ABSTRACT
Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) include endogenously produced androgens like testosterone and their synthetic derivatives. Their influence on multiple metabolic pathways across organ systems results in an extensive side effect profile. From creating an atherogenic and prothrombotic milieu to direct myocardial injury, the effects of AAS on the heart may culminate with patients requiring thorough cardiac evaluation and multi-disciplinary medical management related to cardiomyopathy and heart failure (HF). Supraphysiological doses of AAS have been shown to induce cardiomyopathy via biventricular dysfunction. Advancement in imaging including cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and additional diagnostic testing have facilitated the identification of AAS-induced left ventricular dysfunction, but data regarding the impact on right ventricular function remains limited. Emerging studies showed conflicting data regarding the reversibility of AAS-induced cardiomyopathy. There is an unmet need for a systematic long-term outcomes study to empirically evaluate the clinical course of cardiomyopathy and to assess potential targeted therapy as appropriate. In this review, we provide an overview of the epidemiology, pathophysiology and management considerations related to AAS and cardiomyopathy.
ABSTRACT
Objective This study was aimed to compare the closure of skull base defect in endoscopic endonasal transsphenoid surgery of pituitary tumors, using bipedicled nasal septal flap versus fascial closure. The study hypothesis being that bipedicled nasal septal flap is better, compared with fascial closure of skull base defect post-endoscopic endonasal transsphenoid surgery of pituitary tumors. Methods All the eligible patients were randomly divided into two groups and then randomly allocated to the surgeons. In one group, fat and fascia lata was used for closure of the skull base defect and nasal septal flap was not harvested whereas in the other, nasal septal flap was used for closure. Results There was a statistically significant difference in postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak between the two groups. Patients who had undergone flap repair had lower incidence of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Duration of postoperative hospital stay was also less among the group who underwent flap repair (statistically significant). Conclusion Bipedicled nasal septal flap serves an excellent cover for the skull base defect following endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. It can prevent postoperative CSF leak even in cases where tissue glue is not used.
ABSTRACT
A 45-year-old woman presented with a neck swelling since the past 6 years. The swelling was painless but slowly and progressively increasing in size. On examination, a thyroid swelling of size approximately 6×4 cm was seen on the left side. Ultrasonography revealed the size to be 6×5 cm with microcalcifications. Fine needle aspiration cytology revealed the mass to be papillary carcinoma. She was planned for total thyroidectomy with central compartment clearance. Preoperative assessment including thyroid hormone profile was normal and the patient was taken for surgery after proper anaesthesia clearance. During the surgery, it was found that there was a branching of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve. The branching was confirmed with nerve monitor and careful dissection was done to prevent injuries. The surgery was completed successfully without any nerve damage and the postoperative period was uneventful. Follow-up assessments revealed no signs of nerve injury like hoarseness of voice. Possibility of abnormal branches and duplication of nerves though uncommon should not be underestimated and extra vigilance and caution must be exercised when operating near a nerve, even by an experienced surgeon familiar with the local anatomy. Any doubts arising during the surgery must be clarified immediately, and nerve monitors should be used to check suspected branching and duplications before proceeding further.
