Choroidal Perfusion Changes After Vitrectomy for Myopic Traction Maculopathy.

BACKGROUND: The choroidal vasculature supplies the outer retina and is altered in many retinal diseases, including myopic traction maculopathy (MTM). Choroid health is typically assessed by measuring the choroidal thickness; however, this method has substantial limitations. The choroidal vascularity index (CVI) was recently introduced to provide quantitative information on the vascular flow in the choroid. This index has been evaluated in a wide range of diseases but has not been extensively used to characterize MTM. AIM: This study aimed to investigate the CVI across different stages of MTM and the influence of macular surgery on choroidal perfusion markers in different surgically resolved MTM stages. METHODS: Eighteen healthy myopic eyes in the control group and forty-six MTM eyes in the surgical group were evaluated using enhanced optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging. Binarized OCT images were processed to obtain the luminal choroidal area (LCA) and stromal choroidal area (SCA), which were used to calculate CVI in the form of a percentage ratio. CVI data were collected at baseline, one and four months postoperatively, and at the final clinical visit. MTM eyes were divided into four stages based on disease severity. The choriocapillaris flow area (CFA) and central subfield thickness (CSFT) were measured along side the CVI. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between the two groups at baseline, except for visual acuity (p < 0.0001). Surgery significantly improved vision at all postoperative time points (p < 0.0001). At baseline, there were no significant differences in CVI, CFA, or CSFT scores between the control and surgical groups. However, all three measurements were lower at the final visit in the surgical group (p ≤0.0001). No significant differences were found in any of the parameters among the four stages of MTM (p > 0.05). Ultimately, correlation and multivariate linear regression analyses did not reveal any significant association between CVI and visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: This study did not find significant preoperative differences in CVI between healthy myopic eyes and eyes with MTM. However, the postoperative CVI and CFA values were significantly lower than those of the control eyes. Thus, CVI may not be a good biomarker for surgical outcomes, as the correlation between CVI and visual acuity was not statistically significant.The CVI and CFA decreased after surgery, providing evidence of choroidal changes after surgical management.

Ligadura temporal laparoscópica de arterias uterinas en un caso de vasculatura miometrial aumentada relacionada con el embarazo / Laparoscopic temporary uterine artery ligation in a case of pregnancy-related increased myometrial vasculature

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: La vasculatura miometrial aumentada es una afección poco común, con alto riesgo de hemorragia masiva. Su fisiopatología se relaciona con una remodelación inadecuada del endometrio y miometrio, posterior a un evento obstétrico. El tratamiento convencional, en caso de sangrado masivo, es la histerectomía. En la actualidad, los tratamientos con enfoque conservador que permiten el embarazo espontáneo, ofrecen una opción segura para estas pacientes. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 20 años, primigesta, con deseo gestacional a futuro, llevada a la sala de urgencias debido a una hemorragia uterina profusa, con datos clínicos de bajo gasto, antecedente de aborto completo de 10 semanas de gestación un mes antes. En el ultrasonido Doppler se observó una imagen anecoica irregular en el fondo uterino que interrumpía la interfase endometrio-miometrial asociada con flujo sistólico alto. Para el control vascular se indicó cirugía conservadora de útero, con ligadura temporal laparoscópica de las arterias uterinas; además aspiración uterina. Estos procedimientos trascurrieron sin complicaciones. El reporte histopatológico del material aspirado fue de tejido trofoblástico asociado con ectasia vascular. CONCLUSIÓN: La ligadura temporal laparoscópica de las arterias uterinas es un procedimiento eficaz, en casos seleccionados, de control vascular durante la extracción del tejido trofoblástico remanente, en casos de vasculatura miometrial aumentada, relacionada con el embarazo, con recuperación completa de la irrigación uterina y preservación del útero.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Enlarged myometrial vasculature is a rare condition with a high risk of massive haemorrhage. Its pathophysiology is related to inadequate remodelling of the endometrium and myometrium following an obstetric event. The conventional treatment for massive haemorrhage is hysterectomy. Currently, conservative management approaches that allow spontaneous pregnancy offer a safe option for these patients. CLINICAL CASE: 20-year-old primigravida with future pregnancy aspirations, presented to the emergency department with heavy uterine bleeding, clinical data of low output, history of complete abortion at 10 weeks' gestation one month earlier. Doppler ultrasound showed an irregular anechoic image in the uterine fundus interrupting the endometrial-myometrial interface associated with high systolic flow. For vascular control, uterine-sparing surgery with laparoscopic temporary ligation of the uterine arteries and uterine aspiration was indicated. These procedures were performed without complications. The histopathological report of the aspirated tissue was trophoblastic tissue associated with vascular ectasia. CONCLUSION: Temporary laparoscopic ligation of the uterine arteries is an effective procedure in selected cases for vascular control during removal of the remaining trophoblastic tissue, in cases of pregnancy-related increased myometrial vasculature, with complete recovery of uterine irrigation and preservation of the uterus.

Femoral Head Vascularity After Arthroscopic Femoral Osteochondroplasty: An In Vivo Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI Study.

Background: A serious concern with surgical procedures around the hip joint is iatrogenic injury of the arterial supply to the femoral head (FH) and consequent development of FH osteonecrosis. Cam-type morphology can extend to the posterosuperior area. Understanding the limit of the posterior superior extension of the femoral osteochondroplasty is paramount to avoid underresection and residual impingement while maintaining FH vascularity. Purpose/Hypothesis: The aim of this study was to quantify the impact of arthroscopic femoral osteochondroplasty on the FH vascular supply. It was hypothesized that keeping the superior extension of the resection zone anterior to the 12-o'clock position would maintain FH vascularity. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Ten adult patients undergoing arthroscopic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) surgery were included in the study. Computed tomography (CT) scans were obtained before and after arthroscopic osteochondroplasty to define the extension of resection margins. To quantify FH vascularity, postoperative dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) was obtained at 2 time points: immediately after surgery and at the 3-month follow-up. Custom MRI analysis software was used to quantify perfusion. Results: CT scan analysis demonstrated that the superior resection margin was maintained anterior to the 12-o'clock position in half of the patients. The remining 5 patients had a mean posterior extension of 11.4° ± 7.5°. The immediate postoperative DCE-MRI revealed diminished venous outflow in the operative side but no difference in overall FH perfusion. At the 3-month follow-up DCE-MRI, there was no perfusion difference between the operative and nonoperative FHs. Conclusion: This study provides previously unreported quantitative MRI data on in vivo perfusion of the FH after the commonly performed arthroscopic femoral osteochondroplasty for the treatment of cam-type FAI. Maintaining resection margins anterior to the 12-o'clock position, or even 10° posteriorly, was not observed to impair perfusion to the FH.

Fracture healing, the diamond concept under the scope: hydroxyapatite and the hexagon.

Bone healing after a fracture has many intercalated steps that depend on the host, type of injury, and often the orthopedist. The diamond concept since 2007 has outlined 4 main facets that have to be considered as a model by the treating surgeon at the time of injury and when nonunion develops: osteogenic cells, osteoconductive scaffolds, osteoinduction, and the biomechanical environment. All of these foment fracture healing in optimal circumstances. Yet, this work proposes other facets, such as osteoimmunology and vascularity, to be considered as well in the model. These are as important as the original four, though their correlation to the original work has been less noted until more recent literature. The mindset of the orthopedist must thoroughly analyze all these facets and many more when dealing with nonunion. This work presents, probably the most significant ones, parting from the original 4-corner diamond model and expanding it to a more representative hexagon integrated model. Metaphorically, just like the strongest inorganic constituent of the bone: hydroxyapatite.

Hay múltiples pasos intercalados en la consolidación de la fractura que dependen del paciente, el tipo de fractura y frecuentemente del ortopedista. Desde su introducción en el año 2007, el concepto del diamante ha delineado 4 facetas o aristas principales que se han de tener en cuenta por el ortopedista en el momento de la lesión y cuando la no-unión de fractura ocurre: células osteogénicas, matrices osteocunductivas, osteoinducción, y el ambiente biomecánico. Otras facetas para tener en cuenta, no menos importantes, son la osteoimmunología y la vascularidad. Estas son tan importantes como las 4 facetas originales, pero la correlación entre las mismas ha sido poco notada o integrada hasta ahora. El ortopedista tratante debe analizar todas ellas en profundidad, especialmente cuando se trata de una no-unión. Este trabajo presenta las más significantes, partiendo del modelo original del diamante de 4 facetas hacia uno más representativo e integrado como el hexágono. Metafóricamente, como el elemento inorgánico más abundante y fuerte en el hueso: la hidroxiapatita.

Fracture healing, the diamond concept under the scope: Hydroxyapatite and the hexagon / Consolidación de fractura, una mirada al concepto diamante: Hidroxiapatita y el hexágono

Abstract Bone healing after a fracture has many intercalated steps that depend on the host, type of injury, and often the orthopedist. The diamond concept since 2007 has outlined 4 main facets that have to be considered as a model by the treating surgeon at the time of injury and when nonunion develops: osteogenic cells, osteoconductive scaffolds, osteoinduction, and the biomechanical environment. All of these foment fracture healing in optimal circumstances. Yet, this work proposes other facets, such as osteoimmunology and vascularity, to be considered as well in the model. These are as important as the original four, though their correlation to the original work has been less noted until more recent literature. The mindset of the orthopedist must thoroughly analyze all these facets and many more when dealing with nonunion. This work presents, probably the most sig nificant ones, parting from the original 4-corner diamond model and expanding it to a more representative hexagon integrated model. Metaphorically, just like the strongest inorganic constituent of the bone: hydroxyapatite.

Resumen Hay múltiples pasos intercalados en la consolidación de la fractura que dependen del paciente, el tipo de fractura y frecuentemente del ortopedista. Desde su introducción en el año 2007, el concepto del diamante ha delineado 4 facetas o aristas principales que se han de tener en cuenta por el ortopedista en el momento de la lesión y cuando la no-unión de fractura ocurre: células osteogénicas, matrices osteocunductivas, osteoinducción, y el ambiente biomecánico. Otras facetas para tener en cuenta, no menos importantes, son la osteoimmunología y la vascularidad. Estas son tan importantes como las 4 facetas originales, pero la correlación entre las mismas ha sido poco notada o integrada hasta ahora. El ortopedista tratante debe analizar todas ellas en profundidad, especialmente cuando se trata de una no-unión. Este trabajo presenta las más significantes, partiendo del modelo original del diamante de 4 facetas hacia uno más representativo e integrado como el hexágono. Metafóricamente, como el elemento inorgánico más abundante y fuerte en el hueso: la hidroxiapatita.

Secondary colonic necrosis. Case report.

BACKGROUND: Colonic vascular lesion secondary to verapamil overdose is mediated by free radicals, forming vascular microtrombos and endotoxin generation, being a difficult diagnosis. CLINICAL CASE: A 27-year-old female is admitted with an acute abdomen of 4 days after an event referred for a suicidal attempt due to an overdose of verapamil, operating surgically where there is a right transmural colon necrosis, performing a right hemicolectomy with terminal ileostomy. CONCLUSIONS: Recognize and properly treat an acute abdomen, not always reach an adequate diagnosis, so a thorough history could conclude.

ANTECEDENTES: La lesión vascular colónica secundaria a la sobredosis de verapamilo, es mediada por radicales libres, formando microtrombos vasculares y generación de endotoxinas, siendo un diagnostico difícil. CASO CLÍNICO: Femenino de 27 años, ingresa con abdomen agudo de 4 días posteriores a un evento remitido de intento suicida por sobredosis de verapamilo, interviniéndose quirúrgicamente donde se halla necrosis colónica transmural derecha, realizando hemicolectomía derecha con ileostomía terminal. CONCLUSIONES: Reconocer y tratar de forma adecuada un abdomen agudo, no siempre se suele llegar a un adecuado diagnostico, por lo cual una minuciosa anamnesis lograría concluirlo.

Telencephalon vascularity in sheep (Ovis aries)

The studies into the vascularity of the telencephalon in Polish Merino sheep of both sexes were made on 60 cerebral hemispheres. It was found that the middle cerebral artery is the most powerful vessel supplying blood to the telencephalon. The artery gets divided into ten permanent branches. Two olfactory arteries supply the area of the telencephalon located on the border between the old and the new cortex. The other eight branches get divided into three branches running to the region of the frontal lobus of the brain, two branches - to the region of the parietal lobus and three temporal branches heading for the temporal region, supplying blood to the new cortex only. The frontal, parietal and temporal branches descended independently from the main trunk of the middle cerebral artery or first formed a common trunk. Common trunks for respective groups of branches have been referred to as: the anterior, superior and posterior middle cerebral arteries. The posterior olfactory artery in 6.7% of the cases was an independent branch from the rostral cerebral artery.(AU)

Telencephalon vascularity in sheep (Ovis aries)

The studies into the vascularity of the telencephalon in Polish Merino sheep of both sexes were made on 60 cerebral hemispheres. It was found that the middle cerebral artery is the most powerful vessel supplying blood to the telencephalon. The artery gets divided into ten permanent branches. Two olfactory arteries supply the area of the telencephalon located on the border between the old and the new cortex. The other eight branches get divided into three branches running to the region of the frontal lobus of the brain, two branches - to the region of the parietal lobus and three temporal branches heading for the temporal region, supplying blood to the new cortex only. The frontal, parietal and temporal branches descended independently from the main trunk of the middle cerebral artery or first formed a common trunk. Common trunks for respective groups of branches have been referred to as: the anterior, superior and posterior middle cerebral arteries. The posterior olfactory artery in 6.7% of the cases was an independent branch from the rostral cerebral artery.(AU)

Understanding the Influence of Flow Velocity, Wall Motion Filter, Pulse Repetition Frequency, and Aliasing on Power Doppler Image Quantification.

OBJECTIVES: Although power Doppler imaging has been used to quantify tissue and organ vascularity, many studies showed that limitations in defining adequate ultrasound machine settings and attenuation make such measurements complex to be achieved. However, most of these studies were conducted by using the output of proprietary software, such as Virtual Organ computer-aided analysis (GE Healthcare, Kretz, Zipf, Austria); therefore, many conclusions may not be generalizable because of unknown settings and parameters used by the software. To overcome this limitation, our goal was to evaluate the impact of the flow velocity, pulse repetition frequency (PRF), and wall motion filter (WMF) on power Doppler image quantification using beam-formed ultrasonic radiofrequency data. METHODS: The setup consisted of a blood-mimicking fluid flowing through a phantom. Radiofrequency signals were collected using PRFs ranging from 0.6 to 10 kHz for 6 different flow velocities (5-40 cm/s). Wall motion filter cutoff frequencies were varied between 50 and 250 Hz. RESULTS: The power Doppler magnitude was deeply influenced by the WMF cutoff frequency. The effect of using different WMF values varied with the PRF; therefore, the power Doppler signal intensity was dependent on the PRF. Finally, we verified that power Doppler quantification can be affected by the aliasing effect, especially when using a PRF lower than 1.3 kHz. CONCLUSIONS: The WMF and PRF greatly influenced power Doppler quantification, mainly when flow velocities lower than 20 cm/s were used. Although the experiments were conducted in a nonclinical environment, the evaluated parameters are equivalent to those used in clinical practice, which makes them valuable for aiding the interpretation of related data in future research.

Telencephalon vascularity in sheep (Ovis aries)

ABSTRACT: The studies into the vascularity of the telencephalon in Polish Merino sheep of both sexes were made on 60 cerebral hemispheres. It was found that the middle cerebral artery is the most powerful vessel supplying blood to the telencephalon. The artery gets divided into ten permanent branches. Two olfactory arteries supply the area of the telencephalon located on the border between the old and the new cortex. The other eight branches get divided into three branches running to the region of the frontal lobus of the brain, two branches - to the region of the parietal lobus and three temporal branches heading for the temporal region, supplying blood to the new cortex only. The frontal, parietal and temporal branches descended independently from the main trunk of the middle cerebral artery or first formed a common trunk. Common trunks for respective groups of branches have been referred to as: the anterior, superior and posterior middle cerebral arteries. The posterior olfactory artery in 6.7% of the cases was an independent branch from the rostral cerebral artery.

The histological analysis of the glenohumeral "critical zone" / Análisis histológico de la "zona crítica" glenohumeral

The arterial integrity of the "critical zone" of the rotator cuff has led to much uncertainty regarding rotator cuff tendinopathy. As the region of the supraspinatus tendon is the most common area affected by impingement, its central aspect is situated approximately 10 mm from the insertion at the greater humeral tubercle. Although many studies have investigated the vascularity of the "critical zone", there still appears to be lack of consensus regarding its extent. Through the employment of gross dissection and standard histology analysis of twenty-five adult bilateral cadaveric scapulo-humeral regions (n = 50), this study aimed to quantify the degree of vascularity, or lack thereof, within the "critical zone" by evaluating its relative morphometric features. The demographic representation of the sample was also considered. Results: i) Mean diameter of arteriole lumen: 91.6±75.2 µm; ii) Mean diameter of entire arteriole: 119.8±87.1 µm; iii) Mean arteriole wall thickness: 15.1±9.5 µm; iv) Mean area occupied by an arteriole: 20644.4±3358.0 µm2; v) Mean number of arterioles within "critical zone": 14.6±8.7. All tissue samples displayed a scarce distribution of arterioles along the musculo-tendinous junction relative to the "critical zone". A directly proportional relationship between the morphometric parameters was indicated by positive strong correlations and accompanying statistically significant P values. As 66 % of the number of arterioles within the "critical zone" were distributed between the minimum value and the upper quartile, it was postulated to be hypovascular, therefore confirming the findings of previous studies.

La integridad arterial de la "zona crítica" del manguito rotador ha dado lugar a una gran incertidumbre con respecto a la tendinitis del mismo. A medida que la región del tendón del músculo supraespinoso sea el área más común afectada por el impacto, su aspecto central estará situado aproximadamente a 10 mm desde la inserción en el tubérculo mayor del húmero. Aunque muchos estudios han investigado la vascularización de la "zona crítica", aún parece existir falta de consenso en cuanto a su extensión. A través de la disección macroscópica y análisis de la histología normal de ambas regiones escápulo-humerales, se realizó en 25 cadáveres adultos (n = 50), este estudio que tuvo como objetivo cuantificar el grado de vascularización, o su ausencia, dentro de la "zona crítica" mediante la evaluación de su características morfométricas. También se consideró la representación demográfica de la muestra. Resultados: i) La media de diámetro de lumen de las arteriolas: 91,6 ± 75.2 µm; ii) El diámetro medio de la totalidad de las arteriolas: 119,8 ± 87.1 µm; iii) la media del espesor de la pared de las arteriolas: 15,1 ± 9.5µm; iv) La media de la zona ocupada por una arteriola: 20.644,4 ± 3358.0 µm2; v) La media de las arteriolas dentro de la "zona crítica": 14,6 ± 8,7. Todas las muestras de tejidos tenían una escasa distribución de las arteriolas a lo largo de la unión músculo-tendinosa con relación a la "zona crítica". Una relación directamente proporcional entre los parámetros morfométricos indica fuertes correlaciones positivas y junto a valores de P estadísticamente significativos. Como el 66 % de las arteriolas dentro de la "zona crítica" se distribuyeron entre el valor de cuartil mínimo y superior, se postuló como hipovascular, por lo tanto confirma los resultados de estudios anteriores.

Cáncer mamario triple negativo: ¿cómo se ve en imágenes? / Triple receptor-negative breast cancer: how is it seen on imaging findings?

Introduction. Triple-negative cancers (TNC) refers to any breast cancer that does not express the genes for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) or human epidermal grow factor, receptor type 2. Herceptin (HER2). They tend to be more aggressive; often being diagnosed in young patients, sometimes as interval cancers, they can grow to be large in size and patients frequently present initially with axillary metastases. They show a worse prognosis compared to other breast cancer tumors, with an increased risk of distant recurrence and death, especially in the first 5 years after diagnosis. Patients and methods. We conducted a descriptive, retrospective observational study of TNC cases diagnosed at our institution between March 2005 and June 2012 in order to identify their imaging features. Results. TNC may not be seen on mammography (Mx) if the parenchyma is dense (ACR types 3 and 4), mainly because they appear as masses or focal asymmetries without microcalcifications. Both on mammography and ultrasound (US) they can evoke a benign lesion. On US studies they frequently manifest as a solid single nodule, markedly hypoechoic with posterior acoustic enhancement and well-defined contours. They appear hypo/ avascular on color Doppler examinations (or vascularized in the periphery without central vessels) and various afferent pedicles may be present. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) clearly identifies suspicious lesions with some characteristic features: mass preferably with posterior and prepectoral location, markedly hyperintense on T2- weighted images with a ring-like pattern of contrast agent uptake, presenting washout curve, sometimes with septa increased uptake in the lesion center. Conclusion. Triple receptor-negative cancers often exhibit imaging features that distinguish them from other types of tumors.

Introducción. Los cánceres triple negativo (CTN) son aquellos que no presentan receptores de estrógeno, progesterona ni human epidermal grow factor, receptor type 2. Herceptin (HER2). Tienden a ser más agresivos; a menudo se diagnostican en pacientes jóvenes, a veces como cánceres de intervalo, llegan a ser de gran tamaño y más frecuentemente presentan metástasis axilares al momento del diagnóstico. Su pronóstico es peor que otros cánceres mamarios, existiendo una mayor probabilidad de recurrencia a distancia y de muerte, especialmente en los primeros 5 años. Pacientes y métodos. Se efectuó una revisión retrospectiva descriptiva de los casos de CTN diagnosticados en nuestra institución (periodo entre marzo de 2005 y junio de 2012) con el fin de identificar sus características imaginológicas. Resultados. Los CTN pueden quedar ocultos en mamografía (Mx) si el parénquima es denso (tipo ACR 3 y 4), puesto que aparecen principalmente como masas o asimetrías focales, sin microcalcificaciones. Tanto en Mx como en ultrasonido (US) pueden evocar una lesión de morfología benigna. En US se manifiestan frecuentemente como un nódulo sólido único, marcadamente hipoecogénico con refuerzo posterior, de contornos bastante circunscritos y que aparece hipo/avascular al Doppler color (o vascularizado en la periferia sin vasos centrales) y varios pedículos aferentes. La resonancia magnética (RM) identifica hallazgos claramente sospechosos con algunos elementos característicos: masa cuya localización es preferentemente posterior, pre-pectoral, marcadamente hiperintensa en T2 que capta el contraste en anillo y presenta curva de lavado, a veces con septos hipercaptantes en el centro de la lesión. Conclusión. Los CTN presentan a menudo características en imágenes que los diferencian de otros tipos de tumores.

Doppler color en el estudio de la mama: ¿Cómo lo hacemos nosotros? / Color doppler in the study of the braest: how do we perform it?

The contribution of color Doppler sonography in the study of breast cancer remains a topic of discussion. However, in the daily clinical practice it has become an indispensable instrument, and an integral part of the breast ultrasound (US). The aim of this paper is to demonstrate its utility based on the available evidence as well as on our experience. We describe the technical considerations necessary to conduct a good study, the Doppler signs of benignity/malignancy in focal lesions of the breast and the benefits of its routine use in day-to-day practice. In our experience, it is a useful tool for this purpose. Neverthless, its diagnostic impact as described in the literature is variable. To evaluate its real usefulness, prospective studies along with standardization of the evaluation technique would be required.

La contribución del Doppler color en el estudio de la mama sigue siendo un tema en discusión. No obstante, en la práctica clínica diaria se ha convertido en un instrumento indispensable, formando parte integral del Ultrasonido (US) mamario. El objetivo de este artículo es demostrar su utilidad según la evidencia disponible y a través de nuestra experiencia. Se describen las consideraciones técnicas indispensables para realizar un buen estudio, los signos Doppler de benignidad / malignidad en lesiones focales de la mama y las ventajas de su uso rutinario en la práctica diaria. En nuestra experiencia es una herramienta útil para este propósito, sin embargo su impacto diagnóstico descrito en la literatura es variable. Para evaluar su real utilidad, se requiere de la realización de estudios prospectivos y de la estandarización la técnica.