Hybrid Artificial Intelligence Solution Combining Convolutional Neural Network and Analytical Approach Showed Higher Accuracy in A-lines Detection on Lung Ultrasound in Thoracic Surgery Patients Compared with Radiology Resident.

OBJECTIVES: Lung ultrasound reduces the number of chest X-rays after thoracic surgery and thus the radiation. COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated research in lung ultrasound artifacts detection using artificial intelligence. This study evaluates the accuracy of artificial intelligence in A-lines detection in thoracic surgery patients using a novel hybrid solution that combines convolutional neural networks and analytical approach and compares it with a radiology resident and radiology experts' results. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Single-center study evaluates the accuracy of artificial intelligence and a radiology resident in A-line detection on lung ultrasound footages compared with the consensual opinion of two expert radiologists as the reference. After resident's first reading, the artificial intelligence results were presented to the resident and he was asked to revise the results based on artificial intelligence. RESULTS: 82 consecutive patients underwent 82 ultrasound examinations. 328 ultrasound recordings were evaluated. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of artificial inelligence in A-line detection were 0.866, 0.928, 0.834, 0.741 and 0.958 respectively. The resident's values were 0.558, 0.973, 0.346, 0.432 and 0.962 respectively. The resident's values after correction based on artificial intelligence results were 0.854, 0.991, 0.783, 0.701 and 0.994 respectively. CONCLUSION: Artificial intelligence showed high accuracy in A-line detection in thoracic surgery patients and was more accurate compared to a resident. Artificial intelligence could play important role in lung ultrasound artifact detection in thoracic surgery patients and in residents' education.

Early oral hydration in patients with high enterocutaneous fistula.

INTRODUCTION: Enterocutaneous fistula is defined as an abnormal connection between the gastrointestinal tract and the skin. In addition to the early recognition and treatment of sepsis, nutritional support, wound management, the adequate replacement of lost fluids with a properly set and timely rehydration treatment, together with the control of fistula production represent the first steps in treatment management. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The authors present an overview of oral rehydration therapy, describing the properties and effects of individual solutions on fistula. The absorption of fluids and electrolytes into the gastrointestinal tract is performed by the group of sodium-dependent glucose cotransporters (sodium-glucose linked transporter, SGLT1). DISCUSSION: The water and electrolyte absorption mechanisms described in the article can be used in the treatment of a patient with a high fistula. The amount of administered hypotonic fluids (water, tea) should not exceed 500 ml/day. The remaining volume, depending on fistula loss, must be supplemented with isoosmolar fluids. With a good tolerance of oral rehydration solutions and compliance with the other steps of treatment, it is possible to remain on oral intake during the entire duration of treatment without the need to prohibit it completely, thus improving the patient's overall comfort. CONCLUSION: Reducing the intake of hypotonic fluids (tap water, tea) and administering an isotonic solution help to reduce the production of the fistula, thereby contributing to its spontaneous closure.

Association between pulmonary embolism and COVID-19 disease.

OBJECTIVES: The current retrospective study focused on evaluation of the relationship between pulmonary embolism during COVID-19 pandemic and demographic, presenting symptoms, comorbidities and laboratory results in patients who underwent CT angiography of the pulmonary arteries. METHODS: The study enrolled all adult patients with suspected acute pulmonary embolism (PE) who underwent computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) between March 1, 2020, and April 30, 2022, during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. 1698 CTPAs were reviewed and various data were collected. Based on examination results, patients were divided into 4 groups: a group with positive PE and a group with negative PE for both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. RESULTS: When comparing different predictors of COVID-19 patients and non-COVID-19 patients we noticed lower probability of PE in female gender (OR 0.77, 95% CI: 0.60-1.00, p = 0.052) and in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients (OR 0.6, 95% CI: 0.38-0.90, p = 0.017). Higher probability of PE was in cases of older age (OR 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01-1.02, p < 0.001), increased heart rate (OR 1.01, 95% CI: 1.01-1.02, p < 0.001) and increased D-dimer levels (OR 1.03, 95% CI: 1.02-1.04, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Considering predictors of PE there was a significantly lower risk of PE in the female gender and COPD, and a higher risk with increasing age, heart rate, and D-dimer levels.

Clostridium septicum foot gangrene associated with colorectal cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Since the second half of the 20th century, an association between the occurrence of Clostridium septicum and Streptococcus gallolyticus infections in patients with colorectal cancer has been described in specialist literature. Infections are manifested by bacteremia, septic embolism, cellulitis, myonecrosis, and gas gangrene of the limbs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The authors present a case of a rare association between lower limb gangrene caused by the septic embolization of a Clostridium septicum infection and malignancy of colon ascendens in a polymorbid patient. Gangrene of the lower limb led to septic shock requiring acute amputation treatment. After managing the acute condition, the patient was operated on for a malignant colon tumour. DISCUSSION: The process of carcinogenesis often takes years and is almost asymptomatic. The occurrence of S. bovis/S. equinus (SBSEC) and C. septicum bacteremia, respectively, is relatively rare, but their presence is often associated with the occurrence of malignancy, most often of the lower gastrointestinal tract. This paraneoplastic symptom may be the first manifestation of a malignant disease. The effect of exotoxins can lead to sepsis or even septic shock with a mortality of 48-56%. CONCLUSION: Clostridium septicum and Streptococcus gallolyticus infections are rare in clinical practice. However, their presence can be a first paraneoplastic symptom, and therefore the doctor should look for a possible oncological disease when they are detected. The main diagnostic methods include colonoscopy and imaging, especially CT scan.

Post-operative behavioural disorders in paediatric anaesthesia caused by anaesthetics and sedatives.

Neurotoxicity of anaesthetics have become one of the most discussed problems in paediatric anaesthesiology. The experimental studies on animal models have shown that the anaesthetics used in general anaesthesia should have an influence on neurodegenerative processes, neuroapoptosis and irregulated death of the neuronal cells.Because of this fact, scientists are trying to discover the possibilities of how to minimize the adverse effects of anaesthesia and revise the other alternatives of prevention of anaesthesia-induced maladaptive behavioural disorders (Tab. 1, Fig. 1, Ref. 21). Keywords: neurotoxicity of anaesthetics, maladaptive behavioural disorders, mechanism of neurotoxicity, post-anaesthetic behavioural changes in children, future of paediatric anaesthesiology.

Surgical treatment of severe dumping syndrome.

Dumping syndrome is a common post-operative complication following gastric surgery. Clinically, severe dumping can be a serious medical condition with a negative impact on the patient's life. In our case report, we present a case of refractory dumping syndrome which developed after laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy with gastrojejunoanastomosis due to massive gastroptosis with stomach evacuation problems. Conservative gastroenterology treatment was not successful. Due to the progression of weight loss and life-threatening hypoglycaemia, the decision for surgical treatment was made. After the corrective gastro-duodenal and jejuno-jejunal anastomoses, all clinical symptoms resolved completely. With regard to the presented case, we discuss the common treatment options for dumping syndrome: the standard recommendations for dietary habits, pharmacological treatment and finally the surgery and its pitfalls. Due to the absence of randomized trials and guidelines, every patient should be treated in a personalized way.