Unilateral drainage and chemotherapy prolong the patency of a plastic stent placed above the sphincter of Oddi in patients with malignant hilar biliary obstruction.

Objectives: To evaluate the results of inside stent therapy for unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction and identify factors related to stent patency duration. Methods: Of 44 patients who underwent initial inside-stent placement above the sphincter of Oddi from April 2017 to December 2022, 42 with the resolution of jaundice (clinical success rate, 95.5%) were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with stent patency duration. Results: Univariate analysis revealed significant differences in the drainage method (406 days for unilateral drainage vs. 305 days for bilateral drainage of the right and left liver lobes, p = 0.022) with or without chemotherapy (406 days with vs. 154 days without, p = 0.038). Multivariate analysis (Cox proportional hazards analysis) revealed similar results, with unilateral drainage (p = 0.031) and chemotherapy (p = 0.048) identified as independent factors associated with prolonged stent patency. Early adverse events were observed in two patients (4.8%; one cholangitis, one pancreatitis). Conclusions: Inside-stent therapy was safely performed in patients with malignant hilar biliary obstruction. Simple unilateral drainage and chemotherapy may prolong stent patency.

Efficacy and safety of a novel polytetrafluoroethylene-coated self-expandable metal stent for distal malignant biliary obstruction.

Background: Stent migration and sludge formation remain significant problems associated with covered self-expandable metal stents (CSEMSs). The EGIS biliary stent fully covered flare type (EGIS biliary stent), a new type of polytetrafluoroethylene-coated self-expandable metal stent with low axial force and an anti-migration system, was developed to overcome these disadvantages. We conducted this study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this stent in comparison with conventional CSEMS (c-CSEMS). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer who received initial CSEMS for distal malignant biliary obstruction. The primary outcome was time to recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO). Secondary outcomes included technical success rate, functional success rate, stent-related adverse events, causes of RBO, and re-intervention. Results: A total of 40 patients were included (EGIS group: 20; c-CSEMS group: 20). The technical and functional success rates were similar between the two groups. Stent-related adverse event rates (20% vs. 15%, p > 0.99) and overall RBO rates (56% vs. 50%, p > 0.99) were not significantly different between the two groups. Stent migration was the most common cause of RBO in the EGIS group, while stent occlusion was in the c-CSEMS group. The median time to RBO (102 vs. 434 days, p = 0.10) was not significantly different between the two groups. Endoscopic transpapillary re-intervention was successful in most patients in both groups. Conclusions: The EGIS biliary stent was not associated with a longer time to RBO compared to c-CSEMS. Further improvements, especially against stent migration, are needed to improve its efficacy.

Unique endoscopic features of primary biliary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: A case report with literature review (with video).

A 67-year-old man visited our hospital complaining of dark-colored urine and upper abdominal pain. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed stricture of the distal bile duct, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed irregular thickening of the distal bile duct wall. However, no enlarged lymph nodes, pancreatic tumors, or other neoplastic lesions were apparent around the bile duct. Endoscopic ultrasonography and intraductal ultrasonography showed irregular thickening of the inner hypoechoic layer without the disappearance of the innermost thin hyperechoic layer. On the basis of these findings, we considered that the bile duct lesion was of non-epithelial origin. Thus, we repeatedly performed bile duct biopsies from the same site under fluoroscopy to obtain a sample of the submucosal tissue. The pathological diagnosis was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and the patient received systemic chemotherapy (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone). After six courses of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone, positron emission tomography-computed tomography showed the disappearance of 18-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in the bile duct and endoscopic retrograde cholangiography showed improvement of the bile duct stricture. Endoscopic findings and repeated biopsies were useful in making the diagnosis of primary biliary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Efficacy and safety of uncovered self-expandable metal stents for distal malignant biliary obstruction in unresectable non-pancreatic cancer.

Objectives: The efficacy of uncovered self-expandable metal stents (UCSEMS) versus fully covered self-expandable metal stents for distal malignant biliary obstruction remains controversial. Additionally, the heterogeneity of the disease conditions has been indicated in previous studies because pancreatic and non-pancreatic cancers have different characteristics in clinical course. Therefore, the etiology of biliary obstruction necessitates investigations stratified by primary disease. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of UCSEMS, specifically for non-pancreatic cancer-induced distal malignant biliary obstruction. Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective review to evaluate the time to recurrent biliary obstruction and frequency of adverse events (AEs) in patients receiving UCSEMS for unresectable non-pancreatic cancer-induced malignant biliary obstruction. Results: Overall, 32 patients were enrolled in the study between January 2016 and December 2023. The median time to recurrent biliary obstruction was 140 days. AE rates were low at 3.1% for both pancreatitis and cholecystitis, suggesting a potential benefit of UCSEMS in reducing post-procedural AEs. Conclusion: UCSEMS may reduce the risk of post-procedural AEs and should be considered in patients at high risk of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis. However, the patency period may be shorter, necessitating future comparative research with fully covered self-expandable metal stents to determine the optimal stent choice.

Incidência de obstrução em cateteres periféricos intravenosos em adultos e fatores relacionados / Incidence of obstruction in peripheral intravenous catheters in adults and related factors / Incidencia de obstrucción en catéteres intravenosos periféricos en adultos y factores relacionados

Objetivo: analisar a incidência e os fatores relacionados à obstrução de cateter intravenoso periférico em adultos hospitalizados. Método: uma coorte prospectiva, realizada a partir da observação de 203 cateteres, entre fevereiro de 2019 e maio de 2020, em hospital público e de ensino brasileiro. Foram consideradas variáveis clínicas e do cateter. Os dados foram analisados descritivamente e por estatística inferencial. Resultados: o tempo de permanência variou entre um a 15 dias e a obstrução ocorreu em 7,5% das observações. Houve aumento do risco de obstrução em relação ao sexo (RR=0,49 / p=0,186), à idade (RR=1,20/ p=0,732), aos cateteres de maior calibre (RR=0,53/ p=0,250), à inserção no dorso da mão até antebraço (RR=2,33/ p=0,114) e ao tempo do cateter in situ (RR=033/ p=0,433). Conclusão: O cuidado diário e observação do cateter intravenoso periférico são importantes para minimizar o surgimento de complicações locais e sistêmicas e manter a patência do dispositivo.

Objective: to analyze the incidence and factors related to peripheral intravenous catheter obstruction in hospitalized adults. Method: a prospective cohort, based on the observation of 203 catheters, between February 2019 and May 2020, in a Brazilian public teaching hospital. Clinical and catheter variables were taken into account. The data was analyzed descriptively and using inferential statistics. Results: the length of stay ranged from one to 15 days and obstruction occurred in 7.5% of the observations. There was an increased obstruction risk in relation to gender (RR=0.49 / p=0.186), age (RR=1.20/ p=0.732), larger catheters (RR=0.53/ p=0.250), insertion in the back of the hand up to the forearm (RR=2.33/ p=0.114) and the time length the catheter was in situ (RR=033/ p=0.433). Conclusion: Daily care and observation of the peripheral intravenous catheter is important to minimize the appearance of local and systemic complications and maintain the patency of the device.

Objetivo: analizar la incidencia y los factores relacionados con la obstrucción del catéter intravenoso periférico en adultos hospitalizados. Método: cohorte prospectiva, realizada mediante la observación de 203 catéteres, entre febrero de 2019 y mayo de 2020, en un hospital escuela público brasileño. Se consideraron variables clínicas y del catéter. Los datos se analizaron de forma descriptiva y mediante estadística inferencial. Resultados: el tiempo de permanencia varió entre uno y 15 días y la obstrucción ocurrió en el 7,5% de las observaciones. Hubo mayor riesgo de obstrucción en relación con el sexo (RR=0,49 / p=0,186), la edad (RR=1,20 / p=0,732), los catéteres de mayor calibre (RR=0,53 / p= 0,250), la inserción en el dorso de la mano hasta el antebrazo (RR=2,33/ p=0,114) y el tiempo del catéter in situ (RR=033/ p=0,433). Conclusión: el cuidado diario y la observación del catéter intravenoso periférico son importantes para minimizar la aparición de complicaciones locales y sistémicas y mantener la permeabilidad del dispositivo.

Management of the Nasal Valve in Facial Paralysis.

Facial paralysis significantly impacts the form and function of patients. Assessment of the face in zones is important to ensure no functional area of the face is neglected. Nasal valve compromise in patients with facial paralysis, for example, is often overlooked yet should be addressed to correct nasal obstruction. In flaccid facial paralysis, inferomedial displacement of the alar base and lateral nasal sidewall insufficiency contribute to nasal valve compromise. For surgical candidates, static suspension of the nasal valve in a superolateral vector is an ideal technique to address the etiology of nasal obstruction in patients with facial paralysis.

Correlation between renal sonographic measurements and differential renal function obtained from nuclear renography in children with unilateral hydronephrosis.

INTRODUCTION: Children with higher grades of hydronephrosis often undergo mercaptoacetyltriglycine nuclear renography scans (MAG3) to assess differential renal function (DRF) and drainage. Although MAG3 helps identify the potential need for pyeloplasty, its use incurs increased costs, radiation exposure, and stress for children and families. Several studies demonstrate pyramidal thickness (PT) ≤ 3 mm as a reliable predictive risk factor for pyeloplasty in children with a history of prenatal hydronephrosis. Our hypothesis was that renal sonographic measurements including PT and parenchymal thickness (ParT) correlate with DRF in children with high-grade unilateral hydronephrosis and may be used to better select the need and frequency of MAG3 scans in children at increased risk for diminished relative renal function. The objective of this project was to determine the correlation between sonographic renal measurements and DRF in patients with unilateral hydronephrosis, we assessed: 1) the correlation between PT, ParT, and the ratio of PT/ParT in hydronephrotic kidneys to DRF, 2) the correlation between the ratio of hydronephrotic PT/contralateral non-hydronephrotic PT and DRF, 3) the correlation between the ratio of hydronephrotic ParT/contralateral non-hydronephrotic ParT and DRF, and 4) the correlation between the ratio of (hydronephrotic PT/ParT)/(contralateral non-hydronephrotic PT/ParT) and DRF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 71 children with grades 3 or 4 unilateral hydronephrosis. Most patients presented with a history of prenatally detected hydronephrosis at median age (IQR) of 112 days (43-274). Measurements of PT and ParT were completed on 98 renal ultrasounds and DRF was collected from corresponding MAG3 scans. Threshold values were identified visually through scatterplots. Spearman's correlation coefficient and Fisher's p-values were calculated. DISCUSSION: Ratios of PT and ParT in hydronephrotic kidneys to contralateral non-hydronephrotic kidneys were positively correlated with DRF. Ratios of hydronephrotic PT/non-hydronephrotic PT > 0.8 and hydronephrotic ParT/non-hydronephrotic ParT >0.7 occurred more frequently in patients with a DRF >40% (p = 0.11 and p = 0.001, respectively). A PT > 3 mm and ParT >5 mm occurred significantly more frequently in patients with a DRF >40% (p = 0.008 and p = 0.006, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Renal sonographic measurements including threshold values of PT > 3 mm, ParT > 5 mm, ratio of hydronephrotic PT/contralateral non-hydronephrotic PT (>0.8), and ratio of hydronephrotic ParT/contralateral non-hydronephrotic ParT (>0.7) are good predictors of DRF >40% in unilateral high-grade hydronephrosis. These identified threshold values have potential utility in determining the need for nuclear renal scans in children with high-grade hydronephrosis.

[Application Values of New Ultrasound Technologies in the Diagnosis of Hepatic Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome].

Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS),a toxic liver injury,can lead to multiple organ failure in severe cases and is even fatal.Early diagnosis is of great significance for the selection of treatment regimens and prognosis.Currently,ultrasound,as the preferred diagnostic method for liver diseases,has been recommended in expert consensus and criteria for the diagnosis of HSOS.However,there are no definitive imaging diagnostic standards.This paper summarizes the sonographic features of ultrasound and new ultrasound technologies in HSOS research.Analyzing the characteristic sonographic images from gray-scale ultrasonography,Doppler ultrasonography,ultrasound elastography,and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography at different stages of the disease enables the establishment and refining of the corresponding imaging diagnostic standards and provides effective auxiliary examination methods for the early diagnosis and differential diagnosis of HSOS.

High-resolution versus conventional manometry for the diagnosis of small bowel motor dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of small bowel motility disorders is performed by manometric evaluation of the contractile patterns of the small intestine. Conventional intestinal manometry systems include few pressure sensors at relatively long intervals. We have recently shown that high-resolution jejunal manometry, with multiple closely spaced recording sites, allows the analysis of propagation patterns of intestinal motility in healthy subjects that cannot be detected with conventional manometry. The objective of this pilot study was to explore the feasibility and diagnostic value of high-resolution intestinal manometry in patients with suspected small bowel dysmotility. METHODS: Prospective pilot study evaluating intestinal motility patterns in 16 consecutive patients (16-61 years; 11 women) with severe, chronic digestive symptoms referred for the evaluation of intestinal motility and in 18 healthy controls (21-38 years; 8 women). A 36-channel high-resolution manometry catheter was orally placed under radiological guidance in the jejunum. Intestinal motility was continuously recorded for 3 h fasting and 2 h after a 450 kcal meal. The manometric recordings were analyzed in two formats: (a) with the high-resolution data from 34 channels and (b) showing only the recordings from 5 channels separated by 7 cm intervals, mimicking a conventional manometry recording. KEY RESULTS: In the analysis mimicking conventional manometry, abnormal motility criteria were detected in six patients and in no healthy subject [bursts (n = 3), postprandial minute rhythm (n = 1) and myopathic pattern (n = 2)]. These classical dysmotility criteria were also detected by high-resolution manometry. High-resolution analysis detected one or more abnormal findings in seven additional patients that were not observed in any healthy subject, specifically: (a) abnormal propagation of Phase III (n = 3); (b) reduced propagated activity during Fasting Phase II (n = 4); (c) increased propagated activity during Fasting Phase II and postprandial phase (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES: This pilot study suggests that high-resolution intestinal manometry may improve the sensitivity of conventional manometry in the detection of intestinal motor dysfunction.

Septoplasty versus non-surgical management for deviated nasal septum: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE: This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of septoplasty versus non-surgical management for patients experiencing nasal obstruction due to deviated nasal septum (DNS). METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Clinicaltrials.gov, ICTRP, and ISRCTN for relevant RCTs. The primary outcomes included the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale, Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow (PNIF), surgical complications, and quality of life. Data were synthesized using RevMan 5.4 and STATA 18, with effect estimates presented as mean differences (MD) or risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42024538373). RESULTS: Our search identified 537 studies, of which 3 RCTs involving 721 participants met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis revealed that septoplasty significantly improved NOSE and SNOT-22 scores compared to non-surgical interventions at 6 and 12 months of follow-up, despite no notable differences at 3 months post-treatment. No significant difference was observed regarding nasal flow assessed by PNIF. The rate of complications was low, ranging from 0.31% (revision rate) to 4.12% (bleeding and infection rates). Additionally, our qualitative synthesis showed an improvement in the quality of life at 6 and 12 months in the septoplasty group compared with the non-surgical group. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis of 721 patients revealed the efficacy of septoplasty, with or without turbinate surgery, in improving nasal obstruction symptoms at 6 and 12 months. Additionally, septoplasty consists of a relatively low rate of complications such as bleeding, infection, and septal perforation. Furthermore, a low revision rate was found. Septoplasty improved the quality of life, especially after 6 and 12 months. However, our findings should be interpreted with caution, and further research is needed to consolidate our results.

Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Angiographic Microvascular Obstruction: The REVERSE-FLOW Trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors are recommended in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) for bailout treatment in case of angiographic microvascular obstruction (MVO), also termed no-reflow phenomenon, after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with, however, lacking evidence (class IIa, level C). METHODS: The investigator-initiated, international, multicenter REVERSE-FLOW trial randomized 120 patients with AMI and Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow grade ≤2 after primary PCI to optimal medical therapy with or without GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor. The primary endpoint was infarct size (%LV) assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Secondary endpoints included CMR-derived MVO and 30-day adverse clinical events. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02739711. RESULTS: The population was predominantly male (76.7%) with a median age of 66 years and ST-elevation myocardial infarction in 73.3% of patients. Clinical and angiographic characteristics were well balanced between the cohorts. Patients in the treatment group (n=62) received eptifibatide (n=41) or tirofiban (n=21). Infarct size assessed by CMR imaging was similar in both study groups (25.4% of left ventricular mass [LV] vs. 25.2%LV; p=0.386). However, the number of patients with evidence of CMR-derived MVO (74.5% vs. 92.2%; p=0.017) and the extent of MVO (2.1%LV vs. 3.4%LV; p=0.025) were significantly reduced in the GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor group compared to controls. Thirty-day outcome showed an increased bleeding risk after GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor administration restricted to non-life-threatening bleedings (22.6% vs. 6.9%; p=0.016) without differences in all-cause mortality (4.8% vs. 3.4%; p=0.703). CONCLUSIONS: Bailout GP IIb/IIIa inhibition in AMI patients with angiographic MVO failed to reduce the primary endpoint infarct size but decreased CMR-derived MVO and led to an increase in non-fatal bleeding events.

Small Bowel Obstruction Caused by a Rare Foreign Body: A Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Ingestion of gastrointestinal foreign bodies (FB) is a common clinical problem worldwide. Approximately 10-20% of FBs require an endoscopic procedure for removal, and < 1% require surgery. CASE DESCRIPTION: An 89-year-old male with Alzheimer's disease was hospitalized because of abdominal pain, abdominal distention, vomiting for three days, and cessation of bowel movements for six days. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan showed a small intestinal obstruction and an atypical FB in the small intestine. A pill and remaining plastic casing were removed from the small intestine during surgery. FB is a square with four sharp acute angles at its edge. The patient was discharged after two weeks of treatment, and no recurrence or complications were observed during the 6- month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Atypical intestinal FBs may cause misdiagnosis and easily lead to serious complications. Therefore, an appropriate radiological examination, such as CT, is necessary for unexplained intestinal obstruction. Symptomatic intestinal FBs should be actively removed to avoid serious complications.

Same versus separate sessions of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for distal malignant biliary obstruction: a propensity score-matched study.

BACKGROUND: Same-session endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an attractive policy for patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction (DMBO) requiring fine-needle biopsy (FNB) and biliary drainage. However, scanty and conflicting data exists regarding safety and efficacy when comparing these two procedures performed in same versus separate sessions. METHODS: Single-center, retrospective, propensity score-matched study including patients with DMBO who underwent EUS-FNB followed by ERCP during the same or separate sessions. The primary outcome was the safety of the procedure [number of patients experiencing adverse events (AEs), overall AEs, its severity, post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP)]. Secondary outcomes were successful ERCP, use of advanced cannulation techniques, EUS-FNB adequacy, length of hospital stay, overall procedure time, and time to recurrent biliary obstruction. RESULTS: After propensity matching, 87 patients were allocated to each group. AEs developed in 23 (26.4%) vs. 17 (19.5%) patients in the same and separate sessions group, respectively (p = 0.280). The overall number, the severity of AEs, and the rate of PEP were similar in the two groups. Secondary outcome parameters were also comparable in the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Same-session EUS-FNB followed by ERCP with biliary drainage is safe and does not impair technical outcomes of tissue adequacy and biliary cannulation.

Relationship Between Infarct Artery, Myocardial Injury, and Outcomes After Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: The extent to which infarct artery impacts the extent of myocardial injury and outcomes in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention is uncertain. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed a pooled analysis using individual patient data from 7 randomized STEMI trials in which myocardial injury within 30 days after primary percutaneous coronary intervention was assessed in 1774 patients by cardiac magnetic resonance (n=1318) or technetium-99m sestamibi single-photon emission computed tomography (n=456). Clinical follow-up was performed at a median duration of 351 days (interquartile range, 184-368 days). Infarct size and outcomes were assessed in anterior (infarct vessel=left anterior descending) versus nonanterior (non-left anterior descending) STEMI. Median infarct size (percentage left ventricular myocardial mass) was larger in patients with anterior compared with nonanterior STEMI (19.7% [interquartile range, 9.4%-31.7%] versus 12.6% [interquartile range, 5.1%-20.5%]; P<0.001). Patients with anterior compared with nonanterior STEMI were at higher risk for 1-year all-cause mortality (6.2% versus 3.6%; adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.66 [95% CI, 1.02-2.69]; P=0.04) and heart failure hospitalization (4.4% versus 2.6%; adjusted HR, 1.96 [95% CI, 1.15-3.36]; P=0.01). Infarct size was a predictor of subsequent all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization in anterior STEMI (adjusted HR per 1% increase, 1.05 [95% CI, 1.03-1.07]; P<0.001), but not in nonanterior STEMI (adjusted HR, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.99-1.05]; P=0.19). The P value for this interaction was 0.04. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior STEMI was associated with substantially greater myonecrosis after primary percutaneous coronary intervention compared with nonanterior STEMI, contributing in large part to the worse prognosis in patients with anterior infarction.

[Spinal manipulation techniques in the treatment of arterial hypertension. (A literature review)]. / Manual'nye tekhniki v terapii arterial'noi gipertenzii. (Obzor literatury).

There is a long-observed relationship between the pathology of the spine and arterial hypertension. There are a number of explanations for this, including one based on reflex effects and obstruction of blood flow to the cerebral vasodilatory centre localized in the rhomboid fossa projection. Obstruction can be absolute and relative, preventing the increase of blood flow during stress, when the brain turns on additional energy demand (phenomenon of «selfish brain¼). In conditions of insufficient blood supply anaerobic metabolism is included, requiring in the future, the addition of anaerobic glycolysis products. This leads to the persistence of an elevated level of AD and is part of the theory of centralized compensation of aerobic-anaerobic balance (theoretical aerobic-anaerobic energy concept, TAAEBC). The existing methods of manual manipulation and physical action on the spine, mainly the atlantoacral section of the cervical spine, have, according to existing publications, varying degrees of effectiveness. The modern approach to treatment of arterial hypertension and correction of metabolic disorders by A. Shishonin is promising. It is based on the TAAEBC concept and assumes a system approach and long-term effect through a consistent three-step manual and physical interventions aimed at restoring, retaining and long-term support of the vertebral blood flow.

A case report of severe left ventricular outflow tract obstruction in a middle-aged adult with chest pain and shock.

Severe left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an acutely life-threatening, must-not miss, cardiology emergency that infrequently presents to the emergency department (ED). Patients with this condition usually manifest chest pain, syncope, cardiogenic shock, and severe ischemia. LVOTO is easy misdiagnosed as acute coronary syndrome. In our patient, the ECG showed a significant ST-segment depression and a 0/0 mmHg blood pressure when the peak left ventricular outflow tract gradient was abruptly increased by provocable activities. However, the patient had normal coronaries on cardiac catheterization, and, upon being immediately treated with intravenous esmolol, his symptoms were relieved and blood pressure was normal after 30 minutes. This case highlights, not only that early and exact diagnosis of LVOTO is crucial, but also the importance of the therapeutic strategies used.

Gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome in a mouse model.

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy can cause hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) in patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases and increases postoperative morbidity and mortality. AIM: To evaluate T1 mapping based on gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnosis of hepatic SOS induced by monocrotaline. METHODS: Twenty-four mice were divided into control (n = 10) and experimental (n = 14) groups. The experimental groups were injected with monocrotaline 2 or 6 days before MRI. MRI parameters were: T1 relaxation time before enhancement; T1 relaxation time 20 minutes after enhancement (T1post); a reduction in T1 relaxation time (△T1%); and first enhancement slope percentage of the liver parenchyma (ESP). Albumin and bilirubin score was determined. Histological results served as a reference. Liver parenchyma samples from the control and experimental groups were analyzed by western blotting, and organic anion transporter polypeptide 1 (OATP1) was measured. RESULTS: T1post, △T1%, and ESP of the liver parenchyma were significantly different between two groups (all P < 0.001) and significantly correlated with the total histological score of hepatic SOS (r = -0.70, 0.68 and 0.79; P < 0.001). △T1% and ESP were positively correlated with OATP1 levels (r = 0.82, 0.85; P < 0.001), whereas T1post had a negative correlation with OATP1 levels (r = -0.83; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: T1 mapping based on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI may be useful for diagnosis of hepatic SOS, and MRI parameters were associated with OATP1 levels.

Calyceal Rupture Secondary to Nephrolithiasis: A Case Report Emphasizing Early Diagnosis and Management.

Calyceal rupture, defined as the extravasation of urine from the renal calyces into the perinephric or paranephric spaces, typically results from increased intrapelvic pressure due to urinary tract obstruction. This condition can lead to the formation of a perinephric urinoma and severe complications, such as infection, abscess formation, and impaired renal function. Timely diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent these adverse outcomes. Calyceal rupture often results from urolithiasis, with other causes including strictures, tumors, and congenital abnormalities. The rupture occurs when intrapelvic pressure exceeds the tensile strength of the calyceal walls, leading to urine leakage and potential inflammation or sepsis. Calyceal ruptures are quite rare, with their exact incidence not well-documented due to the infrequency of the condition and potential underreporting. Although relatively uncommon, the condition is more prevalent in individuals with recurrent nephrolithiasis and other predisposing factors. Timely recognition and intervention, guided by imaging studies such as non-contrast CT scans, are essential. Conservative management with medical therapy is effective in many cases, but surgical intervention may be necessary for larger stones or complications. This report presents the case of a 36-year-old female with calyceal rupture secondary to nephrolithiasis, presenting with severe flank pain. Upon initial presentation, the patient underwent a thorough workup, including imaging studies, appropriate medical management, and continuous monitoring. She was stabilized, her pain was effectively managed, and she was discharged with a scheduled outpatient follow-up. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis, comprehensive management, and vigilant monitoring in preventing complications and promoting favorable outcomes.

A Case Report of a Young Adult With Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome Presenting With Acute Small Bowel Obstruction: A Common Complication of an Uncommon Disease.

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by hamartomatous polyposis of the gastrointestinal tract, melanin pigmentation of the skin and mucous membranes, and an increased risk for cancer. Radiological imaging, contrast studies, and scopy-directed biopsies confirm the diagnosis and help in surveillance. Hamartomatous mucosal polyps, which are characterized by a central core of branching smooth muscle connected to a mucosa unique to the site of origin, are pathognomonic for PJS. We present the case of a young male with a history of pain in the abdomen and vomiting. The patient had mucocutaneous pigmentations on the buccal mucosa. CT scan revealed jejuno-jejunal intussusception with multiple small and large bowel polyps causing acute intestinal obstruction. Intraoperatively, jejunal polyps were found to be the cause of jejuno-jejunal intussusception. Histopathology revealed hamartomatous polyps of PJS. Our interest in this case is due to the uncommon case of intussusception in an adult where radiological imaging played an important role in diagnosis.