Electrocardiographic QRS duration is influenced by body mass index and sex.

BACKGROUND: Electrocardiogram (ECG) measured QRS duration has been shown to influence cardiovascular outcomes. However, there is paucity of data on whether ECG QRS duration is influenced by obesity and sex in large populations. METHODS: All ECGs performed by a pathology provider over a 2-year period were included. ECGs with confounding factors and those not in sinus rhythm were excluded from the primary analysis. RESULTS: Of the 76,220 who met the inclusion criteria, 41,685 (55%) were females. The median age of the study cohort was 61 years (interquartile [IQR] range 48-71 years). The median QRS duration was 86 ms (IQR 80-94 ms). The median BMI was 27.6 kg/m2 (IQR 24.2-31.8 kg/m2). When stratified according to the World Health Organization classification of BMI < 18.50 kg/m2, 18.50-24.99 kg/m2, 25.00-29.99 kg/m2, and ≥ 30.00 kg/m2, the median QRS durations were 82 ms (IQR 76-88 ms), 86 ms (IQR 80-92 ms), 88 ms (IQR 80-94 ms) and 88 ms (IQR 82-94 ms), respectively (p < 0.001 for linear trend). Median QRS duration for females was 84 ms (IQR 78-88 ms); for males, it was 92 ms (IQR 86-98 ms), p < 0.001. Compared to males, females had narrower QRS complexes at similar age and similar BMI. In multiple linear regression analysis, BMI correlated positively with QRS duration (standardized beta 0.095, p < 0.001) independent of age, sex, and heart rate. CONCLUSIONS: In this large cohort there was a positive association between increasing BMI and QRS duration. Females had narrower QRS duration than males at similar age and similar BMI.

Temporo-Parietal Flap Incorporated Into a Modified Osteo-Odonto Keratoprostheses Protocol for Longevity of the Dental Lamina.

PURPOSE: To describe a novel pedicled temporo-parietal flap to delay laminar resorption in a modified osteo-odonto keratoprosthesis (MOOKP) and measure resorption of the dental lamina by an objective method. METHODS: A retrospective case series was performed on patients who received an osteo-odontokeratoprosthesis for Steven-Johnson-Syndrome. Surgeries were performed between October 2016 and November 2017 by the same surgical team (G.M. and S.W.). A modified temporo-parietal flap was incorporated into stage 1 of the MOOKP procedure. CT Scans were performed post op and on follow up. Volumetric evaluation was achieved by automated software analysis of 3D reconstructed CT images (Vitrea, Software Version 6.7.6, Cannon Medical Systems ANZ Pty Ltd). RESULTS: The procedure was performed in 3 eyes from 3 patients. Patients were followed up for stage 2 review at 9.6 months on average (22-55 weeks). One case was complicated by early postoperative hematoma of the buccal graft; however, this was managed conservatively. Another case required relaxing incisions at the time of flap creation due to increased vascularized collagenous tissue. On follow up, volume changes in the dental lamina were minimal. CONCLUSIONS: Loss of laminar volume can potentially jeopardize the success of the MOOKP, and consequently cause significant visual, graft or globe complications. The long-term success of this method needs further evaluation; however, initial results suggest a possible role for pedicle grafts in maintenance of the dental lamina. Furthermore, objective CT-based calculation of laminar volume may reduce inter-study variability and standardize comparison of techniques.

Neuroradiological Endovascular Intervention for Diplopia in a Case of Aneurysmal Aberrant Regeneration of the Third Nerve.

Aberrant regeneration of the third nerve occurs as a result of synkinetic 'miswiring' of the third nerve following its injury, such as in third cranial nerve palsy due to tumor, trauma, or aneurysm. The case presented is an elderly woman with new vertical diplopia, which led to a diagnosis of a third cranial nerve palsy, thought to be caused by a 5 mm blister aneurysm of the posterior communicating artery. However, neuro-ophthalmological evaluation diagnosed aberrant regeneration of the third nerve, with the cause of her new vertical diplopia being an ipsilateral fourth nerve palsy. The patient underwent endovascular treatment of her aneurysm using stent-assisted coiling. This procedure was complicated by an episode of air embolism, from which the patient made a good recovery. This patient's presentation demonstrates that the cause of any diplopia must be established, and presents a novel, semi-schematic illustration of aberrant regeneration of the third nerve that should aid clinicians in its recognition.