Operationalizing a Free Flap Program for Head and Neck Reconstruction at a Veterans Affairs Hospital.

Objectives: We aimed to operationalize a head and neck microvascular free tissue transfer (MVFTT) program at a Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital with the emphasis on initiating radiotherapy within 6 weeks of surgery for cancer patients and minimizing readmissions. Study Design: Case series. Setting: Tertiary care VA hospital. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on consecutive head and neck MVFTT patients from May 1, 2017 and April 30, 2022. Demographics, patient and disease characteristics, per-operative data and postoperative outcomes were recorded from the electronic medical record. We sought to compare our rate of 30-day readmissions with those published in the literature. Results: One hundred and forty-one procedures were performed in the queried timeframe. Eighty-four percent (119) were performed after oncologic resections and 16% (22) were for nononcologic procedures. The rate of total flap loss was <1% and the rate of partial flap loss was 3.5%. For mucosal defects, the fistula rate was 2.3%. The rate of return to the OR for any reason within 30 days was 7.8%. The 30-day readmission rate was 6.4% while the rates reported in the literature range from 13% to 20%. One hundred and four patients required postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) and 76% started PORT within 42 days of surgery. Conclusion: Operationalizing a head and neck MVFTT program with a VA hospital is safe and allows for the successful delivery of multimodality treatment to cancer patients. These resources can be expanded for the care of head and neck cancer treatment sequelae, such as osteoradionecrosis, and other nononcologic patient needs.

"Keep it simple - a lesson from COVID-19": highlighting the utility of chest X-rays in ARDS-associated illnesses through the Zonal Scoring System.

Purpose: The post-pandemic era calls for appropriate literature on chest X-ray score cut-offs, enabling swift categorization and faster radiological reporting of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)-like illnesses, hence prompting healthcare equity in low-resource centres where extortionate modalities of imaging such as computed tomography (CT) are unavailable. In this study, we aim to bridge the literature gap using the versatile zonal scoring system. Material and methods: This retrospective cohort study uses data from 751 COVID-19 RT-PCR+ patients. Concordant chest radiograph (CXR) scores were reported, and inter-rater reliability was measured using kappa indices. receiver operating characteristic curves were used to establish cut-off scores for the outcomes of interest: mild or severe disease, admission to an intensive care unit (ICU), and intubation. Categorical data were expressed using means and percentages, and c2 or t-tests were used for comparison at an a level of 0.05. Unadjusted odds ratios for each outcome of interest vs. CXR score and comorbidity were then calculated using binary logistic regression. Results: CXR findings included infiltrates (46.07%), pleural effusions (7.05%), consolidation and fibrosis (4.43%), pneumothoraces (2.71%), and cardiomegaly (2.26%). Most patients had an index CXR score of 0 (54.19%). The index cut-off score of ≤ 1 (82.95, 81.68) was established for mild disease, ≥ 4 for severe disease (85.71, 83.99), ≥ 3 for ICU admission (86.90, 71.91), and ≥ 4 for intubation (87.61, 72.90). Hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, history of ischaemic heart disease, and history of tuberculosis were independent risk factors for a high CXR index score, intubation, and ICU admission. Conclusions: CXR scores can be effectively used in low-resource settings for triaging patients, maintaining records, and disease prognostication.

Pneumococcal Epidural Abscess in an Asplenic Patient Presenting After Mild Hip Trauma.

We report a unique presentation of an epidural abscess following mild trauma in a patient with asplenia. The patient reported subjective fever and marked pain along the right hip and flank, which are atypical locations for epidural abscess pain. A subsequent urinalysis showed leukocytes, and the diagnosis of an epidural abscess was missed until the patient presented over two weeks later with fever, spinal pain, leg weakness, and urinary incontinence. This report highlights the importance of heightened clinical suspicion of pneumococcal infections in asplenic patients with unexplained subjective fever. Cost-effective yet sensitive tests such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) can help guide further investigation of epidural abscesses in such patients. Blood and urine cultures may also be warranted. Early diagnosis of epidural abscesses is essential to ensure improved outcomes.

Paraplegia After Laparotomy for Large Bowel Obstruction: A Case Report.

We report persistent postoperative paraplegia on recovery from anesthesia after emergent exploratory laparotomy for large bowel obstruction in a cachectic patient with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Postoperative cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging revealed only cervical spinal stenosis. We hypothesize that intraoperative embolization possibly caused by manipulation of an atherosclerotic aorta, and a brief episode of intraoperative hypotension resulted in spinal cord ischemia. This report highlights the importance of maintaining intraoperative hemodynamic stability and careful handling of the abdominal aorta, especially in underweight patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Soft palate trauma induced during GlideScope intubation.

The GlideScope (GVL; Saturn Biomedical Systems, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada) is a rigid indirect video laryngoscope device that facilitates exposure of the larynx for placement of the endotracheal tube. This blade also reduces the requirement for anterior displacement of the tongue. A unique feature is the acutely angled blade which provides an improved glottic view. Herein, we present 2 instances of soft palate trauma, a rare oropharyngeal complication linked to GlideScope use. In the first case, the GlideScope was used for pedagogical purposes for intubation in a knee surgery. In the second case, GlideScope was used to secure the airway of an obese patient with a Mallampati class 3 airway and, therefore, presumed difficult intubation. Use of the GlideScope requires less lifting force (approximately 0.5-1.5 kg) than direct laryngoscopy to achieve visualization of the glottis, so less traction is applied to soft tissue. However, meticulous care must be taken even by experienced operators to ensure correct use to decrease the incidence of oropharyngeal injuries, especially in patients with difficult airways. Increased vigilance makes the GlideScope an invaluable tool despite its potential complications.

Pre-hospital assessment with ultrasound in emergencies: implementation in the field.

BACKGROUND: Point-of-care ultrasound (US) is a proven diagnostic imaging tool in the emergency department (ED). Modern US devices are now more compact, affordable and portable, which has led to increased usage in austere environments. However, studies supporting the use of US in the prehospital setting are limited. The primary outcome of this pilot study was to determine if paramedics could perform cardiac ultrasound in the field and obtain images that were adequate for interpretation. A secondary outcome was whether paramedics could correctly identify cardiac activity or the lack thereof in cardiac arrest patients. METHODS: We performed a prospective educational study using a convenience sample of professional paramedics without ultrasound experience. Eligible paramedics participated in a 3-hour session on point-of-care US. The paramedics then used US during emergency calls and saved the scans for possible cardiac complaints including: chest pain, dyspnea, loss of consciousness, trauma, or cardiac arrest. RESULTS: Four paramedics from two distinct fire stations enrolled a total of 19 unique patients, of whom 17 were deemed adequate for clinical decision making (89%, 95%CI 67%-99%). Paramedics accurately recorded 17 cases of cardiac activity (100%, 95%CI 84%-100%) and 2 cases of cardiac standstill (100%, 95%CI 22%-100%). CONCLUSION: Our pilot study suggests that with minimal training, paramedics can use US to obtain cardiac images that are adequate for interpretation and diagnose cardiac standstill. Further large-scale clinical trials are needed to determine if prehospital US can be used to guide care for patients with cardiac complaints.

Pilot Study to Determine Accuracy of Posterior Approach Ultrasound for Shoulder Dislocation by Novice Sonographers.

INTRODUCTION: The goal of this study was to investigate the efficacy of diagnosing shoulder dislocation using a single-view, posterior approach point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) performed by undergraduate research students, and to establish the range of measured distance that discriminates dislocated shoulder from normal. METHODS: We enrolled a prospective, convenience sample of adult patients presenting to the emergency department with acute shoulder pain following injury. Patients underwent ultrasonographic evaluation of possible shoulder dislocation comprising a single transverse view of the posterior shoulder and assessment of the relative positioning of the glenoid fossa and the humeral head. The sonographic measurement of the distance between these two anatomic structures was termed the Glenohumeral Separation Distance (GhSD). A positive GhSD represented a posterior position of the glenoid rim relative to the humeral head and a negative GhSD value represented an anterior position of the glenoid rim relative to the humeral head. We compared ultrasound (US) findings to conventional radiography to determine the optimum GhSD cutoff for the diagnosis of shoulder dislocation. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the derived US method were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 84 patients were enrolled and 19 (22.6%) demonstrated shoulder dislocation on conventional radiography, all of which were anterior. All confirmed dislocations had a negative measurement of the GhSD, while all patients with normal anatomic position had GhSD>0. This value represents an optimum GhSD cutoff of 0 for the diagnosis of (anterior) shoulder dislocation. This method demonstrated a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI [82.4-100]), specificity of 100% (95% CI [94.5-100]), positive predictive value of 100% (95% CI [82.4-100]), and negative predictive value of 100% (95% CI [94.5-100]). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that a single, posterior-approach POCUS can diagnose anterior shoulder dislocation, and that this method can be employed by novice ultrasonographers, such as non-medical trainees, after a brief educational session. Further validation studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

Pre-hospital assessment with ultrasound in emergencies:implementation in the field / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

@#BACKGROUND: Point-of-care ultrasound (US) is a proven diagnostic imaging tool in the emergency department (ED). Modern US devices are now more compact, affordable and portable, which has led to increased usage in austere environments. However, studies supporting the use of US in the prehospital setting are limited. The primary outcome of this pilot study was to determine if paramedics could perform cardiac ultrasound in the field and obtain images that were adequate for interpretation. A secondary outcome was whether paramedics could correctly identify cardiac activity or the lack thereof in cardiac arrest patients. METHODS: We performed a prospective educational study using a convenience sample of professional paramedics without ultrasound experience. Eligible paramedics participated in a 3-hour session on point-of-care US. The paramedics then used US during emergency calls and saved the scans for possible cardiac complaints including: chest pain, dyspnea, loss of consciousness, trauma, or cardiac arrest. RESULTS: Four paramedics from two distinct fire stations enrolled a total of 19 unique patients, of whom 17 were deemed adequate for clinical decision making (89％, 95％CI 67％–99％). Paramedics accurately recorded 17 cases of cardiac activity (100％, 95％CI 84％–100％) and 2 cases of cardiac standstill (100％, 95％CI 22％–100％). CONCLUSION: Our pilot study suggests that with minimal training, paramedics can use US to obtain cardiac images that are adequate for interpretation and diagnose cardiac standstill. Further large-scale clinical trials are needed to determine if prehospital US can be used to guide care for patients with cardiac complaints.

A feasibility study to determine if minimally trained medical students can identify markers of chronic parasitic infection using bedside ultrasound in rural Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Parasitic infections pose a significant health risk in developing nations and are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In the Republic of Tanzania, the CDC estimates that 51.5% of the population is infected with one or more intestinal parasites. If diagnosed early, the consequences of chronic parasitic infection can potentially be avoided. METHODS: Six first-year medical students were recruited to enroll patients in the study. They underwent ten hours of formal, hands-on, ultrasound which included basic cardiac, hepatobiliary, renal, pulmonary and FAST scan ultrasound. A World Health Organization protocol with published grading scales was adapted and used to assess for pathology in each patient's liver, bladder, kidneys, and spleen. RESULTS: A total of 59 patients were enrolled in the study. Students reported a sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 100% for the presence of a dome shaped bladder, a sensitivity and specificity of 100% for bladder thickening, a sensitivity and specificity of 100% for portal hypertension and ascites. The sensitivity was 81% with a specificity of 100% for presence of portal vein distention. The sensitivity was 100% with a specificity of 90% for dilated bowel. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound has shown a promise at helping to identify pathology in rural communities with limited resources such as Tanzania. Our data suggest that minimally trained first year medical students are able to perform basic ultrasound scans that can identify ultrasonographic markers of parasitic infections.

Feasibility study of first-year medical students identifying cardiac anatomy using ultrasound in rural Panama.

BACKGROUND: There are over 15 million children who have cardiac anomalies around the world, resulting in a significant morbidity and mortality. Early recognition and treatment can improve the outcomes and lengthen life-expectancy of these patients. The NIH and WHO have promoted guidelines for screening for congenital cardiac anomalies using ultrasound in rural environments. METHODS: Our study took place in Bocas Del Toro, Panama where a mobile clinic was established for community healthcare screening and ultrasonographic evaluation by medical student volunteers and volunteer clinical faculty. This was a non-blinded, investigational study utilizing a convenience sample of pediatric patients presenting for voluntary evaluation. Seven first-year medical students were recruited for the study. These students underwent a training program for advanced cardiac ultrasound instruction, termed "Pediatric Echocardiography Cardiac Screening (PECS)". RESULTS: Ten patients were enrolled in the study. Nine patients had adequate images as defined by the PECS criteria and were all classified as normal cardiac pathology by the medical students, resulting in a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. A single patient was identified by medical students as having a pathologic pulmonic stenosis. This was confirmed as correct by a blinded ultrasonographer. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study, the first-year medical students were able to correctly identify pediatric cardiac anatomy and pathology in rural Panama after undergoing a 12-hour ultrasound PECS training session. We believe that with this knowledge, minimally trained practitioners can be used to screen for cardiac anomalies in rural Panama using ultrasound.

A feasibility study to determine if minimally trained medical students can identify markers of chronic parasitic infection using bedside ultrasound in rural Tanzania / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

@#BACKGROUND: Parasitic infections pose a significant health risk in developing nations and are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In the Republic of Tanzania, the CDC estimates that 51.5％ of the population is infected with one or more intestinal parasites. If diagnosed early, the consequences of chronic parasitic infection can potentially be avoided. METHODS: Six first-year medical students were recruited to enroll patients in the study. They underwent ten hours of formal, hands-on, ultrasound which included basic cardiac, hepatobiliary, renal, pulmonary and FAST scan ultrasound. A World Health Organization protocol with published grading scales was adapted and used to assess for pathology in each patient's liver, bladder, kidneys, and spleen. RESULTS: A total of 59 patients were enrolled in the study. Students reported a sensitivity of 96％ and specificity of 100％ for the presence of a dome shaped bladder, a sensitivity and specificity of 100％ for bladder thickening, a sensitivity and specificity of 100％ for portal hypertension and ascites. The sensitivity was 81％ with a specificity of 100％ for presence of portal vein distention. The sensitivity was 100％ with a specificity of 90％ for dilated bowel. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound has shown a promise at helping to identify pathology in rural communities with limited resources such as Tanzania. Our data suggest that minimally trained first year medical students are able to perform basic ultrasound scans that can identify ultrasonographic markers of parasitic infections.

Feasibility study of first-year medical students identifying cardiac anatomy using ultrasound in rural Panama / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

BACKGROUND: There are over 15 million children who have cardiac anomalies around the world, resulting in a significant morbidity and mortality. Early recognition and treatment can improve the outcomes and lengthen life-expectancy of these patients. The NIH and WHO have promoted guidelines for screening for congenital cardiac anomalies using ultrasound in rural environments. METHODS: Our study took place in Bocas Del Toro, Panama where a mobile clinic was established for community healthcare screening and ultrasonographic evaluation by medical student volunteers and volunteer clinical faculty. This was a non-blinded, investigational study utilizing a convenience sample of pediatric patients presenting for voluntary evaluation. Seven first-year medical students were recruited for the study. These students underwent a training program for advanced cardiac ultrasound instruction, termed "Pediatric Echocardiography Cardiac Screening (PECS)". RESULTS: Ten patients were enrolled in the study. Nine patients had adequate images as defined by the PECS criteria and were all classified as normal cardiac pathology by the medical students, resulting in a sensitivity and specificity of 100％. A single patient was identified by medical students as having a pathologic pulmonic stenosis. This was confirmed as correct by a blinded ultrasonographer. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study, the first-year medical students were able to correctly identify pediatric cardiac anatomy and pathology in rural Panama after undergoing a 12-hour ultrasound PECS training session. We believe that with this knowledge, minimally trained practitioners can be used to screen for cardiac anomalies in rural Panama using ultrasound.

Delayed presentation of deep sternal wound infection.

Deep sternal wound infections (DSWI) are infections of the sternum, mediastinum, or the muscle, fascia and soft tissue that overlie the sternum, typically occurring within a month of cardiac surgery. They are infrequent though severe complications of cardiac surgery. Diagnosis is made by the clinical presentation of fever, chest pain, or sternal instability in the setting of wound drainage, positive wound cultures, or chest radiographic findings. We describe the case of an elderly man presenting 6 months after cardiac surgery with DSWI. Due to the atypical nature of such a late presentation, definitive therapy was delayed. Given a severely ill patient with multiple risk factors for poor wound healing, the clinician must maintain a high index of suspicion for DSWI despite a delayed presentation.

Differential effect of obesity on bone mineral density in White, Hispanic and African American women: a cross sectional study.

Osteoporosis is a major public health problem with low bone mass affecting nearly half the women aged 50 years or older. Evidence from various studies has shown that higher body mass index (BMI) is a protective factor for bone mineral density (BMD). Most of the evidence, however, is from studies with Caucasian women and it is unclear to what extent ethnicity plays a role in modifying the effect of BMI on BMD.A cross sectional study was performed in which records of postmenopausal women who presented for screening for osteoporosis at 2 urban medical centres were reviewed. Using logistic regression, we examined the interaction of race and BMI after adjusting for age, family history of osteoporosis, maternal fracture, smoking, and sedentary lifestyle on BMD. Low BMD was defined as T-score at the lumbar spine < -1.Among 3,206 patients identified, the mean age of the study population was 58.3 +/- 0.24 (Years +/- SEM) and the BMI was 30.6 kg/m2. 2,417 (75.4%) were African Americans (AA), 441(13.6%) were Whites and 348 (10.9%) were Hispanics. The AA women had lower odds of having low BMD compared to Whites [Odds ratio (OR) = 0.079 (0.03-0.24) (95% CI), p < 0.01]. The odds ratio of low BMD was not statistically significant between White and Hispanic women. We examined the interaction between race and BMD. For White women; as the BMI increases by unity, the odds of low BMD decreases [OR = 0.9 (0.87-0.94), p < 0.01; for every unit increase in BMI]. AA women had slightly but significantly higher odds of low BMD compared to Whites [OR 1.015 (1.007-1.14), p <0.01 for every unit increase in BMI]. This effect was not observed when Hispanic women were compared to Whites.There is thus a race-dependent effect of BMI on BMD. With each unit increase in BMI, BMD increases for White women, while a slight but significant decrease in BMD occurs in African American women.