Four-Dimensional Flow MRI-Derived Hemodynamics in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: Reproducibility and Associations With Diameter, Intraluminal Thrombus Volume, and Vorticity.

BACKGROUND: Maximum diameter measurements are used to assess the rupture risk of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs); however, these are not precise enough to predict all ruptures. Four-dimensional (4D) flow MRI-derived parameters provide additional information by visualizing hemodynamics in AAAs but merit further investigation before they are clinically applicable. PURPOSE: To assess the reproducibility of 4D flow MRI-derived hemodynamics, to investigate possible correlations with lumen and maximum diameter, and to explore potential relationships with vorticity and aneurysm growth. STUDY TYPE: Prospective single-arm study. POPULATION: A total of 22 (71.5 ± 6.1 years, 20 male) asymptomatic AAA patients with a maximum diameter of at least 30 mm. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: A 3.0 T/Free-breathing 4D flow MRI phase-contrast acquisition with retrospective ECG-gating. ASSESSMENT: Patients underwent two consecutive 4D flow MRI scans 1-week apart. Aortic volumes were segmented from time-averaged phase contrast magnetic resonance angiographies. Reproducibility was assessed by voxelwise analysis after registration. Mean flow velocity, mean wall shear stress (WSS), mean lumen diameter, and qualitative vorticity scores were assessed. In addition, Dixon MRI and retrospective surveillance data were used to study maximum diameter (including thrombus), intraluminal thrombus volume (ILT), and growth rate. STATISTICAL TESTS: For reproducibility assessment, Bland-Altman analyses, Pearson correlation, Spearman's correlation, and orthogonal regression were conducted. Potential correlations between hemodynamics and vorticity scores were assessed using linear regression. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Test-retest median Pearson correlation coefficients for flow velocity and WSS were 0.85 (IQR = 0.08) m/sec and 0.82 (IQR = 0.10) Pa, respectively. Mean WSS significantly correlated with mean flow velocity (R = 0.75) and inversely correlated with mean lumen diameter (R = -0.73). No significant associations were found between 4D flow MRI-derived hemodynamic parameters and maximum diameter (flow velocity: P = 0.98, WSS: P = 0.22). DATA CONCLUSION: A 4D flow MRI is robust for assessing the hemodynamics within AAAs. No correlations were found between hemodynamic parameters and maximum diameter, ILT volume and growth rate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

Long-term clinical outcomes of losartan in patients with Marfan syndrome: follow-up of the multicentre randomized controlled COMPARE trial.

AIMS: The COMPARE trial showed a small but significant beneficial effect of 3-year losartan treatment on aortic root dilatation rate in adults with Marfan syndrome (MFS). However, no significant effect was found on clinical endpoints, possibly due to a short follow-up period. The aim of the current study was therefore to investigate the long-term clinical outcomes after losartan treatment. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the original COMPARE study (inclusion 2008-2009), adult patients with MFS (n = 233) were randomly allocated to either the angiotensin-II receptor blocker losartan® on top of regular treatment (ß-blockers in 71% of the patients) or no additional medication. After the COMPARE trial period of 3 years, study subjects chose to continue their losartan medication or not. In a median follow-up period of 8 years, 75 patients continued losartan medication, whereas 78 patients, originally allocated to the control group, never used losartan after inclusion. No differences existed between baseline characteristics of the two groups except for age at inclusion [losartan 34 (interquartile range, IQR 26-43) years, control 41 (IQR 30-52) years; P = 0.031], and ß-blocker use (losartan 81%, control 64%; P = 0.022). A pathological FBN1 mutation was present in 76% of patients and 58% of the patients were male. Clinical endpoints, defined as all-cause mortality, aortic dissection/rupture, elective aortic root replacement, reoperation, and vascular graft implantation beyond the aortic root, were compared between the two groups. A per-patient composite endpoint was also analysed. Five deaths, 14 aortic dissections, 23 aortic root replacements, 3 reoperations, and 3 vascular graft implantations beyond the aortic root occurred during follow-up. Except for aortic root replacement, all endpoints occurred in patients with an operated aortic root. Patients who used losartan during the entire follow-up period showed a reduced number of events compared to the control group (death: 0 vs. 5, P = 0.014; aortic dissection: 3 vs. 11, P = 0.013; elective aortic root replacement: 10 vs. 13, P = 0.264; reoperation: 1 vs. 2, P = 0.463; vascular graft implantations beyond the aortic root 0 vs. 3, P = 0.071; and composite endpoint: 14 vs. 26, P = 0.019). These results remained similar when corrected for age and ß-blocker use in a multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: These results suggest a clinical benefit of combined losartan and ß-blocker treatment in patients with MFS.

Editor's Choice - Nationwide Analysis of Patients Undergoing Iliac Artery Aneurysm Repair in the Netherlands.

OBJECTIVE: The new 2019 guideline of the European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) recommends consideration for elective iliac artery aneurysm (eIAA) repair when the iliac diameter exceeds 3.5 cm, as opposed to 3.0 cm previously. The current study assessed diameters at time of eIAA repair and ruptured IAA (rIAA) repair and compared clinical outcomes after open surgical repair (OSR) and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). METHODS: This retrospective observational study used the nationwide Dutch Surgical Aneurysm Audit (DSAA) registry that includes all patients who undergo aorto-iliac aneurysm repair in the Netherlands. All patients who underwent primary IAA repair between 1 January 2014 and 1 January 2018 were included. Diameters at time of eIAA and rIAA repair were compared in a descriptive fashion. The anatomical location of the IAA was not registered in the registry. Patient characteristics and outcomes of OSR and EVAR were compared with appropriate statistical tests. RESULTS: The DSAA registry comprised 974 patients who underwent IAA repair. A total of 851 patients were included after exclusion of patients undergoing revision surgery and patients with missing essential variables. eIAA repair was carried out in 713 patients, rIAA repair in 102, and symptomatic IAA repair in 36. OSR was performed in 205, EVAR in 618, and hybrid repairs and conversions in 28. The median maximum IAA diameter at the time of eIAA and rIAA repair was 43 (IQR 38-50) mm and 68 (IQR 58-85) mm, respectively. Mortality was 1.3% (95% CI 0.7-2.4) after eIAA repair and 25.5% (95% CI 18.0-34.7) after rIAA repair. Mortality was not significantly different between the OSR and EVAR subgroups. Elective OSR was associated with significantly more complications than EVAR (intra-operative: 9.8% vs. 3.6%, post-operative: 34.0% vs. 13.8%, respectively). CONCLUSION: In the Netherlands, most eIAA repairs are performed at diameters larger than recommended by the ESVS guideline. These findings appear to support the recent increase in the threshold diameter for eIAA repair.

Estimation of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Rupture Risk with Biomechanical Imaging Markers.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether the biomechanical marker known as rupture risk equivalent diameter (RRED) was superior to the actual abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) diameter in estimating future rupture risk in patients who had undergone pre-rupture computed tomography (CT) angiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in 13 patients with ruptured AAAs who had undergone CT angiography before and after rupture between 2001 and 2015. The median time between the 2 scans was 731 days. Biomechanical and geometrical markers such as maximal AAA diameter, peak wall stress (PWS), and RRED were calculated with AAA-dedicated software. The main analyses determined whether RRED was higher than the actual diameter and the threshold diameter for elective surgery (55 mm for men, 50 mm for women) in AAAs before and after rupture. Differences between diameter and biomechanical markers before and after rupture were tested with appropriate statistical tests. RESULTS: RRED before and after rupture was smaller than the actual diameter in 7 of 13 cases. Post-rupture RRED was estimated to be smaller than the threshold diameter for elective repair in 4 cases, again suggesting a low rupture risk. The median PWS before and after rupture was 181.7 kPa (interquartile range [IQR], 152.1-244.2 kPa) and 274.1 kPa (IQR, 172.2-377.2 kPa), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: RRED was smaller than the actual diameter in more than half of pre-rupture AAAs, suggesting a lower rupture risk than estimated with the actual diameter. The results suggest that the currently available biomechanical imaging markers might not be ready for use in clinical practice.

Editor's Choice - Sex Related Differences in Peri-operative Mortality after Elective Repair of an Asymptomatic Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in the Netherlands: a Retrospective Analysis of 2013 to 2018.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to compare peri-operative (30 day and/or in hospital) mortality between women and men in the Netherlands after elective repair of an asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). METHODS: This was a retrospective study using data from the Dutch Surgical Aneurysm Audit (DSAA), a mandatory nationwide registry of patients undergoing AAA repair in the Netherlands. Patients who underwent elective open surgical (OSR) or endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of an asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) between 2013 and 2018 were included. Absolute risk differences (ARDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in peri-operative mortality between women and men were estimated. Logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for mortality. Confounders included pre-operative cardiac and pulmonary comorbidity, serum haemoglobin, serum creatinine, type of AAA repair, and AAA diameter. RESULTS: Some 1662 women and 9637 men were included, of whom 507 (30.5%) women and 2056 (21.3%) men underwent OSR (p < .001). Crude peri-operative mortality was 3.01% in women and 1.60% in men (ARD = 1.41%, 95% CI 0.64-2.37). This significant difference was also observed for OSR (ARD = 2.63%, 95% CI 0.43-5.36), but not for EVAR (ARD = 0.36%, 95% CI -0.16 to 1.17). Female sex remained associated with peri-operative mortality after adjusting for confounders (OR = 1.79, 95% CI 1.20-2.65, p = .004), which was similarly observed for OSR (OR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.16-2.94, p = .01), but not for EVAR (OR = 1.46, 95% CI 0.72-2.95, p = .29). CONCLUSIONS: Peri-operative mortality after elective repair of an asymptomatic AAA in the Netherlands is higher in women than in men. This disparity might be explained by the higher peri-operative mortality in women undergoing OSR, because no such difference was found in patients undergoing EVAR. Yet, it is likely that there are unaccounted factors at play since female sex remained significantly associated with mortality after adjusting for type of repair.

The Value of Sigmoidoscopy to Detect Colonic Ischaemia After Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

OBJECTIVES: Diagnosing colonic ischaemia (CI) after ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA) repair is challenging. This study determined the diagnostic value of sigmoidoscopy in patients suspected of CI after RAAA repair. METHODS: This was a retrospective multicentre cohort study. Patients who underwent RAAA repair in three hospitals in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, between 2004 and 2011 (AJAX cohort) were included. Sigmoidoscopies were carried out based on clinical judgment. Endoscopy results were classified as "no ischaemia," "mild CI," or "moderate to severe CI." The surgical diagnosis was classified as "transmural" or "no transmural" CI. The value of sigmoidoscopy was assessed with calculation of positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) with 95% CI for transmural CI. Logistic regression analysis was used to express the association of risk factors with CI as adjusted OR. RESULTS: Transmural CI was diagnosed in 23 of 351 patients (6.6%). Thirteen of sixteen patients (81%) who underwent direct laparotomy for high suspicion of CI indeed had transmural CI. Forty-six patients (13%) underwent sigmoidoscopy. The prevalence of transmural CI was 22% (10/46; 95% CI 12-36%) in these patients. The PPV for transmural CI of "moderate to severe CI" on sigmoidoscopy was 73% (8/11; 95% CI 43-90%). The PPV of "mild CI" on sigmoidoscopy was 11% (2/19; 95% CI 2.9-31%). The NPV of "no ischaemia" on sigmoidoscopy was 100% (95% CI 78-100%). Cardiac comorbidity (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.19-7.97), low first haemoglobin (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.47-0.87), and high vasopressor administration (OR 9.4, 95% CI 1.99-44.46) were independently associated with CI. CONCLUSIONS: Sigmoidoscopy increases the likelihood of correctly identifying the presence or absence of transmural CI, especially in patients with a moderate clinical suspicion for CI after RAAA repair.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the risk of bowel ischemia after ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVE: Outcomes after repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA) have improved in the last decade. It is unknown whether this has resulted in a reduction of postoperative bowel ischemia (BI). The primary objective was to determine BI prevalence after RAAA repair. Secondary objectives were to determine its major sequelae and differences between open repair (OR) and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). METHODS: This systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42017055920) followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines. MEDLINE and Embase were searched for studies published from 2005 until 2018. The methodologic quality of observational studies was assessed with the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) tool. The quality of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was assessed with the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias. BI prevalence and rates of BI as cause of death, reoperation, and bowel resection were estimated with meta-analyses with a random-effects model. Differences between OR and EVAR were estimated with pooled risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Changes over time were assessed with Spearman rank test (ρ). Publication bias was assessed with a funnel plot analysis. RESULTS: A total of 101 studies with 52,670 patients were included; 72 studies were retrospective cohort studies, 14 studies were prospective cohort studies, 12 studies were retrospective administrative database studies, and 3 studies were RCTs. The overall methodologic quality of the RCTs was high, but that of observational studies was low. The pooled prevalence of BI ranged from of 0.08 (95% CI, 0.07-0.09) in database studies to 0.10 (95% CI, 0.08-0.12) in cohort studies. The risk of BI was higher after OR than after EVAR (risk ratio, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.25-2.57). The pooled rate of BI as cause of death was 0.04 (95% CI, 0.03-0.05), and that of BI as cause of reoperation and bowel resection ranged between 0.05 and 0.07. BI prevalence did not change over time (ρ, -0.01; P = .93). The funnel plot analysis was highly suggestive of publication bias. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of clinically relevant BI after RAAA repair is approximately 10%. Approximately 5% of patients undergoing RAAA repair suffer from severe consequences of BI. BI is less prevalent after EVAR than after OR.

Prophylactic Mesh Reinforcement versus Sutured Closure to Prevent Incisional Hernias after Open Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair via Midline Laparotomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Incisional hernia is a frequent late complication after open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. We aimed to determine whether prophylactic mesh reinforcement of the abdominal wall at open AAA repair via midline laparotomy reduces the rate of incisional hernia compared to standard sutured closure. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out in accordance with the PRISMA statement (PROSPERO registration CRD42017072508). Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing prophylactic mesh reinforcement with standard sutured closure were eligible for inclusion. MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched. A meta-analysis with a random effects model was carried out to estimate pooled risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the incidence of, and re-operation rate for, incisional hernias. Assessments of methodological quality, quality of evidence, and strength of recommendations were done with the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias and the GRADE approach. RESULTS: Four RCTs with a total of 388 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled analysis showed that mesh reinforcement significantly reduced the risk of incisional hernia after AAA repair compared with standard sutured closure (RR 0.27, 95% CI 0.11-0.66). The pooled rate of re-operations was not different between groups (RR 0.23, 95% CI 0.11-1.05). Mesh reinforcement did not cause more intra-operative or post-operative complications than sutured closure. The risk of bias in studies was low and the quality of evidence was rated as moderate. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic mesh reinforcement of the abdominal wall after open AAA repair via midline laparotomy significantly reduces the risk of incisional hernia. However, no significant difference in re-operation for incisional hernia was found.

Psoas Muscle Area as a Prognostic Factor for Survival in Patients with an Asymptomatic Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: Loss of muscle mass has been associated with poor survival in several surgical patient populations, including those with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). We wanted to replicate these findings and assess the association between psoas muscle area (PMA) and survival in patients with an asymptomatic AAA. METHODS: Patients with an asymptomatic infrarenal AAA who underwent computed tomography (CT) scanning between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2013, were included in this single-centre retrospective cohort study. PMA was measured with thresholding on an axial image at the centre level of the third lumbar vertebra. The lowest tertile of PMA in all patients was used as a cutoff value for a low PMA. Then, in separate analyses for conservatively and surgically managed patients, survival was estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. Differences in survival between patients with and without a low PMA were tested with the log-rank test. RESULTS: Of 228 patients, 104 were managed conservatively and 124 underwent AAA repair. Seventy-seven patients (62%) had an endovascular repair. In these 228 patients, the median PMA was 16.83 cm2, while the cutoff value for low PMA was 14.56 cm2. Patients who were managed conservatively were more often classified as having low PMA (45/104, 43%, vs. 31/124, 25%; p = .004) and were significantly older (mean 73.44 ± 9.05 years vs. 69.03 ± 7.46 years; p < .001). Low PMA was not associated with survival, either in patients managed conservatively, or in those who underwent AAA repair (p = .512 and p = .311, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The association between low PMA and poor survival could not be replicated; in this study, low PMA was not associated with survival in patients with an asymptomatic AAA. Further research is recommended before PMA can be used for pre-operative risk stratification.

CACNA1B mutation is linked to unique myoclonus-dystonia syndrome.

Using exome sequencing and linkage analysis in a three-generation family with a unique dominant myoclonus-dystonia-like syndrome with cardiac arrhythmias, we identified a mutation in the CACNA1B gene, coding for neuronal voltage-gated calcium channels CaV2.2. This mutation (c.4166G>A;p.Arg1389His) is a disruptive missense mutation in the outer region of the ion pore. The functional consequences of the identified mutation were studied using whole-cell and single-channel patch recordings. High-resolution analyses at the single-channel level showed that, when open, R1389H CaV2.2 channels carried less current compared with WT channels. Other biophysical channel properties were unaltered in R1389H channels including ion selectivity, voltage-dependent activation or voltage-dependent inactivation. CaV2.2 channels regulate transmitter release at inhibitory and excitatory synapses. Functional changes could be consistent with a gain-of-function causing the observed hyperexcitability characteristic of this unique myoclonus-dystonia-like syndrome associated with cardiac arrhythmias.

Long-term survival after acute kidney injury following ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVE: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major complication of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA). Severe AKI is associated with high morbidity and mortality in the short term. The objective of this study was to determine the association between AKI after RAAA repair and long-term survival. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all patients undergoing RAAA repair in three hospitals between 2004 and 2011. Outcomes were long-term survival after RAAA repair, incidence of postoperative AKI, and chronic dialysis rates. Survival rates were compared between different AKI groups (no AKI, Risk, Injury, Failure) with Kaplan-Meier survival analyses and log-rank tests. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were carried out to assess the association of survival with AKI, preoperative shock, postoperative shock, and sex. The main analysis focused on the group of patients surviving initial hospital stay. RESULTS: Our study encompassed 362 patients with RAAA. AKI occurred in 267 of 362 patients (74%). At discharge, 267 patients were alive (74%). Median survival in this group was 7.2 years. Survival was not significantly different between the four AKI groups (P = .07). However, the univariable Cox regression analysis demonstrated a significant association between Failure and reduced long-term survival compared with having no AKI (hazard ratio, 1.85; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-2.97). This association did not remain significant after multivariable adjustment. Four patients were discharged with chronic dialysis, and four other patients needed chronic dialysis later after discharge. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates no significant independent association between AKI after RAAA repair and long-term survival. Only a small proportion of patients developed end-stage renal disease at a later stage in life.

RELN rare variants in myoclonus-dystonia.

BACKGROUND: Myoclonus-dystonia (M-D) is a hyperkinetic movement disorder with predominant myoclonic symptoms combined with dystonia of the upper part of the body. A proportion of M-D cases are caused by mutations in the epsilon-sarcoglycan gene. In remaining M-D patients, no genetic factor has been established, indicating genetic heterogeneity. METHODS: Patients were included in a prospective clinical database and recruited from referral centers and general neurology clinics in The Netherlands. To investigate new genetic causal factors in M-D syndrome, we performed homozygosity mapping combined with exome sequencing in a three-generation M-D family and genetically screened 24 additional patients with M-D. RESULTS: We found co-segregation of the rare missense variant Thr1904Met in the RELN gene. By additional screening of an M-D cohort, we identified co-segregation of RELN variants in two families (Thr1904Met, Ile1217Met) and identified two sporadic RELN mutation carriers (Pro1703Arg, Leu411Ile). Taken together, five of 25 SGCE-negative M-D patients carried RELN rare missense variants. CONCLUSION: We propose that RELN mutations contribute to the genetic heterogeneity of M-D. Reelin is a large secreted glycoprotein that plays essential roles in the cytoarchitecture of laminated brain structures and modulation of synaptic transmission and plasticity.

Design and protocol of a comprehensive multicentre biobank for abdominal aortic aneurysms.

INTRODUCTION: The pathophysiology and natural course of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are insufficiently understood. In order to improve our understanding, it is imperative to carry out longitudinal research that combines biomarkers with clinical and imaging data measured over multiple time points. Therefore, a multicentre biobank, databank and imagebank has been established in the Netherlands: the 'Pearl Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm' (AAA bank). METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The AAA bank is a prospective multicentre observational biobank, databank and imagebank of patients with an AAA. It is embedded within the framework of the Parelsnoer Institute, which facilitates uniform biobanking in all university medical centres (UMCs) in the Netherlands. The AAA bank has been initiated by the two UMCs of Amsterdam UMC and by Leiden University Medical Center. Participants will be followed during AAA follow-up. Clinical data are collected every patient contact. Three types of biomaterials are collected at baseline and during follow-up: blood (including DNA and RNA), urine and AAA tissue if open surgical repair is performed. Imaging data that are obtained as part of clinical care are stored in the imagebank. All data and biomaterials are processed and stored in a standardised manner. AAA growth will be based on multiple measurements and will be analysed with a repeated measures analysis. Potential associations between AAA growth and risk factors that are also measured on multiple time points can be assessed with multivariable mixed-effects models, while potential associations between AAA rupture and risk factors can be tested with a conditional dynamic prediction model with landmarking or with joint models in which linear mixed-effects models are combined with Cox regression. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The AAA bank is approved by the Medical Ethics Board of the Amsterdam UMC (University of Amsterdam). TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03320408.

Incidence and etiology of mortality in polytrauma patients in a Dutch level I trauma center.

BACKGROUND: Earlier studies assessing mortality in polytrauma patients have focused on improving trauma care and reducing complications during hospital stay. The same studies have shown that the complication rate in these patients is high, often resulting in death. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and causes of mortality in polytrauma patients in our institute. Secondarily, we assessed the donation and autopsy rates and outcome in these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All polytrauma patients (injury severity score≥16) transported to and treated in our institute during a period of 6 years were retrospectively analyzed. We included all patients who died during hospital stay. Prehospital and in-hospital data were collected on patients' condition, diagnostics, and treatment. The chance of survival was calculated according to the TRISS methodology. Patients were categorized according to the complications during treatment and causes of death. Logistic regression analysis was used to design a prediction model for mortality in major trauma. A statistical analysis was carried out. RESULTS: Of the 1073 polytrauma patients who were treated in our institute during the study period, 205 (19.1%) died during hospital stay. The median age of the deceased patients was 58.8 years and 125 patients were men. Their mean injury severity score was 30.4. The most common mechanism of injury involved fall from height, followed by bicycle accidents. Almost 50% of the patients underwent an emergency intervention. Almost 92% of the total population died because of the effects of the accident (primary trauma). Of these, 24% died during primary assessment in the emergency department. Most patients died because of the effects of severe head injury (63.4%), followed by exsanguination (17.6%). The most common type of complications causing death during treatment was respiratory failure (6.3%), followed by multiple organ failure (1.5%). Autopsy was performed in 10.4%. Organ donation procedure was performed in 14.5%. Permission for donation was not provided in almost 20% of the population. CONCLUSION: The mortality rate in polytrauma patients in our institute is considerable and comparable with the international literature. Most patients die because of the effects of the accident (primary trauma). Autopsy and organ donation rates are low in our institution and leave room for substantial improvements in the future.

Lasagna plots to visualize results in surgical studies.

BACKGROUND: A lasagna plot is a graphical tool that can display multiple longitudinal outcomes. To our knowledge, lasagna plots have not been used in publications of surgical studies before. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the results of surgical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with lasagna plots in order to assess whether this can lead to new observations of the data presented in the original studies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Lasagna plots were created with R for an RCT comparing endovascular and open repair for patients with a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AJAX trial), an RCT comparing laparoscopy or open surgery combined with either fast track or standard care for patients with colon cancer (LAFA trial) and an RCT comparing preoperative biliary drainage and early surgery for patients with pancreatic cancer (DROP trial). RESULTS: Regarding the AJAX trial, the original article had reported the rate of outcomes at 30 days after repair in two tables. The plots additionally demonstrated the moments of occurrence, increase and decrease of multiple outcomes such as renal replacement therapy and occurrence of death within one plot. These observations were not presented in the original article. The lasagna plots of the LAFA and DROP trial revealed similar new observations on multiple longitudinal outcomes. CONCLUSION: By revealing new observations of the previously published data, lasagna plots generate new hypotheses and theories regarding the outcomes. As such, lasagna plots may be a useful addition to traditional tables and figures and could improve the interpretation of results.

Post-mortem imaging compared with autopsy in trauma victims--A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Post-mortem imaging or virtual autopsy is a rapidly advancing field of post-mortem investigations of trauma victims. In this review we evaluate the feasibility of complementation or replacement of conventional autopsy by post-mortem imaging in trauma victims. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review was performed in compliance with the PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane databases were systematically searched for studies published between January 2008 and January 2014, in which post-mortem imaging was compared to conventional autopsy in trauma victims. Studies were included when two or more trauma victims were investigated. RESULTS: Twenty-six studies were included, with a total number of 563 trauma victims. Post-mortem computer tomography (PMCT) was performed in 22 studies, post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging (PMMRI) in five studies and conventional radiography in two studies. PMCT and PMMRI both demonstrate moderate to high-grade injuries and cause of death accurately. PMCT is more sensitive than conventional autopsy or PMMRI in detecting skeletal injuries. For detecting minor organ and soft tissue injuries, autopsy remains superior to imaging. Aortic injuries are missed frequently by PMCT and PMMRI and form their main limitation. CONCLUSION: PMCT should be considered as an essential supplement to conventional autopsy in trauma victims since it detects many additional injuries. Despite some major limitations, PMCT could be used as an alternative for conventional autopsy in situations where conventional autopsy is rejected or unavailable.