Highly compressed SENSE accelerated relaxation-enhanced angiography without contrast and triggering (REACT) for fast non-contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography of the neck: Clinical evaluation in patients with acute ischemic stroke at 3 tesla.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Long acquisition times limit the feasibility of established non-contrast-enhanced MRA (non-CE-MRA) techniques. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a highly accelerated flow-independent sequence (Relaxation-Enhanced Angiography without Contrast and Triggering [REACT]) for imaging of the extracranial arteries in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Compressed SENSE (CS) accelerated (factor 7) 3D isotropic REACT (fixed scan time: 01:22 min, reconstructed voxel size 0.625 × 0.625 × 0.75 mm3) and CE-MRA (CS factor 6, scan time: 1:08 min, reconstructed voxel size 0.5 mm3) were acquired in 76 AIS patients (69.4 ±â€¯14.3 years, 33 females) at 3 Tesla. Two radiologists assessed scans for the presence of internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis and stated their diagnostic confidence using a 5-point scale (5 = excellent). Vessel quality of cervical arteries as well as the impact of artifacts and image noise were scored on 5-point scales (5 = excellent/none). Apparent signal- and contrast-to-noise ratios (aSNR/aCNR) were measured for the common carotid artery (CCA) and ICA (C1-segment). RESULTS: REACT provided a sensitivity of 88.5% and specificity of 100% for clinically relevant (≥50%) ICA stenosis with substantial concordance to CE-MRA regarding stenosis grading (Cohen's kappa 0.778) and similar diagnostic confidence (REACT: mean 4.5 ±â€¯0.4 vs. CE-MRA: 4.5 ±â€¯0.6; P = 0.674). Presence of artifacts (3.6 ±â€¯0.5 vs. 3.5 ±â€¯0.7; P = 0.985) and vessel quality (all segments: 3.6 ±â€¯0.7 vs. 3.8 ±â€¯0.7; P = 0.004) were comparable between both techniques with REACT showing higher scores at the CCA (4.3 ±â€¯0.6 vs. 3.8 ±â€¯0.9; P < 0.001) and CE-MRA at V2- (3.3 ±â€¯0.5 vs. 3.9 ±â€¯0.8; P < 0.001) and V3-segments (3.3 ±â€¯0.5 vs. 4.0 ±â€¯0.8; P < 0.001). For all vessels, REACT showed a lower impact of image noise (3.8 ±â€¯0.6 vs. 3.6 ±â€¯0.7; P = 0.024) while yielding higher aSNR (52.5 ±â€¯15.1 vs. 37.9 ±â€¯12.5; P < 0.001) and aCNR (49.4 ±â€¯15.0 vs. 34.7 ±â€¯12.3; P < 0.001) for all vessels combined. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with acute ischemic stroke, highly accelerated REACT provides an accurate detection of ICA stenosis with vessel quality and scan time comparable to CE-MRA.

Correlation of primary tumor volume and histopathologic response following neoadjuvant treatment of esophageal adenocarcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: In esophageal cancer, histopathologic response following neoadjuvant therapy and transthoracic esophagectomy is a strong predictor of long-term survival. At the present, it is not known whether the initial tumor volume quantified by computed tomography (CT) correlates with the degree of pathologic regression. METHODS: In a retrospective analysis of a consecutive patient cohort with esophageal adenocarcinoma, tumor volume in CT prior to chemoradiotherapy or chemotherapy alone was quantified using manual segmentation. Primary tumor volume was correlated to the histomorphological regression based on vital residual tumor cells (VRTC) (Cologne regression scale, CRS: grade I, >50% VRTC; grade II, 10-50% VRTC; grade III, <10% VRTC and grade IV, complete response without VRTC). RESULTS: A total of 287 patients, 165 with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy according to the CROSS protocol and 122 with chemotherapy according to the FLOT regimen, were included. The initial tumor volume for patients following CROSS and FLOT therapy was measured (CROSS: median 24.8 ml, IQR 13.1-41.1 ml, FLOT: 23.4 ml, IQR 10.6-37.3 ml). All patients underwent an Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy. 180 patients (62.7 %) were classified as minor (CRS I/II) and 107 patients (37.3 %) as major or complete responder (CRS III/IV). The median tumor volume was calculated as 24.2 ml (IQR 11.9-40.3 ml). Ordered logistic regression revealed no significant dependence of CRS from tumor volume (OR = 0.99, p-value = 0.99) irrespective of the type of multimodal treatment. CONCLUSION: The initial tumor volume on diagnostic CT does not aid to differentiate between potential histopathological responders and non-responders to neoadjuvant therapy in esophageal cancer patients. The results emphasize the need to establish other biological markers of prediction.

Postoperative recovery scores and pain management: a comparison of modified thoracolumbar interfascial plane block and quadratus lumborum block for lumbar disc herniation.

PURPOSE: In this prospective, randomized study, we aimed to compare the global recovery scores and postoperative pain management between US-guided mTLIP block versus QLB after lumbar spine surgery. METHODS: 60 patients with ASA score I-II planned for microendoscopic discectomy under general anesthesia were included. We allocated the patients into two groups: the QLB group (n = 30) or the mTLIP group (n = 30). QLB and mTLIP was performed with 30 ml 0.25% bupivacaine in the groups. Paracetamol 1 g IV 3 × 1 was ordered to the patients at the postoperative period. If the NRS score was ≥ 4, 1 mg/kg tramadol IV was administered as rescue analgesia. RESULTS: There was a significant between-group difference in the mean global QoR-40 scores 24 h postsurgery. Both the static and dynamic NRS scores were significantly lower in the postoperative 1-16 h period in the mTLIP group. There was no significant between-group difference in the NRS scores 24 h postsurgery. There was no significant between-group difference in postoperative rescue analgesia consumption. However, the need for rescue analgesia was lower in the postoperative first 5 h in the mTLIP group, and survival probability was higher in the mTLIP group according to Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. There was no significant difference between the groups in the rate of adverse events. CONCLUSION: mTLIP provided superior analgesia compared to posterior QLB. The QoR-40 scores in the mTLIP group were higher than those in the QLB group.

Retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell complex thickness in diabetic smokers without diabetic retinopathy.

PURPOSE: To compare the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) in smoker and nonsmoker diabetics without diabetic retinopathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with diabetes were divided into two groups according to their smoking status: Group 1 consisted of 38 smoker diabetics who had chronically smoked more than 20 cigarettes per day for more than five years; Group 2 consisted of 38 nonsmoker diabetics. After a detailed ophthalmologic examination, the mean and regional (superior, supratemporal, inferior, inferotemporal, temporal, nasal, superonasal, and inferonasal) RNFL and GC-IPL thicknesses were measured with spectral-domain optic coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and compared between groups. RESULTS: The mean age was 54.7 ± 10.5 and 51.2 ± 9.7 years in the smoker and nonsmoker groups, respectively (p = 0.14). Gender, duration of diabetes, and the mean axial length were similar between groups (p:0.43, p:0.54, p: 0.52, respectively). Mean RNFL thickness was 89.1 ± 8.0 µm in the smoker group and 93.4 ± 7.0 µm in the nonsmoker group, and it was significantly thinner in the smoker group (p = 0.01). The temporal RNFL thickness in the smoker group was thinner than in the nonsmoker group (p = 0.02). There was no difference in superior, inferior, and nasal RNFL thicknesses between the groups (p = 0.31, p = 0.12, p = 0.39, respectively). The mean macular GC-IPL thickness of the smoker and nonsmoker groups was 78.53 ± 15.74 µm and 83.08 ± 5.85 µm, respectively (p = 0.09). Superior, superonasal, inferonasal, inferior, inferotemporal, and superotemporal quadrant GC-IPL thicknesses were similar between the groups (p = 0.07, p = 0.60, p = 0.55, p = 0.77, p = 0.71, p = 0.08, respectively). The groups showed no difference in minimum GC-IPL thickness (p = 0.43). There was a significant negative correlation between smoking exposure and mean, inferior quadrant RNFL thicknesses in the smoker group (p = 0.04, r= -0.32, and p = 0.01, r= -0.39, respectively). CONCLUSION: Mean RNFL thickness was significantly thinner in smoker diabetics. Although not statistically significant, especially mean, superior, and superotemporal GC-IPL was thinner in smoker diabetics. The results suggest a potential association between the coexistence of diabetes and smoking with alterations in RNFL and GC-IPL thickness.

Evaluation of viscosities of typical drainage fluids to promote more evidence-based catheter size selection.

Percutaneous drainage is a first-line therapy for abscesses and other fluid collections. However, experimental data on the viscosity of body fluids are scarce. This study analyses the apparent viscosity of serous, purulent and biliary fluids to provide reference data for the evaluation of drainage catheters. Serous, purulent and biliary fluid samples were collected during routine drainage procedures. In a first setup, the apparent kinematic viscosity of 50 fluid samples was measured using an Ubbelohde viscometer. In a second setup, the apparent dynamic viscosity of 20 fluid samples obtained during CT-guided percutaneous drainage was measured using an in-house designed capillary extrusion experiment. The median apparent kinematic viscosity was 0.96 mm2/s (IQR 0.90-1.15 mm2/s) for serous samples, 0.98 mm2/s (IQR 0.97-0.99 mm2/s) for purulent samples and 2.77 mm2/s (IQR 1.75-3.70 mm2/s) for biliary samples. The median apparent dynamic viscosity was 1.63 mPa*s (IQR 1.27-2.09 mPa*s) for serous samples, 2.45 mPa*s (IQR 1.69-3.22 mPa*s) for purulent samples and 3.50 mPa*s (IQR 2.81-3.90 mPa*s) for biliary samples (all differences p < 0.01). Relative to water, dynamic viscosities were increased by a factor of 1.36 for serous fluids, 2.26 for purulent fluids, and 4.03 for biliary fluids. Serous fluids have apparent viscosities similar to water, but biliary and purulent fluids are more viscous. These data can be used as a reference when selecting the drainage catheter size, with 8F catheters being appropriate for most percutaneous drainage cases.

Real-World Outcomes of Intravitreal Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Treatment for Diabetic Macular Edema in Türkiye: MARMASIA Study Group Report No. 1.

Objectives: This study aimed to report the demographic and clinical characteristics of diabetic macular edema (DME) patients treated with intravitreal injection (IVI) of anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGF) and provide an overview of outcomes during routine clinical practice in Türkiye. Materials and Methods: This retrospective, real-world study included 1,372 eyes (854 patients) treated with a pro re nata protocol by 21 ophthalmologists from 8 tertiary clinics on the Asian side of the Marmara region of Türkiye (MARMASIA Study Group). Five cohort groups were established by collecting the patients' baseline and 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36-month follow-up data, where each subsequent cohort may include the previous. Changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA, approximate ETDRS letters) and central macular thickness (CMT, µm), number of visits and IVI, and rates of anti-VEGF switch and intravitreal dexamethasone implant (IDI) combination were evaluated. Results: The 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36-month cohorts included 1372 (854), 1352 (838), 1185 (722), 972 (581), and 623 (361) eyes (patients), respectively. The mean baseline BCVA and CMT were 51.4±21.4 letters and 482.6±180.3 µm. The mean changes from baseline in BCVA were +7.6, +9.1, +8.0, +8.6, and +8.4 letters, and in CMT were -115.4, -140.0, -147.9, -167.3, and -215.4 µm at the 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36-month visits (p<0.001 for all). The median cumulative number of anti-VEGF IVI was 3.0, 3.0, 5.0, 7.0, and 9.0, respectively. The overall anti-VEGF switch and IDI combination rates were 18.5% (253/1372 eyes) and 35.0% (480/1372 eyes), respectively. Conclusion: This largest real-life study of DME from Türkiye demonstrated BCVA gains inferior to randomized controlled trials, mainly due to the lower number of IVI. However, with the lower baseline BCVA and higher IDI combination rates in our cohorts, these gains were relatively superior to other real-life study counterparts.

The Shining Star of the Last Decade in Regional Anesthesia Part-II: Interfascial Plane Blocks for Cardiac, Abdominal, and Spine Surgery.

The sine qua non of enhanced recovery after surgery protocols designed to improve the perioperative experiences and outcomes of patients is to determine the most appropriate analgesia management. Although many regional techniques have been tried over the years in this purpose, interfacial plane blocks have become more popular with the introduction of ultrasound technology into daily practice and they have great potential to support effective postoperative pain management in many surgeries. The current article focuses on the benefits, techniques, indications, and complications of interfascial plane blocks applied in cardiac, abdominal, and spine surgeries.

Comparison of three different intraocular lens implantation techniques in the absence of capsular support: sutured scleral, haptic flanged intrascleral, and four flanged intrascleral fixations.

INTRODUCTION: After lens extraction, if the capsular bag insufficiency occurs, there are different IOL implantation techniques. IOL implantation in the posterior chamber is safer in eyes with low endothelial cell count, peripheral anterior synechiae, shallow anterior chamber, and glaucoma. Alternative approaches for scleral fixation techniques, both with and without sutures, continue to undergo development. In this study, we aimed to compare the postoperative outcomes of the sutured scleral fixation (SSF), haptic flanged intrascleral fixation (HFISF) and four flanged intrascleral fixation (FFISF) IOL implantation techniques in eyes with the absence of capsular support. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hundred and thirty-seven aphakic eyes with the absence of capsular support were included in the study. The patients were divided into three groups: group 1-SSF, group 2-HFISF (Yamane technique), and group 3-FFISF. Surgical time in minutes, preoperative and postoperative parameters such as best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), corneal astigmatism, lenticular astigmatism, intraocular pressure (IOP), specular microscopy, central macular thickness (CMT) were recorded. Pseudophacodonesis was assessed at 6 months postoperatively using a slit lamp, and early and late complications were recorded. RESULTS: Of the 137 eyes, 69 eyes were included in the SSF group, 41 eyes in the HFISF group, and 27 eyes in the FFISF group. No statistically significant differences were observed among the three groups in terms of age, gender, preoperative mean BCVA, corneal astigmatism, IOP, endothelial cell density, and CMT. It was observed that the mean BCVA significantly improved compared to the preoperative visual acuity in all three groups. Postoperative lenticular astigmatism, pseudophacodonesis score, percentage of the endothelial cell loss were found to be higher in FFISF groups. The surgical time was found to be shorter in the HFISF group. IOL decentration was observed in 1.44% of the SSF group and 7.40% of the FFISF group. Cystoid macular edema was observed in 5.79% of the SSF group, 4.87% of the HFISF group, and 7.40% of the FFISF group. Retinal detachment was observed in 1.44% of the SSF group and 7.31% of the HFISF group. CONCLUSIONS: The optimal technique for treating aphakia without capsular support remains uncertain. Surgeons are tasked with a complex decision, aiming for both excellent vision and minimal risk. This decision is based on their expertise, the distinctive ocular condition of the patient, and the availability of essential operating room equipment. In this study, the following findings were observed: in the HFISF technique, the average surgical time was found to be shorter, the SSF technique demonstrated greater stability in terms of astigmatism and pseudophacodonesis and the FFISF technique was recognized for its relatively straightforward application method. It is important to note that the three IOL implantation techniques yielded comparable outcomes in terms of postoperative BCVA, as well as early and late complications.

Deep-Learning-Based Image Denoising in Imaging of Urolithiasis: Assessment of Image Quality and Comparison to State-of-the-Art Iterative Reconstructions.

This study aimed to compare the image quality and diagnostic accuracy of deep-learning-based image denoising reconstructions (DLIDs) to established iterative reconstructed algorithms in low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) of patients with suspected urolithiasis. LDCTs (CTDIvol, 2 mGy) of 76 patients (age: 40.3 ± 5.2 years, M/W: 51/25) with suspected urolithiasis were retrospectively included. Filtered-back projection (FBP), hybrid iterative and model-based iterative reconstruction (HIR/MBIR, respectively) were reconstructed. FBP images were processed using a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved DLID. ROIs were placed in renal parenchyma, fat, muscle and urinary bladder. Signal- and contrast-to-noise ratios (SNR/CNR, respectively) were calculated. Two radiologists evaluated image quality on five-point Likert scales and urinary stones. The results showed a progressive decrease in image noise from FBP, HIR and DLID to MBIR with significant differences between each method (p < 0.05). SNR and CNR were comparable between MBIR and DLID, while it was significantly lower in HIR followed by FBP (e.g., SNR: 1.5 ± 0.3; 1.4 ± 0.4; 1.0 ± 0.3; 0.7 ± 0.2, p < 0.05). Subjective analysis confirmed best image quality in MBIR, followed by DLID and HIR, both being superior to FBP (p < 0.05). Diagnostic accuracy for urinary stone detection was best using MBIR (0.94), lowest using FBP (0.84) and comparable between DLID (0.90) and HIR (0.90). Stone size measurements were consistent between all reconstructions and showed excellent correlation (r2 = 0.958-0.975). In conclusion, MBIR yielded the highest image quality and diagnostic accuracy, with DLID producing better results than HIR and FBP in image quality and matching HIR in diagnostic precision.

Physiological iodine uptake of the spine's bone marrow in dual-energy computed tomography - using artificial intelligence to define reference values based on 678 CT examinations of 189 individuals.

Purpose: The bone marrow's iodine uptake in dual-energy CT (DECT) is elevated in malignant disease. We aimed to investigate the physiological range of bone marrow iodine uptake after intravenous contrast application, and examine its dependence on vBMD, iodine blood pool, patient age, and sex. Method: Retrospective analysis of oncological patients without evidence of metastatic disease. DECT examinations were performed on a spectral detector CT scanner in portal venous contrast phase. The thoracic and lumbar spine were segmented by a pre-trained neural network, obtaining volumetric iodine concentration data [mg/ml]. vBMD was assessed using a phantomless, CE-certified software [mg/cm3]. The iodine blood pool was estimated by ROI-based measurements in the great abdominal vessels. A multivariate regression model was fit with the dependent variable "median bone marrow iodine uptake". Standardized regression coefficients (ß) were calculated to assess the impact of each covariate. Results: 678 consecutive DECT exams of 189 individuals (93 female, age 61.4 ± 16.0 years) were evaluated. AI-based segmentation provided volumetric data of 97.9% of the included vertebrae (n=11,286). The 95th percentile of bone marrow iodine uptake, as a surrogate for the upper margin of the physiological distribution, ranged between 4.7-6.4 mg/ml. vBMD (p <0.001, mean ß=0.50) and portal vein iodine blood pool (p <0.001, mean ß=0.43) mediated the strongest impact. Based thereon, adjusted reference values were calculated. Conclusion: The bone marrow iodine uptake demonstrates a distinct profile depending on vBMD, iodine blood pool, patient age, and sex. This study is the first to provide the adjusted reference values.

Association between pouch morphology, cardiovascular risk factors and ischemic brain lesions in patients with left-sided septal pouches.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial outpouching structures such as left atrial diverticula (LADs) and left-sided septal pouches (LSSPs) might be a source of cryptogenic stroke. This imaging study evaluates the association between pouch morphology, patient comorbidities and ischemic brain lesions (IBLs). METHODS: This is a retrospective single-center analysis of 195 patients who received both a cardiac CT and a cerebral MRI. LADs, LSSPs, and IBLs were retrospectively identified. Size measurements included pouch width, length and volume for LADs and circumference, area and volume for LSSPs. The association between LADs/LSSPs, IBLs and cardiovascular comorbidities was determined by univariate and bivariate regression analyses. RESULTS: The prevalence and mean volume were 36.4% and 372 ± 569 mm3 for LSSPs, and 40.5% and 415 ± 541 mm3 for LADs. The IBL prevalence was 67.6% in the LSSP group and 48.1% in the LAD group. LSSPs had 2.9-fold increased hazards of IBLs (95%CI: 1.2-7.4, p = 0.024), and LADs showed no significant correlation with IBLs. Size measurements had no impact on IBLs. A co-existing LSSP was associated with an increased prevalence of IBLs in patients with coronary artery disease (HR: 1.5, 95%CI: 1.1-1.9, p = 0.048), heart failure (HR: 3.7, 95%CI: 1.1-14.6, p = 0.032), arterial hypertension (HR: 1.9, 95%CI: 1.1-3.3, p = 0.017), and hyperlipidemia (HR: 2.2, 95%CI: 1.1-4.4, p = 0.018). CONCLUSION: Co-existing LSSPs were associated with IBLs in patients with cardiovascular risk factors, however, pouch morphology did not correlate with the IBL rate. Upon confirmation by further studies, these findings might be considered in the treatment, risk stratification, and stroke prophylaxis of these patients.

Efficacy of transversalis fascia plane block as a novel indication for varicocelectomy surgery: prospective randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Varicocele occurs as a result of dilatation of the pampiniform plexus in the spermatic veins. In this study, our primary aim was to evaluate the effect of Transversalis Fascia Plane Block (TFPB) on pain scores in the postoperative period in patients undergoing varicocelectomy surgery, and our secondary aim was to evaluate the effect of TFPB on analgesic consumption. METHODS: The study was initiated following local ethics committee approval, and sixty ASA I-II patients > 18y scheduled to undergo varicocelectomy and who consented to participation were enrolled. Before the procedure, the patients were randomly assigned two groups: Transversalis Fascia Plan block group (Group TFPB) or surgical incision site infiltration group (Group I).All surgeries were carried out under general anesthesia, and microsurgery using the subinguinal approach. After surgical suturing, TFPB and local infiltration blocks were applied prior to termination of anesthesia.For each block, 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine was utilized. Patients' demographic information, passive and active VAS ratings after surgery, usage of non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and rescue analgesia, and the requirement for rescue analgesia, were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients were included in the study. In terms of demographic data, there was no difference between the groups. At all hours, there was a statistically significant decrease in favor of Group TFPB in terms of active and passive VAS scores (p < 0.001), non steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic use (p < 0.05), and tramadol requirement (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study has shown that TFPB can provide a more effective analgesia when compared to surgical site infiltration.

Comparative assessment of woven endobridge embolization and standard coil occlusion for the treatment of ruptured basilar tip aneurysms.

PURPOSE: Endovascular coil occlusion represents the standard treatment for basilar tip aneurysms. Recently, this role has been rivalled by intrasaccular flow disruptors across numerous centres. We retrospectively compared WEB embolization and coiling for the treatment of ruptured basilar tip aneurysms. METHODS: Patients treated with WEB or coiling at four neurovascular centres were reviewed. Procedure-related complications, clinical outcome, and angiographic results were retrospectively compared. RESULTS: The study included 23 patients treated with the WEB (aneurysm size: 6.6 ± 1.9 mm) and 56 by coiling (aneurysm size: 6.7 ± 2.5 mm). Stent-assistance was more often necessary with coiling than with WEB embolization (32% vs. 4%, p = 0.009). A modified Rankin scale score ≤ 2 at discharge had 21 (37.5%) patients in the coiling group and 12 (52.2%) in the WEB group (p = 0.235). Immediate complete and adequate occlusion rates were 52% for the WEB and 87% for coiling. At short-term follow-up, these rates were 87% for the WEB and 72% for coiling, respectively. There was no delayed aneurysm re-bleeding during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Both coiling and WEB seem to prevent rebleeding in ruptured BTA aneurysms. WEB embolization required less frequently stent-support than coiling, potentially advantageous for SAH patients to avoid anti-platelet therapy in the light of concomitant procedures like ventricular drainage.

Using an Endoluminal Functional Lumen Imaging Probe (EndoFLIP™) to Compare Pyloric Function in Patients with Gastroparesis to Patients After Esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Gastroparesis (GP) occurs in patients after upper gastrointestinal surgery, in patients with diabetes or systemic sclerosis and in idiopathic GP patients. As pyloric dysfunction is considered one of the underlying mechanisms, measuring this mechanism with EndoFLIP™ can lead to a better understanding of the disease. METHODS: Between November 2021 and March 2022, we performed a retrospective single-centre study of all patients who had non-surgical GP, post-surgical GP and no sign of GP after esophagectomy and who underwent our post-surgery follow-up program with surveillance endoscopies and further exams. EndoFLIP™ was used to perform measurements of the pylorus, and distensibility was measured at 40 ml, 45 ml and 50 ml balloon filling. RESULTS: We included 66 patients, and successful application of the EndoFLIP™ was achieved in all interventions (n = 66, 100%). We identified 18 patients suffering from non-surgical GP, 23 patients suffering from GP after surgery and 25 patients without GP after esophagectomy. At 40, 45 and 50 ml balloon filling, the mean distensibility in gastroparetic patients was 8.2, 6.2 and 4.5 mm2/mmHg; 5.4, 5.1 and 4.7 mm2/mmHg in post-surgical patients suffering of GP; and 8.5, 7.6 and 6.3 mm2/mmHg in asymptomatic post-surgical patients. Differences between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients were significant. CONCLUSION: Measurement with EndoFLIP™ showed that asymptomatic post-surgery patients seem to have a higher pyloric distensibility. Pyloric distensibility and symptoms of GP seem to correspond.

Characteristics of pediatric traumatic cataract and factors affecting visual outcomes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical characteristics, surgical approach and visual results in pediatric traumatic cataract. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data of pediatric and adult traumatic cataract patients were retrospectively analyzed. Age, gender, cause and zone of trauma, additional clinical findings, initial and final visual acuity (VA) were analyzed and compared between groups. RESULTS: The mean age of 18 patients in the pediatric group was 9.4(SD 5.7); 18 patients in the adult group was 47.8(16.2) years. There was a male predominance in both groups (12/16 male, respectively). The most common cause of trauma was sharp metal objects (50%) in the pediatric group and wooden and traffic accidents (33%) in the adult group. The initial mean VA of the patients were 0.03(0.09), 0.09(0.1) in the pediatric and adult groups, respectively, (p: 0.34). The mean ocular trauma score (OTS) was 51.4(16.4) and 59.6(10.5) in the pediatric and adult groups, respectively (p: 0.09). Simultaneous surgery was performed in 5 (28%) eyes in both groups. Subsequent lens extraction and IOL implantation were performed in 10 of pediatric and 13 of adult patients. The final VA was 0.3(0.7), 0.3(0.4) in the pediatric and adult group, respectively (p: 0.94). Final VA was correlated with OTS in both of the groups and the presence of additional surgery in the pediatric group. CONCLUSION: Traumatic cataract is a major cause of visual loss in children. Lower OTS and presence of additional surgery were the prognostic factors for poor final VA in the pediatric cases. Optimal timing and accurate management of traumatic cataract are important in the pediatric population.

Systemic Inflammatory Marker Levels in Serous Macular Detachment Secondary to Retinal Vein Occlusion.

Purpose: To evaluate the association of systemic inflammatory marker levels in macular edema with serous macular detachment (SMD) secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Methods: Patients diagnosed with RVO were categorized into two groups based on the presence or absence of SMD: Group 1 included 30 eyes with SMD, while Group 2 included 30 eyes without SMD. Levels of neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, thrombocytes, and mean platelet volume (MPV) were analyzed. Systemic inflammatory markers, including neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), were calculated and compared between the two groups. Results: The mean neutrophil levels were significantly higher in Group 1 (P = 0.002). The mean lymphocyte, monocytes, thrombocyte, and MPV levels did not differ significantly between groups. NLR and SII levels were significantly higher in the SMD group (P = 0.004 and P = 0.016, respectively). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of PLR. The optimal receiver operator characteristic (ROC) cut-off value of NLR for SMD was calculated as 1.55 with 73% sensitivity and 63% specificity (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.714, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.584-0.845). The optimal ROC cut-off value of SII for SMD was calculated as 451.75 with 63% sensitivity and 63% specificity (AUC = 0.681, 95% CI: 0.546-0.816). In this study, branch RVO was present in 48 patients, and central RVO was present in 12 patients. Neutrophil, MPV levels, and NLR, PLR, SII ratios were similar between patients with branch and central occlusion. Conclusion: Neutrophil levels, NLR, and SII were found to be significantly higher in eyes with SMD secondary to RVO.

A new method of arterial stiffness measurement in pseudoexfoliation syndrome: cardio-ankle vascular index / Um novo método para medição da rigidez arterial na síndrome de pseudoesfoliação: índice vascular cardíaco-tornozelo

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate whether pseudoexfoliation syndrome affects arterial stiffness by using cardio-ankle vascular index measurement. Methods: This cross-sectional case-control study included 55 patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome and 106 age- and gender-matched healthy control subjects. All subjects underwent a complete ophthalmic exa mination of both eyes and cardio-ankle vascular index measu rements. Echocardiographic and body mass index measurements were performed in all patients, and the results were recorded. A binary regression model was used to determine the relationship between cardio-ankle vascular index and pseudoexfoliation. Results: There were no significant differences between the pseudoexfoliation and control groups in baseline clinical and demographic characteristics, echocardiographic measurements of left ventricular ejection fraction, and body mass index. The mean cardio-ankle vascular index value was significantly higher in the pseudoexfoliation group than in the controls (9.47 ± 1.23 vs. 8.33 ± 1.50, p<0.001). Intraocular pressure was significantly higher in the pseudoexfoliation group than in the controls (18.31 ± 1.78 vs. 15.24 ± 2.42 mm Hg, p<0.05). Although the logistic regression analysis showed that mean cardio-ankle vascular index and IOP values were positively associated with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (Odds ratios (OR) = 1.973, 95% CI, 1.051-3.706, p=0.035; OR=3.322, 95% CI = 2.000-5.520, p<0.001, respectively), the Pearson correlation analysis revealed a borderline significant positive correlation between age and mean cardio-ankle vascular index and a significant positive correlation between dyslipidemia and intraocular pressure and mean cardio-ankle vascular index (r=0.265, p=0.050; r=0.337, p=0.012; r=0.433, p=0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that cardio-ankle vascular index values increased in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar se a síndrome de pseudoesfoliação afeta a rigidez arterial, usando a medição do índice vascular cardíaco-tornozelo. Métodos: Este estudo transversal caso-controle incluiu 55 pacientes com síndrome de pseudoesfoliação e 106 controles saudáveis, pareados por idade e gênero. Todos os indivíduos foram submetidos a um exame oftalmológico completo de ambos os olhos e à medição do índice vascular cardíaco-tornozelo. Medidas ecocardiográficas e do índice de massa corporal também foram feitas em todos os pacientes, e os resultados foram registrados. Usou-se um modelo de regressão binária para avaliar uma possível relação entre o índice vascular cardíaco-tornozelo e a pseudoesfoliação. Resultados: Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos com pseudoesfoliação e de controle em relação às características clínicas e demográficas basais, às medidas ecocardiográficas da fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo e ao índice de massa corporal. Os valores médios do índice vascular cardíaco-tornozelo foram significativamente maiores no grupo com pseudoesfoliação do que no de controle (9,47 ± 1,23 contra 8,33 ± 1,50, p<0,001). Os valores da pressão intraocular no grupo com pseudoesfoliação excederam significativamente os do grupo de controle (18,31 ± 1,78 mmHg contra 15.24 ± 2.42 mmHg, p<0.05). A análise de regressão logística demonstrou uma associação positiva das médias do índice vascular cardíaco-tornozelo e da pressão intraocular com a síndrome de pseudoesfoliação (respectivamente, OR=1,973, IC 95%: 1,051-3,706, p=0,035 e OR=3,322, IC 95%: 2,000-5,520, p<0,001). Já a análise de correlação de Pearson revelou uma correlação positiva de significância limítrofe entre a idade e a média do índice vascular cardíaco-tornozelo, e uma correlação positiva significativa entre a dislipidemia, a pressão intraocular e a média do índice vascular cardíaco-tornozelo (respectivamente, r=0,265, p=0,050; r=0,337, p=0,012; e r=0,433, p=0,001). Conclusão: Nossos achados demonstraram que os valores do índice vascular cardíaco-tornozelo se encontram aumentados em pacientes com síndrome de pseudoesfoliação.

Virtual non-contrast reconstructions improve differentiation between vascular enhancement and calcifications in stereotactic planning CT scans of cystic intracranial tumors.

PURPOSE: To assess the diagnostic value of spectral-detector CT (SDCT) derived virtual non-contrast images (VNC) for differentiation between vascular enhancement and wall calcifications of cystic intracranial tumors in contrast-enhanced stereotactic planning examinations. METHOD: 48 patients with cystic intracranial tumors who underwent stereotactic SDCT examinations between 02/2017 and 02/2020 were retrospectively included. In each patient, two separate hyperattenuating structures along the cyst wall were defined as either enhancement or calcification, respectively, using reference MRI examinations. Quantitative analysis was performed ROI-based in conventional images (CI) and VNC. In the subjective analysis, two radiologists diagnosed the predefined peri-cystic structures in binary decisions as either enhancement or calcification using CI and the combination of CI and VNC, and rated diagnostic confidence, image noise and removal of iodine in VNC. Moreover, a potential diagnostic benefit of VNC was indicated. RESULTS: Attenuation in CI was higher as compared to VNC across all assessed ROI (all p < 0.01). In VNC, CNR between calcification and white matter was significantly higher as compared to CNR between vascular enhancement and white matter (2.6 vs 1.3, p < 0.01), while there was no significant difference in CI. In the qualitative assessment, diagnostic accuracy was significantly higher using both VNC and CI compared to using CI alone. Raters reported less image noise in VNC as compared to CI. An additional diagnostic benefit of VNC was indicated in 84.4 % of all cases. CONCLUSIONS: SDCT-derived VNC images facilitate differentiation between peri-cystic contrast enhancement in blood vessels and calcifications in stereotactic planning scans of cystic intracranial tumors.

Is there an association between left atrial outpouching structures and recurrence of atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of left atrial diverticula (LADs), left sided septal pouches (LSSPs) and middle right pulmonary veins (MRPVs) on recurrent atrial fibrillation (rAF) in patients undergoing laser pulmonary vein isolation procedure (PVI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 139 patients with pre-procedural multiple detector computed tomography (MDCT) imaging and 12 months follow-up examination. LADs, LSSPs and MRPV were identified by two radiologists on a dedicated workstation using multiplanar reconstructions and volume rendering technique. Univariate and bivariate regression analyses with patient demographics and cardiovascular risk factors as covariates were performed to reveal independent factors associated with rAF. RESULTS: LADs were recorded in 41 patients (29%), LSSPs in 20 (14%) and MRPVs in 15 (11%). The right anterosuperior wall of the left atrium was the most prevalent location of LADs (68%). rAF occured in 20 patients, thereof, 15 exhibited an outpouching structure of the left atrium (LAD: 9, LSSP: 2 and MRPV: 3). Presence of an LAD (HR: 2.7, 95%CI: 1.0-8.4, p = 0.04) and permanent AF (HR: 4.8, 95%CI: 1.5-16.3, p = 0.01) were independently associated with rAF. CONCLUSIONS: LAD, LSSP and MRPV were common findings on pre-procedural cardiac computed tomography. LADs were revealed as potential independent risk factor of rAF, which might be considered for treatment planning and post-treatment observation.

WEB embolization of very broad-based intracranial aneurysms with a dome-to-neck ratio ≤ 1.1.

OBJECTIVE: The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) is a well-studied intrasaccular device for endovascular treatment of wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms. We evaluated the feasibility, safety and efficacy of the WEB for the treatment of very broad-based aneurysms with a dome-to-neck ratio ≤ 1.1. METHODS: Thirty-four aneurysms treated at three neurovascular centers were retrospectively identified. The mean aneurysm size was 5.5 ± 1.6 mm with a mean neck width of 4.7 ± 1.5 and a mean dome-to-neck ratio of 1.0 ± 0.1. The primary outcome measures were immediate technical treatment success by WEB only, complete or near-complete occlusion at 6-month follow-up and ischemic stroke. RESULTS: Aneurysm embolization by WEB only was technically feasible in 79.4%. Additional stenting was required in 14.7%. In two aneurysms (5.9%), WEB implantation failed, and the aneurysm was treated by stent- and balloon-assisted coiling, respectively. Thromboembolic events occurred during 5 interventions (14.7%), all of these performed in ruptured aneurysms. One patient (2.9%) remained asymptomatic (follow-up modified Rankin scale [mRS] score: 0), 2 patients (5.9%) had a transient deficit (mRS 0 and 1, respectively), and 2 (5.9%) had a disabling ischemic stroke (mRS 3, respectively). Mid-term angiographic follow-up of 29 patients (4.0 ± 2.6 months, range: 2-9 months) showed complete occlusion (WEB occlusion scale [WOS] A) in 41.4%, near-complete occlusion (WOS B) in 34.5%, a neck remnant (WOS C) in 10.3%, and aneurysm remnants (WOS D) in 13.8%. CONCLUSIONS: WEB embolization of very broad-necked aneurysms was technically feasible and could be achieved by WEB only in the majority of cases. Considering the challenging anatomy of very broad-based aneurysms, the WEB procedure was reasonably safe and efficient.