Quality and Readability of Online Health Information on Common Urologic Cancers: Assessing Barriers to Health Literacy in Urologic Oncology.

INTRODUCTION: A growing number of Americans search online for health information related to urologic oncologic care each year. The American Medical Association recommends that medical information be written at a maximum sixth-grade level in order to be comprehensible by the majority of patients. As such, it is important to assess the quality and readability of online patient education material that patients are being exposed to. METHODS: A Google search was performed using the terms "testicular cancer," "prostate cancer," "kidney cancer," and "bladder cancer," and the top 30 results for each were reviewed. Websites were categorized based on their source. Readability was assessed using the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, the Gunning Frequency of Gobbledygook, and the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook indices. Quality was assessed using the DISCERN Quality Index (1-5 scale). RESULTS: A total of 91 websites were included in our analysis. On average, online health information pertaining to urologic cancers is written at a 10th- to 11th-grade reading level, which is significantly higher than that of an average American adult and that recommended by the American Medical Association (P < .01). The overall quality of websites was 3.4 ± 0.7, representing moderate to high quality. There was no significant difference in readability based on cancer type or information source. CONCLUSIONS: Despite being of moderate to high quality, online patient education materials related to common urologic cancers are often written at a grade level that exceeds the reading level of an average American adult. This presents as a barrier to online health literacy and calls into question the utility of these resources.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to radical cystectomy for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer: national trends and pathologic outcomes.

Background: There is a sparsity of literature on treatment outcomes for patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). We aim to analyze the outcomes associated with the use of NAC prior to radical cystectomy for NMIBC utilizing the National Cancer Database. Materials/Methods: The National Cancer Database bladder dataset was evaluated for patients with NMIBC and known pT staging undergoing RC from 2006-2016. The primary outcome was the utilization of NAC. The secondary outcomes were pathologic down staging to pT0, positive surgical margins, 30-day readmission, and overall survival. Results: The proportion of patients receiving NAC prior to radical cystectomy for NMIBC increased from 8.6% in 2006 to 14.8% in 2016. Those who received NAC had significantly higher tumor stages (cT1 vs cTa/is) with 85.7% of patients receiving NAC presenting with cT1 as opposed to only 82% in those not receiving NAC (p < 0.001). Similarly, there were significantly more patients who were cN+ in the NAC group as compared to those who did not receive NAC (5.5% vs. 1.1%, p < 0.001). For patients who received NAC, the rate of downstaging to pT0 was 12.7% as compared to only 3.3% in patients who did not receive NAC (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference comparing the rates of positive margins or 30-day readmissions between groups. On multivariable logistic regression for pathologic downstaging, NAC was significant (OR 4.1, p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in overall survival between patients treated with or without NAC. Conclusion: NAC prior to RC in patients with NMIBC has increased in recent years and correlates with tumor downstaging. Further research is requisite to identify patients who obtain the greatest benefit of NAC in the NMIBC setting.

Cost of upper tract imaging obtained during hematuria evaluation: Analysis of a national claims database.

INTRODUCTION: To investigate the actual cost of hematuria evaluation using nationally representative claims data, given that the workup for hematuria burdens the healthcare system with significant associated costs. We hypothesized that evaluation with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) confers more cost to hematuria evaluation than renal ultrasound (US). METHODS: Using a national, privately insured database (MarketScan), we identified all individuals with an incident diagnosis of hematuria. We included patients who underwent cystoscopy and upper tract imaging within 3 months of diagnosis. We tabulated the costs of the imaging study as well as the total healthcare cost per patient. A multivariable model was developed to evaluate patient factors associated with total healthcare costs. RESULTS: We identified 318,680 patients with hematuria who underwent evaluation. Median costs associated with upper tract imaging were $362 overall, $504 for CT with contrast, $163 for US, $680 for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), $283 for CT without contrast, and $294 for retrograde pyelogram. Median cystoscopy cost was $283. Total healthcare costs per patient were highest when utilizing MRI and CT imaging. When adjusted for comorbidities, the use of any imaging other than ultrasound was associated with higher costs. CONCLUSIONS: In this nationally representative analysis, hematuria evaluation confers a significant cost burden, while the primary factor associated with higher costs of screening was imaging type. Based upon reduced cost of US-based strategies, further investigation should delineate its cost-effectiveness in the diagnosis of urological disease.

Association of Frailty and Complications Following Prostate Biopsy: Results From a Population-Based, Privately Insured Cohort.

INTRODUCTION: Prostate needle biopsy (PNBx) is essential for prostate cancer diagnosis, yet it is not without risks. We sought to assess patients who underwent PNBx using a claims-based frailty index to study the association between frailty and postbiopsy complications from a large population-based cohort. We hypothesized that increased frailty would be associated with adverse outcomes. METHODS: Using Market Scan, we identified all men who underwent PNBx from 2010 to 2015. Individuals were stratified by claims-based frailty index into 2 prespecified categories: not frail, frail. Complications occurring within 30 days from prostate biopsy requiring emergency department, clinic, or hospital evaluations constituted the primary outcome. Unadjusted and adjusted analyses identified patient covariates associated with complications. RESULTS: We identified 193,490 patients who underwent PNBx. The mean age was 57.6 years (SD: 5.0). In all, 5% were prefrail, mildly frail, or moderately to severely frail. The rate of overall complications increased from 11.1% for not frail to 15.5% for frail men. After adjusting for covariates, individuals with any degree of frailty experienced a higher risk of overall complication (odds ratio [OR]: 1.29; P < .001), clinic (OR: 1.26; P < .001) and emergency department visits (OR: 1.32; P = .02), and hospital readmissions (OR: 1.41; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Frailty was associated with a higher risk of complications for patients undergoing PNBx. Frailty assessment should be integrated into shared decision-making to limit the provision of potentially harmful care associated with prostate cancer screening.

Gel Rolls Increase Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Radiation Exposure.

Introduction: Despite increasing interest in reducing radiation doses during endoscopic stone surgery, there is conflicting evidence as to whether percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) positioning (prone or supine) impacts radiation. We observed clinically that a patient placed prone on gel rolls had higher than expected radiation with intraoperative CT imaging and that gel rolls were visible on the coaxial imaging. We hypothesized that gel rolls directly increase radiation doses. Methods: Anthropomorphic experiments to simulate PCNL positions were performed using a robotic multiplanar fluoroscopy system (Artis Zeego Care+Clear, Siemens) and a 5-second coaxial imaging protocol (5s BODY). A fluoroscopy phantom was placed in various positions, including prone on a gel roll; prone on blankets of equal thickness; prone and supine directly on the table; and modified supine (MS) positions using a thin gel roll or rolled blanket. Impacts of C-arm direction and use of a 1 L saline bag were also evaluated. Measured dose area product (DAP) was compared for the groups. Results: Measured DAP was found to increase by 146 µGy*m2 (287%) when prone on gel rolls compared with only 62.29 (23%) when placed on blankets of equal thickness, although the model likely both overstates the relative impact and understates the absolute impact that would be seen clinically. Measured DAP between experimental groups also varied considerably despite fluoroscopy time being held constant. Conclusions: Our experiments support our hypothesis that gel rolls directly increase radiation dose, which has not been previously reported, using an anthropomorphic model. Surgeons should consider radiolucent materials for positioning to limit radiation exposure to patients and the surgical team.

Ultralow-Dose Intraoperative Computed Tomography During Endoscopic Stone Surgery: A Quality Improvement Project.

Objectives: To improve care in patients with large kidney stones using advanced intraoperative imaging techniques to reduce perioperative radiation exposure, improve stone-free rates (SFRs), and reduce the number of surgical interventions in a quality improvement project. Patients and Methods: Patients with kidney stones appropriate for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) treatment were scheduled into a hybrid operating room for endoscopic surgery (PCNL and/or ureteroscopy) with intent to perform intraoperative CT (ICT). Imaging was performed using an Artis Zeego Care+Clear™ (Siemens) robotic-armed multiplanar fluoroscopy system with collimation to the level of the affected kidney(s). After the initial case, the proprietary CARE™ (combined applications to reduce exposure) protocol was used. When the hybrid room was unavailable, a mobile CT scanner (O-Arm; Medtronics) was used in the traditional room (n = 2). Results: Thirty-one ICTs were performed in 23 consecutive patients during endoscopic stone procedures with a median effective radiation dose of 1.39 mSv per scan, significantly less than the preoperative noncontrast CT (12.02 mSv) in the same patients (p < 0.001). Longitudinal radiation exposure associated with stone treatment significantly decreased by 83% (15.80 to 2.68 mSv, p < 0.001) compared with a similar historical PCNL cohort. Clinically significant residual stones (≥3 mm) were identified at initial ICT in eight patients (35%) and further treated in six patients. One patient had missed residual stone diagnosed 34 days after surgery, which was apparent on re-review of the ICT. Thus, final verified SFR was 87% for all stages. Mean number of procedures improved from 1.77 to 1.30 (p = 0.05) and rate of postoperative CT scans improved from 82% to 26% (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Ultralow-dose ICT was demonstrated to simultaneously improve SFR and number of staged treatments, and greatly reduce the perioperative radiation dose for our patients. The findings support the continued use of this modality to benefit all patients with large stones.

Carbon Dioxide Pyelography: A Convenient and Safe Alternative to Both Room Air and Iodinated Contrast Pyelography During Endourologic Procedures.

Introduction/Background: There are increasing reports of serious complications related to the air pyelography technique, which raise concerns about the safety of room air (RA) injection into the renal collecting system. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is much more soluble in blood than nitrogen and oxygen and thus considerably less likely to cause gas emboli. Iodinated contrast medium (ICM) is expensive, and supplies may not be as reliable as previously assumed. CO2 pyelography (CO2-P) techniques using standard fluoroscopy and digital subtraction fluoroscopy (CO2 digital subtraction pyelography [CO2-DSP]) are described. Materials and Methods: During the endourologic stone cases, 15 to 20 mL of CO2 gas was typically injected into the renal pelvis through a catheter or sheath. Imaging was usually obtained with endovascular CO2 digital subtraction angiography settings using either a traditional fluoroscopy system (TFS) or robotic arm multiplanar fluoroscopy system (RMPFS) (Artis Zeego Care+Clear®; Siemens). Results: CO2-P was performed in 22 endoscopic stone treatment cases between March 2021 and August 2022, primarily using digital subtraction settings in 20 cases. CO2-DSP overall provided higher quality images of the renal pelvis and collecting system than CO2-P, but with a relatively higher radiation dose. Following a quality intervention, fluoroscopy doses for CO2-DSP cases were decreased by 81% overall. The use of CO2-P avoided fluoroscopic or intraoperative CT (ICT) artifacts seen with intraluminal ICM. Conclusions: CO2-P allows the urologist to obtain imaging of the renal collecting system without ICM and with much lower risk of air embolism compared with RA pyelography. CO2 is a nearly cost-free alternative to ICM. Because CO2 is widely available and the technique is easy to perform, we propose that CO2-P should be favored over traditional air pyelography to improve patient safety.

Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease Requiring Desensitization Prior to Planned Percutaneous Catheterization Intervention.

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) consists of a triad of asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis, and a hypersensitivity reaction to aspirin consisting of nasal congestion and broncho-constriction. This disease presents a conundrum in cardiac patients undergoing percutaneous catheterization intervention (PCI) who might require stent deployment due to the need for aspirin as part of the dual antiplatelet therapy required if a stent is placed. Here, we present the case of a patient who underwent a coronary angiogram showing two-vessel disease but had to undergo aspirin desensitization first before planned PCI as he had a history of severe aspirin allergy in the past.

Geographic Variation of Infectious Complications Following Prostate Biopsy in The United States: Results From a Population-Based Cohort of Privately Insured Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate regional trends of infectious complications following transrectal ultrasound prostate biopsy (TRUS-PB) from a national, privately-insured database. MATEREIAL AND METHODS: Using Market Scan, we identified all men who underwent TRUS-PB from 2010 to 2015. Infectious complications (UTI, prostatitis, sepsis) occurring 30 days after the prostate biopsy from emergency room (ER) visits or hospital admissions constituted the primary outcomes. We analyzed unadjusted and adjusted rates of infectious complications from ER visits and hospital admissions per 100 prostate biopsies by state. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify patient covariates associated with infectious complications. RESULTS: During the study interval, we identified 193,490 patients who underwent TRUS-PB. The mean age was 57.6 years (SD: 5.0). Over time the unadjusted national rates of infectious complications remained similar from 0.4 ER visits per 100 prostate biopsies in 2010 -0.2 in 2015 (P = 0.83), and 1.2 hospital admissions per 100 prostate biopsies in 2010 to 1.1 in 2015 (P= 0.58). Connecticut had the lowest unadjusted infectious complication rate per 100 biopsies at 0.64, whereas West Virginia had the highest at 2.34. Multivariable analysis revealed higher Elixhauser status and patient age were associated with higher odds of infectious complications (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: While rates of infectious complications attributable to prostate biopsies remain relatively stable, significant variation exists at the state level regarding this adverse outcome.

Septic Shock Secondary to Severe Gastroenteritis Resulting From Sapovirus Infection.

Sapovirus causes acute gastroenteritis (AGE) which manifests as severe diarrhea and vomiting. It is most often seen in, but not limited to, children and toddlers but can occur in people of all ages. It is typically more prevalent in low to middle-income countries but has also been reported in progressive countries such as the United States. Due to the universal use of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing, the reported incidence of sapovirus has continued to grow as the culprit agent in both AGE outbreaks and isolated cases. Its symptoms resemble what is seen with rotavirus but with a milder clinical course. This discussion explores the dire implications of a relatively understated pathogen. Here, we present a rare case of a 20-year-old woman who presented with septic shock secondary to severe gastroenteritis as a result of sapovirus infection.

Incidental Finding of an Extensive Type B Aortic Dissection Extending to the Iliac Arteries.

An aortic dissection is a life-threatening event that requires urgent evaluation. A dissection is defined as a tear in the innermost layer of the aortic wall forming a true and false lumen. This is normally diagnosed with a CT with contrast when clinical suspicion is present. Deciding whether urgent surgical intervention is required is key, as it may determine the survival of the patient. The treatment of type A aortic dissection involves emergent open-heart surgery. Medical treatment and clinical follow-up are recommended for uncomplicated type B dissections. In this report, we present a case of an extensive type B aortic dissection in an asymptomatic patient who required immediate surgical intervention.

Stroke-like Symptoms as Presenting Signs of Varicella Zoster Meningitis in an Immunocompetent Adult.

Varicella zoster is one of the common causes of aseptic meningitis, typically seen in immunosuppressed individuals and rarely in the immunocompetent. The varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection is normally associated with a dermatomal rash in the abdomen with spread to the back. The small prevalence of VZV in immunocompetent individuals may be due to lack of recognition; thus, it is always important to keep it in mind when meningitis is in the differential. Here, we present a case of varicella zoster meningitis in an immunocompetent adult presenting with slurred speech, dizziness, and episodes of confusion.

Food Bolus Masquerading as a Cardiac Mass on Echocardiogram.

An echocardiogram is the most utilized imaging modality in the evaluation of patients with intracardiac masses. Of these, left atrial myxomas are the most common intracardiac tumors in which diagnostic recognition is important for appropriate management. This paper demonstrates a case study on how a proper physical exam along with proper imaging modalities may result in avoiding misdiagnosing patients with large sliding hiatal hernias who present with the complaint of chest pain. This case reveals a food bolus within a sliding hiatal hernia masquerading as an intracardiac mass. Cardiac masses can potentially be misdiagnosed using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). While transthoracic echocardiography is uniquely resourceful as a point-of-care modality, it can be challenging to confirm whether an identified mass is attached to the myocardium or other cardiac or intrathoracic structures. The patient exhibited symptoms compatible with a cardiac mass. Primarily, the physical examination is vital in determining whether the patient should be referred for additional diagnostic modalities to assess for a cardiac mass. Auscultation of bowel sounds on the cardiac examination is consistent with a suspected hiatal hernia.

Torsades de Pointes With a Normal Magnesium Level in the Setting of Short Bowel Syndrome.

Torsades de pointes (TdP) is a potentially fatal arrhythmia, typically presenting with a congenital or acquired etiology. Low serum magnesium level is a known cause leading to this arrhythmia. However, it has been found that even in the setting of a normal serum magnesium level and with no other foreseeable etiology, TdP may still occur, especially in those with chronic electrolyte deficiencies. TdP may be treated in a number of ways, including IV magnesium sulfate or defibrillation if the patient becomes unresponsive and hemodynamically unstable. In some cases, atrial overdrive is required with the use of isoproterenol. A final decision, however, would necessitate asking if the patient can be sent home on medical management to prevent recurrence of the arrhythmia or require placement of a permanent pacemaker. Here, we describe a patient developing recurrent TdP despite normal serum magnesium level in the setting of short bowel syndrome.

COVID-19 With an Initial Presentation of Intraperitoneal Hemorrhage Secondary to Spontaneous Splenic Rupture.

The WHO declared coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) a global pandemic in early 2020. As the pandemic has continued to evolve over a period of several months, many cases of unusual presentations are now emerging, which pose a greater challenge for physicians in terms of quickly identifying COVID-19 patients based on initial signs and symptoms. In this report, we present one such unusual presentation in a patient with sudden intraperitoneal hemorrhage and spontaneous splenic rupture with COVID-19 as the likely etiology and contributing factor. The patient was a 75-year-old Caucasian woman who presented to the emergency department (ED) with complaints of severe left-sided abdominal pain for several days without any preceding trauma. A CT of the abdomen/pelvis revealed a large amount of fluid in the abdomen, which raised suspicion of bleeding. An exploratory laparotomy revealed splenic rupture with hemoperitoneum, and the patient subsequently underwent an emergent splenectomy. The patient's COVID-19 antigen test returned positive during the surgery and was subsequently confirmed with a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. COVID-19 has been found to result primarily in respiratory symptoms through its ability to invade endothelial cells via angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 affinity. It is speculated that this mechanism may cause a predisposition to micro-thromboses, which can eventually lead to manifestations such as large lymphoid organ thrombosis. Based on this case presentation and the evolving literature on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), spontaneous splenic rupture is an emergent differential diagnosis that should be considered in COVID-19 patients presenting with gastrointestinal complaints such as abdominal pain and nausea.

Brugada Pattern Phenocopy Induced by Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

Brugada syndrome is a congenital cardiac channelopathy characterized by ST-segment elevation (≥2 mm) and subsequent inverted T wave in a minimum of two right precordial leads (Brugada type 1 ECG [electrocardiogram] pattern) on ECG. Brugada syndrome is estimated to be responsible for 4%-12% of all sudden cardiac deaths and up to 20% in patients with structurally normal hearts. Development of a temporary Brugada pattern, known as Brugada phenocopy, has been observed in individuals presenting with reversible underlying conditions such as hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, acidosis, ischemia, and pulmonary embolism, among others. Herein we present a case of Brugada phenocopy seen in a patient in diabetic ketoacidosis, which resolved after the electrolyte abnormalities were corrected.