas ecoguiadas de lesões em órgãos abdominais não sólidos, entre janeiro de 2017 e junho de 2018. Os dados clínicos dos doentes foram revistos usando um método padronizado de colheita de dados. Resultados: Foram incluídos 49 procedimentos realizados em 48 doentes, dos quais 18 (38%) tinham diagnóstico prévio de câncer. Em 44 (90%) suspeitava-se de malignidade: 28 (64%) de suspeita de diagnósticos de novo de neoplasia, 11 (25%) de recidiva neoplásica e 5 (11%) de lesões metastáticas. Os resultados histopatológicos permitiram fazer o diagnóstico em 44 casos (90%), sendo 33 (67%) malignos. O diagnóstico foi concordante com a suspeita clínica em 33 (75%) dos casos com resultado histológico definitivo. Não ocorreram complicações resultantes das biópsias. Conclusão: A realização de biópsias ecoguiadas é segura e capaz de fornecer amostra suficiente para permitir o diagnóstico definitivo. O principal motivo para realizar biópsias ecoguiadas é a suspeita de neoplasia de novo, seguida da suspeita de metástases. Os resultados histopatológicos foram concordantes com a suspeita clínica na maioria dos casos.