Assessment of Cardiac Risk in Women with Autoimmune Disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of our review was to evaluate current standards in clinical practice in determining overall cardiac risk in female patients with chronic rheumatologic diseases. We hoped to not only summarize known cardiac manifestations of various chronic rheumatologic diseases but also determine the effectiveness of new risk scores in determining cardiac risk in this patient population. RECENT FINDINGS: Chronic rheumatologic diseases have been associated with various cardiac manifestations for some time, with initial studies involving risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, recent studies have shown numerous other cardiac manifestations associated with these and other chronic rheumatologic diseases. Risk scores have been used for several decades to help determine overall cardiac risk in the general population, but these risk scores have notoriously underestimated the risk of cardiac disease in woman and in patients with chronic rheumatologic diseases. These diseases, often with a female predominance, can impact long-term mortality and have devastating consequences if not monitored and treated appropriately. Thus, new risk scores have been developed over the last several years to help improve detection and awareness of cardiac disease in these patients. Novel modified risk scores have found some success at improving the detection of cardiac disease in patients with chronic rheumatologic diseases. Further studies looking at these risk scores need to determine the accuracy of these scores and where they fall short. With the advent of advanced imaging technologies, future risk scores may involve certain imaging-based markers to help guide accurate risk determination.

A Real-Time Programmable Pulsatile Flow Pump for In Vitro Cardiovascular Experimentation.

Benchtop in vitro experiments are valuable tools for investigating the cardiovascular system and testing medical devices. Accurate reproduction of the physiologic flow waveforms at various anatomic locations is an important component of these experimental methods. This study discusses the design, construction, and testing of a low-cost and fully programmable pulsatile flow pump capable of continuously producing unlimited cycles of physiologic waveforms. It consists of a gear pump actuated by an AC servomotor and a feedback algorithm to achieve highly accurate reproduction of flow waveforms for flow rates up to 300 ml/s across a range of loading conditions. The iterative feedback algorithm uses the flow error values in one iteration to modify the motor control waveform for the next iteration to better match the desired flow. Within four to seven iterations of feedback, the pump replicated desired physiologic flow waveforms to within 2% normalized RMS error (for flow rates above 20 mL/s) under varying downstream impedances. This pump device is significantly more affordable (∼10% of the cost) than current commercial options. More importantly, the pump can be controlled via common scientific software and thus easily implemented into large automation frameworks.

Costs, length of stay and inpatient complications of early surgical decompression after spinal cord injury in a geriatric cohort.

Debate regarding timing of surgical decompression after spinal cord injury continues. Recent evidence indicates that early decompression improves neurological outcomes. However, little investigation has been performed regarding how it affects one's hospitalization in a geriatric cohort. 8,999 cases of traumatic SCI who underwent surgical decompression (2002-2011, age 65 + years) within the Nationwide Inpatient Sample were included in univariate and multivariate analyses. Univariate analysis shows that early decompression is more cost effective ($88,564.00 vs $107,849.00, p < 0.0005) and is associated with shorter length of stay (LOS) (8.00 ± 16.15 vs 12.00 ± 15.93 days, p < 0.0005) when compared to late decompression. In multivariate analysis, early decompression continued to be associated with a shorter LOS, though cost was no longer statistically different. Early decompression had less odds of surgical site infection, vasopressor use, decubitus ulcers, but higher odds of cardiac complications, acute renal failure, transfusions and hardware complications. Spinal level of SCI did not affect timing of surgery. Vertebral column fracture did not influence cost or length of stay. In summary, the complex mix of results regarding inpatient complications highlight the innumerable variables and complex decision making that involves surgical treatment of SCI, especially within a susceptible geriatric cohort. However, shorter LOS and lower costs associated with early decompression continue to support its uniform implementation after traumatic SCI.

Dramatic elevation of LDL cholesterol from ketogenic-dieting: A Case Series.

High-fat, low carb dieting, also known as the "ketogenic diet," has increased in popularity as a rapid weight-loss tool. Previous studies describe a modest elevation in cholesterol in the average keto-diet participant without specific cardiovascular impact. We hypothesize that patients with a genetic predisposition to cholesterol metabolism dysregulation may have a disproportionate elevation in cholesterol in response to ketogenic dieting.

Preoperative Embolization of Meningiomas Facilitates Reduced Surgical Complications and Improved Clinical Outcomes : A Meta-analysis of Matched Cohort Studies.

PURPOSE: The utility of preoperative embolization (PE) of intracranial meningiomas is unclear and controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PE on meningioma surgical resection by completing a meta-analysis of matched cohort studies. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of matched cohort studies was completed to evaluate the effect of PE on meningioma resection and outcomes. Outcome measures included: intraoperative blood loss, major surgical complications, total surgical complications including minor ones, total major complications including major surgical and embolization complications, total overall complications, and postoperative functional independence defined as modified Rankin Score (mRS) of 0-2. Pooled odds ratios (OR) were determined via a fixed effects model. RESULTS: A total of 6 matched cohort studies were identified with 219 embolized and 215 non-embolized meningiomas. There was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss between the two groups (P = 0.87); however, the embolization group had a significantly lower odds ratio of major surgically related complications (OR: 0.37, 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.21-0.67, P = 0.0009, I2 = 0%), but no difference in minor surgical complications (P = 0.86). While there was a significantly lower odds ratio of total overall surgical and PE-related complications in PE cases (OR: 0.64, CI: 0.41-1.0, P = 0.05, I2 = 66%), there was no difference in total combined major complications between the groups (OR: 0.57, CI: 0.27-1.18, P = 0.13, I2 = 33%). Lastly, PE was associated with a higher odds ratio of functional independence on postoperative follow-up (OR: 2.3, CI: 1.06-5.02, P = 0.04, I2 = 0%). CONCLUSION: For certain meningiomas, PE facilitates lower overall complications, lower major surgical complications, and improved functional independence. Further research is required to identify the particular subset of meningiomas that benefit from PE.

Routine Laboratory Biomarkers As Prognostic Indicators of Cardiac Sarcoidosis Outcomes.

Background: Biomarkers to monitor disease activity and predict major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in CS have not been described previously. We aimed to identify biomarkers to predict MACE in cardiac sarcoidosis (CS). Methods: Patients (N=232) diagnosed with CS were retrospectively enrolled. Biomarkers including angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), troponin T, and creatinine levels were evaluated against a primary end point of left ventricular assist device implantation, heart transplantation, or death, and a secondary end point of cardiac hospitalization-free survival. Results: Troponin T (hazard ratio [HR], 1.06 per 0.01 ng/mL; P=.006), NT-proBNP (HR, 1.31 per 1,000 pg/mL; P<.001), and creatinine (HR, 4.02 per mg/dL; P=.01) were associated with the primary end point, even after adjusting for ejection fraction. NT-proBNP, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), creatinine, albumin, and calcium were associated with the secondary end point (P<.05). ACE levels were associated with presence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging (mean difference, 14.7; P=.03); 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25-OHVit-D) was associated with uptake on cardiac 18F-flurodeoxyglucose position emission tomography (FDG-PET, P=.03). Conclusions: Troponin T, NT-proBNP, and creatinine predict clinically significant outcomes in CS. ACE levels correlated with LGE on CMR, and 1,25-OHVit-D levels correlated with FDG-PET activity.

Workplace Violence and Neurosurgery: Insights from a Nationwide Survey.

OBJECTIVE: Workplace violence (WPV) against neurosurgeons is an understudied phenomenon, as previous research has focused on high-risk specialties like emergency medicine and psychiatry. We sought to fill in this gap in the literature by determining the frequency and type of WPV that neurosurgeons experience. METHODS: We sent a 26-question online survey to members of the American Association of Neurological Surgery via SurveyMonkey. This survey contained questions about WPV experienced over the previous two years, as well as questions about security measures and workplace protocols for WPV. RESULTS: We received 107 responses of 4757 surveys disseminated, a response rate of 2.25%. Although small, this response rate is representative of historical survey response rates. In total, 53.3% of our sample reported WPV, and 4.7% reported at least one physical assault. In total, 50.5% of respondents were afraid of becoming a victim of WPV, and 40.4% felt less secure today than when they began practicing. A total of 17.8% of respondents reported that they had obtained a weapon or a concealed weapon permit due to a perceived threat. Tests for association revealed that early career and female neurosurgeons were significantly more likely to receive verbal threats than other neurosurgeons (P = 0.049 and 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: WPV is prevalent in neurosurgery at rates comparable with a range of other specialties. Many neurosurgeons feel unsafe in the workplace, with some taking significant actions such as weapon acquisition. An opportunity for education and resources regarding WPV exists, especially among early career and female neurosurgeons.

Natural History of Patients Diagnosed with Cardiac Sarcoidosis at Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation or Cardiac Transplantation.

To our knowledge, natural history has not been reported for cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) diagnosed by pathologic evaluation of the apical core at left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation or cardiac transplantation. We retrospectively identified 232 consecutive patients meeting CS criteria. Of these patients, 54 were diagnosed by pathologic confirmation of CS, 10 after evaluation of the apical core (LVAD implant) or explanted heart (transplant). We compared clinical characteristics at initial evaluation and outcomes for these 10 patients with those of 10 patients with known CS before LVAD implant/transplant. In the study group, five patients (50%) had confirmed extracardiac sarcoidosis before LVAD implant/transplant; five had not been diagnosed with sarcoidosis. Mean (standard deviation) left ventricular ejection fraction at initial evaluation was 23% (16%), and left ventricular end-diastolic dimension was 61 (10) mm. Four patients died during follow-up; however, no survival difference was found for the 10 patients diagnosed incidentally and the group with a previous diagnosis or institutional LVAD/transplant cohorts. Patients diagnosed with CS on pathological examination of the apical core/explanted heart may have severe dilated cardiomyopathy as the initial presentation. Outcomes for patients with CS after advanced heart failure therapies may be comparable with those of non-CS patients.

Identification of a novel presumed cardiac sarcoidosis category for patients at high risk of disease.

BACKGROUND: Histologic evidence is required for a definitive diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) by published guidelines; however, the sporadic nature of the disease may produce false negative biopsy results, causing CS to be underdiagnosed. We sought to establish a clinical category of CS absent histologic findings. METHODS: Patients evaluated for CS were stratified into 3 groups: probable CS and definite CS based on Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) criteria and presumed CS, ie, patients without any histologic evidence of sarcoidosis, but with unexplained high-grade atrioventricular block or ventricular arrhythmia and findings suggestive of CS on either cardiac magnetic resonance imaging or positron emission tomography. The primary end point was hospitalization-free and overall survival at 10 years. RESULTS: A total of 383 patients were included in the study: 59, definite CS; 223, probable CS; and 101, presumed CS (62, isolated CS and 39, systemic CS). Compared with patients meeting HRS criteria for CS, patients with presumed CS had lower odds of New York Heart Association class III or IV symptoms (odds ratio [OR], 0.44 [95% CI, 0.23-0.83]; P = .01) but greater odds of previous ventricular tachycardia (OR, 2.4 [95% CI, 1.4-4.0]; P = .001) or history of resuscitated sudden cardiac arrest (OR, 2.9 [95% CI, 1.0-8.6]; P = .05). Hospitalization-free and overall survival were similar among groups (P = .51 and P = .71, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical categorization of patients with presumed CS identified a high-risk cohort comparable to patients with histologic evidence of disease, although caution should be exercised in reaching this diagnosis without paying due diligence to the differential diagnosis.

Pacemaker generator replacement as a key to the puzzle of dyspnoea in a community dwelling centenarian.

A 104-year-old woman presented with dyspnoea. Workup revealed normal troponins, elevated D-dimer at 2285 with subsequent chest CT angiogram negative for pulmonary embolism. NT-pro BNP elevated to 5208 pg/mL. Chest X-ray revealed mild cardiac enlargement with bilateral pleural effusions. ECG revealed accelerated junctional rhythm. The initial plan was to obtain transthoracic echocardiogram and start diuresis for presumed heart failure. Given her specific cardiac history, pacemaker interrogation was ordered which revealed her pacemaker mode changed from DDDR to VVI. She underwent pacemaker battery exchange with complete resolution in her symptoms and ability to return to prior functional status. Overall, dyspnoea in centenarians could be multifactorial. Pacemaker elective replacement mode secondary to end of life battery can present as non-specific cardio respiratory symptoms. As the pacemaker population ages to the survival beyond the battery life, pacemaker aetiology behind heart failure symptoms needs to be highly considered by medical providers.

Risk factors associated with early adverse outcomes following craniotomy for malignant glioma in older adults.

INTRODUCTION: Craniotomy for tumor resection improves survival in adults aged ≥65 years with malignant glioma. However, the decision to attempt resection must be weighed against the near-term risks of surgery. This study examined risk factors associated with unfavorable 30-day outcomes following craniotomy for malignant glioma resection in older adult patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2012 to 2016 was queried for patients aged 65-89 years undergoing craniotomy for primary, supratentorial, malignant, intra-axial tumor resection. 30-day outcomes included mortality, life-threatening complication, unplanned readmission, reoperation, and change in living disposition. Independent risk factors were identified through multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: In total, 1016 cases met eligibility criteria. Death occurred in 35 cases (3.4%). 58 patients (5.7%) suffered at least one life-threatening complication. Risk factors for morbidity and mortality included frontal lobe tumor, corticosteroid use, dependent functional status, and underweight body mass index (BMI). Among 816 patients admitted from home, 33.9% experienced a change in living disposition, which was associated with advanced age, female sex, frontal lobe tumor, underweight BMI, and diabetes mellitus (among others). Readmission (11.8%) was most frequently attributed to altered mental status, seizure, or venous thromboembolism. Reoperation was rare (4.5%). DISCUSSION: Death and life-threatening morbidity were rare early outcomes for older adult patients undergoing malignant glioma resection. However, one in three patients admitted from home experienced a change in living disposition. Factors related to baseline state of health, tumor location, and corticosteroid regimen should be considered when anticipating the immediate postoperative course.

Risk Factors and Associated Complications of Symptomatic Venous Thromboembolism in Patients with Craniotomy for Meningioma.

OBJECTIVE: Patients undergoing surgical resection of meningioma are at increased risk for developing venous thromboembolism (VTE). The aim of this study was to assess occurrence of VTE in patients who underwent surgical resection of meningioma to determine risk factors and associated complications of VTE. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database from 2012 to 2015 was reviewed for patients who had undergone meningioma resection according to primary Current Procedural Terminology codes and International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision. RESULTS: The study included 5036 patients with meningioma. Rate of VTE was 3.38%, with pulmonary embolism rate of 1.47% and deep venous thrombosis rate of 2.42%. During the first 30 days after surgery, patients with VTE had a mortality rate of 5.88% compared with 1.15% for patients without VTE. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis determined 5 risk factors for VTE,: age ≥60 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification III, operative time ≥310 minutes, ventilator dependence, and preoperative transfusions. Univariate analysis revealed a number of complications significantly associated with VTE occurrence, including unplanned intubation, ventilator use for >48 hours, stroke, sepsis, septic shock, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, and transfusions. CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors of VTE and associated complications were identified. Understanding these risk factors provides physicians with further insight in managing this subgroup of patients in a personalized fashion in the perioperative period to minimize the incidence and morbidity of VTE.

Comparative Analysis of Decompression Versus Decompression and Fusion for Surgical Management of Lumbar Spondylolisthesis.

OBJECTIVE: When lumbar stenosis involves spondylolisthesis, many surgeons include fixation. Two recent trials have shown no consensus to definitive treatment. We aimed to add to the discourse of fusion versus decompression in patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis by providing a large-scale generalizable study. METHODS: We used multicenter, prospectively collected data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database to compare 30-day outcomes for decompression alone versus combination decompression and fusion in the treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the effect of surgical type on multiple characteristics. Univariate 2-tailed χ2 analyses were used to identify further outcome differences. RESULTS: In total, 9606 patients with treated lumbar spondylolisthesis were identified (907 decompression only, 8699 decompression and fusion). The fusion group tended to be younger (P < 0.001) and was more likely to be smokers (P = 0.01). Unplanned return to surgery was 3.02% in the fusion group, compared with 1.02% (P = 0.011). Minor adverse events occurred in 12.8% of the fusion group versus 4.9% (P < 0.001). Major adverse events occurred in 4.5% of the fusion group versus 3.1% (P = 0.0498). There was no significant difference in 30-day mortality, prolonged admission, or 30-day readmission. CONCLUSIONS: Unplanned return to the operating room and major and minor adverse events were greater for patients undergoing fusion. This could influence future decision-making in lumbar spondylolisthesis. This study indicates that further investigation is warranted but that decompression may be associated with less morbidity in the properly selected patient.

Recurrent Hemorrhagic Conversion of Ischemic Stroke in a Patient with Mechanical Heart Valve: A Case Report and Literature Review.

The authors present a unique case of recurrent stroke, discovered to be secondary to hemorrhagic conversion of microemboli from a mechanical aortic valve despite anticoagulation with Coumadin. The complexity of this case was magnified by the patient's young age, a mechanical heart valve (MHV), and a need for anticoagulation to maintain MHV patency in a setting of potentially life-threatening intracranial hemorrhage. Anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy are risk factors for hemorrhagic conversion post-cerebral ischemia; however, the pathophysiology underlying endothelial cell dysfunction causing red blood cell extravasation is an active area of basic and clinical research. The need for randomized clinical trials to aid in the creation of standardized treatment protocol continues to go unmet. Consequently, there is marked variation in therapeutic approaches to treating intracranial hemorrhage in patients with an MHV. Unfortunately, patients with an MHV are considered at high thromboembolic (TE) risk, and these patients are often excluded from clinical trials of acute stroke due to their increased TE potential. The authors feel this case represents an example of endothelial dysfunction secondary to microthrombotic events originating from an MHV, which caused ischemic stroke with hemorrhagic conversion complicated by the need for anticoagulation for an MHV. This case offers a definitive treatment algorithm for a complex clinical dilemma.

Coil and Onyx embolization of a torcular herophili dural arteriovenous fistula in a full-term neonate with advanced heart failure using a transumbilical approach.

Neonatal dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are rare, but if left untreated will advance to life-threatening neurological and cardiovascular compromise. Endovascular treatment is the preferred treatment modality for DAVFs. The goal of endovascular therapy is to obliterate feeding vasculature and prevent secondary complications. Endovascular access can be difficult to obtain in a neonate. The authors present the case of a full-term, normal birth weight neonate with severe congestive heart failure secondary to a congenital DAVF of the torcular herophili that was successfully treated with transumbilical arterial coil embolization and a liquid embolic agent.

Imaging and surgical approach to a pediatric penetrating intradural wooden splinter: case report.

Penetrating spinal injuries by wood are infrequently reported. They are particularly rare in children. Only 6 cases of wooden fragments causing penetrating intradural spinal injury have been reported. The authors report a case of a 3-year-old girl who suffered a penetrating wound on her lower back after sliding on a wood floor. A portion of the extraspinal part of the wooden splinter was removed prior to presentation; however, a high suspicion for retained foreign body was maintained. Findings on CT were equivocal, but the diagnosis was confirmed on MRI. An incomplete cauda equina syndrome was noted on examination. She was taken to the operating room for removal of the wooden foreign body, repair of a durotomy, and repair of a CSF leak. At 8 months after surgery, the patient had fully recovered without sequelae. The roles of imaging modalities, prophylactic antibiotics, and surgery are discussed.

For the further training of individuals in neurosurgery: a history of the William P. Van Wagenen Fellowship.

The William P. Van Wagenen Fellowship, celebrating its 50th anniversary, is an annual award given by the AANS and administered by the Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation (NREF). Named after its benefactor, Dr. William Van Wagenen, the fellowship continues his legacy of mentorship and innovation. As the premier research award for young neurosurgeons, it has provided a foundation for career development for many thought leaders in the field. The award was created in the spirit of Van Wagenen's belief in collaboration with other institutions as a means of refining neurosurgical technique, creating new research initiatives, and improving patient outcomes. Van Wagenen's commitment was informed by his early experiences in neurosurgery with his mentor Dr. Harvey Cushing, who helped to fund Van Wagenen's scientific endeavors in Europe. This journey catalyzed Van Wagenen's lifelong commitment to mentorship, which is exemplified by his instrumental role in the creation of the Harvey Cushing Society, now the AANS. Over the last 50 years, the recipients of this award have used the endowment to lay the groundwork for many scientific and technical innovations in neurosurgery. The fellowship remains an unmatched opportunity to explore new lines of investigation, foster academic and research goals, incorporate new technology and skills into American neurosurgical practice, and motivate young neurosurgeons to transform the field. The legacy of mentorship, scientific inquiry, and clinical excellence personified by Cushing and Van Wagenen is memorialized in the William P. Van Wagenen Fellowship.

Novel Technique of Percutaneous Fat Graft for Repair of Persistent Large Pseudomeningocele.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomeningocele is an uncommon but problematic complication in lumbar spine surgery. Initial conservative measures frequently are successful, but persistence requires additional management. The current surgical approach can involve a range of techniques, including blood patches, hydrogel/fibrin sealants, drains, open surgical repair of the dura, or a combination of the all techniques if symptoms persist. This report demonstrates a novel technique for repair via a percutaneous approach to deliver an autologous fat graft into the pseudomeningocele. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 64-year-old woman with a history of multiple complex lumbar spinal surgeries with previous durotomy had persistent positional headaches from an unresolved pseudomeningocele from L3 to L5. The defect and symptoms remained after all available surgical options were exhausted, including blood patches, hydrogel sealants (Duraseal), and open surgical repair with muscle and Gelfoam grafts. After autologous fat harvest, the patient underwent percutaneous repair of the pseudomeningocele with simultaneous aspiration of cerebrospinal fluid and injection of fat into the defect space. CONCLUSIONS: At 3 months postoperatively, the patient's symptoms were resolved with no clinical or radiographic findings of nerve root or thecal sac impingement and complete obliteration of the pseudomeningocele. This less-invasive approach offers the option of open surgical repair for persistent pseudomeningocele with the use of autologous graft material.

Superior performance of continuous over pulsatile flow ventricular assist devices in the single ventricle circulation: A computational study.

This study compares the physiological responses of systemic-to-pulmonary shunted single ventricle patients to pulsatile and continuous flow ventricular assist devices (VADs). Performance differences between pulsatile and continuous flow VADs have been clinically observed, but the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. Six systemic-to-pulmonary shunted single ventricle patients (mean BSA=0.30m2) were computationally simulated using a lumped-parameter network tuned to match patient specific clinical data. A first set of simulations compared current clinical implementation of VADs in single ventricle patients. A second set modified pulsatile flow VAD settings with the goal to optimize cardiac output (CO). For all patients, the best-case continuous flow VAD CO was at least 0.99L/min greater than the optimized pulsatile flow VAD CO (p=0.001). The 25 and 50mL pulsatile flow VADs exhibited incomplete filling at higher heart rates that reduced CO as much as 9.7% and 37.3% below expectations respectively. Optimization of pulsatile flow VAD settings did not achieve statistically significant (p<0.05) improvement to CO. Results corroborate clinical experience that continuous flow VADs produce higher CO and superior ventricular unloading in single ventricle patients. Impaired filling leads to performance degradation of pulsatile flow VADs in the single ventricle circulation.