How Reliable Is the Absolute Synovial Polymorphonuclear Neutrophil Cell Count in Diagnosing Periprosthetic Joint Infection?

BACKGROUND: Diagnosing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a daunting task for even the most experienced orthopedic surgeons, as there is currently no test available that can provide absolute accuracy. Utilizing an established synovial indicator for detecting PJI without incurring additional costs or resources would be the optimal solution for predicting the presence of infection. Therefore, we hypothesized that synovial absolute neutrophil count (ANC) would improve the diagnostic accuracy of chronic knee and hip PJI. METHODS: The study included 260 patients (134 men and 126 women, mean age of 70 years [range, 26 to 89]) who underwent aspiration during preoperative workup. Of these, 109 patients (41.9%) were diagnosed with chronic PJI (50 knees, 59 hips), and 151 patients (58.1%) were diagnosed as aseptic (94 knees, 57 hips). Data obtained from all patients included age, sex, procedure type (total hip or total knee arthroplasty), operation side, synovial white blood cell count (cells/µL), synovial polymorphonuclear cells percentage, and synovial α-defensin immunoassay value at the admission were retrieved from the electronic medical record. RESULTS: The calculated optimal threshold for synovial ANC of 1,415.5 cells/µL was associated with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.930 for chronic knee PJI diagnosis. The calculated optimal threshold for synovial ANC of 2,247 cells/µL was associated with an AUC of 0.905 for chronic hip PJI diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: This study has conclusively shown that the synovial ANC serves as a valuable marker in the complicated diagnosis of PJI. This highly effective and efficient approach should be utilized for obtaining further information through standard tests, thereby ruling out the possibility of PJI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Intramedullary Positive Tissue Culture Increases the Risk of Reinfection Following One-Stage Septic Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative acquisition of representative tissue samples is essential during revision arthroplasty of the infected total knee arthroplasty (TKA). While the number of intraoperative tissue samples needed to identify the organism is well described in the literature, there is still a paucity of evidence regarding the location of positive intraoperative samples and their correlation to postoperative outcomes. METHODS: There were forty-two patients who had septic failure following one-stage revision TKA for periprosthetic joint infection who were identified between January 2009 and December 2017. They were matched to a control group of patients who had successful one-stage revision TKA without septic failure. The location of positive intraoperative tissue samples was categorized as: 1) soft tissue; 2) interface between bone and prosthesis; and 3) intramedullary (IM). Chi-square, Student's t-, and Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney U-tests were used as appropriate. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate predictors of septic failure. RESULTS: Weight > 100 kilograms (P = .033), higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (P < .001), and positive IM cultures (P < .001) were associated with a higher risk of reinfection after one-stage revision TKA. A positive IM sample carried a nearly five-fold increase in odds of reinfection (odds ratio 4.86, 95% confidence interval 1.85 to 12.78, P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: A positive IM culture sample is significantly associated with septic failure after one-stage exchange for periprosthetic joint infection of the knee. Patients who had positive IM cultures may benefit from longer postoperative antibiotic therapy for the treatment of one-stage exchange arthroplasty to minimize the risk of reinfection.

Increased Involvement of Staphylococcus epidermidis in the Rise of Polymicrobial Periprosthetic Joint Infections.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to analyze the temporal distribution of polymicrobial periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs), while also evaluating the patient risk factors associated with these infections following total joint arthroplasty at our institution across 2 distinct periods. METHOD: This retrospective cross-sectional study evaluated 259 patients who had knee or hip PJI from 2001 to 2006 and 2018 to 2022. A PJI was diagnosed using the 2018 International Consensus Meeting criteria. We utilized the Polymicrobial Pathogens' Co-occurrence Network Analysis, a novel approach that leverages network theory to map and quantify the complex interplay of organisms in PJIs. RESULTS: Of the 259 patients who had polymicrobial PJI, 58.7% were men, with mean age 67 years (range, 24 to 90). Of the 579 identified pathogens, Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most common (22.1%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (9.0%) and Cutibacterium acnes (7.8%). The co-occurrence analysis indicated that Staphylococcus epidermidis frequently coexisted with Cutibacterium acnes (26 cultures) and Staphylococcus capitis (22 cultures). A notable increase in body mass index from 27.7 ± 4.4 in 2001 to 2006 to 29.7 ± 6.2 in 2018 to 2022 was observed (P = .001). Moreover, infections from Staphylococcus epidermidis, Cutibacterium acnes, and Staphylococcus capitis saw a significant uptick (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that from 2001 to 2022, there was a significant change in the pathogens responsible for polymicrobial PJIs, particularly an increase in Staphylococcus epidermidis, Cutibacterium acnes, and Staphylococcus capitis. Alongside these microbial changes, there was a rise in body mass index and shifts in comorbid conditions, such as more renal disease and fewer cases of congestive heart failure. These changes highlight the dynamic interplay between host and microbial factors in the pathogenesis of polymicrobial PJIs, necessitating adaptive strategies in both surgical and postoperative care to mitigate the rising tide of these complex infections.

Minimum 15-Year Survival of a Biconvex Inlay Patellar Component in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: An Analysis of 2,530 Total Knee Arthroplasties From a Single Institution.

BACKGROUND: Routine patellar resurfacing during primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains controversial. To our knowledge, there are no studies reporting the long-term performance of a cemented biconvex all-polyethylene inlay component implanted at the time of primary TKA. The purpose of this study was to examine the 15-year survivorship and long-term clinical outcomes of this biconvex inlay patella used at our institution. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our prospectively collected institutional database and identified 2,530 patients who underwent cemented TKA with a single prosthetic design (from 1996 to 2007) where the patella was resurfaced using this cemented biconvex inlay patella. The mean age at surgery was 68 years (range, 29 to 93). The mean body mass index was 33.0 (range, 16.4 to 76.3), with 61.9% women. At the time of analysis, the mean time from surgery was 20.4 years (range, 15 to 26). We used Kaplan-Meier analysis to calculate survivorship at 15 years. We analyzed clinical outcomes using 3 patient-reported outcome measures collected prospectively. RESULTS: The 15-year survivorship with revision surgery for all causes as the end point was 97.1% (95% confidence interval 96.1 to 98.1%). The 15-year survivorship with revision surgery for a patella-related complication as the end point was 99.7% (95% confidence interval 99.4 to 1.0). At the final follow-up, patients showed significant improvement in scores for the Knee Society Clinical Rating System (P < .001), Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (P < .001), and Veterans Rand 12-Item Health Survey physical component (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Routine patellar resurfacing using a biconvex inlay patellar component has excellent survivorship and a low rate of complications at 15 years post-TKA.

How reliable is the soft tissue radiological knee index in predicting superficial surgical site infection following total knee arthroplasty?

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between the Soft Tissue Radiological Knee (SToRK) Index and the risk of developing a superficial surgical site infection (SSSI) following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: The SToRK Index was measured using calibrated long leg radiographs (LLR) in 174 patients undergoing TKA. RESULTS: A moderate correlation was found between the SToRK Index and body mass index (BMI) (rs=0.574; p < 0.001). The SToRK Index was a better predictor of SSSI in females than males. In females, a SToRK Index cutoff of 2.01 had a sensitivity and specificity of 41.3% and 74.6% for developing SSSI, respectively, with a positive likelihood ratio of 1.63. CONCLUSION: The SToRK Index can be used as an additional tool in assessing the risk for SSSI after TKA. It might be more predictive in females due to the different fat distribution compared to males.

Indirect Coronal Reduction Technique Using a Volar Locking Plate in Distal Radius Fractures: A Case Series.

This is a retrospective case series of patients with distal radius fractures treated with an indirect coronal reduction technique previously described by the senior author using volar locking plates. Seventeen distal radius fractures underwent treatment at a Level I Trauma Center and were retrospectively reviewed for anatomic alignment, surgical complications, and wrist range of motion in the global period. Near-anatomic restoration was achieved with the average radial inclination, radial height, and volar tilt measured as 23.2 ± 3.9 degrees, 11.8 ± 2.1 degrees, and 8.5 ± 5.4 degrees, respectively. Average coronal translation was 2.8 ± 2.7 mm. Postoperative wrist motion on average was within the normal ranges for pronation, supination, wrist flexion, and wrist extension at an average of 36 weeks follow-up. There were no complications related to surgical technique or implant. This case series demonstrates the reliability for coronal reduction with a volar locking plate technique without complications. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 33(1):037-040, 2024).

[Clinicopathological characteristics of gangliogliomas with anaplastic morphology].

Objective: To investigate the clinical, radiological, and pathological features of anaplastic gangliogliomas (AGGs) and to determine whether these tumors represent a distinct entity. Methods: Consecutive 667 cases of ganglioglioma (GG) diagnosed at the Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China between January 2015 and July 2023 were screened. Among these cases, 9 pathologically confirmed AGG cases were identified. Their clinical, radiological, treatment, and outcome data were analyzed retrospectively. Most of the tumor samples were subject to next-generation sequencing, while a subset of them were subject to DNA methylation profiling. Results: Among the 9 patients, there were five males and four females, with a median age of 8 years. Epileptic seizures (5/9) were the most frequently presented symptom. Radiological examinations showed three types of radiological manifestations: four cases showed abnormal MRI signals with no significant mass effects and mild enhancement; two cases demonstrated a mixed solid-cystic density lesion with peritumoral edema, which showed significant heterogeneous enhancement and obvious mass effects, and one case displayed cystic cavity formation with nodules on MRI, which showed evident enhancements. All cases exhibited mutations that were predicted to activate the MAP kinase signaling pathway, including seven with BRAF p.V600E mutation and two with NF1 mutation. Five AGGs with mutations involving the MAP kinase signaling pathway also had concurrent mutations, including three with CDKN2A homozygous deletion, one with a TERT promoter mutation, one with a H3F3A mutation, and one with a PTEN mutation. Conclusions: AGG exhibits a distinct spectrum of pathology, genetic mutations and clinical behaviors, differing from GG. Given these characteristics suggest that AGG may be a distinct tumor type, further expansion of the case series is needed. Therefore, a comprehensive integration of clinical, histological, and molecular analyses is required to correctly diagnose AGG. It will also help guide treatments and prognostication.

Comparison of Lateral versus Medial Entry Femoral Traction Pin Complication Rates.

Distal femoral skeletal traction is a common procedure for the stabilization of fractures of the pelvis, acetabulum, and femur following trauma. Femoral traction pins are traditionally inserted via medial-to-lateral (MTL) entry to accurately direct the pin away from the medial neurovascular bundle. Alternatively, cadaveric studies have demonstrated low risk to the neurovascular bundle using a lateral-to-medial (LTM) approach. The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of complications of LTM and MTL femoral traction pin placement at a single institution. This was a retrospective review of patients from the orthopaedic consult registry at a academic Level I Trauma Center. We identified 233 LTM femoral traction pin procedures in 231 patients and 29 MTL pin procedures in 29 patients. The two pin placement techniques were compared with respect to complications, specifically the incidence of neurovascular injury, cellulitis, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, and heterotopic ossification after femoral traction pin placement. Two complications were reported. One patient developed heterotopic ossification along the pin tract after LTM traction pin placement. Another patient developed septic arthritis after LTM pin placement, likely attributable to retrograde intramedullary nailing of his open femur fracture rather than his traction pin. There were no reports of neurovascular injury, cellulitis, or osteomyelitis associated with pin placement. The complication rate was 0.9% for LTM group and 0.0% for MTL group (p = 0.616). LTM femoral traction pin placement is a safe procedure with a similarly low complication rate compared with traditional MTL placement when the limb is positioned in neutral alignment. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 32(4):259-262, 2023).

[Metamorphopsia caused by macular choroidal macrovessel: a case report].

A 75-year-old male patient presented to the hospital with metamorphopsia of the left eye for 1 month. The corrected visual acuity of left eye was 0.5. Fundus examination showed leopard fundus, small patches of pigmentation were present in the macular area, depigmentation around the macula,choroidal macrovessel emerged from the macular area in a horizontal, temporal, serpentine pattern, optical coherence tomography showed an abnormally enlarged hypo-reflective cavity occupying the full thickness of the choroid in the subfovea as well as in the temporal side of the macula. Early fundus indocyanine green angiography showed rapid filling fluorescence tracks distributed from macula to the temporal side. The patient was diagnosed with macular choroidal macrovessel based on medical history, ocular multimodal examination and general examination. The patient was not given special treatment, and was instructed to control blood pressure in the department of internal medicine and to follow up regularly in the outpatient clinic of fundus disease.

[Safety and efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve replacement using the "All in One" single artery/vessel technique].

Objective: To explore the safety and efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) using the "All in One" single-artery/vessel technique. Methods: This is a retrospective study. A total of 30 consecutive patients underwent TAVR using the single artery/vascular technique in Beijing Anzhen Hospital from August to December 2021 were included. Baseline clinical data, operative situation, postoperative outcomes, and incidence of adverse events during hospitalization and at one month post TAVR were analyzed. Results: Mean age was (72.6±9.7) years, 16 were male patients, STS score was (4.73±3.12)%. Four patients were diagnosed as isolated aortic regurgitation (all with tricuspid aortic valves), and 26 patients were diagnosed as aortic stenosis (AS), 10 of whom with tricuspid aortic valves and 16 of whom with bicuspid aortic valves. The single-vessel technique was applied in 3 aortic stenosis cases; the single-artery technique was applied in 27 cases. Echocardiography was performed immediately after procedure and results showed no or trace perivalvular leak in 27 cases and small perivalvular leak in 3 cases; the mean aortic transvalvular gradient of 26 AS patients decreased from (50.4±16.0) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) to (9.4±3.2) mmHg (P<0.001). The procedure time was (64.8±18.9) min. There were no intraoperative death, valve displacement, conversion to surgery, coronary artery occlusion in all 30 patients. There were no major cardiac adverse events such as myocardial infarction or stroke occurred during hospitalization or at follow-up. One-month follow-up echocardiography indicated prosthesis works well. The symptoms were significantly alleviated, and the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Score (KCCQ score) of all patients increased from 48.1±18.4 to 73.5±17.6 (P<0.001). Conclusions: TAVR using the single artery/vessel technique is safe and feasible. This technique is related to reduced access complications and worthy of wide application.

[Feasibility study of using bridging temporary permanent pacemaker in patients with high-degree atrioventricular block after TAVR].

Objective: To determine the feasibility of using temporary permanent pacemaker (TPPM) in patients with high-degree atrioventricular block (AVB) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) as bridging strategy to reduce avoidable permanent pacemaker implantation. Methods: This is a prospective observational study. Consecutive patients undergoing TAVR at Beijing Anzhen Hospital and the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from August 2021 to February 2022 were screened. Patients with high-degree AVB and TPPM were included. Patients were followed up for 4 weeks with pacemaker interrogation at every week. The endpoint was the success rate of TPPM removal and free from permanent pacemaker at 1 month after TPPM. The criteria of removing TPPM was no indication of permanent pacing and no pacing signal in 12 lead electrocardiogram (EGG) and 24 hours dynamic EGG, meanwhile the last pacemaker interrogation indicated that ventricular pacing rate was 0. Routinely follow-up ECG was extended to 6 months after removal of TPPM. Results: Ten patients met the inclusion criteria for TPPM, aged (77.0±11.1) years, wirh 7 females. There were 7 patients with third-degree AVB, 1 patient with second-degree AVB, 2 patients with first degree AVB with PR interval>240 ms and LBBB with QRS duration>150 ms. TPPM were applied on the 10 patients for (35±7) days. Among 8 patients with high-degree AVB, 3 recovered to sinus rhythm, and 3 recovered to sinus rhythm with bundle branch block. The other 2 patients with persistent third-degree AVB received permanent pacemaker implantation. For the 2 patients with first-degree AVB and LBBB, PR interval shortened to within 200 ms. TPPM was successfully removed in 8 patients (8/10) at 1 month without permanent pacemaker implantation, of which 2 patients recovered within 24 hours after TAVR and 6 patients recovered 24 hours later after TAVR. No aggravation of conduction block or permanent pacemaker indication were observed in 8 patients during follow-up at 6 months. No procedure-related adverse events occurred in all patients. Conclusion: TPPM is reliable and safe to provide certain buffer time to distinguish whether a permanent pacemaker is necessary in patients with high-degree conduction block after TAVR.

Hip Arthroscopic Microfracture Augmented With Platelet-Rich Plasma-Infused Micronized Cartilage Allograft Significantly Improves Functional Outcomes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate functional outcomes and survivorship in patients at 1 year after undergoing arthroscopic microfracture augmented with hyaline allograft for symptomatic chondral defects of the hip. METHODS: Consecutive patients with and without prior hip procedures presenting with Outerbridge grade IV chondral lesion of the acetabulum or femoral head were prospectively followed. Patients underwent hip microfracture augmented with hyaline allograft suspended in autologous platelet-rich plasma between October 2016 and April 2018. Extent of cartilage degeneration was quantified using the chondromalacia severity index (CMI). Patient functional scores, including Tegner, Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), Sport-Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), and Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS) were collected preoperatively and at minimum 1-year postoperatively. Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was analyzed. Statistical significance was established at P < .05. Pearson's coefficient analysis was performed to identify preoperative variables correlated with clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients (86.4%) had minimum 1-year follow-up and were included in the final analysis, with a mean age and body mass index (BMI) of 38.3 ± 9.1 years and 27.7 ± 4.9 kg/m2, respectively. Comparison of baseline and postoperative score averages demonstrated significant improvements in Tegner scores (3.7 ± 2.9 vs 5.1 ± 2.6; P = .003), HOS-ADL (63.3 ± 16.4 vs 89.1 ± 14.5; P < .001), HOS-SSS (40.8 ± 20.4 vs 79.5 ± 21.6; P < .001), mHHS (61.5 ± 16.2 vs 87.0 ± 17.7; P < .001), and NAHS (56.6 ± 14.9 vs 78.7 ± 18.3; P < .001). The percentage of patients who achieved MCID for HOS-ADL, HOS-SSS, mHHS, and NAHS were 89.8%, 83.0%, 75.6%, and 81.6%, respectively. Overall, 91.8% of patients met the threshold for achieving MCID in at least one outcome score. Of the 57 patients, 5 (8.8%) failed clinically, with 1 (1.8%) undergoing revision surgery and 4 (6.9%) undergoing conversion to total hip arthroplasty. There was a direct correlation between preoperative alpha angle and postoperative HOS-ADL. Femoral chondral lesion size and CMI inversely correlated with postoperative HOS-ADL. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of hip chondral defects with microfracture and hyaline allograft augmentation demonstrated excellent survivorship and significantly improved patient report outcomes at 1 year. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective case series.

Dually Insured Medicare/Medicaid Patients Undergoing Primary TJA Have More Comorbidities, Higher Complication Rates, and Lower Reimbursements Compared to Privately Insured Patients.

BACKGROUND: Dual eligibility status (DES: qualifying for both Medicare and a Medicaid supplement) was recently proposed by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services as a socioeconomic qualifier for risk adjustment in primary total joint arthroplasty. However, the profile and outcomes of DES patients have never been compared to privately insured patients. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study of the Mariner database within the PearlDiver server between 2010 and 2017 was performed. Patients aged 60 to 80 undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) (separately) were stratified based upon payer type: DES versus private payer. A propensity score-matched analysis with nearest neighbor pairing (1:1 ratio) was performed to compare 90-day outcomes and reimbursements. RESULTS: A total of 315,664 private and 3961 DES THA patients and 670,899 private and 2255 DES TKA patients were identified. DES patients were older and had a greater prevalence of comorbidities (31/36, P < .001). The THA DES matched cohort had greater transfusion rates (6.8% versus 3.9%, P < .001), higher 90-day emergency department visits (22.8% versus 16.3%, P < .001) and readmissions (16.8% versus 9.5%, P < .001), and lower reimbursements ($19,615 versus $13,036, P < .001). The TKA DES matched cohort had more cardiac events (0.4% versus 0.09%, P = .03), emergency department visits (25.2% versus 19.9%, P < .001), readmissions (14.4% versus 11.2%, P = .001), and reoperations (0.85% versus 0.35%, P = .03) CONCLUSION: DES patients have different comorbidity profiles, and even after propensity score matching have a greater risk of complications and are reimbursed less compared to privately insured patients. In the setting of alternative payment models, these differences should be accounted for through risk adjustment.

An Innovative Seven-year Physician Scientist Residency Training Program That Addresses the Shortage of Academic Surgeons.

Due to the declining number of scientifically trained physicians and increasing demand for high-quality literature, our institution pioneered a seven-year Physician Scientist Training Program (PSTP) to provide research-oriented residents the knowledge and skills for a successful academic career. The present study sought to identify orthopaedic surgeons with MD/PhD degrees, residency programs with dedicated research tracks, and to assess the effectiveness of the novel seven-year program in training prospective academic orthopaedic surgeons. Surgeons with MD/PhD degrees account for 2.3% of all 3,408 orthopaedic faculty positions in U.S. residency programs. During the last 23 years, our PSTP residents produced 752 peer-reviewed publications and received $349,354 from 23 resident-authored extramural grants. Eleven of our seven-year alumni practice orthopaedic surgery in an academic setting. The seven-year PSTP successfully develops clinically trained surgeon scientists with refined skills in basic science and clinical experimental design, grant proposals, scientific presentations, and manuscript preparation. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 31(3):144-149, 2022).

[Diagnostic value of MDM2 RNA in situ hybridization in atypical lipomatous tumor/well-differentiated liposarcoma and dedifferentiated liposarcoma].

Objective: To investigate the value of MDM2 RNA in situ hybridization (RNA-ISH) in diagnosing atypical lipomatous tumor/well-differentiated liposarcoma (ALT/WDL) and dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDL). Methods: A total of 26 ALT/WDL/DDLs diagnosed from March 2017 to May 2019 in West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China and 18 control cases were included. MDM2 RNA-ISH was performed on all samples and compared with the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) regarding their performance in detecting MDM2. Results: All samples were detected successfully using the three methods. Among 26 ALT/WDL/DDLs, all cases showed MDM2 amplification and positivity for MDM2 RNA-ISH (26/26, 100%). Twenty-four (24/26, 92.3%) of the 26 tested cases were positive for MDM2 IHC while two of them were negative. Eighteen control cases were all negative for MDM2 FISH and RNA-ISH, and 15 (15/18) cases were negative for MDM2 IHC. The sensitivity and specificity of RNA-ISH were both 100%, and those of MDM2 IHC were 92.3% and 83.3%, respectively. Diffuse staining was identified in all MDM2 RNA-ISH positive ALT/WDL/DDLs, but identified in only 8/24 (33.3%) of the MDM2 IHC positive cases. Among the 11 ALT/WDL/DDL samples evaluated on tissue microarray, the positive rate of MDM2 RNA-ISH was 100% with diffuse staining in all cases. The positive rate of MDM2 IHC was 9/11 while only 1 of the 9 cases showed diffuse staining. The result of MDM2 RNA-ISH was identical to that of MDM2 FISH and was overall consistent with that of MDM2 IHC (Kappa=0.763, P<0.001). Conclusions: In ALT/WDL/DDLs, results of MDM2 RNA-ISH are highly consistent with those of FISH. MDM2 RNA-ISH is more sensitive and more specific and has more diffuse positive signals than the IHC. The findings indicate that MDM2 RNA-ISH is highly valuable for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of ALT/WDL/DDLs.

[Single center experience of transcatheter aortic valve replacement with a simplified operative protocol].

Objective: To summarize the single center experience of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with a simplified operative protocol. Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent transfemoral TAVR (TF-TAVR) from July 2020 to December 2020 in Fuwai Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. We compared the baseline characteristic, procedure information, 30-day follow-up outcomes of the patients who underwent TF-TAVR without the simplified operative protocol (routine group) or with the simplified operative protocol (simplified protocol group). Results: 93 patients were collected, 42 patients belonging to routine group, 51 patients belonging to simplified protocol group. In simplified protocol group, there were 51 patients planned to use ultrasound-guided femoral access puncture, procedure was successful in all 51 patients (100%). There were 49 patients planned to use the radial artery as the secondary access, procedure was successful in 45 patients (92%). There were 48 patients planned to use the strategy of avoidance of urinary catheter, this strategy was achieved in 35 patients (73%). There were 12 patients planned to use the left ventricular guidewire to pace, procedure was successful in 11 patients (92%). There were no differences in baseline characteristics, major clinical endpoints and 30-day follow-up outcomes between the two groups. Meanwhile, the procedure time ((62.5±17.9)min vs. (78.3±16.7)min, P<0.001), operation room time ((133.7±25.1)min vs. (159.2±42.6)min, P<0.001), X-ray exposure time ((17.2±6.5)min vs. (20.2±7.7)min, P=0.027) were significantly shorten in simplified protocol group compared with the routine group. Conclusion: Our study results indicate that the simplified operative protocol of TF-TAVR is as effective and safe as the routine operative protocol, meanwhile using the simplified operative protocol can significantly increase the operative efficiency of TF-TAVR.

Histological subtypes of solid-dominant invasive lung adenocarcinoma: differentiation using dual-energy spectral CT.

AIM: To investigate the value of dual-energy spectral computed tomography (DESCT) for evaluating the histological subtypes of solid-dominant invasive lung adenocarcinoma (SILADC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-seven patients with SILADC were enrolled. All patients underwent DESCT and were divided into Group I (those with a lepidic/acinar/papillary predominant pattern) and Group II (those with a solid/micropapillary predominant pattern) based on their correlation with prognosis. Patient clinicopathological characteristics, DESCT morphological features, and quantitative parameters of the tumours were compared between both groups. Multiparametric analysis was performed using binary logistic regression with DESCT findings. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the diagnostic performance of single-parameter and multiparametric analysis. RESULTS: Patient gender, lymph nodes status, pathological TNM stage, and histological differentiation significantly differed between the two groups (all p<0.05). Moreover, significant differences were observed between both groups in DESCT morphological features including tumour size, necrosis, calcification, air bronchogram, and vascular convergence sign, and quantitative parameters including K40-65 keV, effective atomic number, and water concentration on unenhanced CT and iodine concentration in the arterial and venous phases (all p<0.05). Multiparametric analysis showed that tumour size, air bronchogram, K40-65 keV and effective atomic number on unenhanced CT were the most effective variations for predicting the histological subtypes of SILADC and obtained an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.906. CONCLUSIONS: DESCT was useful for differentiating histological subtypes with different prognosis of SILADC.

Virtual touch imaging quantification shear-wave elastography for breast lesions: the diagnostic value of qualitative and quantitative features.

AIM: To investigate the value of the qualitative and quantitative features of Virtual Touch imaging quantification (VTIQ) shear-wave elastography in the characterisation of breast lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Conventional ultrasound (US) and VTIQ were performed in 148 solid breast lesions in 148 women. During qualitative analysis, patterns of VTIQ were categorised into two patterns, 1 and 2. During quantitative analysis, the mean SWV (SWVmean) and the maximum SWV (SWVmax) of each lesion were used. The sensitivity, specificity, and the areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (Az value) were calculated for conventional US, VTIQ, and combined conventional US and VTIQ. RESULTS: Malignant lesions were more likely to show VTIQ pattern 2 than the benign lesions (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in the Az values between SWVmean (0.907) and SWVmax (0.902; p=0.572). There was no significant difference in the Az values between the VTIQ pattern (0.884) and SWVmax (p=0.572). The combined conventional US and VTIQ pattern carried a similar Az value (0.949) as compared with the combined conventional US and SWVmax, which yielded an Az value of 0.952 (p=0.683). CONCLUSION: The combination of either VTIQ pattern or SWVmax and conventional US may be helpful in the characterisation of benign and malignant breast lesions.

[Analysis of long-term efficacy and influencing factors of subthalamic nuclear stimulation for isolated dystonia].

Objective: To evaluate the long-term efficacy of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) in the treatment of isolated dystonia, and explore the factors influencing the results. Methods: The clinical data of 23 consecutive patients with isolated dystonia treated with STN-DBS in the Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University from December 2004 to December 2014,were retrospectively analyzed. Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFMDRS) was used to quantify the dystonia symptoms and signs. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of the results. Results: The age of the 23 patients including 8 females and 15 males was 19(10, 27) years old. The follow-up time was 5-12 years, with an average of (8.1±1.8) years.Compared with the preoperative period, the BFMDRS movement score decreased by 30.1 [95% confidence interval (CI): 12.3-47.8)] points, 34.7 (95%CI: 17.0-52.4) points, 34.1 (95%CI: 16.4-51.8) points and 34.0 (95%CI: 16.3-51.7) points (all P<0.001) respectively at 1 year, 3 years, 5 years after surgery and the last follow-up, the average improvement rates were (56.0±20.2)%, (65.3±24.0)%, (64.4±25.1)% and (64.3±25.1)%;the disability score decreased by 6.9 (95%CI: 1.4-12.3)points, 8.7 (95%CI: 3.3-14.2)points, 9.0 (95%CI: 3.6-14.5)points, and 9.2 (95%CI: 3.7-14.7) points (all P<0.001), the average improvement rates were (42.9±17.1)%, (55.5±23.2)%, (57.8±24.8)% and (58.7±24.8)%. Patients with DYT1-positive dystonia had higher rates of improvement in movement and disability scores than patients with DYT1-negative, but there was no statistically significant difference. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that gender, age at onset, course of disease, preoperative movement or disability score had no linear relationship with long-term results (improvement rate of movement or disability score) (both P>0.05). Conclusions: STN-DBS is effective and long-lasting in the treatment of isolated dystonia, but no reliable predictor has been found.

[Feasibility of single-stage stent implantation following rotational atherectomy combined with TAVR].

Objective: To explore the feasibility of the single-stage stent implantation following rotational atherectomy combined with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in treating patients with severe aortic stenosis(AS) and severe calcified coronary artery stenosis. Methods: Three patients who received single-stage stent implantation following rotational atherectomy combined with TAVR in Fuwai hospital from April to October 2019 were included in this retrospective analysis. Clinical and anatomical features (including echocardiography and aortic CT) of the patients were collected, efficacy and safety of this operation strategy were observed and 6 months follow up results were summarized. Results: Three patients (2 females, 66-80 years old) were included. The mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) risk score was 7.8%. The mean maximum velocity of aortic valve was 4.4 m/s, the mean transvalvular pressure gradient was 53.2 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 48.6%. All three patients had severe calcified coronary artery stenosis: left anterior descending artery (LAD, n=2) and left main coronary artery (LM, n=1), requiring rotary grinding. The mean SYNTAX score was 20. All the procedures were performed through transfemoral access. After aortic valve crossing, all coronary lesions were successfully treated with stent implantation following rotational atherectomy, transfemoral TAVR was then immediately performed with a self-expandable Venus-A valve. One patient underwent"valve-in-valve"implantation due to the high-implantation position of the first valve. The procedures were completed without complications in all the three patients. The immediate effect was satisfactory. Echocardiography results showed that the mean maximum velocity of aortic valve was 2.1 m/s, mean gradient was 9.3 mmHg, and mean LVEF was 59% after the procedure. There was no death and revascularization during the 6 months follow-up. Conclusion: In patients with severe calcified coronary artery and severe AS with high risk of cardiac surgery, the single-stage stent implantation following rotational atherectomy combined with TAVR is feasible and results are satisfactory in this patient cohort.