Subclavian vein epithelioid hemangioendothelioma: Multidisciplinary surgical approach.

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare primary vascular tumour, usually malignant. We present the case of a 60-year-old woman who presented with hoarseness of voice and a persistent cough. During evaluation, a left supraclavicular mass was discovered. Initial assessments revealed a 30-mm left supraclavicular mass. Computed tomography angiogram and venogram confirmed an enhancing mass arising directly from the proximal left subclavian vein. After discussion in the joint multidisciplinary team, it was decided to resect the tumour owing to its malignant potential. Histopathology after resection confirmed a completely excised EHE. EHE is a rare vascular sarcoma requiring a multidisciplinary approach. Its main challenge is its unpredictable behaviour.

Genetic complexity of diagnostically unresolved Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are heritable disorders of connective tissue (HDCT), reclassified in the 2017 nosology into 13 subtypes. The genetic basis for hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) remains unknown. METHODS: Whole exome sequencing (WES) was undertaken on 174 EDS patients recruited from a national diagnostic service for complex EDS and a specialist clinic for hEDS. Patients had already undergone expert phenotyping, laboratory investigation and gene sequencing, but were without a genetic diagnosis. Filtered WES data were reviewed for genes underlying Mendelian disorders and loci reported in EDS linkage, transcriptome and genome-wide association studies (GWAS). A genetic burden analysis (Minor Allele Frequency (MAF) <0.05) incorporating 248 Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) controls sequenced as part of the UK10K study was undertaken using TASER methodology. RESULTS: Heterozygous pathogenic (P) or likely pathogenic (LP) variants were identified in known EDS and Loeys-Dietz (LDS) genes. Multiple variants of uncertain significance where segregation and functional analysis may enable reclassification were found in genes associated with EDS, LDS, heritable thoracic aortic disease (HTAD), Mendelian disorders with EDS symptomatology and syndromes with EDS-like features. Genetic burden analysis revealed a number of novel loci, although none reached the threshold for genome-wide significance. Variants with biological plausibility were found in genes and pathways not currently associated with EDS or HTAD. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate the clinical utility of large panel-based sequencing and WES for patients with complex EDS in distinguishing rare EDS subtypes, LDS and related syndromes. Although many of the P and LP variants reported in this cohort would be identified with current panel testing, they were not at the time of this study, highlighting the use of extended panels and WES as a clinical tool for complex EDS. Our results are consistent with the complex genetic architecture of EDS and suggest a number of novel hEDS and HTAD candidate genes and pathways.

A Retrospective Cohort Study of Cerebrovascular Fibromuscular Dysplasia.

BACKGROUND: Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a rare vasculopathy for which limited data are available particularly from Europe. Our aim was to study the clinical characteristics of a regional cohort of carotid fibromuscular dysplasia patients to assess their clinical outcomes and the rate of vascular complications. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of all cases of carotid/cerebrovascular FMD presenting to our regional vascular service (catchment population approximately 2 million), between 1998 and 2020. Imaging reports and patient case notes were screened using the keywords "FMD", "Fibromuscular Dysplasia", and "carotid". From case-note and imaging review, all relevant clinical data were extracted and the anatomical extent of vascular disease recorded. RESULTS: Eighty six patients with a diagnosis of cerebrovascular fibromuscular dysplasia were identified on imaging (31 computed tomography angiography, 46 magnetic resonance angiography, and 9 digital subtraction angiography) by a neurovascular radiologist. The mean age was 64 years, 78 (90%) patients were female, and 45/59 (75%) were Caucasian. Presenting clinical syndromes were Stroke/transient ischemic attack in 54 (63%) patients, symptomatic intracranial aneurysm in 6 (10%), and other neurological symptoms (headache/migraine, tinnitus) in 14 (16%), with 11 (13%) presenting incidentally. Six patients (7%) had a positive family history of FMD (2 patients) or other cerebrovascular event (4 patients: carotid dissection, intracerebral bleed, or stroke). Eight patients (9%) had a known or suspected hereditary connective tissue disorder (2 Ehlers-Danlos syndrome). Involved vessels were as follows: Carotid (mainly extracranial) in 79 (92%), vertebral 19 (22%), and a combination of these in 15 (17%) patients. Fifty eight (67%) patients had bilateral disease. Cerebrovascular complications were observed in 35 (41%) patients as follows: carotid dissection 11 (23%), carotid stenosis or occlusion 8 (9%), carotid aneurysm 8 (9%), cerebral aneurysm 9 (11%), vertebral aneurysm/dissection 2 (2%), and carotid-cavernous fistula 2 (2%). Of the 22 patients who had extracranial imaging, 14 (60%) had FMD affecting other beds-renal artery in 8 (36%) patients, other visceral arteries in 4 (18%), and aorta in 2 (9%). In addition, 4 (18%) patients had aneurysm or dissection affecting renal, splenic, and lower limb arteries. Overall, 67 (80%) patients had FMD affecting more than 1 vessel and 50 (58%) had multisite FMD (>/ = 2 vascular beds involved). Fifty nine (68%) patients were managed conservatively on close surveillance. Nineteen (21%) patients required carotid/cerebrovascular intervention and 9 (10%) required vascular intervention at other sites. Recurrent cerebrovascular events (stroke/transient ischemic attack, symptomatic Berry aneurysm) were seen in 20 (23%) patients. Overall mortality was 7% over a median follow-up period of 47 months. CONCLUSIONS: Carotid FMD patients have a high rate of multisite involvement, extracerebral vascular complications, and evidence of hereditary vasculopathy, requiring careful screening and surveillance.

Cardiac surgery receipt and outcomes for people using secondary mental healthcare services: Retrospective cohort study using a large mental healthcare database in South London.

BACKGROUND: Patients diagnosed with mental health problems are more predisposed to cardiovascular disease, including cardiac surgery. Nevertheless, health outcomes after cardiac surgery for patients with mental health problems as a discrete group are unknown. This study examined the association between secondary care mental health service use and postoperative health outcomes following cardiac surgery. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational research, utilizing data from a large South London mental healthcare supplier linked to national hospitalization data. OPCS-4 codes were applied to classify cardiac surgery. Health results were compared between those individuals with a mental health disorder diagnosis from secondary care and other local residents, including the length of hospital stay (LOS), inpatient mortality, and 30-day emergency hospital readmission. RESULTS: Twelve thousand three hundred and eighty-four patients received cardiac surgery, including 1,481 with a mental disorder diagnosis. Patients with mental health diagnosis were at greater risk of emergency admissions for cardiac surgery (odds ratio [OR] 1.60; 1.43, 1.79), longer index LOS (incidence rate ratio 1.28; 1.26, 1.30), and at higher risk of 30-day emergency readmission (OR 1.53; 1.31, 1.78). Those who underwent pacemaker insertion and major open surgery had worse postoperative outcomes during index surgery hospital admission while those who had major endovascular surgery had worse health outcomes subsequent 30-day emergency hospital readmission. CONCLUSION: People with a mental health disorder diagnosis undertaking cardiac surgery have significantly worse health outcomes. Personalized guidelines and policies to manage preoperative risk factors require consideration and evaluation.

Predictors of outcome in diabetic patients undergoing infrapopliteal endovascular revascularization for chronic limb-threatening ischemia.

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of chronic limb-threatening ischemia in diabetic patients is increasing. The factors influencing outcome after infrapopliteal revascularization in these patients are largely unknown. Therefore, this study aims to identify the impact of perioperative glucose control on the long-term outcomes in this patient cohort, and furthermore to identify other factors independently associated with outcome. METHODS: Consecutive diabetic patients undergoing infrapopliteal endovascular revascularization for chronic limb-threatening ischemia were identified. Patients' demographics, procedural details, daily capillary blood glucose, and hemoglobin A1C levels were collected and analyzed against the study end points using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 437 infrapopliteal target vessels were successfully crossed in 203 patients. Amputation-free survival by Kaplan-Meier (estimate (standard error)%) was 74 (3.3)% and 63 (3.7)%, primary patency was 61 (4.2)% and 50 (4.9)%, assisted primary patency was 69 (5.2)% and 55 (6.1)%, and secondary patency was 71 (3.8)% and 59 (4.1)% at 1 year and 2 years, respectively. Cox regression analysis showed high perioperative capillary blood glucose levels to be an independent predictor of binary restenosis (hazard ratio [HR], 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31-1.1.78; P = .015). Postprocedural dual-antiplatelet therapy was found to be an independent predictor of amputation-free survival (HR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.04-2.75; P = .033), and freedom from major adverse limb events (HR: 1.96; 95% CI, 1.16-3.27; P = .023) and baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate was significantly associated with better amputation-free survival (HR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.31-0.87; P = .014). CONCLUSIONS: Poor perioperative glycemic control is associated with a higher incidence of restenosis after infrapopliteal revascularization in diabetic patients. Dual antiplatelet therapy is associated with better outcomes in this group.

Vascular surgery receipt and outcomes for people with serious mental illnesses: Retrospective cohort study using a large mental healthcare database in South London.

OBJECTIVE: Vascular surgery can be common among people with serious mental illness (SMI) given the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease. However, post-operative outcomes following vascular surgery have received little investigation, particularly in a subpopulation of SMI. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study using data from the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) via its Clinical Record Interactive Search (CRIS) platform and linkage with Hospital Episode Statistic (HES). Vascular surgery recipients were identified using OPCS version 4 codes. Length of stay (LOS) was modelled using Incidence Rate Ratios (IRRs), and 30-day emergency hospital readmissions using Odds Ratios (ORs) for people with SMI compared with the general population. RESULTS: Vascular surgery was received by 152 patients with SMI diagnoses (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder) and 8821 catchment residents without any mental health conditions. People with active SMI symptoms more likely to be admitted to hospital via emergency route OR: 1.80 (95% CI: 1.06, 3.07) and more likely to stay longer in the hospital for vascular surgery IRR: 1.35 (1.01, 1.80) and more likely to be readmitted to hospital via emergency route within 30 days OR: 1.53 (1.02, 2.67). People with SMI who had major open vascular surgery and peripheral endovascular surgery more likely to have worse post-operative outcomes. CONCLUSION: Our study highlights the risks faced by people with SMI following vascular surgery. These suggest tailored guidelines and policies are needed, based on the identification of pre-operative risk factors, allowing for focused post-vascular surgery care to minimise adverse outcomes.

A prospective investigation of depression and adverse outcomes in patients undergoing vascular surgical interventions: A retrospective cohort study using a large mental health database in South London.

BACKGROUND: Patients with depression are more susceptible to cardiovascular illness including vascular surgeries. However, health outcomes after vascular surgery among patients with depression is unknown. This study aimed to investigate associations of depression with post-operative health outcomes for vascular surgical patients. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted using data from a large mental healthcare provider and linked national hospitalization data for the same south London geographic catchment. OPCS-4 codes were used to identify vascular procedures. Health outcomes were compared between those with/without depression including length of hospital stay (LOS), inpatient mortality, and 30 day emergency hospital readmissions. Predictors of these health outcomes were also assessed. RESULTS: Vascular surgery was received by 9,267 patients, including 446 diagnosed with depression. Patients with depression had a higher risk of emergency admission for vascular surgery (odds ratio [OR] 1.28; 1.03, 1.59), longer index LOS (IRR 1.38; 1.33-1.42), and a higher risk of 30-day emergency readmission (OR 1.82; 1.35-2.47). Patients with depression had higher inpatient mortality after adjustment for sociodemographic status (1.51; 1.03, 2.23) but not on full adjustment, and had longer emergency readmission LOS (1.13; 1.04, 1.22) after adjustment for sociodemographic factors and cardiovascular disease. Correlates of vascular surgery hospitalization among patients with depression included admission through emergency route for longer LOS, inpatient mortality, and 30-day hospital readmission. CONCLUSION: Patients with depression undergoing vascular surgery have substantially poorer health outcomes. Screening for depression prior to surgery might be indicated to target preventative measures.

The clinical application of electrical impedance technology in the detection of malignant neoplasms: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Electrical impedance technology has been well established for the last 20 years. Recently research has begun to emerge into its potential uses in the detection and diagnosis of pre-malignant and malignant conditions. The aim of this study was to systematically review the clinical application of electrical impedance technology in the detection of malignant neoplasms. METHODS: A search of Embase Classic, Embase and Medline databases was conducted from 1980 to 22/02/2018 to identify studies reporting on the use of bioimpedance technology in the detection of pre-malignant and malignant conditions. The ability to distinguish between tissue types was defined as the primary endpoint, and other points of interest were also reported. RESULTS: 731 articles were identified, of which 51 reported sufficient data for analysis. These studies covered 16 different cancer subtypes in a total of 7035 patients. As the studies took various formats, a qualitative analysis of each cancer subtype's data was undertaken. All the studies were able to show differences in electrical impedance and/or related metrics between malignant and normal tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Electrical impedance technology provides a novel method for the detection of malignant tissue, with large studies of cervical, prostate, skin and breast cancers showing encouraging results. Whilst these studies provide promising insights into the potential of this technology as an adjunct in screening, diagnosis and intra-operative margin assessment, customised development as well as multi-centre clinical trials need to be conducted before it can be reliably employed in the clinical detection of malignant tissue.

Targeted genetic analysis in a large cohort of familial and sporadic cases of aneurysm or dissection of the thoracic aorta.

PURPOSE: Thoracic aortic aneurysm/aortic dissection (TAAD) is a disorder with highly variable age of onset and phenotype. We sought to determine the prevalence of pathogenic variants in TAAD-associated genes in a mixed cohort of sporadic and familial TAAD patients and identify relevant genotype-phenotype relationships. METHODS: We used a targeted polymerase chain reaction and next-generation sequencing-based panel for genetic analysis of 15 TAAD-associated genes in 1,025 unrelated TAAD cases. RESULTS: We identified 49 pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants in 47 cases (4.9% of those successfully sequenced). Almost half of the variants were in nonsyndromic cases with no known family history of aortic disease. Twenty-five variants were within FBN1 and two patients were found to harbor two P/LP variants. Presence of a related syndrome, younger age at presentation, family history of aortic disease, and involvement of the ascending aorta increased the risk of carrying a P/LP variant. CONCLUSION: Given the poor prognosis of TAAD that is undiagnosed prior to acute rupture or dissection, genetic analysis of both familial and sporadic cases of TAAD will lead to new diagnoses, more informed management, and possibly reduced mortality through earlier, preclinical diagnosis in genetically determined cases and their family members.

Periodontal Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Is Caused by Mutations in C1R and C1S, which Encode Subcomponents C1r and C1s of Complement.

Periodontal Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (pEDS) is an autosomal-dominant disorder characterized by early-onset periodontitis leading to premature loss of teeth, joint hypermobility, and mild skin findings. A locus was mapped to an approximately 5.8 Mb region at 12p13.1 but no candidate gene was identified. In an international consortium we recruited 19 independent families comprising 107 individuals with pEDS to identify the locus, characterize the clinical details in those with defined genetic causes, and try to understand the physiological basis of the condition. In 17 of these families, we identified heterozygous missense or in-frame insertion/deletion mutations in C1R (15 families) or C1S (2 families), contiguous genes in the mapped locus that encode subunits C1r and C1s of the first component of the classical complement pathway. These two proteins form a heterotetramer that then combines with six C1q subunits. Pathogenic variants involve the subunit interfaces or inter-domain hinges of C1r and C1s and are associated with intracellular retention and mild endoplasmic reticulum enlargement. Clinical features of affected individuals in these families include rapidly progressing periodontitis with onset in the teens or childhood, a previously unrecognized lack of attached gingiva, pretibial hyperpigmentation, skin and vascular fragility, easy bruising, and variable musculoskeletal symptoms. Our findings open a connection between the inflammatory classical complement pathway and connective tissue homeostasis.

Targeted next-generation sequencing makes new molecular diagnoses and expands genotype-phenotype relationship in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

PURPOSE: Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) comprises a group of overlapping hereditary disorders of connective tissue with significant morbidity and mortality, including major vascular complications. We sought to identify the diagnostic utility of a next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel in a mixed EDS cohort. METHODS: We developed and applied PCR-based NGS assays for targeted, unbiased sequencing of 12 collagen and aortopathy genes to a cohort of 177 unrelated EDS patients. Variants were scored blind to previous genetic testing and then compared with results of previous Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: Twenty-eight pathogenic variants in COL5A1/2, COL3A1, FBN1, and COL1A1 and four likely pathogenic variants in COL1A1, TGFBR1/2, and SMAD3 were identified by the NGS assays. These included all previously detected single-nucleotide and other short pathogenic variants in these genes, and seven newly detected pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants leading to clinically significant diagnostic revisions. Twenty-two variants of uncertain significance were identified, seven of which were in aortopathy genes and required clinical follow-up. CONCLUSION: Unbiased NGS-based sequencing made new molecular diagnoses outside the expected EDS genotype-phenotype relationship and identified previously undetected clinically actionable variants in aortopathy susceptibility genes. These data may be of value in guiding future clinical pathways for genetic diagnosis in EDS.Genet Med 18 11, 1119-1127.

Surgical technology and operating-room safety failures: a systematic review of quantitative studies.

BACKGROUND: Surgical technology has led to significant improvements in patient outcomes. However, failures in equipment and technology are implicated in surgical errors and adverse events. We aim to determine the proportion and characteristics of equipment-related error in the operating room (OR) to further improve quality of care. METHODS: A systematic review of the published literature yielded 19 362 search results relating to errors and adverse events occurring in the OR, from which 124 quantitative error studies were selected for full-text review and 28 were finally selected. RESULTS: Median total errors per procedure in independently-observed prospective studies were 15.5, interquartile range (IQR) 2.0-17.8. Failures of equipment/technology accounted for a median 23.5% (IQR 15.0%-34.1%) of total error. The median number of equipment problems per procedure was 0.9 (IQR 0.3-3.6). From eight studies, subdivision of equipment failures was possible into: equipment availability (37.3%), configuration and settings (43.4%) and direct malfunctioning (33.5%). Observed error rates varied widely with study design and with type of operation: those with a greater burden of technology/equipment tended to show higher equipment-related error rates. Checklists (or similar interventions) reduced equipment error by mean 48.6% (and 60.7% in three studies using specific equipment checklists). CONCLUSIONS: Equipment-related failures form a substantial proportion of all error occurring in the OR. Those procedures that rely more heavily on technology may bear a higher proportion of equipment-related error. There is clear benefit in the use of preoperative checklist-based systems. We propose the adoption of an equipment check, which may be incorporated into the current WHO checklist.

Near infrared spectroscopy as possible non-invasive monitor of slow vasogenic ICP waves.

We aimed to study synchronisation between ICP and near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) variables induced by vasogenic waves of ICP during an infusion study in hydrocephalic patients and after TBI. Nineteen patients presenting with hydrocephalus underwent a diagnostic intraventricular constant-flow infusion test. The original concept of the methodology, presented in the current paper, was derived from this material. Then the method was applied in 40 TBI patients, with results reported in an observational manner. During monitoring, NIRS deoxygenated and oxygenated haemoglobin (Hb, HbO(2)) were recorded simultaneously with ICP. Moving correlation coefficient (6 min) between Hb and HbO(2) was tested as a marker of the slow vasogenic waves of ICP.During infusion studies ICP increased from 10.7 (5.1) mmHg to a plateau of 18.9 (7.6) mmHg, which was associated with an increase in the power of slow ICP waves (p = 0.000017). Fluctuations of Hb and HbO(2) at baseline negatively correlated with each other, but switched to high positive values during periods of increased ICP slow-wave activity during infusion (p < 0.001). Similar behaviour was observed in TBI patients: baseline negative Hb/HbO(2) correlation changed to positive values during peaks of ICP of vasogenic nature.Correlating changes in Hb and HbO(2) may be of use as a method of non-invasive detection of vasogenic ICP waves.

Case report: The management of advanced oral cancer in a Jehovah's Witness using the Ultracision Harmonic Scalpel.

We present the first case of a head and neck oncological procedure accomplished in a Jehovah's Witness using the Ultracision Harmonic Scalpel (Ethicon, Cincinnati, OH). Jehovah's Witnesses present a serious challenge to the head and neck cancer surgeon due to their refusal to accept transfusion of any blood products. However, our experience reinforces the view that surgical management of head and neck cancer is possible in these patients. We show the Harmonic Scalpel, an ultrasonic tissue dissector, to be a useful surgical tool in obviating the need for blood transfusion. Preoperative optimisation, intra-operative surgical and anaesthetic techniques are also fully discussed.

Slow vasogenic fluctuations of intracranial pressure and cerebral near infrared spectroscopy--an observational study.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Increased slow-wave activity in intracranial pressure (ICP) signifies an exhausted cerebrospinal compensatory reserve across a range of conditions. In this study, we attempted to describe synchronisation between slow waves of ICP and of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) variables during controlled elevation of ICP. METHOD: Nineteen patients presenting with symptomatic hydrocephalus underwent a Computerised Infusion Test. NIRS-derived indices, ICP and arterial blood pressure (ABP) were recorded simultaneously. FINDINGS: ICP increased from 9.3 (6.0) mmHg to a 17.1 (8.9) mmHg during infusion. Slow waves in ICP were accompanied by concurrent waves in each NIRS variable (including deoxygenated haemoglobin (Hb) and oxygenated haemoglobin (HbO2)) with a mean coherence of >0.7 and no significant phase shift. In the same bandwidth (0.3-1.8 min(-1)), ABP fluctuations occurred with a coherence of 0.77 and phase lead of 40° with respect to ICP. The power of ICP slow waves increased significantly during infusion plateau with a corresponding increase in power of Hb waves. CONCLUSIONS: Slow fluctuations in cerebral oximetry as detected by NIRS coincide with and are implicated in the origin of ICP slow waves and increases during periods of exhausted cerebrospinal compensatory reserve. NIRS may be used as a non-invasive marker of increased ICP slow waves (and therefore reduced CSF compensatory reserve).

Carotid artery stenosis-an evidence-based review of surgical and non-surgical treatments.

Carotid artery disease underlies a significant proportion of ischaemic strokes. Whilst secondary prevention by drug treatment is the first step in managing patients with known carotid stenoses, evidence from a number of large randomised controlled trials have clearly demonstrated a benefit for surgical treatment in symptomatic patients with moderate-to-severe stenosis. In asymptomatic patients with severe stenosis a benefit is conferred by surgery in selected patients. Carotid endarterectomy has formed the mainstay of surgical treatment. Endovascular angioplasty (with/without stenting) for carotid stenoses has been proposed as a viable or even superior alternative to carotid endarterectomy. The results from four large randomised controlled trials comparing the two modalities, considered together suggest a marginally better outcome for carotid endarterectomy compared with angioplasty in terms of perioperative mortality and stroke, though the results of further studies are awaited. For carotid surgery, a multi-centre randomised controlled trial evaluating the use of local anaesthesia versus general anaesthesia demonstrated no significant difference in outcome. Refinements in surgical technique such as patch angioplasty and intraluminal shunting provide equivocal benefit, with wide variation in their usage and in the results of studies evaluating them. More robust evidence supporting or refuting a benefit for these techniques is required.

Utility of high resolution MR imaging to assess carotid plaque morphology: a comparison of acute symptomatic, recently symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with carotid artery disease.

OBJECTIVES: Compare carotid plaque morphology of acute symptomatic, recently symptomatic and asymptomatic patients (groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively) with carotid artery disease using high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to identify high-risk plaque characteristics best associated with risk of recurrent thrombo-embolic events. METHODS: 60 patients underwent multi-contrast imaging of their internal carotid arteries. Different plaque components were manually delineated on acquired axial images to assess the difference in prevalence of plaque hemorrhage, fibrous cap (FC) rupture and FC thickness among the three groups. RESULTS: 55% acute symptomatic patients had plaque hemorrhage vs. 35% for recently symptomatic group and 5% for asymptomatic group (p-value: group 1 vs. 3: 0.001, group 2 vs. 3: 0.04). Type 1 hemorrhage was more common in acute symptomatic patients than recently symptomatic patients (40% vs. 5%, p=0.01). Type 2 hemorrhage was more common in recently symptomatic vs. acute symptomatic patients (15% vs. 30%). FC rupture was observed in 50% of patients in group 1 vs. 35% of group 2 patients (p=0.02) but none in group 3. The mean minimum FC thickness was same in acute and recently symptomatic groups (600+/-200microm), compared to 800+/-200microm for asymptomatic patients (p-value: 0.03 and 0.007 respectively). Good correlation was present among the three MR readers (intra-class correlation coefficient=0.71). CONCLUSION: High resolution MRI can differentiate plaque components associated with increased risk of thrombo-embolic events.

Radiation exposure during laparoscopic cholecystectomy with routine intraoperative cholangiography.

BACKGROUND: For many years, intraoperative cholangiography during cholecystectomy to aid definition of the biliary anatomy and to detect choledocholithiasis has been advocated. Although radiation exposure in fluoroscopic procedures is a concern, few available data exist regarding the radiation exposure incurred during intraoperative cholangiography. This study aimed to determine the average radiation exposure sustained during this procedure. METHODS: Radiation dose data were recorded between 5 September 2007 and 21 July 2008 for 108 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiography. Dose area product values were used to calculate the entrance skin dose, an indicator of potential skin damage, and the effective dose, an indicator of long-term cancer risk, for each patient. RESULTS: The median age of the 108 patients (67% females) included in the data analysis was 51 years (range, 17-87 years). The mean entrance skin dose during intraoperative cholangiography was 0.0069 +/- 0.0066 Gy, and the mean effective dose was 0.18 +/- 0.17 mSv. No results exceeded the threshold of 2 Gy for skin damage, and the lifetime risk for the development of new cancer due to intraoperative cholangiography was less than 0.001%. CONCLUSION: Radiation doses administered during intraoperative cholangiography are safe and do not represent a contraindication to this procedure.