Remote Expert DVT Triaging of Novice-User Compression Sonography with AI-Guidance.

BACKGROUND: Compression ultrasonography of the leg is established for triaging proximal lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT). AutoDVT, a machine-learning software, provides a tool for nonspecialists in acquiring compression sequences to be reviewed by an expert for patient triage. The purpose of this study was to test image acquisition and remote triaging in a clinical setting. METHODS: Patients with a suspected DVT were recruited at 2 centers in Germany and Greece. Enrolled patients underwent an artificial intelligence-guided two-point compression examination by a nonspecialist using a handheld ultrasound device prior to a standard scan. Images collected by the software were uploaded for blind review by 5 qualified physicians. All reviewers rated the quality of all sequences on the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) image quality scale (score 1-5, ≥ 3 defined as adequate imaging quality) and for an ACEP score ≥3, chose "Compressible", "Incompressible", or "Other". Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for adequate quality scans with an assessment as "Compressible" or "Incompressible". We define this group as diagnostic quality. To simulate a triaging clinical algorithm, a post hoc analysis was performed merging the "incomplete", the "low quality", and the "Incompressible" into a high-risk group for proximal DVT. RESULTS: Seventy-three patients (average age 64.2 years, 44% females) were eligible for inclusion and scanned by 3 nonultrasound-qualified healthcare professionals. Three patients were excluded from further analysis due to incomplete scans. Sixty two of 70 (88.57%) of the completed scans were judged to be of adequate image quality with an average ACEP score of 3.35. Forty seven of 62 adequate AutoDVT scans were assessed as diagnostic quality, of which 8 were interpreted as positive for proximal DVT by the reviewers resulting in a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 95.12%. When simulating a triaging algorithm, 34/73 (46.58%) of patients would be triaged as high risk and 8 would be confirmed as positive for proximal DVT (6 in the diagnostic and 2 in the low-quality cohort). Of 39/73 patients triaged as low risk, all were negative for proximal DVT in standard duplex; thus, this triaging algorithm could potentially save 53.42% of standard duplex scans. CONCLUSIONS: Machine learning software was able to aid nonexperts in acquiring valid ultrasound images of venous compressions and allowed remote triaging. This strategy allows faster diagnosis and treatment of high-risk patients and can spare the need for multiple unnecessary duplex scans, the vast majority being negative.

Non-invasive diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis from ultrasound imaging with machine learning.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot most commonly found in the leg, which can lead to fatal pulmonary embolism (PE). Compression ultrasound of the legs is the diagnostic gold standard, leading to a definitive diagnosis. However, many patients with possible symptoms are not found to have a DVT, resulting in long referral waiting times for patients and a large clinical burden for specialists. Thus, diagnosis at the point of care by non-specialists is desired. We collect images in a pre-clinical study and investigate a deep learning approach for the automatic interpretation of compression ultrasound images. Our method provides guidance for free-hand ultrasound and aids non-specialists in detecting DVT. We train a deep learning algorithm on ultrasound videos from 255 volunteers and evaluate on a sample size of 53 prospectively enrolled patients from an NHS DVT diagnostic clinic and 30 prospectively enrolled patients from a German DVT clinic. Algorithmic DVT diagnosis performance results in a sensitivity within a 95% CI range of (0.82, 0.94), specificity of (0.70, 0.82), a positive predictive value of (0.65, 0.89), and a negative predictive value of (0.99, 1.00) when compared to the clinical gold standard. To assess the potential benefits of this technology in healthcare we evaluate the entire clinical DVT decision algorithm and provide cost analysis when integrating our approach into diagnostic pathways for DVT. Our approach is estimated to generate a positive net monetary benefit at costs up to £72 to £175 per software-supported examination, assuming a willingness to pay of £20,000/QALY.

Development of a technique for MRI gold-standard direct volumetric measurement of complex joint effusion, and validation at the hip.

OBJECTIVE: Accurate joint fluid quantification on MRI cannot simply rely on measuring the maximum fluid depth or using an ellipsoid approximation as this does not fully characterize the complex shape of a fluid-filled joint. As per the Outcome Measurement in Rheumatology (OMERACT) filter, we sought to evaluate the feasibility, reliability, and validity of a semi-automated supervised technique to quantify hip effusion volume. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-three hip osteoarthritis patients were imaged with coronal short TI inversion recovery (STIR) and sagittal intermediate weighted fat-suppressed (IWFS) sequences at two time points (Fig. 1). Volumetric quantitative measurement (VQM) of joint fluid and measurement of the largest femoral neck fluid thickness (FTM) was performed using the custom MATLAB software. Self-reported Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and clinical measures of pain, stiffness, and function were recorded. RESULTS: Inter-observer reliability was significantly higher for VQM than FTM (ICC = 0.96 vs. 0.85, p < 0.05). VQM and FTM correlated moderately (r = 0.76, p < 0.0001). There was significantly more articular fluid in symptomatic than asymptomatic hips at baseline (mean = 9.8 vs. 5.9 mL). Volumetric quantitative measurement generally displayed more frequent and stronger correlations to clinical parameters than FTM. Volumetric quantitative measurement required 3.9 min/hip vs. < 1 min/hip for femoral neck fluid thickness. CONCLUSION: Volumetric quantitative measurement of joint effusion can serve as an MRI gold-standard, could apply to other joints and collections, and is highly suited to future automation.

Increased focal bone tracer uptake at the popliteus muscle origin in primary TKA compared with revision TKA.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to investigate if the TKA design (cruciate retaining (CR), posterior stabilized (PS), revision prostheses) had an influence on the bone tracer uptake (BTU) pattern at the origin of the popliteus muscle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 92 knees (male:female = 46:46) which had undergone prior TKA were included in this retrospective study, comprising the following 3 groups: (i) CR primary TKA (n = 45); (ii) PS primary TKA (n = 24); (iii) revision TKA (n = 23). All patients received a SPECT/CT after TKA surgery. SPECT/CT images were reviewed for the presence of BTU in the lateral femoral condyle (origin of the popliteus muscle) by two observers using Syngo.via software (Siemens Healthcare, Erlangen, Germany). The observers recorded the BTU pattern qualitatively in the lateral femoral condyle as either (i) absent; (ii) present and diffuse; and (iii) present and focal in the region of the popliteus muscle origin. RESULTS: In patients with a CR and PS design, focal increased BTU at the origin of the popliteus muscle was found in 80.0% and 83.3% respectively. Diffuse BTU was the predominant finding in patients with revision TKA (60.9%). The patterns of BTU did not show significant differences between the CR and the PS design. However, patterns of BTU differed significantly between primary TKA designs and revision TKA (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Differences in patterns of BTU at the popliteus muscle origin between primary TKA and revision prosthesis may be the result of decreased insertional tensile forces of the popliteus muscle after revision surgery due to increased stability provided by the revision design.

Clinical and sonographic evaluation of Endobutton distal biceps brachii tendon repair: what constitutes normal post-operative appearances?

OBJECTIVE: Distal biceps brachii tendon (DBBT) rupture is an uncommon but functionally significant injury given the loss of supination, flexion strength and pain that often result. Prompt surgical repair is preferred in most patients. Clinicoradiological post-operative follow-up is typically performed to assess DBBT repair integrity and function, frequently using ultrasound, though to date, no studies have described post-operative DBBT repair sonographic appearances. The purpose of this study was to evaluate post-operative DBBT sonographic appearances in the context of Endobutton repair with the following aims:i.Establish typical ultrasound appearances 12 months post-surgeryii.Establish the relationship between ultrasound appearances and clinical/functional outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients between February 2016 and October 2017 undergoing DBBT repair were prospectively recruited, all undergoing clinical and sonographic assessment 12 months post-surgery. Ultrasound data was collected on tendon integrity, tendon calibre and presence of intratendinous calcification, peritendinous fluid and peritendinous soft tissue/scarring. Clinical data was collected on active range of motion (ROM) (flexion, extension, supination, pronation) and strength (flexion and supination). RESULTS: A total of 57/60 patients had intact DBBT repairs identified sonographically and clinically at 12 months. DBBT repairs had significantly increased cross-sectional area (mean 260%, 95% CI: 217%, 303%) compared with non-operated DBBT. Ninety-three percent of DBBT repairs were hypoechoic. Thirty percent contained intratendinous calcification. Peritendinous fluid/soft tissue was rarely observed. There was no significant correlation between DBBT calibre and strength/ROM parameters. CONCLUSION: Normal post-operative sonographic appearances of Endobutton DBBT repair comprise a hypoechoic tendon significantly increased in calibre compared with non-operated tendon ± intratendinous calcification. DBBT repair calibre varies greatly, but is not associated with any significant difference in strength/ROM.

The safety and efficiency of performing cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injections under fluoroscopic control on an ambulatory/outpatient basis.

PURPOSE: Cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injections (CTFESIs) have become an increasingly utilised means of treating radicular pain over recent decades, although a number of reports have brought their safety into question. Much of this has been attributed to the use of particulate steroids and the theoretical risk of embolic complications with inadvertent intra-arterial injection. This study documents the complications encountered at our centre when performing CTFESI over a more than 10-year study period with predominant use of particulate steroid. Our procedural technique is also described. This study aims to highlight the importance of operator technique first and foremost and how, with safe and reproducible technique that confidently avoids intra-arterial injection, CTFESI can be performed safely irrespective of the choice of steroid. METHODS: All patients undergoing CTFESI between January 2008 and August 2018 at our centre were prospectively recruited to the study, documenting total number of injections/procedures per patient, presence of/description of complications and severity and type of steroid administered. RESULTS: Five hundred and twenty-seven patients underwent 1047 procedures (1753 individual cervical levels injected) over the study period: 1011 procedures performed with particulate steroid (triamcinolone acetonide) and 36 performed with non-particulate (dexamethasone). Only six complications were encountered, all spontaneously self-resolving without intervention and considered minor (grade 1). CONCLUSIONS: With fastidious safe technique, CTFESI can be safe, efficacious and cost-effectively administered on an outpatient basis. Predominant use of particulate steroids did not lead to any significant complications. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Beyond the bones and joints: a review of ligamentous injuries of the foot and ankle on 99mTc-MDP-SPECT/CT.

99mTc-MDP-single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT has established itself as a useful modality in the assessment of the painful foot and ankle, owing to its ability to depict anatomical and functional information simultaneously. Despite its growing popularity, much of the literature describing the utility of 99mTc-MDP-SPECT/CT of the foot and ankle is limited to osseous and articular pathology, with descriptions of ligamentous pathology limited to just a handful of cases. Though assessment of soft tissues using a combination of bone tracer and CT is limited, with a sound understanding of the regional anatomy, it is certainly within the scope of 99mTc-MDP-SPECT/CT to accurately identify ligamentous injuries based on focal tracer uptake patterns and suspected ligamentous injuries should be reported as such. This article provides a case-based pictorial review of the 99mTc-MDP-SPECT/CT appearances of the various ligamentous injuries of the foot and ankle with case examples and MRI correlation where available, most of which have yet to be described. The typical patterns of bone tracer uptake and associated CT abnormalities that may be observed are discussed.

Nerve root injection cancellations because of incomplete anticoagulation management.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography-guided steroid injection is a well-recognized, conservative treatment of localized spinal pain as a result of facet arthropathy and radiculopathy secondary to nerve root compression. An extremely rare complication is the development of an epidural haematoma with potential to cause permanent neurological damage, so anticoagulation at the time of procedure is contraindicated. Routinely injections are performed as an outpatient requiring the referring physician to implement a peri-procedural anticoagulation plan. Anecdotal experience suggested that cancellations were occurring as patients remained on anticoagulation at the time of their appointment. The authors therefore assessed the existing service against expected standards to identify the causes of cancellations and find ways to improve the service. AIMS: This audit aimed to identify the incidence of cancelled computed tomography-guided nerve root injections secondary to incorrect peri-procedural anticoagulation management, develop an intervention to help reduce the incidence of cancellations and then re-audit to assess the effect of the intervention. METHODS: The audit standard was that 100% of outpatients attending for computed tomography-guided nerve root and facet injections should have an appropriate anticoagulation plan implemented. Baseline data collection took place prospectively between 1 September and 30 November 2016. The study population was elective computed tomography-guided spinal nerve root and facet injections scheduled on the radiology information system at the authors' trust. Descriptive analysis was completed. The intervention involved a revised electronic request form being implemented with new compulsory fields concerning antiplatelets and anticoagulants. Re-audit post-intervention involved prospective data collection between 1 September and 30 November 2017 using the same methods. RESULTS: Baseline audit found that of three out of 55 (5%) patients had cancellations. On re-audit, there were 0 cancellations out of 93 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The new request form prevented 5% of patients referred for computed tomography-guided nerve root injection being cancelled because of incorrect anticoagulation management. Extrapolated over the year the potential savings through preventing lost activity are £3445.56.

Spondylodiscitis following endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: imaging perspectives from a single centre's experience.

OBJECTIVE: Very few reports have previously described spondylodiscitis as a potential complication of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). We present to our knowledge the first case series of spondylodiscitis following EVAR based on our institution's experience over an 11-year period. Particular attention is paid to the key imaging features and challenges encountered when performing spinal imaging in this complex patient group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 1,847 patients who underwent EVAR at our institution between January 2006 and January 2017, a total of 9 patients were identified with imaging features of spondylodiscitis (0.5%). All cross-sectional studies before and after EVAR were assessed by a Consultant Musculoskeletal Radiologist and a Musculoskeletal Radiology Fellow to evaluate for features of spondylodiscitis. RESULTS: All 9 patients had single-level spondylodiscitis involving lumbosacral levels adjacent to the aortic/iliac stent graft. Eight out of nine patients had an extensive anterior paravertebral phlegmon/abscess that was contiguous with the infected stent graft and native aneurysm sac ± anterior vertebral body erosion. Epidural disease was present in only 3 out of 9 patients and was a minor feature. MRI was non-diagnostic in 3 out of 9 patients owing to susceptibility artefact. 18F-FDG PET/CT accurately depicted the spinal level involved and adjacent paravertebral disease in patients with non-diagnostic MRI and was adopted as the follow-up modality in 3 out of 5 surviving patients. CONCLUSION: Spondylodiscitis is a rare complication post-EVAR. Imaging features of disproportionate anterior paravertebral disease and anterior vertebral body bony involvement suggest direct spread of infection posteriorly to the adjacent vertebral column. Use of MRI versus 18F-FDG PET/CT as the optimal imaging modality should be directed by the type of stent graft deployed.

The value of 99mTc-MDP bone SPECT/CT in evaluation of patients with painful knee prosthesis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the incremental value of technetium-99m-methyl diphosphonate (Tc-MDP) single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) over Tc-MDP two-phase bone scan (TPBS) in the assessment of the patients with pain following knee arthroplasty. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Tc-MDP TPBS and Tc-MDP SPECT/CT were performed in 49 patients with knee pain after knee arthroplasty. The scans were reviewed by two readers (nuclear medicine physician and musculoskeletal radiologist). Tc-MDP SPECT/CT studies were interpreted in conjunction with TPBS in this retrospective study to identify the pain generator in painful knee prosthesis. The final diagnosis was established based on a combination of histopathological/cytological findings, other imaging findings (e.g. MRI, radiolabelled white scan), clinical decisions, and management outcomes (including subsequent intraoperative findings). RESULTS: In diagnosing infection or aseptic loosening, a definitive outcome regarding the presence/absence of aseptic loosening or periprosthetic infection was obtained in 41 patients. (a) Sensitivity of Tc-MDP SPECT/CT [100%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 66.4-100%] was higher than Tc-MDP TPBS (88.9%; 95% CI: 51.8-99.7%). (b) Specificity of Tc-MDP SPECT/CT (75%; 95% CI: 53.3-90.2%) was considerably higher than Tc-MDP TPBS (30%; 95% CI: 11.9-54.3%). Alternative diagnoses were identified in 21/49 (43%) patients on Tc-MDP SPECT/CT, which could not be ascertained on Tc-MDP TPBS alone. CONCLUSION: Tc-MDP SPECT/CT has better sensitivity and specificity compared with Tc-MDP TPBS in diagnosis of aseptic loosening and periprosthestic infection in patients with painful knee arthroplasty. Tc-MDP SPECT/CT identified alternative causes of pain in 43% of patients, which was not identified by Tc-MDP TPBS.

The impact of MRI sequence on tumour staging and gross tumour volume delineation in squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal.

OBJECTIVES: To compare maximum tumour diameter (MTD) and gross tumour volume (GTV) measurements between T2-weighted (T2-w) and diffusion-weighted (DWI) MRI in squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCCA) and assess sequence impact on tumour (T) staging. Second, to evaluate interobserver agreement and reader delineation confidence. METHODS: The staging MRI scans of 45 SCCA patients (25 females) were assessed retrospectively by two independent radiologists (0 and 5 years' experience of anal cancer MRI). MTD and GTV were delineated on both T2-w and high-b-value DWI images and compared between sequences; T staging was derived from MTD. Interobserver agreement was assessed and delineation confidence scored (1 to 5) by each observer. RESULTS: GTV and MTD were significantly and systematically lower on DWI versus T2-w sequences by 14.80%/9.98% (MTD) and 29.70%/12.25% (GTV) for each reader, respectively, causing T staging discordances in approximately a quarter of cases. Bland-Altman limits of agreement were narrower and intraclass correlation coefficients higher for DWI. Delineation confidence was greater on DWI: 40/42 cases were scored confidently (4 or 5) by each reader, respectively, versus 31/36 cases based on T2-w images. CONCLUSIONS: Sequence selection affects SCCA measurements and T stage. DWI yields higher interobserver agreement and greater tumour delineation confidence. KEY POINTS: • MTD and GTV measurements are significantly lower on DWI than on T 2 -w MRI. • Such differences cause T staging discordances in up to a quarter of cases. • DWI results in higher agreement between inexperienced and experienced observers. • DWI offers greater tumour delineation confidence to inexperienced readers.

Concomitant hook of hamate fractures in patients with scaphoid fracture: more common than you might think.

OBJECTIVE: The scaphoid is the most commonly fractured carpal bone. The presence of a concomitant hook of hamate fracture is of particular relevance given that it is often occult on routine wrist/scaphoid radiographs and that hook of hamate fractures are prone to symptomatic non-union, resulting in chronic ulnar wrist pain. Prompt diagnosis and immobilisation/fixation may minimise such complications. Our study is aimed at assessing the frequency of concomitant hook of hamate fractures in patients with scaphoid fractures. METHODS: Hook of hamate fracture is often occult on wrist/scaphoid radiographs. Hence, we identified all 2,568 CT and MRI studies performed to investigate scaphoid fracture at our institution from April 2005 to March 2016. Three hundred and twelve out of 2,568 cases were confirmed to have a scaphoid fracture. Images were then retrospectively reviewed by a Consultant Musculoskeletal Radiologist and Musculoskeletal Radiologist Trainee to assess for the presence of concomitant hook of hamate fracture and, if present, whether this was identified on initial reporting. RESULTS: Concomitant hook of hamate fracture was identified in 10.3% of cases (32 out of 312, 30 on CT, 2 on MRI); most were minimally/non-displaced. Sixty percent of fractures identified on CT were missed on the initial review (18 out of 30). Both cases identified on MRI had been initially reported. CONCLUSION: Scaphoid fracture is associated with higher than expected rates of concomitant hook of hamate fracture. Given the potential morbidity associated with hook of hamate fracture, this should be considered a review area when investigating scaphoid injury. These fractures are often minimally displaced, hence easily overlooked on CT. MRI may therefore be superior when investigating radiographically occult scaphoid fractures.

Cardiothoracic manifestations of neuroendocrine tumours.

Cardiothoracic neuroendocrine tumour (NET) manifestations encompass a vast disease spectrum. Pulmonary neuroendocrine tumours represent a range of tumour grade and differentiation characteristics from pre-malignant diffuse neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia, well-differentiated, low-grade carcinoid tumours with excellent outcomes, through to high-grade small-cell lung carcinoma and large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma with poor prognoses. Rarer thymic NETs represent a similarly wide neoplastic spectrum. Cardiac carcinoid is a paraneoplastic manifestation of the carcinoid syndrome and often the cause of mortality in NETs with hepatic metastases. Cardiothoracic NET manifestations are reviewed herein from a radiologists' perspective, discussing the diverse clinical presentations, spectrum of neoplastic and paraneoplastic manifestations, imaging features and treatment options.

Measurement of inter- and intra-observer variability in the routine clinical interpretation of brain 18-FDG PET-CT.

OBJECTIVE: To objectify and quantify inter- and intra-observer variability of brain 18-FDG PET-CT interpretation in the context of cognitive and functional impairment amongst the elderly. METHODS: 25 patients underwent brain 18-FDG PET-CT for investigation of dementia/MCI and frail elderly patients. Three observers interpreted studies in two forms: standardised datasets reconstructed by an outside observer and individualised reconstructions. Observers graded regional 18-FDG uptake in 11 brain areas and gave overall impressions on studies as pathological/normal. One observer repeated this process following a 3-month interval. The Kappa statistic was used to calculate inter- and intra-observer agreement on grading of regional 18-FDG uptake and overall impressions of studies as pathological/normal. RESULTS: Moderate inter-observer agreement was observed across standardised and individualised dataset reconstructions when 11 regional brain areas were compared cumulatively and overall impressions on studies were given as pathological vs normal. Higher levels of inter-observer agreement were found when comparing high versus low grading of regional uptake and when reporting standardised reconstructions. Intra-observer agreement between standardised vs individualised dataset reconstructions were moderate-to-fair across 11 brain regions cumulatively. Temporal intra-observer agreement of individualised dataset reconstructions comparing normal vs pathological opinions showed strong agreement (κ = 0.884 [95 % CI 0.662; 1.000)]. CONCLUSION: Despite a strong agreement in final diagnosis, this study demonstrates a moderate inter- and substantial intra-observer reproducibility in reporting brain 18-FDG PET-CT. Such results suggest that the visual analysis approach is different between nuclear physicians but leads to the same final diagnosis.

Disseminated osteomyelitis or bone metastases of breast cancer: (18)F-FDG-PET/CT helps unravel an unusual presentation.

We present a case wherein striking (18)F-FDG-PET/CT findings initially considered consistent with recurrent disseminated skeletal metastases of breast cancer were later identified as an unusual presentation of disseminated chronic pyogenic osteomyelitis with Staphylococcus aureus and warneri identified on microbiological culture. A 76-year-old female with previous history of breast cancer presented with a 6-month history of pyrexia, myalgia and weight loss. Besides neutrophilia and elevated C-reactive protein, other blood indices, cultures and conventional imaging failed to identify the cause of pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO). (18)F-FDG-PET/CT demonstrated multiple widespread foci of intense FDG uptake in lytic lesions throughout the skeleton. Coupled with previous history of malignancy, findings were strongly suggestive of disseminated metastases of breast cancer. Through targeting an FDG avid lesion, (18)F-FDG-PET/CT aided CT-guided biopsy, which instead identified the lesions as chronic pyogenic osteomyelitis. Following prolonged antibiotic therapy, repeat (18)F-FDG-PET/CT demonstrated significant resolution of lesions. This case demonstrated an unusual presentation of disseminated osteomyelitis on (18)F-FDG-PET/CT and highlighted the use of (18)F-FDG-PET/CT as a trouble shooter in PUO but demonstrated that unusual presentations of benign or malignant pathologies cannot always reliably be differentiated on imaging alone without aid of tissue sampling. Furthermore, this case highlights the potential role (18)F-FDG-PET/CT could provide in assessing response to antibiotic therapy.

Lower gastrointestinal adverse effects of NSAIDS: an extreme example of a common problem.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed throughout the world. Their adverse effects on the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract are well documented and well known among clinicians and often mitigated against by coprescribing proton pump inhibitors. This case exemplifies the lesser-known lower GI adverse effects of NSAIDS. A 55-year-old patient took a large mixed overdose including more than 11 g of diclofenac. He went onto require subtotal colectomy following widespread perforations of an ulcerated large bowel as a direct result of exposure to a high-dose of NSAIDs. However, the upper GI tract remained relatively unaffected in comparison. This case highlights important lessons from recent literature identifying an increasing incidence of lower GI complications of NSAIDS, the limited protective effect of PPIs on the lower GI tract and the need for clinicians to now consider the integrity of the whole GI tract when prescribing NSAIDS.

A porous scaffold for bone tissue engineering/45S5 Bioglass derived porous scaffolds for co-culturing osteoblasts and endothelial cells.

One of the major factors in the therapeutic success of bone tissue engineered scaffolds is the ability of the construct to vascularise post implantation. One of the approaches for improving vascularisation within scaffolds has been to co-culture human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECS) with human osteoblasts (HOBS), which may then promote vascularisation and facilitate tissue regeneration. However, in order to mimic a natural physiological niche it is vital that the scaffold is able to support and promote the proliferation of both cell types and thus become a viable tissue engineered construct. In this study we report the development of a porous bioactive glass-ceramic construct and examine the interaction with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC's) and human osteoblast-like cell both in mono and co-culture. The study clearly demonstrated that the scaffolds were able to support both endothelial and human osteoblast cell proliferation both in mono and co-culture. A comparison of the proliferation response of HUVEC and HOB in mono-culture on the test scaffolds and the commercial porous hydroxyapatite was assessed over a 28 day period (4, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days), using alamar Blue assay. Proliferation of HOB cells seeded in the scaffolds was consistently shown to be above those observed on commercial HA scaffolds.